Grab a picture with Testudo at Maryland Day at UMD.
Two of my very favorite (and completely free) Route One events are happening this weekend. On Saturday, everyone can be a Terp at Maryland Day, the university’s massive community open house. And on Sunday, Hy-Swap, Hyattsville’s free exchange of baby and children’s clothing, toys and gear is back for the first time since 2019! You can also dance your way through the weekend by learning some moves from Latin America or India, or catching a performance by the Black Dallas Dance Theatre.
FRIDAY
Become a mad scientist by conducting hands-on, fun science experiments using basic scientific principles at Greenbelt Library. All participants 2 years or older must wear a mask to this event.
When: 4 to 5 pm
Where: Greenbelt Library
Cost: FREE! (register in advance)
Teen Poetry Night (ages 10-17)
Your teen or tween can channel their inner Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, or Langston Hughes at this poetry exploration night.
When: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Prince Georges Plaza Community Center
Cost: FREE!
Teen Yoga Night (ages 10-17)
The last few years have been tough on all of us, including teenagers. Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and improve mental health. Teens will learn beginner’s yoga moves and meditation techniques that they can use to stay centered and focused as they weather life’s challenges.
When: 7 to 10 pm
Where: Rollingcrest-Chillum Community Center
Cost: FREE!
When: 8 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday; 4 to 6 pm on Sunday
Where: Publick Playhouse, Hyattsville
Cost: $30/person; $25 for seniors, students
SATURDAY
Maryland Day (all ages)
The University of Maryland invites you to unlock a world of learning, discovery and exploration at Maryland Day. Take part in hundreds of family-friendly events and interactive exhibits during a daylong celebration and inspiring journey across campus. My family always enjoys visiting the animals at the campus farm and grabbing some ice cream from The Dairy. We’re also eyeing up the official Maryland Testudo bobblehead giveaway as our snazzy addition to our home decor.
When: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: University of Maryland, College Park
Cost: FREE!
Turtle Craft at Studio A!
Join us at UMD’s Studio A where we will be hosting a paper plate turtle craft! This is a fun event for kids to get creative and design their own turtle.
When: Noon to 4 pm
Where: Studio A is in the basement of the Stamp Student Union
Cost: Free!
Compañeras de viaje: Dancing Through Latin America (all ages)
The Takoma Park Library presents “Compañeras de viaje: Dancing Through Latin America” at the library’s front lawn. Learn folkloric dances from five different countries in this interactive, bilingual (English/Spanish) performance for the whole family. Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on, a plush toy, and a scarf to play with! In case of rain, the event will meet at the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium.
When: 1:30 to 3 pm
Where: Takoma Park Library
Cost: FREE!
The YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is a chance for families to learn about staying healthy while having fun. The Silver Spring YMCA will have a fire truck, police cruiser and dump truck for the kids to check out, plus kids’ zumba, a family exercise class, a basketball shootout, and a water safety workshop. Other YMCA locations in the area are also hosting Healthy Kids Day events, so check them out, too.
When: 10 am to 12 pm
Where: YMCA Silver Spring
Cost: FREE! (register in advance)
Outdoor Archaeology Lab (ages 8+)
Kids ages 8 and up and their participating adult can join archaeologists to process real artifacts that were found in Mount Calvert park, including ancient Indigenous stone tools, colonial pottery, and tobacco pipes from an 18th century plantation. Participants will get their hands dirty while cleaning and identifying these amazing discoveries.
When: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park, Upper Marlboro
Cost: $5 (register in advance)
When: 8 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday; 4 to 6 pm on Sunday
Where: Publick Playhouse, Hyattsville
Cost: $30/person; $25 for seniors, students
Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea & the Arts (all ages)
Take a drive up Route One to Laurel, where the Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea, and the Arts is live for the first time since 2019! Visit vendors, hear live music by Waterside Vibes and poetry by the teen poets of Dialect of Prince George’s County, take in a gardening talk, or go on a guided nature walk or an herbal scavenger hunt. The event is free, but you an order a Deluxe Afternoon Tea Box full of yummy treats to enjoy at the festival for $20.
When: 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Montpelier Mansion and Arts Center, Laurel
Cost: FREE!
When people in the northwestern Indian state of Gujarat want to celebrate, the ecstatic dance tradition known as garba often provides the fuel. Garba is an intoxicating, high-energy folk dance style marked by hand claps and twirls. You’ll learn garba, sanedo and other Gujarati folk dances with the dance instructors, and dance (or just listen) to live music. Feel free to wear a long, flared skirt, kurta top, or other Indian clothing.
When: 11 am to 12 pm and 1 to 2 pm
Where: University of Maryland School of Music Courtyard
Cost: FREE!
SUNDAY
When: Donation drop-off from 9 to 11 am; shopping from 1:30 to 3:30 pm (register in advance)
Where: David C. Driskell Park in Hyattsville
Cost: FREE! (register in advance)
Children’s Day at the Museum (all ages)
Learn about healthy eating and the science of cooking with educational activities, crafts and snacks at this “Farm to Table” themed family event. The event starts in the Laurel Municipal Pool Room and continues across the street at the Laurel Museum. It’s free, but donations are appreciated.
When: 1 to 3 pm
Where: Laurel Municipal Pool Room
Cost: FREE!
Join your neighbors to stroll University Park and hear local music. This family-friendly event has a great lineup of acts and is a fun way to meet your neighbors and appreciate the Route One community. And the azaleas are bringing their A-game this week, so that should make for an especially lovely backdrop to enjoy the local bands. Be sure to pack some snacks and beverages to enjoy as you stroll, plus a blanket in case you want to sit and stay awhile.
When: 2 to 6 pm
Where: Various porches around University Park
Cost: FREE!
As always, please call ahead to confirm the event’s status before heading out, especially when inclement weather is in the forecast!
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