Hey Baltimore Family!
I am so relieved that both of my kids are finally at the same school this year, no more juggling double pickup lines or remembering who gets out early on which day! If you’re still finding your rhythm, I see you. Here’s what’s on the radar for September:
What Charm City Parents Need to Know This Month
Pre-K Prep Starts Now
Baltimore’s Pre-K applications don’t open until February/March, but families who start early have a much smoother process. Here’s what you need to know:
Kids must turn 4 by Sept. 1 to qualify.
Start gathering documents (proof of residency, birth certificate, immunizations).
Some Pre-K slots are zoned, others lottery-based — check the BCPS locator tool.
Charter schools = separate applications with different deadlines.
Always have 2–3 backups in mind.
Parent Tip: Make a digital or paper folder now with all your enrollment docs. Future you will thank present you.
Free Resource for You
If you’re new to Baltimore schools or just feeling overwhelmed, grab my [School Research Guide]. It’s a step-by-step roadmap I created to help parents figure out where to start with researching schools.
Key Dates
Aug 25: First day of school (City Schools)
Sept 2–13: Back-to-School Nights begin (check your school’s date)
Sept 17: SAT registration deadline for Oct 4 test
Helpful Links
[BCPS School Year Calendar] and I also created a Google Calendar version if you’d like it added directly to your own 😊
What’s Happening Around Town?
Fall in Baltimore is full of family magic — quirky festivals and outdoor fun. Here’s where to go this month:
Sept 13: Patterson Park Community Picnic at Castle Playground
Sept 14: Bird Walk at Cylburn Arboretum (led by Baltimore Bird Club)—Sunday morning, 8–11am
Sept 12 onward: Corn Maze Opens at Beachmont (Kingsville); Gambrills corn mazes begin Sept 13 and run weekends
Sept 13–14: Johnny Appleseed Festival at Weber’s Cider Mill Farm (also open for Fall Harvest Days every weekend)
Every Weekend: Fall harvest activities at Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
Ongoing Weekly Activities
Enoch Pratt Free Library Storytimes: Multiple branches, including Central Library Wednesdays and Saturdays
Waverly & Fell’s Point Farmers Markets: Open weekends, often featuring live music and occasional family activities
Featured Opportunities of the Month
Free or reduced price family things to do in the fall
Museum / Event | When | Cost |
October 25, 2025 | Free | |
Every 3rd Wednesday (4–8 PM) | Free | |
Oct–Mar (specific dates available) | $10 (discount) | |
Year-round | Free (exhibits may vary) | |
Year-round | Free |
Parent Tip: Pack water and snacks. Food lines are long, and hungry kids = cranky kids.
Parent-to-Parent Spotlight
Meet the Mom Behind HeartSmiles
Photo Credit: Cyera Williams WMAR News
This month, we’re shining a light on Baltimore mom Joni Holifield, founder of HeartSmiles—a nonprofit transforming the lives of local kids through mentorship, leadership, and real opportunity. After a successful corporate career, Joni returned to her West Baltimore roots following the unrest in 2015 with one mission: empower youth on their own terms.
HeartSmiles equips children as young as 8 with leadership and entrepreneurial skills, while removing barriers by providing meals, stipends, and transportation. In 2024, the program served around 1,500 Baltimore youths and celebrated a remarkable 100% high school graduation rate among its participants.
Why it matters: Joni’s work proves that parent-led vision, when rooted in heart and action, can ripple into transformative community change.
Takeaway: Some of the best city-building starts with one inspired parent. Want more uplifting stories like this? Subscribe to HCC Kids for local inspiration every month.
Do you know a parent making a difference in Baltimore? From launching storytimes to starting after-school clubs—we’d love to feature them in a future Parent Spotlight. Nominate a parent (or yourself!) by replying to this newsletter.
Ask HCC Kids: September Q&A
My daughter is 3 years old, do kids under 5 get free admission anywhere?
A: Yes! There are quite a few spots with free admission for little ones. The Baltimore Museum of Industry (BMI) offers free admission to children 5 and under. Adults pay standard ticket prices. The National Aquarium: Children ages 4 and under are always free. Anyone older pays standard prices. Baltimore Streetcar Museum: Admission is free for children under 4 years old.
There are also free museums such as the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
Q: We've been at the same school for three years but I'm not seeing the growth I want for my child. At what point do you make a change?
A: Trust your gut. If you've given a school 2-3 years and you're still not seeing the academic or social growth you want, it's time to explore options. Look, your kid only gets one childhood. Don't waste years hoping things will magically improve. Look at the actual data - test scores, how engaged your child is, whether they're being challenged. Sometimes a fresh environment is exactly what a kid needs to thrive.
Save or Splurge Kid Gear Picks
Some kids treat water bottles like their treasured best friend, others like disposable party favors. If you’re caught between grabbing the cheapest option or splurging on something sturdier, here’s how two popular picks stack up:
Hydration Sipper $5
Stanley Sipper $20-$40
Option | Approx. Price | What’s Smart About It | When It Makes Sense |
$5 | Affordable, easy to replace, handy handle & straw | Kids lose or drop bottles all the time | |
$20–40 | Temp retention, tough build, matching parent option | Long-term durability matters, fewer swaps |
Parent Resource of the Month
School Research Guide — If you’re comparing schools or prepping for enrollment, this free guide walks you through what matters. [Download it here]