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.

Skating Fun at Ann Arbor Area Ice Rinks

So many of my friends have mentioned that they really enjoy ice skating during the winter months - It's great exercise and fun for the entire family. Below is a list of area ice rinks, their locations and some basic information that parents may need to consider.

Ann Arbor Ice Skating:

Ann Arbor Ice Cube (2121 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor 48103)
Hours: Public skate times vary, verify on the A2Ice3 website.
Cost: $4 Adult/$3 Youth
Skate Rentals Available: Yes - $3 fee.

Buhr Park outdoor ice rink (2751 Packard St., Ann Arbor 48108)
Hours: Listed below. Open October 29-April 1.
Cost: Resident and non-resident fees. Adult $5-6/Youth $4-5
Skate Rentals Available: Yes. $3 fee.
Misc. info.: Arena includes public ice skating and drop-in hockey times. The facility has a heated lobby, vending, restrooms and four separate locker rooms.
School break open skate sessions: noon - 2:00 p.m. Nov. 27, 29; Dec. 23, 24, 26, 31; Jan. 2, 3, 20, 27, 28; Feb. 17 to 21; March 10.

Veteran's Memorial Sports Complex (2150 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103)
Hours: Public skate times listed below. Open mid September-mid May.
Cost: Resident and non-resident fees. Adult $5-6/Youth $4-5
Skate Rentals Available: Yes. $3 fee.
Misc. info.: Complete snack bar services and vending machines are available in the main lobby, along with coin-operated lockers and storage units.

Yost Ice Arena (1016 South State St., Ann Arbor 48104)
Hours: Noon skating (12-12:50 p.m.) weekdays, Thursday's 8:00-9:50 p.m., Friday's 8:00-9:20 p.m., weekend's 1:00-2:50 p.m.
Cost: Resident and non-resident fees. Adult $4-5/Youth $3/Noon skate $2
Skate Rentals Available: Yes. $2 fee.
Misc. info.: Discount frequent skater passbooks available. Check available sizes of skates before going.

Belleville Ice Skating:

Lower Huron Metropark (17845 Savage Rd., Belleville MI)
Hours: During park operation.
Cost: Free with Metropark admission.
Skate Rentals Available: No.
Misc. info.: Skate at own risk. Safety gear is recommended. Enjoy ice skating on two natural frozen ponds - Hockey enthusiasts can practice their shot on one rink, while families skate on the other two. Bring hot cocoa and warm up by a bonfire. There is no skate attendant on duty and children should be supervised by a responsible adult. To verify availability of the rink, call 734-697-9181 or 1-800-477-3182.

Canton Ice Skating:

Arctic Edge (46615 Michigan Ave., Canton)
Hours: Public open skate Fridays 12:00-12:50 p.m. & 7:00-8:50 p.m. / Saturdays 1:00-2:50 p.m. &; 8:00-9:50 p.m. / Sundays 4:00-5:50 p.m.
Skate Rentals Available: Yes. $3 fee.
Misc. info.: For more information call 734-487-777. Be sure to check the calendar for open skate availability before visiting.

Dexter Ice Skating:

Downtown Dexter in Monument Park.
Hours: Temperatures in the low 20s allow outdoor skating rink at Monument Park to open for public use during the winter months.
Cost: Free
Skate Rentals Available: No.
Misc. info.: Skate at own risk. Safety gear is recommended. There is no skate attendant on duty and children should be supervised by a responsible adult.

Milan Ice Skating:

Downtown Milan in Wilson Park
Hours: Verify that council passed the necessary approvals for 2013-14
Cost: Free
Skate Rentals Available: No.
Misc. info.: Skate at own risk. Safety gear is recommended. There is no skate attendant on duty and children should be supervised by a responsible adult.

Saline Ice Skating:

Henne Field, Saline
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 8:00 a.m - 9:00 p.m. / Friday and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Skate Rentals Available: No.
Misc. info.: Skate at own risk. Safety gear is recommended. There is no skate attendant on duty and children should be supervised by a responsible adult. Hockey sticks and pucks are allowed 3:00-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9:00-11:00 a.m./3:00-5:00 p.m. weekends.

If you have seen or heard of other area locations where families can skate indoors or out, please feel free to add it into the comments section or send me a message with the details!

"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.

Winter Fest Arrives in Belleville

Looking for something fun and festive this holiday season? What about some holiday fireworks? Or ice skating in a downtown area? Then Belleville's Winterfest is right for you!

Produced by the Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce, the event features a Jingle Bell 5K and 1K Fun  Run that starts and finishes in Horizon Park, ice skating at 4th Street Square, (some skates will be available for loan too!), ice sculptures along Main Street, musical entertainment on the stage on 4th Street next to the Museum. And at 6:00 p.m., the parade steps off!

The Christmas Parade of Lights travels east on Colombia to Main St., continuing up Main to the Museum where City Officials welcome Santa and hold Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Following the parade at the museum, children are welcomed to visit Santa at the First United Methodist Church and to watch Fireworks at Horizon Park at 8:00 p.m.!

Kids Only Bookclub

Want you child to read more? What about improving their reading comprehension? Then consider having your child join an area "Kids Book Club". Luckily the area offers several to choose from for the beginning reader through to the very experienced teens! Check out the many choices available to your child.

At the Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti), kids in grades 3-5 will meet at 7:00 p.m. one Tuesday each month for a snack and discussion. The free event does require registration though 482-4110 x1390.

Kids Book Club Dates:

• A Long Way from Chicago (1/17)
• The BFG (2/21)
• The Borrowers (3/20)
• The Dark Stair (4/17)
• The Homework Machine (5/15)

For young men that enjoy fantasy stories, the Boys Fantasy Book Club at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) might be the place to start. From 7:00-8:00 p.m. your son will talk about a favorite book that's been chosen just for him.

Fantasty Book Club Dates:

• Thursday, January 19
• Thursday, February 16
• Thursday, March 15
• Thursday, April 19

Is your teen an extreme reader sucking down countless books? Why not enroll in the eXtreme Readers Book Club. At 6:00 p.m., teens and adults will explore themes of race and class through contemporary teen fiction at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti).


Upcoming titles:

• When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Nepture (1/18)
• One Day It Will All Make Sense (2/15)
• 47 (3/21)
• Bronxwood (4/18)
• Street Pharm (5/16)

For the beginning reader, the Book Buddies program might be a better fit. School aged children will meet at 2:00-3:00 p.m. to discuss selected books, enjoy a craft, and have a small snack. Registration for this YDL Whittaker event is required however by calling 482-4110 ext.1340.


Kids Book Groups Dates:

• Saturday, January 28
• Saturday, February 25
• Saturday, March 24
• Saturday, April 21
• Saturday, May 19

Your young teen has a group of their own too with the Tween Book Club at Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti). Tweens ages 10-13 will get together at 7:00 p.m. to read and discuss books of your choice. At the first meeting we will discuss The Giver and vote on books YOU want to read for future meetings. Don't forget to register though!


Tween book Club Dates:

• Tuesday, January 31
• Tuesday, February 28
• Tuesday, March 27
• Tuesday, April 24
• Tuesday, May 29

With all of these great book clubs available to the kids, it will surely be a busy winter!

Free Events at the Waterloo Recreation Area

I love that the kids are getting old enough to spend lengthier periods of time outdoors. I remember playing in the snow for HOURS on end and only coming in when mom begged. Kids today don't seem to always do that. I am very fond of nature and the great-outdoors too, enjoying walks in the woods, introducing the kids to many nature friends and more. I also like to kep a tight budget. I suppose all of these things interested me in the Recreation 101 at the Waterloo Recreation Area (17030 Brush Rd., Chelsea) - Events there are free when you use your Recreation Passport that is part of your Michigan Liscence Tab renewal!

Saturday's throughout January, there are several fun events that the whole family can enjoy:

• January 7 - At 2:00 p.m. spend time doing some winter tracking of some of Mother Nature's friends
• January 14 - At 2:00 p.m. Enjoy winter's splendor while cross country skiing folowed by a warm beverage!
•  January 21 - At 10:00 a.m. the kids can learn about many species of birds that hang around all winter!
•  January 28 - At 2:00 p.m. kids will enjoy learning about the many hibernation areas of animals while learning to identify many plants and trees by their bark and winter apearance!

Winter Hike & Potluck at Independance Lake

On Sunday, January 8th starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Independence Lake  (3200 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake 48189) Beach Center, families can head out for a nice 1-hour winter hike into the lovely mature oak-hickory woods of the park. After the hike everyone will head inside for a potluck. Hot drinks will be provided, but please bring your own table settings and a dish to pass.  
After eating, we’ll share slides and nature tales, from near and far!  Consider bringing some of your own vacation photos too - an actual old-fashioned slide projector and computer with a powerpoint projector will be on hand, or consider bringing hand held photos.  Call 734-971-6337, X334 for more information or any questions.

Winter Bird Hike at Hudson Mills

On Saturday, January 7, bring the family to enjoy a Bird Hike at Hudson Mills (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter) at 8:00 a.m. Admission is only $3.00 per person for the hike plus a vehicle entry fee of $5.00. Registration and pre-payment for the event is required. Call (734) 426-8211 to register for the program.

What birds will you see at the Bird Hike at Hudson Mills?

Families should plan to dress warmly and bring your binoculars and field guides if they have them. Observe several bird species seen in the park and record dates, locations, and trends from year to year. During the rogram you can expect to explore a variety of habitats throughout the park.

Happy Holidays!

Cat-zilla contemplating the destruction of the village.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Ann Arbor,
may your holidays be bright!

I'll admit it, I have a couple posts in my mind that I'd like to get to before the end of the year, however time is quickly escaping... So just-in-case, I wanted to take the opportunity to wish all of my readers a happy ending to your year. May your house be filled with warmth, love and family!

My journey is made ever-better by your comments, and presence on my website. May 2012 be an exceptional year for you and your family. I'll for sure be back at the start of the year if not before. Don't forget, you can find plenty of activities and events for the family during holiday break on my Holiday Break Events post.

Get Hands-On During the Holidays for Winter Games!

Are you considering something fun-to-do in Ann Arbor with kids while they are on holiday break? I know I'm already loading up my calendar. In fact, thanks to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum (220 E Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI), my kids will be experiencing one wonder filled day.

Be hands-on with the kids this holiday season with fun at AAHOM!

From December 26 through January 6, over the holiday break, families everywhere can experience the  Hands-On Holidays Winter Games programs at the museum. The program, which is free with museum entry will feature things kids can do outdoors in the winter and the science behind them. Build igloos out of blocks, try ice fishing simulation and experience more hands-on activities and special events every day.

Visitors will find free admission to Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum members and children under 2, otherwise, admission is $10 for ages two and up. Museum hours are Monday - Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, noon - 5:00 p.m. Get an extra bonus on Tuesday's with a rise and shine time of 9:00 a.m.

Have out-of-town guests during the holidays? Fear not, the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum has something for everyone and they are even open on New Year’s Day from noon - 5:00 p.m. for the non football fans in your family! For more information call 734.995.5439.

Ann Arbor Ice Skating Fun Holiday Traditions

I love ice skating during the cooler months. In fact when I was in college I took my skates to Central so I could skate on a tiny glassy pond in front of the library. It felt like freedom. I told my husband this recently and he looked at me odd as he remembered that specific pond to be about as big as our children's summer pool, but I guess I didn't care, or didn't see it that way!

Last year I created a post with ice skating information that included area ice rinks, admission costs and times for open skate sessions. Since there is already traffic to that post, I will edit it appropriately, adding a link to the trending posts area on the right-side of my homepage. I hope you can take your kids out to experience the many local ice rinks - both indoor and out - this season!

Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation even offers parents many open skate sessions when the kids are out of school or on winter vacation. During the Ann Arbor Public Schools winter/spring vacations and other days that school is not in session, public skating is offered Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Michigan Maple Syrup Season: Find Ann Arbor Area Sugaring activities, Tours and Events for the Entire Family

From AnnArbor.com:


Tapping maple trees for their sap is easy to do, educational
and reaps tasty rewards for the entire family! 



Last weeks warmer weather meant that the sap started to flow a bit signaling the beginning of maple syrup season - Even if yesterday's storm temporarily has slowed things down... For the past few years, my kids have really enjoyed tapping trees and making syrup from sap, I even wrote about our experience making maple sugar last year; Lets face it, what kid wouldn't want to taste delicious sticky syrup made from the sap of the maple tree?

In Washtenaw County and nearby there are several places where families can go to learn about making Maple Syrup. I hope you take a moment and teach the kids this time honored spring tradition that was passed along from local Native Americans.

On February 26 & 27 at the Hudson Mills Activity Center at the Metropark (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. Also, enjoy an all you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast served from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. The guided tour is $3/person with the pancake breakfast at $3.50/child and $5.50/adult. Call 734-426-8211 or 800-477-3191 for more information.

Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation runs the yearly program "Sap To Syrup" at the County Farm Park (2960 Washtenaw Ave.at Platt Road, Ann Arbor) where families (and adults too!) learn to make their own maple Syrup. This year, the program is scheduled for Saturday March 5, at 1:00-2:00 p.m. for families and 3:00-4:00 p.m. for adults. The program, led by Naturalist Faye Stoner, demonstrates the process from drilling the hole and placing the tap to boiling down the sap to make syrup. So pack up the family, dress for the weather, and learn how to identify and tap maple trees, to make delicious maple syrup. You even have the chance to taste the sap as well as the final product! Pre-registration is required and the program fills up fast, so be sure to call (734) 971-6337 ext. 334 to register.

Ann Arbor families can also take a short drive to visit the sugarbush at Kensington Metropark (2240 W. Buno Rd., Milford). March 5-27 from noon-4:00 p.m., to visit the Metropark Farm Learning Center to learn about maple sugaring. Stop in for a hot breakfast from 9 a.m. to 2 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. Guided tours begin at noon with the last guided tour leaving at 2:30 p.m. After 4 p.m., the sugar bush will remain open for self-guided visits. For more information call 800-477-3178. 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.

On March 13, at 12:00 - 4:00 pm at the Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center at the Waterloo Recreation Area (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea) families can join in the fun at a maple sugar festival. Observe demonstrations of the whole process of making maple syrup from collecting the sap to the evaporation process, watch a short film demonstrating old-time methods and find many maple products for sale. Program fees are $2/person or $5/family for non-members of the Waterloo Natural History Association.

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 many maple sugaring 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.

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

Valentine's Day events and craft projects for kids and teens

From AnnArbor.com:

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!

Snowmageddon 2011 Ann Arbor: Snow Experiments and Fun for Snow Days



SnOwMG - What to do with the kids
when the snow flies?!



No matter how you say it - snowprah, snowpocalypse, snowmageddon, snownami - Today's weather is bound to make Groundhog Day 2011 one for the history books. Phil most certainly is hiding under a blanket of thick snow or in the very least diving for cover before being hauled out for full winter exposure. 



Since my post on making snow ice cream raised concerns on the safety of eating snow. (What?!) I will re-think my plans for snow day activities and stick with snow fun that doesn't involve eating snow. (Or eat snow in moderation anyway!)

What winter experiments would work for today? I'm not sure that making snow bubbles would happen considering the blowing wind and drifting snow, but I will earmark that one for another snowy, below-freezing day!  I do however have my time lapse camera set up ready to catch the snow-fall. Maybe I should also consider setting up a snow/rain gauge experiment though to measure the snow... We could also set up an experiment to see how heavy snow is.

Snow days allow for spontaneous family fun!

Kids can simply collect some snow, some ice, and some rain water in separate Ziploc bags, or even in cups of the same size. Then place these bags one by one on a kitchen scale. Which bag is the heaviest? Which bag is the lightest? What happens after they melt? This is an opportunity to talk about the density of different materials. Or try other simple experiments with snow and ice that might include the density or water before and after it freezes, or making frost - Fun things that kids can try.

Of course with the huge amount of snow many areas are experiencing, making a snow fort or personalized sledding hill or sledding luge, or getting out for family cross country skiing are also fun outdoor activities, just be sure to dress warmly!

$25 A Day: Cross Country Skiing

This article is part of a series aimed at helping families of four find activities in the area for under $25.

It's a little more challenging to find something the entire family likes to do during the winter months. We do like sledding of course, but we love nature and would love a great way to experience it when the snow falls. And that's when it hit me, why not take the family cross country skiing? On a trip to the sledding hill, I noticed that Rolling Hills also rented cross country skis, so I made a metal note to venture over when the next powdery snow would fall.

What I liked:
No matter the time of year, Rolling Hills (7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti - Between Merritt and Bemis ) has beautiful, scenic trails, and costs very little to get into. For a carload of people to get into the park for a single trip, the park costs $5 for Washtenaw County residents ($9 for non-residents) or $25 for an annual pass.

To ski for 2-hours, equipment rental is only $5 (boots/skis/poles) on a weekend day or $3 during the week. Since this was a "try it" event for the family, the low-cost of the activity was very appealing to me. At most we paid $12 to try it one day after school (since we already had our annual pass).

The park has two mapped cross-country ski routes for amateurs or more experienced skiers, however we mostly tooled around the one playground closest to the lodge since it was our first try. the next time I go, I will plan on only taking my son and heading out for the easy cross-country ski route!

Parking is convenient to the rental center, sledding hill and warming lodge (with fireplace). We actually ended up sledding that same day since no one was on the hill too. It made for a nice after-school activity for us!

Cross country skiing with the family
is fun and great exercise!

Potential drawbacks:

The biggest challenges for the day centered around equipment rental. Ski rental might open up on weekdays when there is a snow day, otherwise you have to wait until 3:30 p.m. on weekdays to ski or wait for the weekend. Also, children younger than 6 may have difficulties getting ski boots to fit - the smallest size is for a child wearing a size 13 shoe. My daughter did borrow the bigger shoe for a little bit though and did just fine. Know too that there are only a few pairs of the smaller size cross country skis for children, so either get there early or call ahead for availability!

I would also love to see a snack bar available on weekends. Hot chocolate being sold onsite would be a welcome addition, however families can (and should) bring their own supplies to warm up in the lodge warming room after, or between, outdoor playtimes!

Rolling Hills Park
7660 Stony Creek Road

Ypsilanti, MI 48197-6611

(734) 484-9676

Cost:

Cross-country skiing for Family of (4): $20

Park admission: $5

What else to bring: Hot beverages, warm clothing, a camera, and possibly a lunch tote filled with wonderful treats. Don't forget sleds for use after skiing too!

AnnArbor.com had a recent article on cross-country ski rentals, equipment and trails as well. For parents interested in taking kids cross country skiing or going skiing as a family, the article is worth checking out!

Kids Try Ice Hockey for Free at the Arctic Edge

Kids can try hockey this weekend at Canton's Arctic Edge.

Has your son or daughter ever expressed an interest in hockey but you were unsure of their abilities or true interest? Well, this weekend, kids age 4-9 can try hockey for free at Arctic Edge (46615 Michigan Ave., Canton) from 11:00 a.m.-noon. Free equipment will also be available based on availability. For more information call 734-487-7777 or register online for the free kids ice hockey.

Free Activities for Kids - Paint a Tile, Create a Book, Free Outdoor Ice Rink

There are several great free kids events and activities scheduled this week in Chelsea, Ypsilanti, Saline and throughout the area - Although they are free, many require pre-registration, so don't forget to register for these great family activities.

Create your own folded book at the Chelsea District Library (221 South Main Street, Chelsea MI) on Wednesday, January 12 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Families and kids over age-8, will take a hands-on workshop to create a hand-folded book along with a box to keep it in. All materials will be provided free for families.

On Thursday, January 13, teens and kids over age 8 can Paint a Ceramic Tile at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti) from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Add a favorite pattern or picture to a customized tile. Registration is required and all materials are free. 734-482-4110 ext. 1340.

Bennett Street in Saline, MI - The outdoor ice rink is located
on the NE corner of Henne Field.

If outdoor activities are your bag, don't forget to check out the new outdoor ice rink in Saline for some free skate time! The ice rink in located at the northeast corner of Henne Field just off Bennett Street with hours from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Remember that families skate at their own risk, and safety gear is recommended. No hockey sticks or
pucks are allowed.

Pre-School Roller Skating in Canton Thursday Morning's



Learning to stop during Skatin'
Stations free roller skating lesson
at the pre-school skate.

 I took my daughter to Canton's Skatin' Station II for their pre-school skate this morning. It's a perfect indoor winter activity that she finally decided try. 

The roller skating session runs Thursday mornings from 10:00-11:30 for $5. With that though, the kids (and skating adults) get admission, skate rental, a small snack and a drink. (This week it was a small lemonade and package of Goldfish crackers!) Plus the kids get a free basic roller skating lesson and fun dances during the skating session.

It was great fun and great exercise for my daughter - and me - That we're ready to do again!

Skatin' Station II
8611 Ronda Drive, Canton MI 48187
(Located off of Joy Road between Haggerty and Lilley.)
734-459-6400

Kids Playing In The Snow

There are some great photos of kids playing in Monday's snow in this slideshow. I especially like the little ones trying to kiss Frosty!