Fall Toddler Hike at County Farm Park

Fall is the best time of the year to take the family for a hike. The youngest members of the families should not be denied the opportunity either. On Thursday, Oct. 15 at 10:00 a.m., take your little ones on a guided hike with naturalist Shawn Severance at County Farm Park. This is a perfect activity for families with children ages 1–5 years old. Meet at the Medford Road Entrance to take a walk through the woods and fields to experience the sounds, scents and tastes of the changing season.  The "hike" travels along mostly paved surfaces too, so this is a good event for those with strollers too.

Although this is a free event, please pre-register at parks.ewashtenaw.org and select “Nature and History Programs” under “Activities”.

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

Weekend Events Round-Up: Father's Day Weekend

I can't believe that summer officially starts NEXT WEEK! My kids only got out of school Wednesday and they're already fighting, complaining and asking "What can I do?" Boy is it going to be a l-o-n-g summer. Luckily, there is always a lot to do around Ann Arbor with the kids! In fact there is no shortage of activities and events!

Of course this is Father's Day weekend, so we'll be doing that. Also the Strawberry Festival hits Belleville and we're volunteering our time at our church for their sale (I'd be remiss to not to let you know that the BEST Strawberry Pies in town will be available all weekend at Trinity Episcopal Church on Belleville Road too!!!)  as well. But there is a lot to do elsewhere too.

The weekend is sure to get filled up with events and activities, so be sure to stop in tonight for the opening night of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival Top of the Park (your child will love the KidsZone!), spend some time crafting for Dad (a few years ago my kids made these cute golf balls with Sharpies for dad!) or tour the many local sites around Ann Arbor!

Festival season in Michigan has begun. Be sure to swing by
Belleville's National Strawberry Festival this weekend!

Friday, June 15:

It's all about opening night at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Belleville's National Strawberry Festival or Canton Liberty Fest which runs through Saturday. The first two listed happen all weekend!

Saturday, June 16:

Want to get crafty with the kids, perhaps gifting their creation to dad? There are two opportunities for free craft events today. The first allows the kids to Make a Father's Day Card at Ann Arbor District Library (2359 Oak Valley Dr.,Ann Arbor) at 11:00 a.m. then head to the Ypsilanti District library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) to design dad his own mug at 2:00 p.m.

Think that's fun, teens in grades 6+ can hit the Hands-On Workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) 1:00-5:00 p.m. for 3-D Printing fun. The makers of All Hands Active (AHA) lead an intro to 3-dimensional printing. Learn about 3-D technology, see how a 3D printer works to create objects before your eyes, and experiment with designing some objects using the freely available Google Sketchup. Participants will be able to submit simple designs to be printed and picked up at a later date. For more information on this event call the Library’s Youth Department at 327-8301 or visit our website at aadl.org.

Your pre-schooler will surely enjoy the swashbuckling Pirate Party at Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) at  10:30-11:30 a.m.  Swing aboard for some pirate-themed stories, songs, and a craft or two as we hunt for buried treasure.

At 2:00-4:00 p.m. be sure to check out the Ann Arbor Book Festival for free games with prizes, music, storytelling followed by a talk and book signing!  

Check out the early season fireworks at 10:15 p.m. during the closing of Canton Liberty Fest for 2012. Bring chairs, blankets, bug spray and snacks to Heritage Park for the excitement!

Sunday, June 17:

Feeling like there's nothing to do? There are always the free Dinosaur Toursat University of Michigan Museum of Natural History Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Don't forget to hit the the free tour of the Rentschler Farm Museum during one of their free tours too!

Mid-Winter Break Activities & Events

What do your kids do when they are off school for mid-winter break? For many families this will be a very popular question next week. Schools from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti to Milan are off for some or all of the week. Looking for something to do? The kids can enjoy skating, crafts, free movies and even many educational opportunities throughout the week.

Events and activities will be added as they are discovered, so check back for daily and weekly activities for mid-winter break in Ann Arbor!

There are man free movies for the family to enjoy this week.
Check out what's available that your kids would enjoy!

Free Movies:

There are so many opportunities for the kids to enjoy free movies when out of school. Here is a list of the movies, show times and locations.

2/20 at 1:00 p.m. - Open Season 3 at the Dexter District Library
2/20 at 2:00 p.m. - Coraline at the Ypsilanti District Library Mich Ave.
2/20 at 7:00 p.m. - Teen Movie - I Am Number Four at the Ypsilanti District Library Mich Ave.
2/21 at 2:00 p.m. - Zookeeper at the Ypsilanti District Library Mich Ave.
2/22 at 2:00 p.m. - Rango at the Ypsilanti District Library Mich Ave.
2/23 at 2:00 p.m. - Tangled at the Ypsilanti District Library Mich Ave.
2/24 at 2:00 p.m. - Despicable Me at the Ypsilanti District Library Mich Ave.

Builders of Tomorrow:

If your kids are into Lego’s, and what kid isn’t, then maybe they’d enjoy the Library Lego League: Problem Solving at Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) on Monday and Tuesday, 1:00-5:00 p.m.  Kids will explore the fundamentals of logic, programming and robotics design in this LEGO NXT competition! Kids will get a chance to build and test their robot then compete against other robots being built!

 

Book Groups for Kids:

A few weeks back, I mentioned the many great book groups for kids of all ages. Just because the kids are on break, it shouldn't mean they stop learning entirely. Check out one of the groups, who knows, maybe your son or daughter will get hooked on a new hobby of reading!

For the Skaters in Your Family:

There are many ice rinks in the area for skating, however this week, several have extended hours to allow the kids to enjoy ice skating longer. Buhr Park has added hours from 12:00-2:00 p.m. each day when the kids are off school. For those of you that would like to stay a bit warmer, the Skatin Station II (8611 Rhonda Dr., Canton) also has added extra hours. Kids can skate from 1:00-4:00 p.m. throughout the week and also from 7:00-9:00 p.m. on Wednesday.


Daily Highlighted Events:

Throughout town there are many great activities for mid-winter break that I wanted to highlight. Below is are some, listed each day, that should not be missed!

Monday, February 20:

9:30 and 10:30 a.m. – KinderConcert by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) where tots ages 2-6 can dance and enjoy the music.

10:00 a.m. - Kids can learn a few basic artistic techniques to capture the wonder of nature during Sketchbook Detectives at Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). Admission of $5.00 per child includes activities and materials. Preregister at 734-647-7600.

Tuesday, February 21:
10:00 a.m. – Kids will listen to a folktale and then create their own legend story collage, complete with items found in nature at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). $5.00 per child admission includes activities and materials. Pre-register at 734-647-7600.

2:00 p.m. – Celebrate Mardi Gras with crafts at the  Ann Arbor District Library (3090 E. Eisenhower Pky, Ann Arbor). Make masks, beads and noisemakers to celebrate Mardi Gras 2012!


Wednesday, February 22:

10:00 a.m. - Enjoy a breath of fresh air and a trek outdoors searching for signs of animals in winter at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). This is a free event.

4:00 p.m. – Tweens and teens in grades 5-8 will have fun experimenting with cool science during the Mythbusters program at the Ypsilanti District (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti). Snacks will be served during this free program.

7:00 p.m. – Teens in grades 6 and up can meet animals from The Creature Conservancy at Ann Arbor District Library, (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor). Here's your chance to see and learn about some truly unique creatures and get your questions answered.

Thursday, February 23:

10:00 a.m. - Kids and their parents will enjoy learning about papermaking and nature journals at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). $5.00 per child admission includes activities and materials. Pre-register at 734-647-7600.

1:00 and 4:00 p.m. – Take your little princess to enjoy Tea with the Fairies at Crazy Wisdom Tea Room (114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor). Tickets are $11 and include tea and petit fours served by real fairies! There will also be story time with books available from Crazy Wisdom Bookstore.

2:00 p.m. - Celebrate Black History Month with a concert from the Gratitude Steel Band at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor). The audience will enjoy different musical adventures with fun, action, and audience participation! This event is perfect to children in elementary school.

4:00 p.m. – Come to the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) for an open studio craft session with the FLY Children’s Art Center.

During mid-winter break, have tea with a fairy or find out
about the many faries at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens!

Friday, February 24:

10:00 a.m. - Kids and their parents invited to welcome fairies and trolls by helping construct fairie dwellings for the Conservatory and the Gaffield Children's Garden at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor). The $5.00 admission includes activities and allws children to build their own fairie gardens or troll houses to take home. Pre-register at 734-647-7600.

2:00 p.m. – Teens can learn beginning Chinese writings, sample food, hear about Chinese culture, and learn a few basic phrases during the free event at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti).

Weekend Events Round-up: October 21-23

Looking at the family calendar I KNOW that fall is in full-swing - Between weekend soccer games, Halloween Parties and many other events I am exhausted just thinking about plans for the weekend!  That won't stop us from getting out and about. it's nice to be blessed too with a bevvy of events and activities for the kids.

So what's happening in Ann Arbor for kids this weekend? There is certainly plenty listed on the Ann Arbor Halloween event list or simply take a look at the weekend event planner for details on some great (and often free) activities happening around town.

Friday, October 21:

• Want to introduce your toddler to arts and crafts without making a mess around your own home? Town Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) is having a My First Scissor Activity 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Kids as young as 4 years old can practice fine motor skills on simple paper patterns and use the glue stick and wiggly eyes to turn these clever cut-outs into abstract art or amazing animals. 
• Children and families are welcome for tea and petits fours served by real-life fairies at the Crazy Wisdom Bookstore (114 S. Main St., Ann Arbor) at 1:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Tickets are $11 although babies 18 months and under are free. Reservations are suggested for this event.
• Halloween Hullabaloo with Saline Parks & Recreation 5:30-8:00 p.m.
• Monster Mash Bash at Ypsilanti Township Parks & Recreation 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Love to make little cakes, specifically cupcakes? Then stop by the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) from 7:00-8:30 p.m. to see if your decorating skills are good enough make the grade. Judges will pick favorites in different age categories and we all get to eat them when we're done! This free teen event is a must for your teens in 4th grade and older.

Saturday, October 22:

• Take a trip down the tracks at the Southern Michigan Railroad annual Fall Color Tour.
• Free fall movies at the Quality 16 at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, this week is Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.
• Sensory Sensitive Cinemas at Rave Ann Arbor (4100 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti) at 10:00 a.m.
• Take in the beautiful fall color while enjoying a guided nature hike through Scio Woods Preserve 10:00 a.m. - Noon. This is a free event for the family.
• Head over to the Matthei Botanical Gardens for a Halloween Spooktacular for some fun with pumpkins 10:00 a.m. -noon.
• Get crafts by decorating a Halloween shirt at Michaels 10:00 a.m. - noon.
• Moms, dads and even the kids will enjoy making a mess elsewhere during the Pumpkin Painting Party at Learning Express Ann Arbor (2465 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor) - Be sure to sign-up ahead of time for 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. the cost is only $3 for materials.
• Celebrate National Teen Read Week’s Picture This by going on a photography scavenger hunt for historic architectural features in downtown Ypsilanti with the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) Pair up with other teens for the hunt but bring your own digital camera, phone and USB cable, or reserve a camera by calling the Youth Desk at 482-4110 ext. 1390.
• Dress warmly and head out for spooktacular fun during Belleville Denton Cemetary (3rd and Main St., Belleville) tour. Learn about the Belleville area's first families including Civil War heroes, revel in cemetery architecture and take home your very own gravestone rubbing. Tours will depart every 30 minutes. Tickets for adults are $8, and children from the ages of 5 through 12 years old are $5. Children under the age of 5 receive free admission.  
• Transform yourself into a fierce Pirate by creating a one-of-a-kind eye patch at tree Town Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd.,  Ann Arbor) 2:00-5:00 p.m. for only $1.
• Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Fans got a sneak peek at weekend events when learning about the Toys R Us (3725 Washtenaw, Ann Arbor) Beyblade Tournament from 2:00-4:00 p.m. earlier in the week.

Sunday, October 23:

• Free fall movies at the Quality 16 at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.
• It should be nice enough to enjoy Halloween Fun at Hudson Mills at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
• Has your daughter begged for some of cool bottle cap jewelry? She can make her own at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) 2:00-5:00 p.m. for only $1.

New Car Seat Safety Guidelines for Toddlers

I read with interest an article posted on Parenting magazine that indicated children under age 2 should remain in rear-facing car seats!  I suppose if your children were used to it, that might work well, but it sure was difficult keeping my child rear facing.

In a new American Academy of Pediatrics statement published in the April 2011 issue of Pediatrics, it is now advised that parents keep toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age two, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for their individual car seat.

• A 2007 study in the journal Injury Prevention found that children under age two are 75 percent less likely to die or to be severely injured in a crash if they are rear-facing.
• Another study found riding rear-facing to be five times safer than forward-facing.

What will you do with your child? Will you flip them to forward facing at 20 pounds or age one or will you head the new guidelines of waiting until age 2?

Urban Toddler Discount With Groupon

Deal Alert:

Today's Groupon coupon is for Saline's Urban Toddler and includes two options for purchase. For a $30 purchase,  families get a three-month membership including unlimited drop-in play access for their indoor play room (a $60 value) and $10 worth of children's apparel or gear in the retail store. Families can also purchase a $15 Groupon and get six drop-in play passes which typically costs $30!

This would be a great baby gift for area moms (yes you can give Groupon deals as a gift) or well loved by any family with babies and toddlers. Grab the Urban Toddler Groupon deal fast though!