Week 4 - Weekend Events Round-up: Jan 25-27

This weekend will be crazy for us - My Cub Scout Pack is having their pinewood Derby, my daughter has has Upward cheer clinic and we'll hit the North American International Auto Show after church on Sunday! As I said Cray-zeee. There are a few fun things happening around town though that are worth mentioning.

Ann Arbor families should be sure to check out Saline's Winterfest on Saturday or if that's too cold for the family, another fun family event would be to experience the Wild Swan's production of Under the African Sky playing throughout the weekend at the Towsley Auditorium at WCC. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Thickets for this event are $12/adults, $8/youth and seniors and $3 lap passes available for kids under 2. Purchase tickets at 734.995.0530 or www.wildswantheater.org.

So what will you do with your kids this weekend? Play outdoors or find a fun indoor event? I'm sure the weekend planner has something to help make your plans for your kids tots or teens - And as always enjoy the weekend with your family!

Saturday, January 26


10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Thurston Elementary (2300 Prairie, Ann Arbor) Chess Tournament for students in grades K-8. For more information www.thurstonchess.com. Tickets are $7-16 depending on full day or half day.

10:00 a.m. - noon - Take the kids to the "Hot Chocolate" event at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor) to explore the rich history of chocolate, learn about the cacoa tree, and create chocolate treats of their very own. Cost for this event is $8. Register early online.

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - With snow arriving, everything will be primed to spend the day outdoors at the Hudson Mills (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter) Winter Fun day event. Families can try a variety of outdoor activities, including snow shoeing, snowsnake tossing and Klondike racing plus indoor crafts and hot chocolate. Kids can also see dog sledding demos or explore with a fun scavenger hunt! Winter Fun day is a great family event however it's also a Scout festival for local Girl Scouts. Brownies will earn the Senses badge and Junior Girl Scouts will complete activities for the Journey Get Moving: Energy Insights from Wilderness & Wildlife badge. Winter Fun costs just $3/person or $7.50/person with lunch. Scout patches are $1.50 each. Preregistration is required 734-426-8211.

11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - Behind the Scenes: Research and Exhibits at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor). Learn about the scientific collections, how to cast fossils, and how to create plant and animal displays that look lifelike. This free program is suitable for adults and children, ages 5 and up. If you go to the museum though, be sure to check out the free dinosaur tours at 2:00 p.m. and also the planetarium!
2:00-4:00 p.m. -  Kids and teens ages 6-18 can experience "Spy Day" a free event at the Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Twp.) to learn a few tricks of spy trade with invisible ink, decoders, and secret messages. Check it out, but don't tell them I told you about it - Shhhh. It's secret!


Sunday, January 27

3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - Behind the Scenes: Research and Exhibits at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor). Learn about the scientific collections, how to cast fossils, and how to create plant and animal displays that look lifelike. This free program is suitable for adults and children, ages 5 and up. If you go to the museum though, be sure to check out the free dinosaur tours at 2:00 p.m. and also the planetarium!

Have you heard about other fun activities or events happening around town? Be sure to let me know, either through email or by commenting below!