Call For Entries In Howard Co. Coloring Book Contest

Students are encouraged to enter a drawing into the annual coloring book contest designed to promote the three Rs - reduce, reuse, recycle.

Donate Bicycles Saturday To Free Bikes 4 Kidz

Free Bikes 4 Kidz is collecting gently used and new bicycles Saturday that will be refurbished and donated to children and other nonprofits.

Merriweather District Hosts Good Kid-izen Program in Color Burst Park

Free family-friendly activities help teach children values of kindness, responsibility and community and what it means to be a good citizen

Merriweather District Hosts Good Kid-izen Program in Color Burst Park

Free family-friendly activities help children learn values of kindness, responsibility and community and what it means to be a good citizen

$250K Funding Earmarked To Support Summer Youth Employment Program

County officials have tagged $250K out of the budget to support the Summer Youth Employment Program and help it grow.

$1M In Grant Money Awarded To 27 Childcare Providers

The $1 million Childcare Capital Grant​ has awarded funding to 27 childcare providers across Howard County.

Earth Day Celebration Features Eco-Friendly Activities for the Family

Color Burst Park is site of tree giveaways, DIY workshops to create terrarium, decorate peat pots and plant seedlings, and a yoga class

Where Are The Best Local Sledding Hills, Hotspots In Ellicott City?

Marylanders might see more snowfall this weekend. So where can everyone go sledding? Let Patch know the best local hills in town.

First Early Head Start​ Program Announced In Howard County

Leaders have announced the first Early Head Start program to be located in Howard County that will serve infants and toddlers.

Friends of the Fourth Offer Lakefront Pavilion Seats & Picnic Supper

Musical entertainment includes Big Joe & the Dynaflows blues jump band and Quitapenas Tropical Afro Latin combo

Holiday Fun for Families Slated Dec. 8 and 15 at Columbia Lakefront

Free treats, music, ice sculpture, and arts and crafts for children offered by Columbia Association and Downtown Columbia Partnership

Breakfast with Santa Set for Dec. 2 and 9 at Seasons 52 at The Mall

Grassroots crisis intervention center and shelter for the homeless is beneficiary of the fundraiser

Breakfast with Santa Set for Dec. 2 and 9 at Seasons 52 at The Mall

Fundraisers benefit Grassroots crisis intervention center and shelter for individuals and families who are homeless

Holiday Fun for Families Slated Dec. 8 and 15 at Columbia Lakefront

Free events with seasonal music, arts and crafts, and ice sculpture hosted by Columbia Association and Downtown Columbia Partnership

Breakfast with Santa Set for Dec. 2 and 9 at Seasons 52 at The Mall

Proceeds from fundraiser events benefit Grassroots crisis intervention center and emergency shelter

The Mall in Columbia Hosts Thanksgiving Food Drive for Grassroots

Non-perishable food items and financial donations sought to supply holiday meals for individuals and families in the emergency shelter

Crafts, Storytime, Trick-Or-Treat At Spooktacular At Color Burst Park

Spooktacular at Color Burst Park will be Thursday night. RSVP now and enjoy decorating pumpkins, storytime and trick-or-treating.

Annual HoCo Coloring Book Contest Accepting Entries Through Jan. 26

The annual Coloring Book Contest ​hosted by HoCo's Department of Public Works’ Bureau of Environmental Services seeks entries from kids.

Help Provide A Ride For Youth, Donate Bicycles To Free Bikes 4 Kidz​

Drop off an unused bicycle Saturday at any Howard County fire station that will be refurbished and given to kids through Free Bikes 4 Kidz.

Enjoy Fireworks in Comfort: Lakefront Plaza Seating and Picnic Supper

Cash bar, all-you-can-eat meal from Offshore restaurant plus uncrowded view of the fireworks offered by Friends of the Fourth

$22M Remodel Of Faulkner Ridge Center Into Universal Preschool Center Announced

County officials announced a $22M remodeling project of the Faulkner Ridge Center into a universal preschool center for Howard County kids.

Easter Egg Hunt and Petting Farm set for Sunday, April 2, 1-3 p.m.

Kittleman Farm in West Friendship is site for games and activities for children and adults, including Chocolate and Mimosa Bar

Easter Egg Hunt for Local Families Set for April 2, at Kittleman Farm

Bunnies, guinea pigs, turtles and even reptiles featured in Petting Farm. Hot cocoa, mimosas and snacks served at benefit for Grassroots.

Easter Egg Hunt for Local Families Set for April 2, at Kittleman Farm

Petting Farm, Mimosa and Chocolate Bar, Games and Other Activities Featured at Benefit for Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center

Breakfast with Santa Set Dec. 3 and 10 at The Mall in Columbia

Seasons 52 hosts annual fundraiser for Grassroots, Howard County's only 24-7 crisis intervention center and shelter for the homeless

Seasons 52 Serves Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 3 and 10 at The Mall

Proceeds benefit Grassroots, Howard County's 24-7 crisis intervention center and shelter for individuals and families who are homeless.

The Mall in Columbia Hosts Thanksgiving Food Drive for Grassroots

Non-perishable food and financial donations sought to provide meals for individuals and families in Howard County's shelter for the homeless

The Mall in Columbia Launches Thanksgiving Food Drive for Grassroots

Non-perishable food items and donations sought for meals for individuals and families living in Howard County's shelter for the homeless

"A Summer Sunday in the Country" Benefit for Grassroots is Sept. 25

Picnic barbeque, hand craft beer, live music, fishing, outdoors games and other activities featured at Kittleman Farm in West Friendship

"A Summer Sunday in the Country" Benefit for Grassroots is Sept. 25

Picnic barbeque, hand craft beer, live music, fishing, outdoors games and other activities featured at Kittleman Farm in West Friendship

Rotary Clubs Host All You Can Eat Crab Feast at Fairgrounds Sept. 17

Hot crabs, cold oysters, pit beef, beer and wine included in $85/person admission; tables of 10 are $800 and include reserved seating

A Summer Sunday in the Country Fundraiser Set for Grassroots Sept. 11

Kittleman Family Farm is site for picnic barbecue, music by What's Next, outdoor games, Moon Bounce, fishing contest and other activities

'Mama Milk Bank' Connects Moms Needing Milk For Babies With Donors

Moms needing milk for their babies but can't find formula at the stores can turn to the Mama Milk Bank and be connected with donors.

Summer Camps, Activities For All Ages Abound In Howard County

Here's where to go for information about summer camps and activities available for all ages in Howard County.

1st Children's Museum In Howard County Opens Saturday

The first children's museum in Howard County opens Saturday with interactive exhibits and special rooms depicting a 19th century mill town.

HoCo Center Earns Reaccreditation During Child Abuse Prevention Month

HoCo's child advocacy center has earned reaccreditation, which was celebrated recently during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Grassroots Cold Weather Shelter Serves Record Number of Children

Local faith communities assisted with emergency shelter program which housed 23 children, aged 6 months to 17 years, during winter season

4 New Interactive Learning Spaces Installed At HoCo Library

Four new interactive learning spaces have been installed at the Glenwood Branch of the Howard County Library System in Cooksville.

$15M In Housing Assistance Distributed To HoCo Residents

Rental assistance remains available to Howard County residents. The county has distributed $15 million in assistance as of Dec. 1.

Breakfast with Santa Set for Dec. 11 at Seasons 52 at The Mall

Proceeds benefit Grassroots, Howard County's crisis intervention center and shelter for the homeless

5 Ways Families Can Avoid Overspending This Summer — And Beyond

Summer spending doesn't have to break the bank! Here are a few ways to cut back while still having some big fun all year.

Helpful Pregnancy Advice That Moms-To-Be Should Embrace

If you're pregnant, don't stress— a new book explains just what to do while making your baby, from healthy diets to the checklist you need.

Tidying Up: How To Declutter Our Lives As Parents

It's common to feel suffocated by all of our material objects. Luckily, there are some ways to simplify our lives as parents and people.

7 Expert Tips On Managing Your Picky Little Eaters

Every parent wants to crack the code on their picky eaters — without having to force-feed them. Here are some techniques that will help.

Traveling With A Toddler: Pro Tips And Avoidable Fails

Planning a getaway with a toddler? It might not be as sunny as you hoped, if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to remember!

7 Signs You Might Be Over-Parenting

A recent book suggests that over-parenting your child could be doing more harm than good — but how do you know when you're guilty of it?

What Is A Lawnmower Parent — And Are You One?

You've heard of the helicopter parent, but there’s a new term sweeping the playgrounds. Are you guilty of it?

6 Ways To Balance Parenthood And A Successful Career

With a little creative thinking, courage, and planning, you can find a modern-day workflow that actually works for you and your family.

This Is What A Good Babysitter Costs In Washington D.C.

Get the breakdown on what childcare will cost you, plus an exclusive discount for Patch readers who are ready to book a sitter.