Read Across America at Michael's Crafts

Families can get a second chance to join in the fun for Read Across America Day on Wednesday, March 2 when the Dr. Seuss team visits Michael's Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor). Families can join the fun from 10:00 a.m. - noon for special coupons, give-aways and crafts. Kids can make their own bookmarks, and printed coloring sheets for this free in-store event.

So what is Read Across America? It is the National Education Association's year-round reading motivation and awareness program celebrating the joy of reading and the birthday of the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.








Come to Michaels® on March 2 to celebrate with a special free in-store event!

Dr. Seuss Visits Target for Storytime and Reading Across America

On Saturday February 26, be sure to bring the kids to your local Target store for Reading Across America. Kids (moms and dads too!) will get to enjoy giveaways, coupons and to hear free stories of many Dr. Seuss favorites between 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Ann Arbor Target locations are:

Target - 3749 Carpenter Rd, Ypsilanti

Target - 2000 Waters Rd, Ann Arbor 

Target -  5558 Hellner Rd, Ann Arbor

Castaway Bay: Our Ohio Waterpark Experience!

Castaway Bay, Sandusky Ohio - 2011

I was given the opportunity to check out Castaway Bay indoor waterpark (Sandusky, OH) and the Spa at Castaway Bay this past weekend - it was amazing to think that my opinion might be of value to someone! It was a special "mommy blogger" event with several amazing woman from Ohio, Illinois and Michigan - OK who am I kidding, it wasn't the networking aspect so much as it was a free night away and waterpark passes for the family. I've wanted to stay at Castaway Bay for some time, so this event was the perfect opportunity!

REVIEW of CASTAWAY BAY

Castaway Bay is a family destination, especially families with younger children. It is large enough for everyone to enjoy, but not large enough to worry about where your children are. There are many amenities to enjoy too, including a full service spa, the waterpark with lots of slides, a toddler area and a wave pool, an arcade, and family activities including the kids club with daily activities such as karaoke, face painting, arts & crafts and much more. There are also several restaurants on property with reasonably priced resort food - I consider that higher priced than heading to fast food, but worth staying in for! I'll admit, we did not get to explore everything during our brief stay but I did get a chance to visit the spa; During the blogger event, I got a full tour of the spa and was even a lucky recipient of a spa treatment.

OUR ROOM: As my husband and I are both former employees at Cedar Point, I should remember that the entire staff tries very hard to please their audience - And please them they do. Our room was spotless and immaculately prepared for us with two double beds, a small table and a amoire with a TV, fridge and microwave in addition to the typical bathroom amenities. It was not overly small nor overly large, it was just right for my family of 4 - Don't expect to pop a jumbo bag of popcorn in the in-room micro though and consider bringing your own pillows. (I'm picky about my pillows.)

The kids were safe exploring all that Castaway Bay waterpark had to offer!
It's perfect for families and would make a great family reunion destination.

THE WATERPARK: The waterpark was the perfect temperature, both in and out of the water. The entire family loved hanging out in the indoor/outdoor spa, watching the steam gently swirl around us almost as much as we loved the water slides and the wave pool. I think my husband especially liked escaping to the hot tub as he was left with the kids while I was at the blogger event!

Their snack bar is also conveniently placed within the pool area for easy access, and there was PLENTY of seating available. Seating is so important and from experience not available at other waterparks; typically you scramble for chairs to plop down on and that was not the case at Castaway Bay! As this was President's Day weekend, I expected many people at the resort, however it was not overly crowded. For families with younger, less patient children, I would suggest hitting the slides early or late in the day though for the shortest wait times!

Zach and Linus - The entire staff at
Castaway Bay Staff tried really
hard to make our vacation
wonderful!

DINING: We opted to grab a quick bite Saturday morning at Ebb & Eddy's instead of waiting the whopping 10 minutes for Mango Mike's. It offered us the changes to quickly grab some coffee, fruit, yogurt and donuts for the kids. Everyone was simply so anxious to get to the waterpark, that I had to quash the whining quickly. In the afternoon, after burning a few calories, the family ate pizza and pulled pork at Big Daddy's Snack Shack, located within the waterpark - The food was good, nicely prepared and we were waited on by friendly, happy staff. 

THE STAFF: From the gal checking us in, to the lifeguards, to the foodservice professional's, everyone was smiling - We had fabulous service from everyone that we met. My kids enjoyed meeting some of the Peanut's gang too, although I'll admit, we must be slacking as good parents because neither child know Linus or Lucy!

THE SPA: The mom blogger event was held on the deck of the private pool at the spa. We toured the facilities, the massage rooms, pedicure room and pool; the entire environment surrounded us with relaxation and pampering, which is what we needed. Even the upstairs waiting room was nicely appointed with plants and a tranquil fountain. My spa treatment Saturday was of course fabulous too - It was very relaxing and left my skin soft and glowing! The spa would make a nice addition to a girls weekend or even a family reunion being held at the resort - let the mom's get out and play while everyone else is enjoying the waterpark or arcade.

The spa was a relaxing
tranqil treat!

For all that was wonderful, there really was nothing to complain about - And that isn't because the vacation was free, but because it is evident that the everyone employed at Castaway Bay takes pride is their service, the cleanliness of the resort and ensures that the families who visit have fun! My biggest complaint was the route our GPS took us across the scenic rural roads of Ohio, but that's another story... 

Since Ann Arbor Mom likes to offer money saving ideas for families, I'd like to highlight that the resort often offers up special pricing throughout the year, and even gives kids a free waterpark day pass for their birthday when they join the kids club.

As an added bonus, Ann Arbor Mom blog readers should check out the special Castaway Bay pricing for your next waterpark vacation at Catsaway Bay. So when the Michigan weather gets to you, head to the indoor warmth and relaxation of Castaway Bay, you won't be disappointed!

I would like to thank the ThunderTech marketing group for the private viewing of the Spa at Castaway Bay and the vacation/waterpark passes for my family. We enjoyed ourselves and will be back!

Sap to Syrup: Take the Family To Learn to Make Your Own Maple Syrup

On Saturday March 5, families can join Faye Stoner (Naturalist, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation) for the yearly free Sap to Syrup presentation where families learn about making their own maple syrup. Advance registration is needed and space is limited, so be sure to call soon to pre-register for the event (734) 971-6337, ext. 334. The program runs 1:00-2:00 p.m. for families and 3:00-4:00 p.m. for adults only at the County Farm Park. Maat at the Field Operations Bldg., next to the playground at the Platt Rd. entrance.

My family has taken the seminar led by Faye and has since made our own maple syrup from sap. It's great fun and a wonderful addition to Sunday morning breakfasts!

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.

Pre-school Children Can Skate With Elmo

Pre-school children 7 and under can enjoy
a special skating session with Elmo
at the Skatin Station in Canton.

On Thursday, March 24 there will be a special Elmo Skate, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at the Skatin Station II (8611 Rhonda, Canton). Personally I am not certain I can take three hours of Elmo or even Sesame Street blaring as the skaters play that day, that being said, three hours of skating for only $6 is a great deal. The special program includes admission with skate rental, lunch (a hot dog and drink), a small snack and a mini-lesson WITH Elmo making a special appearance! What's great too is that push toys and strollers are welcome that day for the under 7 skaters.

I have been told though, that specials fill up the space quickly and they run out of the smaller roller skate sizes! So come early. 

Discount for The Spa at Castaway Bay

I just got back from a fun-filled exhausting night away at Castaway Bay in Sandusky, Ohio. Since this is the time of the year many families head to Ohio Waterparks, I thought this little discount might be an added bonus for anyone heading there - Specifically moms!
If you are planning a weekend get-away at Castaway Bay, consider stopping at The Spa at Castaway Bay (2001 Cleveland Rd., Sandusky), it is a relaxing get-away fro you while the kids are off playing in the water. The full service spa offers many great packages (even a ladies night out!) including massages, manicures and pedicures, facials and several great body treatments - I was treated to an Aromatic Body Wrap treatment that made my skin glow!

For you though, make sure to mention that I offered you a "Mommy bloggers" discount when you call or email to get $5 off your visit.

I'll be blogging more about our general experience at Castaway bay tomorrow when my fingers are less pruned and I get a little shut eye, I just wanted to put the spa discount out there for any interested moms.

Moms can actually receive their Mommy bloggers $5 discount at either Sandusky spa location:

The Spa at Castaway Bay
2001 Cleveland Rd., Sandusky
419-625-5772

Tranzitionz Salon and Spa
855 W. Main St., Bellevue
419-483-3793

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!

Free Admission at The Henry Ford on President's Day

Monday February 21, is another Target Family Fun Days at the Henry Ford Museum offering free admission to the museum courtesy of Target. The free day, in celebration of President's Day, will include live musical performances, make and take projects for the kids, a presidential themed scavenger hunt and special activities recognizing Black History Month.

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!

Free Science Program for Kids

This Saturday, kids ages 6-12, can stop by the Ypsilanti District Library Whittaker Branch (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) for a free Family Science Workshop at 11:00 a.m. to explore the way water affects life on Earth. Children, do need to register for the free program online with a Ypsilanti District Library card, or by calling the library at (734) 482-4110.

Kids Art Projects Tomorrow



Kids create art at YDL Sunday with the
FLY Children's Art Center in Ypsilanti.

 Tomorrow there are several art classes available for kids that I thought to highlight. One is a free class and the other is a low-cost class. Whichever you choose, they promise to be fun and keep the kids warm!

From 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor Art Center (117 W. Liberty St., Ann Arbor), kids of all ages can celebrate Honest Abe's birthday and paint their own piggy bank! Children 13 and under need to bring their parent though...  The cost of the event is $10 per piggy bank or $3 for cake only - Tickets can be purchased at the Ann Arbor Art Center's website or by calling 734.994.8004 x 101.

Later that day, from 2:00-3:30 p.m., stop on by the Ypsilanti District Library Whittaker Branch (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) for a free drop-in art class sponsored by FLY Children's Art Center. The open studio session is for all kids and promises to be fun for everyone. For more information call 734-482-4110.

Kids Can Create a Free Memory Box for Mementos

Children tend to collect many "treasures" along the way. From small stones, pennies to stickers and silly bandz. To contain all these mementos and trinkets, a memory box may be just what the doctor ordered!

Next Thursday, at 6:00 p.m., kids ages 6-12 can create their very own memory boxes at the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker branch. Registration for this free event YDL cardholders can be done online, or call 734-482-4110.

Free KinderConcert With the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

Children will learn about being an orchestra
conductor at the KinderConcert February 7.

On Monday, February 7 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra is hosting a concert geared for 2-6 year old children at the Ypsilanti District Library. This interactive concert will begin to build your preschoolers imagination with music, movement and dance. This month, the concert will introduce the children to the orchestra conductor.

Kid's See The Dentist For Free



Kids get free oral care and dental exams at
the University of Michigan this Saturday.



This Saturday, February 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., the University of Michigan School of Dentistry is offering free dental screenings to kids. This free event provides services to the first 100 kids and provides dental cleanings, limited x-rays, sealants, fillings, and extractions for children 5-12 years old who are accompanied by a parent or guardian.



An appointment is not necessary, however, patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will start at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until 100 patients have been evaluated. Please enter the School of Dentistry at the 1011 North University Avenue entrance. Parking will be available at the Fletcher Street parking structure.

If you have further questions or seek additional information, please contact U of M School of Dentistry (734) 763-6933, e-mail them at dentalhealthday@umich.edu or visit the School of Dentistry's website.

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!

Washtenaw County School Closing Information: February 2011 Blizzard

Updated 8:10 pm

With the impending snowfall, several school districts have begun calling snow days for tomorrow, February 2, 2010. Following is a list of Washtenaw County school districts that have canceled classes:

Colleges and Universities with announced closures:
Eastern Michigan University
Washtenaw Community College

School with announced closures:
Ann Arbor Christian School

Ann Arbor Learning Community

Ann Arbor Public Schools

Calvary Christian Academy

Central Academy

Chelsea Community Schools
Christian Montessori School
Clonlara - Ann Arbor
Dexter Community Schools

Emerson SchoolFather Gabriel Richard High School
Fortis Academy
Go Like The Wind

Greenhills School
Hebrew Day of Ann Arbor
Honey Creek Community School
Huron Valley Catholic
Lincoln Consolidated Schools

Manchester Community Schools

Milan Area Schools
New Beginnings Academy
Oak Trails

Osher Lifelong Learning
Play & Learn Children's Place

Saline Area Schools

St. Francis of Assisi
St. Paul Lutheran
St. Thomas School
South Arbor Academy

Spiritus Sanctus Joy
Summers-Knoll School
Victory Academy
Willow Run Community Schools
Washtenaw Christian Academy
Washtenaw Technical Middle College
Whitmore Lake Public SchoolsYpsilanti Public Schools

School Districts, charter schools and private schools that have yet to announce closures:
Rudolph Steiner School
Washtenaw Intermediate School District

For a full list of school closings, check the WDIV school closing list of the Washtenaw County school losing list on AnnArbor.com.

$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!

Snowmageddon in Ann Arbor: So What's To Do?

With all the snow coming in Michigan,
there will be no shortage of snowmen!

I'll admit I'm intrigued over the hype - the blizzard warnings, the freaking out. I'm wondering if I'll see preemtive school closings in the area too. I know my son is hoping for it!  At any rate, it'll make for an interesting conversation later in the week!

If you're on a lock-down and looking for something to safely do I found this 50 Ways To Spend A Snow Day in the Detroit Freepress, or consider allowing the kids to make snow ice cream, or if you get REALLY brave, and can safely get out a bit, create your own backyard sledding hill. I know I have our backyard prepped for an awesome luge!