Walktober

Wednesday, October 1, 10:00am Adult Beyond Words at the Central Branch - 10375 Little Patuxent Pkwy., Columbia, MD 20144

Step into the fun and active world of Adult Beyond Words, an inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of people (ages 18+) with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.  Participants may partake in five engaging stations, that include:

• Motor Skills - with activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination
• Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
• Cognitive Skills - with puzzles and cognitive challenges that nurture intellectual growth and problem-solving skills
• Movement - with active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration that focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
• Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress

With a new theme and different stations each month, Adult Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth.  Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.  Caregivers must stay with participants at all times. Each participant must be registered individually and must be on the registration list in order to attend this class.  Click on this link to register.

Thursday, October 2, 6:00pm Fun Run/Walk with Charm City Run Columbia

We are excited to partner with Black Flag Brewing Company for weekly Thursday evening runs/walks! All paces are welcome to join us for a fun run or walk at Charm City Run Columbia. We will start and end at the store, go for a 2-3 mile run or walk, and all participants will receive a coupon for a discount at Black Flag Brewery!  Click here for details. 

Saturday, October 4, 9:00am Walk with a Doc - Centennial Park

Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare provider, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance.  For details and information, click here.

Saturday, October 4, 9:00am  Every Step Counts Walk & 5K Run

Get ready to tap into your superpowers and show your support for the Autism community at one of the most exciting events of the year! We’re bringing back a beloved tradition — and this time, it’s more super than ever! Join us for an action-packed day featuring a 5K Run, 4K Walk, and a chill 1K Stroll, all wrapped in an epic SUPERHERO theme! Kids 11 & under register FREE — so bring the whole crew! The fun doesn’t stop at the finish line: Bouncy inflatables Bubble artist Face painters Roving superheroes Food trucks Resource fair … and surprises around every corner! It’s a day full of joy, connection, and community spirit — powered by amazing local sponsors, elected officials, and partners who believe in making every step count. Grab your cape, lace up your sneakers and get ready to fly! Register at the link below to Run, Walk or Volunteer! #EveryStepCounts #AutismStrongMD  Register here.

Saturday, October 4, 10:00am  Serendipity Wild Walk

Part of the joy of nature is the serendipity – you never know what you might encounter. Join our volunteer naturalists for a guided hike through the Conservancy’s grounds to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and discover the natural wonders that await. Families are welcome; this hike is best suited for ages 8 and up. Space is limited. $5 per person.  Information and registration here.

Saturday, October 4, 12:00pm (Freetown Farm) New to Community Ecology Institute Tour

Come take a guided tour of Freetown Farm where you will learn about the farm's history, the Community Ecology Institute (CEI), a Howard County-based nonprofit with the mission to cultivate communities where people and nature thrive together, and opportunities for all ages to get involved! Click here to register.

Saturday, October 4, 12:00pm (North Laurel Community Center) Fall Festival

Come enjoy an afternoon full of music, games, entertainment, light refreshments, and more. This outdoor, family-friendly event has something for everyone. Online preregistration encouraged but not required. Click here for more information.

Saturday, October 4, 2:30pm (Freetown Farm) Family Nature Walk

Families are invited to see our Columbia footpaths with new eyes! Meet native plants, invasive plants, and useful plants. Look for cool mushrooms to photograph. See what signs of woodland creatures we can find. Ask questions and share knowledge! Along the way we will stop at some tot lots to play. To register, contact Sara Smith.

Sunday, October 5, 3:00pm (10980 Grantchester Way Columbia, MD 21044) Downtown Columbia Culinary Walking Tour

Footsteps to food and fun in Downtown Columbia, Maryland. A perfect way to get in your steps and find your next favorite eats. Full event information and registration can be found on Eventbrite.

Monday, October 6, 9:00am (East Columbia 50+ Center) Walktober Walk

Enjoy a walk with Howard County community members at the East Columbia 50+ Center in celebration of Walktober! To register contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410.313.7394.

Monday, October 6, 10:00am  Hickory Ridge Community Walk

Connect with neighbors, make new friends and learn about the community. Meet at 10:00am at The Hawthorn Center at 6175 Sunny Spring in Columbia. Questions? Email community@hickoryridgevillage.org or call 410-730-7327.

Tuesday, October 7, 10:00am (North Laurel 50+ Center) Intergenerational Walktober Walk

Enjoy an intergenerational walk with 50+ Center members and North Laurel Community Center preschoolers at the North Laurel 50+ Center in celebration of Walktober! To register contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410.313.7394.

Tuesday, October 7, 11:00am (Blandair Regional Park, North Area) Encore Showcase

It’s Active Aging Week! Come celebrate with free activities geared towards keeping your mind and body active! Enjoy mini fitness sessions, quick art projects, giveaways and more. You’ll also have a chance to try your hand at bocce and archery. Visit our website for the most up to date schedules, information and to preregister. Preregistration is not required but is recommended for event updates. Info: Tessa Hurd, 410-313-7311 or thurd@howardcountymd.gov.

Thursday, October 9, 10:00am (Glenwood 50+ Center) Walktober Walk

Enjoy a walk with Howard County community members at the Glenwood 50+ Center in celebration of Walktober! To register contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410.313.7394.

Thursday, October 9, 10:00am  Long Reach Walktober Event - 6110 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD  21045

Join your neighbors in Long Reach to celebrate Walktober, a statewide initiative promoting walking and its benefits. This is one of the best times of the year to appreciate the beautiful spaces we have in our community. The one-hour walks highlight pathways in three different neighborhoods in Long Reach. Guided walk and talk with guest speaker: Mandy Elder. No registration needed.  This event is FREE and open to all ages.

Thursday, October 9, 6:00pm  Fun Run/Walk with Charm City Run Columbia

We are excited to partner with Black Flag Brewing Company for weekly Thursday evening runs/walks! All paces are welcome to join us for a fun run or walk at Charm City Run Columbia. We will start and end at the store, go for a 2-3 mile run or walk, and all participants will receive a coupon for a discount at Black Flag Brewery! For details and registration, click here. 

Saturday, October 11, 9:00am  Walk with a Doc - Downtown Columbia Lakefront 10275 Wincopin Circle.   Meet under the People Tree sculpture (brick area near the fountain and Bailey Park).  

Join AARP Maryland for Walk with a Doc – a free community walking program! Each event is led by a local healthcare provider and is open to people of all ages and abilities. The program allows participants to safely take a walk, enjoy the outdoors, learn more about current health topics, and make new friends. Mark your calendars for the 2nd Saturday of the month at 9 am. We’ll meet at the People Tree sculpture (brick area near fountain and Bailey Park). We hope to see you at our next walk! For information and registration, click here. 

Saturday, October 11, 10:00am (Gary J. Arthur Community Center) Truck or Treat

Celebrate Halloween with a “wheely fun” day outdoors! Come dressed in your favorite costume to trick-or-treat at trucks, tractors, emergency vehicles, and more, while meeting hometown heroes. Register for a 75-minute time slot. Visit the website for more information and to register.

Monday, October 13, 9:30am  Move and Groove Mondays - Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD  21042

Ages 3-5 with adult. 30 minutes, Ticket required. Come move and groove with us as we explore music! Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class. For more information, click here.

Monday, October 13, 10:30am  Move and Groove Mondays - Miller Branch Library, 9421 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD  21042

Ages 3-5 with adult. 30 minutes, Ticket required. Come move and groove with us as we explore music! Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class. For more information, click here.

Monday, October 13,  10:00  Beyond Words at the Miller Branch Library - 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City, MD  21042

Step into the fun and active world of Adult Beyond Words, an inclusive monthly class designed to spark joy and ignite the imagination of people (ages 18+) with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. Participants may partake in five engaging stations, that include:

• Motor Skills - with activities that celebrate fine motor movement and coordination
• Arts & Crafts - where imagination and artistic vision come to life, giving voice to the unique expressions within
• Cognitive Skills - with puzzles and cognitive challenges that nurture intellectual growth and problem-solving skills
• Movement - with active games, physical challenges, and other movement exploration that focuses on gross motor skills, balance, etc.to get participants up and moving
• Sensory - where calm, relaxation, and play combine to stimulate and regulate the senses to reduce anxiety and stress

With a new theme and different stations each month, Adult Beyond Words is not just a class; it's an invitation to celebrate the joy of discovery and the magic of shared experiences while creating personal connection and growth. Participants may stay for as little or as long as they want.  Caregivers must stay with participants at all times. Each participant must be registered individually and must be on the registration list in order to attend this class. To register, click here.

Monday, October 13, 10:00am  Hickory Ridge Community Walk

Connect with neighbors, make new friends and learn about the community. Meet at 10:00am at The Hawthorn Center at 6175 Sunny Spring in Columbia. Questions? Email community@hickoryridgevillage.org or call 410-730-7327.

Thursday, October 16, 10:00am (Claret Hall) Exploring Columbia on Foot

This month's walk will take place at River Hill. Meet outside Claret Hall. Take a walk around Open Space with award-winning author, Ned Tillman, and CA Sustainability Manager, Danielle Tyeryar and explore lakes, streams, woodlands, and wildlife! Visit the website for more information and to register.

Thursday, October 16, 6:00pm. Fun Run/Walk with Charm City Run Columbia 

We are excited to partner with Black Flag Brewing Company for weekly Thursday evening runs/walks! All paces are welcome to join us for a fun run or walk at Charm City Run Columbia. We will start and end at the store, go for a 2-3 mile run or walk, and all participants will receive a coupon for a discount at Black Flag Brewery! For details and registration, click here. 

Friday, October 17, 11:00am  Howard Community College Third Annual Fall for All (on the Quad)

Howard Community College is excited to welcome you to our third annual Fall for All on October 17, 2025! This free, family-friendly event falls on a day when HCPSS schools are closed for students, making it the perfect opportunity to visit campus and enjoy a day of fall fun and festivities. We'll have pumpkin-themed activities and a pumpkin patch, face painting, moon bounces, candy, an inflatable corn maze, and more! Our sustainability group will feature local exhibitors that will have activities for all ages.  For more information, click here.

Saturday, October 18, 9:00am (Downtown Columbia Lakefront) Walk with a Doc

Walking group meets under the People Tree statue in front of the Off Shore restaurant. Walk with a Doc is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. You’ll take a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active, and enjoy all the benefits that come from walking. Walk your own pace and distance. Visit the website for more information and to register.

Saturday, October 18, 12:30pm (Roger Carter Community Center) Floating Pumpkin Patch

Join us for a thrilling time with your family and friends. Jump into the heated pool to find your floating pumpkin. Enjoy games, crafts and refreshments. Come dressed in costume, but don’t forget their bathing suit! Preregistration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult (under 5 yrs must have a parent within arm’s reach in the pool). For ages 3-11 yrs. Event is $12 for members; $15 for nonmembers. Visit the website for more information and to register.

Monday, October 20, 10:00am Hickory Ridge Community Walk

Connect with neighbors, make new friends and learn about the community. Meet at 10:00am at The Hawthorn Center at 6175 Sunny Spring in Columbia. Questions? Email community@hickoryridgevillage.org or call 410-730-7327.

Tuesday, October 21, 10:00am (5570 Sterrett Place, #102 Columbia 21044) Walk with Neighbor Ride

Come out and celebrate Walktober with Neighbor Ride! Neighbor Ride enhances the health and quality of life for Howard County’s seniors by providing the comfort and peace of mind of affordable, passenger-focused transportation services through a reliable, volunteer-based system.

Wednesday, October 22, 1:00pm (Ellicott City 50+ Center) Walktober Walk

Enjoy a walk with Howard County community members at the Ellicott City 50+ Center in celebration of Walktober! To register contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410.313.7394.

Thursday, October 23, 6:00pm Fun Run/Walk with Charm City Run Columbia

We are excited to partner with Black Flag Brewing Company for weekly Thursday evening runs/walks! All paces are welcome to join us for a fun run or walk at Charm City Run Columbia. We will start and end at the store, go for a 2-3 mile run or walk, and all participants will receive a coupon for a discount at Black Flag Brewery! For details and registration, click here.

Sunday, October 26, 8:00am (Carroll Baldwin Hall) Savage 7k Run/1 Mile Historic Walk

Built of stone from the Little Patuxent River, Baldwin Hall has served as the community center of Savage, Maryland for over a century. Funds from each year’s event help restore and maintain this historic gem.  Please come for an autumn run or walk through our lovely community, and enjoy music and homemade baked goods afterward!  Registration opens June 7th and is limited to 200, so sign up early!  Sign up here.

Monday, October 27, 9:30am  Move and Groove Monster Fun - Miller Branch Library 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City, MD  21042

Ages 3-5 with adult. 30 minutes, Ticket required. Come move and groove with us as we explore music!  Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class. For more information, click here. 

Monday, October 27, 10:30am  Move and Groove Monster Fun - Miller Branch Library 9421 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City, MD  21042

Ages 3-5 with adult. 30 minutes, Ticket required. Come move and groove with us as we explore music!  Tickets will be available at the children's desk 15 minutes before class. For more information, click here. 

Wednesday, October 29, 11:00am (Bain 50+ Center) Intergenerational Walktober Walk

Enjoy an intergenerational walk with 50+ Center members and our Harper's Choice Middle School neighbors at the Bain 50+ Center in celebration of Walktober! To register contact Michelle Rosenfeld at 410.313.7394.

Wednesday, October 29,  6:00pm  Cryptid Crawl & Halloween-ish Hike

Join arborist Lou Meyer and Conservancy naturalists on a night hike to discover what sorts of creatures might be lurking in the dark! Maryland lore is full of spooky and spectacular legends, including the Goatman of PG County, our watery friend ‘Chessie’ and the Snallygaster. The scary level will be kept low for the kiddos as the group hikes along the Conservancy’s trails at night. Recommended for ages 5 years and up. This program’s rain date is Nov. 5. Space limited. Advanced registration required.  Information and registration, click here.

Thursday, October 30,  10:00am Long Reach Walktober Event - 6110 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD  21045

Join your neighbors in Long Reach to celebrate Walktober, a statewide initiative promoting walking and its benefits. This is one of the best times of the year to appreciate the beautiful spaces we have in our community. The one-hour walks highlight pathways in three different neighborhoods in Long Reach. Guided walk and talk by speaker: Danielle Tyeryar, CA Sustainability Manager.  Registration is not required – Show up ready to walk! This event is FREE and open to all ages.

Thursday, October 30, 6:00pm Fun Run/Walk with Charm City Run Columbia

We are excited to partner with Black Flag Brewing Company for weekly Thursday evening runs/walks! All paces are welcome to join us for a fun run or walk at Charm City Run Columbia. We will start and end at the store, go for a 2-3 mile run or walk, and all participants will receive a coupon for a discount at Black Flag Brewery! For details and registration, click here.

Cedar Lane-West
Centennial Park
High Ridge Park
Meadowbrook Park
North Laurel Park
Robinson Nature Center
Rockburn Branch Park
Schooley Mill Park
Warfield Pond Park
Western Regional Park
Wilde Lake Park

* Created by HCHD in collaboration with HC Dept. of Recreation and Parks in August 2021

Take advantage of Columbia Association's pathways during the month of Walktober (October 2023): All month long, the community is encouraged to explore over 95 miles of pathways. You can access more than 170 tot lots, nearly 300 footbridges, three lakes and more. Whether you walk, bike, jog or roll, CA's pathways are open to everyone! So what are you waiting for? Walk. Breathe. Explore.