Week 14 - Weekend Events Round-up: April 5-7

I'm glad and sad that the kids will be back in school Monday. Spring break has been nice, but at the same time, having time to get things done, without their fights, will be really nice too. Anyone else happy about spring break coming to an end?

This weekend will be a busy one for my family  One kid will be at a sleepover then bowling for a birthday party for a friend, the other is having a meeting for his Washtenaw County Science Olympiad Team and I will be at the Skywarn Spotter Training tomorrow for the county. There are however a couple of noteworthy weekend events happening in AnnArbor including FestiFools and the Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. Families are always welcome to check out the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History and all it has to offer, including a new planetarium show called Larry the Cat.

What are your weekend plans? Have anything special on your weekend event planner??? Check out a few of these opportunities for the kids.

Saturday, April 6

Saturday is "for the birds" as young builders get to build their own bird feeder at a free Home Depot Kids workshop from 9:00 a.m. until noon. This free event has never required registration, however I did notice on the website that registration is now encouraged. Click the kids workshop tab in the Home Depot Workshops for more information and to register for the kids building clinic.

Let your kids explore their creativity while you shop at Michael's Crafts. For only $2 your child can make a cute Earth Day celebration craft - Sessions happen every half hour from 10:00-11:30 a.m. allowing lots of time for mom to shop.

Get a jump start in celebrating Earth Day with a special story-time at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor) at 10:00 a.m. Children ages 1-5 will learn how they can care for the planet and plant some seeds in recycled items. Admission for the event is $2/child. Children do not need to pre-register.

The day should warm to the mid-50's which makes getting out into nature a MUST. Explore the landscapes of the River Raisin at the Leonard Preserve (Manchester Twp.) with a Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation naturalist at 10:00 a.m. to Noon. Families can learn about this unique habitat that supports a diverse array of plant and animal species. For more information visit www.stewardshipnetwork/rc. Light refreshments will be served after the program.

Want another opportunity to get outdoors Saturday? Then be sure to take the family to check out the Dance of the Timberdoodle 7:30 to 9 p.m. Independence Lake (Webster Twp.) Families will learn about the spring rituals of the woodcock. Plan to meet at the Boat Launch, near the park’s gatehouse for the trip outdoors.

Photo shared on Ann Arbor Mom Facebook page
courtesy of  Myra Klarman photography

Sunday, April 7

There is one more opportunity to get outdoors Sunday 2:00-4:00 p.m. As an added bonus families can learn about the beneficial uses of Garlic Mustard as we weed it from where we don’t want it to grow at County Farm Park (Meet at the Medford Road entrance). You will learn to make raw pesto, spring greens smoothies, and Greens Vichyssoise too!!!

One of these days I am going to attend Festifools - if you're planning to take the family though, there is costume-building workshop at 826 Michigan (115 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor) at 2:00-3:30 p.m. It was featured earlier this week on the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Page - Be sure to stop by and let the kiddo's create a crafty robot.