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 children from birth to age five. A variety of fun activities are featured below (held at the FSC unless otherwise noted). View the full schedule of FSC October programs (in English or Spanish) 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. | | |
My Gym Fitness Classes
Littles (six months - 2.5 years) Class | October 6, 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Register
Pre-K Class (2.5 - 5 years) | October 20, 2 – 2:45 p.m. | Register
Age-appropriate classes incorporate fitness, music, dance, puppets, relays, games, gymnastics, sports and other activities. Children have fun as they exercise and gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility while learning social skills.
| | |
Field Trip to Larriland Farm
Thursday, October 9, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Register
Children will enjoy a hayride tour of Larriland Farm, pick their own pumpkin to take home and explore the straw maze.
Breastfeeding Support and Dads Workshop
Thursday, October 16, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Register
Learn how a dad's support can make a big difference in breastfeeding success. Get tips, benefits and guidance from certified lactation consultants to make breastfeeding a positive experience for all.
Discover the Circle of Security
Mondays, October 20 – December 15, 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Register
As parents, we all feel lost at times, and may not know what our child needs from us. The Circle of Security Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how to secure and strengthen parent-child relationships.
Family Resiliency Series (Parent Encouragement Program)
Tuesdays, October 21 – December 16, 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Register
This course is designed for parents and caregivers of children 0-5 years old to strengthen parenting confidence, promote children’s mental wellness and foster resiliency and success in school. Explore interactive tools, group sharing and skill-building exercises on emotional coaching, limit setting, motivation, and mental health.
Engaging Families in School Readiness Series
Wednesdays, October 22 & 29 and November 5 & 19, 10 – 11 a.m. | Register
Parents and children (ages 3–5) can learn and grow together while building essential skills for school success. Families explore routines, early literacy, foundational math and social-emotional development through games, crafts and guided activities, and receive resources to take home.
Helping Children Transition Between Activities
Wednesday, October 22, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Register to attend in person or
Register to attend the workshop virtually
For some children, transitions such as moving from outside play to dinner or from playtime to bedtime, can be challenging and may lead to frustration or difficult behaviors. Learn practical strategies to help your child understand and anticipate what’s coming next, to make transitions smoother, calmer and more successful for the whole family. This hybrid session can be attended either virtually or in-person.
Empowering Voices: Supporting Children with Speech Delays
Wednesday, October 22, 5:30 – 7 p.m. | In-person at the FSC | Register
Thursday, October 23, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Register
It can be frustrating for both you and your child when you don’t understand what they said. Learn about a children's speech sound development from one to six years and what sounds they should be saying at each age. Explore strategies to support speech sound development and how to respond in ways to reduce frustration.
Drop-In Play Group
Thursday, October 23, 10 – 11 a.m. | Register: Children and their families are invited to 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!
| |
Trunk or Treat
Thursday, October 30, 10:30 a.m. – noon | Register
Families are invited to start the event inside the Center for story time before heading out to enjoy the festivities. Kids are encouraged to come in costume, visit all the trunks and enjoy themed snacks, too.
Family Game Night at the FSC
Tuesday, October 28, 5:30 – 7 p.m. | Register
Games are a great way for families to engage with their children while children learn social skills and practice fine motor skills.
| | |
Grooving with Grands
Family Support Center | October 16, 11 a.m. – noon | Register
Calling all grandparents and grand-caregivers with little ones (birth to age five), join us at the Family Support Center for a morning of music, dancing and story time in English and Spanish. Celebrate family connections and support creativity, language, rhythm and social-emotional growth.
A Grand Day Out: The Mayhem Magical Circus
Ellicott City 50+ Center | October 17, 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Register
Bring your grandchildren ages 4-11 (it’s a Howard County school holiday) and join former Ringling Brothers Circus performer Gregory May as he juggles, walks on a rolling globe, spins plates and ropes, and more! Cost: $5/person.
| | | |
The Basics: Story Remix
When the last page is turned, the story doesn’t have to end. Invite your child to tell it back to you in their own words or even change a part of it. You’ll see their imagination shine while they practice remembering details, expressing ideas, and building confidence in speaking.
If your child is under five, and you want more tips like these, sign up to receive free weekly Basics Insights text messages based on your child’s developmental stage (available in English and Spanish).
| | |
Navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Process
October 6, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Howard County Library System | Virtual | Register
Learn how to refer a student for assessment, the differences between IEPs and 504 Plans, and the steps in the IEP process. We'll cover parent roles, how to prepare for meetings, key questions to ask, and what happens after the IEP is in place. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge to confidently navigate the special education process.
Public Benefits One Stop Shop
Accessing public benefits in Maryland is now easier than ever. Through the new state benefits portal, you can apply for a range of essential programs including food and cash assistance, childcare support, healthcare services, job training, and energy relief. The portal also offers resources for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those providing care for children or vulnerable adults. To find out what you qualify for and apply online, visit https://benefits.maryland.gov/home.
The PEACE Project Diaper Giveaway
October 21, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (while supplies last)
The Howard County Health Department's PEACE Project will hold a diaper giveaway at the Health Department, located at 8930 Stanford Boulevard in Columbia, 21045.
| | |
Civic Works Energy Audits & Weatherization Upgrades
Civic Works Energy Programs offer home energy audits and weatherization upgrades for Central Maryland households. Upgrades are recommended on a case-by-case basis and may include insulation, air sealing, ventilation or major appliance replacement. Income-qualified homeowners will receive audits and upgrades at NO cost. For more information, view the flier, visit Home - Civic Works or contact Civic Works at 410-929-6084 or email apatterson@civicworks.com.
| | | |
Howard County Family
Leadership Program
November 7, 5 - 9 p.m. & November 8, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Parents and caregivers of school-aged children facing mental health challenges, can gain a better understanding of their child’s behavioral health needs, learn to navigate special education services and other local systems that families rely on and more. The in-person training includes meals and overnight accommodations. Support for childcare and transportation expenses is also available if needed. Registration is due by October 17. To be eligible, you must be a Howard County resident and a parent or caregiver to a school-aged child with mental health challenges and be willing to commit to attending both days of the event. Learn more from Maryland Coalition of Families and submit your application.
| | |
Getting started with sign language
October 7, 7 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Unlock the power of sign language to support your child’s communication. Learn simple, practical signs that can help infants, toddlers, children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities develop early language and social interaction skills and spoken language abilities. Sponsored by Down Syndrome Association of Maryland.
When they wander away
October 14, 6 - 8 p.m. | Virtual | To register, email partnersforsuccess@smcps.org
Presented by Pathfinders for Autism for families of children with disabilities, the workshop addresses reasons why individuals might elope; safety preventive measures parents and caregivers can put into place; and what information is most beneficial for police if your loved one goes missing.
Autism and Sleep
October 15, 7 - 8 p.m. | Virtual | Register
Learn to create a simple bedtime blueprint, so your child knows what to expect, and how to encourage the right choices with reinforcement and consistency. Sponsored by Behavioral Framework and Pathfinders for Autism.
| | |
2025 Autism Conference: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures | October 17
Join the Kennedy Krieger Center for Autism Services, Science, and Innovation (CASSI™) as they celebrate their 30th anniversary and continue their mission to transform the lives of autistic individuals and their families. As part of this celebration, the 23rd Annual Autism Conference will spotlight innovative research and its practical application, offering new insights that are shaping the future of autism care and support. Learn more and register to attend.
| | | |
This Walktober, Walk your way to health!
Did you know that walking is Maryland's official exercise? Howard County celebrates Walktober in October as a month dedicated to walking, rolling or riding your way to good health. There are over 100 Walktober events to choose from to start your family's journey to better health. Go to howardcountymd.gov/walktober to find your favorite. Get moving!
Family Fun Corner
Get into the Halloween spirit with your children with these family-friendly ideas.
A good scare can bring us closer together. Turn off the lights, gather around a flashlight and get your scariest voices ready. Look for age-appropriate stories like Gustavo the Shy Ghost, There’s a Ghost in this House or Goodnight Goon.
- Make a Halloween Costume Together
Trick-or-treating wouldn’t be as fun without the costumes. It’s one thing to buy a costume from the store, but how about making a scary or silly one with your children?
Carving a pumpkin can be difficult for young children, so why not paint one instead? This activity gets kids excited for the season and encourages their creativity.
For more ideas, check out “500 Things to do with your Children Before They Grow” Up by Linda Williams Aber and Corey McKenzie Aber.
| | |
Fall Festival & Pumpkin Painting
October 4, Noon - 3 p.m. | North Laurel Community Center | Register
Families with children age four and above will enjoy music, games, entertainment, light refreshments, and more at this outdoor, family-friendly event. $5 admission. Plus, pick a pumpkin from our indoor "patch" to decorate with stencils, paint and stickers. Register for pumpkin painting ($10).
Floating Pumpkin Patch
October 18, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Roger Carter Community Center | Register
Jump into the heated pool to find your floating pumpkin. Enjoy games, crafts and refreshments. Come dressed in costume, but don’t forget a bathing suit!
Halloween Tricks, Treats and Trees
October 25, 9 - 11:30 a.m. | Robinson Nature Center | Register
Join an adventure where nature’s “tricks” are revealed at delightful stations among the trees. Make a potion with a witch and delight in Halloween-inspired puppet shows, crafts and themed sensory play. Admission is $10/person; $5 for ages four and under.
Happy Haunted Hayride
Saturdays, October 19 & 26, 2 - 4pm. | Rockburn Branch Park West
This family-friendly hayride for ages 2 - 7 is cute, friendly and not so scary. Registration is $5 at gate (cash only). More information.
Marvel, Chicken & Waffles, Volume III
October 20, 6 - 8:30 p.m. | Harriet Tubman Center | Free | More information
Celebrate National Chicken & Waffles Day! Come dressed as your favorite Marvel character and indulge in Marvel movie screenings, free popcorn, games and activities. Chicken and waffles will be available for purchase. All ages are welcome.
| |
Find more activities in the HCRP Fall Activity Guide
From sport, dance and cooking classes, to seasonal events and activities to do when school's out, there is something for everyone in the Howard County Recreation & Parks’ Fall 2025 Activity Guide. Online, in-person, over-the-phone, and mail-in registration is now available.
| | |
Experience Voices of Change: Embracing the Power of We October 30, 5:15 - 8 p.m. | Howard Community College/Smith Theatre | Register
All are invited to attend Voices of Change: Embracing the Power of We, a live theatre presentation which addresses the impact of lived experiences and helps navigate today’s world. Presented by the Howard County Office of the Local Children's Board, the event features an engaging presentation of visual arts and multimedia storytelling produced by Grant Harvey, and a keynote address by Dr. Kaye Whitehead. Refreshments served during the networking opportunity starting at 5:15 p.m., followed by the keynote at 6 p.m. Free admission. View the flier for details and register now!
| | | | |
Share the Parent Pages with others, or encourage them to subscribe and sign up today!
| | | | | |
