Weekly Event Round-Up

Independence Day is past us and the kids are beginning to get on our nerves? OK maybe that's just me and our household. I am however still looking for free kids activities!  Here are several this week that should be brought to the attention of frustrated parents throughout Ann Arbor.


In honor of the final Harry Potter movie coming out this week,
try your hand  at playing a Muggle version of Quidditch
this Friday at the Ypsilanti District Library!

Start tonight be getting squeaky clean, or at least let your kids and tens create their own felt ball. The technique requires warm water and soap, so at least they'll be clean from the elbows down.

At 7:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Mallets Creek Branch (3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor) kids and teens can create wool felted balls to make a string of beads or a pet toy for a furry friend. For more information, call the Youth Department at 327-8301.

Tuesday also promises fun with the Rave Free Family Film Festival (4100 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti) when the family sees Marmaduke at 10:00 a.m. The free movie festival is every Tuesday and Wednesday for two chances at fun.

The AADL Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor) has a fun activity for teens. Kids in grade 6 and up, can sew a colorful pocket for their iPod or MP3 player using colorful felt, embellishment items, and embroidery thread. All supplies are provided free.

Keep the fun rolling mid-week by learning to make root beer Wednesday at the Ypsilanti District Library's Wacky Wednesday program. From 3:00-4:30 pm at the Whittaker Branch (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) kids can join in on the fun making their own sudsy head of root beer to enjoy. Families might also want to consider watching a bit of magic when Jeff Wawrzaszek visits the AADL Pittsfield Branch at 2:00 p.m. or the Traverwood Branch (3333 Traverwood Dr, Ann Arbor) at 7:00 p.m.

Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) is also a great resource for free craft activities for the kids (as well as many at a very low cost!) and the "Draw a Framed Masterpiece" event from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. is no exception. Kids can choose from 12 different frame designs to create a masterpiece using crayons, markers, or stamps.

If outdoor skills are what you are looking for (or if you are a scouting family as I have) then head over to the AADL Mallets Creek Branch (3090 East Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor) of the library for Outdoor Survival Training 101 With Bivouac. From 7:00-8:30 p.m. learn about emergency basics for camping, hiking or exploring out in the wild. Maybe it will even help your child earn a scouting elective!

Rounding out the week on Thursday at 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the YDL-Whittaker enjoy a free art session courtesy of the FLY Children's Art Center or create a paper bag puppet at Tree Town Toys 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Then wrap up the week by watching a Magic Carpet Theatre performance at the Dexter District Library at 11:00 a.m. or by participating on a Muggle version of Quidditch 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the YDL-Whittaker branch - Just remember to arrive on time to be assigned to a house/team.

Whatever your choice, there are many great free events this week in and around Ann Arbor! Be sure to comment on your favorites area activities too, it helps me know what to blog about.