Ann Arbor Mid-Winter Break Activities

A wonderful parent, blog follower, and I suppose I'd be remiss to not mention that she also happens to be the wonderful principal at my children's school, mentioned that this afternoon there is a free movie at the library. That got me thinking though, ACTUALLY Ann Arbor schools are out the entire week for mid winter break. So what's to do when the kids are out of school? Lots actually!

Take a look at just a few. I'm actually treating my family to an overnight at Weber's (I clued my Ann Arbor Mom blog Facebook Fans into that deal last week!) so we'll be busy tonight. Then my kids go back to school Wednesday, however for those of you with kids off all week, take a look at some of these great (and mostly free) activities for Ann Arbor's mid-winter break!

Are your kids crafty? Do they like to get creative and make things? I know my kids do, but ugg the mess they make. There's a solution for that. Let the local library keep the mess. I blog often about free programs at the library, and this week for mid-winter break is no exception - There are MANY great free craft events this week for your kids to enjoy, check one (or all) of the out!

Monday: Your child can make their own hair accessory at 1:30 p.m. at the Ypsilanti District Library (8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti) or they can create Snowman Bookmarks and Snowflake Crafts at 1:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown. After work there is still an option to take the kids out for crafts when they can make Fancy Felt Pins & Hair Clips at 6:30 at the Ann Arbor District library - Pittsfield.

Tuesday: Make a Book Journal at 2:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Pittsfield or stop in in the evening for Felt Ball Fun at 7:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library -Malletts Creek.

Wednesday: Your child can make their own hair accessory at noon at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd.., Ypsilanti) or a Washi Tape Greeting Card at 1:00 p.m. at the ANn Arbor District Library - Downtown. Kids can also incorporate a bit of science into their crafts as they make their own   Balloon Hovercraft at the Ann Arbor District Library - Pittsfield at 2:00 p.m.

Teens (grades 6-12) shouldn't be disappointed, there are a couple of fun activities throughout the week for them too! On Wedensday they can make their own buttons for accessories from Shrinky Dinks at 7:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Mallets Creek or on Friday they can participate in Duct Tape Do-over at 2:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Pittsfield. These sound like teen events that should not be missed!

There are a couple of other noteworthy activities that should be mentioned. On Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker, is having a Beach Party. Kids should plan to dress like it’s a hot summer day and imagine you’re spending the day on the beach.  There will be cool snacks, stories, and a craft.  Shirt and shoes are required though. Of course there is also a family Lego Night Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. at the YDL - Whittaker as well as an African Safari at the Ann Arbor District Library on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. where the kids can enjoy a harpist, vocalist and percussionist while they take a magical world tour of Africa.

Would your kids prefer to sit quietly, snuggled up with popcorn and a good movie? Then perhaps free movies over mid-winter break would do the trick! The Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) has several movies throughout the week showing at 2:00 p.m.

Monday - Madagascar 3
Tuesday - Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Wednesday - Pirates Band of Misfits
Thursday - Paranorman
Friday - Brave

I love to get outdoors, and during the winter is a fantastic time to do so. This week the Matthaei Botanical Gardens has several programs that you or the kids might enjoy. The Camp Mid-Winter Break programs will require registration and a bit of money, but are well worth the expense. My children have participated in many programs at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. They are educational, fun and well worth the little expense!

Parents should also consider that many area businesses have special hours to keep the kids busy this week. Xtreme Bounce (daily open sessions) and Jump City (daily Pop-n-Play) in Ann Arbor and Canton's Pump It Up (M-T and F open jump times) have special hours for the kids to bounce their cares away. Sky Zone in Canton has extended hours and is lots of fun! The people at Goldfish Swim School of Ann Arbor also have daily family swim time 12:00-1:30 p.m. We swam on Saturday with my daughters Daisy Troop (Blog post to come) and the water is warm and wonderful.

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).

Winter Break Camps in Ann Arbor: 2012

Find many great mid-winter break camps for Ann Arbor families.

Many of the area schools have days off or the entire week off school in mid-February (Feb. 18-26). D0 you already have plans for your kids when there is no school? Have you found winter break camps or events to keep the kids busy? Here are some fun events for the kids during midwinter break.

Creativity Camp at the Ann Arbor Art Center allows kids ages 5-12 to spend a week exploring the world of patterns, people and places. Learn to paint, draw, sculpt and learn about the decorative arts and cultures of the world. There will be a field trip to visit Ann Arbor galleries or a museum and each day will include 30 minutes of kids yoga and stretching. At the end of the camp, the children will hold an exhibition and reception for their families.

Want to play some hoops or learn about astronomy? Camps at the Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation are geared for kids in grades 1-6. Or play soccer during a midwinter break camp at the World Wide Sports Center or play soccer or basketball at High Velocity Sports in Canton . Kids can participate in half or full day camp programs during break.

For the nature lover, kids can head to the winter break camps at the Leslie Science and Nature Center. School break camps there are for kids in grades K-5 and allow kids to explore the forest, fields, and trails or sled down the snowy slopes.

For families that don't need all-day camps but are still looking for something to do that week, check out the blog tomorrow for many great free and low-cost activities happening during Ann Arbor winter break!

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!

Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti Mid Winter Break Camps

Ann Arbor and Lincoln Consolidated Schools are out for mid-winter break the week of February 21-15, while countless other schools are out February 21, in celebration of President's Day. Be sure to check out the full-list of Ann Arbor area winter break camps and camp details at Ann Arbor.com.

Ann Arbor Mid Winter Break Camps:
Ann Arbor JCC
Leslie Science and Nature Center
Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation
Ann Arbor Art Center Creativity Camp
Worldwide Sports Center
Summers-Knoll school mid winter break camp

Mid-Winter Break Camps for Ann Arbor Schools

I thought to begin a list of area mid-winter break camps that parents might consider. Most run February 22-26, 2010 in line with break for Ann Arbor schools, however I will note that with each listing!

Ann Arbor Community Education & Recreation
Mid-winter Break Camps Feb. 22 – 26 - Join in the fun with Writing Camps (Grades K-8), “Rubber Duckies” Camp (Grades K-5), or Hoops Camp (Grades K-6).

Ann Arbor Art Center – Mid-Winter Break Creativity Camp
The perfect mix of hands- on art education and creative fun for ages 6-12 running February 22 - 26, 2010 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Worldwide Sports Center
Winter Break Soccer Camp for either full day or half day campers running February 22 – 26.

Winter Break Camp at the Leslie Science Center
Winter is wild and wonderful! You’re invited for scientific exploration, sledding, hiking, and discovering animals. So, don't hibernate over break. Winter is full of adventures.

Fun Days and Camp Programs at High Velocity Sports in Canton
Enroll your child for a single day or the entire week. Kids will play a multitude of sports including soccer, flag football, basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, kickball, and much more! HV Sports has MANY differnt days listed so be sure to check to link for more information!

If you would like additional camps listed please drop me a line at tmayrend (at) gmail.com or post a comment at the bottom of this post!