April 30, 2012

Fairywalk

 

Head out in Ann Arbor to explore the many fairy doors during Fairywalk on May 6, 2012. The free event begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends by 4:00 p.m., allowing walkers to explore at their own pace. The routes vary from a 5k to a 10k walk throughout Ann Arbor. 

Preregister by emailing the Washtenaw Wanderers at washtenawwanderer@gmail.com or call 734-649-5024. Walk-in registration is also available for the event. The event starts and finishes at the TeaHaus (204 North 4th Ave., Ann Arbor). 

Bring your friends and family and have a blast during Fairywalk!

April 27, 2012

Weekend Events Round-Up: April 27-19

We're pretty tied up this weekend taking my children to see the school play, playing soccer and prepping for a Cub Scout Fun Day that I have been planning, but there may be an opportunity for us to get out and about. It seems to be a weekend with fewer activities and events than we are used to, but I really think this is the "calm before the storm". I say that because the calendar from now until the end of the school year has filled up quite nicely.

So what have you got planned for your weekend? Is your planner full or are you keeping it quiet in anticipation of the upcoming events?

For those that want to find something to do in Ann Arbor with kids, check out the weekend event planner.

Saturday, April 28

  • Take the family to check out a free movie! See Journey2 during the Free Movie weekend at local Quality Theatres, Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. 
  • Get creative at the Grange Jr. Maker Program 10:00 a.m. - noon. 
  • Your preschooler might enjoy the Curious George Storytime event at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) at 10:30 a.m. Listen to Curious George stories, sing songs, create a monkey mask, and make a chocolate-covered banana.
  • Take the teens to the Amigurumi Club at the Ypsilanti District Library 11:00 a.m. - noon.
  • Free dinosaur tours at the UM Museum of Natural History at 2:00 p.m. 
  • Wander Ann Arbor exploring the mysterious fairy doors of Ann Arbor on a guided tour for Obscura Day. Meet at Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair (115 East Liberty, Ann Arbor) at 2:00 p.m. 
  • Join PaleoJoe at 2:00 p.m. at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) as he brings dinosaurs to life with a T-Rex tooth, a Velociraptor skull, dinosaur puppets, and amazing fossils. This high-energy program will make you feel like you’re actually back in time with the dinosaurs. 

Saturday, April 29

April 26, 2012

My Urban Toddler Fashion Show

On May 5, 4:00-6:00 p.m. moms and moms-to-be can head to My Urban Toddler (7025 E. Michigan Ave., Saline) for a fantastic Spring Fashion and Accessory Show to see spring and summer clothing lines and accessories for before, during and after pregnancy! The maternity and non-maternity models will be wearing figure flattering outfits accessorized with fantastic jewelry and scarves from the Atlanta Apparel Market.

Attendees will also fine product demonstrations, samples and possibly a special gift! Just because you are pregnant should not exclude you from being trendy.

To reserve your place at the fashion show, be sure to contact My Urban Toddler at 734-944-3628.

National Mom's Night Out Ann Arbor

Fellow Ann Arbor Mom's, do you want a break? Perhaps a night out without children in tow? Then Thursday, May 10 is your night - Join other Ann Arbor Mom's for National Mom's Night Out at Briarwood Mall.

From 5:00-8:00 p.m., area Mom's will get an exclusive night of shopping, pampering, socializing, fun, and helpful interactive demonstrations and displays. In the past year's I've even gotten samples and many freebies and with this year's line up of participating retailers, there is sure to be many special discounts and offers. Mom can even enter to win a trip to Florida! Talk about a nice break.

The Briarwood Mall Facebook Page has many more details on the fun, and 
free event! So make  sure you get out to National Mom's Nite Out 

May 10, 2012.

April 25, 2012

Check out the Spring Flowers This Weekend

After a walk in the woods today it's apparent that many spring flowers are "spring-ing" forth much earlier than they normally do. So this Sunday, April 29, would be a perfect day to view many of them along the Saline River during a free nature program by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.

From 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Draper-Houston Meadows Preserve participants will search for the many wild flowers that bloom in the floodplain forest area and nearby woods. Families will find Blue cohosh, Solomon’s seal, trilliums, Dutchman’s britches and many more species.

The ground may be wet though, so be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes/boots than can get  wet and muddy.

April 21, 2012

Explore Ponds and Forest During a Free Nature Program

Are you looking for a nice outing with the family? On Saturday, April 28 explore the forest pond to forest floor at the Miller-Smith Woods Preserve in Dexter from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.

During the free program, nets and containers will be used to explore the forest ponds and see what types of creatures make the preserve their home. Afterward, explore leaf litter, fallen logs and other parts of the forest floor for more critters. ALL creatures will be set free at end of program!

Wear appropriate clothing and bring boots to wear for the pond portion of the program.

April 20, 2012

Weekend Events Round-Up: April 20-22

Earth Day weekend is almost upon us. There sure is a lot going on around Ann Arbor for kids, teens and tots too! It kind of makes my head spin actually! We'll be busy with the first weekend of soccer and the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad (Go Team South Arbor Charter Academy!). We'll probably also hit a few of the local Ann Arbor Earth Day celebrations, especially Sunday at the Leslie Science and Nature Center.

What do you have on the books for the weekend? Have any plans already penciled into the planner? Here's the weekend round-up, chocked full of suggestions for your weekend fun with the kids!

Friday, April 20

  • 2:00 p.m. Watch The Boy in the Striped Pajamas at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter).
  • 4:00 p.m. Teens can make their own t-shirt bracelet at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter). This free event for teens in grades 5-12 requires preregistration. Please bring an old t-shirt to recycle too!
The free movie this weekend is Happy Feet Two at the Quality 16.
Saturday, April 21

  • Take the family to check out a free movie! See Happy Feet Two during the Free Movie weekend at local Quality Theatres, Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.
  • 10:00 a.m. Your preschooler (age 1-5) will get a kick out of celebrating Earth Day at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor) planting seeds in a recycled container. The children will also enjoy a unique story time session and live animals or nature exploration. The program is only $2 per child.
  • 10:30 a.m. Earth Day Mobileat the Ypsilanti District Library.
  • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Help salute Earth Day and learn about ways to promote a sustainable environment with the treat trail at Whole Foods (3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor). Kids will follow an interactive treasure trail, hunting for the answers. All participants will receive a free treasure bag of treats. Bring a pen or pencil to help you collect your answers.
  • 1:00 p.m. The kids will have fabulous fun with body paint during a free Michael’s Craft’s (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) Make-it, Take-it event.
  • 1:00-4:00 p.m. Teen Drawing Lab at the Ann Arbor District (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor). Teens in grade 6+ will learn to draw the human hand during this free art program, there will even be a hand model on site to “lend a hand”.
  • 2:00-3:30 p.m. Make a Tin Can Herb Garden at the Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Township). Kids ages 7-18 can plant their own herb garden for eats all summer long! 
The whole family is sure to find a fun
activity to celebration Earth Day  in Ann Arbor.

Sunday, April 22


  • Take the family to check out a free movie! See Happy Feet Two during the Free Movie weekend at local Quality Theatres, Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m.
  • Noon-4:00 p.m. Earth Day celebration at the Leslie Scienceand Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor).
  • 1:00-3:00 p.m.  Kids ages 3+ can decorate a trendy tote for Earth Day at Michael’s Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor). This is a free craft event while supplies last.
  • 1:30 p.m. Kids 12 and under can see the movie Charlotte’s Web free at the Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor) during their Family-Friendly Film Series.
  • 2:00-4:00 p.m. Know what a geodesic dome is? Come help build one at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti).

April 19, 2012

Robots & Fairy Doors

On April 28, join the Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair as they tour
Ann Arbor viewing the mystic Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor.
You've heard of the famous "Fairy Doors" of Ann Arbor right? Have you taken your children to explore them?

Well on April 28 at 2:00 p.m., 826michigan and the Liberty Street Robot Supply & Repair (115 East Liberty St., Ann Arbor) will hit the road wandering downtown Ann Arbor to investigate the fairy doors tucked into secret spaces at local businesses. Under the gentle guidance of your tour guide, Fairyologist Jonathan B. Wright, you'll discover tiny passages to new worlds and may even glimpse a fairy in the flesh. DetaThis event is free and open to the public!

April 14, 2012

Weekend Events Round-Up: April 14 & 15

Rainy days and Monday's always get me down, but they don't prevent the kids from whining "I'm bored!" What are your weekend plans? Have any specific events you are heading to? There's a UM football game and the Passport 2 Pittsfield event today, then throughout the weekend families can find the free dinosaur tours and plenty of story time programs happening, but what do you do in Ann Arbor with kids when the rain is coming down?

Check out Pittsfield Township on Saturday during their Passport event!

We'll be attending a couple of birthday parties and otherwise busy, but that's nothing new for this household. Not sure what events I'll be getting out to in town! Here's the weekend events round-up, for your planning pleasure....


Saturday, April 16:

  • 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Take the family to check out a free movie! See Cats & Dogs during the free movie weekends.
  • 10:00 a.m.-noon. Celebrate Earth Day early while taking the kids to the Little Seedlings program at the Matthai Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). Discover heirloom varieties seeds that have been passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. Kids will learn to create a small garden and plant seeds to take home to grow into seedlings for the Gaffield Children’s Garden. This event is free. 
  • Kids and teens have a couple of opportunities to learn about amigurumi. At 11:00, join the teen amigurumi club at the Ypsilanti District Library or take the kids, older than 6, to an Ann Arbor District Library (333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor) program at 1:00-4:00 p.m. The free AADL event will even give participants the supplies while teaching individuals how to make a little stuffed snail toy. 
  • 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Kids and teens can learn to create their own hard cover book at the Ypsilanti District library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Township). This is a free event for kids and.
  • 1:00-3:00 p.m. Teens in grades 6-12, can check out Lego Robot Wrestling at the Ann Arbor District library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor).  Two robots enter the ring, only one leaves victorious! There will be prizes are for the champions too! 
  • 3:00-4:00 p.m. Explore the pituitary gland in a hands-on way at the UM Natural History Museum (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor).  Participants will use a microscope and stain your own slide to take home as you explore cutting-edge University of Michigan research into the genetics and development of the pituitary gland. Kids will spend 30 minutes exploring how the body, the brain, and the pituitary gland communicate with each other to regulate metabolism, growth, and other functions. This is a free event for kids and adults over the age of 5, however donations are encouraged. 
  • Head out to Chelsea for a Night With Amphibians at 8:00 p.m.
Rainy weekends are a good time to check out the movies.
This weekend see Cats & Dogs during free movie weekends.
Sunday, April 15:
  • 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Take the family to check out a free movie! See Cats & Dogs during the free movie weekends.
  • 1:00 p.m. Do you have a child that is interested in chess? Be sure to check out Chesstastic at the Ann Arbor District Library (3090 E. Eisenhower Pky. AND 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor)
  • 2:00-3:30 p.m. Want to learn to make your own paper?  Try papermaking from pulp at the Ann Arbor District Library (2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor)  This program is free for teens in grades 6 and up. 
  • 3:00-4:00 p.m. Explore the pituitary gland in a hands-on way at the UM Natural History Museum (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor).  Participants will use a microscope and stain your own slide to take home as you explore cutting-edge University of Michigan research into the genetics and development of the pituitary gland. Kids will spend 30 minutes exploring how the body, the brain, and the pituitary gland communicate with each other to regulate metabolism, growth, and other functions. This is a free event for kids and adults over the age of 5, however donations are encouraged. 

April 13, 2012

Gerald Eddy Discovery Center Evening Amphibian Program

Take the kids to learn about frog calls and other amphibians of the
night at the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center on April 14, 2012.
Tomorrow night, April 14, at 8:00 p.m. families can enjoy a night of amphibians at the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center in the Waterloo Recreation Area (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea). The program onoy cost $2/person or $5/family with the request of advance registration (734)475-3170.

Join naturalist Tom Hodgson for his lively and educational presentation featuring frogs, salamanders and quivering masses of eggs from local ponds. Teach the kids how to recognize frogs by their calls then walk to a nearby pond to hear the night calls of the frogs.

Be sure to bring a flashlight or two, and dress for the weather!

April 12, 2012



On Sunday, April 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. families and individuals can learn about lichens, during a freenaturalist led program through the Wastenaw County Parks & Rereation. Lichens are all around us, in many colors and forms. Bring the entire family out to learn about these common but often overlooked organisms while spending time admiring some of the small things of the Park Lyndon forest!

Park Lyndon is located on North Territorial Road, one mile east of M-52 between Embury Road and M52. Meet the west lot at 2:00p.m.

April 11, 2012

$5 Movies at Rave Motion Pictures Ann Arbor 20

Families will be happy to know that the Rave Theatre in Ypsilanti now offers
Disocunt Days on Wednesday's for $5 movie tickets!
For thouse frugal Ann Arbor folks, the Rave Motion Pictures Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti) is offering Discount Days for $5 movie admission all day on Wednesdays. That's a GREAT deal allowing a family of 4 to see movies for $20. After seeing a matinee and paying near $30 Saturday, you can count this mom in!

April 6, 2012

Free Cone Day Sunday at Cold Stone Creamery Ann Arbor

Free treats for the kids are always a good thing!

Want an extra "cool" Easter treat? Stop by Cold Stone Creamery (3597 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) between 2:00-6:00 p.m. for a free ice cream cone!

April 5, 2012

A Day on the Titanic at The Henry Ford

Is your child or teen interested in the Titanic? If so, I highly recommend visiting
the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at The Henry Ford. The exhibit is
here now and runs through September 30, 2012.


Late last year, as my son and I were wandering the aisles of Michael's Crafts, we ran across a small wooden model of the Titanic that he wanted. He built it, and loved learning about it so much, that it inspired him to build his Cub Scout Pinewood Derby car into the Titanic! Learning about the fateful event even inspired him to "read" Tonight on the Titanic - And believe me when I say, that anything that encourages my second grader to read is definitely worth exploring! So when  heard that the Titanic exhibit was coming to The Henry Ford, I thought it might be a good experience to share with my son. Turns out he was SUPER excite about going too. So earlier today, my 8-year son, my husband and I toured the exhibit.

My son was inspired to create a Pinewod Derby Titanic "car"
this year as he learned about the famous ship!

What I Liked:

In 1998 I was lucky enough to tour Titanic: The Exhibition in Florida. My memories of the exhibition were of the many artifacts in glass cases and on the walls throughout. I suppose that's one of the reasons I actually had a point of reference for Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at The Henry Ford. I thought I knew what to expect, which is one of the reason's I took my son.

The exhibit at The Henry Ford was different though. It was less of an "exhibit" in the traditional sense, and more of an overall experience.

Today as we entered the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition we walked through a replica first class cabin hallway, peeked into crew quarters and a first-class stateroom and even got to gaze at the beautiful and opulent grand staircase. I was impressed too at the changes in lighting, music and overall atmosphere as we walked through the exhibit. We really did experience the Titanic from the building of the ship until the final fateful moments after hitting the ice burgh 100 years ago.

The Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at The Henry Ford was a wonderful educational
experience for my son. I'm glad I got to spend the day with him exploring!

It's quite poignant to be handed a boarding pass with an actual Titanic passengers name, and basic facts written upon it too. Then as you exit the exhibit you can see the names of those whom survived the sinking of the Titanic as well as the names of those that perished. The boarding passes that my son and I had were survivors, however the name my husband had, was of a male passenger whom placed his family onto the lifeboats and then went down with the ship.

Bfore we went, one of the things I found helpful in speaking to my child about the Titanic was a Titanic Exhibit teachers guide that I found online. It is mostly geared for elementary school students who are in third grade and up, however I was able to encourage my son to learn more by reading to him before we went. I also encouraged him complete the scavenger hunt that was listed in the guide, as well as a crossword puzzle and world search when we got home.  As a parent I also appreciated that the gift shop at the end of the exhibit included several children's books about the Titanic. We bought Zach the Titanic: The Disaster that Shocked the World! to read once we got home.

I also appreciated the "Michigan connection" at the end of the exhibit. Learn about three local families that experienced the Titanic and survived the sinking. It was nice to be able to tie that in with our visit!

Potential Drawbacks:


I would have liked to see two things during our visit to the Titanic Exhibit.

First, I would have preferred to have at least one photo op available outside of the exhibit. A generic set up where we could have stood with our "boarding passes" to smile for the camera. There are two opportunities once we got inside the exhibit to have photos taken, and then buy them for $8 each. But after spending all that money  would have liked a simple set up for a personal opportunity. I understand the need to keep photography out of the exhibit itself to optimize the personal experience for every guest, but would have liked a nice photo of our day and not have to pay additional for it.

For families and individuals, directly outside of the gift shop there is a large wall where you may want to consider taking a photo, however plan that individuals in the photo will be very small if you want an image of the full wall. Also getting there early in the day might make taking this picture easier due to general traffic in the museum.

One of the drawbacks to the exhibit is not having a photo op. This wall directly outside
of the Titanic exhibit at The Henry Ford does allow for a large scale photo though
so long as museum traffic isn't too bad!

The second improvement I would have liked to see, would have been to be able to purchase the audio tour passes when purchasing Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition tickets. Since the audio tour was part of the exhibit when I went through in 1998, I suspected it might be available in the exhibit now. I was told they were available when I asked at the entrance of the line. Once we were in line and at the entry though, I did not see where to purchase the audio tour. I did notice the audio tour booth upon exiting however, and if I had looked 30 some feet away from the entry, I would have seen the headsets for rental. Being able to purchase the audio tour when getting tickets or having signage directly in the entry would have been more helpful. My son is still having a tough time reading, so I felt a bit out of place reading the signage out loud when everyone else was in the exhibit. He might have gotten more out of the Titanic exhibit with the audio tour too.


Overall Experience:

I wanted to address a couple questions that several friends have asked me: "Would you have had more fun without your child?" and "Was it worth taking your son to the exhibit?" All I can say is that, the Titanic Exhibit would certainly have been different (and much less experience) without my son, however I thoroughly enjoy teaching hm about new things. My passion and love for history is something he is now beginning to experience and that make this mom very happy.

Overall I would recommend taking your kids and teens to the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at The Henry Ford it is a wonderful day for the while family!

Cost:

Regular admission to both Titanic Exhibition and Henry Ford Museum are, adult (13-61) $27.00, youth (5-12) $22.50, senior (62+) $25.00 with children 4 and under receiving free admission. There is also a $5 parking fee. Henry Ford members can get Titanic Exhibition tickets for $10.

Helpful Tips:

  • Enter The Henry Ford at the Imax entry and hang your coat in the free coat-check area. If you don't leave your coat behind, be prepared to wear or carry it throughout your entire visit. This is especially helpful if you take children as parents always end up carrying their kids coats.
  • Use the restroom before getting into line at the Titanic exhibit, as there is no restroom inside.
  • Leave the stroller at home. In fact I'd recommend leaving kids under 8 at home.
  • If taking the kids, talk about what to expect before you arrive. I found the Titanic Exhibit teacher guide online. My son and I read parts of it and I had him take the "scavenger hunt" with him during the day.
  • Plan on spending a minimum of 1.5 hours in the exhibit.
  • Pay for the audio tour. Audio tour cost is $5 cash and is located outside of the exhibit near exit of the exhibit.
  • No food or drink is allowed inside the exhibit - Including gum.
  • No photography is allowed inside the exhibit, we were even encouraged to turn off our cellphones.
  • If you want to buy your child a small souvenir, expect to spend a minimum of $8.

Kids books about the Titanic:

National Geographic Readers: Titanic
Survivors -- The Night the Titanic Sank (Level 2: Beginning to Read Alone)
Titanic: The Story Lives On! (Penguin Young Readers, L4)
Titanic (Scholastic History Readers)
The Titanic: Lost and Found (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)
Scholastic Reader Level 3: Remembering the Titanic
Tonight on the Titanic a Magic Tree House book
Titanic: A Nonfiction Companion to Magic Tree House #17: Tonight on the Titanic

April 4, 2012

Night Hike and Campfire at Independence Lake

Spend a spring evening under the stars with a night hike and
campfire at Independence Lake!
On Saturday, April 7 make sure to take a short drive to Independence Lake for a night hike. This free program through the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation will allow the kids to look and listen for signs of spring. Hear frogs, cranes, woodcock and other wildlife that is meandering through the night.

The hike should last an hour and will be followed by a campfire where families can share some marshmallows and stories around the fire.

The program is free except for vehicle entry fees into the park. Hikers start at 8:00 p.m. at the Beach Center. Hope for a clear sky and maybe you'll see the moon rise.

April 2, 2012

Free Magic Show for the Kids!

Magician Jeff Wawrazszek entertains during my son's Blue & Gold Banquet.
This week be sure to catch his free magic shows in Ann Arbor before his 48 state tour!

A few weeks back, I was introduced to magician Jeff Wawrzaszek from a2magic.com during my son's Blue & Gold Cub Scout Banquet. I'll admit, it's been a few years since I have seen a magician, or at least a good one, so I was a little apprehensive about what might happen. I was pleasantly surprised though, that the magic show he put on was highly entertaining for both the kids AND parents. Everyone was smiling and laughing as he effortlessly flowed from one trick to the next. He must have read my mind too, as he choose my son to help with one of the tricks. You see it was my son's birthday that day too!

Lucky for you, your kids can see Jeff during a FREE magic show at either the Ann Arbor District Library (Mallets Creek - 3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) on April 2, at 2:00 p.m. or at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) on April 9 at 6:30 p.m. I promise you won't be disappointed by the magic show and your kids are sure to enjoy his tricks and treats during the event!


Ann Arbor Mom Named Top 50 Midwest Parenting Blogs












It never ceases to amaze me when someone finds my blog helpful and informative. What started as mostly a hobby to learn a new school, has taken on a life of its own. I am honored and humbly accept, but mostly I need to thank you, the readers and champions of the messages created.

This week, The Ann Arbor Mom blog was named in the OnlineSchools.com list of 50 Midwest parenting blogs (and one of only 3 listed from Michigan) in 2012. 




Ann Arbor: Spring Break Events & Activities 2012

***UPDATED***

Following is a list of many activities for the kids when they are on spring break next week. How many activities can you attend in Ann Arbor with kids? We'll be busy doing all sorts of odds and ends including getting outside if the weather cooperates!

Events and activities will be added as they are found, also be sure to watch the weekend events round-up posts, otherwise everything will be listed on the Ann Arbor Spring Break Event List!

Throughout the week, several area libraries are hosting ongoing Spring Break programing. The Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) has Spring Break Fun hosted daily at 2:00 p.m. Stop in all week for different activities and fun Children under 10 must be supervised by an adult though. The Ann Arbor District Library also has many great events, since they are specified online at the AADL site though, I have them listed individually below!

Monday, April 2:
  • Folktales and Fantasy at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor).  Kids will listen to a folktale and then create a legend story collage, complete with items found in nature. 10:00 a.m. - noon. Cost $5.00.
  • Take the kids to bounce at PumpItUp Canton (46090 Michigan Ave., Canton) during Family Jump Time. 10:00-11:30 a.m. 
  • Create dazzling shoelaces at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) 12:00-1:00 p.m. Free.
  • Free movie: Puss in Boots at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter) at 1:00 p.m.
  • Free magic show at 2:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library (Mallets Creek).
  • Kids in grades in grades 4-12 can stop by the Ann Arbor District Library (2359 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor) at 7:00 p.m. to try their hand at a cupcake decorating contest. All supplies are free for this event and there will be several winners!
Tuesday, April 3:
  • It's FREE cone day at local Benn & Jerry's locations (304 S State St, Ann Arbor and 4100 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti)so stop by between noon and 8:00 p.m. for your free scoop!
  • Windowsill Wonders at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). Kids will discover the not-so-secret ingredients for starting a windowsill garden of their own. 10:00 a.m. - noon. Cost $5.00.
  • Create dazzling shoelaces at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Free.
  • Take your child to skip along in Candyland today at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S 5th Ave., Ann Arbor) where they can try their hand at playing a life-size game from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This event sure sounds fun!
  • Take the kids to bounce at PumpItUp Canton (46090 Michigan Ave., Canton) during Family Jump Time. 4:00-5:30 p.m.  
  • Your tween will have a ball during this free crafty event at the Ann Arbor District Library (2359 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor). Kids in grades 4-12 can stop by at 7:00 p.m. to make their own felt balls for jewelry and embellishing. It really is a lot of fun too - We're participated in a similar program!
Wednesday, April 4:
  • Treasures and Trails at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor).  Come ready to spend a few nature-packed hours at Matthaei as you create your own eco-treasure hunt. Choose from different scavenger hunts and adventure backpacks and explore the Conservatory and Trails. 10:00 a.m. - noon. Cost $5.00.
  • MarioKart Tournament at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter) for kids age 6 and up. 11:00 a.m.
  • At 2:00 p.m. make your own Shrinky Dink jewelry at the Ann Arbor District Library (2359 3090 East Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor). This free event is for older kids and teens. Grades 4-Adult.
  • Your teen may become inspired during Duct Tape Doings at 4:00 p.m. The Ann Arbor District Library (2359 3090 East Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) will host this free teen event for kids in grades 6-12.
Thursday, April 5:
  • Potpourri & Bubble Bath at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor).  Families can join a guided walk in the conservatory to learn about herbs and other fragrant plants, then make a potpourri or bubble bath to take home. 10:00 a.m. - noon. Cost $5.00.
  • Spring Crafts for Tweens and Teens (Grades 5-12) at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter) at 11:00 a.m.
  • Teens can make funky, 70's inspired macrame bracelets at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S 5th Ave., Ann Arbor) at 2:00 p.m. This event is for high-school aged teens.
  • At 7:00 p.m. Teens can make a wine-cork trivet at the Ann Arbor District Library (3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor).
Friday, April 6:
  • Sketchbook Detectives at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). Kids will learn a few basic artistic techniques to capture the wonder of nature. Then, take your sketchbook into the Conservatory or outside to create your own impression of nature.. 10:00 a.m. - noon. Cost $5.00.
  • Pippin Puppets at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter) at 11:00 a.m. Bring the kids out to see an amazing free puppet show.
  • Skate your cares away during open a spring break roller skating session at Skating Station II (8611 Rhonda Dr., Canton) 1:00-4:00 p.m.
  • Take the kids to bounce at PumpItUp Canton (46090 Michigan Ave., Canton) during Family Jump Time. 5:00-7:30 p.m.
  •  For more Mario Kart Wii fun, teens can be sure to head to the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S 5th Ave., Ann Arbor) at 6:00 p.m.
Ongoing events next week include visiting the Easter Bunny at Briarwood Mall, visiting the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, the Leslie Nature and Science Center or just enjoying the Ann Arbor parks if the weather cooperates!

April 1, 2012

100th Aniversary of the Titanic Sinking

For a glance at history be sure to visit the Titanic artifact exhibit at the
Henry Ford, March 31-September 30, 2012
As a strange coincidence, this year my 8 year old son decided his Pinewood Derby Car would be a ship, specifically the Titanic. At first I though, "Great now I have to help him build a ship car." but later realized that this would be an awesome opportunity for me to teach him about a bit of history and possibly encourage him to read!

We've since pulled books from the library and read some online. I'm so excited to be taking him to the Titanic Exhibit at the Henry Ford to see too. He's probably a bit on the young side, however I know he'd enjoy it! Many years ago I went to the exhibit with my grandparents and loved all of the history it had to offer. (I'll make sure to write a review of the exhibit after we go too!)

As an added bonus, there is even an opportunity for my son to meet an actual shipwreck survivor as the Ann Arbor District Library hosts a Titanic Centennial Event on Monday April 16 at 7:00 p.m., when Pierette Domenica Simpson returns to AADL to share her personal and harrowing account of the 1956 collision of the SS Andrea Doria and the MS Stockholm.

And of course Icould always take my son to see the re-release of the Titanic movie in April.

So for those of you history buffs, April 2012 is an amazing time to introduce your youth and teens to a tragic historical event in a  that may never be possible again. I highly encourage the Titanic exhibit at the Henry Ford and look forward to your comments about area events you attended!