File photo by Matt Roth

Birding for Kids
Take a hike with a park ranger and learn the basics of birding such as where to look, what to listen for and how to identify birds March 28. Bring good hiking shoes and water. Birding books and binoculars optional. All ages welcome. The hike will be one and a half miles or less and will take place in the McKeldin Area of Patapsco Valley State Park from 10 to 11 a.m. Call 410-461-5005 to sign up. $2 per person.

Photo courtesy of Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil
Back in Baltimore from March 12 to 29, Cirque du Soleil presents its latest touring production “Kooza” under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (big top) in Lot O near M&T Bank Stadium. “Kooza” combines two circus traditions — acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. Shows will run Tuesdays through Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $38 for children and $49 for those 13 and older. For tickets call 1-800-678-5440 or visit CirqueDuSoleil.com.

Cover illustration by Janell Cannon

Stellaluna
Come see the story of the baby bat Stellaluna when she is dropped from her mother’s grasp and lands in a nest of birds. Can she learn to live like a bird? The Kids’ Entertainment production of the classic book will be on stage at The Lyric in Baltimore March 11 at 10:30 a.m. Recommended for ages 4 to 9. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased at the Lyric Box Office at 140 W. Mount Royal Ave. or 410-547-SEAT or Ticketmaster.com

File photo by Nate Pesce

Empty Bowls
Enjoy delicious soup supplied by local restaurants, live music and fun family activities — all in the name of eliminating homelessness — at Empty Bowls 2009, March 7 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. You can even take home the bowl — handcrafted by local artists and students — as a reminder that many people are faced with hunger and homelessness each day. Cost is $15 per person and free for children 5 and under. Proceeds benefit the programs of St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore. There will also be a silent auction. The college is located at 4701 N. Charles St. in Baltimore and the event will be in Doyle Hall Cafeteria. Call 410-662-0500, Ext. 216 or visit St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore for tickets.

Photo by National Wildlife Visitors Center

Refuge Birthday
Help celebrate the 106th anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System at a birthday bash March 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel. There will be live animals, children’s crafts and activities, nature walks and other family related activities. Weather permitting, there will be tram tours through forest, wetland and meadow habitats. Recently, a pair of bald eagles have been sited flying behind the center, located at 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop. 301-497-5763 or Patuxent Research Refuge.