Summer Resources 2026

This information is not sponsored or endorsed by HCPSS,

but serves to extend resources for students and families.

Lakefront Live is where Columbia comes together to make summer memories, and everyone’s invited.

Upcoming FREE events include:

• Juneteenth at the Lakefront, June 19th
• Teen Night, June 27th
• July 4th Celebration, July 4th
• Pride in July, July 25th

Check out the full events calendar and more here: Lakefront - Columbia Association

The Walters Art Museum is free to the public and typically offers a variety of free special programs for children during the summer. Visit at 600 North Charles Street , Baltimore, MD

Learn more about programs for families and kids here: thewalters.org/experience/programs/families/

Grab a blanket, chair, scooter, bike or just have a seat on the lawn and enjoy the music at the Centennial Park Amphitheater (10000 MD 108, Ellicott City). All concerts are free and start at 7pm.

See schedule for the summer series: Centennial Lake Concerts

Please see the flyers below for some upcoming summer opportunities in our neighborhood for young students.

Main Event at Columbia Mall offers 2 free games per day for children ages 2-15.

Learn more by visiting their website: Kids Bowl Free Program

Colorburst Park has FREE concerts, children’s programs, exercise programs and a splash pad.

Events and RSVP links for each event this summer can be found here: Color Burst Park Summer Series

We are lucky to have some beautiful libraries in our county!

Check out the Savage Branch & STEM Education Center, 9525 Durness Lane, Laurel, MD 20723. Classes and events are offered daily at this branch (for children, teens, and adults!)

They also offer a Summer Reading Program - read, track, and win prizes!

Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark (Arundel Mills location)

• Enjoy exciting, family-friendly entertainment for just $1.75 per ticket for each movie. Save even more on your visit with $1 OFF deals on snack packs and any size popcorn & drink combos during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.
• Wednesdays at 9:30am, June 1 through August 6. Select theatres will offer additional showtimes throughout the week, so be sure to check your local theatre for more Summer Movie Clubhouse fun!

Checkout their website for further info: Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Summer Movie Camp at AMC (Columbia Mall location)

• Get discounted tickets to family favorites every Monday and Wednesday from June 22 to August 12. A portion of the proceeds will support the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.
• Discounted KidsPack concessions for just $6.29 will also be available!

Checkout their website for further info: AMC Summer Movie Camp

Star parties bring people together to share their fascination with space and the night sky. The Howard Astronomical League (HAL) hosts public star parties, as well as members-only events at Alpha Ridge Park from March to November.

Public (FREE) star parties are held on one Saturday each month, begin at dusk and last until 11pm. They include educational activities for kids as well.

Check out their website for schedule and further info: HAL - Star Parties

The Howard County Fair is an annual summer event in West Friendship, Maryland. It celebrates the region's agricultural roots and is hosted by the Howard County Fair Association at their expansive Fairgrounds.

The Fair will take place August 8-15, 2026.

Learn more about the cost of admission, full schedule, entertainment, rides, and more here: Howard County Fair

Visit Indoor exhibits and children's discovery room, outdoor trails and natural play area, planetarium, gift shop, and more! - 6692 Cedar Ln, Columbia, MD 21044

Visit Tuesday through Sunday 9am-5pm (CLOSED Mondays)

Call 410-313-0400 for up to date info and closures

General Admission Prices:

• $5 for Adults
• $3 for Children ages 3-17
• Free for Children under 3
• *Visitors that present a SNAP EBT card will be granted free general admission for their household of up to 4 individuals as part of the Museums for All program*

Learn more at: howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/robinson-nature-center

The Columbia Association offers “Play Memberships" that include access to pools, tennis, ice skating, and mini golf. There is a sliding scale membership available for income-qualified families. At full fee, the “Play Membership" for a family costs $86 for non-Columbia residents and $46 for Columbia residents.

Check out all the details and apply for membership here: CA Play Membership Info

The Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum complex. Eleven museums are located along the National Mall in Washington, D.C., six others and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are nearby. All museums are free to the public and increasingly have hands-on learning areas for children.

Plan your visit and learn more here: www.si.edu/visit

There are a variety of camps offered each week in our area. Most camps provide before and after care for parents who work outside of the home and many can be half or full-day. Half-day camps cost less and still give your child the benefit of skill-building and socialization with peers.

Although camps can be expensive, scholarships are available. See below for more info.

Our Community Partner, Savage Mill, encourages kids and families to get into the community to try some new activities! See Savage Mill camp offerings here: https://www.savagemill.com/schools-out-time-for-summer-camps/

School’s Out; Time for Summer Camps!

All info can be found in the links provided below:

• Summer Activity Guide
• Camp Guide
• General Information on Financial Assistance
• Financial Assistance - English

• Financial Assistance - Spanish

• The Y of Central MD - Summer Program Options
• 2026 Camp Brochure
• Y Open Door Savings - Discounts, Financial Assistance

Howard Community College’s Kids on Campus program offers summer enrichment education for youth ages 6 to 17 in areas such as STEM, creative arts, test prep, and more. Supervised lunch and after care options are available as well.

General Information can be found here: HCC Kids on Campus

Interested in financial assistance for this program? There are limited funds available for Howard County residents who meet the eligibility requirements. Email noncreditfinaid@howardcc.edu to request an application form or for more information.

The CARE Center's CARE Line is a FREE information and referral service for people who have questions about children in Howard County. CARE Center staff work with families to identify their needs and help find solutions.

For assistance, call 410-313-CARE (410-313-2273).

The Roving Radish Mobile Marketplace offers affordable, farm fresh food for everyone: families, staff, and community members! Come shop with us ALL SUMMER!

📍Where: BBES Bus Loop

🗓 When: Every Tuesday from 2:45-4:30pm

Regular Members: Sign up for 50% off weekly special items.

Exclusive Members: Qualify through a subsidy to receive FREE weekly specials + 50% off all other items.

Membership is free; come check out the mobile market and sign up there!

The Howard County Multi-Service Center provides assistance with connecting to resources within our community. Call 410-313-0220 for assistance or visit: HC-MSC

Along with providing resources assistance, the MSC Food Pantry provides pre-packaged "grab and go" bags and is open Mondays and Wednesdays, noon to 4:00 p.m. and the third Saturday of the month, 9:00am to 1:00pm. View the flyers below for further info:

English Flyer - - - Spanish Flyer

Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) is a comprehensive "one-stop shop" designed to connect individuals and families with vital support systems. While based in Prince George's County, LARS has recently expanded its reach into Howard County to better serve the local community.

Food Bank Services (No Proof of Need Required)

Robust food bank that serves as an excellent supplement to other local food resources.

• Accessibility: The food bank accepts walk-ins and does not require proof of need.

• Monthly Support: Families are eligible to receive food once per month.

• Generous Quantities: Each family receives one full bag of groceries per family member, plus an additional bag for the head of household.

• Variety of Goods: Available items include pantry staples, fresh produce, meats, diapers, and various household products.

Comprehensive Case Management & Referrals

Beyond food assistance, LARS provides holistic support through case management and specialized referrals for:

• Housing & Legal: Assistance with rent, homeless services, and legal aid.

• Health: Referrals for medical care and health-related needs.

• Additional Perks: Vouchers for local thrift shops to help with clothing and home essentials.

Location & Contact Information:

📍 Address: 311 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD 20707

🌐 Website: www.laureladvocacy.org

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