Weekend Events Round-up: May 17-19

It seems this weekend will hold something from everyone - from Legos, to teen events, to  a family dance to theater productions. My family will be tied up with soccer on Saturday and on Sunday my Daisy Troop will deliver pet food they purchased from Girl Scout cookie profits to the Humane Society of Huron Valley. In other words it will be a very busy weekend.

Do you have any grand plans for the family this weekend?  If not you might consider attending The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre production of Anne of Green Gables at the Gardens at Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). There are many times to see the play too. On Saturday, see it at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., or 4:00 p.m., and on  Sunday showtimes are 1:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m.

Admission for the show is $5/children; $8/adults with  tickets available at the door.  This performance is appropriate for children age 4+.

This weekend see Ann of Green Gables at at the
Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Maybe a weekend of science is better for your family? If so then check out Professor Ray’s Everyday Science of "Good Vibes" at Ann Arbor Hands On Museum (220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor). Shows are at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. and are free with paid admission to the museum.  Kids will get a chance to experiment with sound vibrations and hear strange sounds made with common objects.

So what are your weekend plans? It's time to fill up that planner...

Saturday, May 18

Start the morning with a 7:30 a.m. bird hike at Hudson Mills Metropark (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter). For only $5 adult/$3 child your family can explore observing observe bird species seen in the park. Preregistration is required by calling 1-800-47-PARKS. If you have them, please bring your binoculars and a field guide too - The early bird catches the worm!

Want to explore a nicely wooded area? Then be sure to walk the Flatwoods at the Oakwoods (Huron-Clinton) Metropark with Ron Gamble, Vice President of the Huron Valley chapter of Michigan Botanical Club. Participants will explore the mature flatwoods and observe soil character that differentiates this habitat from other floodplain forests and swamp. Footing should be stable, however wear shoes/boots that can get wet/muddy as this will include off-trail hiking. Meet at the Nature Center in Oakwoods Metropark at 9:30 a.m.

Are you a new parent or a parent with a child transitioning from a car seat to a booster seat? Then this is for you. Be sure to check out the free car seat check during the Children's Health Fair at Vineyard Church (2275 Platt Rd., Ann Arbor). The free event happens 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Find free car seat checks, health and safety information, free kids crafts and snacks.

Your creative child might get a kick out of the Grange Junior Makers program at the Pittsfield Grange  (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor). On the third Saturday of each month at 10:00 am - noon kids can build something new and exciting. The monthly program allows kids with adults to build projects in electronics, robotics and wood. This month's project is Stitch-and-build boat-building where kids will make a miniature version of a kayak and learn techniques to build a full size boat! 

2013 Ann Arbor Juggling Arts Festival at Wide World Sports Center (2140 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor) 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The 2013 Ann Arbor Juggling Arts Festival is open to everyone, both jugglers and non jugglers. We have free lessons for anyone who wants to learn. Additionally, we will have: games, lessons, workshops, prop vendors, open juggling, and lots of fun.

Be sure to take your Lego maniac to LEGO Day at Learning Express Ann Arbor (2465 W Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor) at 10:00 a.m. - noon. The day, a free LEGO Chima event will highlight the New LEGO Chima Speedors with an obstacle course and racing area. A 3:00 p.m. LEGO Minifig trading session will follow the event.

For more science events, families should make sure not to miss the Evolution of Whales at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This free hands-on program for kids ages 5+ explores everything about whales. Discover how paleontologists study fossils and make a cast of an archaic Dorudon whale tooth! Make sure to stay the entire day and take advantage of the free dinosaur tours at 2:00-2:30 or see a planetarium show!

Musical kids will enjoy the Verve Pipe Kids' Show at The Ark (316 S. Main St. Ann Arbor ) at 11:00 a.m. Show admission is only $12.50 and features family-friendly songs.

Your teen might really enjoy the 2013 German-American Gaming League International Championships at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 South Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) all day 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  AADL is has teamed up with the US State Department and Germany's Zukunftswerkstatt (Future Workshop) to present the German-American Gaming League Championships. During this first-ever international championship, Ann Arbor's best gamers will be matched up with three German Teens (ages 13, 15 and 18) to pursue the ultimate victory! All teens will compete in Mario Kart, minecraft, and more. This is a teen event (grades 6 - 12).


Your entire family might enjoy Chesstastic at the AADL (Traverwood Branch) From 1:00-4:00 p.m. kids , teens and adults can play one of the world's most popular games with players of all ages and abilities! Chess sets are provided. This free event is for children in grades K - adult. 

At 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Goldfish Swim School Ann Arbor (2107 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor) is hosting a water safety event. Families will find a bounce house, edible treats including hot dogs, snow cones, airbrush tattoos and most importantly tips to help keep your children safe in and around water this summer.

Want a little more craftiness in your life, or perhaps you just need a new box? Then be sure to head to the Ypsilanti District Library (8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti) to make a Craft Stick Treasure Box. This free program at 2:00-3:30 p.m. allows you to build a one of a kind memento box designed by you!


Sunday, May 19

Yarn bombing? What's that? Teens will get a chance to find out while they Yarn Bomb the Garden at the AADL (Downtown) 1:00-3:00 p.m. Teens in grade 6+ can help yarn bomb the garden at the downtown library by adding a coat of knitted color to the outdoor garden. Learn how to knit a small piece with our knit-cam and an instructor to help guide you. Knitting instruction starts at 1:00 p.m.. If you are able to, please bring yarn scraps and size 8 or 9 needles. 

Sunday is traditionally a day for family, so why not head over for a little do-si-do during the Family Dance at the Pittsfield Union Grange Hall (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor) at 2:00-4:00 p.m. The cost, $12 for the family allows your to enjoy traditional dances suitable for children with adults and live music. Grange-baked cookies are served at the end of the dance!

Sunday's weather is looking Sunny so perhaps your family will enjoy the Botany of Lady Slipper Fen with Faye Stoner. Meet at at Park Lyndon North at 2:00-4:00 p.m. to hike into the wetland, learning about the trees, shrubs, flowers and ferns that grow at the park. Wear boots or shoes that can get wet though.

There's one more chance to check out the Evolution of Whales at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) 3:00 p.m.or the free dinosaur tours!