Looking for a way to entertain the family this August without blowing the budget? Here are 60 free events to keep the kids happy. From festivals to movies, there is plenty of fun to fill the rest of your summer days in the Baltimore-Annapolis-Washington, D.C. area.
1 Monday
Otto the Auto
Three foot tall remote control car gives a special safety lesson to children. Including the importance of buckling up and wearing a helmet. Free. 9:30am and 10:30am. Annapolis Library. 410-222-1750, aacpl.net/location/annapolis
2 Tuesday
National Night Out
Raise awareness of crime and drug prevention. K-9 demonstrations, activities and refreshments. Free. 5pm. Crofton Library. 410-222-7915, aacpl.net/location/crofton
USNA Band
The USNA band performs. Free. 7pm-8:30pm. Susan Campbell Park, Annapolis. 410-293-1262.
3 Wednesday
Summer Fun Performance
Interactive event is all about the fundamentals of moving science including surprising alien antennae and space-age rocket packs. Ages 5 and older. Free. 2-3pm. Calvert Library Prince Frederick. 410-535-0291, calvert.lib.md.us/pf.html
4 Thursday
Dollars and Sense
Join Roy Yenoli from Making Change for an interactive program on the basics of money management, including saving, spending and credit. For teens and tweens. Free. 6:30pm. Odenton Library. 410-222-6277, aacpl.net/location/odenton
5 Friday
How to Program a Robot
Learn how to program your own robot and see it move. Robots and laptops will be provided. Second session, Aug. 12. Registration required. For children entering grades 3-4. Free. 1-3pm. Mountain Road Library, Pasadena. 410-222-6699, aacpl.net/location/mountainroad
G.E.A.R: Creative Cosmetics
Make your own shampoos, cleaners and lotions with natural ingredients from the grocery store. Ages 10-17. Free. 7-9pm. Deerfield Run Elementary School Community Center, Laurel. 301-552-1093, pgxtremeteens.com
Little Italy Open Film Fest
“Star Wars” rated PG-13. Popcorn provided. Bring blanket or lawn chair. Free. 9pm. Corner of High and Stiles streets, Baltimore. littleitalymd.com/t/open_air_film_fest
Animal Olympics
Aug. 5-6. Drop in and explore animal physical endurance and adaptations that make animals incredible athletes. Indoor and outdoor games, hiking, hands on activities and crafts. Ages 3 and older. Free; donations accepted. 10am-1pm. Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor Center, Laurel. 301-497-5887, fws.gov/refuge/patuxent
6 Saturday
Navy Fan Fest
Meet the players, get autographs, take pictures, inflatable games for kids, live music and free t-shirt for the first 250 kids. Free, $5 parking. 10am-noon. Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Annapolis. navysports.com
Betterton Appreciation Day
Parade down Main Street. Live music, games, food, crafts, vendors and more. Free. 10:30am-5pm. Betterton Beach, Betterton. 410-348-5678, bvfc5.org
The Annapolis Car Show
Food, live music, kids area, oriole bird and more. Free. 11am-4pm. Koons Ford Lincoln, Annapolis. visitannapolis.org/events/3639
Beach Party on the Square
Music, games, sand volleyball, fire truck hose-down, Annual Running of the Balls and return of historic Buyboats to the wharf. Free. 4-9pm. Town Square, Leonardtown. Leonardtown.somd.com
Summer movies
“Sixteen Candles,” rated PG-13. Bring a chair and picnic. Refreshments and drinks for sale. Free. 9pm. The Wine Bin, Ellicott City. 410-465-7802, winebinec.com
7 Sunday
First Sunday Arts Festival
Live entertainment, over 100 local and regional artists, food and more. Free. Noon-5pm. West and Calvert streets, Annapolis. 410-263-4012, firstsundayarts.com
Family Movies on the Potomac
“Cars,” rated PG-13. Shown on the Plaza screen. Bring chairs. Free. 6 p.m. National Harbor. Nationalharbor.com
8 Monday
Music Program
Learn about the refuge thru song and dance. Ages 16-42 months. Free. 10:30-11:15am. Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor Center, Laurel. 301-497-5887, fws.gov/refuge/patuxent
9 Tuesday
Otto the Auto
Three foot tall remote control car gives a special safety lesson to children. Including the importance of buckling up and wearing a helmet. Free. 10am and 11am. Broadneck Library, Annapolis. 410-222-1905, aacpl.net/location/broadneck
Buoyant Boats
Explore the science of buoyancy, then create and float a foil boat. Free. 6pm. Odenton Library. 410-222-6277, aacpl.org/location/odenton
10 Wednesday
I Spy
Try secret missions and learn spying techniques the Continental Army used during the Revolutionary War. Must be able to read and write. Ages 6-12. Free. 11am-2pm. Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Upper Marlboro. 301-952-8010, pgparks.com/page68222.aspx
11 Thursday
Learn About Livestock
Guided tour through the farm. Learn the origins of different animals and their habits. Free. 2-3pm. Old Maryland Farm, Upper Marlboro. 301-446-3327, pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Nature/Old_Maryland_Farm.htm
Tides & Tunes Summer Concert
Mike Mchenry tribe performs. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. No coolers permitted. Free, donations appreciated. 7-8:30 pm. Annapolis Maritime Museum, Eastport. 410-295-1040, amaritime.org
Click next below for more free events in August.
