Get out and Play This Weekend!!
October 16-17

Event Happenings for young children in Calvert County, Charles County,  St. Mary’s County and Southern Prince George’s County!

Whoo-Hoo, the leaves are falling, the weather is perfect and it’s the right time to check out many of the Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches in Maryland! Celebrate Earth Science Week with special presentations at the JER Science Center or check out the 7th Annual American Indian Festival at the Patuxent River Park to learn about Native American culture. Toddlers don’t have to worry about the being frightened at the  St. Charles Towne Center Boo-Bash and if they’re up for the challenge, take them for friendly ghost hunt at The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary in St. Mary’s City.

Find more events on the calendar and please do let me know about things I’ve missed! Enjoy your weekend!

Friday

Princess Party
Wade Community Center – Waldorf
October 16; 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Cost$15 res/$17 non-res; $20 at the door
Looking to pamper your little princess? Bring your princess dressed in her fanciest party or princess dress to the Fall Princess party.
A wand and tiara will be given at the door. Enjoy nail painting, corsages, bracelets, balloons, fabulous rings, and decorative fans. You might even spot Snow White!Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture every precious moment. All princesses must be accompanied by an adult. Ages 2 to 12

Saturday

Playtime – FREE
Calvert Library Prince Frederick
October 17; 10:30 am – 11 am
Learning and discovery time for you and your child. Playtime includes an imagination station, interactive and engaging play and the opportunity to connect with others. Ages Birth – 5 yrs.

Boo-Bash
St. Charles Towne Center – Waldorf
October 17; 1 pm – 3 pm
Cost: $5 per year for membership
Come one, Come all!! Bring your Little ghosts, goblins and boo’tiful princesses to enjoy a frightfully good time at our Boo-Bash event. Enjoy Halloween activities, family friendly crafts, cookie decorating and much more.

Calvert County Fall Farm Festival
Various farms throughout the county
October 17-18
Cost: Varies at each farm

Earth Science Day
JER Science Center – Waldorf
October 17; Doors open at 4:00 pm
Cost:$10 (4-12); Under 3 – FREE
Come celebrate Earth Science Day! Earth Science Day represents a local family-oriented celebration of the American Geosciences Institute’s Earth Science Week, October 12-18, 2015, and will include a variety of fun activities designed to help children gain a better understanding and appreciation of the earth sciences. The theme for this year’s event is “Earth’s Connected Systems”, and special programs and hands-on demonstrations are being prepared to highlight various aspects of these systems. Activities will include: Dynamic Earth, Our Pale Blue Dot and Earth Science Activities.

Family Time Expo -FREE
Capital Clubhouse – Waldorf
October 17; 11 am – 4 pm
The Family Time Expo is an event open to the public and designed to reach youth and families in surrounding communities in order to promote balance and positive interaction between strangers-otherwise known as your neighbors, recreational fun for families, and promote health and wellness for men, women and children.

7th Annual American Indian Festival-FREE
Patuxent River Park – Upper Marlboro
October 17; 10 am -4 pm
EVENT HELD RAIN OR SHINE
Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Native Americans at the 7th annual “American Indian Festival, ” featuring live performances of traditional and contemporary music, dancing, drumming, singing, and storytelling. Interactive exhibits and demonstrations include: beading, finger weaving, pre-contact life skills, flint knapping, hand-made tools, artifacts, regalia, languages, genealogy, Native horsemanship, live Birds of Prey display, archery, multiple Native crafts and games! Other activities with fees: food, horse and pony rides, basket crafts; design your own shirt.

Summerseat Farm’s Howl-o-ween Fest and Fun Run/Walk
Summerseat Farm – Mechanicsville
October 17; 3 pm
Cost: $20 family /$10 Adults/$5 Kids/Under 5 – FREE
Summerseat Farm’s Howl-o-ween Fest and Fun Run/Walk Saturday, October 17 2015 Fun Kids Crafts and Activities Costumed Fun Run/Walk Prizes for Best Costume Adult, Child and Pet Hay Rides Farm Animals Evening Bonfire Food and Drinks.

St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival (HELD RAIN OR SHINE)
October 17-18; 10 am – 6pm
St. Mary’s County Fairground
Cost: $5 Adults/12 and under- FREE
It’s that time of year once again. When, for oyster lovers, the St. Mary’s County fairgrounds near Leonardtown transform to nirvana. Oysters served up raw, scalded, grilled on the barbie, on bread, on the half shell, stewed, nude, cooked in savory sauces, in salads, even in desserts, just about every way imaginable and then some. They’re here for the eating and enjoying at the 44th Annual St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival. Music, food, carnival rides, arts, crafts and general family fun.

HarvFest
Patuxent Commuinty Center – Upper Marlboro
October 17; 1 pm – 4:30pm
Cost: $5 Residents/$6 Non-Residents
Prepare yourself for this year’s harvest! Indulge in a day of carnival games, costumes, contests, music and treats.

Barnes and Noble Storytime: Imaginary Fred – FREE
Local Barnes and Noble Store
October 17; 11 am
Bring the kiddies out for storytime at Barnes and Noble. This week’s featured book is Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer!

Sunday

Halloween on the Farm
Old Maryland Farm – Upper Marlboro
October 18; 4 pm – 7pm
Cost: $4 Residents/$5 Non-Residents
Join Old Maryland Farm for a Halloween and fall-themed event! Enjoy hayrides, games, crafts, cider, live creepy-crawley animals, and a costume contest. Costume contest categories include best animal, most creative, and family participation. Winners will be announced at 6 pm. All ages.

Opening Celebration: Wonderful Wizard of Oz Imagination Playground – FREE
Watkins Park – Upper Marlboro
October 18; 2 pm -4pm
The public is cordially invited to attend the grand opening celebration of the new entrance to
Watkins Regional Park and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz Imagination Playground.

Upcoming & Notable

Little Explorers: There are Ghosts in the House!
The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary – St. Mary’s City
October 21; 10 am -11 am
Cost: $4 ($3 Friends Members), accompanying adult free
When you visit Historic St. Mary’s City, you see ghost frames, but no real ghosts. Haunt us and see what Halloween fun you’ll find! Designed for pre-school age children 3-5 years old and an accompanying adult. Includes full-day museum admission.

Pumpkin Carving and Scarecrow Building
Smallwood Community Center – Waldorf
October 24; 9 am – 12 pm
Cost: $10 res/$12 non-res; Registration Deadline Oct 23
Enjoy a morning of pumpkin carving and scarecrow building. We provide your pumpkin. Please bring an old shirt, pants, and pillow case for the scarecrow building and we will supply the rest. Ages 2-12.

Baby Bazaar
Somers Community Center – La Plata
October 24
Looking to sell some of your baby/children’s clothes, toys, bedding and more? Or are you looking to buy some much needed children items. Come out to the Baby Bazaar!

Haunted Ship– FREE, Donations Accepted
The Shop at Farthing’s Ordinary – St. Mary’s City
October 24; 5:30 pm – 8 pm
Don a costume and visit the Maryland Dove, transformed into a not-so-scary haunted ship. Bring the whole family to walk through. While you are there, make a craft and meet a pirate on the beach.