Frugal Family Fun - Cromwell Valley Park

Welcome to our newest feature, in which we'll be introducing you to Economoms-approved places, venues and events around town. These are Baltimore spots we have visited first-hand with our very own family and didn't have to spend a ton of dough to have a barrel of fun.

Do you have suggestions for Frugal Family Fun? Tell us in the comments and we just might review it for you!

Today's feature is Cromwell Valley Park in Towson. In early October we hit up the 380-acre historic park for its annual Fall Harvest Festival. For only $5 per car, the event offered tons of fun. From apple cider making to pony rides to a fall-inspired "sandbox" filled with dried corn, there was something of interest for all ages.

If you missed the Fall Harvest Festival, no worries. There are a bunch of affordable activities planned throughout the remainder of autumn and into winter. Highlights include a Fall Family Camp Out the weekend of November 4 ($15 per family, includes breakfast), Holiday Candy Making on November 12 ($3 for members, $5 for non-members), and a Thanksgiving Nature Quest on November 26 (FREE!).

The park is also a great place to visit even when there aren't activities planned. Take a hike, check out wildlife, have a picnic near the stream, or discover the park's history (check out its historic lime kiln)!


Here are a few shots of our autumn day spent at Cromwell Valley:

A view of the Pumpkin Patch and childrens' area at the Fall Harvest Festival.

Macy meets an alpaca!

Cromwell Valley holds many of its activities in its Outdoor Classroom.

Making music at the Fall Harvest Festival!

A sandbox filled with dried corn was a fun alternative for the little ones.

Follow Economoms by Email:

Weekend Outlook - Halloween Weekend 2011!

Here are Economoms' picks for the most budget-conscious family activities in the Baltimore area from Friday, Oct. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 30.

This post includes events that cost a minimal fee; if you're looking for FREE Halloween fun, be sure to click here. More than 20 events are planned at absolutely no cost to your family! Also, it's the last weekend of FREE Fall Baltimore, so be sure to take advantage of the more than 11 cultural activities available, also at no cost.

All Weekend

• HALLOWEEN! More than 20 FREE Halloween Events - Throughout Maryland, all weekend long! Click on the link for details.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Eleven family-friendly events planned this weekend - See specific days below for details.
• Disney on Ice Princesses Dare to Dream - Get $6 off show tickets. 1st Mariner Arena. Showtimes Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• HALLOWEEN! Roosevelt Rec Center's First Annual Thrill and Chill - Roosevelt Park in Hampden. $3 per person.
• Discounts to 16 Family-Friendly Baltimore Attractions - Use anytime throughout 2011!
• Discounts to 18 Baltimore Restaurants - Think date night! Use anytime throughout 2011!

Friday

• Urban Pirates' After School Special: Save $5 on the 4 p.m. Family Adventure Cruise through fall 2011.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! FREE Admission to the Baltimore Science Center - 5pm - 8pm Get tickets on-site only beginning at 5pm day of event. 
• HALLOWEEN! Loyola Women's Soccer Fright Night - Ridley Athletic Complex, 6:30-9 p.m. Kids FREE! Adults $7 each.
• HALLOWEEN! Ghosts of Miners Past - Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, 7:30-9 p.m. $3 each, $2 for members.

Saturday

• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Drop-In Art Activity at the Walters - Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A different theme each month. October's theme is Creative Kid Geniuses. FREE!
• HALLOWEEN! Trick-or-Treat Weekend at Milburn Orchards - Saturday and Sunday. Two and under FREE! Three and up $8 each.
• HALLOWEEN! Costume Contest and Gem Mining Weekend - Clark's Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $14 each, which includes bucket of gems for "mining"
• HALLOWEEN! Hallowmarine - The National Aquarium in Baltimore, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE with admission.
• Dora the Explorer Pumpkin Day - Cromwell Valley Bridge Park in Towson, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $3 members, $5 non-members

• PumpkinFest - Hawks Hill Creamery in Street, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday. FREE admission with activities for purchase.
• HALLOWEEN! Spooky Science - Maryland Science Center, noon-4 p.m. FREE with paid admission.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Admission to the Phoenix Shot Tower - Every Saturday and Sunday in October, noon-4 p.m.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Vagabond Clown Clinic - Vagabond Theatre, Baltimore. Reservations required. Call 410-488-2404.  
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Jazz for Kids - The National Jazz Institute, 2 p.m. For reservations email bobboj@aol.com or call 410-225-3130
• HALLOWEEN! Harry Potter Halloween - Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $3 each, $2 for members.

Sunday

• HALLOWEEN! Costume Contest and Gem Mining Weekend - Clark's Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $14 each, which includes bucket of gems for "mining"
• Dream Catching Workshop - Irvine Nature Center, Owings Mills, 10-11:30 a.m. FREE for members, $10 for non-members.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Drop-In Art Activity at the Walters - Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A different theme each month. October's theme is Creative Kid Geniuses. FREE!
• HALLOWEEN! Trick-or-Treat Weekend at Milburn Orchards - Saturday and Sunday. Two and under FREE! Three and up $8 each.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! World Rhythm Drum Festival at Port Discovery - Every Sunday in October, noon-1:30 p.m. Museum admission is NOT required, nor is it included with this event. 

• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Admission to the Phoenix Shot Tower - Every Saturday and Sunday in October, noon-4 p.m.
• HALLOWEEN! Creepy Crawly Halloween Cuisine - Cromwell Valley Bridge Park in Towson, 1-2:30 p.m. $3 members, $5 non-members
• PumpkinFest - Hawks Hill Creamery in Street, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday. FREE admission with activities for purchase.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Dance Classes at Charm City Dance - Classes at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.
• HALLOWEEN! Harry Potter Halloween - Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $3 each, $2 for members.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Family Sunday at the BMA - Every Sunday, 2-5 p.m. A different theme each month. September's theme is Spectacular Sculpture. FREE! 
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Admission to the Baltimore Museum of Industry - Every Sunday in October, 4 p.m.

BOO! FREE Halloween Fun!

Now this is scary: According to the National Retail Federation, the average spending per person in 2011 on Halloween is $72.31!

Not so scary: More than 20 FREE family-friendly events are planned this year around Baltimore in celebration of the frightfully fun holiday. Here's a compilation. Have a spooktacular time!

Friday, October 28

• Trick-or-Treat at Hunt Valley Towne Center - Main Street in Hunt Valley, 4-6 p.m. At participating shops.
• Teen Halloween Party - Bel Air Public Library, 6-10 p.m. For grades 6-12. Food, games, music, scary stories, and costume contest.
• River Hill's Haunted Hallow's Eve Event - River Hill Shopping Center in Clarksville, 6-8 p.m. Come dressed in costume for crafts and games, as well as a Spooky, Science Extravaganza by EricEnergy.
• Happy Healthy Halloween - Various YMCA locations throughout Maryland. Click link for specific times and locations. Membership not required.
• Friday Night Flicks: Shrek - The Avenue in White Marsh, 7:30 p.m. Watch the movie followed by some Halloween fun.

Saturday, October 29

• Science Alive for Kids Under 5: Creepy Crawlies - Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 10-11 a.m. Kids will be provided with a snack and take-home craft. 
• Halloween Kids Fest - The Mall in Columbia, 10 a.m.-noon. Beowulf T. Wonderbunny's Traveling Show of Mystery will perform at 10 a.m. followed by trick-or-treating.
• Dundalk Family Fall Festival - Dundalk Village Shopping Center, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Pumpkin decorating, kids and dog costume contests, "scary" storytelling, trick-or-treating.
• Batty Buddy Craft Workshop - Lakeshore Learning Center in Towson, 11 a.m. Children will make and decorate a bat to hang up at home.
• Spook-tacular Celebration - Towsontowne Center, 11 a.m. Miss Julie and Turner Dean of Magic will perform family-friendly entertainment along with free face-painting and giveaways.
• Halloween Celebration for the Whole Family - Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 11 a.m.-noon. Creepy crafts and spooky snacks. Take-home craft provided.
• Halloween with Turner Dean of Magic - Kahler Hall in Columbia, 1 p.m. Children are invited to come in costume for a magical afternoon.
• Animals in Disguise Celebration - Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, 2-3 p.m. Kids can dress as their favorite critter and learn why animals like raccoons wear masks and walk around looking for treats at night.
• Halloween Boo Bash - Arundel Mills, 2-4 p.m. Costume contest and trick-or-treating.
• Scary Story Hour - Books with a Past in Glenwood, 2 p.m. Spooky storytime and Halloween treats. Each child will receive a small gift.
• Trick-or-Treating for Kids and Pets - The Avenue in White Marsh, 3 p.m. Kids and dogs dressed in costume can trick-or-treat throughout participating shops.
• Happy Healthy Halloween - Various YMCA locations throughout Maryland. Click link for specific times and locations. Membership not required.
• Luminaria-Making Workshop for the Great Big Halloween Parade of Light and Luminaria - Patterson Park, Linwood and Eastern Avenue, 3-6:30 p.m.
• The Great Big Halloween Parade of Light and Luminaria - Patterson Park. Line up at 6:30 p.m., Parade starts at 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 30

• Hampden HalloweenFest - The Avenue, 5-7 p.m. Trick or treating and costume contest.
• Mt. Hebron-Orchards 44th Annual Community Halloween Parade - Ellicott City, 7 p.m. Children will join the parade to show off their costumes.

Monday, October 31 - HALLOWEEN!

• Mall Trick-or-Treating - Towsontowne Center, 6-8 p.m. Look for the orange pumpkin in store fronts to know which stores are participating.

Sunday, November 13

• Pumpkin Chucking Contest - SportsPark/SkatePark in Columbia, noon-3 p.m. Four high schools will be participating. The school whose pumpkin is catapulted the farthest will win a cash prize.

Save the Date: Winter Restaurant Week to Return

Is it too early to book a babysitter? Baltimore's favorite way to dine like kings and queens for a fraction of the normal cost is returning in just a few months.

Baltimore Winter Restaurant Week will be back Friday, Jan. 20 through Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. As usual, restaurants will offer prix-fixe three-course dinner and lunch menus. Although the price has not yet been publicized, we're guessing it will be $20.12 for lunches and $35.12 for dinners, in keeping with the event's tradition to make the cents portion of the price the same as the current year.

Book those babysitters!

Desperate for a Cheap Date? ...

... An inexpensive night out on the town with the hubs, that is?! There are several Baltimore-based deals going on right now that will give you just that:

• Get two AMC movie tickets for $13 from Eversave Baltimore now through Thursday, Oct. 20. Quantities are limited, so act fast! 46% savings!
• If a movie alone won't cut it, check out Plum District Baltimore's date night deal. For $25 you get dinner AND a movie. The featured restaurant is the Crackpot in Towson, a spot my man and I just love (see my prior review here), and the tickets are for any AMC Theatre. 50% savings!
• Fine dining more your style? Check out Bluegrass in Federal Hill. Todd and I have been and really enjoyed their upscale food and relaxed atmosphere. Now through Friday, Oct. 21 you can get an appetizer, dinner and wine for $45 through Groupon Baltimore. 54% savings! 
• Also, don't forget our post on discounts to 18 Baltimore restaurants, which can be used anytime throughout 2011.

Weekend Outlook - October 14-16, 2011

Here are Economoms' picks for the best budget-conscious family activities in the Baltimore area for October 14-16, 2011:

All Weekend

• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Eleven family-friendly events planned this weekend - See specific days below for details.
• Discounts to 16 Family-Friendly Baltimore Attractions - Use anytime throughout 2011!
• Discounts to 18 Baltimore Restaurants - Think date night! Use anytime throughout 2011!

Friday

• Urban Pirates' After School Special: Save $5 on the 4 p.m. Family Adventure Cruise through fall 2011.
• Fridays After Five, Prices Take a Dive: At the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center through March 23, 2012. Admission is $8. Dolphin shows or 4-D experiences at the Aquarium are $4. IMAX shows and Planetarium presentations are FREE at the Science Center.

Saturday

• DogFest 2011 - Baltimore Humane Society, 1601 Nicodemus Road, Reisterstown, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. $10 entrance fee. 
• American Indian Heritage Day  - Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. $3 per person or $10 per car.
• Science Alive for Kids Under Five: Boats & Explorers - Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, 10- 11 a.m. FREE!

• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Drop-In Art Activity at the Walters - Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A different theme each month. October's theme is Creative Kid Geniuses. FREE!
• Pumpkin Fest - Hawks Hill Creamery in Street, MD. Every Saturday in October, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and every Sunday in October, 2-6 p.m. FREE admission!
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Admission to the Phoenix Shot Tower - Every Saturday and Sunday in October, noon-4 p.m.
• Scales and Tales at the Farm - Clark's Elioak Farm, noon- 2 p.m.
• Fish Printing Fun for the Whole Family - Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center,noon-1 p.m. 
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Vagabond Clown Clinic - Vagabond Theatre, Baltimore. This Saturday, as well as Saturday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 29, 2 p.m. Reservations required. Call 410-488-2404.  

Sunday

• Harbor Harvest Plus Milkshake in Concert - Downtown Baltimore, West Shore Park, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE! Rain date is October 23.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Drop-In Art Activity at the Walters - Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A different theme each month. October's theme is Creative Kid Geniuses. FREE!
• Family Fun on the Farm Weekend - Milburn Orchards in Elkton, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. $8 per person, 3 and under FREE.  
• Joanie Leeds & The Nighlights Concert - Offit Auditorium at the Beth El Congregation in Baltimore, 10:30 a.m. $10 per person, children under 1 are free.
• Family Nature Hike - Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills, 11 a.m. FREE!
• Critterpalooza - Maryland Naturalist Center, noon-4 pm. Includes a dress like a critter costume contest! FREE!
• Pumpkin Fest - Hawks Hill Creamery in Street, MD. Every Saturday in October, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. and every Sunday in October, 2-6 p.m. FREE admission!
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! World Rhythm Drum Festival at Port Discovery - Every Sunday in October, noon-1:30 p.m. Museum admission is NOT required, nor is it included with this event. 
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Admission to the Phoenix Shot Tower - Every Saturday and Sunday in October, noon-4 p.m.
•  FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Puppets in the Garden at Black Cherry Puppet Theatre - This Sunday, as well as Sunday, Oct. 23. Show times at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Stilt Walking Workshop - Presented by Nana Projects. Druid Hill Park, 1-3 p.m. Also available Saturday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. at Herring Run Park.
• Sounds of the Forest - Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 2- 4 p.m. Reservations Required. Call 410 887-1815. $3 per person, or $2 for members.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Family Sunday at the BMA - Every Sunday, 2-5 p.m. A different theme each month. September's theme is Spectacular Sculpture. FREE! 
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Painting and Drawing Workshop - The Painting Workshop in Mount Washington, 3-4:40 p.m. RSVP to classes@thepaintingworkshop.com.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Admission to the Baltimore Museum of Industry - Every Sunday in October, 4 p.m.

Follow Economoms by Email:

Personalized Trick-or-Treat Bag for as Low as $8.15 (Including Shipping!)

A plastic grocery bag just doesn't match a princess or pirate costume! To complete your child's Halloween gear in style, get a personalized trick-or-treat bag from Vistaprint for as low as $8.15, including shipping. There are 70 different styles to choose from and the personalization is FREE. Reuse the bag each year, which is green and saves you some green!

With this promotion, one bag costs $2, two bags cost $14.99, and three bags cost $21.74. Make sure you choose standard shipping ($6.15) or priority shipping ($7.15) to get your tote in time for Halloween, Monday, Oct. 31.

Follow Economoms by Email:

Discounted Tickets to Disney on Ice Dare to Dream

Right now my Macy's a little young ... But come this time next year, when she's almost two, I bet she'll be in full on princess mode! Tiara, "glass" slippers, and all! And you can bet I'll be searching for a deal when Disney on Ice Princesses comes to town.

This year's show, Dare to Dream, will be at the 1st Mariner Arena Wednesday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 30. It features the characters from Tangled, The Princess and the Frog, and Cindarella.

Get your tickets for as low as $15 each (including processing fees) by entering TMCEN at Ticketmaster checkout. Just enter the promo code in the box under the "Advance or Promotion Ticket Selection" section, and you'll get $6 off each ticket.

Follow Economoms by Email:

Weekend Outlook - October 7-9, 2011

Here are Economoms' picks for the best budget-conscious family activities in the Baltimore area for Friday, Oct. 7 through Sunday, Oct. 9:

All Weekend

• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Eight family-friendly events planned this weekend - See specific days below for details.
• Discounts to 16 Family-Friendly Baltimore Attractions - Use anytime throughout 2011!
• Discounts to 18 Baltimore Restaurants - Think date night! Use anytime throughout 2011!

Friday

• Urban Pirates' After School Special: Save $5 on the 4 p.m. Family Adventure Cruise through fall 2011.
• Fridays After Five, Prices Take a Dive: At the National Aquarium and the Maryland Science Center through March 23, 2012. Admission is $8. Dolphin shows or 4-D experiences at the Aquarium are $4. IMAX shows and Planetarium presentations are FREE at the Science Center.
• Latino Heritage Night - The National Aquarium, 5-9 p.m. FREE with admission, which is only $8 on Fridays after 5 p.m. A different culture is celebrated each first Friday of the month.

Saturday

• Pumpkin Harvest Weekend - Milburn Orchards in Elkton, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. $8 admission, 3 and under FREE. Admission includes hayrides, corn maze, boo barn, bale trail, tractor tunnel, farmyard playground, petting zoo and more!
• Drop-In Art Activity at the Walters - Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A different theme each month. October's theme is Creative Kid Geniuses. FREE! 
• PumpkinFest - Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. $10 per person. Children under 3 are FREE!
• Fall Harvest Festival - Cromwell Valley Park in Towson, noon-4 p.m. $5 donation per car.
• Farm Fest -Farmer Tom's Farm in Reisterstown, 1-6 p.m. Kids are FREE!
• Pumpkin Party - Oregeon Ridge Park, Cockeysville. Saturday and Sunday, 2-4 p.m. $5 per person.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Stilt Walking Workshop - Roosevelt Park, 3 p.m. Also available at other dates, times, and locations throughout October.

Sunday

• Pumpkin Harvest Weekend - Milburn Orchards in Elkton, Saturday and Sunday. $8 admission, 3 and under FREE. Admission includes hayrides, corn maze, boo barn, bale trail, tractor tunnel, farmyard playground, petting zoo and more!
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Drop-In Art Activity at the Walters - Every Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. A different theme each month. October's theme is Creative Kid Geniuses. FREE!
• PumpkinFest - Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. $10 per person. Children under 3 are FREE!
• Fall Harvest Festival - Cromwell Valley Park in Towson, noon-4 p.m. $5 donation per car.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! World Rhythm Drum Festival at Port Discovery - Every Sunday in October, noon-1:30 p.m. Museum admission is NOT required, nor is it included with this event. 
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Admission to the Phoenix Shot Tower - Every Saturday and Sunday in October, noon-4 p.m.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Puppets in the Garden at Black Cherry Puppet Theatre - This Sunday, as well as Sunday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 23. Show times at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
• Pumpkin Party - Oregeon Ridge Park, Cockeysville. Saturday and Sunday, 2-4 p.m. $5 per person.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Family Sunday at the BMA - Every Sunday, 2-5 p.m. A different theme each month. September's theme is Spectacular Sculpture. FREE! 
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Dance Classes - Charm City Dance Theatre, Classes at 2, 3, and 4 p.m.
• FREE FALL BALTIMORE! Free Admission to the Baltimore Museum of Industry - Every Sunday in October, 4 p.m.

Follow Economoms by Email:

Save the Date Mommas to Be! FREE Info Session

Where was I when the FREE classes were being offered last fall during my pregnancy? Probably sitting around eating chicken parm (That was my baby-on-board craving!). Or, maybe there just weren't any workshops being offered? I mean, I do follow just about every mom, kid, baby or family related resource available in Baltimore so you'd think I would have heard about it .........

Well, our friends at Pampered Mommas are filling the void. And it's my duty as an Economom to fill in all you frugally fabulous expecting ladies!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Nov.12 at 1 p.m. for a FREE birthing information session at the Living Classrooms Foundation in downtown baltimore. The following topics (which I really wish I could have learned more about before delivering Macy) will be covered:

• Hypnosis for Childbirth
• Pre-Natal Yoga
• Birth Doulas
• Pre/Post-Natal Massage
• Acupuncture During Pregnancy

Again, the cost is FREE! RSVP to rochelle@pamperedmommas.com by Friday, November 4.

Pampered Mommas is a concierge service for YOU, all the Baltimore moms out there. They offer a variety of services from mobile massages, manicures and pedicures, to nap nannies, meal delivery, babyproofing and more.

Follow Economoms by Email:

Thrifty Thursdays at Port Discovery

Thrifty Thursdays have returned to Port Discovery! Enjoy $8 admission after 1 p.m. on Thursdays beginning October 6 through December 22, 2011.

If you're not a stay-at-home mom and can't make Thrifty Thursdays, don't forget every third Friday of the month is $2 Family Fun Night. General admission is just $2 per person from 4-7 p.m.

Follow Economoms by Email: