Grab and Go Kids Planner: August 17 - 23

Do you want to sign your kids up for sports programs and fall enrichment classes?  The Montgomery County Department of Recreation just released its Fall 2011 Guide to Recreation and Park Programs.  Sign up for classes now at RecWeb.

This is also a great week to finish your back-to-school shopping.  Now through Saturday, Sept. 20, the state of Maryland has suspended state sales tax on qualifying purchases of apparel and shoes $100 or less as part of Shop Maryland Week.  For more detailed information, call 800-MD-TAXES or 410-260-7980.

Are you looking for something fun to do with the family?  Check out the great line-up of events in our area this week: 

• TWILIGHT TOTS
John Henry England, known as The Guitar Man, plays music that gets all ages up and moving.  In case of inclement weather, concerts may be moved indoors to the RIO Center atrium; check the Washingtonian Center Facebook page for updated information. 
Where: Lakefront Plaza, Washingtonian Center, Gaithersburg
When: 6 p.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 17
Price: Free

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The 63rd Annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair continues through Saturday.  Enjoy live entertainment, exhibits, animals, games, and more than 40 carnival rides.  Today is Family Day; a one-day Megapass wristband for carnival rides costs $15 until 4 p.m.  The pass is good until midnight.  
Where: in Gaithersburg
When: 10 a.m. to midnight for the fairgrounds and noon to midnight for the midway, Wednesday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 20 
Price: Admission is $10, free admission for children age 11 and younger; food and drink, midway games and carnival rides cost extra.

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Splash season is winding down, so be sure to hit the playground before it closes for the year.  Dash through the water maze, stand under the bucket drop and sit on the spraying animals before enjoying 18 holes of miniature golf.  Call 301-670-4680 for more information.
Where: , 18056 Central Park Circle, Boyds
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Price: $5 per person per activity or $7.50 for a splash and golf combo (one round of golf, all day at the splash playground).  Kids under age 2 are admitted for free.

• CHILDREN'S STORYTIME
Listen to readings of popular children's stories at the stage in the children's section.   
Where: at the Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg
When: 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 20
Price: Free

• TRAIN DAY
View model train displays and tour a caboose and nearby steam locomotive as you watch today's trains go by.  For more information, call 301-258-6160. 
Where: Gaithersburg Community Museum, 9 S. Summit Avenue in Gaithersburg
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20
Price: Free

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Rebuilding the Blocks is hosting a party for kids with poetry, singing, games, music and face-painting.  For more information, call Shawntel Randolph at 202-446-5343.
Where: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, 19910 Frederick Road in Germantown
When: 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20
Price: Free

• PLANT A SEED ACTIVITY
Kids are invited to the craft tent to decorate a miniature flower pot and plant a seed. 
Where: Clarksburg Town Center Farmers Market, intersection of Public House Road and Ebenezer Chapel Drive
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21
Price: Free

• PRESCHOOL FILM FEST
This is the last film fest of the summer!  Children ages 2 to 6, attending with a caregiver, will enjoy four to six short films based on popular children picture books.  Siblings are welcome and no registration is necessary. 
Where: Damascus Public Library
When: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug.  23
Price: Free

• KIDS NIGHT
Silly Bus closes out the summer concert season this week.  From 5 to 9 p.m., a number of restaurants also offer special meal deals for families.
Where:
When: 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23
Price: Free (for shows)