So much is happening in February – from concerts to movie nights, STEM activities and Black History Month celebrations. Best of all over 3 dozen are FREE! Here are out top picks to keep both the kids and your bank account happy!
Monthlong
Black History Month at Harriet Tubman State Park
Fri.–Sun. In celebration of Black History Month, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center invites everyone to free, family-friendly programs including ranger-led tours of the park highlighting the symbolism, story times, movie screenings, music programs and more. Free. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park, Cambridge. dnr.maryland.gov
February 1
Teen Movie Fridays
Come enjoy a popular new movie with your friends and have some free popcorn! 2:45 p.m. at the Savage branch of the Howard County Public Library. Feb 1: Justice League (PG-13, 120 minutes) Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of Diana Prince to face an even greater enemy. Batman and Wonder Woman then recruit a team to stand against an assault of catastrophic proportions. Savage Community Library. hclibrary.org/classes-events/
Teen Music Night
Play guess the song by using the lyrics, match the artist to their real name, name the song by using only a few seconds of that song and find out which song everyone likes best. 6:45–8:30 p.m. Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach. co.cal.md.us
U.S. Navy Concert Band
The United States Navy Concert Band is the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, and will present a wide array of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions and modern wind ensemble repertoire. Free. 7 p.m. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis. marylandhall.org
February 2
Magnificent Folks, Animals and Other Such Tales
Applaud the great accomplishments of those with paws, fins, feet or wings. Storyteller Diane Macklin highlights teamwork and the best tool for solving problems: the brain! 2 p.m. Maryland City Library, Laurel. aacpl.net
Family Fun Day
Explore the world of working K9s, put your matching skills to the test and flex your smell power at the activity cart. Free. 1–4 p.m. National Law Enforcement Museum, Washington, D.C. downtowndc.org
Storytime and Elmo’s Super-Duper Birthday
It’s Elmo’s birthday! Celebrate with activities, stickers, and a craft. Plus, get a coupon from our Café. Free. 11 a.m. Barnes and Noble, Annapolis. barnesandnoble.com
Paws for Reading
Read to a furry friend from Caring Canines. Pre-registration required. 10 a.m.–noon. Edgewater, Annapolis. aacpl.net
February 3
Free Family Sunday
Sundays in February. Bring the family in for free art-making workshops and enjoy hands-on fun the entire family. All materials are provided. Free. 2–5 p.m. Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore. artbma.org
Pokemon Jr. League
Are you ready to be a Pokemon Master? Come in and join Third Eye’s Andrew for Junior League! Pokémon Junior League is for players (and their parents too!) 12 and under to have a sweet space to play! Free. 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Third Eye Games & Hobbies, Annapolis. facebook.com/events/2205085876376509
February 6
BESA
Besa means “come dance” in the Akan language of Ghana. This is a fun aerobic and cardio workout that uses African dance forms and techniques. Sponsored by Performing Arts Center for African Cultures. 6 p.m. Severn Library, Severn. aacpl.net
Chinese New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Pig! This festival is for all ages and features artists from China, hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, a film screening and performances by the Guangdong Arts Troupe from China. Free, pre-registration available. 5:30–9 p.m. Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, Annapolis. marylandhall.org/chinese-new-year-celebration
February 9
Among the Stars
Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in space in 1992, was also an engineer and physician. Learn about her life and what propelled her into orbit! 2 p.m. Discoveries: Library at the Mall, Annapolis. aacpl.net
Health and Fitness Fair
Free admission for: health screenings, information, and hands-on demonstrations. Enjoy a workout with the USNA football team’s strength and conditioning coach. Go on a Health and Fitness Scavenger Hunt. Play a nutrition game. Learn about resources to support your family’s health and fitness with an emphasis on health issues for African-American families. Lots of giveaways! 2 – 5 p.m. Pip Moyer Rec. Center, Annapolis.
February 10
Hearts and Hounds Mall Crawl
Join the SPCA of Anne Arundel County and Dare to C.A.R.E. for a dog-friendly walk in the mall Free. 8–10 a.m. Westfield Annapolis Mall, Annapolis. aacspca.org
Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Year of the Pig with art activities and traditional Lunar New Year performances. Free. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. thewalters.org
February 11
Picturing Frederick Douglass
Celebrate Frederick Douglass’ birthday with an engaging lecture given by Dr. John Stauffer, Harvard University professor and author of Picturing Frederick Douglass: An Illustrated Biography of the Nineteenth Century’s Most Photographed American. Free (registration required). 6 p.m. Banneker-Douglass Museum, Annapolis. marylandhall.org
February 16
Salute to Black Inventors
Discover African-American inventors and how they changed the world! Use your imagination and materials provided to make an invention of your own. Sponsor: Chesapeake Children’s Museum. 2 p.m. Odenton Library, Odenton. aacpl.net
Succotash Tales
African-American story teller, Diane Macklin brings the audience in with her “captivating voice and dancing hands.” 2 p.m. Crofton Library, Crofton.
Black History Month STEM
Meet some African-American changemakers from history through book readings, crafts, STEAM projects, and a scavenger hunt. Presented by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Contact: [email protected] for more information. Registration is not required. 1-4 p.m. Center Court, Marley Station Mall, Glen Burnie.
Discover Engineering Family Day
Celebrate National Engineers Week by trying out exciting, hands-on engineering experiences and talking with professional engineers. Mix slime, invent a way to launch a ping pong ball, design a motorized bot and more. Free. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. National Building Museum, Washington, D.C. nbm.org
Peabody Preparatory Academy Strings
This special concert will feature performances by the Young People’s String Program, Performance Academy for Strings and Pre-Conservatory Violin Program. Free. 11 a.m.–noon. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. thewalters.org
February 17
Voices From the Past: Sissieretta Jones
Sissieretta Jones was the first African-American to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 1892. This Black History program is dedicated to the legacy of little known Black musicians, featuring music by a Washington National Opera soprano and narration from a historical perspective. Free. 4–5:30 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel. pgparks.com
February 18
Museum on the Move
Explore the lives of famous African-American Marylanders, including arctic explorer Matthew Henson, with museum educators from the Banneker-Douglass Museum. Free. 1 p.m. Annapolis Library, Annapolis. www.aacpl.net
February 19
African-Folktales and Crafts
Travel to Kunta Kinte’s childhood homeland for Anansi Stories, traditional folk tales from West Africa. Make a Kufi hat and shake your shekere! Sponsored by Chesapeake Children’s Museum and the Kunta Kinte Festival. 10 a.m. Riviera Beach Library, Pasadena. aacpl.net
February 21
Jammie Movie Night: Cinderella
Wear your jammies and watch the Disney classic, Cinderella! Free. 6:30 p.m. Linthicum branch. aacpl.net
STEM Challenge Thursday
Drop in for a new STEM challenge every Thursday during the month of February. Free. 3:30–4:30 p.m. Eastport/Annapolis Branch. aacpl.net
February 22
African Beats
Tap your feet to jazz while listening to a story about musicians from the past. Children will handle and decorate jazz instruments. For ages three through five. Sponsored by Reginald F. Lewis Museum. 10 a.m. Deale Library, Deale.aacpl.net
Jazzy Storytime
Celebrate the rich culture of Jazz with stories, songs and a fun craft! For ages five and under. 10:30 a.m. Discoveries: The Library at the Mall, Annapolis. aacpl.net
Family Game Night
Bring your family to the Y for a fun night of family-friendly games such as Bingo, Uno, trivia, musical chairs, snacks, and more! Activities may vary by center. Free (space is limited). 6–8 p.m. The Y in Arnold. ymaryland.org
February 23
Heartbeat For Health
Heart health activities, education, music, health screenings and refreshments. Presentations and demonstrations by local dance studios and more. Free. 10am–1 p.m. The Y In Arnold. umms.org
Marine & Maritime Career Expo
Talk with industry professionals, trade school and college representatives, and student peers who will share information on marine and maritime professions. Please register. Free. Noon–3 p.m. Annapolis High School. eycfoundation.org/programs/marine-maritime-career-expo
Febraury 24
U.S. Navy Sea Chanters
The Navy Band Sea Chanters is the United States Navy’s official chorus. The ensemble performs a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music, including sea chanteys and patriotic fare, to opera, Broadway, and contemporary music. Free. 3 p.m. Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park. chesapeakearts.org
Family Fun Concert: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
This family concert introduces children to the world of chamber music as The U.S. Army Field Band Woodwind Quintet performs The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by Paul Dukas. Enjoy juice & cookies with the performers after the concert. Free; registration required. 2 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, Riverdale Park. pgparks.com
Youth Pride Concert
This all-ages concert is open to everyone and all ages and will be a great opportunity to come together and socialize in a welcoming and judgement free environment. Free. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Union Jacks, Annapolis. annapolispride.org
February 27
United States Army Field Band Vocal Recital
Presenting songs and duets from Broadway musicals, from classics such as Carousel, to more recent shows such as Les Miserables. Free. 6:30 p.m. Chesapeake Arts Center, Brooklyn Park. chesapeakearts.org
For more February family fun be sure to visit our Calendar of Events!
