Child's Play: 'Beauty and the Beast'

Don't forget to reserve your tickets for the Ballet Theatre of Maryland's opener, a hauntingly transformative retelling of the classic fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast."

Suffused with magic, metaphor, humor, romance and symbolism, BTM's dancers bring these beloved fairy tale characters to life at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 25 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, 801 Chase St.

Attendees of the Oct. 25 matinee can join Belle and her friends at a Princess Party following the performance. Come dressed as your favorite princess or fairytale character and enjoy treats, games, autographs, photographs and guest appearances by Beauty and her Beast. The party is included when you purchase a ticket for the matinee performance.

Tickets are $40 with discounts available for children, students and seniors. For tickets and more information, call 410-280-5640 or visit www.mdhallarts.org.

Family Toon Day

Enjoy a toony-rific day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at Port Discovery children's museum in Baltimore.

This event is a mix of free and paid entertainment, activities and opportunities for kids to meet their favorite cartoon characters. Visiting will be The Berenstain Bears, Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants and Pablo from The Backyardigans.

Also on the schedule: * The Kindersinger, Things that go Eek, Squeek and Book, 1 and 1:30 p.m. * Wildlife Adventures, a combination of live animals, fun props and audience volunteers, 1 and 2 p.m. * Magic and Balloon Sculpting with Bubbles the Clown, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. * Moonbounce Fun by Astro Events, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Activities outside Port Discovery's doors are completely free while activities inside Port Discovery are free with paid museum admission.

Port Discovery is at 35 Market Place in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday; and 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Admission is $12.95 for ages 2 and up.

For more info, visit www.portdiscovery.org or call 410-727-8120.

Pumpkin, pumpkin

Children ages 3 to 5 can learn about pumpkins, take a garden walk and decorate their own pumpkin to take home at 10:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave. Cost is $1 and registration is required. For registration and info, call 410-260-8189.

Kids' bingo Children can wear costumes to a kids' Halloween bingo for ages 5 to 12 Oct. 25 at the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department, 2380 Davidsonville Road in Gambrills. Doors open at 1 p.m. and games begin at 2 p.m. All children must have a parent sign them in and sign them out at the end of the games.

Children younger than 8 years must have a parent stay to help them play. A costume contest will be held during intermission. The cost is $10 and includes lunch, which will be served between 1 and 2 p.m. The proceeds benefit the Arundel Ladies Auxiliary. Reservations are requested but not necessary.

For reservations and more information, call 301-261-9580 or 410-451-0742.