Free Fishing Weekend and Ann Arbor Ice Fishing Derby's

Photo courtesy of the Scheel family

I don't know why this has been top of mind this year. Maybe it is the lakes being mostly frozen...  Perhaps it is my desire to learn new skills or filling my bucket list. At any rate, I really want to try ice fishing. I don't want a new hobby or anything, I just want to try it once. It's a good thing that Michigan offers a free fishing weekend free fishing weekend this month! Now I can try ice fishing.

On February 16-17, Michigan has their free fishing weekend. Families can certainly find friends to take them out, however sometimes pre-planned programs are the best way to try out ice fishing. The closest free fishing weekend events are an Ice Fishing Derby at  Seven Lakes State Park (14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly) on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There will be loaner equipment available, as well as refreshments, prizes and a warm fire!

I also found an Ice Fishing for Beginners program at Kensington on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Come test the waters and take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend on the beautiful Kent Lake. The program will begin indoors at the Nature Center to learn about the basics of ice fishing which will include various aspects of ice safety, proper technique for drilling your hole in the ice, and how to attract the fish. Participants will then head outside and hit the ice so you can try it yourself. If possible, bring your own ice fishing rod (inexpensive and available at many sporting stores). Dress to be outside, waterproof boots are highly recommended. If you want to have a seat while waiting for your big catch, a 5 gallon bucket is a great choice. Bait will be provided. Ages 6 and older. The cost is $5 and please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

If that weekend is not convenient for your desire to try ice fishing, Independence Lake will be holding their annual Ice Fishing Derby. The  annual Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation program is being held February 10 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on February 10. Participants can catch and release Northern Pike, Bass and Crappie. Gift cards and other prizes will be given to contest winners. You will however need to bring your own bait. The cost for the event is $10 for kids (12 & under)/ and $15 for adults which includes lunch. There is a discount for pre-registration.

The whole family will enjoy the outing, so bundle up and get pumped to try your hand at ice fishing. You can find alternative February free fishing weekend options for ice fishing at the DNR website.

Photo courtesy of Scheel family.

Tubing Argo Cascades

That's me!!! Even adults enjoy riding
down the Argo Cascades in tubes! 

One of the best ways to stay cool in Ann Arbor during the summer is to tube down the Argo Cascades. We have been over after school in the evening, took a quick trip for a brief cool off and have even spent an entire day at the Cascades complete with a picnic lunch.

My kids love riding their tubes to the end of the run then jogging back up the path to start all over. I will spend hours sitting on the side lines, dipping my toes in or taking photos of the fun. Recently I even took my Girl Scouts to spend some time cascading down the river!

To get to the Argo Cascades you need to get to the Argo Canoe Livery (1055 Longshore Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105). Families can bring their own inner tubes or rent them for $10/tube, for a 2-hour rental, at the Argo Canoe Livery. Kayaks may also be rented and floated down the Cascades however I would think that is more of a one-way trip as getting them back to the beginning of the run would take significant effort.

With a recent increase of weekend traffic and attendance at the Argo Cascades, the City of Ann Arbor has published specific details about the best parking locations, and details on tubing the Huron River.

So grab a tube and cool off at the Argo Cascades, you will not be disappointed. While the current is not overly strong, nor the river deep, I do recommend life jackets for smaller children, or better yet, mom and dad can ride with the kids!

Mack Indoor Pool Family Splash Days This Winter

A great way to enjoy special time with the kids is during Mack Indoor Pool Family Splash Days.

Splash Days at Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St., Ann Arbor) are on select Sunday afternoons throughout the winter. Families will enjoy special games, activities, prizes and of course swimming! Activities are from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on December 15, 29; January 12, 26; February 9, 23; March 16, 30; April 13, 27; and May 18.

For more information call 734.794.6237 or visit the Mack Pool Website. All activities and prizes are covered with paid admission. Adult: $5, Youth under 17 & Senior 55+: $4. Children ages 3 and under receive free admission.  During Mack Indoor Pool Family Splash Days bring one child and receive 50% off admission for a second child!

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

Gerald Eddy Discovery Center Evening Amphibian Program

Take the kids to learn about frog calls and other amphibians of the
night at the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center on April 14, 2012.

Tomorrow night, April 14, at 8:00 p.m. families can enjoy a night of amphibians at the Gerald Eddy Discovery Center in the Waterloo Recreation Area (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea). The program onoy cost $2/person or $5/family with the request of advance registration (734)475-3170.

Join naturalist Tom Hodgson for his lively and educational presentation featuring frogs, salamanders and quivering masses of eggs from local ponds. Teach the kids how to recognize frogs by their calls then walk to a nearby pond to hear the night calls of the frogs.

Be sure to bring a flashlight or two, and dress for the weather!

New "Critter House" Weekend Hours at the Leslie Science & Nature Center

My son enjoying a recent outing to the Leslie Science and Nature Center

I was very excited to read the other day that the "Critter House" at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor) has added weekend hours for families to enjoy! From rabbits to rats, iguanas to turtles the “Critter House,” will now be open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Families can enjoy the animals, ask questions, and take part in different hands on activities every weekend. And the best part is, that the activity is MOSTLY free! The LSNC is only suggesting a $1.00 donation for your visit.
 
Stay the entire day and walk in the woods, walk  the Black Pond Trail, or view the raptors being fed (Saturday's from 4:00-6:00 p.m.). So come on out and see the critters, throw a Frisbee, or enjoy lunch around our picnic tables.

Find Winter Wonders at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Nature provides beautiful and elaborate patterns everywhere you look including in the plants that suround us. Don't let the fallen leaves disappoint you, instead take the kids to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 North Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor)  to experience Winter Wonder and learn how to find the patterns in the night sky, in nature and celebrate the Winter Solstice. The program, December 17, 10:00 a.m. - noon, allows kids to create beautiful decorations from natural materials. Anticipate them making snowflakes, pine cone ornaments, winter gift bags, and evergreen decorations to bring home to you!

Cost of the program is $7 per child. To register call 734.647.7600.

Class: Kids are Chefs, Too!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to enjoy the late fall harvest. On November 19, 10:00 a.m. - noon, let your kids participate in a fun program at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens to turn on their inner chef. During the event, your children will learn how to turn fall apples, squash, and wheat into delicious sauces, cookies, and bread and the best part, is that everyone gets to take home goodies for the Thanksgiving feast!

The event is $5 per child. To register call 734.647.7600 or register online at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website.

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.

Muttster Mash Bash Halloween Party For Kids

I am certain that my kids would fully enjoy the Muttster Mash Bash Halloween Party at the  Humane Society of Huron Valley (3100 Cherry Hill Rd., Ann Arbor). In fact they would likely try and con us into another addition to our already large fam!

On Saturday, October 22 at 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. kids ages 3-12 will have a paw-tastic time trick or treating through the shelter. Along the way they might also find many activities including games, crafts, pictures with Happy the Hound, face painting, snacks, and meet and greets with some four-legged friends! Tickets for the event are $3/child in advance or $5/child at the door. Tickets go on sale October 1st and can be purchased online or at the Humane Society of Huron Valley between the hours of noon-6:00 p.m. Your kids are bound to have a howl-ing good time!

For more information call the HSHV Humane Educator at 734-661-3575.

Bird Hike at Hudson Mills Metropark

It's the perfect time of the year to take the family on a nature hike to experience the early fall colors and creatures of the wild, especially migrating birds! This Saturday at 8:00 a.m., at Hudson Mills Metropark (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter)  families can enjoy a short bird hike in the park for only $3.00 per person plus vehicle parking fee.

Bring your binoculars and a field guide to observe bird species seen in the park and record dates, locations, and trends from year to year. Hikers will explore a variety of habitats throughout the park.

This would make an excellent hike for aspiring avain enthusiasts, scouts and the whole family - Mom, Dad and the kids!

Sundae at The Ann Arbor Art Center

This Sunday, August 21 families have the opportunity to join in the fun for a fun day at the Ann Arbor Art Center (117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor) painting a ceramic ice cream sundae bowl. Then enjoy your own ice cream sundae with all the fixings!

Pre-registration for the Sundae at the Ann Arbor Art Center is required at the website for only $10, choosing a time slot, 1:00-2:00 p.m., 2:00-3:00 p.m., or 3:00-4:00 p.m. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Kids Golf 9-Holes for $1

In driving by Pine View Golf Course (5820 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti) I noticed a sign that read kids golf for $1. I thought this was a great idea for my children to get out and golf with my husband for little to nothing so I called to verify.

Here's the deal. Kids golf the par three course at Pine View for $1 walking or $4 for a cart for 9-holes of golf!

For information call Pine View Golf at 734.481.0500.

Weekend Events Round-up: June 3-5

The end of the school year is wrapping up, the Michigan weather is clearing, and families throughout the area are beginning to look for fun activities and free events. This weekend is a little light on Ann Arbor things to do, but there are two great festivals and a sprinkling of events to pass along to you!

Food, fun and great music can be found this weekend at the
Ya’ssoo Greek Festival in Ann Arbor - Kids even get in FREE! 

From Friday through Sunday, families can head over to the Fifth annual Ya’ssoo Greek Festival
at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (3109 Scio Church Rd., Ann Arbor). Families will find live music, dancing and great food. The festival runs Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. - Midnight and Sunday Noon - 6:00 p.m. and costs only $3 after 4:00 p.m. Friday or  after 1:00 p.m. The event is FREE however for children 12 & under and free all day on Sunday!

The Milan Community Fair also continued throughout the weekend with hours from noon - 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from noon - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Discount tickets will be available Sunday for budget-conscious families.  Fireworks will be displayed just after dusk Friday (between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.) with plenty of rides, food and entertainment available throughout the weekend.

If crafting is in your blood, Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) is hosting a free kids craft project making beautiful, majestic butterflies! On Friday 10:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. budding butterfly enthusiasts ages 4 and up can join in the free craft folding, twisting and pinching paper to make just the right design to decorate a bedroom or anywhere a bit of color is needed!

On Saturday, get up early and head over to Home Depot to make dad his very own Valet Organizer during the Free Kid's Workshop at Home Depot (3300 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti). From 9:00 a.m. - noon, kids can build a cool gift for dad or their favorite grad during the one-a-month free event.

Don't let time get away from you though, as later that morning families can head over to the Lyon Township Kite Festival at James Atchison Memorial Park (58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson)from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  During this free event, kite aficionados of all ages are invited to the participate in kite flying or observing many beautiful kites at the festival grounds. Expect to find a  classic car display, moonwalks for kids, an Elvis impersonator, music and kid-friendly entertainment! It's a great way families can enjoy themselves at a community festival for no cost.

If you are in downtown Ann Arbor Saturday, the annual African American Downtown Festival will be celebrating all day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. to visit the areas black history, and find plenty of free entertainment and great food. 

Wrap up your weekend Sunday by taking the kids back to Tree Town Toys so they may make their Teacher a Picture Frame. For only $3, your child can create a great school year memory when creating their own hand-made picture frame on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. I doubt the teacher would be disappointed to find a little gift card token tucked inside the frame after either...

Families can also enjoy the Taste of Ann Arbor Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The yearly event features local restaurants selling small portions of food. We've gone to it a couple of times and find it to be a great way to try new foods and even introduce the kids to them!  There is also live entertainment for a full evening out with the family!

Preschoolers: Bounce With a Super Hero Friday at Xtreme Bounce Zone

Bounce like a super hero Friday
at Xtreme Bounce Zone!

This Friday from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., children under age 5 can enjoy a slice of pizza with a juice box, and bouncing for only $5! Kids can even dress like a super hero for the low-cost event too, and even meet Iron Man while bouncing.

For more information, call 734-761-3242 or visit the XBZ website.

Create a Bluebird House to Hasten Spring!

Let the kids build a bluebird house this Saturday at the
Oakwoods Metropark Nature Center in Belleville.

If you are wondering where spring is, why not coax it along by creating functional garden art when building your very own bluebird house. Bluebirds are the sign of good luck and are a welcome addition to any yard. Plus they are pretty for the kids to observe!

This Saturday at the Oakwoods Metropark Nature Center (17845 Savage Rd., Belleville) families can build their own blue bird houses to encourage some new "family members" to move in. The program begins at 10:00 a.m. and requires preregistration at 734-782-3956. Cost is $12 per bluebird house, plus the cost of a daily ($5) or annual ($25) park pass.

Free and Low-Cost Activities For Mid-Winter Break

Tomorrow begins mid winter break for several Ann Arbor area schools. If you don't need or want a mid-winter break camp for the kids, here are some other great activities for kids and teens next week!

If the cold is getting to be too much, take a break from it to head over to Putt N Glow (3900 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor). It's fun for kids of all ages and features 18-holes of indoor miniature golf that "glows" under black lights. During break, they will be open Monday-Wednesday from 12:00-6:00 p.m., Thursday from 12:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday 12:00-10:00 p.m. - The cost to play starts at $6 for kids, and teens, however their website alos offers coupons for discounts! For more information visit the Putt N Glow website or call 734-222-1720.

Another great indoor activitiy is to bounce your cares away during open bounce times at the Xtreme Bounce Zone (82 Aprill Drive, Suite C, Ann Arbor) during the President's Day Holiday hours or at one of several open sessions during the school break. The Xtreme Bounce Zone will be open from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. February 21-24. Admission is only $7/child or $5/child for children under 5. They are also open every Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. for Kids Night Out for $10/person for kids 8 and older. That's a lot of bouncing for the week!

Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) has something for every day of the week during break, so if you're kids are crafty, consider stopping by for some low-cost activities. So if snowflake resist watercolor paintings, penguins, designer puppies, winter birch tree paintings or oragami birds sounds interesting check them out. Their activities cost less than $3, or are free and can be completed any time during their daytime hours, just ckeck the Tree Town Toys calendar of events or call  (734) 929-6545 for more information.

Of course don't forget about free admission to the Henry Ford Monday too!

Tree Town Toys Provides Free and Low-Cost Craft Classes

If you decide to wander out and about this week, there are a couple of fun kids activities happening at Tree Town Toys tomorrow. From 10 a.m.-1 p.m., kids ages 2 and over can create their own butterfly ring for only $1. After school, from 4:00-5:00 p.m., the older kid's can get into the act for a free class to create their own Australian aboriginal "Dot Paintings."