Ann Arbor Mid-Winter Break Activities

A wonderful parent, blog follower, and I suppose I'd be remiss to not mention that she also happens to be the wonderful principal at my children's school, mentioned that this afternoon there is a free movie at the library. That got me thinking though, ACTUALLY Ann Arbor schools are out the entire week for mid winter break. So what's to do when the kids are out of school? Lots actually!

Take a look at just a few. I'm actually treating my family to an overnight at Weber's (I clued my Ann Arbor Mom blog Facebook Fans into that deal last week!) so we'll be busy tonight. Then my kids go back to school Wednesday, however for those of you with kids off all week, take a look at some of these great (and mostly free) activities for Ann Arbor's mid-winter break!

Are your kids crafty? Do they like to get creative and make things? I know my kids do, but ugg the mess they make. There's a solution for that. Let the local library keep the mess. I blog often about free programs at the library, and this week for mid-winter break is no exception - There are MANY great free craft events this week for your kids to enjoy, check one (or all) of the out!

Monday: Your child can make their own hair accessory at 1:30 p.m. at the Ypsilanti District Library (8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti) or they can create Snowman Bookmarks and Snowflake Crafts at 1:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown. After work there is still an option to take the kids out for crafts when they can make Fancy Felt Pins & Hair Clips at 6:30 at the Ann Arbor District library - Pittsfield.

Tuesday: Make a Book Journal at 2:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Pittsfield or stop in in the evening for Felt Ball Fun at 7:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library -Malletts Creek.

Wednesday: Your child can make their own hair accessory at noon at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd.., Ypsilanti) or a Washi Tape Greeting Card at 1:00 p.m. at the ANn Arbor District Library - Downtown. Kids can also incorporate a bit of science into their crafts as they make their own   Balloon Hovercraft at the Ann Arbor District Library - Pittsfield at 2:00 p.m.

Teens (grades 6-12) shouldn't be disappointed, there are a couple of fun activities throughout the week for them too! On Wedensday they can make their own buttons for accessories from Shrinky Dinks at 7:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Mallets Creek or on Friday they can participate in Duct Tape Do-over at 2:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Pittsfield. These sound like teen events that should not be missed!

There are a couple of other noteworthy activities that should be mentioned. On Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker, is having a Beach Party. Kids should plan to dress like it’s a hot summer day and imagine you’re spending the day on the beach.  There will be cool snacks, stories, and a craft.  Shirt and shoes are required though. Of course there is also a family Lego Night Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the YDL - Whittaker as well as an African Safari at the Ann Arbor District Library on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. where the kids can enjoy a harpist, vocalist and percussionist while they take a magical world tour of Africa.

Would your kids prefer to sit quietly, snuggled up with popcorn and a good movie? Then perhaps free movies over mid-winter break would do the trick! The Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) has several movies throughout the week showing at 2:00 p.m.

Monday - Madagascar 3
Tuesday - Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Wednesday - Pirates Band of Misfits
Thursday - Paranorman
Friday - Brave

I love to get outdoors, and during the winter is a fantastic time to do so. This week the Matthaei Botanical Gardens has several programs that you or the kids might enjoy. The Camp Mid-Winter Break programs will require registration and a bit of money, but are well worth the expense. My children have participated in many programs at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. They are educational, fun and well worth the little expense!

Parents should also consider that many area businesses have special hours to keep the kids busy this week. Xtreme Bounce (daily open sessions) and Jump City (daily Pop-n-Play) in Ann Arbor and Canton's Pump It Up (M-T and F open jump times) have special hours for the kids to bounce their cares away. Sky Zone in Canton has extended hours and is lots of fun! The people at Goldfish Swim School of Ann Arbor also have daily family swim time 12:00-1:30 p.m. We swam on Saturday with my daughters Daisy Troop (Blog post to come) and the water is warm and wonderful.