From festivals to parades to nature programs, there are plenty of free activities for the family during the month of May in Maryland. If you are looking for something fun to do without breaking the budget, check our list of activities.
Tuesday 2
Special Effects Makeup
Learn the secrets to aging, injuries and special character makeup for the stage with West Arundel Creative Arts. Free. 6pm. Odenton Library. 410-222-6277, aacpl.net
Discover Dinosaurs
Learn about the history of dinosaur discoveries in Maryland. Presented by Peter Kranz, Dinosaur Fund founder. Free. 7-8pm. Laurel Library. 301-776-6790, pgcmls.info
Thursday 4
Star Wars — May the 4th Be With You
Celebrate the official Star Wars Day with themed stories, crafts and activities. Free. 4pm. Riviera Beach Library, Pasadena. 410-222-6285, aacpl.net/location/rivierabeach
Springfest
May 4-7. Food, entertainment, arts and crafts and more. Free, headline acts require admission. See website for schedule. Inlet Lot, Boardwalk, Ocean City. ococean.com
Friday 5
Tales & Tails
Fridays weekly. Animal stories followed by an animal meet and greet. Free. 10-11am. Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills. 443-738-9220, explorenature.org
Fallen Heroes Day
Honor members of Maryland’s public safety community who died in the line of duty. Opens with a parade of color guard units and concludes with a wreath laying, taps and a flyover. Keynote speaker is reporter Frederick N. Rasmussen. Free. 1pm. Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, Timonium. 410-666-0490, dulaneyvalley.com
Saturday 6
Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
May 6-7. Live animals, crafts and supplies, demonstrations, entertainment and more. Free. Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 9am-5pm. Howard County Fairgrounds, West Friendship. sheepandwool.org
Planet Walk
Walk along a 4.7 mile segment of the B&A Trail between Glen Burnie and Severna Park. Stations along the trail will provide information about that planet and answer questions. Free. 10am-2:30pm. Baltimore and Annapolis Trail, Glen Burnie. friendsofaatrails.org/planet-walk
Solomons Maritime Festival
Exhibit of antique and classic boats, toy boat building, demonstrations, live music, food and more. Free. 10am-5pm. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons. calvertmarinemuseum.com
Towsontown Spring Festival
May 6-7. Carnival ride, ferris wheel, live bands, performances, shopping, beer and wine, and more. Free entry. Saturday, 10am-8pm; Sunday, 1-6pm. Towson. towsontownspringfestival.com
Centennial Celebration
Bowie’s yearlong centennial celebration concludes with ceremony and buying time capsule. Also old fashioned games, activities and more. Free. 11am-5pm. Bowie City Hall. 240-544-5616
Make a LED Mother’s Day Card
Make a light up card for Mom, Grandma or someone special. Free. 1-3pm. Broadneck Library, Annapolis. 410-222-1950, aacpl.net
National Train Day
Train-themed games, activities, crafts and more. Free. 1-4pm. Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Chesapeake Beach. 410-257-3892, cbrm.org
Sunday 7
Made in Maryland Festival
Artisans, crafts, food, live music, character meet and greets, petting zoo, moon bounce, face painting, exhibits and more. Free. Noon-5pm. Kurtz’s Beach, Pasadena. madeinmarylandfest.com
Sykesville Fine Art & Wine Festival
Over 40 artists, chalk art, model trains, demonstrations, live music and entertainment, wine tastings and more. Free, wine tasting $10. Noon-5pm. Main Street, Sykesville. Sykesvillemainstreet.com
Free Family Sunday
Create a craft with family. Materials provided. Free. 2-5pm. Baltimore Museum of Art. 443-573-1700, artbma.org
Monday 8
Tiny Explorers
Read stories, make pinecone art, sing, dance and more. Free. Registration is required. 9-10am. The Key School, Annapolis. 410-263-9231, keyschool.org
Tuesday 9
Time Traveling Story Time
Story time transports children back in time and activities based around the story’s setting. Free. 10-11am. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, St. Leonard. 410-586-8501, jefpat.org
Super Mom
Celebrate your mom with stories, crafts and dancing. Free. 10:30am. Annapolis Library. 410-222-1750, aacpl.net/location/annapolis
Wednesday 10
Hot Horns Brass Ensemble
A group of musicians playing brass, woodwind and percussion instruments and various genres of music including classical, jazz, pop and rock. Free. 7pm. Maryland City Library. 301-725-2390, aacpl.net/location/marylandcity
Thursday 11
The Walk @ Waugh Chapel
Fundraiser features a short stroll through Waugh Chapel, kid friendly entertainment, festivities, food, live music and more to benefit Walk the Walk Foundation. 6-8pm. Waugh Chapel Towne Centre, Gambrills. wtwf.org
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