Parents mutter about not having enough time to do the things we want/need to do. It’s particularly frustrating when we carve out free time but can’t find anything interesting to do with our kids. Patch will help you out each week by providing a Grab and Go list of upcoming events and activities that are parent/child friendly.  

• May 6-8, Thomas the Train at the B&O Railroad Museum.  Meet Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt, take a train ride and enjoy entertainment, activities and fun. Buy tickets online as this is a popular event. Times: Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• May 6, Stargazing. Check out the night sky courtesy of the college's observatory at the Dundalk campus. Call about 45 minutes beforehand to make sure the skies are clear enough. CCBC, Dundalk Campus, 7200 Sollers Point Rd. 410-282-3092.
• May 6, 20 Imagination & Creation Exploration Friday. May is geology month at the Maryland Science Center. Come learn about rocks and minerals. Ages 5-8. 3 p.m. in the Kids Room. 410-685-5225.
• May 7, Meet the Critter, Irvine Nature Center. 11-11:30 a.m. 11201 Garrison Forest Rd., 443-738-9200.
• May 7, Campfire Cooking, Irvine Nature Center. 7-8 p.m. 11201 Garrison Forest Rd., 443-738-9200.
• May 10, Unplugged, Open Mic Night. Get onstage to share poetry, music or other creative skills. 7 p.m. Resv. Req. Baltimore County Library, North Point, 1716 Merritt Blvd. 410-887-7255. Recurring second Tuesday/month.
• May 11, Families, Members Wiggle Wednesday. Wiggle, squirm and play as we enjoy games, movement and even science. 11 a.m. Ages 2-5. Maryland Science Ctr., in the Kids Room. 410-685-5225.
• May 12, Baby Boosters Story Time. Simple stories, music and rhymes for babies, birth-23 months, with an adult. 10:30 a.m. Resv. Req. Baltimore County Library, North Point, 1716 Merritt Blvd. 410-887-7255. Recurring second and fourth Thursday of month.
• May 12, Preschool Story Time. Spend time enjoying stories, songs and activities. 10:30 a.m. Baltimore County Library, North Point, 1716 Merritt Blvd., 410-887-7255. Recurring every Wednesday.

Plan Ahead

• Maryland Zoo’s 2011 Breakfast with the Animal Series. Get up close and personal with the animals/keepers. Ticket includes zoo admission. The Maryland Zoo, marylandzoo.org Druid Hill Park, 443-552-5276.

Anytime Suggestions

• Bowling, AMF Dundalk Lanes, Xtreme Bowling, late nights or weekends. Lights, music, bowling challenges, food/drinks. 1101 Merritt Blvd., 410-282-2000. Pinland Bowling Lanes, 10 N. Dundalk Ave., 410-285-0135.
• Laser Tag, Ultrazone, Eastpoint Mall, $7.50, single or $25 all-day pass. 410-288-0881.