Keep Cool With FREE Movies This Summer

Hot summer days are sometimes best spent indoors enjoying a movie blockbuster. There is simply something about a dark, cool movie theater that is appealing. Want to make going to the movies even more appealing? How about a discount movie tickets? 

Each summer Goodrich Quality Theaters has the GQT Mornings. For 9 weeks, Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m., families can see 9 movies for just $1. What a deal! Better yet, if you are a member of their Frequent Moviegoers Rewards program, you will get FREE movies all summer long! Parents can sign up for the GQT loyalty program here for free.

June 17-21:  Smallfoot
June 24-28: The LEGO Movie 2
July 1-5:  Hotel Transylvania
July 8-12:  Goosebumps 2
July 15-19: Smurfs: The Lost Village
July 22-26: The Emoji Movie
July 29- Aug 2: A Dogs Way Home

AMC Theaters is also offering cheap summer movies for kids with kid-friendly movies every Wednesday! AMC Summer Movie Camp showtimes are each Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and cost just $4.

Cinemark Theaters is hosting a Summer Movie Clubhouse. Although the nearest theater is in Taylor, MI, you can buy tickets for $1 OR purchase tickets for all 10 for $5 with a ten-week series punch card.

I love attending discount movies with the kids. Even if they are often movies that are not currently in theaters, it's a great way to catch up on popular movies at a fraction of the cost. We've even seen some movies a second or third time!

So make sure you get to catch a few of these movies this summer. It's a nice break from the heat and a treat for the kids!

Free Fishing Weekend and Ann Arbor Ice Fishing Derby's

Photo courtesy of the Scheel family

I don't know why this has been top of mind this year. Maybe it is the lakes being mostly frozen...  Perhaps it is my desire to learn new skills or filling my bucket list. At any rate, I really want to try ice fishing. I don't want a new hobby or anything, I just want to try it once. It's a good thing that Michigan offers a free fishing weekend free fishing weekend this month! Now I can try ice fishing.

On February 16-17, Michigan has their free fishing weekend. Families can certainly find friends to take them out, however sometimes pre-planned programs are the best way to try out ice fishing. The closest free fishing weekend events are an Ice Fishing Derby at  Seven Lakes State Park (14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly) on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There will be loaner equipment available, as well as refreshments, prizes and a warm fire!

I also found an Ice Fishing for Beginners program at Kensington on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Come test the waters and take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend on the beautiful Kent Lake. The program will begin indoors at the Nature Center to learn about the basics of ice fishing which will include various aspects of ice safety, proper technique for drilling your hole in the ice, and how to attract the fish. Participants will then head outside and hit the ice so you can try it yourself. If possible, bring your own ice fishing rod (inexpensive and available at many sporting stores). Dress to be outside, waterproof boots are highly recommended. If you want to have a seat while waiting for your big catch, a 5 gallon bucket is a great choice. Bait will be provided. Ages 6 and older. The cost is $5 and please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

If that weekend is not convenient for your desire to try ice fishing, Independence Lake will be holding their annual Ice Fishing Derby. The  annual Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation program is being held February 10 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on February 10. Participants can catch and release Northern Pike, Bass and Crappie. Gift cards and other prizes will be given to contest winners. You will however need to bring your own bait. The cost for the event is $10 for kids (12 & under)/ and $15 for adults which includes lunch. There is a discount for pre-registration.

The whole family will enjoy the outing, so bundle up and get pumped to try your hand at ice fishing. You can find alternative February free fishing weekend options for ice fishing at the DNR website.

Photo courtesy of Scheel family.

Visiting the Sugarbush: Maple Syrup Events for the Family

I love real maple syrup. It's yummy on pancakes and waffles and even used as an ice cream topping! I even love making homemade maple syrup with the family, it's easy to do and yields wonderful results. If you don't want to make your own though, in Washtenaw County and close to Ann Arbor, there are several places where families can go to learn about maple syrup, it's history and how to make your own maple syrup!

March 23: Visit Belleville for Maple Sugaring Through the Ages (10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.) at the
Oakwoods Metropark Nature Center (17845 Savage Road, Belleville, MI 48111). Learn about the methods used to collect maple sap and how the maple tree sustained early Americans. Preregister at (734) 782-3956.

Starting February 24 on weekends at the  Hudson Mills Activity Center (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter) families can Journey to the Sugar Bush on a guided tour traveling back in time to experience how maple syrup has been made over the years. While you are there, enjoy an all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast served from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The guided tour (10:00, 11:00 a.m. and noon and by appointment) is $5/Adult or $3/Children  Breakfast (additional):  $6/Adults or $4/Children.  Please pre-register at (734) 426-8211

Starting February 23, Arbor families can take a short drive to visit learn "Maples Sweet Story" at Kensington Metropark (2240 W. Buno Rd., Milford). Tours are given every half hour from noon until 3:00 p.m. where families can learn about maple sugaring. Stop in for a hot breakfast from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Farmhouse Grille, and then head on a guided tour to the sugar bush to see the maple sugaring process, including tapping trees and boiling down the sap. You might even see some Native American re-enactors telling the tale of the sugarbush!  For more information call 800-477-3178800-477-3178. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark in addition to a small fee of $3/adults and $1/seniors and children 3 to 12 years; kids under 3 are free.

Real maple syrup is very much worth the effort and worth checking out, so if your children would enjoy trying something a little different, be sure to check out the full list of Metroparks Maple Syrup programs and events around Ann Arbor in the coming month! Or if you feel up to the challenge try your hand at making maple syrup with your family, it's really easy to do.

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Events: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month in Ann Arbor

In Ann Arbor, the celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. provides families with several free and educational programs. From library events to musical performances to speeches and other free events; there will be several well-run programs for everyone in the family to enjoy.

MLK Celebration for the whole family will be held at YDL-Michigan (229 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197) and YDL-Whittaker (5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197). On Monday, January 21 at 1:30 p.m., honor the memory by sharing your dreams. watching Selma or participating in many special events to celebrate the day.

Through March 16, the Ypsilanti District Library is also hosting a national traveling exhibit, The Power of Children. It highlights the lives of three children who changed the course of history: Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White. At the age of six, Ruby Bridges became the face of school de-segregation as the first African American child to attend a previously all-white school in New Orleans. Her confidence, optimism, and pride gave hope to a nation, giving energy to the Civil Rights movement as it dismantled Jim Crow laws. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and is on display in the Community Room at YDL-Whittaker whenever the library is open.

At YDL-Whittaker, families can learn more about African American Genealogy. On Saturday, January 19, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, learn about the different resource or technique to help you discover your family history.

Families can get Free Admission to Henry Ford Museum (20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, MI 48124-4088 ) on January 21 to honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Come to The Henry Ford Museum for live music, dramatic presentations, make and take activities or sit in the seat that Rosa Parks did. Thanks to the generosity of Target, admission to the Museum and parking are free. Activities include live musical performances, make and take activities and free giveaways!

The annual MLK Day for children and youth in Ann Arbor is being held at the University of Michigan at the Modern Languages Building (812 E. Washington, Ann Arbor). The full day event (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) allows participants a day of free activities filled with fun, creativity, dialogue and entertainment. While early registration is closed, youth can still be registered at walk-up.

The Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) is hosting an MLK Day Concert
with the Biakuye Percussion Group at 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. The free event is intended for grade K-12.

On Monday, February 5, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown branch, families can stop in for I Am Making History. Where poets and performers from Ann Arbor’s Neutral Zone, will showcase their talents but also the importance of having a voice in the community. Then on February 9, 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the AADL-Westgate branch, listen to local residents talk about their experiences in the Living Oral History project by AADL. Residents from Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti discuss their experiences on topics like faith, education, race and how they related to the African-African community.

On Monday, February 11, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, at the YDL-WHittaker, Dr. Theresa Saunders of EMU’s College of Education explores the gaps in funding and support that have widened the achievement gap for students of color in Michigan, and what needs to change.

The youngest residents of our community will enjoy watching the Wild Swan Theater production of 
Under the African Sky running February 21-23 at the WCC Towsley Auditorium. I saw this production a few years ago with my sons class and really enjoyed it. In all, four shows will run. The production, a collection of fun tales taking place in Africa is full of colors, music, drumming and drama, and gives audiences a taste of delightful storytelling.

Valentine's Day Craft Projects for Kids and Teens

Kid's can make their Valentine a salt-dough 

heart or create other personalized craft 

creations this week at several events 

throughout Ann Arbor.

Photo courtesy of Kaboose.

When I think of Valentine's Day, I am reminded of a Valentine's Day school party in fifth grade. I passed out the typical handcrafted Valentine's Day cards to classmates and even got crafty with salt-dough, shaping it into a Valentine heart that I gave to Hank, my fifth grade crush. Unfortunately for me, even though I didn't label who the heart was from, he knew, and proceeded to tell the entire class I didn't know how to cook. Explaining that it wasn't a cookie was a fruitless effort and quite embarrassing!

Creating Valentine's Day gifts, though, became a tradition of sorts and one that I have passed to my children — everyone loves a good treat, be it baked or crafted, and this week throughout Ann Arbor, there are many opportunities for your children and teens to craft their hearts out!

Michaels Crafts is always a good location for free or low-cost "Make-it Take-it" craft projects, and this week they are not failing to deliver. On Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10:00 a.m. - noon, kids ages 3 and up can drop in to create their own Valentine's Day Love Bugs for $2. Then on February 10, from 10:00-12:00 p.m. Kids can make a Valentine's Day Card for $5
Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises.

The Ann Arbor Library has a couple events for children and teens to create sometime sweet for their sweethearts. On Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Traverwood branch, try creating your Valentine a felt flower. Then on February 10 at 2:00 p.m., stop by the Mallets Creek branch to make a Valentine card. Be sure to log into your Ann Arbor Library account to register!

Do you know of other Valentine's Day events to add to the calendar. Please share them in the comments below!

Brick Bash Ann Arbor

Attention LEGO Builders and fans, Brick Bash - Ann Arbor's very own celebration of everything LEGO, hits town on February 10, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Skyline High School (2552 N Maple Rd, Ann Arbor).

For just $5/person or $20/family, families will find their LEGO dreams come true. See amazing LEGO models created by hobbyists from around the country, find thousands of LEGO, Duplo, and Bionicle bricks to play with and see LEGO movies featuring educational, hands-on building projects.

You can also find Brick Bash on Facebook - Hope to see you there!

Winter Fun Fest

Get your Winter Fun Fest passport stamped
at three events and get a free t-shirt and tote bag!

Many of my readers will know that I am a scout leader for both of my children. My son is now in Boy Scouts and I am his Assistant Scoutmaster and my daughter is a Junior Girl Scout. What makes scouting amazing to me is the amount of outdoor activities the scouts do. The non scouting part of me also likes to be outdoors - Playing sports, hiking, sitting in the woods or foraging for good eats. Basically the outdoors is a big part of our lives.

This winter your family can enjoy the outdoors too during the Winter Fun Fest happening throughout Washtenaw County. Winter Fun Fest runs from January 27th until Feburary 25th with over 20 fun winter events in three weeks! Whether you like warming up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or tromping through the freshly fallen snow, we've got something for everyone to enjoy.

 At the first event you attend you can pick up your Fun Fest Passport - if you attend three events in the next three weeks, you will win a free T-Shirt or Tote! A full list of Winter Fun Fest events can be found here: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/parks_recreation/activities/winter-fun-fest/calendar-of-events-winter-fun-fest

Did I mention that these are free events? Certainly there may be some parks that require an entry fee but get ready to have some free fun with the family!

Take the Family to the Hyatt Place Ann Arbor

Last weekend my family was hosted overnight at the new Hyatt Place Ann Arbor (223 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48108). I have got to say, it is a lovely hotel. I have already told my best friend where she should stay on her next trip! If you have the need, you too should have your family stay at Ann Arbor's newest hotel!

Upon walking into the lobby we knew we were someplace that we would like to come back to. The lobby was open yet quaint and inviting at the same time. The kids wanted to hang out to watch TV or sit at the dining bar. They even commented about reading a book in the nook next to registration.

I had to laugh though, because the first words out of my daughters mouth was, "Mom the lobby smells good." And it did. We called it the "new car smell" of hotels.

When we got to our room the kids were thrilled by the view and the modern, clean lines of everything. You would have thought they had never seen a bathroom before too as they were even excited about that.

I loved the room layout and how bright the room was. The Michigan decor was fun too. I would love to find out where the pillows came from!

The kids were not sure about sleeping on the pull out couch but in the end said they had a super comfortable night! My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the King size bed, which is much bigger than ours at home. I always rate a hotel on the comfort of the bed and pillows and this one was perfect!

Since it was a quiet weekend (i.e. not a home football weekend) we seemed to be one of the few people in the hotel. I saw many people the next morning, so I know that we were not alone, but it was so quiet and enjoyable. When I took the kids to the pool, we had our own private swim time!

I especially appreciated not needing to leave the hotel for dining after swimming too. The food was good, and the staff was even better.

My daughter and I had to head out early the next morning but not before breakfast. I liked the variety of offerings and my daughter easily found something (or several somethings) that she liked too. My husband and son also commented about the free breakfast. There was a variety of cold and hot foods, juices and of course coffee.

In all, my family had an exceptional experience at the Hyatt Place Ann Arbor and have already recommended it to several friends. There are several times throughout the year when a group of neighbors chooses a local hotel to stay and swim at, and this one was recommended for our next staycation. Thank you Hyatt Place Ann Arbor!

October is National Pizza Month

To celebrate National Pizza Month, Cottage Inn Pizza sent my family two yummy pizza's. Doesn't it look good? It was! We love pizza, especially the kids, and while it was not on my current diet, I did indulge. Thank you Cottage Inn!

Free Event: Campfire Fun at the Leslie Science & Nature Center

I am planning on taking my children to this fun event, I mean who wouldn't want to? It's free, sounds fun AND is educational. It would make the perfect way for a family to end their weekend. One Sunday each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m., the Leslie Science & Nature Center is hosting a campfire /story session. You bring the chairs, blankets and roasting sticks (maybe some hot cocoa and fixings for s'mores too) and they'll provide the music, entertainment and marshmallows! 

The Fireside Fun program is FREE and designed for all ages, just come out, bring the necessities and enjoy the night. I'm planning on taking my Cub Scout den and my Daisy Troop too! The dates of this fantastic program are:

Sunday, October 15

Sunday, November 19

Ann Arbor Halloween Costume Swap

Do you have old costumes your kids have outgrown? Perhaps your children don't enjoy hand-me-downs and want to see what else they could wear. If either of these scenarios appeal to you, then consider participating in the Halloween Costume SWAP at the Ann Arbor District Library.

From October 1-22, drop off your gently used, clean Halloween costumes to any Ann Arbor library branch. Then on October 22, come and pick out a new costume from our collection at the Halloween Costume Swap. Save money, clear your closet, and pick out something exciting and snazzy for the year. Costumes for all ages and sizes are accepted!

Free Spring Movies

Free movies are a wonderful thing. They give us something to do when spring is muddy and gray. Weekends, through April 2, your family can enjoy free movies at local Goodrich Quality Theaters. Showtimes will be available the Tuesday before and tickets are only available at the door. Tickets for adults are just $1 but kids 12 and under get free admission to the movies!

In Ann Arbor, that gives us a choice of two theaters for free movies this spring:

Goodrich Quality 16
3686 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor

Goodrich Canton 7
43555 Ford Road, Canton Twp.

Trolls (PG) – March 11 & 12 

Middle School (PG) – March 18 & 19 

Storks (PG) – March 25 & 26 

Sing (PG) – April 1 & 2

It's hard to pass up a free movie no matter how much concession stand goodies you purchase. So one of these cold, wet or dreary late winter early spring weekends, be sure to sneak out with the kids and enjoy your free movie!

Pittsfield Township Annual Harvest Fest

On Sunday September 18, 2:00-5:00 p.m., Ann Arbor area families can enjoy the Pittsfield Township Annual Harvest Festival at the  Sutherland-Wilson Farm Museum (797 Textile Rd., Ann Arbor). Hear the sounds of the Saline Fiddlers, enjoy hay rides, games, a petting farm, and hands on demonstrations. Hand-made items will also be for sale.

Tour historic building and see photo displays as well. A bake sale and pumpkin picking can also be enjoyed. There will be everything we love about the fall!

COST:
Adult Wristbands (ages 16+) $5.00
Child Wristbands (ages 3 – 15) $3.00
Free admission Children 2 and under

Schedule of Events:
2:00 p.m. Welcome Message & Event Kick off
2:15 p.m. Saline Fiddlers
2:15 - 5:00 p.m. House Tours
3:30 p.m. Prizes in the Straw (under 4)
3:40 p.m. Prizes in the Straw (ages 5+)

Free Parking & Shuttle available at Harvest Elementary (1155 Campus Pkwy). For more information visit the Harvest Festival website or the Harvest Festival Event on Facebook!

Blaze Pizza Opens in Ann Arbor

Tonight, the family was invited to a sneak peek of the new Blaze Pizza  (3500 Washtenaw Ave.) opening in Ann Arbor tomorrow. My son is fairly picky, so I never know what he will eat. He loved it though and even left a video testimonial on the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook page!

Checking out pizza at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza Ann Arbor.

We found the make your own option to be the best option. It allowed each of us to customize our pizzas. The pizzas all finished cooking within 2-3 minutes of one another too.

Aside from the food, what did we think? We think it's going to be a big hit in Ann Arbor. The location is ideal for a quick meal too. We arrived shortly before the skies opened up and rain fell sideways, so my kids were both thrilled to see the restaurant alter its layout, closing the exterior door and opening the inside one! It converted the space to a much larger one. The place was packed too, which I assume will be the typical lunch rush scenario. It was a bit noisy, but that was likely due to the excitement of those of us dining as well as the staff. They shouted cheers several times while we were there too.

The staff was exceptionally friendly as well. It was clear several were learning their jobs, but despite the rush, everyone smiled. It was a great test run for their grand opening tomorrow and free pizza day Tuesday.

Today we each made our own pizzas, my husband and I shared a salad and my daughter even tried a s'mores pie. The kids would not try the lemonade or agua fresca beverages, but I very much enjoyed those! They were refreshing and tasty.

So how do you get your Free Blaze Pizza? Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza, is inviting local diners to try one of their custom-built pizzas for free on Tuesday, August 23 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. The promotion will benefit Food Gatherers, too, because if Blaze Pizza can give away 1,000 free pizzas on Tuesday, they’ll donate $5,000 to Food Gatherers! So be sure to stop in an enjoy Pizza Day, all you have to do is show up, eat some delicious pizzas and give back to a great cause.

Convertible doors on the new Blaze allow
the doors to open and close for open air seating.
The cool atmosphere was a lot of fun for the whole family. 

Choosing their own toppings on Blaze Pizza was a big hit!

 My favorite part was choosing which toppings I would like on my pizza. I'll admit though, it's a bit overwhelming. I suppose that is a good reason to come back. There were 6 or 7 types of sauce, MANY types of cheese (mmm, cheese), many meats and tons of veggies. The Blaze Pizza menu is pretty spectacular for sure. They even offer gluten free, vegetarian and high-rise dough options! We enjoyed the simple crust. It was thin, crispy and so perfectly cooked.

The wood fired grill was entertaining to watch for a few minutes too.
The kids thought it was pretty cool.

Mmmmm, Blaze pizza was a hit!

 My son is already making plans on when to go back, he even asked about bringing a friend. For just $7.95 per pizza that is very manageable, and honesty my kids probably could have split a pizza. They did enjoy bringing the pizza boxes home though and I would not have crushed their spirits tonight by denying them their own pizza! Look at those happy smiles.

Thank you Blaze Pizza for inviting us to the Sneak Peek tonight!

Stop by the new Blaze Pizza in Ann Arbor (3500 Washtenaw Ave.)  or, if you are running short on time, you can even place your pizza order online!

Kids Cooking With Sprouting Chefs

My daughter and her cooking partner during the kids cooking class at Sprouting Chefs.

Recently my daughter had the opportunity to participate in a kids cooking class with Sprouting Chefs. Sprouting Chefs offers hands-on cooking classes for children and young adults. The classes are taught by Lilian Anderson, Registered Dietitian and culinary professional. Kids get one-on-one exposure to gardening, and preparing seasonal foods from the garden, while learning to cook in a real industrial kitchen (Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor)! The best part of it of course, is that they get to eat the meal they prepare while bringing home a hearty plate of leftovers and complete recipe booklet.

Small class sizes in an industrial kitchen mean the kids learn a lot
with Sprouting Chefs, including proper food safety and handling!

My daughter has been bugging to learn to cook for a long time now. Aside from this, she has participated in a Girl Scout cooking camp, and has done some cooking with me, but this kids cooking class was right up her alley! She liked that she could choose from a variety of classes to participate in too. Lilian, the owner, told me that many of the kids come back over and over to learn new recipes or even to perfect recipes in classes they have already taken.

The class size was small, which was impressive, and the fees associated with the class were very reasonable. As a parent though, what I was most impressed with, was to learn there was a good discussion on cleanliness in the kitchen, proper food storage and handling and complete lessons on how to use the tools. Having leftovers also meant that I knew how things should taste if she made it again. The kitchen smelled amazing when I picked her up. The day my daughter attended she made meatloaf, experimented with two styles of cooking corn and they made a nice, healthy fruit compote with peaches and berries. I found it cute that she wanted to instruct me on the correct way to use a micro-plane for zesting - actually she was a bit surprised to learn that I already owned the tool!

Her fruit compote over ice cream was to die for - We ate it at home without
the ice cream even! I appreciate that Sprouting Chefs offers fresh, healthy recipes!

Within days my daughter remade much of the recipe; She opted for a salad instead of the corn, but she was able to replicate the recipe very easily. Of course, don't take my word for it, my daughter, who was the real client, will tell you about it in this short video blog.



Do you have a possibly future culinary expert? Perhaps you just have a curios child? Or better yet, perhaps you have a child with a limited palate. I do feel that by teaching a child to cook, they are more likely to become adventurous eaters. The cooking class at Sprouting Chefs was great, and my daughter was able to come home from class and make the recipe at home with minimal support or supervision. So if you are interested in your child learning more, be sure to see the many cooking classes that Sprouting Chefs offers. In the words of Guy Fiere, "Cooking with kids is not just about ingredients, recipes, and cooking. It's about harnessing imagination, empowerment, and creativity." and Sprouting Chefs offers just that.

Find out more about Sprouting Chefs at their website: http://www.sproutingchefs.org/ or on their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Sprouting-Chefs-LLC-877206565732392/ or call 734-474-1006.

Thank you Sprouting Chefs for the kids cooking class - It helped my daughter
become more confident in the kitchen!

Critters Up Close

On Saturday, August 13, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 14, 1:00-4:00 p.m. The Leslie Science and Nature Center and the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum offer a special animal-oriented program with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. This month features snakes! Be sure to come and see the animals visiting the AAHOM and stay to explore the rest of the museum.

Tubing Argo Cascades

That's me!!! Even adults enjoy riding
down the Argo Cascades in tubes! 

One of the best ways to stay cool in Ann Arbor during the summer is to tube down the Argo Cascades. We have been over after school in the evening, took a quick trip for a brief cool off and have even spent an entire day at the Cascades complete with a picnic lunch.

My kids love riding their tubes to the end of the run then jogging back up the path to start all over. I will spend hours sitting on the side lines, dipping my toes in or taking photos of the fun. Recently I even took my Girl Scouts to spend some time cascading down the river!

To get to the Argo Cascades you need to get to the Argo Canoe Livery (1055 Longshore Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105). Families can bring their own inner tubes or rent them for $10/tube, for a 2-hour rental, at the Argo Canoe Livery. Kayaks may also be rented and floated down the Cascades however I would think that is more of a one-way trip as getting them back to the beginning of the run would take significant effort.

With a recent increase of weekend traffic and attendance at the Argo Cascades, the City of Ann Arbor has published specific details about the best parking locations, and details on tubing the Huron River.

So grab a tube and cool off at the Argo Cascades, you will not be disappointed. While the current is not overly strong, nor the river deep, I do recommend life jackets for smaller children, or better yet, mom and dad can ride with the kids!

Free Educational Programs for Students Entering Grades 6-8

Summer learning loss is a concern for parents and educators alike but that is where INNO comes in. Would you like the opportunity for your student (entering grades 6-8) to participate in a free summer educational program? Summer courses will be available starting July 2 through Labor Day at the Ann Arbor Downtown District Library on weekends. Classes are one hour in length and focus on language arts and mixed mathematics.

To register for this great opportunity, visit the INNO website.  Courses are taught by qualified high school students who have a passion for Math and English. The students will encourage your child to love learning and develop good study habits, rather than just memorizing facts.

Expel summer learning loss and register for this free program TODAY! For more information, email educationinno@gmail.com.

Inexpensive Family Camping Weekends

As a child I loved to camp and did so often with the family. My kids now love to camp however it gets expensive and there is rarely anywhere nearby that we can camp reasonably. There is now a solution to that.

Huron-Clinton Metroparks camping is available to families and groups for as low as $30-40/night. Throughout the summer, May 1-mid October families can enjoy rustic camping at the The Lower Huron Metropark (off of I-94 and Haggerty Rd - exit 192) for only $20 a night (plus vehicle entry fee). Stony Creek is offering many family campout weekends too and many of the other Metroparks have dedicated camping areas and lodges available.

There is also an opportunity to participate at two Family Campout sessions at Rolling Hills through Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation on August 6-7 or August 13-14. We have participated in this program for several years and highly recommend it to friends. Set up your tent and enjoy the park or the water park, families can also enjoy the campfire, hikes, educational programs for the kids and breakfast the next morning! Find out more about the Rolling Hills Family campout here. Camping is only $7 per person too, which makes this a very affordable way to camp!

Another WCPR option is Family Camping at Independence Lake on September 10-11. Are you looking for a great opportunity to spend a night out under the stars with your family? Join us for the Independence Lake County Park Family Campout! You'll enjoy fun activities like zany crafts, relaxing fishing at the dock, intriguing nature programs, delicious s'mores, a sizzling campfire and a scrumptious pancake breakfast! You won't want to miss out on this spectacular event. Cost is $8/person.  Registration is open, please fax, mail or drop off the registration form to save your spot for this great event.  Email Hannah Cooley, cooleyh@ewashtenaw.org, or call (734)449-4437 ex 201, for more details.

Canton also gets into the family camping experience with Family Camp Out and Movie Night on July 15-16  at Heritage Park (1010 S. Canton Center Rd., Canton 48188). Families are invited to set up around the amphitheater and enjoy a move at dusk. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., there will be plenty to do before the movie including games, activities and entertainment for the entire family. The cost is only $20 overnight camping fee or $5 per person to participate in the evenings activities (if not camping overnight). Dinner & concession items will be sold Friday evening. Canoeing on Friday and a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning will be available for a nominal fee. Tent set up begins at noon on Friday July, 15. RV’s and tents are both welcome.

Don't let not owning a tent stop you, the last time we attended a Rolling Hills campout, two families brought their 10x10 easy up tents with bug netting and tarps to cover the sides at night! So whatever you do, pitch a tent in your back-yard or find a low cost camping option for your family. It will produce a lifetime of memories.

Ann Arbor Art Center Camp

Looking for a summer day camp in Ann Arbor, perhaps something creative and fun?  Then camp at the Ann Arbor Art Center might be what you are looking for. With many choices and TWO options each week, you will be sure to find a fun-filled, creative Ann Arbor day camp option.

Each week, families can choose between Clay Camp or Creativity Camp, and the fun doesn't stop there. Weekly themes include games, Back to the Future, design, cartoons, monsters and so much more. 

Camps start the week of June 27, and run through September 2 too, so there is no gap before the kids head back to school. I know that's been especially important to me as many camps don't run the last few weeks! Campers can start attending Creativity Camp as young as age 5 and age 9 for Clay Camp. So that no one is in a group that is developmentally different, campers are grouped together by age too. This is another of our big concerns as my children have gotten older. 

So if you are looking for a spark of creativity this summer, consider day camp at the Ann Arbor Art Center. My daughter is very much looking forward to attending, and I will have another article with her review after camp! 

Ann Arbor Art Center 

Summer Camp: Creativity and Clay Camps

June 27-September 2, 216

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Pre and post care available

Ages 5-12

Cost: $360+

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