Michigan Free Fishing Weekend

The size of the fish is measured by a
kid's smile! Enjoy free fishing in
Michigan this weekend.

Every year the Michigan DNR sponsors free fishing weekends, with June 8-9, being one of them. Although kids can always fish for free, if you are a non-fishing adult, this is a great time to check out the sport and introduce your kids to fishing. Besides you can get out in nature together! All fishing license fees will be waived for the weekend, however all fishing regulations will still apply. That's right it's FREE fishing!

 There are some ideal Washtenaw County fishing spots for families available. My kids especially like the ease of fishing off the docks at Rolling Hills. While there are very few "keepers" caught there, you can be assured that the kids will catch something - This alleviates the long wait times often associated with fishing. Of course this also spoils your children a bit, but seeing their faces when catching fish, well that's priceless!

Events on Free Fishing Weekend

Free Fishing programs are also happening through Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation at Rolling Hills park from 10:00 a.m. - noon on June 10 or at Independence Lake Park, on June 11 from 10:00 a.m. - noon.  Poles, bait and instruction are provided for this free event. available. Pre-registration is required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org, (June 10: Section A:10-11/B:11-noon ; June 11 Section C: 10-11/ D: 11-noon). This event has a maximum of 15 people per session so be sure to register soon!

Hook Line & Sinker - Learn to fish with the DNR! Rods, bait and instructions will be provided at the Waterloo Recreation Area, Crooked Lake fishing pier in Chelsea at 10:00 a.m.

There were not many events listed at the time of publishing, but the State of Michigan has a partial list of Free Fishing Weekend events.

Want to learn to fish but can't get out this weekend? Then the Hook, Line and Sinker program with the DNR might be up your ally. Learn casting and fishing basics with a borrowed rod and reel if you don't have your own equipment. Hook, Line and Sinker programs begin in mid-June and continue throughout the summer. There is one Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. At Crooked Lake Fishing Pier in Washtenaw County!

So make a date with the kids or start a new tradition while having some great fishing fun. It's time to enjoy that Michigan fishing!

Free Sharon Mills Historic Tour

Did you know that Henry Ford had a strong influence on the area? Want to learn more about the areas rich heritage? How about exploring one of the many great parks throughout Washtenaw County available to families?


Then take the family to Sharon Mills (5701 Sharon Hollow Rd., Manchester) Sundays, 1:00-5:00 p.m in May through October for a docent guided tour. Learn about the varied uses of this 1850's mill, view a collection of relevant artifacts, and learn about Henry Ford’s influence at Sharon Mills Park and see a demonstration of the hydroelectric generator that was used during Village Industry days. It's a free tour, a beautiful site along the River Raisin and a great way to learn about local history for your children and teens.

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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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.

Fall Color Hikes

Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors. The weather is cool and crisp and the colors are bold and beautiful. To experience fall in it's full glory though, why not consider taking a fall color hike? The Ann Arbor Mom blog has pulled together a couple options for fall color hikes too.

On October 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Scio Woods Preserve, spend the afternoon hiking with a naturalist led program enjoying the beautiful changing colors while hiking through beech maple forests. For more information, contact (734) 971-6337 ext 330 or boldak@ewashtenaw.org.

The annual Fall Color Hike, presented by the Potawatomi Trail Committee is another excellent way to see Michigan's color in all of it's glory. The 5-mile hike is perfect for families to enjoy and costs just $5/person (cash, check or credit card) and happens this year on October 14 and 15. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 2:00 p.m. although hikers can stay on the trail until 4:00 p.m. To participate, hikers will begin and end at Camp Munhacke (20120 Bartell Rd. Gregory).

My family has hiked the Potawatomi Trail several times, even when my daughter was as young as 4! It's a good hike and very well marked. Typically there are many that you will encounter along the way, so this is a perfect event for novice hikers.

When you head out for your fall hike, be sure to take a lightweight pack with snacks, water and your camera!

Passport 2 Pittsfield

On May 7, explore Pittsfield Township, learning
about the community while finding many fun family activities and freebies!

Another weekend event for the whole family is the Passport 2 Pittsfield Event. This free event on Sunday, May 7, from 1:00–4:00 p.m.allows families will explore Pittsfield Township as they fill their "Passport".

Families will collect stamps and goodies as you travel throughout the Township stopping by each of the locations to tour the buildings, share your ideas, and learn about the services that Pittsfield Township has to offer. Activities you can encounter along the way include:

• Free line dancing
• Play Earth Day Bingo
• Free coloring book for the kids
• Make a flower art sculpture
• Get crafty creating a box city
• Get your own tree to plant with a free state tree seedling
• Kids will get their own Police Badge, Firefighter hat, and Child ID Kits (for mom and dad) 

There is no lack of fun with games, parachute fun, emergency vehicle displays, and photos with Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime Dog! Families can also get into drawing for prizes from many local restaurant and shopping establishments.

Perseid Meteor Shower 'Meteors & S'mores' Events

Make memories. Take the kids outdoors to
view the Perseid Meteor Shower!

Unless you have been living under a rock, it is no secret that the Perseid Meteor Shower is happening. Kids, like adults will feel the thrill of seeing hundreds of meteors streaking brightly across the night shy. The trouble is, here in town it can be a bit difficult to catch a glimpse of this rare event. To solve this dilemma though, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting and event August 10-13 called 'Meteors & S'mores' at area state parks across the state.

During the event, day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, camp chairs, bug spray and snacks to enjoy the night stargazing in a designated viewing area. Families can also enjoy complimentary s'mores and campfires. During the free event, the State Parks will stay open later. A State Park pass or entry fee will apply to access the parks.

For more information on "Meteors & S'Mores," contact Stephanie Wirtz at wirtzs@michigan.gov or call 989-274-6182. State Parks closest to Washtenaw County participating in the 'Meteors & S'mores' event:

August 10

• 8:00-11:00 p.m. Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Dark Sky Park - Lenawee County) 

August 12

• 8:30-11:00 p.m. Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) 
• 9:00-11:00 p.m. Hayes State Park (Lenawee County) 

August 13

• 9:00-11:00 p.m. Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) 
• 10:00-11:30 p.m. Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) 

See the Michigan DNR 'Meteors & S'mores' event page for information, tips or to find other participating parks, Get outdoors, spending that time with your kids will build memories to last a lifetime!

Memorial Day Weekend: Events, Parades and Ceremonies

This weekend is often thought of as the "official start to summer" kicking off with pool openings, BBQ's and family gatherings. It is important to remember though that it should also be a time of reflection and remembrance.

Luckily throughout Washtenaw County and the area, there are plenty of opportunities to experience events to help you do that. So save some gas money this holiday weekend and find something to do with the kids, right here at home. Honor the men and women of this great nation by attending one of the many Memorial Day ceremonies, processions and parades and then head out to experience the other free events happening. There will be plenty of fun for everyone!



Saturday, May 28:

Area Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will gather at Highland Cemetery (943 N River St., Ypsilanti) to place flags on the graves of our fallen heroes starting at 10:00 a.m. Lunch is served to volunteers after flags have been placed.

Be sure to check out the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra's FREE concert in the park at 2:00 p.m. Bring your blanket and the family to enjoy patriotic music in the park.

Sunday, May 29:

The annual Memorial Day observance at Arborcrest Memorial Park (2521 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor) will start at 2:00 p.m. and lasts about an hour (rain or shine). Local dignitaries, the Washtenaw County Honor Guard, local Boy Scout troops and Miss Washtenaw are often in attendance.

Monday, May 30:

The Annual Ann Arbor Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Middleton and Frederick and winds along Frederick, Middleton, Bardstown, Windemere, and Barrister roads winding up in Glacier Park at Larchmont and Barrister. There will be a memorial ceremony in Glacier Park at the end of the parade.

Belleville: Sumpter Township Country Fest in Belleville May 27-30, 2016. There is also a parade in downtown Belleville at 10:00 a.m. starting at Cathedral and 2nd that will process down Main Street and conclude at the cemetery.

Chelsea: Parade at 10:00 a.m. The parade route heads south on Main St., east on Park St., north on East St. and east on Middle St., ending at Oak Grove Cemetery for a traditional ceremony honoring area veterans.

Dexter: The Dexter parade begins at 10:00 a.m. with a ceremony in Monument Park after the procession.

Milan: The annual memorial will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Blue Star Memorial and Veteran's Wall of Honor in Wilson Memorial Park. The parade will commence following these ceremonies and process West on Main St. ending at the Marble Park Cemetery, where services will be held and dignitaries will speak, honoring our military veterans.  The public is encouraged to participate in this parade using a patriotic theme but please do not pass out candy.

Saline: The Memorial Day parade, hosted by the American Legion, begins at 10:00 a.m. on Bennett Street due to Construction!

Ypsilanti:

The Yankee Air Museum always has something. On Saturday, May 28 participate in “Celebrate and Connect: Send a Million Letters to our Troops”starting at 10:00 am until 4:00 pm to support USO’s goal of collecting 1 million messages to share with those serving in the U.S. military worldwide. Then on Monday, May 30 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. participate in the annual program dedicated to honoring the military men and women who were killed serving the United States.

The Ypsilanti Memorial Day Procession begins at 9:00 a.m. (North Huron Street/Michigan Avenue) and ending at the Highland Cemetery for a ceremony. Includes veterans, Scouts, marching bands, Gold Star Mothers, and a 21-gun salute.

It is important that I also point out that there are many historic and beautiful war memorials throughout Washtenaw County to visit and honor our veterans. For a full list or War Memorial locations in Washtenaw County visit the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County website.

If you have other Memorial Day observances to add to the post, please comment below. Watch for the weekend events round-up too for your other planning needs!

Garden Work Days with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation

I love getting the kids outdoors, I also very much appreciate how volunteering gives my children a new appreciation for things. That's why Garden Workdays with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation is a great opportunity for families! Dates vary throughout March (Mar 16, 23, 30, 31) from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Locations also vary.

To join in, please call Kathy at (734) 385-6560, 7:00-9:00 a.m. before each date to confirm attendance and location, Once there, families will appreciate gardening side-by-side with Washtenaw County’s Park Horticulturist, Kathy Squiers and Master Gardeners, to learn techniques and tips, gain experience and practice, and enjoy healthy exercise outdoors!  For spring garden clean-ups, we will rake, prune, weed, divide, mulch and plant.  Learn a lot while assisting with general garden and plant care in a variety of landscape settings.

Ann Arbor Earth Day Celebrations, Activities & Events

Do you want to teach your children to appreciate their natural environment? Why of course you do, what parent wouldn't. The world we live in needs to be around for generations to come, and our kids need to understand what they can do to live in, and improve it. Since Earth Day arrives on Good Friday this year, many events are taking place around that day. Take a look, and find an event you can attend to show off mother Nature in all her glory!

The Annual Ann Arbor Area Earth Day Festival will be held on April 19, noon-4:00 p.m. at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor). The free event features educational displays, music, hands-on activities, face painting, animals, clean energy expo, and family entertainment including storytelling and sing-alongs. The event always includes the All Species Parade too, with many participants in costumes representing plants and animals. For a full list of Earth Day activities at the LSNC be sure to refer to their website.

Another great way to encourage sustainability  a love for nature and taking responsibility is through allowing your children to participate in a Earth Day project, a spring clean-up event or other community conservation project.

Make a Free Storykit

Families can make an At-Home Storykit on Saturday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m. This free event hosted by the Ypsilanti District Library will help you create your own kit for storytime at home with your little ones! Create song cubes, and other story time components to take home and use. Not feeling crafty enough for this, fear not as no craft experience is necessary.

Bring the entire family or have some alone time, whichever you choose though, be sure to register with the YDL first!

Kids at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market: Free Events

The Wednesday evening market and Sunday morning Farmers Markets hold lots of fun in store for the kids. Mom and Dad can purchase healthy foods while the kids get to participate in free activities. During the coming month and through October, there are several fun events to hight-light.

September 27: A Taste of Music - The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra stops by the market, to perform a special concert and hold an Instrument Petting Zoo for children and adults alike! Join us all day for the chance to try out your favorite classical instrument, or stop by at 11:00 a.m. for the concert. Time: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

October 8: Bring the entire family to the Wednesday Evening Market to participate in free activities, games, live music and demonstrations to teach kids about food, farming and markets. Tine: 4:00-8:00 p.m.

October 25: Halloween at the Market - GIVE365 partners with the Ann Arbor Farmers Market for free face painting, pumpkin carving, and other Halloween festivities in celebration of the harvest season. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes! Time: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Huron River Trick or Treat by Canoe

Enjoy the Huron River Trick or Treat event October 16, just
don't let the pirates get your booty!

Although I have mentioned this even in my Halloween Events Round-up, it certainly sounds like a fun event for the whole family... So I thought to pass it along in greater detail.

On October 19, take your entire family on a trip down the river during the annual Huron River trick or Treat event. Starting at the Gallup Canoe Livery anytime between noon and 5:00 p.m. families can spend the afternoon enjoying the haunting fall beauty of the Huron River by canoe or kayak. As you paddle down the river families will encounter creatures, ghouls and goblins (although they don't look very scary) handing out treats and candy. Feel free to dress up in costumes or come as is, just be sure to bring a bag for your candy and keep an eye out for the swashbuckling pirates as they patrol the waters! You wouldn't want them to grab the booty you collected!

The fee for this Ann Arbor Halloween event is $22/boat, children need to be 1 for the boat-ride. Really it's no trick, but will certainly be a treat!



Photo courtesty Ann Arbor Parks

The Super Run Comes to Ann Arbor

The Ann Arbor Mom blog is all about affordable family activities. It seems of late that my kids (now 8 & 10) are getting into more "active" activities and fewer of the free crafty things. As it happens my son has really begun enjoying the various runs around town. Put those two things together and what do you get? The Ann Arbor Super Run!

On Saturday, September 6 Ann Arbor (Specifically Gallup Park) will be over-run with super heroes fighting for a good deed. Families are encouraged to run (or walk) in the 1K or 5K. While there you will also find free activities for kids including bounce houses, face painting, DJ's, and magicians. Often too the vendors offer things like painting canvases, bubbles and stickers too!

Want to WIN free entry into the Super Run? Keep reading for details...

By the way if you are a local business that would like to promote yourself, I have been told that you may receive a free space so long as a family friendly activity or giveaway is provided!

Now a bit about the organization. The Super Run is a super hero themed family fun run, that partners with local charities to raise awareness and funds for their cause. For Ann Arbor, our Host charity is the Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, who seek every day superheros for the more than 13,000 foster children in Michigan. They have support from their partner charities: American Association for Cancer Research, Children's Hospitals National Foundation, and more.

As a parent I very much appreciate the price for this run too. For the bargain price of just $10 your children can participate in the 1K race PLUS they receive their own swag which includes an authentic super hero cape, a Super tattoo and a "Be a hero. Help a cause. Join the run." silicone awareness bracelet!

To register for The Ann Arbor Super Run visit the website at:
http://thesuperrun.com/locations/ann-arbor-michigan/
Big discounts are available until July 28!

While this is a very inexpensive run for the family, it gets even better when the Ann Arbor Mom blog offers a FREE entry to the Ann Arbor Super Run. One lucky winner will win (1) Adult Race package with an extra special "Super Mom" cape (Dads just consider it Super MAN) that is being created especially for the Ann Arbor Mom blog compliments of www.superflykids.com. To win simply comment below on What makes you a Super Mom (or man). A random winner will be chosen from all entries posted by August 13, 2014.

For more information or to register for the run, visit the Ann Arbor Super Run website. You can also find details online at Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesuperrun. Proceeds from the Super Run will support Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.

Predators & Prey at the UM Museum of Natural History

 On Saturday, March 22, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. families can explore the UM Museum of Natural History (Ruthven Museums Building - 1109 Geddes Ave., 48109) during a special Predators and Prey Discovery Day.

The special day-long free event at the Museum will explore the interactions of predatory animals and their prey from prehistory to today. Learn about what can fossils from India tell us about the world. Find out how humans affect predator/prey relationships. Ages 5-99 will enjoy this family event with activity stations and special guests, so be sure to stop in and explore!

Free family fun exploring the UM Museum of Natural History during
Predators and Prey Discovery Day March 22.

Family New Year's Eve Party

Looking for a family friendly New Year's Eve event? Lodge Lanes (46255 I-94 S Service Dr, Belleville) may have what you are looking for. On December 31, at 12:30-1:30 p.m. or 3:00-4:30 p.m. enjoy a game of bowling, pizza and party favors for only $39.95 per lane. That includes bowling, shoe rental, party favors a large pepperoni pizza and pitcher of pop for each lane of up to 5 bowlers!

To make a reservation for the New Year's Eve bowling extravaganza, stop in or call 734-697-9178. Spots are limited!

"Frosty on Ice" ice skating at Vetrans Memorial Ice Arena

Meet Frosty at Frosty on Ice at the Veterans
Memorial Ice Arena on December 15.

Hey families, has the blast of cold air this week and sprinkling of snow made you consider ice skating? For my kids it sure brought it to mind. Check out this great opportunity for a fun open ice skating session called "Frosty on Ice" at Vetrans Memorial Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor) on December 15, 1:00-2:30 p.m. General admission for skaters apply, however skaters will be given free candy canes and have a meet  and greet with Frosty.

Weekend Events Round-Up: Oct 12-13

Do you have any weekend plans? It's going to be beautiful fall weather, so be sure to get outdoors. Try visiting Debuck's in Belleville, taking a hike in a local park or just wandering your neighborhood. Of course many of my friends are talking about cleaning up their yards too.

Me? Why we will have soccer on Saturday then heading out to Camp Munhacke for a family campout with my Webelos. On Sunday morning they'll head out for a hike too. Unfortunately I have been benched from the hike - My physical therapist says it's a no-go with my knees. I was really looking forward to seeing the colors too! At least the kids are excited.

Need ideas on what to do with the kids? Here are a few ideas to spark your interest. The round-up weekend events planner is chocked full of programs, and ideas to make your weekend special. Many of them are free events too!


Saturday, October 12

• 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Fall Color Hike (5-miles) at Camp Munhacke (20120 Bartell Rd Gregory). $4/Free for kids age 5 and under
• 10:30 a.m. - Family Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker).
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Make A Good Impression hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. Information about fossils and fun, hands-on exploration of fossil casting.
• Noon-2:00 p.m. - Apple Cider Pressing at the Waterloo Recreation Area (Dexter). 
• 11:30 a.m. -12:15 p.m. - Family Crafts at Ophir Crafts (Westgate Shopping Center 2507 Jackson Ave.) Free. Register at www.ophircrafts.com, or by emailing ophircrafts@gmail.com
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Zumba Time at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine, Dexter). Teen Event.
• 12:30-1:15 p.m. - Family Crafts at Ophir Crafts 
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. - The Leslie Science & Nature Center presents Critters Up Close at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum 
• 2:00 p.m. - Dinosaur Tours at the UM Natural History Museum
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Safety Pin Bracelets at the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor) 
• 3:00-3:30 p.m. - Casting hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. 

Sunday, October 13

• 9:00 -11:00 a.m. - Autumn Bird & Botany Hike at Trinkle Marsh at Easton Farm Preserve, (Dancer Rd. just north of Trinkle Rd., Lima Twp.)
• 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Pioneer Day at the Waterloo Area Farm Museum (9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd., Chelsea). Admission $5 adults/$2 kids ages 5-12/free admission for kids under 4.  
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. - The Leslie Science & Nature Center presents Critters Up Close at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum 
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Paper Castles at the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor)
• 2:00-4:00 p.m. - Kids Pinterest Craft Party at the Chelsea District Library (221 S. Main, Chelsea). Kids ages 9-12. Materials and snacks provided free, preregistration required 734-475-8732. 
• 3:00-3:30 p.m. - Casting hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. 
• 3:00-4:15 p.m. - Dancing Through Time with People at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. Kids and teens in grades 4+.
• 6:30-8:00 p.m. - A Good Old-fashioned Campfire Circle at the Leslie Science & Nature Center 

Skate America Coming to Joe Louis Arena: Win Tickets

Want to win one of two (4) person prize packs to see Skate America when it comes to the Joe Louis Arena? Sit tight to find out how your family can win.

Skate America is coming to the Joe Lewis Arena October 18-20 and will feature three days of competition in ladies, men’s, pairs and ice dance. The field of competitors will include 52 world-class athletes, some of whom will compete at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. I can't wait for the Olympics and have loved watching them with the kids. The next winter Olympics will probably be the first ones my son will remember even!

The U.S. lineup for the 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America Detroit is: Samantha Cesario; Ashley Wagner; Caroline Zhang Men’s: Max Aaron; Evan Lysacek; Adam Rippon Pairs: Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir; Caydee Denney and John Coughlin; Felicia Zhang and Nate Bartholomay Ice Dancing: Meryl Davis and Charlie White; Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani. Team USA will be headlined by 2010 Olympic champion Evan Lysacek, who will compete in his first Grand Prix event since 2009, and reigning World and Skate America ice dance champions (and local favorites) Meryl Davis and Charlie White. 

Tickets for Skate America ($23, $38 and $93) are available by visiting all Ticketmaster locations or www.2013skateamerica.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. 

Want to WIN free tickets to Skate America? Tell me, in the comments below, what your favorite moment in skating history was or who your favorite skater is. Two families will be randomly chosen from all entries (received by Friday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m.) to win a family 4 pack for Hilton HHoners Skate America coming to Joe Louis Arena October Friday, October 18 event at 7:00 p.m.

Weekend Event Round-up: Sept 6-8

Hello Ann Arbor families - It's going to be a beautiful weekend! I can't wait to get out there. I'm hoping the weather allows for some outdoor play, perhaps even a bike ride or hike! I'll certainly be foraging a bit and preserving some of the goods from my garden, however with the weather we are supposed to have, who wants to be tied to the kitchen? I want to find a great activity for my kids to enjoy. What about you? Do you have any activities or events in mind this weekend in Ann Arbor with the kids?

Here's hoping this weekend's event round-up will spark an idea for you...

Friday, September 6:

• Tonight spend a Fun Friday Night At the UM Natural History Museum (1109 Geddes Ave.Ann Arbor). From 5:30-9:00 p.m. families can wander the museum, participate in fun hands-on activities, see the dinosaurs, take guided tours, participate storytime and watch a planetarium show (for $3).

Saturday, September 7:

• Get outside and explore - Perhaps a trip to play disc golf at Rolling Hills, the end of summer hike at Hudson Mills (Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center) at 8:00-11:00 a.m., or even a tree hike with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation! Families wanting to know more about trees should plan to attend the Burns-Stokes Trees of Washtenaw County program held at Park Lyndon at 10:00 a.m.-noon. (This would make an exceptional scout event too!) The kids will learn about many of the tree species found in our part of Michigan. Pre-register at 971-6337 x334 or stonerf@ewashtenaw.org.
• What about a free movie to start the weekend? This weekend's free movie at the Quality 16 is epic. Catch it at 9:00 a.m. OR 10:00 a.m.
• Your preschooler might really enjoy storytime so be sure to check out the new Saturday stroytime at the Ann Arbor Hand's On Museum at 10:30 a.m.
• Want to learn about one of natures most important insects? Then the Festival of the Honey Bee at YDL-Michigan is the place to bee. From 1:00-5:00 p.m. create bee-related crafts, taste honey, do the waggle dance, and learn about pollination and the bee life-cycle. There is even an open-mic performance time for bee-related songs, poetry and essays. 
• Take your wee scientist to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum for Sciencefest for hands-on activities from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. there is even a special pre-school month playtime for the tots happening. Experience even more science fun at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History with the hands-on program "Life: How Do We Find It?" at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and of course don't forget the free dinosaur tours at 2:00 p.m.
• Teach the kids more about where their food comes from at the Sixth Annual HomeGrown Festival. It happens at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor) from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 8:

• You have a second chance to catch the free movie epic at the Quality 16 at 9:00 a.m. OR 10:00 a.m. 
• There is also a second chance for the ScienceFest preschool playtime today from noon-4:00 p.m.
• Storytime is at the Kerrytown Bookfest at 3:00 p.m.
• There are two fun fall activities happening at historic locations. Families could head over to Sharon Mills (5701 Sharon Hollow Rd, Manchester) for an open house at 1:00-4:00 p.m.to participate in a docent guided tour to learn about the mill and its hydroelectric generator. Want to stay closer to Ann Arbor? Then plan to tour an 1870's pioneer grist mill at Parker Mill (4650 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor). Families will learn how water power was used to grind corn and wheat. Formal tours are given at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 
• Don't forget the science fun happening at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History with the hands-on program "Life: How Do We Find It?" at 3:00 p.m. and free dinosaur tours at 2:00 p.m.
• I posted the other day about the Dawn Farm Jamboree. It's a great way to support a local Ypsilanti cause while spending a fun day out with the kids.

So there you have it folks. Many great activities and events happening throughout town. What will you choose to do?