All events were scheduled at the time of posting. Please confirm with event hosts before making plans.
Sarah's Family Friendly Event Picks
May
Through June 30
Spring Illuminations. This spring, experience the Zoo in a whole new light—after dark! Once the gates close for the day, stroll through a mesmerizing display of floral and animal-themed lanterns that illuminate the night. Plus, you can savor delicious Asian-inspired bites and sips as you take in the stunning sights. Your visit supports vital wildlife conservation efforts and the Zoo’s mission to inspire a love for nature. Don’t miss this enchanting after-hours adventure! Zoo members receive a discount at check out. $28 Adult; $20 Child (ages 2-10). 6PM-10PM. The Maryland Zoo, 1 Safari Pl., Baltimore. https://www.marylandzoo.org/special_events/spring-illuminations/#tickets
2-3
Flower Mart. Baltimore's oldest free public festival! This year’s festival features nearly 70 plant, craft, and food vendors, and nonprofits involved with the greening of the city. There will be educational workshops and lectures, musical performances on two stages and, of course, Lemon Sticks! In addition to a great line up of local musicians, the Conservancy has assembled 11 workshops and lectures on “green” themes. Stop in the Learning Pavilion and learn about flower arranging, observing nature through watercolor, hear about Hilton Carter’s latest book, or engage in a tasting of mead of gin made from botanicals. In addition to participating in two workshops in the Learning Pavilion, the National Aquarium will be hosting children and families in making native plant seed balls. Stop by the Aquarium’s booth to get nerdy with nature and learn about how you can support the health of the bay from your own backyard. All performances, lectures and workshops are FREE to attend. Check out the full list of programs and performances using the link. FREE admission. 11AM-8PM. Mount Vernon Place, 699 Washington Pl., Baltimore. https://mountvernonplace.org/flower-mart/
2
Outdoor Spring Family Movie Night - Moana 2. A fun-filled evening at Foundry Row! Bring your family and friends to enjoy an exciting movie night. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and get cozy while watching Moana 2. All ticket proceeds go towards the Owings Mills Volunteer Fire Company. Registration is required–only one ticket is needed per family and gets you access to Balloon Art and a Swag Bag! (One swag bag per family.) More details sent upon registration. Check-in will begin at 7:30pm. The movie will begin at 8:00pm. $10 per family. 7:30PM. Foundry Row, 10100 Reisterstown Rd., Owings Mills. https://www.visitfoundryrow.com/events/outdoor-spring-family-movie-night/
3-4
Towsontown Spring Festival. Step right up to one of the largest festivals on the east coast! 2025 marks the 56th year and the festival is one you won’t want to miss. If you are a thrill-seeker, cotton candy eater, music lover, or just a Baltimore explorer, this is your kind of festival. Enjoy carnival rides, live music, a beer garden, food trucks, vendors and more. FREE admission. 10AM-8PM Saturday; 1PM-6PM Sunday. Located on Chesapeake, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Baltimore Avenues, Towson. https://www.towsontownfestival.com/
3
Kinetic Sculpture Race. Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race. Each May, the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) produces and hosts the East Coast Kinetic Sculpture Race Championship on the shore of Baltimore’s Harbor in central Maryland. The eight-hour race covers 15 miles—mostly on pavement, but also including a trip into the Chesapeake Bay and through mud and sand. Race course runs from AVAM, through downtown, over to Little Italy, through Fells Point and over to Canton, up through Patterson Park, across Butchers Hill and Washington Hill, through Little Italy and downtown again, and ends back at AVAM in Federal Hill; see link for full race map. FREE. 9AM-7PM. American Visionary Art Museum, 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore. https://www.avam.org/kinetic
Belvedere in Bloom. Belvedere in Bloom is returning to the Square! Shop local artists and craft makers, enjoy live music from Jimmy Solesky, and of course grab your favorites from the BSQ Merchants. Rain date is May 17. FREE admission. 12PM-3PM. Belvedere Square, 529 E Belvedere Ave., Baltimore. https://belvederesquare.com/event/belvedere-in-bloom-4/
BARCS Block Party. There’s so much fun to be had at the inaugural BARCS Block Party, presented by B’More Dogs Hon! This family-friendly event includes a variety of activities including putt putt golf stationed around the Avenue, a cornhole tournament and live music on the lawn, adoptable animals from BARCS, and wristbands to receive food and drink specials from participating businesses. Adult ticket includes entrance, putt-putt, and a wristband for food and drink specials; youth ticket includes entrance and putt-putt. $20 Adults; $10 Youth (under 18); $60 Cornhole Team Ticket (for 2 adults). 12PM-4PM. The Avenue at White Marsh, 8125 Honeygo Blvd., Nottingham. https://www.barcs.org/fundraising-events/barcs-block-party
Jedi Academy. Calling all young Padawans and wise Jedi Masters—spend the afternoon training in the Maryland Science Center’s Jedi Academy. Take on a series of Star Wars themed science and engineering challenges, brush up on your lightsaber skills, and make your escape from the Death Star before the Rebel Alliance makes it explode! FREE with paid admission. 12PM-4PM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/jedi-academy/
Painted Screens Family Workshop. Painted screens are a unique Baltimore folk art. This workshop will include a short film on the history of the painted screen and early painted screen artists and a demonstration of the painted screen technique. Paint a small screen to take home with you based on provided designs or create your own! Suitable for all ages. $17; $12 Members. 1PM-2:30PM. Creative Alliance Creativity Center, 3137 Eastern Ave., Baltimore. https://creativealliance.org/event/painted-screens-family-workshop-may2025/
Super Science Sleepover - In a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Head to the Maryland Science Center for a night of family fun in a Galaxy Far, Far Away. Track down kyber crystals and use The Force to keep them balanced. Explore distant planets—from the galactic cities to the outer rim. Hone your computer science skills to find and defeat a cloaked Star Destroyer, and more! This event is intended for families with children ages 5+. Younger siblings are welcome to join, but are not permitted to sleep over. All attendees must purchase a ticket. Children must have an adult in their party. $65 Sleepover Ticket; $35 Pajama Party Ticket; FREE for children ages 0-2. 5:30PM-9AM. The Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St., Baltimore. https://www.mdsci.org/event/super-science-sleepover-star-wars/
8-11
Baltimore Greek Festival. Celebrating its 53rd year, the Baltimore Greek Festival brings Greek culture, food and wine to the community. Savor the finest homemade Greek food and pastries and enjoy family-friendly activities. Bring your dancing shoes and celebrate the music of Greece. Enjoy a Greek Happy Hour on Thursday from 5PM-9PM, the main festival Friday and Saturday from 11AM-9PM, and Sunday from 11AM-7PM. FREE admission; $20 Wines of Greece Tasting ticket (includes 5 Greek wine tastings). 5PM-9PM Thursday; 11AM-9M Friday & Saturday, 11AM-7PM Sunday. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 W Preston St., Baltimore. https://annunciationbaltimore.org/Festival
10
Lock House Craft Beer & Wine Festival. A fun-filled day spent along the beautiful Susquehanna River in the shadow of the Lock House Museum. Beer & wine, lots of good food, live music featuring the Tumblehome Band and Samantha's Duo, artisan crafts, kiddie play area, cornhole, and hula hoops! People come for the beer & wine and stay for the vibe. This is a rain-or-shine event. All proceeds benefit the Lock House Museum for education and historic building upkeep. $40 Sampling Ticket includes souvenir cup and unlimited sampling; $15 General Admission; FREE for children. 11AM-5PM. Lock House Museum, 817 Conesteo St., Havre de Grace. https://www.thelockhousemuseum.org/2025-lock-house-beer-and-wine-festival
Baltimore's Wazobia Art & Cultural Festival. Come celebrate Baltimore’s Second WAZOBIA Arts and Cultural Festival! This vibrant event will celebrate the rich artistic and cultural diversity of our city, allowing families and community members to interact with local artists and musicians all while experiencing the energy and culture of the African Diaspora community. Join in for a day filled with creativity, inspiration, and community spirit as Baltimore comes together to honor art and heritage in a truly inclusive celebration. FREE. 1PM-5PM. City Springs Elementary/Middle School, 100 S Caroline St., Baltimore. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baltimores-wazobia-art-cultural-festival-tickets-1215729943989
13-16
Sunrise Tours at Pimlico. Enjoy a free, guided 20-minute walking tour offering an insider look into Thoroughbred racing. You will have an opportunity to: watch Preakness contenders during morning workouts; meet a jockey and learn about their gear and training; visit the Starting Gate, Stakes Barn and Paddock; talk with trainers, owners and special guests; see the Baltimore Police Mounted Unit; and visit the Winners Circle and meet owners of retired racehorses. Tours run continuously from 6am-9am Tuesday to Friday, with last registration at 8:45am. Friday tours are the most popular-come earlier in the week if possible. FREE. 6AM-9AM. Pimlico Race Course, 5201 Park Heights Ave., Baltimore. https://www.preakness.com/pimlico-tours
15
May Tree Care. Help care for young trees in Patterson Park! Meet in the park to weed and mulch the young trees that have been planted in the last couple of years in the middle of the park. No experience is necessary! Organizers will have the supplies, they just need the hands. (Dress to get dirty.) In the case of inclement weather (rain, bad air quality, tornado, blizzard, etc) those who have registered will be emailed to let them know if the event is canceled. Sign up using the link provided; meet location to be shared soon. FREE. 6PM-7:30PM. Patterson Park, Baltimore. https://pattersonpark.com/parkcalendar