Weekend Event Round-Up: Feb 3-5

Since last Saturday at 2:30 a.m., I have spent the week cooped up in the house with feverish kids with strep throat, so I am VERY tempted to run crazy this weekend. (Of course that would likely be without the kids.) Which is really great too, considering the many fun, free events happening around Ann Arbor. Lot's of free craft activities, events and the library and even some stargazing!
So take a look at the weekend planner to see what might be in store for you and your family.

Tots will enjoy celebrating at the Elmo Birthday Bash at the YDL Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Friday, February 3

• The youngest family members will enjoy celebrating at Elmo's Birthday at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti MI). From 10:30 a.m.-noon, join in on a fun party that will include a story, DVD, songs, craft, and refreshments.
• In the evening, families might want to see stars of another kind while enjoying a Field Trip to the Stars at the EMU Planetarium and Observatory (402 Sherzer Hall, Eastern Michigan University 124 College Pl, Ypsilanti) at 7:00 p.m. Families will find free admission, however it is best to call to pre-register for the free event, as space is limited 734-487-1849. Tour EMU's  brand new planetarium then take a short walk to the Sherzer Observatory to see what’s happening in the real sky. Tour led by Norbert Vance, Director of Sherzer Observatory. Meet at the EMU Planetarium, parking is available at southwest corner of the EMU campus, Washtenaw at Oakwood St, Lot G, for $1 per hour.

Free kids crafts are a great way to stay busy this weekend too!

Saturday, February 4

• The Home Depot Kids Building Workshop is also this Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m. This months project is a cute heart box.
• Do you have a teen that is interested in writing? Why not have them join in the New Point Learning (2216 S. Main St., Ann Arbor) Winter Writing Workshop and Contest. The event runs 10:00 a.m.-noon . For more information and details on the contest, visit: http://www.clonlara.org/campus/writing_contest or contact Martha Rhodes 734-926-4617 or martha@clonlara.org.
• A few weeks back I mentioned the fun Amigurumi Club at the YDL that is for teens. It will be hosted again at 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
• Yesterday's post talked about the free Lego Friends event at Toys R Us at noon too.
• Maybe you or your child is interested in comic books. Then be sure to stop at the Sports Cards, Memorabilia, and Comics Show at Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) from noon-5:00 p.m. You will find free admission to the show where comic book dealers, collectors, hobbyists, and casual fans are welcome to buy, sell, and trade their sports cards, memorabilia, merchandise, and comic books.
• Teens have another great event this weekend too. On Saturday at 2:00 p.m. they can watch the movie What's Eating Gilbert Grape? at Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) then check out the book, because a few weeks later there will be a discussion of that same book and movie! Teens can talk about books made into movies and whether or not directors can translate your favorites into film.
• Do you have a budding entertainer on your hands, kids and teens can participate in Kid's Open Stage at Oz Music (1920 Packard St., Ann Arbor) the first Saturday of every month a 4:00 p.m.
• If the weather is still nice, how about a Twilight Hike at West Lake Preserve? From 5:00-6:30 p.m. enjoy some “end of the day” winter quiet in nature. We’ll set a goal of hiking to the lake edge, where we will stop, rest and have a hot drink under the winter twilight sky. Be sure to dress so that you will be warm.

With the unseasonably warm winter weather in Ann Arbor,
consider getting outdoors for some fun too!

Sunday, February 5

• The warm weather has made many of of consider spring, especially Tiger's Spring Training, so why not get a jump on things and have Breakfast with PAWS at St. Mary's Catholic Parish (10601 Dexter Pinckney Rd., Pinckney). On Sunday starting at  8:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., the St Mary’s Men’s Club in Pinckney is sponsoring "Breakfast with PAWS". The free event (donations are welcome however!) includes a delicious menu of fried or scrambled eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, quiche, ham, pork sausage, and of course our renowned “waffle station”. Get those cameras ready for an great family event.
• Do you have a crafty kid? There are several free events Sunday for them to enjoy. Make A Lion Mask For Lantern Festival at Ann Arbor District Library (3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor) at 2:00 p.m. All supplies are provided free for this craft. Or head over to Michael's Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) where kids ages 3+ can make their own Foam Valentine's Mailbox at 1:00 p.m. (Supplies free with purchase of mailbox) or they can create a free custom Valentine's Day card at 2:00 p.m.
• How about getting out and about while the weather is still mild? From 2:00-4:00 p.m. the kids will enjoy learning about Tracks, Scat and More at Brauer Preserve! Learn how to identify many of the signs that animals leave behind. Be sure to dress warmly for this hike; we will stop often to look at things on the ground/in the snow. 
• Want to begin liberating your child in the kitchen? Then why not bring them to the Cooking with Your Kids event at Pittsfield Grange (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor). At 2:00 p.m. for only $15 for one adult and one child (for adult with 2-3 children $20) kids ages 7 and older can learn to make a one-skillet meal (salsa skillet meal) with mom or day. Pre-registration at www.eventbrite.com/event/org/814998331 or contact 734-997-8844 or preservetrad@gmail.com for more information.

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.