Weekend Events Round-Up: Jan 20-22

This weekend is full of fun events for the family. Luckily the weather is cooperating for events like the 2012 Plymouth Ice Festival or Milan's Ice Sculpture Festival, making it perfect for spectacular ice sculptures. My kids LOVE watching the carvers change a block of ice into something amazing and it's an event that should not be missed. The North American International Auto Show is also here for one final weekend (we'll be there Sunday) and there are plenty of great events and activities for everyone.

Checking out the sculptures at the Plymouth Ice Fest!

Have you made plans for the weekend? Anything special planed for the kids? What about a night out for you and your spouse? Regardless, the weekend event planner will have something for everyone.


Friday, January 20

• Stop by the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) for "Making Tracks" at 2:00 p.m. The free program from the Leslie Science and Nature Center will visit and bring some animals to discuss how animals survive during winter, including migration and hibernation.
• The 2012 Plymouth Ice Festival runs throughout the weekend. Friday 3:00-9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Want some family time? How about visiting the New Zoo Play Cafe (1834 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) for Family Night from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Don't worry about dinner as pizza will be available for $1/slice and of course the entertainment is taken care of. The event will also feature story time at 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 21

• The 9th Annual Thurston (2300 Prairie, Ann Arbor) School Chess Tournamentt runs from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Check out some great chess playing from students in grades K-8.
• Head over to the Milan's Ice Sculpture Festival on Saturday 10:00-5:00 p.m. or Sunday noon-5:00 p.m. for a lot of fun and amazing ice sculptures. 
• For outdoor fun, there are two separate opportunities for your family to enjoy a guided hike at the County Farm Park. There is a storytime hike at 10:30 a.m. and a second field hike at 3:30 p.m.
• I still want to borrow a teen for the Amigurumi Workshop at the YDL, so if anyone has one I can borrow let me know. The free workshop start at 11:00 a.m.
• Want to experience some spectacular stories? The Performance Network's Saturday Series for Young Audiences is featuring LarRon Williams at 1:00 p.m.
• Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the YDL-Michigan at 2:00 p.m. Fun for the whole family - Find stories, a fan dance demo, Chinese yo-yo demonstrations, crafts and children’s activities, culminating with the Lion Dance.

Sunday, January 22

• Does your family enjoy music? Why not experience the Dexter Community Orchestra? They'll be performing at the Dexter District Library at 2:00 p.m.
• Kids can learn about their bodies and DNA during the Family Science and Reading Workshop at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. The free workshop is at 1:00 p.m. but does require pre-registration at 734-764-0480.
• For the math fan in your home, Mathnasium of Ann Arbor is hosting a free event at the Ann Arbor District Library at 1:00 p.m. Kids will play math games for prizes and actually enjoy learning!

So what will you do and around Ann Arbor with kids? I'd love to see your family fun photos either on the blog or the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook page.