Free Art Tours at the University of Michigan Museum of Art

Each Sunday in September at 1:00 p.m., families can take a free docent guided tour of the University of Michigan Museum of Art (525 S. State St., Ann Arbor). The free program guides visitors through diverse art gallery tours that include a variety of art styles and media that illuminate the theme and preferences of the unique individual guiding the tour. Themes may be repeated but each docent's approach and choice of objects is always unique allowing families to explore the museum several times throughout the month!

This docent guided tours are likely best for older, more mature youth and teens.

Weekend Events Round-up: Labor Day Weekend

Happy Labor Day weekend. Here's hoping whatever you are doing - Having a family BBQ, spending time at the beach, camping, playing outdoors or having a picnic is peaceful and wonderful. I know many friends will be prepping for that first day of school, as I will be doing, as well as finishing up our summer bucket list! Don't let the weekend get away from you though, there is still plenty of great activities and events happening around town. Experience Kid's Day at the Saline Community Fair, or even head to the Michigan State Fair.

Another fun weekend event sounds like the Old St. Patrick Labor Day Weekend Festival (5671 Whitmore Lake Rd., Ann Arbor). The festival hours are Saturday and Sunday noon - 11:00 p.m. With free admission, families will find kids’ games, a petting farm, free face painting and inflatables. Teen specific activities include a rock-climbing wall and a bungee jump. Find food and plenty of entertainment in this fun-filled event.

It's been kind of a hectic week for me with the family and I'm not sure how the next few months will play out, I will however continue to try and get you fun events and activities for the kids! Have a great Labor Day weekend check out a few things happening around town.

Friday:

• Free dinosaur tours at the UM Natural History Museum at 2:00 p.m. 
• You're a Good Man Charlie Brown  at Children’s Creative Center (1600 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor) at 8:00 p.m.  Ticket prices for general admission are $20.

Saturday:

• Weekly story time at Nicola's Books 11:00 a.m. - noon
• Hands-on cow-eye dissection at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) at 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. for ages 5+ This is a free event but there is a suggested donation is $6 per person. 
• Ultimate gaming experience at Briarwood Mall (Macy's court) where kids and teens can try unreleased Nintendo and Bandai Namco games at 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
• Free dinosaur tours 2:00 p.m.
• You're a Good Man Charlie Brown  at Children’s Creative Center at 8:30 p.m.  

Sunday:

• Ultimate gaming experience at Briarwood Mall 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• Free dinosaur tours 2:00 p.m. 
• West Lake Preserve almost autumn exploration hike at 2:00-4:00 p.m. On this hike families will look at insects, wildflowers, birds, trees and more as they hike the field and forest habitats of the preserve.
• Hands-on cow-eye dissection at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History at 3:00 p.m.
• Dancing in the Streets party happens in downtown Ann Arbor (Main & Washington) 2:00-6:30 p.m. 

Monday:

• Free admission to the The Henry Ford Museum during the Target Family Fun Day.

Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree

As an active scouting parent, there was no doubt I would post this event when I ran into it yesterday at the Saline Community Fair. I'm just sad to know that I can't attend as I will be at a BSA Woodbadge course! The Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree though is the perfect way to stand behind the "No Child Left Indoors".

On Sunday, September 8, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., , kids can spend the day in the great outdoors learning many outdoor skills - shooting, archery, birding, fishing, boating, camping and even nature crafts. Families can see many displays ad participate in hands-on activities. Kids will find instruction in archery, dutch oven cooking, stand up paddle-boarding, fly fishing, outdoor photography and many, many more nature-based activities. Kids can also learn all about habitat and environmental projects and possibly take part in a live Chukar hunt (pre-registration for the Chukar hunt is required.).

Get a total outdoor experience for the whole family. Food vendors will be on site or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. Make sure to bring a water bottle and a backpack or tote bag for all the goodies you'll be taking home. Dress for the weather as the Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree will be held rain or shine. This is a free event that will take place at the Lake Hudson State Recreation Area (5505 Morey Highway, Clayton MI) so families will need to have the recreation passport or pay the minimal entry fee into the park.

Be sure to thank the event sponsors for this fantastic opportunity - Pheasant's Forever, the Michigan Pheasants Restorative Initiative and the Michigan DNR.

Win Tickets to If You Give A Mouse A Cookie

Win free tickets to see
If You Give a Mouse A Cookie
at the City Theatre Detroit.

Anyone interested in seeing "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" at the City Theatre (2301 Woodward Ave., Detroit) August 23-25? The Ann Arbor Mom Blog is offering one lucky fan the chance to win free tickets - That's right it's family 4-pack time for the August 24, 11:00 a.m. show!

All you need to do is comment on the blog post below on why your children would enjoy the show. Remember you must be signed in or make sure I can contact you as the winner. This is a quick contest, as the winners name will be drawn by all entries posted on the Facebook post OR this blog post by Tuesday, August 20 at 5:00 p.m.

My son LOVED the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie story and even wrote his own cute version of the story as a Mother's Day gift the year he was in second grade - I would think this would be an excellent way to spend a Saturday morning with your younger children! Just remember to enter quickly!

Weekend Events Round-Up: August 16-18

What events and activities has your
summer bucket list had? Are there any this
weekend that will help you out?

I'm sorry about the brevity of the last few weekend events updates, I've just been slamming with things to do! This summer has been wonderful. Actually though this week is short and sweet because I'm on vacation with my family. Likely not busy. As we lounge on a houseboat on Lake Cumberland! This had better be the relaxing family vacation I was hoping for. Sadly though we are missing our beloved Ypsilanti Heritage Festival as well as a few other pretty cool events.

Did you see the post earlier this week about the NASA Star Party? Looks fun doesn't it? I still want to get my son over to the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History for the cow eyeball dissection too. Anything else look interesting or fun? How will your family begin to wrap up their summer? Did you have a summer bucket list of events and activities to do? We did. We're trying hard to get to everything too!

So I'll leave you with this - A full list of events and activities happening for your weekend events planner!

Friday, August 16

• 11:30 a.m. Planetarium show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
• Noon-8:30 p.m. Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
• Noon-8:00 p.m. NASA Star Party at EMU
• 2:00 p.m. Movies n Muffins at the Dexter District Library: Lincoln. Rated PG-13
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
•  2:00 p.m. Film Fridays at the Ypsilanti District Library: Fantastic Mr. Fox
• 7:00-10:00 p.m. - Friday Night Live Skate at Skatin Station II (Canton)

Saturday, August 17

• 10:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
• 10:00-noon - Tot roller skating at Skatin Station II 
• 10:30 a.m. Family Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker)
• 11:00 a.m. - Noon Storytime at Nicola's Books
• 11:30 a.m. Planetarium show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
• Noon-8:00 p.m. NASA Star Party at EMU  
• Noon-3:00 p.m. Healthy Back-to-school Snack Ideas at Whole Foods (both Ann Arbor locations!) Free event
• 1:00 p.m. p.m. Cow Eyeball Hands-on Demo at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 
• 1:00-3:00 p.m. Kids & Teen Event - Mushroom Workshop at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. Teen Event - Hands on Drawing Workshop at the AADL (Downtown) Grades 6+ through adult.
• 1:00-2:30 p.m. Kids Korral at teh Waterloo Recreation Area riding stable. $45/rider.
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. All Day Skate at Skating Station II
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours 
• 3:00 p.m. Cow Eyeball Hands-on Demo at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
• 7:00-10:00 p.m. Summer Saturday Skate at Skating Station II

Sunday, August 18

• 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
• Noon - 5:00 p.m. Summer Reading Finale with the YDL at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
• 1:30-2:00 p.m. - Planetarium Show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 2:00-5:00 p.m. - Open Skate at Skating Station II 
• 3:00 p.m. Cow Eyeball Hands-on Demo at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 

Ypsilanti's Heritage Festival Provides Great Family Fun

Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
August 17-19, 2012

This weekend, Depot Town, Frog Island Park and Riverside Park will be filled with crafts, side-walk sales, historic reenactments, car shows, live entertainment, and a children's village in Riverside Park with plenty of family fun, as the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival comes to town!

My family especially enjoys the festival and will wander for hours finding many great free activities for the kids.

Of course the entire family will enjoy the day that includes a midway, casino, games/contests, good food and entertainment, however the kids will especially love the reenactment camp of  Native American culture, art, music and dance, and games for kids of all ages. There is also a free children's activity tent , a petting zoo, and demonstrations by the robotics team (my son loves their demonstrations!). On Sunday your child can even be a star during the kids talent show! With so many things to do with the kids, it's no wonder many families spend the entire weekend in Depot Town!

Take a look at some of my highlights from attending past Heritage Festival events:

With so much to do however, I thought it was a great idea to point out some of the happenings that families can find this year. The Ypsilanti Heritage Festival has many great experiences worth checking out, so be sure to stop by for the day, or the entire weekend!

Friday, August 17:

• Native American Storytelling 2:30 p.m.
• Trent the Juggling Guy - 4:00 p.m.
• Colors the Clown - 5:00 p.m. 
• Free Activity/Craft tent (Sponsored by the Girl Scouts) - 4:00-7:00 p.m.
• The Robotics Team Exhibit/Demonstrations - all weekend long

Saturday, August 18:

• Parade - 10:00 a.m.
• Pioneer Village Open - 11:00 a.m.
•  Free Activity/Craft tent (Sponsored by the Fly Children's Art Studio) - Noon-2:00 p.m.
•  Gemini- 12:30 p.m. 
• Boyer, The Magic Guy - 2:00 p.m.
• Cueter Car Coloring Contest/Car Parts Petting Zoo - 2:00 p.m.
• Kid's Concert by Kerfuffles- 3:00 p.m.
• Ypsilanti Youth Symphony - 4:00 p.m.
• Dance Party! with Ayinde Audio - 5:00 p.m.
•  Free admission to the Ypsilanti Firehouse Museum (after parade) - 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
• The Robotics Team Exhibit/Demonstrations - all weekend long

Sunday, August 19:

• Berlioz the Bear - Noon
• Free Activity/Craft tent (Sponsored by the YDL) - Noon
• Kids Talent Shows - 1:00 p.m. (age 2-5), 2:30 p.m. (age 6-11) and 4:00 p.m. (age 12-18)
• The Robotics Team Exhibit/Demonstrations - all weekend long 

For more information, you can follow the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival on Facebook or Twitter too!

NASA Star Party at EMU

To the Moon and beyond - Make sure to take your family to the
NASA Star Party at EMU on August 16-17.

The moon is coming to Ypsilanti August 16-17, as the NASA Journey to Tomorrow exhibit arrives at Eastern Michigan University. As part of the exhibit, Star Party 2013 contains a real moon rock from the Apollo 17 mission, which is available for viewing noon-8:00 p.m. each day.

Families can see the exhibit, visit the Eastern Michigan University planetarium, and see a full size inflatable model of the Curiosity Mars rover in the atrium. The exhibit has plenty of family friendly educational activities too.

• Experience what it's like landing on the moon with a lunar landing simulator 
• Participate in a glove box activity where kids can see what it's like working in a space suit
• See a dynamic planet display of the solar system
• View a model of the new Orion manned spacecraft
• And check out the Mars landing Xbox game

Families can also take a photo in the Picture Yourself in Space photo-kiosk and receive a free photo souvenir of themselves as an astronaut in space, on the Moon, or on Mars! Later in the day, as part of a special show Observatory Director Norbert Vance, families can take a tour of the Ypsilanti night sky where they will learn some of the constellations, individual stars, and planets visible now, and over the coming months.

Friday evening, weather permitting, families can ascend to the roof of Sherzer Hall for a look through powerful telescopes at objects in the night sky. Viewings typically start around 10:00 p.m. 

The Star Party 2013 Journey to Tomorrow exhibit will be open noon until 8:00 p.m. each day. The planetarium will have several showings throughout the 2 days, including a special 9:00 p.m. late show on Friday, before the sky viewing at Sherzer Hall. All activities are wheelchair accessible, except for the Sherzer Hall roof.

The location of the exhibit and planetarium is the corner of Washtenaw and Oakwood on the Eastern Michigan University campus. All events are free to the public. For more details, go to www.SpaceYpsi.com, or www.facebook.com/EMUPlanetarium.

Explore Dexter Daze This Weekend

Find many family activities this weekend at Dexter Daze.

Cooler temperatures later this week should bring welcome relief as the Dexter Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Dexter Daze community fair. As with most local events, there will be artists, clown's, plenty of food, sidewalk sales and great family entertainment. Check out the many things to do at this year's event.


Friday, August 9:

• 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Arts & Crafts Booths
• 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Bounce Fun at Mill Creek North Behind the Fire Station 
• 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Rock Climbing Wall on Jeffords Street 
• 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Little Conductors Train at Jeffords Street
• 12:00-1:00 Leslie Science & Nature Center Animal Show
• 1:30-3:00 p.m. Rollicking Children's Music
• 3:00-5:00 Scio Flyers - Radio Control Airplanes 
• Dusk (about 9:00) ET - Movie in the Park at Mill Creek North

Saturday, August 10:

• 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Arts & Crafts Booths
• 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Dexter Daze Parade
• 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Bounce Fun at Mill Creek North Behind the Fire Station 
• 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Rock Climbing Wall on Jeffords Street 
• 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.  Little Conductors Train at Jeffords Street 
• 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Colors the Clown
• 1:00-2:00 p.m. Music by Kerfluffles
• 3:00-5:00 p.m. Rhythm on a Stick - Steel Drums

Make it a perfect August day and visit Dexter Daze, it's a great way to spend the weekend and one your family won't forget!

Weekend Events Round-Up: August 9-11

It's a whacky weekend for me for sure. We're heading out, and apparently my head is, well elsewhere...  This was posted initially (by mistake) with some text from aslt week. *sigh* Which substantiates the need for vacation. I suppose my head is with my husband too, as he has two interviews today. I sure would like to start the school year in a positive way but getting him employed!

But enough about me. What are your weekend plans? If I were here I'd probably head over to Saline Summerfest, check out one of our favorite parks or possibly, maybe sit and relax. (r-i-g-h-t) For those of you looking for something to do though, here is the weekend summer events round-up for your planning needs. Enjoy!

Friday, August 9

• 10:00 a.m. Storytelling at the Ann Arbor Library (downtown)
• 11:30 a.m. Planetarium show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
•  2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 2:00 p.m. Film Fridays at the Ypsilanti District Library: Dolphin Tale
• 5:00-11:00 p.m. Saline Summerfest
• 7:00-10:00 p.m. - Friday Night Live Skate at Skatin Station II (Canton)

Saturday, August 10

• 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Saline Summerfest
• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thunder Over Michigan Airshow
• 10:00 a.m. Preschool Yoga at the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield)
• 10:00 a.m. Lowe's Build and Grow kids building workshop - Build Dusty from Planes
• 10:00-11:30 a.m. Nature Rides at the Waterloo Recreation Area. $45/rider.
• 10:00-noon - Tot roller skating at Skatin Station II
• 10:30 a.m. Family Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker)
• 10:30 a.m. Thomas the Train Storytime (Michigan)
• 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Teen Event - Paper Collage Craft Workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown) 
• 11:00 a.m. - Noon Storytime at Nicola's Books
• 11:30 a.m. Reptiles at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker)
• 11:30 a.m. Planetarium show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
• Noon-1:00 p.m. Open Studio drop-in at the Fly Children's Art Center (Ypsilanti). $5/class.
• 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. Cow Eyeball Hands-on Demo at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. All Day Skate at Skating Station II
• 2:00 p.m. Teen Event - Fantastic Flights at the YDL (Superior)
• 2:00-3:30 p.m. Fairy Gardens at the YDL (Superior). Pre-registration required for this free event.
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 3:30 p.m. Reptiles at the Ypsilanti District Library (Michigan)
• 7:00-10:00 p.m. Summer Saturday Skate at Skating Station II

Sunday, August 11

• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thunder Over Michigan Airshow 
• 12:30- 5:30 p.m. Teen Event - Paper Collage Craft Workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown) 
• 1:00-3:00 p.m. Teen Event - Minecrafters Guild workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown)
• 1:00 p.m. Dancing Babies at the Ann Arbor District Library (Mallets Creek)
• 1:30-2:00 p.m. - Planetarium Show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 
• 2:00 p.m. Lowe's Build and Grow kids building workshop - Build Dusty from Planes 
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 2:00-5:00 p.m. - Open Skate at Skating Station II 
• 3:00 p.m. Cow Eyeball Hands-on Demo at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 

Family Fun Activities at the Saline Summerfest

Updated for 2013:

The Saline Summerfest promises family fun for everyone starting tonight! The schedule of events is jam-packed beginning with an arts & crafts show at 5:00 p.m. Take a look and pop over to Saline for some good, old-time family fun! Check out some of the more family-friends and kid-friendly events happening this year at the festival:

August 9:

4:30 p.m. Tricycle Races return!
5:00-9:00 p.m. Art & Craft show

6:00-8:00 p.m. dance, karate and twirling demonstrations
6:00-8:00 p.m. car show

August 10:

7:30-8:00 and a.m. Kid's Fishing Contest Registration - Contest 8:00-10:00 a.m. Kids 14 and under.

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Vendor booths open
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Street Machines car show
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Electric car show

10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Art & craft show

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Kid's games open. The area includes an inflatable obstacle course, bouncer, face painting, and more...

Noon - 4:00 p.m. Historical Society Trolley tours
12:00-12:30 p.m. Watermelons eating contest and egg toss (On the website there is a second mention of this happening at 1:00/1:30 p.m. too!)
1:00 p.m. Karate demo
2:00-3:00 p.m. Rubber Duck Race

4:30-5:30 p.m. Kids and Adult Tricycle Race
6:30-9:30 p.m. Photo Booth

While the event is partially free, some areas, like the kids game area cost $4 for an all-day wrist band. This grants preschoolers and children, ages 2-8, unlimited activities and fun!

During Summerfest there is plenty of music and fun, it certainly all can't be captured in this brief post. For more information on the event, be sure to visit the Saline Summerfest website!

High Flying Fun & Amazement During Thunder Over Michigan

If you have children, especially ones that LOVE airplanes, the head over to the Yankee Air Museum for the Thunder Over Michigan airshow this weekend.

The airshow, August 10-11, will feature a gathering of A-1 Sky Raiders, an AC-47 Gunship, a C-123 and a WWII battle reenactment. There is so much packed into one afternoon for only $35 and kids under 15 get free admission. Parking for the day is $15.


Experience the Ann Arbor areas most exciting aviation events ~ From the top fighters and bombers of WWII, to a special salute to Vietnam, to the heart-pounding modern military aerial demos.

Bring your sunscreen and sunglasses and be ready to keep your eyes to the skies!

Mathnasium Mini Camp in Saline

I wanted to share this great opportunity for area families. The Saline Rec Center is hosting two mini Mathnasium Math Camp sessions on August 12-15 and August 19-22 - It might be the perfect way to get your kids brains working again after a summer off!

Weekend Events Round-Up: August 2-4

Summer is speeding by. It's going so fast that one of my friends suggested giving it a speeding ticket. (That's bad, I know) Part of me likes that, because the kids will be on a regular schedule and often my life equals out a bit. As it stands right now though, I am busier than ever, So busy, that as you've noticed, I missed two weekend events planner posts. I'm sorry about that, perhaps I'll pick myself up and move forward once more.

This weekend we'll be taking my daughter to her first time at sleep-away camp, doing a scouting service project, perhaps going roller skating, and on Sunday my husband and I will be playing soccer. Otherwise I'm playing catch up from the never-ending merry-go-round I call life.

What about you? Will you be happy when school starts? Have you started your back-to-school shopping? What's on the agenda for this weekend. Here is a very brief weekend events planner - Make sure to check out the Wayne County Fair in Belleville this weekend too.

Friday, August 2

• 7:00-9:00 p.m. - Bejeweled First Fridays at the Fly Art Studio (40 N. Huron, Ypsilanti) 
• 7:00-10:00 p.m. - Friday Night Live Skate

Saturday, August 3

• 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Manchester Street Festival 2013 in Downtown Manchester. Kids Corner open from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.
• 10:00-noon - Tot roller skating at Skatin Station II
• 11:00 a.m. - noon - Weekly Story Time at Nicola's Books 
• 11:15 a.m. - noon - Storytime at the Museum at the University of Michigan Museum of Art 
• 11:30 a.m. - noon - Planetarium Show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 
• 12:00-1:00 p.m. - Drop-in Art Sessions at FLY Studio 
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. All Day Skate at Skating Station II
• 1:00-5:00 p.m. - Game Jam Contest! at the Ann Arbor District Library, Downtown (main) 
• 2:00-4:00 p.m. - Create Vacation Memory Boxes at FLY Studio Tomorrow 
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 4:00-5:00 p.m. - Kid's Open Stage at Oz Music 
• 7:00-10:00 p.m. Summer Saturday Skate at Skating Station II

Sunday, August 4 

• 1:30-2:00 p.m. - Planetarium Show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 2:00-5:00 p.m. - Open Skate at Skating Station II