Weekend Outlook - March 18-20, 2011

Economoms' recommendations for the best budget-conscious family activities in the Maryland region for the weekend of March 18-20:

Tall Tales of the Wild West is at the
Chesapeake Art Center this Saturday

$2 Family Fun Night at Port Discovery: Admission is just $2 the third Friday of every month from 4-7 p.m.  The museum's newest exhibit, Tot Trails, opened last month. It allows kids to explore the unique landmarks and landscapes of Maryland. With museum tickets normally priced at $12.95, this is the perfect opportunity to sample the new exhibit for a bargain!

NEW! CAMOM Consignment Sale: The Columbia Area Mothers of Multiples (CAMOM) isthis Saturday from 8-11:30 a.m. at the Cradlerock School (6700 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD). Select items will be half price from 12-1 p.m.! Look for new and used infant and children's clothing, equipment, toys, books, DVDs, strollers, bedding, and anything else baby and child related that are at least 75% off the retail price. CAMOM is a non- profit organization that supports and educates families of multiples.


NEW! Samson's Birthday Bash at the Zoo: Samson the elephant celebrates his third birthday. Guests can participate in a "Happy Birthday" sing-along, and watch as Samson and the rest of the herd eat elephant-friendly cakes. Cakes for zoo guests will be donated by Charm City Cakes. One slice of birthday cake per person, while supplies last. FREE with zoo admission. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday.

Kids Story Time with FREE Balloon: Each and every Saturday at 11 a.m. is story time for your little bookworms aged 2-6 with Miss Bonnie at Greetings and Readings in Hunt Valley. After the story, stop by the Balloon Desk for a FREE balloon! Miss Bonnie also sometimes incorporates arts and crafts as an added bonus! In addition to Saturdays, you can also visit with Miss Bonnie on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

Wilderness Navigation, Orienteering 101 – If you have an older child who enjoys the outdoors, jump on this opportunity! Cromwell Valley Park has a new Orienteering Trail and on Saturday from 1-3 p.m., they're offering folks a chance to try it out while learning the basics of map and compass use. Best for ages 10+. Reservations required. $2 for members and $4 for non-members.

Tall Tales of the Wild West: The third Saturday of each month is Family Concert Day at the Chesapeake Art Center, which is located just south of Baltimore. This Saturday at 4 p.m., relive the tales of Annie Oakley: "Annie has always wanted to be a cowgirl, to ride the range, rope cattle, and gather around the campfire spinning yarns. Problem is, she can't rope, she falls off her horse, and she's become the laughing stock of all of the other cowpokes. But she can tell a great story . . . " Just $10 for adults and $5 for children.

FREE Italian Ice!: Spring officially kicks off on Sunday! Celebrate with a free treat from Rita's!

NEW! Meet Mini Mouse: Folks are celebrating the debut of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Masquerade, with fun, interactive family events hosted by Verizon and Radio Disney at Towson Town Center from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday! FREE!

Dino-DIGS at Irvine Nature Center: It's going to be around 60 degrees on Sunday. Here's a perfect way to start spring--outdoors! Travel back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth! Become a paleontologist for the day and learn about the search for these prehistoric creatures. Dig for dinosaur bones, search for fossils along the trails and meet Irvine's living dinosaur relatives. Ages 4 & up. 2-3:30 p.m. on Sunday. FREE for members; $10 for non-members.

Atlas At Last at Geppi's Entertainment Museum: Comic book junkies will love this new exhibit that features the Atlas-Seaboard line of comics. In addition to displaying many original comic books from the 70s, the event also showcases Atlas artwork, including cover designs and unpublished artist sketches. Available through May 29. Free with regular museum admission: Adults $10; students $7; and kids under 4 FREE. Take $2 off admission prices by clicking here.