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 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!

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.

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long

For several years now my kids have participated in the Kids Bowl Free program during the summer months when they are out of school. It is the perfect afternoon activity when the summer weather isn't cooperating, and the best part is that my children get to enjoy free bowling!

Let your kids can bowl FREE
all summer long!

Starting May 1, Ann Arbor families can take their children for free bowling at Bel-Mark Lanes. This is the only Ann Arbor bowling alley hosting the Kids Bowl Free program this year. I have been told too, that the bowling alley is under renovation, so be sure to stop in and check them out!

Bel-Mark Lanes, Ann Arbor
May 1-Sept 1
3530 Jackson Rd. | (734) 994-8433
Mon-Thurs until 6:00 p.m.
Fri-Sun until 5:00 p.m.

Looking for other convenient bowling alleys? Here are two more nearby:

Lodge Lanes, Belleville
May 1-Sept 30
46255 I-94 S Service Dr, Belleville | (734) 697-9178

Chelsea Lanes, Chelsea
April 15 1-Oct 31
1180 S. Main Street, Chelsea | (734) 475-8141

Super Bowl, Canton
May 2-Aug 31
45100 Ford Rd. | (734) 459-6070

There are many participating bowling alley's in Michigan to choose from, so check out their available times and choose wisely. Parents will only be able to register for one bowling alley per e-mail account.

In past years, if you register early, you will most likely also be offered the family pass for just $24.95 per family.  This pass is good for up to 4 adult family members (Mom, Dad, Older Siblings, Grandma, Grandpa or an Adult Babysitter) to bowl 2 games of free bowling every day during the summer along along with the children that have registered in the family.

So sign up today for this amazing summer deal.

Free Movies: Fall 2015

See free movies at Goodrich Theaters Sept 12-Nov. 8.



Attention families, free movies are back! On weekends September 12 through November 8 at Goodrich Quality Theaters (Canton Cinema - 43555 Ford Rd., Canton and Quality 16 - 3686 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor) at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., the entire family can enjoy a free movie once they register for the FMG club. Tickets are first come, first serve and plan on an intermission with every show, otherwise everyone gets in free!

The schedule is as follows:

• 9/12-13: Penguins
•  9/19-20: The Spongebob Movie 
• 9/26-27: Paul Blart Mall Cop 2
• 10/3-4: Home 
•  10/10-11: Annie 
• 10/17-18: The Nut Job
• 10/24-25: Night at the Museum Secret Tomb
• 10/31-11/1: Minions
•  11/7-8: Shawn the Sheep Movie

Toddler Time at Skyzone

There's not much more fun that bouncing your cares away, especially when the cold weather keeps the kids indoors! Sky Zone Canton has a great solution for a tiny tot playtime too - Toddler time every Thursday and Friday 10:00-11:00 a.m. for kids age 6 and under. The cost for Toddler time is only $10 for an hour of jumping that will surely tire your little ones out. Get an added bonus by purchasing a Punchcard (5 jump sessions for $35 or 10 for $50).

Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
42550 Executive Drive
Canton, MI 48188
(734) 981-0007

Skating Fun at Ann Arbor Area Ice Rinks

So many of my friends have mentioned that they really enjoy ice skating during the winter months - It's great exercise and fun for the entire family. Below is a list of area ice rinks, their locations and some basic information that parents may need to consider.

Ann Arbor Ice Skating:

Ann Arbor Ice Cube (2121 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor 48103)
Hours: Public skate times vary, verify on the A2Ice3 website.
Cost: $4 Adult/$3 Youth
Skate Rentals Available: Yes - $3 fee.

Buhr Park outdoor ice rink (2751 Packard St., Ann Arbor 48108)
Hours: Listed below. Open October 29-April 1.
Cost: Resident and non-resident fees. Adult $5-6/Youth $4-5
Skate Rentals Available: Yes. $3 fee.
Misc. info.: Arena includes public ice skating and drop-in hockey times. The facility has a heated lobby, vending, restrooms and four separate locker rooms.
School break open skate sessions: noon - 2:00 p.m. Nov. 27, 29; Dec. 23, 24, 26, 31; Jan. 2, 3, 20, 27, 28; Feb. 17 to 21; March 10.

Veteran's Memorial Sports Complex (2150 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103)
Hours: Public skate times listed below. Open mid September-mid May.
Cost: Resident and non-resident fees. Adult $5-6/Youth $4-5
Skate Rentals Available: Yes. $3 fee.
Misc. info.: Complete snack bar services and vending machines are available in the main lobby, along with coin-operated lockers and storage units.

Yost Ice Arena (1016 South State St., Ann Arbor 48104)
Hours: Noon skating (12-12:50 p.m.) weekdays, Thursday's 8:00-9:50 p.m., Friday's 8:00-9:20 p.m., weekend's 1:00-2:50 p.m.
Cost: Resident and non-resident fees. Adult $4-5/Youth $3/Noon skate $2
Skate Rentals Available: Yes. $2 fee.
Misc. info.: Discount frequent skater passbooks available. Check available sizes of skates before going.

Belleville Ice Skating:

Lower Huron Metropark (17845 Savage Rd., Belleville MI)
Hours: During park operation.
Cost: Free with Metropark admission.
Skate Rentals Available: No.
Misc. info.: Skate at own risk. Safety gear is recommended. Enjoy ice skating on two natural frozen ponds - Hockey enthusiasts can practice their shot on one rink, while families skate on the other two. Bring hot cocoa and warm up by a bonfire. There is no skate attendant on duty and children should be supervised by a responsible adult. To verify availability of the rink, call 734-697-9181 or 1-800-477-3182.

Canton Ice Skating:

Arctic Edge (46615 Michigan Ave., Canton)
Hours: Public open skate Fridays 12:00-12:50 p.m. & 7:00-8:50 p.m. / Saturdays 1:00-2:50 p.m. &; 8:00-9:50 p.m. / Sundays 4:00-5:50 p.m.
Skate Rentals Available: Yes. $3 fee.
Misc. info.: For more information call 734-487-777. Be sure to check the calendar for open skate availability before visiting.

Dexter Ice Skating:

Downtown Dexter in Monument Park.
Hours: Temperatures in the low 20s allow outdoor skating rink at Monument Park to open for public use during the winter months.
Cost: Free
Skate Rentals Available: No.
Misc. info.: Skate at own risk. Safety gear is recommended. There is no skate attendant on duty and children should be supervised by a responsible adult.

Milan Ice Skating:

Downtown Milan in Wilson Park
Hours: Verify that council passed the necessary approvals for 2013-14
Cost: Free
Skate Rentals Available: No.
Misc. info.: Skate at own risk. Safety gear is recommended. There is no skate attendant on duty and children should be supervised by a responsible adult.

Saline Ice Skating:

Henne Field, Saline
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m. / Friday and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Skate Rentals Available: No.
Misc. info.: Skate at own risk. Safety gear is recommended. There is no skate attendant on duty and children should be supervised by a responsible adult. Hockey sticks and pucks are allowed 3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9:00-11:00 a.m./3:00-5:00 p.m. weekends.

If you have seen or heard of other area locations where families can skate indoors or out, please feel free to add it into the comments section or send me a message with the details!

Summer Bounce Times at Pump It Up Canton

Kids can bounce their cares away during summer bounce sessions at Pump It Up in Canton

No matter what happens, during summer vacation there are always times when you just need  to find something for the kids to do. Perhaps sitting with a book in hand as they bounce themselves silly sounds appealing. If that's the case, then possibly exploring summer bounce times at Pump It Up (46090 Michigan Ave., Canton) is the thing to do.

From June 1 through August 31 kids can get all that extra energy out jumping, sliding, climbing and playing in fun-filled  Pump It Up bounce arenas for only $7. Summer open bounce times hours of operation are:

Monday 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 11:30 a.m. - 1: 00 p.m.
Thursday 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Friday 5:30-7:00 p.m.

The Pump It Up website also wants readers to know that we should all watch for bonus bounce times to be added throughout each week and weekend as scheduling permits!

Free Comic Book Day

Every year on the first Saturday in May kids of all ages enjoy Free Comic Book Day! This year, Saturday May 4th is no exception. In comic book shops across North America and around the world, on Free Comic Book Day, participating shops give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their stores!

For me this is especially exciting since my son will actually sit and read a comic book. So if getting your kid to read means getting them a comic book, then Free Comic Book Day would be the day to do that!

Ann Arbor Area stores participating in Free Comic Book Day:

Fun 4 All - 2742 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti (734) 434-7440
Stadium Cards & Comics - 2061 Golfside, Ypsilanti (734) 434-0283
Vault of Midnight - 219 S. Main, Ann Arbor (734) 998-1413
Comic City - 42727 Ford Rd., Canton (734) 981-3561

Please verify the hours each business is open before heading over though!

Kids Try Hockey for Free

Kids can try laying hokey at one of several free hockey sessions throughout Michigan
courtesy of the Detroit Red Wing Foundation and the MAHA.

The Detroit Red Wings Foundation is offering kids a chance to try hockey for free throughout the cooler months and into early spring. The free sessions start as early as November and are available locally in Chelsea, Canton and throughout the state. All of the locations are open for registration and all of the equipment is brought for the kids the day of the event.

So if your little one wants to know a little more about hockey, try on the equipment and get onto skates, this is the perfect opportunity to try a new sport.

October Events at Michael's Crafts

Michael's Crafts always has a great line-up of low-cost or free events for the inner crafter ages 3 and up. During the month of October kids can participate in many Make-It Take-It events for a spooktacular good time!

The Crazy Pumpkin Event: Design an extreme craft pumpkin with purchase of pumpkin. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. October 6, 10:00 a.m. - noon.

Halloween T-Shirt Event: Kids can make a fun scary spider T-shirt with purchase of shirt. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. October 20, 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Halloween Visor Event: Create a crafty visor for loads of Halloween fun when you purchase of visor. Other supplies are provided free. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. October 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Halloween Clay Pot Event: Design your own adorable clay pot creations after mom or dad purchase the clay pot. Ages 3 and up. October 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m.


Halloween Extravaganza Event!: Join the Costume Parade, create trick-or-treat Duck Tape totes or pails and get kids faces painted. Schedule as follows: Duck Tape Pail or Tote 11 a.m. - Noon featuring Make-It Take-It with purchase of pail or tote while supplies last. October 27, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Michael's Crafts Nearby Locations:

Michael's Crafts
3655 Washtenaw Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734.975.6774

Michael's Crafts
41904 Ford Rd.
Canton, MI 48187734.981.6578

Mom 2 Mom Sales This Weekend

This weekend there are several Mom2Mom Sales to browse near Ann Arbor. Below are the details for deal-ready shoppers!

Mom 2 Mom Sale at Saline Recreation Center (1866 Woodland Dr., Saline)
Saturday, October 8, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. am-1 pm
Admission: $1 admission
87 sold out tables of gently used items for infants, babies, toddlers and kids of all ages. Clothing, toys books, baby gear, strollers and maternity clothing are also available. For information call 734.429.3502 or email sferguson@cityofsaline.org.

Mom-2-Mom Sale at Woodland Meadows Elementary (350 Woodland Dr. Saline)
Hosted by Huron Valley Parents of Multiples
Saturday, October 8, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Admission: $2.
Visit the bi-annual Mom-2-Mom Sale through Huron Valley Parents of Multiples to find many great deals of used children's clothing, baby gear (strollers, high chairs and beds), toys, books and more. For more information visit the Huron Valley Parents of Multiples website.

Faith Assembly Church (894 E. Huron River,  Belleville)
Saturday, October 8, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Admission: $1
For more information call 734.502.0978.

Real Moms @ Calvary Baptist Church (43065 Joy Rd., Canton)
Saturday, October 8, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Free Admission
Department style store sale on used children's clothing, toys, books and baby gear.

Halloween Show Deal in Canton

Dr. Scream's Spook Show Revival

Four Tickets and a Souvenir DVD for a Halloween Magic Show

If you're looking for a little more hocus pocus and a little less slasher-style adventure this Halloween, today's deal is for you: Pay just $30 (regularly $75) to experience Dr. Scream's Spook Show Revival in Canton on October 14 today on Livingsocial. In addition to the Halloween magic and illusion, famalies will also get the the classic House on Haunted Hill DVD with Vincent Price, and a souvenir DVD.

So if retro rampage of magic, comedy, and mirth sound appealing, check out today's Living Social deal for 4 tickets to the Canton Halloween show! There's no smoke and mirrors -- just an amazing bargain and a howling good time.

Want more? Check out Dr. Scream's Spook Show Revival on Facebook.

Kids Kruiser Taxi Service Answers A Busy Parents Prayers!

Kids Kruiser answers a busy parents prayers by providing taxi services for any reason.
The service is safe, clean, convenient and it's just for kids!

Last night when making a run to the Ypsilanti District Library I ran across this new business in town, so I stopped to get the scoop. Angela from Kids Kruiser LLC told me they have been in business for about 6 months now and provide a pre-arranged taxi service for kids and students ages 3-18.  

Think of it. On demand assistance in getting kids to or from an activity, after school events, doctor appointments, another relatives' house, daycare, summer camps, music lessons, or their parents' office - The possibilities are endless! Their cost is a flat rate too, which is better than using an other taxi service, it's just $2 per mile.

What a GREAT idea.

Kids Eat Free: Ikea

Thought to pass along this current "Kids Eat Free" deal at IKEA (41640 Ford Rd., Canton) from now until August 21, kids under 12, can choose one combo meal (valued at $2.49) for FREE. Your child must be present and the deal is limited to one combo meal per child.

Free Father's Day Craft Events

Dad deserves a special gift from the kids almost as much as mom does, and finding fun, free craft projects for the kids to handcraft him something is a great way for your children to create a beautiful gifts while building on their natural creativity! Here are some great ways for your children to express themselves in the name of "dad".

With the many free projects the kids can participate for father's Day,
they are sure to create a special memory for dad or grandad!

Today from 9:00 a.m. - noon, kids can participate in the free Kid's Workshop at  Home Depot (3300 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti or 45900 Michigan Ave., Canton) to make Dad a special Valet Organizer suitable for home or office use. If that doesn't work, Home Depot has added a special Father's Day Kid's Workshop June 18, from 9:00 a.m. - noon where kid's can build dad his own tool box!

Michael's Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor or 41904 Ford Rd., Canton) is hosting a free make-it, take-it craft event on June 11, 10:00 a.m. - noon where mom's need only purchase the frame, and kids (ages 3 and up) get to create their own handmade masterpiece for dad's special day! All supplies are provided to decorate something really special for dad, and the best part is, there is no clean up for mom!

The local libraries are also getting into the spirit of Father's Day with several free projects. Kids can show Dad their love by personalizing a key chain and a card for him at the Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti) from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 14 or YDL-Whittaker (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) From 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16. Then on Saturday June 18, head over to the Ann Arbor District Library ( 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor) from 11:00 a.m. - noon to make an awesome personalized Father's Day card.

If that weren't enough, last year I came up with an idea to help my kids create something fun that my husband would appreciate - And use. Customized golf balls decorated with Sharpie markers. So make sure to check out our fun Golf Ball projects for Father's Day.

Ann Arbor Summer Movie Deals & Discounts for the Family

Discounted and free movies are a bonus when the summer weather becomes gloomy.  

With lower attendance at free summer movies, some theatres have dropped their free movie program. Some theatres though, still offer value pricing discount shows before noon, and some still offer discount movie tickets or $1.00 shows.
Beginning June 13 for 9 weeks throughout the summer, local Quality Theatres offer $1.00 movie tickets.  Each week, Monday through Friday, at 10:00 a.m. the Canton Cinema (43555 Ford Rd., Canton ) and Quality 16 (3686 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor) offer an entertaining PG movie suitable for the entire family.

Their $1 movie summer schedule is:

June 13-17: Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs
June 20-24: Pail Blart Mall Cop
June 27 - July 1: Open Season
July 4-8: Monster House
July 11-15: Planet 51
July 18-27: Stuart Little
July 25-29: Surf's Up
August 1-5: Madagascar Escape 2 Africa
August 8-12: Monsters Vs. Aliens

The Rave Ann Arbor theatre  (4100 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti) free family film festival Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. June 21 through August 10. This special incentive grants gives parents and kids free admission for these mornings.

An additional discount I found on their website gives families a $2 movie coupon at Rave Theatres available when a regular priced adult ticket is purchased. With several summer blockbusters coming out like Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom (May 27),  Judy Moody And The Not Bummer Summer (June 10), Cars 2 (June 24), Monte Carlo (July 1), Zookeeper (July 8), Winnie The Pooh (July 15), Mr Popper's Penguins (July 17), Smurfs (Aug 5), and Spy Kids 4: All The Time in The World (Aug 19) there are plenty of great movies to see! For more information call the Rave Ann Arbor 20 at 734-973-8424.

AMC Theatres is no longer running their Summer MovieCamp, however they do provide value pricing for families that  come into the theatre before noon.

I checked the Emagine Theatre (39535 Ford Rd., Canton) website and haven't found any discounted movie thickets or free summer programming, stay tuned however as this might change as summer approaches!

Mother's Day Craft Projects

Kids create Mom's favorite handcrafted treasures
for Mother's Day!

Stop in from May 5-8 at Tree Town Toys to make Mom (or grandma) her own birdhouse! This easy pre-assembled birdhouse craft allows the kids to paint and glitter to their hearts content. This extra special project only costs $6.00. And if the birdhouse project seems too expensive, wooden frames are also available for decorating for $3.00.This is a "while supplies last" project so be sure to create yours soon!

Area Michael's stores (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor and 41904 Ford Rd., Canton) have several Make-It Take-It events planned where kids can create a customized Mother's Day gift. That means no mess in the home and a semi-surprise for mom so long as dad take the kids to participate. All of their events are "while supplies last" events. Check out the Michael's Facebook page Mother's Day project video to see what's in store; The video has inspired me to take the kids to the store next week... I love the t-shirt necklace!

• April 30: 10:00 a.m. - noon with the purchase of a T-shirt or apron, kids can create Mom a one-of-a-kind wearable. This is geared for ages 3 and up.
• May 1: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Teens ages 14 and up can stop by to make Mom handcrafted jewelry by watching one of two in-store demos.
• May 3: 6:00-8:00 p.m. purchase a flower and create a special Mother's Day card. This is geared for ages 3 and up. 

Several area libraries also have great free programs and craft projects happening. Bring Mom to the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) on May 2 or May 5, 6:00-8:00 p.m. and have your picture taken on a cute back-drop, then have it printed as a fun remembrance of your beautiful relationship! The program also is available on May 7, 3:00-5:00 p.m. and the YDL Michigan branch (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) and YDL Superior branch (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti) 2:00-4:00 p.m. or stop by the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield Branch - 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor) on May 7 to make a Mother's Day Card from 11:00 a.m. - noon!

Also on May 7, kids ages 5-12, can head to the local Home Depot (3300 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti or 45900 Michigan Ave., Canton) to make Mom a special Kids Workshop Tulip Planter from 9:00 a.m. - noon. - of course they'll have to head home to paint it, but i am certain Dad can guide them through this part of the process!

Mom will be grateful for the break as well as appreciative of the wonderful, thoughtful Mother's Day gifts designed especially for her!

Free: LEGO Racers Kids Event

This saturday at participating Borders store locations, kids under age 14 can participate in some LEGO fun. At 2:00 p.m. kids who love to build and play with cars can join in on a fun interactive racing event!
The free event will feature crafts, games and a free LEGO racer for participants! Space is limited though, so make sure to call the store for more details.

Ann Arbor Area Boarders Locations:

Ann Arbor - Waters Place - Borders
3140 Lohr Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48108

Ann Arbor-Downtown - Borders
612 E. Liberty Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Canton - Borders
43435 Ford Rd.
Canton, MI 48187

Pre-school Children Can Skate With Elmo

Pre-school children 7 and under can enjoy
a special skating session with Elmo
at the Skatin Station in Canton.

On Thursday, March 24 there will be a special Elmo Skate, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at the Skatin Station II (8611 Rhonda, Canton). Personally I am not certain I can take three hours of Elmo or even Sesame Street blaring as the skaters play that day, that being said, three hours of skating for only $6 is a great deal. The special program includes admission with skate rental, lunch (a hot dog and drink), a small snack and a mini-lesson WITH Elmo making a special appearance! What's great too is that push toys and strollers are welcome that day for the under 7 skaters.

I have been told though, that specials fill up the space quickly and they run out of the smaller roller skate sizes! So come early.