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.

Discount to See Cranbrook's Rare Meteorite Collection

Take the kids to Cranbrook for their rare meteorite
collection. You can even get a 50% discounted -year
membership available for a limited time!

The timing is right on with this deal. It's a weekend event. It's an event that relates to something that happened in the news overnight. AND it is a great way to spend your weekend. What is it you ask? Well why not take your kids and teens to Cranbrook tomorrow to view their rare meteorite collection?

There are not many places where you can glimpse a meteor or meteorite and there are even fewer places that allow your kids to TOUCH a meteor. Tomorrow though, the Cranbrook Institute of Science will be showcasing their very rare collection due to many meteor questions surrounding today's Siberian meteor strike! 

The biggest challenge is that the collection will only be available for a very short period of time tomorrow, with a special viewing of the meteorites, available 1:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday due to scheduling restraints. However families going to see the meteors can advantage of a very special deal before they go though as Living Social is offering a discount Family Deal for only $42 for a one-year membership. Essentially you are getting an entire year of access to the museum for less than what a typical of family of four would pay for a single visit!

So take advantage of this Cranbrook discount and head to the museum tomorrow to see the meteors, it's a great way to keep your kids interested in science!

Week 6 - Weekend Events Round-up: Feb 8-10

The snow day today certainly wasn't a planned activity for me. OK nothing about this week has been "planned" except for the things that look like that are now un-planned due to parental health issues. Soon I will write about being part of the sandwich generation. No that is not the Subway kid or anything like that, but simply the generation of us adults that were older when we had our kids, so now we manage our active young children as well as our aging and or ill parents. This week I got hit with a double whammy that had my divorced parents both in and out of the hospital. It's exhausting none-the-less. So instead of heading to a blogger conference at Castaway Bay I'll likely be taking care of someone or another, or perhaps sleeping. (I think I may have gotten 12-hours of sleep in total since last week.) And before I get called out or yelled at because "I don't care for someone" or I am complaining - Of course I would take care of my family, but that doesn't make it any less exhausting. Life is fun isn't it?

So what are YOUR plans this weekend? Heading to the Ann Arbor Chinese New Year celebration? Spending time indoors at the Museum of Natural History? Making Valentine's Day cards with the kids? Going ice fishing, cross country skiing at Rolling Hills or sledding? Well no matter what, I'll have an idea or two for you and the family - And the kids will love no matter what activities you find for them! So check it out, here's your weekend events round-up.

Saturday, February 9

The day looks to be going to the birds, with two fantastic programs about raptors! First up is Hawk Tales at Leslie Science and Nature ( 1831 Traver Road Ann Arbor) where kids ages 1-5 can get up close and personal with a story and greeting with amazing raptors at 10:00 a.m. Pre-registration is required 734-997-1553 with a cost of $2/child. Later that day, the kids can meet more Live Birds of Prey at Hudson Mills Metropark (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter) at 11:00 a.m. Come to the activity center for the “Lords of the Sky – The Exciting World of Birds of Prey” discussion and meet and greet of a few of the Howell Nature Center's feathered friends. Preregister at 734-426-8211. The cost for this fun activity is $5 per adult/$3 per child.

Want to get outdoors after Friday's snow day? How about participating in the 8th Annual Independence Lake Ice Fishing Derby? The event begins at 7:00 a.m. and runs all day until 5:00 p.m.  The family may catch Northern Pike, Bass, Bluegill and Crappie, with prizes awarded for differnt age groups! Registration begins at 7:00 at the Beach Center. Don't forget to bring your own bait. The derby entry fees are $10/adults and $5/ kids, 12 and under - however the event offers a free lunch and entry fee into the park!

If you aren't interested in fishing, you can still get the kids outdoors for Nature Stories for Kids at the County Farm Park – Field Operations Bldg. (the building closest to playground). Starting at 1:00 p.m. the kids can share stories, information and play games about some fun winter creatures. Dress for the weather though because outdoor fun will also ensue. This free event is geared for kids 6-8.

If being outdoors doesn't warm your heart, perhaps making Valentine's Day cards for Veteran's will. From 11:00 a.m. - noon at the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield Branch - 2359 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor) kids ages 5-10 can bring in a Valentine or make one at the library to be delivered to patients at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital or Veterans Hospital. Cards will be collected February 5-11. If you make a card to deliver, please remember: sign it with your first name only, leave it unsealed and please do not use glitter. Also please do not include messages about getting well or feeling better because many of the patients are in the hospital for a long time. The Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Twp.) will also have a card making event for older kids and teens (with the bonus of making chocolate too!) at 2:00 p.m. Be sure to pre-register though 734-482-3747.

Another great way to spend time this weekend is through better understanding where you came from with a hands-on demos at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History ( 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor). The free program called "DNA and Race" runs Saturday's at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and is geared for kids ages 5 and up. Explore DNA and better understand how it makes up our bodies. Kids will also explore the relationship between DNA and and the idea of race. Does DNA determine skin color? What’s the relationship between skin color and what we think of as race? Are there any biological or genetic markers that define race?

Shhh, don't tell the kids, but Spy Day at the Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd.,
Superior Twp.) might also be fun. Kids and teens older than age 6 Learn some tricks of the spy trade with invisible ink, decoders, and more starting at 2:00 p.m.

Want the kids to learn a little about the science of cooking? Then the Family Reading Science Workshop at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) may be just the ticket. Kids ages 6-11 have two opportunities to learn how geology relates to food and they will even take home their own bread starter! This free event happens at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. so be sure not to miss it!

Sunday, February 10

It's all about getting outdoors this weekend and there is another fun event happening today. At 2:00 p.m. head over to Devine Preserve for a from "Woods to Wetland Walk." Explore the oak hickory woods, then head out into some wetland areas looking for animal tracks and winter plant identification along the way. This is a free program sponsored by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation. Remember to dress warm, especially wear good footwear!

Families have one more chance to experience the hands-on demo at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History ( 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) at 3:00 p.m. today. At 1:00 there is also another chance of checking out the science of cooking demo that was featured at the library on Saturday. And certainly don't forget about the free dinosaur tours that happen every weekend!

What about staying warm and finding fun, free activities indoors? Fear not the teens will love to head to the Ann Arbor District Library (3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) for the Beaded Edge, where they will learn to crochet with beads. This free teen event runs 1:00-4:00 p.m. If you have basic crochet skills, we'll show you how to crochet with thread and beads to make a lovely decorative edge for a pin cushion or sachet.

Your youngest family members might get a charge out of Kamishibai, or Japanese Storytelling. At 1:00 p.m. head to the Ann Arbor District Library (3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor) for a fabulous free storytelling event! Kids will experience Kamishibai storytelling from the 12th century, with Masanari Nohara of Ann Arbor Japan House. The program involves a set of illustrated boards inserted into a small stage that, in Japan, was usually mounted on a bicycle and taken out one by one as a story is told.


So do you have enough ideas to get your weekend started? I thought so. Have a healthy, wonderful, and warm weekend, filled with fun events and activities with the kids.

Week 5 - Weekend Events Round-up: Feb 1-3

It's FRIDAY - While the snow day in Ann Arbor on Monday threw many off this week, there's no denying that the end of the week has arrived. So what's to do in Ann Arbor with kids this weekend you ask? Stay warm I'd reply. The freezing temps should not freeze the family at home though, get out, explore and find something fun to do.

My family will watch my daughter cheer for Upward on Saturday, then hit the slopes on Sunday with a ski package through the Girl Scouts. I'm excited to take the kids skiing. Giving them a taste of the slopes sure sounds like fun even if it will be a little chilly. Last I heard though we were expecting the sun to peek out too!!!

So what's there to do? Have any activities or events in mind for the kids or even the whole family? I'm hoping the An Arbor Mom blog will help provide something fun to do!
 
Friday, February 1

I know that it is after work, and everyone is exhausted, but how does a Family Fun Nightat University of Michigan Museum of Natural History sound? From 5:00-9:00 p.m. -enjoy all sorts of great science and nature, only don't expect the exhibits to come alive!

If braving the cold to explre outdoors sounds more your speed, head to the Buhr Park Ice Arena (2751 Packard St, Ann Arbor) for a special Sci-Fi (or as I call it Sci-FRI!) skate 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. The entire family will enjoy skating to themed music. Be sure to dress the part though for a chance to win a prize for the best costume!!!

Saturday February 2

Brave the cool morning and pray for spring to come during Michigan's annual Groundhog Day celebration. If that seems too chilly, then take the kids to a Groundhog Day Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy some fun stories in the indoor warmth, create a craft and even make a groundhog goodie.

Home Depot might already be on your list of errands to run, so be sure to let the kids drop in on their free kids building workshop this month! It sure looks like a cute little wheel of love they are planning to build.

Another great way to spend time this weekend is through better understanding where you came from with a hands-on demos at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History ( 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor). The free program called "DNA and Race" runs Saturday's at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and is geared for kids ages 5 and up.  Explore DNA and better understand how it makes up our bodies. Kids will also explore the relationship between DNA and and the idea of race. Does DNA determine skin color? What’s the relationship between skin color and what we think of as race? Are there any biological or genetic markers that define race?

Can't get to the museum for this program? Fear not, they are also bringing the program to you during a Family Science Workshop at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) at 3:00 p.m.

Sunday February 3

Your family has another chance to explore DNA at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History at 3:00 p.m.

Have you heard of other fun free events? What about other events that are reasonably priced for the family? I'm always looking to post great ideas for families on a budget - Just let me know!