THURSDAY
River Romp
Get ready to get wet. Bring a picnic and head to the Middle Patuxent River for games and activities that will delight and soak the family. Registration required.
June 14, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; June 17, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Robinson Nature Center, $6/person or $25/family of 5.
Animal Craft Safari
Come for an animal-related story and craft as well as the opportunity to meet one of the zoo’s animal ambassadors. This month’s title is “Pardon? Said the Giraffe.” Registration required. Ages 4 and up.
June 14 or June 24, The Maryland Zoo, 11-11:45 a.m. Children who are members, $7; children who are not members, $10; plus zoo admission.
Columbia Festival of the Arts
Make an artful start to the summer with Columbia Festival of the Arts. This two-week festival kicks off by bringing 50 visual artists to LakeFest on June 15-17 along with bands like Chopteeth Afrofunk, Los Gaiteros de Sanguashington, the U.S. Navy Band Cruisers, the Bullbuckers, Nelly’s Echo and The Sidleys. Throughout the following two weeks, there will be film, theater, art and music events for all ages.
June 14-30 at various locations. Ticket prices vary.
Tides & Tunes
If the backdrop to music is as important as the sound itself, another event to check out is the Tides & Tunes Summer Concert Series in Annapolis on Thursday nights. Bands from folk to rock take a stage set against the Chesapeake Bay. Food and spirits are sold at the concerts.
June 14-Aug. 16 at Annapolis Maritime Museum and Park. Free, donations accepted.
Adults
School Daze: Stories about Education and Miseducation
Whether it’s a tale remembering the best of times or one recalling the worst of times, speakers will share memories of their educational experience.
The Smith Theatre at Howard Community College, 8 p.m. $18. stoopstorytelling.com
FRIDAY
Makey Makey Music
STEM skills will be utilized in a noteworthy way, as you learn how to digitally convert regular objects into musical instruments.
Enoch Pratt Library, Northwood Branch, 2-3 p.m. Free. prattlibrary.org
Aquafina $2 Family Fun Night at Port Discovery
All the fun, play and programs for only $2 per person. The third Friday of each month provides the opportunity for family fun at a fraction of the regular price
Port Discovery, 4-8 p.m. $2. portdiscovery.org
Navigation Basics and Intro to Orienteering
What do you do when you don’t have a GPS? Go old school and learn how to use a compass and topographical map, and then head off on an adventure around the park.
Sweet Air Area, 6-8 p.m. Free. dnr.maryland.gov
SATURDAY
Maryland Lavender Festival
Just thinking about the 2018 Maryland Lavender Festival makes us feel relaxed. Among the fragrant purple fields, enjoy artisan vendors, live music and educational seminars and demonstrations. While you’re there, you can also grab a bottle of beer, a glass of wine or samplings of handcrafted spirits including award-winning lavender gin. For the Instagram-inclined, this event offers prime pic opportunities.
June 16-17 at Springfield Manor Winery, Distillery, & Brewery. $15-$20.
1 West Mt. Vernon Place Opening/Block Party
If you’ve ever wished your home was filled with priceless pieces, the new Hackerman House from the Walters will give you serious art envy. The renovated mansion at 1 West Mt. Vernon Place will now feature five rooms of art from the Walters collection, complemented by the House’s own beauty (a spiral staircase, Tiffany stained-glass windows and more), a coffee shop, community makerspace and parlor for events.
Join the Walters for an opening reception block party 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free.
Morning with Dad
Dads and kids are invited for pre-Father’s Day bonding over doughnuts and crafts.
Center Plaza in Charles Center, 8:30-10 a.m. Free.
“Dinomite” Dinosaur Day
Experience a day filled with prehistoric play and learning. From story time to Tiny Dino-Mania to the interactive play “Waking Up T-Rex,” it’s a day overflowing with dino fun.
Port Discovery, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $15.95 for ages 2 and up. portdiscovery.org
Galactic Con
Comic books, cosplay, venders, artists and special guests will make this day an out-of-this-world experience for those who attend.
Howard County Fairgrounds, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. $10-$20. galactic-con.com
2nd Annual Youth Fishing Derby
Novice fishermen wanted! Come learn the basics of the rod and reel and see what you can catch. Experienced fisherman will be on hand for assistance. Registration required. Ages 6 to 13 with adult.
Anita C Leight Estuary Center, 9 a.m.-noon. $5. otterpointcreek.org
Cat Yoga Class
Stretch, focus and breathe as you practice yoga next to cats that are up for adoption at the shelter. Ages 16 and up.
The Humane Society of Harford County, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $12. harfordshelter.org
Adults
Solstice
Line up a babysitter for the kids and head out for an adults-only evening to support education and outreach at the Maryland Science Center. Enjoy live music, dancing, amazing food, signature cocktails and a silent auction.
Maryland Science Center,
8 p.m.-midnight. Members, $105; nonmembers, $150. mdsci.org
SUNDAY
Groovin’ in the Grass
The fun outdoor concert series returns with Baltimore Brass playing pop and jazz tunes.
$5-$15. 6-8 p.m. at Ladew Gardens.
Father’s Day Antique Car Show
Grab Dad and Grandpa and head to Fells Point to peruse the awesome rides on display in front of the Sagamore Pendry Hotel.
Fells Point, noon-5 p.m. Free.
Father’s Day Paddle
Spend the afternoon on the water enjoying a leisurely canoe trip on Saltpeter Creek. Registration required. Ages 12 and up.
Dundee Creek Marina, 1-3 p.m. $10.
Orioles vs. Marlins — Father’s Day Necktie Giveaway
Celebrate Dad with a great day of baseball at the ballpark. All fans 18 and older will receive an Orioles necktie.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 1:05 p.m. $15-$85.
Photo courtesy of the Columbia Association Instagram.