Kid Baltimore | Family Activities with Children in Baltimore, Maryland

Puzzlehead by James Yang

© 2009 James Yang

I found a lovely surprise in my mailbox recently – James Yang's latest picture book, Puzzlehead. James is a fellow illustrator and friend of mine whose work is regularly seen in Newsweek, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The hero of the story, Puzzlehead, can't quite figure out where he fits in the world, but with his friends, he eventually finds his way. I love how this book makes modern so friendly. And since it's been requested for bedtime several nights in a row, I can say with some confidence that the kids love it as much as I do.

You can order a copy in the Kid Baltimore Store, along with other James Yang's books, Joey and Jet, Joey and Jet in Space and Build It Up and Knock It Down .

Kinetic Sculpture Race

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 2009
WHERE: All over, but starting at the American Visionary Art Museum

Photo © 2008 Shawn Levin

If you have ever had the pleasure of seeing the Kinetic Sculpture Race, you already know it's not to be missed. It's hard to know which team to root for. David Hess will be racing PLATYPUS (Personal Long-range All Terrain Yacht, Proven Un Safe). "Twitter Jay and the Recyclists" is an entry by Johns Hopkins students who promise to use "about a million" blue grocery bags to recreate a Hopkins Blue Jay. Or maybe "Hot Beef Injection." Yeah, I know the name is a bit much, but you've gotta love that it features a working grill and they will cook their way to the finish line. Other entries include local schools, father/daughter teams, and one all the way from Missouri.

Here's the information from AVAM so you can plan your course:

A race of wacky, imaginative, totally human-powered works of art designed to travel on land, through mud, and over deep Harbor waters constructed out of used bicycles, gears, and parts, created by a lunatic genius who tinkers around in the garage or backyard (Do you know this person?) The machines can be simple, small crafts, piloted by only one brave soul, or they can be over 50 feet long, extremely well-engineered, sophisticated vehicles powered by a team of pilots. Pilots (Kinetinauts) compete for the most coveted Mediocre Award (finishes right in the middle) and the highly prized Next-to-the-Last Award (finishes, well, next to last) and serious prizes including Art and Engineering. If you want to see the vehicles WHOLE, go to the museum for the 10am start (get there early - by 9 a.m. - to take part in Opening Ceremony, including the Blessing of De Feet!); if you want to see the crafts AT SEA, go to the water entry at the Korean War Memorial Park in Canton (approx 11:15 am); feel the need for NO SPEED, try the not-so-quick-sand pit in Patterson Park (approx. 1pm); if DIRTY is your thing, catch the vehicles at the mud-pit also in Patterson Park (approx 1:30 pm); if you want to see the vehicles BROKEN, head to the finish at AVAM at approximately 3:30 pm. For more information - including a handy Spectator's Guide - just check out the website www.KineticBaltimore.com.

410-244-1900

American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230

MapQuest Directions

Earth Day at Maryland Science Center

WHEN:  Saturday, April 25, 2009 Noon-4 pm

This weekend you can celebrate Earth Day at the Maryland Science Center, all while learning how to reduce your environmental impact. Compete in recycling sorting races, build model green roofs, check out a solar-powered water fountain, make “litterbugs” from recycled materials and create spider puppets.

Personally, I really want to learn about green roofs, but I'm guessing the rest of my family would head straight for the recycled bugs.

410-685-2370

The Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230

Summer Plans

Every year, about this time, we make a list of summer plans. This year, like most families, I find we are re-evaluating everything, just as a precaution against the recession. I think it's a good thing. Less waste, more time soaking in the summer.

So here is what is on the list so far:

1. More time at the beach. Chasing seagulls, digging our feet in the sand, rescuing horseshoe crabs and spending some much needed time with our family.
2. Make a good ceviche. I don't know why.
3. Day camp in the woods. Muddy, muddy places to explore in the stream, rope courses to climb, nature journals to write.
4. Time in the garden. The collards, cabbages, radishes and onions are already in, but it's not summer until the tomatoes, peppers, and basil are planted. On the more permanent side, we just planted two fig trees. And the blueberries and cherry trees we planted in the fall seem to have survived the winter nicely. We also want to plant a three sisters garden. My daughter has wanted to do this for years, and now that I look into it, I think it makes perfect sense, especially with our many deer "friends." If it works out, I might be enjoying some fresh-from-the-garden corn by the end of summer.
5. Horseback riding lessons, for my 10 year old.
6. Day trips here and there and everywhere with the kids. I have a lovely list of places I want to visit thanks to suggestions sent in by  readers. I'll be sure to share my favorites.
7. Swimming lessons for all. Until I am convinced you won't sink, swimming lessons are not optional. Anyone have recommendations on this one? (Email me or comment on this post to share your ideas.)

And here is what got cut:

1. Summer pre-school for the twins. I plan on keeping them way too busy to miss it. But don't worry, we will fit in plenty of good books, messy projects and our version of "home school".
2. The lawn service. I am learning to love my weeds. Honestly, the kids adore them, especially the dandelions.
3. The pool membership. I did the math. It just didn't make sense.

I'd love to hear what you are planning too. What's in and what's out? Share your list by commenting on this post.

Elmo is from Baltimore?

WHAT: ChildFest 2009
WHERE: Reservoir High School, Fulton, MD
WHEN:  Saturday, May 9, 2009 10am-4 pm
TICKETS: FREE
INFO: Child Cancer Foundation Website

I had no idea that Sesame Street's Elmo (or his voice anyway) is from Baltimore, and he's coming to the area along with Rosita for a worthy cause – ChildFest 2009. Kevin Clash, the voice of Elmo and Carmen Osbahr, the voice of Rosita, will appear on stage during this event and it's all to raise money for The Children's Cancer Foundation. You can even have your picture taken by a professional photographer (no personal cameras allowed).

[Thanks, Maly!]

Bird Invasion

I love living by the edge of the woods. A few days ago, as we arrived home, over fifty of these feathered friends greeted us. Vultures. They shuffled around in the branches and even hissed a few times. Creepy, right? But my kids embraced the moment and climbed to the top of the jungle gym to try and get a better look. I do hope they will stay. They make a beautiful silhouette.