Weekend Outlook - April 29-May 1, 2011

Economoms' recommendations for the best budget-conscious family activities in the Maryland region for the weekend of April 29-May 1:

Mommy and Me Shopping Spree: Mother's Day is just around the corner. Get a head start on celebrations with some special time with your mini-me this Saturday. Jack in the Box Toys in Owings Mills is hosting this event that includes crafts for the little ones, photographs from a professional photographer, and FREE homemade sweet treats. Stella and Dot Jewelery will also be there for moms to teat themselves. (Did you enter our Stella and Dot giveaway yet?) $3 per child. 10:30 a.m.-noon for children 4 and under. 12:30-2 p.m. for 5 and up. Reservations are required.

Dia del Nino at Patterson Park: Also just around the corner is Cinco de Mayo. Head over to Patterson Park on Saturday for this FREE family event aimed for kids grades K-8. Bring a picnic lunch to Pagoda Hill for a day of fun including piñatas, parent/child races, face painting, and a book giveaway! Registration begins at 11:00a.m. Rain date, Sunday, May 1st. For more information, please email katie@pattersonpark.com or call 410.276.3676.

"Rock This Town" Rock Painting Party: This free, all ages rock painting party will take place from 4 - 6pm at aMuse Toy's Quarry Lake location. All supplies will be provided, and participants are encouraged to leave their rock creations around Baltimore to make our city smile. This event is inspired by 10 year-old Gracie Zentz.  RSVP to the event on the aMuse Toys Facebook page.

Pirate and Princess Tea Party at Geppi's Entertainment Museum:  Attention royal damsels and swashbuckling pirates! Geppi's third annual Tea Party is this Sunday! Come dressed as your favorite pirate or princess for a fun filled family adventure! The pirates from Baltimore's Urban Pirates and the princess from Medieval Times will make this party a truly memorable event! Pirate and princess games and activities, including face painters and hair tinslers, will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. throughout the museum. The Tea Party will be from 2-4 p.m. Lunch will be served and all Tea Party attendees will receive a special commemorative gift. General admission (include games, activities and contests but not the Tea Party luncheon) to the museum: Adults- $10, Children- $7. Admission including Tea Party Luncheon: Adults- $25, Children- $20

A Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine: It looks like most times for this event are sold out, but the ticket website indicates limited amounts are still available for purchase the day of the actual event at the B&O Railroad Museum. Click here for more ticketing info, including available times throughout this weekend. The event includes a 25 minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, a petting zoo, pony rides, a hay maze for Toddlers, Spinning Tubs carnival ride, Chalk & Bubble Fun Station, Performances by Choo Choo Blue, Spin art, Moon bounces, and Photo opportunities with Sir Topham Hatt. Tickets are $19 each.

Towsontown Spring Festival: The annual festival that signifies the start of flip-flop season for many is back again! Fun for the whole family including face painting, moon bounces, pony rides, a petting zoo, balloon art, carnival games, and new this year -- a special area just for 'tweens. Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 1-7 p.m.