School is out for the summer and there are so many activities to keep everyone busy. I have the luxury of spending summertime with my own two children while I take a break from teaching so I am always on the lookout for fun things to do that keep us active. If they are educational, that is a bonus. We have enjoyed walks and bike rides around Lake Elkhorn in Columbia and around the lake at Centennial Park. We have also been paddle boating and canoeing in the lake for a small fee. The Columbia Association Parks & Pathways cares for over 3,500 acres of open space including footbridges, tot lots, Symphony Woods, ponds and lakes and natural open space areas which are excellent for walking, bike riding or jogging. Many sites include picnic areas and fitness trails. I recommend getting a complete map of Howard County's Pathways for a small fee at Columbia Association Welcome Center, 10221 Wincopin Circle. You can also go to www.columbiaassociation.com.
Centennial Park is also the location for Sunset Serenades, a weekly concert series. Bring a blanket and picnic dinner and enjoy an evening performance in the scenic park. Modestly priced concession menu items are available. Concerts occur Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and the first performance is planned for June 29th. Midnite Run is the classic rock band concert goers will enjoy. Children's music, R & B, soul, Celtic rock, blues and country are planned for future concerts. The schedule is subject to change so call 410-313-4700 for information about bands. For a recorded announcement about cancellation due to inclement or extreme heat- related weather, call 410-313-4451 after 5 p.m. on the day of the performance. Canned food drives will be held throughout this summer concert series so bring non-perishable food items on Wednesdays to Centennial Park. Parking donations are appreciated but not required. For a schedule of events or more information visit, www.howardcountymd.gov/rap/.
If you are a music lover then you will also want to know about the Travelin' Bands Summer Time Concert Series sponsored by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. Bring the family and enjoy the sounds of summer and free ice cream. Events are presented by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks and sponsored by Edy's Grand Ice Cream. Parking donations are appreciated; locations and dates vary. For a schedule of events or for additional information, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/rap/ or call 410-313-4700.
The Lakefront Summer Festival is sponsored by Columbia Association and held on the lawn at the Downtown Columbia Lakefront, located off of Little Patuxent Parkway in Columbia. Admission is free and so is parking. No glass containers or alcoholic beverages are permitted on the premises. There is great entertainment throughout the summer every night of the week from mid-June through late August. Movies continue on the weekends until mid-September and concerts are on Sundays through September. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy the live performances and movies. The schedule has something for everyone and can be found at www.columbiaassociation.org/calendar/category/lakefront-summer-festival/. You can also email CALakefrontFestival@gmail.com with questions.
One of my favorite local places to visit is the Robinson Nature Center. We have been on Wednesdays because admission is free. Gardening Get-Togethers will occur at the Robinson Nature Center this summer. Every Thursday and Saturday, weather-permitting and excluding holidays, you can venture into the outdoors with the employees of the center. You can work with them to tackle various volunteer stewardship projects. They would appreciate help from the community on projects that may include planting native wildflowers, removing invasive plants, maintaining native trees and shrubs, maintaining trails and cleaning up trash. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Information is available from Brian Campbell at 410-313-0400. You can email him at bcampbell@howardcountymd.gov.
Whatever you do this summer, I hope you enjoy it. Be sure to let me know if your neighborhood has something special to share.