Weekend Outlook - April 1-3, 2011

Economoms' recommendations for the best budget-conscious family activities in the Maryland region for the weekend of April 1-3:

Train Riding Season Begins: All aboard at the B&O! April 1 marks the beginning of train riding season! Train ride tickets are $2.00 for children ages 2-12 and $3.00 for adults and seniors. B&O Members are free. Beginning Friday through December, train rides are offered Wednesday – Friday at 11:30am, Saturday at 11am, 1pm, & 3pm, and Sunday at 12:30pm & 2:30pm.

First Friday in Hampden: April 1 is not only April Fools Day, it's also First Friday in Hampden, the monthly event when shops stay open into the evening to kick off the weekend. Some of our fave local boutiques are having specials that night. Urban Baby Runway (make sure you enter Economoms' special giveaway with them!) is offering 20% off the entire store. And they have another giveaway going that night that could score you two tickets to the upcoming Cirque du Soleil performance! No purchase required. Other shops you should check out that night ....Our friends at Soft and Cozy Baby are offering 10% off storewide! Doubledutch Boutique will have 20% off everything (one of my absolute favorute shops for affordable yet unique dresses and jewelry. Trohv (formerly known as Red Tree) will have free eats courtesy of Holy Frijoles as well as a DJ! Fun fun!

Family Movie Night at Marshy Point: Another monthly first Friday event is Marshy Point Nature Center's movie night. This Friday, the center located just minutes from White Marsh, is offering Legends of the Guardians for FREE. Snacks are available for just $3 per person, or feel free to bring your own.

FREE Screening of Born to Be Wild 3D: Attend a special preview of the latest IMAX film described as an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. AMC Columbia Theatres on Saturday at noon. Click the link to reserve passes and please note that passes DO NOT guarantee admittance.  

Mommas Day Out: Head over to Nordstrom in Towson Town Center with the gals on Saturday morning for some time away from the rugrats. Their Beautiful Bright Now event will give you a sneak peek at the newest cosmetics trends for 2011. Then get a free bra fitting at their BRAvo event.

Baltimore Farmers' Market and Bazaar: Nothing says spring more than the Farmers' Market! And this Sunday it's back one month early, despite chilly temperatures. Starting at 7 a.m., vendors will be open for business under the JFX. Grab some fresh, local ingredients for Sunday supper!