Looking for some fun for your preschooler in April? Here’s a whole list of events for preschoolers in Maryland from festivals to egg hunts to nature programs and more. Whether you live in Annapolis or Baltimore or anywhere in between, there is something on our list just for you and your preschooler.
1 Saturday
National Cherry Blossom Festival
Through April 16. Opening ceremony, kite festival, parade, fireworks festival and more. Some events may charge a fee. Check website for full schedule and prices. Various venues, Washington, D.C. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
VIB: Very Important BUNNY
April 1, 8 and 15. Breakfast buffet, singing, dancing, balloons, Easter Bonnet Parade with prizes for the silliest, prettiest, most original and audience choice and more. $13. 8:30am. Buddys Crabs and Ribs, Annapolis. 410-956-0512, talentmachine.com/breakfast-parties/vib-party
Blossom Kite Festival
See the creativity of kite makers and skill of fliers from across the US and other countries through a variety of competitions and demonstrations. Bring your own kite to participate. Free. 10am-4:30pm. Grounds of the Washington Monument near 17th Street NW and Constitution Avenue. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/blossom-kite-festival
Music Box Bugs
A selection of insects come together with music for a BSO ensemble. Creative and fun activities for babies and families in the lobby 30 minutes before the performance. $10. 10 and 11:30am. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Baltimore. 410-783-8000, bsomusic.org
Children’s Discovery Fair
Hands-on activities relating to preschool mathematical concepts including interactive games, songs, crafts and stories. The theme for 2017 is “Math is Magical.” Free; bring a non-perishable donation for the Howard County Food Bank. 10am-1pm. Cradlerock Elementary School, Columbia. 410-313-1940, howardcountymd.gov
Creature Feature: Raptors
Meet and learn about the centers birds of prey. Ages 3 and older. Reservations required. $4. 10am-1pm. Watkins Nature Center, Upper Marlboro. 301-218-6702, outdoors.pgparks.com/Sites/Watkins_Nature_Center.htm
Healthy First Saturday
Health fair featuring hands on activities, service dogs, art projects and more. Free with admission of $14.95. 10am-5pm. Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore. 410-727-8120, portdiscovery.org
Fells Point Privateer Festival
April 1-2. Kid’s activities, crafts, pirates,living history, music and more. Free. 10am-7pm. Fells Point, Baltimore. fellspointmainstreet.org/privateerfestival.htm
Easter Bunny at Arundel Mills
Through April 15. Photos with the Easter Bunny. Mon.-Thurs. 11am-8pm; Fri.-Sat., 10am-8pm; Sun., 11am-7pm. Arundel Mills, Hanover. Simon.com
‘Beauty and the Beast’ Celebration
Celebrate the release of the new “Beauty and the Beast” movie with story time, singalong, crafts and more. Free. 11am. Barnes & Noble, Annapolis. 410-573-1115, stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2866
Maryland Chicken Wing and Beer Festival
Children’s activities, chicken wings, locally-brewed beer and more. $10; ages 12 and under are free. 11am-7pm. Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds, Crownsville. abceventsinc.com/maryand-chicken-wing-festival
Easter Egg Festival
Easter egg hunts, photos with the Easter Bunny, arts, crafts, food and more. $5. Noon-4pm. St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, Leonardtown. stmarysmd.com/recreate/easter
Shrek on Ice
April 1-2. The Gardens Figure Skating Club presents their rendition of the classic Shrek. Performed on ice. $13. Check website for times. Gardens Ice House, Laurel. seatyourself.biz/gardensfsc
Light City Baltimore
March 31-April 8. Festival transforms Baltimore with large-scale light installations, performances, parades, music and innovation. Inner Harbor BGE Light Art Walk features illuminated sculptures, projections, interactive technologies, performances, concerts, food vendors and a children’s area. Free. Check website for schedule. Various venues, Baltimore. Lightcity.org
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
March 31-April 2. An intergalactic circus adventure. This will be Barnum’s last show they will be performing. $20-96. Check website for showtimes. Verizon Center, Washington D.C. 202-628-3200, verizoncenter.monumentalsportsnetwork.com
2 Sunday
Caring Bunny
A subdued and welcoming environment for children with special needs and their families. Free; additional price for pictures. 8:30-10am. Arundel Mills Mall, Hanover. 301-974-4575, eventbrite.com/e/caring-bunny-tickets-32405058402?aff=erelexpmlt
Tiny Tots: Nature and Music
Learn about wildlife at the refuge through fun and interactive songs and rhyming. Ages 16-42 months. 10:30-11:15am. Free. Patuxent Wildlife Visitor Center, Laurel. 301-497-5887, fws.gov/refuge/Patuxent
Spring Eggstravaganza
Spring egg hunt through the Nature Center. Find eggs and discover which animals laid them. Turn in your eggs at the end of the program for a special prize. $6. Times are in 15 minute intervals from 10-11:15am. Robinson Nature Center, Columbia. 410-313-0400, howardcountymd.gov
Glow Day
Make glow-in-the-dark art, create bracelets that change color in UV light, make a holographic projector that will have you seeing in 3D, see Eric Energy’s famous, interactive energy show “Spark Attack!” and more. $14.95. Noon-5pm. Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore. 410-727-8120, portdiscovery.org
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Bingo
Bingo with small prizes and books. Free. 2pm. Severna Park Library. 410-222-6290, aacpl.net/events
Free Family Sunday
Create a craft with family. Materials provided. Free. 2-5pm. Baltimore Museum of Art. 443-573-1700, artbma.org
Peaceful Kids Yoga
Sundays weekly. Children learn to manage stress in a healthy way. Yoga, art, meditation, singing and more. Karma Yoga for adults across the hall. $10. 4pm. Imagine Yoga & Wellness Center, Bowie. 443-510-6308, imaginetheplace.com
3 Monday
Creepy Crawlers Preschool Program
Theme is snails, slugs and grubs. For ages 2-5. Story time, hiking, crafts, live animals and more. Registration required. $5; $3 members. 10-11:15am. Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, Grasonville. 410-827-6694, bayrestoration.org
4 Tuesday
Discovery Day
Read “Never Play Music Right Next to the Zoo” by John Lithgow and discuss what could happen if you played music next to the zoo. Activities. Reservations required. Free. 9-10am. Indian Creek School, Evergreen Campus, Crownsville. 410-923-3660, indiancreekschool.org
Ladybug Party
Dress as a ladybug or other insect to welcome spring with stories, songs and crafts. Free. 9:30am. Annapolis Library. 410-222-1750, aacpl.net/location/annapolis
Mr Pacas Backyard Program
April 4-5. Learn how spring is celebrated in Japan. Art activities and games will follow. $8. 10-11:15am. William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis. 410-990-4543, annapolis.org
6 Thursday
Preschool Yoga
Explore yoga with your preschooler through kid-friendly yoga poses, breathing exercises, stories and songs. For ages 3-5. Free. 10am-10:30am. Crofton Library. 410-222-7915, aacpl.net/location/crofton
Farm Craft and Story
Hands on craft and story. Ages 2-12. $6. 10-11am. Old Maryland Farm, Upper Marlboro. 301-218-6702
Home School Classes
April 6-7. Homeschool class featuring spring topics of study including butterflies, snakes and turtles and more. Three age groups available: 4-5, 6-9 and 10-13. Some age groups only occur on certain days. $30. 2:30-4pm. Robinson Nature Center, Columbia. 410-313-0400, howardcountymd.gov
7 Friday
Tales & Tails
Fridays weekly. Join Irvine Nature Center for a few animal stories followed by an animal meet and greet. Free. 10-11am. Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills. 443-738-9220, explorenature.org
Arts & Story Time
Fridays. Enjoy explorations with art. Ages 2-4. Free with $4 museum admission. 10-11am. Chesapeake Children’s Museum, Annapolis. theccm.org
Annual PEEPshow
April 7-19. Wacky marshmallow masterpieces created by local artists, families, businesses and community groups. Free. 10am-7pm. Carroll Arts Center, Westminster. carrollcountyartscouncil.org/aa_peepshow.asp
8 Saturday
Arbor Day Run
5K or 10K run and 1 mile fun walk. Refreshments, goat puppet raffle, awards ceremony and more to follow. Proceeds will benefit the Arboretum’s goat herd. $15-40. 8am. Adkins Arboretum, Ridgely. 410-634-2847, adkinsarboretum.org
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
Breakfast with the bunny. Reservations required. For Kidgets Kids Club Members. Free. 8:30-10am. Arundel Mills Mall, Hanover. simon.com/mall/arundel-mills/news-and-events
Bunny Breakfast
April 8 and 15. Includes pancakes, drinks and photos with the Easter Bunny. $8; $5 children; free ages 2 and under. 9-10:30am. Webers Cider Mill Farm, Parkville. 410-668-4488, weberscidermillfarm.com
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
April 8-9 and 14-15. Breakfast with the bunny. $7. 9-11am. Milburn Orchards, Elkton. 410-398-1349, milburnorchards.com
Let’s Go Fishing
Held at an eight-acre, catch and release bass pond is for beginners to learn the basics of fishing. Equipment is provided. An adult must accompany children. $5; non-resident of PG county, $7. 9-11am. Schoolhouse Pond, Upper Marlboro. pgparks.com/page70581.aspx
Eggstravaganza!
April 8, 14 and 15. Egg hunt, egg roll contest, games and crafts. Bring one basket, spoon and hard-boiled egg per child. $5-10. 10am-noon. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, Washington, D.C. 202-965-0400, tudorplace.org
James Brice House 250th Birthday Celebration
Celebrate the 250th birthday of the James Brice House with hands-on activities, games, snacks and more. Free. 10am-2pm. James Brice House, Annapolis. 410-267-7619, annapolis.org
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
Runs 10 blocks along Constitution Avenue. Balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands, celebrity entertainers and performers. Free. 10am-noon. Constitution Avenue from 7th-17th streets, NW. Nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Community Easter Egg Hunt
Egg hunts broken into five age groups, hayrides, pictures with the easter bunny, goodie bags, facepainting and more. $3.50. 10am-2pm. Montpelier Farms, Upper Marlboro. montpelierfarms.com
Family Day
Follow a quest card to explore hands on activities and exhibits. See the animals living in an oyster reef, try trotlining and more. Free. 10am-2pm. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels. 410-924-7265, cbmm.org
Annapolis Book Festival
Well-known authors, crafts, workshops, family-friendly comic-con, children’s activities and more. Free. 10am-4pm. The Key School, Annapolis. keyschool.org/community/annapolis-book-festival
Family Wellness Expo
Variety of vendors including food, magazines, children’s activities and more. Free. 10am-5pm. Westfield Mall, Annapolis. 410-647-3900, severnaparkchamber.com
Egg Scrambles
April 8, 14, 15 and 17. Price includes an egg hunt pail, a hayride to the egg hunt field, a prize goody bag for every hunter, and Barnyard fun. $5; $2, adults. 10:30am-4pm. Webers Cider Mill Farm, Parkville. 410-668-4488, weberscidermillfarm.com
Brunch with Bunny
Brunch with the Easter Bunny, face painting, entertainment, prizes and more. Free. 11am. College Park Community Center, College Park. 301-441-2647, pgparks.com/page69910.aspx
Spring Fling
Pet and family pictures with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, bake sale and more. Free. 11am-3pm. Calvert Animal Welfare League, Prince Frederick. cawlrescue.org
Easter Egg Hunts
April 8-9, 13-15 and 17. Egg hunts, prizes, hayrides, BarnYard Buddies and more. $3-6. 11am-3pm. Milburn Orchards, Elkton. 410-398-1349, milburnorchards.com
Easter Art
Learn new, creative, and unique ways to decorate your eggs. Wear clothes you can get messy. $5. Noon-2pm. Carrie Murray Nature Center, Baltimore. 410-396-0808, carriemurraynaturecenter.org
Peeps Day
Peeps eating contest, activities, climbing wall, children’s maze, showing of the movie Willy Wonka and more. The Capital Wheel celebrates Peeps Day with a free child’s ticket (12 and under) with one adult paid ticket. Free. Noon-2:30pm. National Harbor. nationalharbor.com
Bowie Green Expo
Family event features puppet shows, information, green products and more. Free. 12-4pm. Kenhill Center, Bowie. bowiegreenexpo.org
Easter Egg & Spring Family Fun Day
Arts & crafts, games, a moon bounce, pictures with the Easter Bunny and more. $10-13. 12:30-2:30pm. Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, Landover. 301-583-2582, pgparks.com/page70192.aspx
Weekend Walkin
Explore new creative territory and make a project inspired by one of our beloved visionary artists. Supplies provided. All ages welcome. $5. 1-4pm. American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore. 410-224-1900, avam.org/news-and-events/calendar.shtml
Easter Egg Party
Easter Egg hunt, games, songs, Easter Bunny photos and more. $15; $21 non-members. Sessions at 1:30 and 5pm. My Gym, Annapolis. 410-573-9899, mygym.com/annapolis/camp
‘Sleeping Beauty’
April 8-9. Chesapeake Ballet performs their rendition of the classic tale “Sleeping Beauty.” $15-18. Check website for showtimes. Children’s Theater of Annapolis. Chesapeakeballetcompany.com
Easter Egg Hunt & Animal Tour
Tour the Hammond-Harwood House, then take part in an Easter Egg hunt and crafts. $10-15. 2pm. Hammond-Harwood House, Annapolis. 410-263-4683 x12, hammondharwoodhouse.org/easter-egg-hunt-animal-tour
‘The House at Pooh Corner’
April 8-9. A play set in the 100 acre wood in England, and showcases Christopher Robin’s adventures with Pooh, Tigger, piglet and others. $15. Check website for times. Olney Theatre Center, Olney. 301-924-3400, olneytheatre.org
9 Sunday
Nature Tots: Totally Turtles
April 9-10. Hands-on, interactive program for preschoolers features stories, songs, crafts and a special visit from one of the resident turtles. Ages 3-4. Registration required. Free. 9:30-10:30am. North Tract Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel. 301-497-5887, fws.gov/refuge/Patuxent
Eggcellent Adventure
Meet the Easter bunny, receive an egg basket and hunt for candy filled eggs in historic Savage Mill. After ages 5-10 can go on the Terrapin Explorer Course with zip lines, challenges and rock wall. $25; $10, for just the egg hunt. Egg hunts, 11am and 1pm. Adventure course, 10am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3pm. Terrapin Adventures, Savage. 301-725-1313, terrapinadventures.com
Science Sundays
Explore the natural world of science. Hands-on exhibits, outside hikes, crafts and more. All ages. Drop-in program. Free. 10am-noon. Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills. 443-738-9200, explorenature.org/center-event/science-sundays-5
Spring Fling
Pet and family pictures with the Easter Bunny, egg hunt, bake sale and more. Free. 11am-3pm. Calvert Animal Welfare League, Prince Frederick. Cawlrescue.org
Lunch with the Easter Bunny
Lunch, easter egg hunt, easter bunny photos and more. $5. Noon-3pm. Downs Park, Pasadena. 443-685-4333, aacounty.org
Anacostia River Festival
Premier event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Bike parade, live music, educational activities and more. Free. 1-5pm. Anacostia Park, Washington, D.C. bridgepark.org/anacostia-river-festival
Every Pet Loves Bunnies
Bring your pet to the Food Court for pictures with the bunny. Free. 6:30-8:30pm. Arundel Mills Mall, Hanover. simon.com/mall/arundel-mills
10 Monday
Spring Break: Make and Take Craft
April 10-17. Drop in anytime during spring break to make and take a craft. New craft every day. Free. 9am-9pm. Riviera Beach Library, Pasadena. 410-222-6285, aacpl.net/location/rivierabeach
11 Tuesday
Rockpainting
Learn to paint a rock or two. Free. 1pm. Edgewater Library. 410-222-1538, aacpl.net/location/edgewater
12 Wednesday
Birds – Our Feathered Friends
Learn all about birds by identifying them and listening to their songs. Make and take home a set of binoculars. Ages 3-5. Free. 10am. Severna Park LIbrary. 410-222-6290, aacpl.net
Bunny Business
April 12 and 15. Puppet show featuring bunnies, birds and flowers celebrating spring. $6. 10am. The Puppet Co., Glen Echo. 301-634-5380, thepuppetco.org/main-stage.html
13 Thursday
Doc McStuffins Preschool Party
Celebrate Doc Mcstuffins with songs, movies and crafts. Free. 10am. Crofton Library. 410-222-7915, aacpl.net/location/crofton
Spring Has Sprung
Stories, crafts, games and more to celebrate spring. Free. 10-11:30am. Jefferson Park and Museum, St. Leonard. 410-586-8501, jefpat.org
Cookies and Canvas
Enjoy a snack while painting an ice cream cone. Step-by-step directions. Registration required. $25. 1-3pm. Baltimore Museum of Industry. Wineandcanvas.com
Celebrate Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day with crafts, activities and more. Registration required. Free. 06:30 – 07:30pm. Calvert Library Prince Frederick. 301-855-1862, calvertlibrary.info
14 Friday
Easter Bunny Breakfast & Train Ride
April 14-15. Breakfast, story time and train ride with the Easter Bunny. Registration required. Call for ticket prices. 8:30-9:30am. B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore. 410-752-2462, borail.org
Egg Hunt
Explore the grounds in search of hidden eggs. Free. 10am. Jefferson Park and Museum, St. Leonard. jefpat.org
Bunny Bonanza
April 14-16. Games, activities, crafts, live entertainment, non-stop egg hunts and more. Free with zoo admission of $14-18. 10am-2pm. Maryland Zoo, Baltimore. 410-396-7102, marylandzoo.org
Easter Art & Craft Fair and Kids’ Fun Fair
April 14-15. Handcrafted items, Easter egg hunts, Beany the Easter Bunny, magic shows and other children’s activities. $3-4 to enter, other activities may cost extra. 10am-5pm. Rowland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City. 410-213-8090, oceanpromotions.info/events/easter-arts-crafts-and-kids-fair
Excellent Eggs
Explore eggs by finding out where they come from and what is inside. Resident of Prince George’s County $4; Non-resident $6. 2-3pm. Old Maryland Farm, Upper Marlboro. 301-218-6770, pgparks.com
Hop to it Egg Hunt
Face painting, a hula hoop contest, egg dyeing, egg hunt and more. $1-5. 4-7pm. Watkins Regional Park, Upper Marlboro. 301-537-1905, eventbrite.com/e/hop-to-it-easter-egg-hunt-tickets-31881294811?aff=erelexpmlt
15 Saturday
Easter Bunny Breakfast and Egg Hunt
Crafts, face painting and more. $15. 8-10am. Adventure Park USA, Monrovia. 301-865-6800, adventureparkusa.com
Breakfast with Bunny
Breakfast includes a hot buffet breakfast spread, photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, crafts and more. $18-35. 8:30-10am. The Maryland Zoo, Baltimore. Marylandzoo.org
Sensory Story Time
Supportive environment for children with autism spectrum disorders or special sensory needs. Hear stories, sing songs and use movement and sensory play to promote learning and literacy, and develop language and social skills. Ages 3-7. Registration required. Free. 9-10am. Calvert Library Southern Branch, Solomons. 410-326-5289, calvert.lib.md.us/evanced.html
Peter Rabbit’s Egg Hunt
Journey through the woods to find Easter eggs. $5. 10am-noon. Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn. willowoakherbs.com
March for the Animals
Join the Maryland SPCA for a walk-a-thon and festival featuring pet contests, adoptable pets, vendors, food, music, and more. Participants may pay the $40 fee or raise the money. 10am-2pm. Camden Yards, Baltimore. 410-235-8826, support.mdspca.org
Egg Hunt Weekend
April 15-16. Easter egg hunts, crafts and more. Bring your own basket. Free with $6 admission. 10am-5:30pm. Clark’s Elioak Farm, Ellicott City. 410-730-4049, clarklandfarm.com
Fossil Egg Hunt
Look for eggs with real fossils inside, hidden throughout the museum. For ages 3-8, divided into two age groups. Bring a basket. Free with museum admission of $7-9. 10:30am. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. 410-326-2042, calvertmarinemuseum.com
Aqua Egg Hunt
Swimming, crafts and an egg hunt in the water. $10-13. 11am-4pm. Fairland Sports and Aquatics Complex, Laurel. 301-362-6060, pgparks.com
Spring Fling and Egg Hunt
Louie’s Kids Club members participate in Easter egg hunt. Over 1,000 eggs to find around the stadium. $7-11. 2pm. Prince George’s Stadium, Bowie. baysoxshop.com/kids/events
Easter Splash and Easter Splash Jr.
Easter egg hunt in the water, Easter Bunny and games. $10. 2-3:30pm. Severna Park Community Center, Severna Park. spcc-aquatics.org
16 Sunday
Easter Brunch and Dinner
Easter bunny visits from 8am-1pm. Brunch: $22.99; $13.99, children; $5.99, ages 4 and under. $28.99; $15.99, children; $6.99, ages 4 and under. Brunch, 8am-1pm. Dinner, 3-6pm. Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa, Chesapeake Beach. chesapeakebeachresortspa.com
Click next below for more events for preschoolers in April
