When I think of
Valentine's Day, I am reminded of a Valentine's Day school party in 5th 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 5th 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 (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) 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 Wednesday, February 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., older teens and their parents should consider heading over to make their own decorated Valentine votive candle holder (with purchase of votive holder). Then over the weekend, families with younger children can celebrate Valentine's Day in the store with hand-decorated frames (with the purchase of a wooden frame) and watch a heart shaped pom pom demo on Saturday 10:00 a.m. - noon, or create their own
free Valentine cards from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Both events are while supplies last and appropriate for families with children ages 3 and up.
Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) is another local retailer who often provides
low-cost events for kids. This week to celebrate Valentine's Day kids can create heart flowers on Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for only $1! Kids will glue hearts in the shape of a flower and attach it to a decorative stem. All materials including lots of "bling" will be provided. This is appropriate for children over 2. Kids can also create flowers in the store on Valentine's Day 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The
Ypsilanti Library has several events for children and teens to create sometime sweet for their sweethearts. On Saturday, February 12 from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Michigan branch (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) older kids can create their very own chocolate assortment to enjoy or give to someone special. The library will have the molds and materials to decorate your packaged sweets! Register online or call 734-482-4110, x1390. The Whittaker branch (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) will also have a crafty treat for kids and teens from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, with decorated cupcakes - It’s fun, it’s sweet, and what remains is good to eat. Most of these events however require pre-registration, so please
log into your Ypsilanti Library account to register!
Children’s Orchard (Colonnade Center at 887 W. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) is having a Valentine’s party on Saturday, February 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. that will include free kids crafts, coloring pages and sweet treat goodie bags. As an added bonus, Dora the Explorer will also be making an appearance!
For teens who decide Valentine's Day is too much, the
Dexter Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter) has an Anti-Valentine’s Day party for teens in Grades 6-12 starting at 3:00 p.m. on February 14. The free event promises lots of unusual fun, music and food!
If you have heard of other Valentine's Day creative or craft events in the area, please let me know or add it into the comments below!
Are you interested in seeing antique and vintage firetrucks? How about watching them spray their hoses into the Huron River? Do you have young children (especially boys) in your household?
water into the Huron River yourself - the awesome power of these old beauties can not be experienced any other way (Unless of course you visit the Firehouse Museum!). Check it out, if anything, it's a pleasant way to spend a lazy Saturday morning - Hope to see you there!
