Some Businesses are Just Fun

Business is business, but some businesses are all about bringing the fun. As schools let out, parents will be looking for things to do with their kids. And as the days get longer and we start making up for all of those cold winter days when we were locked inside, adults are looking for some fun, too.

The Parkville-Overlea area is brimming with businesses meant to add fun and whimsy into your daily life. Everyone’s idea of fun is a bit different, so here are a few businesses that cater to children, adults and hobbyists of all ages.

It seems natural to start a column on summer-related businesses with ones dedicated to swimming and hot tubs. on Harford Rd. has been designing and engineering pools for Baltimore residents for more than 50 years. If you have a pool already, they can remodel and update it, then provide filtration and sanitization services. Another interesting service Hohne provides is a landscape and design services to turn your backyard pool area into a serene oasis, a place to unwind after you’ve put in a long work day.

ABC Pools and Hot Tubs (locations on both Oakleigh Rd. and Belair Rd.) carries pools, hot tubs and saunas, as well as all of the products you’ll need to keep your pool in tip-top shape for the summer. They’ll test your water and track down answers for any problems you're having so you don’t miss critical sun-and-fun time.

When you’ve had enough water, and you want to come in from the sweltering heat, Parkville-Overlea offers many air-conditioned choices. Let’s start with the see/do activities.

At the ,  that since they’ve opened in ’74, she’s noticed that people who came to the bowling alley initially are now bringing their children and even grandchildren in for a duckpin game. The size of duckpin balls makes this a great family event; no one needs to be left out. Maximize fun at a “rock & bowl” event which features a live DJ.

Keep an eye out for specials and coupons for Parkville Lanes. Groupon recently offered a coupon special offering 50 percent off.

For night-time fun, gather up some friends for a few games of pool on one of 25 tables at  on Satyr Hill Rd. There’s also five table tennis tables, arcade games and light foods (pizza, hot dogs, nachos, sandwiches).

Or, maybe a few games of bingo are in order. on Cleanleigh Dr. is open every day but Sunday. on Belair Rd. operates Monday-Saturday as well, and offers food.

Hobbies are a fun way to pass a lazy summer day, and several local businesses cater to the hobbyist. on Kenwood Ave. is a haven for train enthusiasts. The store includes full models, diorama supplies and a place to share your love of trains with others.

on Harford Rd. features hobby kits that both adults and children will enjoy. In fact, a model rocket kit or train kit may be just the thing to share with your child as you introduce him to the world of scale modeling.

For crafts that follow more in the jewelry and needlework line, two local stores: on Joppa Rd. and the Needlecraft Center on Harford Rd. are good see-and-do choices. Jo-Ann’s covers sewing, knitting, scrapbooking, beading and even cake decorating. Good deals are always coming out of Jo-Ann’s, Try to time your visit to a day  you have a coupon. If you’re not on a mailing list, go online and register, and you’ll get coupons and deals delivered to your inbox.

Check out the Needlecraft Corner’s website to see the variety of cross stitch and needlepoint kits and supplies it carries. You’ll find a wide display of yarn, embroidery threads, kits and supplies to get your child interested in a time-honored art form. The site even displays finished products from the kits.

Before summer officially begins, start making a list on what sorts of fun things you want to make part of your time off. Then check out these local sites to either get the right tools or add even more ideas to your list.