Weekend Events Round-up: Feb 24-26

I don't know about all of you but this mild Michigan winter is making me sick and tired of beinsick and tired. In the past 6 weeks my son has had strep three times, my duaghter has had strep, an ear infection and now pneumonia and I have had strep. It's enough to make a mom, and her sick-time bank, crazy. How do you handle sick children? If they can't go to school or daycare what types of back-up do you use?

Luckily I should be heading to the Lake Erie Shore's tomorrow night for a Mommy's Night Out, so a break is in the very near future, even if it is only for 24-hours. For those less lucky, like my husband, what will you do throughout this weekend? Are you attending any events? Special activities for the kids?

Of course the snow will FINALLY allow for some much anticipated sledding. I do have a nice list of Ann Arbor sledding hills. My kids also like making snow cream (that's snow ice cream) when the flakes fly. Families should also consider inexpensive cross country ski rentals at Rolling Hills in Ypsilanti Township. Of course for some schools, it is the end of mid-winter break, so there are a few events listed for Friday like free movies and crafts or if you have a snow day, there were several fun snow-day ideas I posted last year . What are your plans? The Ann Arbor Mom blog has some great weekend events and activities for area families, check it out...

Friday, January 24:

3:30 p.m.  - Teens should consider heading to the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) for teen gaming. Spend time with friends while enjoying games on the Playstation or Wii. If that's not enough though, The Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor) is hosting a Smash Bros. Tournament at 6:00 p.m.

Weekend children's theatre options are plentiful this weekend as well with roductions of the Jungle Book at Mitchell Elementary and Beauty & The Beast at Tecumseh Youth Theatre.

Saturday, January 25:

This year's unseasonably warm winter has pushed maple syrup season up a little earlier than normal. So it might be a great idea to get out and learn about the history behind making maple syrup at the Hudson Mills Journey to the Sugarbush event. This special event is happening this weekend, so be sure to call 734-426-8211 to register.

9:00 a.m. - Stop by local Target stores for Read Across America. The free event will be featuring The Lorax with other games, activities and goody bags until 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. - Young creators have a new home at the Pittsfield Grange (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor) on the fourth Saturday of each month. Make sure to take the kids to check out the Grange Junior Makers.

10:00 a.m. - Rumblin Racers at the Lowe's Build and Grow kids building clinic.

11:30 a.m.  – Do you have an American Girl fan? Then be sure to stop by Barnes & Noble (3235 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) for an American Girl event clebrating the newest girl ,McKenna! At this free event, girls will learn about McKenna and participate in activities related to her inspiring stories. Geared for girls age 8+.

1:00 p.m. - It's a gamers weekend as the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) hosts Mario Kart: Double Dash gameplay.  Played like you mean it on a GameCube - one screen per team! Come with your cart-mate to enjoy some tense completion and a most elegant pizza dinner. Gift Card Prizes will also be offered during this free event. Program for teens in grade 6+.

2:00 p.m. - Kids and teens ages 7-18, will enjoy making some bottle cap folk art at the Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti). Use bottle caps, wooden blocks, soda cans, buttons, and your imagination to create a unique work of folk art. 

Sunday, January 26:

1:00 p.m. – Even the tiniest of tots like to shake it, so be sure to stop by Dancing Babies at the Ann Arbor District Library (3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor) for a great program of music and dance!

2:00 p.m. Head on over to Park Lyndon for an afternoon hike exploration. Look at wetland plants, watch for animal signs, and perhaps even find a sign or two of spring! Wear boots that can get wet and warm clothing. For more information visit parks.ewashtenaw.org, call 971-6337, ext. 334, or email stonerf@ewashtenaw.org.
For parents that are beginning to consider summer camp options for their kids, I have begun updating the Ann Arbor summer camp and daycamp list too! I'm looking for quotes from parents on camps they love and updates on camps too.