Free Teen Event: Visit the Creature Conservancy

The Creature Conservancy brings people and wildlife together in
educational settings and provides a rare opportunity to
interact with unique species from around the world.

Come enjoy an evening at the Ann Arbor District Library on Monday, August, 1 as the Creature Conservancy returns to the AADL for a fun, information-filled evening event for teens and adults (better known as big kids!), This free event 7:00-8:30 p.m., gives teens a unique experience to show off a porcupine and other exoctic creatures; Learn about these truly unique creatures and get your questions answered at the same time!

Weekend Events for Families: $1 Movies, Dinosaurs, Crafts and More

Don't let the rain and heat get you down this weekend as there is plenty tyo do for the kids! Keep them busy with many crafting opportunities while keeping the mess out of your home, see a discouted movie, or pop in to see the Teen Graffitti at the Ann Arbor District Library or the events at Maker Fair at The Henry Ford. There are lots of great activities to see and do!

 

Friday:

• Create Paper Bag Gargoyles at the Ann Arbor District Library (3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor) from 2:00-3:00 p.m. For Grades K – 5.
•  Stop by Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) anytime until 6:00 p.m. to create sunflower paintings for only $2.  
•  As part of the Discount Summer Film Series, see Gnomeo & Juliet at Michigan Theatre (124 N. Mechanic St., Jackson) at 2:00 or 6:30 p.m. This is a $1 movie deal!
• Teens should check out the cool graffitti created by other teenagers at the AADL Teen Graffitti Art Exhibit!

Saturday:

• Maker Faire Detroit is at the Henry Ford (20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn) this weekend (Saturday & Sunday). Kids of all ages will especially enjoy the Mentos guys, signing fish car, robots, and a lifesize Mousetrap!
• Your child can continue their Passport to Fun at Michael's (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) cebrating Brazil 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Ever heard of tie dye flowers? Find out how to make your own with this free craft at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) 1:30-5:30 p.m.
• Teens and older kids can get their hands dirty with a hands-on comics workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (3090 E. Eisenhower Pky, Ann Arbor) 2:00-4:30 p.m. Grade 6 and up.
•  Find out "Who’s Been in My Backyard?" at Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) 2:00-3:00 p.m. Kids ages 7-12 can learn to identify common wildlife by their tracks and their scat (using fake scat).

Sunday:

• Don't forget about Maker Faire Detroit (20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn), it's today too!
• Create a custom Tin Treasure Box at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) 1:00-5:00 p.m. for only $2!

$18 Sears Portrait Studio Deal

Families on a budget can easily get updated photos of their kids even if they are on a budget with this great Sears Portrait Studio discount. Today through tomorrow, families can buy a studio portrait session for only $18 - that's an 81% discount off the normal $95 cost! The session includes your child's sitting fee, one free enhancement (The portrait studios adding borders, or changing the photos to sepia tones, black & white or adding a vignette). Families also get the following sizes of a single image: 1 - 10x13, 1 - 8x10, 2 - 5x7's, 4 - 3.5x5's and 16 wallet sized photos. The photo deal is available at the Sears Portrait Studio locations in Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Monroe, Novi, and Westland and is good through December 1, 2011.

Have a baby turning 1? Don't typically like your child's school pictures? Have a momentous occasion like a family reunion, visiting relatives or want to take a special family photo for your end of the year holiday letter? Then this deal is a GREAT option!  I have used the photography studio before and have had several friends take their children to Sears for their photos, and have been happy with the results. Just be sure to get your deal before tomorrow.

Destination Toledo: Don't Drive By, Stop and Visit

I'll admit I've never thought of Toledo as a place to visit. It's always been somewhere driven by on I-75 or the place to visit the Toledo Zoo. For the past two days however I have gotten to explore the area a bit as we were invited by the Greater Toledo Convention & Vistors Bureau to "Do Toledo". The media tour highlighted many great places for families, couples and general tourists; I'm now thinking that Toledo is less of a drive through and more of a travel destination that I can't wait to bring my family back to!

Gotta see the famous
buns at Tony Packo's!

Since Toledo is less than an hour south of Ann Arbor, it makes a perfect get-away for the day, a weekend or an entire week. So I'll be creating a series of posts about the places we visited, the family friendly aspects and budget-wise options, even outlining a suggested itinerary or two for a three-day stop over. I did want to quickly mention and thank the many great places visited though.

The dining options in Toledo are varied and many. While there we ate dinner at the famous Tony Packo's, had another very filling dinner at The Real Seafood Company and also an amazing New Orleans style breakfast at the Holiday Inn French Quarter in Perrysburg. It's a good thing we spent most of our time walking between destinations because Toledo kept us well-fed!



It was a perfect night spent with the Mudhen's, we even
got to see a Detroit favorite win the game!



I wish I had my pedometer on me, because we hoofed it a lot, hitting a winning game at the Toledo Mudhen's, a fun morning at the Imagination Station, and the Toledo Museum of Art followed by a brief visit and lunch at the Toledo Zoo where we saw baby Lucas the elephant. The running didn't stop there though, as we were treated to a private tour of the beautiful Toledo Botanical Gardens and a favorite of mine the Glass Pavillion. We also got to visit the Holy Rosary Cathedral for a private tour. The beauty and splendor of the cathedral were breathtaking - Who knew that there is a designed Toledo church tour of the cities many beautiful churches!

Glassblowing at the Glass Pavillion is perfect for the entire family,
they even have teen events so that everyone in the family
can find something to do!

And of course what's a visit without shopping? It's easy to do a little gift-shopping when visiting the Libbey Glass Factory and various souvenir shops along the way. In my case I suppose it was a lot of shopping.

I can't wait to share more details on why Toledo is perfect for Ann Arbor families, so stay tuned Ann Arbor Mom readers for some great ideas. THANK YOU Toledo for sharing the beauty, history and splendor of your magnificent river city, and thank you to the Park Inn at the Radisson for the beautiful view of the river and the comfy bed!

Events for Teens: Teen Graffiti Art Exhibit

Parents are always asking me to post more events for teens on the blog. Starting this week through August 30, your teen can check out the 9th annual Teen Graffiti Contest at the Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor). the event, held during Ann Arbor's summer Art Fairs allows teens to embrace their creative side as they gather in the staff parking lot of the Downtown AADL to try their hand at the art of graffiti. Each young artist receives a four-by-four foot board and a variety of colors of spray paint. The end result of the contest is a display of a multitude of styles and levels of talent for the community to enjoy

Be sure to stop by any time between now and August 30 to view these fantastic displays of art. I'm certain your teen will not be disappointed!

$1 Movies at the Michigan Theatre

Hey mom's and dad's, do you know that you can take the kids to the movies for only $1 at the Michigan Theatre (124 N. Mechanic Street, Jackson)? That is a great discount for some fun summer movies! Starting this week and every week through August, kids can see the discounted movies several times throughout the week. Doors will open at 1:00 p.m. with the movie beginning at 2:00 p.m. except Wednesdays, when the show starts at 5:00 p.m.

Call the events hotline (517) 783-0811 or visit  the Michigan Theatre website for more information.

The movie line-up for the summer:

July 26 - 29: Gnomeo & Juliet
August 2 - 5: Rio
August 9 - 12: Hop
August 16 - 19: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Roderick Rules
August 23 - 26: Kids Choice

Detroit Science Center Discount: $10 Tickets 7/22-24

Hey mom and dad, stay cool and have fun this weekend at the Detroit Science Center with discounted admission for the whole family July 22-24, 2011. Enjoy hundreds of hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, science demonstrations and a IMAX Theatre film for only $10 per person!

For more information on the Detroit Science Center Discount and exhibits, be sure to visit the Detroit Science Center website.

Weekend Events for Families: An Airshow, Free Crafts and More

The Ann Arbor Art Fair has plenty of great free activities for kids, however for those who are interested in avoiding the crowds there are many other free events for the kids! Check out the many great activities for your family available this weekend.

Friday:

Michaels Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) is hosting a free Christmas in July event for adults 6:00-7:00 p.m. See them create a Duck Tape Santa Suit Pail Demo.

Saturday:

Lowes (3900 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti) Build and Grow kids building seminar is being held 10:00 a.m.-Noon, where kids can make a pair of wooden Binoculars.

Michaels Crafts has their free Passport to Fun Make-It Take-It event 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. later in the day 3:00-5:00 p.m. create a Glitter Ornament with purchase of the ornament while celebrating Christmas in July.

See Nature’s Recyclers: Vultures, Rats, and Roaches at Ypsilanti District Library Michigan (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) at 10:00 a.m., YDL-Whittaker (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) at 12:30 p.m. and YDL-Superior (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Township) at 3:00 p.m. Visit nature's scavengers such as a vulture, rat, and roaches. Presented by the Leslie Science and Nature Center staff.

Saturday & Sunday:

Catch the Blue Angel's during the Thunder Over Michigan Airshow at the Yankee Air Museum. Great views of the show can also be seen along several side roads too. More coming about that!

Kids Ages 4-11 Wanted for Seatbelt Research Study

Children Ages 4-11 can make a few dollars while participating in a fun study at the University of Michigan. Kids will receive $12 per hour for approximately three hours of time for the research study of child restraint design and seat belt fit while learning a bit about science!

For more information, call (734) 763-3463, email childbeltfit@umich.edu or visit the child belt fit study website.

Mom it's hot, what can we do?

It's hot, hot, hot - So why not stay cool by visiting some of the great
pools, waterparks, splashparks and beaches near Ann Arbor!

With temperatures soaring in Ann Arbor this week, folks everywhere are thinking about how to stay cool. Here are some great local water parks, pools, beaches, parks and splash parks that are sure to dial it down a notch!

Splash Parks:

For the youngest family members, splash parks, sprayscapes, sprinkler parks and splash playgrounds are a great way to cool off. These sprinkler parks are often free although sometimes with limited hours allowing local camps and day care centers access by the bus loads. Always check the websites for current available times of operation.

Canton's Heritage Park Splash Park - Canton | free
Township Park Sprayscape - Plymouth Township | free 
Kensington Metropark - Milford | free with vehicle admission 
Farmington's Heritage Park Splash Park - Farmington | free 
Spray-scape at Independence Lake - Whitmore Lake | free with vehicle admission 

Water Parks:

Waterparks offer the entire family the best opportunity to swim or play on the waterslides or in the wave pool! To save money, many offer a discounted rate during twilight hours, which also happens to be after the hottest parts of the day when children easily get sunburns.

Rolling Hills - Ypsilanti Township | $2.50+ | M-F 11-7, S-S 11-8
Indoor Waterpark Splash Universe - Dundee | $24.95+ | 9-10
Lower Huron Metropark - Belleville | vehicle entry fee plus $5+ | 11-7

Beaches:

Because the Huron River sweeps throughout Washtenaw County, there are many metroparks that offer beaches and the opportunity to play in the water. Ann Arbor is also convenient to several state recreation areas with beaches which offer free entry to families who opted to add the fee to the licence plate tabs! If your family will go to a park more than once, consider purchasing a yearly permit to save money.

Independence Lake - Whitmore Lake
Van Buren Park - Belleville
Island Lake Recreation Area - Brighton
Pinckney Recreation Area - Pinckney
Waterloo Recreation Area - Howell
Brighton Recreation Area - Brighton
Stoney Creek Metropark - Shelby Township
Lower Huron Metropark - Belleville

Pools:

If your family prefers to swim in a pool to cool off, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti have several convenient pools with family swim times and tot swim times.

Buhr Park Pool - Ann Arbor | $3.50+ | M-F 3:30-7, S&S noon-7, additional tot swim times available
Fuller Park Pool and Waterslide - Ann Arbor | $3.50+ | M-F 1-8, S&S 1-8, additional tot swim times available
Mack Indoor Pool - Ann Arbor | $3.50+ | T&Th 7-8:30, Sat 1-4, Sun 1-3, additional tot swim times available
Veterans Memorial Park Pool - Ann Arbor | $3.50+ | M-F 1-4:45 & 6:30-8, S-S 12-4:45 & 6:30-8
Rutherford Pool - Ypsilanti | $1.75+ | 1-5 & 6-8, additional tot swim times available
Lincoln Consolidated School Indoor Pool - Ypsilanti Township | $3+ | T&Th 7:30-9

Other Places to Cool Off:

There are many great places along the Huron River to cool off. Take the family out in a canoe, kayak or even tube the river with your own inner tubes or party islands.

Island Park - Ann Arbor | free
Gallup Park - Ann Arbor | fee based boat rentals
Dexter Huron Metropark - Dexter | vehicle entry fee plus fee based boat rentals
Delhi Metropark - Ann Arbor | vehicle entry fee plus fee based boat rentals
Hudson Mills Metropark - Dexter | vehicle entry fee plus fee based boat rentals

As the temps near 100-degrees, remember to drink plenty of fluids and stay cool. With the many great pools, beaches and waterparks near Ann Arbor, that shouldn't be hard to do!

If you have any great photos of your family staying cool this week, please feel free to send them to me at tmayrend (at) gmail dot com for submission in the blog!

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.

Mathnasium Ann Arbor Starts First Steps Program

Whether you are a parent trying to give your pre-schooler a leg-up in math or have a student who is showing advanced interest, Mathnasium Ann Arbor has begun a new program geared for your pre-K, kindergarten or first-grade child.


Mathnasium Ann Arbor First Steps program for
Pre-K - 1st grade students, builds the foundation
for excellence in math!

The new First Steps program helps to encourage the development of number sense, or the ability to think mathematically, by exploring concepts such as classification, ordering, numeration and measurement.

"The program is beneficial to your child, teaching basic fractions and number sense so that the skills become part of their everyday thinking process." says Vera Chiu, co-owner of Mathnasium Ann Arbor. "It makes mathematical thinking fresh and exciting and less like a foreign language."

My children and I had the opportunity to preview the class recently, liking what we experienced. The 45-50 minute class, featured games that incorporate math concepts such as patterning, ordering, fractions, shapes, and measurements, and work-book pages. The class, held in a private classroom in the back, allowed the children to be more active manipulating objects to visualize the math concepts plus they still received the same incentivized advancement. My children especially like earning stamps that they can accumulate to trade in for a prize!

The program was set up to allow a small group of children of similar ages to interact with one another and the teacher, working with hands-on math concepts to build on the learning foundations. On the day we attended, three of the children were entering Kindergarten with the fourth child entering 2nd grade. The program flowed nicely allowing the children to work together and also work with the teacher when a concept needed more explanation.

First Steps has two classes weekly on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. or Saturdays at 10:00 a.m.; Additional classes will be opened as needed. Parents can choose to attend one or both classes and can choose from many payment options for the program.

Give your Pre-K to 1st grade child the right start for a lifetime of success in mathematics with the First Steps program at Mathnasium Ann Arbor. Stop by and visit the new math learning center, meet with our friendly and energetic instructors, learn about the unique and highly effective Mathnasium approach to teaching math, and find out why kids love to learn math at Mathnasium! For more information on tutoring, specific math learning programs or to discuss a child's specific needs, call 734.769.5666.

Mathnasium of Ann Arbor | 2111 Packard Rd, Suite C | Ann Arbor, MI 48104 | 734-355-8718





Sonsored  post  for Mathnasium of Ann Arbor.

Weekly Event Round-Up

Independence Day is past us and the kids are beginning to get on our nerves? OK maybe that's just me and our household. I am however still looking for free kids activities!  Here are several this week that should be brought to the attention of frustrated parents throughout Ann Arbor.


In honor of the final Harry Potter movie coming out this week,
try your hand  at playing a Muggle version of Quidditch
this Friday at the Ypsilanti District Library!

Start tonight be getting squeaky clean, or at least let your kids and tens create their own felt ball. The technique requires warm water and soap, so at least they'll be clean from the elbows down.

At 7:00 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library - Mallets Creek Branch (3090 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor) kids and teens can create wool felted balls to make a string of beads or a pet toy for a furry friend. For more information, call the Youth Department at 327-8301.

Tuesday also promises fun with the Rave Free Family Film Festival (4100 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti) when the family sees Marmaduke at 10:00 a.m. The free movie festival is every Tuesday and Wednesday for two chances at fun.

The AADL Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor) has a fun activity for teens. Kids in grade 6 and up, can sew a colorful pocket for their iPod or MP3 player using colorful felt, embellishment items, and embroidery thread. All supplies are provided free.

Keep the fun rolling mid-week by learning to make root beer Wednesday at the Ypsilanti District Library's Wacky Wednesday program. From 3:00-4:30 pm at the Whittaker Branch (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) kids can join in on the fun making their own sudsy head of root beer to enjoy. Families might also want to consider watching a bit of magic when Jeff Wawrzaszek visits the AADL Pittsfield Branch at 2:00 p.m. or the Traverwood Branch (3333 Traverwood Dr, Ann Arbor) at 7:00 p.m.

Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) is also a great resource for free craft activities for the kids (as well as many at a very low cost!) and the "Draw a Framed Masterpiece" event from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. is no exception. Kids can choose from 12 different frame designs to create a masterpiece using crayons, markers, or stamps.

If outdoor skills are what you are looking for (or if you are a scouting family as I have) then head over to the AADL Mallets Creek Branch (3090 East Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor) of the library for Outdoor Survival Training 101 With Bivouac. From 7:00-8:30 p.m. learn about emergency basics for camping, hiking or exploring out in the wild. Maybe it will even help your child earn a scouting elective!

Rounding out the week on Thursday at 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the YDL-Whittaker enjoy a free art session courtesy of the FLY Children's Art Center or create a paper bag puppet at Tree Town Toys 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Then wrap up the week by watching a Magic Carpet Theatre performance at the Dexter District Library at 11:00 a.m. or by participating on a Muggle version of Quidditch 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the YDL-Whittaker branch - Just remember to arrive on time to be assigned to a house/team.

Whatever your choice, there are many great free events this week in and around Ann Arbor! Be sure to comment on your favorites area activities too, it helps me know what to blog about.

Need: Kids to Help Set a World Record at Chelsea Teddy Bear Factory

Come one, come all to participate in the third Chelsea Teddy Bear Company world record attempt on July 30! 

Help the Chelsea Teddy Bear Co.
set a new world's record in
celebrating the 50th Anniversary
of the World Wildlife Fund.



In celebration of the World Wildlife Fund 50th Anniversary, the Chelsea Teddy Bear Co. is attempting to break yet another world record by creating the WWF panda logo out of stuffed animals. At 1:00 p.m. on July 30, families from throughout Washtenaw county and Southeast Michigan will gather on the CTBC driveway to place their bears into the logo. The design will cover approximately 614 square feet and will include 3,000 stuffed animals and bears!

The Chelsea Teddy Bear Co. is located at 400 N Main Street in Chelsea. Check the website for information for the event and to get directions to the Chelsea Teddy Bear Co.

Discover the Henry Ford During Free Family Fun Days!

Friday, July 15, is another Target Family Fun Days at the Henry Ford Museum with free admission to the museum courtesy of Target. The free day will include live musical performances and make and take activities and projects for the kids. So be sure to check out all the museum has to offer including the Discovering The Civil War exhibit!

Kid's Passport to Fun at Michael's Crafts

July is a great month to be patriotic, take vacations and learn about new experiences.  That's why taking the kids to Michael's (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor), can help achieve that. Throughout the month, kids ages 3 and up can participate in the free Passport to Fun from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where they will find crafts highlighting different countries each day.

Below is a listing of the free programs available this month:

• July 2: America - Children will make a Warrior Shield and Bead Flag and may enjoy free face painting too!
•  July 5: Italy - Sun catchers and pizza are a great way to experience that Tuscan sun! 
•  July 7: Australia - Make a koala craft mate!
•  July 9: India - Raise your hand for henna and elephants!
•  July 11: Russia - Celebrate Russia with nesting dolls and a Russian bear.
• July 14: France - Paint like a French impressionist painter. (I was hoping for baguettes!)
• July 16: UK - Crowns and shamrocks are sure to rule!
• July 19: Japan - Oragami and block printing sure sound like fun.
• July 21: Greece - Kids create their own Olympic torch and Greek pot.
• July 23: Mexico: Create a unique Mexican sun and Tissue paper flower.
• July 26: China - Make beautiful sand art and tangrams.
• July 28: South Africa - Create a friendship bracelet to keep or give plus make an animal pin.
• July 30: Brazil - It's time for CARNIVAL with a mask and learning about the amazon while creating a snake.

I only wish we could get passport stamps for all of these wonderful places and kids activities. We are sure to you enjoy several of these days, will you?

Holiday Weekend Events July 1-4, 2011

Have fun staying in town during the holiday
weekend with parades, free events and
concerts for the whole family!

If you are one of the many Ann Arbor families staying home this July 4th weekend, there is plenty to do around town! From parades to fireworks, to free crafts and building events and even some fun with science!Find an interest for every member of your family.

Friday, July 1 Events:

Begin the long weekend visiting the Dexter District Library to see Dan the Creature Man. Kids come and meet his "Rockin' Reptiles" at 11:00 a.m. for a quality face-to-face meet and greet. This live animal program is a free event for kids of all ages.

If staying closer to Ann Arbor is what you are looking for, then consider a couple of free crafty events for the kids. At 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor), kids ages 5 and older can create their own rocket from a toilet paper roll, string and a balloon for rocket ship fun. Also at 2:00 p.m., kids (PK through Grade 5) can create their own 4th of July craft at the Ann Arbor District Library - Pittsfield (2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor).

Then inn the afternoon head over to the Lakeshore Family Fun Event to find a carnival atmosphere with three nights of fireworks, amusement rides, a petting zoo, a live shark encounter (hopefully NOT in Ford Lake!), a car show, talent contest, arts & crafts, on-stage entertainment, and much more! Everything except the carnival rides is free for the family. Check the website for program times!

Saturday, July 2 Events:

For a weekend of family fun, Whitmore Lake is hosting a free Independence Day Celebration downtown Saturday through Monday. But if you searching out a better understanding of local history? Take a tour of the Waterloo Area Historical Society Farm Museum (13493 Waterloo-Munith Rd., Grass Lake). Tours run throughout the weekend 1:00-5:00 p.m. An entire family can find admission very reasonably at $5/adults and $2/children allowing families a better understanding of farm life in a long-lost era.

Need a set of coasters for the folks arriving for the BBQ later in the day? Set your kids up for the free building clinic at Home Depot to solve that dilemma. From 9:00 a.m. - noon, kids can build their own coaster set for the party!

For the musically-inclined, there is something to do Saturday as well. Find a free class at 10:00 a.m. for kids ages 6-8 at Tree Town Toys. Kids will learn to use their voices, bodies and instruments to explore music and movement. To reserve your spot, call 734.929.6545.

Sunday, July 3 Events:

Sleep in and relax, THEN pop out to take the kids to get slimed! From 1:00-4:00 p.m. kids can make their own Slime at Tree Town Toys. Slime is a mixture of glue, water, food coloring, and Borax that you surely don't want messing up your own home, so head over for the low cost event for a science experiment they are sure to remember.  Your children will get to keep their own bag of Slime for only $1.
Then after dinner, stroll on over to the Ingalls Mall (915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor) at 6:00 p.m. to see Recess Monkey. The free concert sponsored by the AADL will provide kid-friendly, parent-loved music and humor in high-energy sets the whole family will love; Rocking in Independence Day couldn't be more fun. 

Monday, July 4 Events:

Parades, parades and more parades, many even offer kids the opportunity to decorate their bikes, trikes and wagons and participate in marching in the parade! Check out my list of Ann Arbor area Independence Day Parades!