Fall Fun Fair and Wild West Fest

On Saturday, October 7th & 14th from 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. families can enjoy the Fall Fun Fair at Northfolk Farms and Outback. Experience ​a hayride to the Native American village, western games, horse and pony rides and an exciting exotic animal petting farm. Feed fish in the pond, ride the train eat donuts or try your hand at a sling shot shooting apples into an open field.

​No reservations are needed, payment can be made at the gate. The cost is ​$15.00/child and $4.00/adult but be sure to bring your quarters for the feed machines. With admission, kids will get a free pie pumpkin and decorations.

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!

Saline Community Fair: Rides, Agriculture, Animals & Fun

Check out the Saline Community Fair this week Sept 2-6, 2015

This week's fair of choice is the Saline Community Fair. Beginning September 2 and running through labor Day families can check out the rides, eats and exhibits as well as many great special attractions at the Saline Community Fair.

Special attractions that families might enjoy are events happening throughout Thursday's"Pre-school  Day" 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Saturday's "Kid's Day". Families will especially enjoy the annual talent show, Saline's Got Talent and Saturday's parade in downtown Saline, as well as animal shows, tractor pulls, plenty of entertainment! For a full listing of Saline Community Fair daily events though, be sure to visit the fair website.

Saline Community Fair

September 2-6, 2015

Daily Admission: for those 11+ is $7.00 (kids 10 and under FREE Admission)
Special season passes are available!

Ride Armbands:

 

Ride armbands will be available for purcase.  Special pricing for rides is also available during Preschool Day where fair admission is $5.00 (ages 2 and up) 9:00 - 2:00 p.m. The pricing includes kiddie rides only from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. No big kids rides will be open until 2:00 p.m. Also in years past, there is special pricing on Labor Day beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Saline Community Fair Highlights:

To highlight the special events on Thursday's Preschool Day, families in the past have found plenty of great activities and events for the everyone. Past performances by Cirque Amongus, Nick's Kid Show, and Gemini, with special activities provided by the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, a fun display of fire trucks from the Saline Area Fire Department, and the New Beginnings baby animal exhibit. My family especially enjoyed viewing all of the great displays put together by the kids - and of course my award winning pepper jelly being displayed! (I'm not going to say I should have won, but that was the very last jar since my family all but sucked down 8 jars in a matter or 2 weeks.).

Continue to watch the Ann Arbor Mom blog for fair updates or check out the full Saline Community Fair calendar of events on their website. Below are a few select highlights that may be especially helpful to families.


September 1:
Parade (Bennett Street, Saline) - 6:30 p.m.
Followed by Old Fashioned Games in Mill Pond Park

September 2:
Gates Open - 9:00 a.m.
Rides Open - 3:00 p.m.
Miss Saline Pageant - 8:00 p.m.

September 3 - Preschool Day:
Note: While the Fair Website indicates that this morning is for "Pre-School aged children and Toddlers" know that my experience has been that there are often older children in attendance and in line for the rides!

Gates Open - 9:00 a.m.
Preschool/Toddler Program - 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
A2SO Pet Instruments - 9:00 a.m. - noon
Ann Arbor Hands on Museum - 9:00 a.m.
Junior Livestock Auction - 7:00 p.m.

September 5 - Ladies Day:
Gates Open - 9:00 a.m.
Ladies' Day Program - 1:00 p.m.
*Regular Admission Begins 1:00 p.m.
Rides Open - 2:00 p.m.
Saline's Got Talent - 6:00

September 6 - Kid's Day:
Gates Open - 9:00 a.m.
Kid's Activities - 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Lookin’ Back (Bob Seger Tribute Band) - 7:30 p.m.

September 7 -  Free Admission:
Rides Open (armbands $10) - 1:00 p.m.

Johnny Appleseed Festival at the Wolcott Mill

I love this time of the year. The cider, the donuts, pumpkins, beautiful mums and cool crisp air. It helps me relax and really take in the colors. There are so many great festivals and events to take in too, and next weekend there is no exception!

On Sunday, September 28 at the Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center (65775 Wolcott Rd.,  Ray MI 48096) families can lend a hand in making cider and apple crafts, learn the apple's history from Johnny Appleseed and enjoy samples of several apple recipes.  The annual Johnny Appleseed Festival will even allow kids and adults alike to use their imagination to design and build one of five scarecrows that will decorate the Historic Center grounds for the fall too.

While it's a little bit of a drive, the weather this weekend looks like it is going to be near perfect and a nice fall drive may be the best way to explore. The cost for this fun event is just $5/child and $3/adult. For more information or to register, please call 586-749-5997.

Weekend Events Round-up: Labor Day Weekend

Happy Labor Day weekend. Here's hoping whatever you are doing - Having a family BBQ, spending time at the beach, camping, playing outdoors or having a picnic is peaceful and wonderful. I know many friends will be prepping for that first day of school, as I will be doing, as well as finishing up our summer bucket list! Don't let the weekend get away from you though, there is still plenty of great activities and events happening around town. Experience Kid's Day at the Saline Community Fair, or even head to the Michigan State Fair.

Another fun weekend event sounds like the Old St. Patrick Labor Day Weekend Festival (5671 Whitmore Lake Rd., Ann Arbor). The festival hours are Saturday and Sunday noon - 11:00 p.m. With free admission, families will find kids’ games, a petting farm, free face painting and inflatables. Teen specific activities include a rock-climbing wall and a bungee jump. Find food and plenty of entertainment in this fun-filled event.

It's been kind of a hectic week for me with the family and I'm not sure how the next few months will play out, I will however continue to try and get you fun events and activities for the kids! Have a great Labor Day weekend check out a few things happening around town.

Friday:

• Free dinosaur tours at the UM Natural History Museum at 2:00 p.m. 
• You're a Good Man Charlie Brown  at Children’s Creative Center (1600 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor) at 8:00 p.m.  Ticket prices for general admission are $20.

Saturday:

• Weekly story time at Nicola's Books 11:00 a.m. - noon
• Hands-on cow-eye dissection at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) at 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. for ages 5+ This is a free event but there is a suggested donation is $6 per person. 
• Ultimate gaming experience at Briarwood Mall (Macy's court) where kids and teens can try unreleased Nintendo and Bandai Namco games at 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
• Free dinosaur tours 2:00 p.m.
• You're a Good Man Charlie Brown  at Children’s Creative Center at 8:30 p.m.  

Sunday:

• Ultimate gaming experience at Briarwood Mall 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• Free dinosaur tours 2:00 p.m. 
• West Lake Preserve almost autumn exploration hike at 2:00-4:00 p.m. On this hike families will look at insects, wildflowers, birds, trees and more as they hike the field and forest habitats of the preserve.
• Hands-on cow-eye dissection at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History at 3:00 p.m.
• Dancing in the Streets party happens in downtown Ann Arbor (Main & Washington) 2:00-6:30 p.m. 

Monday:

• Free admission to the The Henry Ford Museum during the Target Family Fun Day.

Pumpkinfest in South Lyon

Travel 20 minutes to the North of Ann Arbor this weekend to South Lyon for one of the early harvest celebrations in the area. The 28th Annual Pumpkinfest in South Lyon, September 29-30 has plenty of  family fun planned. From the parade to craft shows, a pancake breakfast, entertainment and plenty of kids activities. I'm sure your family is bound to find a few pumpkins and wonderful fall decorations too!

For a full list of events, be sure to check the South Lyon Pumpkinfest website, however here are some of the highlighted family-friendly events for the weekend!

Saturday Events:
10:00 a.m. - Fun Run and Pumpkinfest Parade
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Craft Show
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Inflatable Bounce Houses
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kids Game booths supporting non-profits
Noon - 5:00 p.m. Lord of the Gourd
11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Family Stage and Activity Tent
Noon - 11:00 p.m. - Pumpkin Garten food and beverage tent open
Noon - 11:00 p.m. - Main stage entertainment.
7:00 p.m. - Movie Night at the Lyon Theater

Sunday Events:
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Craft Show
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Kids Game booths supporting non-profits 
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Inflatable Bounce Houses
11:00 - 4:00 p.m. Lord of the Gourd
11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Family Stage and Activity Tent
Noon - 5:00 p.m. - Pumpkin Garten food and beverage tent open
1:00 - 5:00 p.m. - Main stage entertainment
4:00 p.m. - Movie Night at the Lyon Theater

Webster Fall Festival

Tomorrow is the 31st annual Webster Fall Festival (5484 Webster Church Rd., Dexter, MI) where families will find plenty to do from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The free event, features a country store rummage sale, an auction, a tea room, antique cars and farm equipment on display, a blacksmith shop and tours of the Podunk School, a one-room schoolhouse and the original Webster Township Hall. If that's not enough, there is a horseshoe pitching contest, arts & crafts and homemade baked goods.

Hanging around town this weekend? Check out the Webster Fall Festival - one reader
tells me she goes every year and LOVES the free event!

 Events for the kids include pony rides, hayrides, games and plenty of crafts. There will even be a children's zoo!

Stay all day, then experience the famous Webster Pig Roast from 5:00-7:00 p.m. or the the earlier luncheon featuring delicious homemade soups, sandwiches and desserts.

Sounds like a great home-town event for anyone in and around Webster Township, Dexter and beyond. For more information, please visit the Webster Fall Festival website or on Facebook!

Thanks to my Facebook reader Amanda for the heads up on this event, if you would like your event highlighted on the Ann Arbor Mom blog,drop me a line or post it on the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook page!

Weekend Events Round-up: October 14-16

Whether you are taking a leisurely fall color  drive or attending one of
the many storytime events in Ann Arbor, there  is always plenty to do!

How is your calendar shaping up for the month? For us it seems like the next two weekends are chocked FULL of events, activities, sports or Halloween parties! can't a girl get a break?! Of course I can, when it snows!!! I just don't want snow in October.

Regardless there's not much that will stop us from attending all that Ann Arbor has to offer, we'll squeeze it in somehow. So check out the many activities that are happening in Ann Arbor for kids this weekend.


Friday, October 14:

• Kinderconcert at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. where the little ones will be learning about the viola and piano. Dance and hear stories all under the guise of educational enrichment for the preschool set!  
• The teen gathering at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) is a great way to kick back, play some games and meet some new friends. From 6:0-8:30 p.m., teens in grades 6-12 can stop by to play Wii, Playstation II, board games, Magic, and Yu-Gi-Oh or watch anime and movies.  

Saturday, October 15:

• Take a trip down the tracks at the Southern Michigan Railroad during their annual Fall Color Tours starting today through October 30. More details posted shortly!
• Free fall movies at the Quality 16 at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, this week is Mr. Popper's Penguins.
• Free Kinderconcert at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter) for ages 6 and under at 10:00 a.m.
• At 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., stop by the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) for a free 20-minute interactive demonstration exploring how fossils are created. This short program offers something for all ages – exciting information about fossils and fun, hands-on exploration of fossils.
• Today is the start of the Performance Network Series for Young Audiences. At 1:00 p.m. kids ages pre-K through 6th grade can check out a performance of the “The Fisherman and His Wife” a musical based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.
• Paper Bag Trees, Gargoyles and Salt Ghosts at the Ypsilanti District Library - October 15, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
• Kids, strike a pose in a trick photo and get copies of your photos to take home with you during the Trick Photography session at the Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Township) 2:00-3:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 16:

• Free fall movies at the Quality 16 at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
• Huron River Trick or Treat Canoe Paddle - October 16, noon-4:00 p.m.
• The other day I wrote about several harvest celebrations happening in Ypsilanti's Depot Town (noon-5:00 p.m.) or at Parker Mill (1:00-5:00 p.m.) for families interested in a little history or hands-on activities!
• Not Just for Kids series: 'Tales as Tall as the Sky' at Michigan Theater (603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor) at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a tall-tale that encourages interest in books and reading. Tickets start at $9/show.
• Bring the entire family to dance at Pittsfield Grange (3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor). Enjoy live music by David West and Donna Baird, followed by light refreshments. 2:00-4:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for the family.

Weekend Events Round-up: October 7-9

The near 80-degree days are going to help many Ann Arbor area families fill their weekend planner with many of the great local events. Enjoy the Tecumseh's Appleumpkin Festival and Westfest, free movies, the free child ID event and several harvest celebrations. The weekend would be an excellent time to visit local cider mills with kids too!

Saturday, October 8:

• Free fall movies at the Quality 16 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, this week is Judy Moody.
• Tecumseh's 18th Annual Appleumpkin Festival is this weekend with plenty of free family events and activities. Face painting, crafts, bouncers and a free scarecrow making event!
• Free Child Identification Program is being sponsored where families can get a free ID kit for their children. Gte a disc with information that would be helopful if your child should ever go missing. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Kids can Build A Scarecrow at workshop at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens today at 10:00 a.m. for $7. Straw, string, pillowcases for faces, paint, and the wooden frame material are provided, the kids just need to bring clothing, hats, and gloves.
• The crazy pumpkin event, a free make-it take-it craft event at Michael's Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) is happening Saturday 1:00-3:00 p.m. for kids ages 3+. Design an extreme craft pumpkin with purchase of pumpkin.

Sunday, October 9:

• Free fall movies at the Quality 16 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
• Tecumseh's 18th Annual Appleumpkin Festival.
• Free Child Identification Program today 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Pioneer Day at Waterloo Farm Museum allows familiy a glimps of a by-gone era where the entire family had to prep the fall harvest. Try your hand at crafts or preparing food or see the animals on the farm. noon - 5:00 p.m.
• Mack Pool Splash Days allows families to splash during a fun family swimming session with prizes and fun for all. 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Kids ages 3+ will go batty when making their own paper bat during a free event at Michael's Crafts. 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Fall Fest is back at the Historic Hack House (775 County St., Milan) from noon - 5:00 p.m. Check out antique farm machines, old cars, farm animals, and good food. There will also be crafts, demonstrations, antique clothing, photos, and a display of toys that kids played with a century ago.

Tecumseh's 18th Annual Appleumpkin Festival

South of Ann Arbor families wil find another great festival celebrating fall this weekend during Tecumseh's 18th Annual Appleumpkin Festival. On October 8-9th throughout Tecumseh and at the west end of downtown families will find an Antiques Street Fair, Arts & Crafts, live entertainment, a haunted house, and FREE children's activities. Really, it's an event for the entire family with midway rides, carnival games and let's us not forget plenty of great eats!

Do you need a scarecrow for your front lawn? Well you’re in luck, you can make your very own at the Appleumpkin Festivaldowntown. That’s right, spend a little quality fun time with your family, and craft your own scarecrow, all for free! You’ll find everything you need under the Make-it-Take-it Scarecrow Tent.

New in 2011 is the expansion of the festival to the west end of Tecumseh – Appleumpkin Westfest. There will be additional general, food and activity vendors, as well as activities including inflatables, kids games and more! On Saturday we are featuring a bike show, chili cook-off and waterball tournament and Sunday will be highlighted by an antique tractor show. A free shuttle service is planned to run between downtown and the west end to assure visitors can conveniently visit both festival locations.

Git Along Little Doggies - Michigan Fall Festival & Wild West Show

I found this neat activity idea online today. Although it would cost a family of four $40 for the event, and it would be a 45-minute drive for Ann Arbor area families, it is unique enough to give a shout out!

On Saturday October 17 stop by and enjoy the Fall Festival Wild West Adventure Northfork Outback Horse and Adventure Camps in Webberville. The event runs all day from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and features fun family events including a craft show, petting zoo, pony rides, covered wagon rides, 1800's old west town, and fun western events including a shoot-out, ropin' ridin', hootin' n hollerin'!

Everything’s included for $10.00 per person including unlimited pony rides and petting zoo (not including food!) Reservations are recommended call 517-881-9142 or visit the Northfork Outback website.

I'll tell you I am intrigued by the event, and am thinking of checking it out with the family!

Their website also highlights Fall Wagon Train rides on October 10 & 17, 2009. Step back in time for a realistic adventure with a one hour wagon train ride in a real COVERED WAGON! For the cowgirls and cowboys, you may also ride a horse and for the younger or shy folks they can go in the horse drawn wagon. Upon returning enjoy grub at the chuck wagon.

Check the website for more information on the wagon rides, departure times and the cost for horsebackriding.