Thursday
Shoots and Letters: Animals in the Winter
Drop-in program for kids ages 3 and older. No registration required. Children will learn about the cold weather habits of their furry friends. Oregon Ridge, 10-11 a.m., $2 per child. oregonridgenaturecenter.org
Itsy Bitsy Sing Along
Music, rhymes, finger plays and more center on the natural world in this engaging time for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Maryland Science Center, 11 a.m., free with admission. mdsci.org
Friday
Tales & Tails
Free story time with Danny Joe from “Danny Joe’s Treehouse.” Gather at the Hodgepodge Lodge’s outdoor classroom for stories, songs and a puppet show. Meet an animal friend, too. Irvine Nature Center, 10 a.m. explorenature.org
Baltimore Crankie Fest
A crankie is an old-fashioned storytelling form that involves a scroll, a great tale and often musicians. This is the 6th annual festival with retro-feel performances designed for kids and parents alike. See what unravels. Creative Alliance, Jan 4 at 8 p.m.; Jan. 5 at 4:30 and 8 p.m.; Jan. 6 at 4:30 p.m.; $15 members, $18 nomembers. creativealliance.org.
Saturday
Earth in a Glass Bowl
Make a terrarium and learn more about the earth. Materials provided. Kids under 12 must be accompanied by a parent. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 10:30-noon, $18. otterpointcreek.org.
Weekend Walk-In: Micro Drama
Drama is best when it comes in small doses. In this case, it’s a tiny scene that you create, inspired by the work of artist Mars Tokyo. Craft + cocktail: This workshop is open to all ages, so bring some friends, get creative in the New Year, and then go out for drinks. It’s a great way to spend a winter afternoon. American Visionary Art Museum, 1-4 p.m., $5. avam.org
Free Drop-In Activities
This month’s theme is animals. Using work in the museum’s collection, young artists can create their own to take home. The Walters Art Museum, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., free. thewalters.org
Parent and Me: Pasta
Learn to make, roll and cut a range of noodles. Designed for kids ages 8-17. Baltimore Chef Shop, 9:30 a.m., $90 for parent and one child. Baltimorechefshop.com
Paint Nite: Polar Bear
Pick up a paint brush and create this “Beary Colorful Polar Bear.” For ages 6 and above. My Thai restaurant, 2 p.m. $45. paintnite.com
Sunday
Otterly Fun Afternoon
Learn about otters and hike to see them in their habitat. Ages 3-adult; ages 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 1-2:30 p.m., $3. otterpointcreek.org
Skate with a Superhero
Dress like your favorite superhero and receive a special gift. Pandora Ice Rink, 1-3 p.m., $9 for children, seniors, military; $10 adults. innerharboricerink.org
Indie Lens Pop-Up Film
Watch “RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World” and learn about musicians with Native American roots. A moderated discussion follows the film. Baltimore County Public Library, Hereford Branch, 2-4 p.m., free. bcpl.info
