Dear Dr. Debbie,
With spring in the air, and a year of Social Distancing already, my family is itching to get out and about. Although vaccines are finally happening, my husband and I will probably be among the last tier to be able to get them.
Meanwhile, I’m nervous about being in public places with the kids, ages 5 to 10, even though they’re good about keeping masks on and keeping a safe distance from other people. Any recommendations for stepping back out?
Is it Safe?
Dear IIS,
Caution is still advised as vaccines are administered over the next couple of months . But if you’re ready for some carefully managed public events for families with school-age children, plan to take part in Maryland Day Weekend.
Historic homes, museums, parks, and other venues in the historic Annapolis area, south county, and other Anne Arundel County locations, are coordinating a three day celebration to commemorate the arrival of the first colonists from Great Britain at the place they named “Maryland”. This year’s theme is “Better Together: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion”. Events feature Native American heritage, African American history, Women in Maryland history, and other groups and individuals representing the diversity of our area. All events for this special weekend are $1 per person or free.
Friday-Saturday-Sunday
Hammond Harwood House, located at 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, invites families to participate in a scavenger hunt entitled, Architecture Quest For All. No reservations are required. Pick up your free scavenger hunt at the sidewalk in front of the museum.
The Michael E. Busch Library, 1410 West Street, Annapolis, will give away Make and Take Kits, outside the library, while supplies last, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. – noon and 2 – 4 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m. The kits include supplies and instructions to make a patchwork quilt craft and a button whirligig, a five-page Maryland coloring book, information about Maryland Day, and a children’s book list for reading more about history.
Saturday Events
Beverly Triton Nature Park, located in Edgewater near Mayo Beach, hosts a 10 a.m. Spring Equinox program for families. To reserve spaces call 443-222-1978, email [email protected], or register online.
Annapolis Maritime Museum, located at 723 Second Street in Eastport, will be open from 10am to 1pm with a new exhibit Our Changing Waterfront. Timed entry tickets are available for 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m. Passes are limited to a total of 30 guests per hour. Admission includes a 20 minute guided tour and 30 minutes of self-touring. There is a 10-minute gap between groups for exhibit cleaning. Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended.
Starting at Market House by Annapolis City Dock, Watermark is offering an African American Heritage Tour from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The tour includes the site of Kunta Kinte’s arrival from the Gambia and the statue of his descendent, Alex Haley. Call the Watermark office at 410-268-7601 x100 for free reservations.
Chesapeake Children’s Museum, located at 25 Silopanna Road, Annapolis, will conduct an Indigenous Plant Walk at 12 noon. Learn the traditional uses of plants by Native Americans for food, medicine, transportation, etc. Masks are required. Tickets are $1 per person, ages 1 and up.
Sunday events
Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis, will host its annual ArtFest from 1 to 4 p.m. This year’s event includes guided outdoor activities with a community art project and a StoryWalk® from Anne Arundel County Public Library, and mini ArtReach film screenings throughout the building. Masks are required indoors. The Art of Activism outdoor banner display will also return for Maryland Day weekend only. No registration is required.
Chesapeake Children’s Museum, 25 Silopanna Road, Annapolis, will lead families on a Nature Walk of the Underground Railroad from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Learn how nature aided in escapes from slavery in Maryland’s history. Masks are required. Tickets are $1 per person.
Online Events, Too
For more in-person and online events, visit the Maryland Day Weekend webpage for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday events. Events are also listed on the Facebook page.
Dr. Debbie
Deborah Wood, Ph.D. is a child development specialist and founding director of Chesapeake Children’s Museum.
Register for upcoming parenting workshops on Zoom:
March 23 “The 3 Reasons for Rules”
April 3 “The Skin You Live In – Antiracism as a Family”
April 6 “I Had it First! – Teaching Conflict Resolution”
Read more of her Good Parenting columns by clicking here.
