WASHINGTON — Demonstrations, exhibitions and performances are all part of the fun planned for Saturday, when the University of Maryland hosts its 20th annual open house for Maryland Day.
Maryland Day “learning neighborhoods” are divided into six themes: There’s Science and Tech Way; Ag Day Avenue, Art and Design Place; Biz and Society Hill; Terp Town Center, and Sports and Rec Row.
There will be hundreds of activities, but you don’t have to wander around aimlessly to find something you’re interested in. You can plan your itinerary here.
“You can search by keyword,” said the university’s Cynthia Martinez. “If you’re interested in herbs, we have herbs. You can take ladybug home — a Terrapin ladybug that’ll eat up all the bad things in your garden to help [it] grow.”
Type “insect” in the search box, for example, and you’ll see on the event map where you can visit the Insect Petting Zoo. Martinez said a bunch of furry friends will be there, including Rosie the tarantula, Twiggy the walking stick and Dwayne the vinegarroon. “He looks like a scorpion, but he’s not. He’s very friendly,” Martinez said.
Sports and Rec Row will feature fitness demonstrations, gymnastics exhibitions and opportunities for kids and adults to get active and burn off some energy.
“You can participate in the obstacle course which includes jumping over things [and] under things, and even go up the rock climbing wall or bounce on small trampolines,” Martinez said.
Maryland Day runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. There’s free admission and free parking anywhere on campus. There also are bicycle valet tents near Terp Town Center, Ag Day Avenue and Art and Design Place.
