Here’s your Weekend Family Fun: Feb. 12-16, with two extra activities for next Monday’s federal holiday.
We also want to wish all of our readers a happy Valentine’s Day. We love writing for you! Need some ideas for this love-filled day? Here are nine suggestions.
Wednesday
Tots and Tales
In this undersea adventure, your little one will learn about marine animals and take part in fun activities that build motor and language skills. National Aquarium, 10:30-11 a.m. Included with admission. aqua.org
Baltimore Dances!
Move, groove and support Baltimore’s thriving dance scene by attending this showcase of the city’s top talent. The Gordon Center, 7:30 p.m. $20, $25 at the door. jcc.org/gordon-center
‘Wicked’
The Land of Oz comes to Charm City. A prequel to Dorothy’s adventures, this blockbuster show has captured the heart of the nation for more than a decade. Check it out while it’s in town. The Hippodrome Theatre, through March.8. Times vary. Tickets start at $92. baltimore.broadway.com
Thursday
Valentine’s Day Candies for Your Sweetheart
Nix the purchased box of chocolates for a more meaningful gesture: homemade candies. Create confections such as white and dark chocolate bark, bacon pecan pralines, rum balls and more. Schola Cooking School, 12-2:30 p.m. $50. scholacooks.com
Sip & Shine: An After-Hours Experience
When the museum closes, the fun begins. Take part in an after-hours scavenger hunt and make a craft inspired by an artist in the permanent collection. Wine and snacks provided. American Visionary Art Museum, 6-9 p.m. $45. avam.org
Friday
Storytime with the CEO
Your little one is invited to join Heidi Daniel, CEO of the Pratt Library, for a special guest story time, featuring stories, movement, rhymes and songs. Enoch Pratt Free Library, Canton Branch, 10:30 a.m. Free. prattlibrary.org
Sex at the Zoo
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the zoo. You and your boo can enjoy an open bar and live music as you learn all the secrets, scandals and surprises involved in animal courtship. The Maryland Zoo, 6-9 p.m. $85 adults, $160 couple. marylandzoo.org
Saturday
Great Backyard Bird Count
Calling all citizen scientists who want to make a difference today. Help zookeepers count the winter bird species while also learning about wild birds and how to protect them. Register online; kids must be accompanied by an adult. The Maryland Zoo, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free with zoo admission. marylandzoo.org
Saturday Morning Bird Walk
Fort McHenry is home to a diverse wildlife community, including birds. Join a National Park Service volunteer for a guided walk to learn about the species that call the park home. Fort McHenry, 8 a.m.-noon. Free. nps.gov
Nature Painting
Led by a painter and park ranger, this unique class invites you to make a nature-inspired masterpiece. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Advance registration required. Belmont Manor & Historic Park, 10 a.m.-noon. $15. howardnature.org
Sunday
Grateful Dead for Kids
Ed Hough’s Dead Collective is on a mission to create a whole new generation of Dead Heads. Join the cause and bring your kids to this family-friendly set by a top-notch cover band. The Gordon Center, 9:30 a.m. $18 adults, $15 kids. jcc.org/gordon-center
Plants and People Sunday: Sprouts
Every third Sunday, the Conservatory invites pre-K and early elementary students to make a plant-themed craft that will introduce them to the world of gardening. Rawlings Conservatory, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. rawlingsconservatory.org
Monday
Here are two choices for the federal holiday:
Black History Month Trivia
Put your knowledge to the test in this family-friendly trivia challenge. All participants, win or lose, are entered for a grand prize. Enoch Pratt Free Library, Edmondson Avenue Branch, 10 a.m. Free. prattlibrary.org
School Is Out, History Is In: Sewing
School is out, but the learning doesn’t stop. Using the museum’s own quilts as inspiration, participants will learn the basics of applique and other styles of sewing. Ages 8-14 welcome. Maryland Historical Society, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. mdhs.org