Weekend Events Round-Up: Thanksgiving Weekend November 25-27

I am so very Thankful for so much this year and trying hard to spread that message to my children. What do you do to promote gratitude this time of the year when the TV commercials speak to gift giving and all catalogs promote buying toys? We ring the bells for the Salvation Army and give to several charities like Toys for Tots, Warm the Children and more, but is that enough?

This weekend, after you've stuffed yourselves with good food, spent time with friends and possibly gotten up REALLY early for Black Friday deals you still have to find something for the kids to do. So what will you do this weekend to keep the kids out of your hair? (Mine are having a sleepover with Nana as I put up our main tree!) Do you have weekend plans for the family? Do you have out-of-town guests to entertain? I've put together the weekend planner filled with some fun events. Don't forget to check out the holiday event planner on Ann Arbor Mom too though, it's filled with events and activities that are geared for the holidays.

Whatever you choose to do, I wish you and your family a wonderfully Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday, November 23:

The Mack Indoor Pool is hosting special "Thanksgiving" open swim hours throughout the weekend for some good, healthy (and clean) fun. Open swim times will be held Friday (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.), Saturday (11:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.) and Sunday (11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.)

With the days being a bit warmer, why not consider taking the kids to open skate times at Veteran's Memorial (2150 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor) Ice Rink? Open skate times are available throughout the weekend. Friday (11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.), and Saturday or Sunday (noon-2:30 p.m.).
 
Are you headed out for Black Friday in Ann Arbor? Then be sure to drop your children at the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor) for kid-friendly Warner Brother's cartoons 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Want your kids to learn about movie making? Why not take them to Lego Weekend at  the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) for open Lego time and movie-making magic. Older kids and teens (grades 3+) will get a kick out of making a stop-motion movie at the library from 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 24:

• The Mack Indoor Pool open swim hours 11:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• Open skate at Veteran's Memorial Ice Arena noon-2:30 p.m.

Lego Weekend continues at the Ann Arbor District Library with Robot Wrestling for kids and teens in grades 6+.  This build n' battle teen event happens from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Build your demolition demon, program a plan of attack and unleash your masterpiece - there are even prizes for the champions!

Dinosaur tours at the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) are a perfect way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Take a docent guided tour then stay to explore the wonders of nature for a bit longer. This museum is the perfect for pint-size guests - it's not too big and not too small. Your out-of-town guests may really enjoy the experience as well!

Burn some excess calories with a Hip Hop Dance Class at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti). This free event will really get you hopping - learn a new dance or show off your skilz!

Want to enjoy a cross-cultural culinary Plant tour? From now through December 6, take the family to enjoy this seasonal display at the Nichol's Arboretum. Learn about cinnamon, figs, and other popular cooking plants. You can even visit Father Christmas (December 8) and find fun kids activities and shopping! 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, November 25:

• The Mack Indoor Pool open swim hours 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
• Open skate at Veteran's Memorial Ice Arena noon-2:30 p.m. 
• Dinosaur Tours at the UM Natural History Museum 2:00 p.m. 

Take the family to enjoy a Irving Berlin classic and sing-a-long to White Christmas at  Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor). This event is perfect for the whole family even the grandparents! 4:00-6:00 p.m.