Located at 9790 Patuxent Woods Drive in Columbia, the Family Support Center (FSC) brings Howard County families together to learn and have fun. The FSC's community-based programs are designed for parents, caregivers and their children from birth to age five. A variety of fun activities are featured below; view the full schedule of June events or email Ashton Sullivan for more information. If you are interested in a class and it is full, join the waiting list and we will contact you if we can add you to the registration. | | |
Tot’s Creative Corner
Thursdays June 5 & 12, 10 - 11 a.m. Register (Waiting list available)
Join us for an engaging weekly series for children ages 18 months to 36 months! Each session includes a fun song, craft and sensory activity to promote your child’s development. Parents and toddlers can bond while exploring creative activities that boost motor skills, language and imagination in a joyful and interactive setting!
Infant Discovery Play
Tuesdays, June 3 & 10, 10 - 11 a.m. | Register
Join us for a morning of tummy time and sensory activities for infants zero to 12 months, featuring simple, engaging activities to promote physical and cognitive development. Parents will learn ways to continue the fun and growth at home!
Animal Heroes: What's your social-emotional superpower?
June 17, 2 - 3 p.m. | Register
In this engaging workshop, children explore the unique strengths of four Chesapeake Bay animals: the turtle, lynx, oyster, and black bear, and discover how these qualities relate to social-emotional skills. Using the captivating techniques of Native American storytelling, and incorporating drama, dance, and song, children forge a deep connection with the animals in their neighborhoods.
Singing Sunshine Interactive Workshop
June 24, 2 - 3 p.m. | Register
Join an interactive and educational session as we embark on a journey of discovery by planting an imaginary seed. Through the magic of music, vibrant visuals and active participation, children will delve into the realms of plants, animals, insects, and more. Maintaining a rhythmic beat through clapping, stepping, and movement fosters coordination between body and brain.
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My Gym Fitness Classes at the Family Support Center
4 Month to 3.5 Years Class / June 2, 2 - 2:45 p.m. / Register
Pre-K Class 3.5 to 5 Years / June 16, 2 - 2:45 p.m. / Register
My Gym is a fitness program designed to help children develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. Structured, age-appropriate classes incorporate fitness, music, dance, puppets, games, sports and other activities to build confidence and self-esteem.
Drop-in Play Group at the Family Support Center
June 10, 10 - 11:30 a.m. / Register
June 26, 10 - 11 a.m. / Register
Children and their families can explore and play at our Family Support Center! Parents must stay with their children. This is a great opportunity for children to meet new friends and parents to network!
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During Men's Health Awareness Month, help break the stigma of mental health issues and support the mental well-being of the men in our lives. Let's check in with our brothers, fathers, partners, and friends, and remind them that it takes strength to speak up. Together we can build a healthier, stronger Howard County, one conversation at a time.
Men’s Mental Health Summit
Harriet Tubman Cultural Center | June 21, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Register
Designed to empower men of all ages to take charge of their mental health and well-being, this summit provides a safe space for open conversations, expert insights and practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. Enjoy an inspiring keynote address, engaging panel discussions and dynamic breakout sessions, all while connecting with other men. Together we can break the stigma and foster a community of resilience, understanding, and empowerment.
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"To support and maximize the development of your child's brain, it is the simple everyday things where the magic happens. Every predictable, attuned, loving interaction you have with your child teaches them that their world is a safe place, and that adults will meet their needs. By doing this day in and day out, you are creating a healthy attachment, and this becomes the foundation for all other learning." - Jan Ference, B.Ed.
To learn more about supporting your child’s brain development, sign up for free Basics Insights weekly text messages to receive text messages targeted to your child’s developmental age, from birth to five. Lean more and register. And don't miss Parenting with Empathy, a free virtual workshop on June 17 at 7 p.m.
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Howard County Public Libraries (HCLS) celebrate Summer!
From June through August read, listen, learn, connect and celebrate summer by participating in one of Howard County Library's summer reading programs. For book lists, classes, events, and summer fun, visit hclibrary.org/summer, or visit one of HCLS' branches to select your summer reading program. Return completed gameboards by August 31 for a chance to win a prize. To make the most of the summer reading program, attend our free virtual workshop, Supporting Summer Literacy on June 12 at 7 p.m.
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Is your child ready for kindergarten?
Registration for new students or students entering public school kindergarten in fall 2025 is open for all Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) elementary schools. Kindergarten is mandatory in Maryland; children entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before September 1, 2025. Visit the HCPSS enroll page to confirm which school your child is districted to attend, check the required documentation and begin the registration process. For more information, contact HCPSS at 410-313-6600 or read the June Kindergarten Readiness newsletter.
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HCPSS 2025 Free Summer Meals
Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is hosting their free summer meal program, which will run weekdays June 23 - August 1 (no service on July 4). There are no applications, enrollment or fees to participate in this program, however children must be present to receive free meals. Meals will be provided at no cost to any HCPSS student, as well as any children aged 18 and under.
Roving Radish Meal Kits
Add healthy variety to your family meals this summer with Roving Radish Meal Kits. Children can help with dinner since the pre-assembled kits provide easy prep. The dicing, slicing or cubing of produce and portioning of spices, liquids and condiments for recipes is done for you. Each week, you can order from two different meal kit options - meat or veggie. Each kit includes two recipes with four generous servings. Cost varies per recipe (Subsidized cost is $10 off regular price). To learn more about meal kits, food options and pick up locations, visit the Roving Radish online.
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It’s Farmers Market Season!
Howard County is home to world-class farmers markets and a variety of farm and produce stands. By choosing to buy from a farmers’ market, you are not only supporting local farmers but the local economy, and our environment, too. Shop small, shop local and support a farmers market near you! Find the locations of markets here.
Prevent Tick Exposure
Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during the warmer months (April to September). Reducing exposure to ticks is the best protection against tick-borne diseases. Personal protection practices - avoiding or reducing time spent in tick-infested areas, wearing protective clothing and tick repellent, checking for and promptly removing ticks - can help prevent tick-borne diseases. Review the following resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
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Unity in the Community Block Party
June 7, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. / Free Admission
Laurel Woods Elementary School
9250 North Laurel Road, Laurel, 20723
The Howard County Office of the Local Children's Board continues its Unity in the Community Resource Fair series with a block party at Laurel Woods Elementary School. The event features activities for the whole family, including face painting, a moon bounce, a DJ & music plus student performances and mini workshops. Be sure to pick up community resources and information, plus free food and groceries.
Wear Orange Gun Violence Community Unity Awareness Event
June 7, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | St. John Baptist Church, 9055 Tamar Dr., Columbia
Sponsored by Perfect Generation Ministries, Inc. (PGM Family) Free | Register
This event honors those directly impacted by gun violence, including families of victims and survivors. Visit vendors with free resources, enjoy live entertainment, guest speakers, food, music, and activities for all ages, including free haircuts!
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Good Vibes and Voices Concert
June 5, 6 - 8 p.m. | Rockburn Branch Park | Register
Current and former service members and families are invited to enjoy a night of FREE music, entertainment, healing conversations, lawn games, food, and fun. Plus, learn about local resources for service members, veterans, and military families.
Good Kid-izen 2025
June 14 & 28, 10 a.m. - noon, Color Burst Park, 6000 Merriweather Drive, Columbia
Young children will learn to be kind, responsible and engaged members of the community - while having a blast! This family-friendly, bi-lingual sing along event is designed to inspire kids ages two to eight through interactive activities, storytelling, hands-on learning, and plenty of fun. Free, register in advance.
Know Your Local Leaders
June 11, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Free | Register
Smith Theatre, Howard Community College
Geared toward the Asian American-Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, this event is an opportunity for community members to learn more about their local representatives. Howard County elected officials will speak directly with constituents on issues impacting the AAPI community. Light refreshments will be provided.
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