Skate America Coming to Joe Louis Arena: Win Tickets

Want to win one of two (4) person prize packs to see Skate America when it comes to the Joe Louis Arena? Sit tight to find out how your family can win.

Skate America is coming to the Joe Lewis Arena October 18-20 and will feature three days of competition in ladies, men’s, pairs and ice dance. The field of competitors will include 52 world-class athletes, some of whom will compete at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. I can't wait for the Olympics and have loved watching them with the kids. The next winter Olympics will probably be the first ones my son will remember even!

The U.S. lineup for the 2013 Hilton HHonors Skate America Detroit is: Samantha Cesario; Ashley Wagner; Caroline Zhang Men’s: Max Aaron; Evan Lysacek; Adam Rippon Pairs: Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir; Caydee Denney and John Coughlin; Felicia Zhang and Nate Bartholomay Ice Dancing: Meryl Davis and Charlie White; Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani. Team USA will be headlined by 2010 Olympic champion Evan Lysacek, who will compete in his first Grand Prix event since 2009, and reigning World and Skate America ice dance champions (and local favorites) Meryl Davis and Charlie White. 

Tickets for Skate America ($23, $38 and $93) are available by visiting all Ticketmaster locations or www.2013skateamerica.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. 

Want to WIN free tickets to Skate America? Tell me, in the comments below, what your favorite moment in skating history was or who your favorite skater is. Two families will be randomly chosen from all entries (received by Friday, October 11 at 5:00 p.m.) to win a family 4 pack for Hilton HHoners Skate America coming to Joe Louis Arena October Friday, October 18 event at 7:00 p.m.

October Kids Building Clinics

There are two kids building clinics in October that sound like fun. We like participating in the events too. Kids building workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety all while instilling a sense of pride and accomplishment at a job well done. See what's scheduled and sign your kid up, it is a lot of fun and a great learning experience!

From 9:00 a.m. - noon on October 5, kids participating in the Home Depot kids building clinic will create their own fire rescue plane for Fire Safety Month.  Kids will also get to participate in workshop activities receiving a free a fire safety activity sheet and every kids will receive a buildable mini LEGO CITY Toy and Fire Safety Tips. (While supplies last.)

On Saturday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m., get your Halloween spirit ready with a spooktacular Lowe's Build and Grow kids clinic. Each registered child will build their own Halloween inspired Spooky Stacker Game.

Win Prizes at the Mathnasium of Ann Arbor Trimathalon

On October 19, Mathnasium of Ann Arbor is hosting the 3rd annual Mathnasium TriMathlon. The free event is for kids in grades 3-5. During the event, students will compete to demonstrate their knowledge of the three principles of Number Sense: counting, proportional thinking, and wholes and parts. Modeled after a triathlon, the TriMathlon allows kids to test their level of mental fitness by solving math problems.

The fun doesn't stop with math learning though, as students will have the chance to compete for prizes. In addition, Mathnasium has modified the competition to give every child the opportunity to earn money for their school.  For every correct answer by participants at our Center, Mathnasium will make a financial donation to that students school or local school project on DonorChoose.org  at our direction. So the more students participate, the more money we can donate to our local schools. For more information and to sign up, call 734-408-1118.

Weekend Events Round-Up: Sept 20-22

It's been a crazy two weeks. In fact I reminded my friends not to let me go camping with my scouts on back-to-back weekends. Last week I went with my daughter and her Brownie Troop and this week is Camporee with my Cub Scout! I am already exhausted and the weekend hasn't begun. I think perhaps the late night visitor to the cabins last weekend started the sleep deprivation. (We had a flying squirrel in our cabin much of the time. While they are cute I DON'T want them crawling on my face while I sleep!)

Yes he's cute, but this is the little guy that caused sleep deprivation last weekend.
Good thing my daughter slept through his visit otherwise I may have found
 him in our bag when I got home!

Want to go hiking? There are several great opportunities with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation for guided hikes! Want to enjoy the early fall harvest? Spicer Orchard and Pittsfield Township have free events this weekend. Would you prefer to stay indoors? There are free movies, roller skating, family jump sessions and family swim programs as well as several programs at the UM Natural History Museum and the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum. For those local families staying in town, there is lots to do around Ann Arbor with kids - Check out the many great free events and activities. Here's a sample of weekend events in the round-up. It's short and sweet, but I got it posted.

Enjoy!

Friday:

5:30-7:00 p.m. - Family Jump Time at Canton Pump It Up
6:30-9:00 p.m. - Jump City Family Bounce
6:30-8:00 p.m. - Family Swim at Goldfish Swim School

Saturday: 

9:00 a.m. - Free Movie: Ice Age 3
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Harvest Festival at Spicer Orchards (10411 Clyde Rd., Fenton)
10:00 a.m. - Free Movie: Ice Age 3
10:00 a.m. - A2SO KinderConcert at Dexter Library
10:00 a.m. Rollers & Strollers Skate at Skatin Station II in Canton (Age 7 & under)
10:00 a.m. - noon - $2 owl craft at the Michael's Kid's Club starting every half hour
10:30 a.m. - noon - Tree Walk at Kosch Headwaters Preserve. Pre-register at 971-6337 x334 or email stonerf@ewashtenaw.org
10:30 a.m. - noon - Geocaching 101 at County Farm Park. Pre-register 734-971-6337 X320 or email bonfigliom@ewashtenaw.org
11:00 a.m. - Back to School Picnic at the Leslie Science & Nature Center
11:00 a.m. - Hands-on Demo at the UM Natural History Museum
11:00 a.m. - Paper Airplane & Face Painting Fun at Learning Express Toys - Call (734) 997-0707
1:00-10:00 p.m. Saturday All Day Skate at Skatin Station II in Canton
2:00 p.m. Free dinosaur tours
2:00-3:00 p.m. - Caterpillar Carnival is a free event for families at County Farm Park.
2:00 p.m. - Pendulum Painting at the Ypsilanti District Library (Superior)
3:00 p.m. - Hands-on Demo at the UM Natural History Museum
4:00 p.m. - SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary's annual Fall Festival and Vegan Chili Cookoff

Sunday:

9:00 a.m. - Free Movie: Ice Age 3
10:00 a.m. - Free Movie: Ice Age 3
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Harvest Festival at Spicer Orchards (10411 Clyde Rd., Fenton)
2:00-5:00 p.m. Pittsfield Township Harvest Festival
2:00-5:00 p.m. Open Skate at Skatin Station II in Canton
3:00 p.m. - Hands-on Demo at the UM Natural History Museum

Back-to-School Picnic at the Leslie Science & Nature Center

Families are sure to enjoy the Back-to-School Picnic this weekend at
the Leslie Science & Nature Center.

This Saturday, September 21, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. be sure to stop by the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor) for a back to school picnic. The family event will feature live music from Gemini, guided hikes, field games, the Critter House, and of course the resident Raptors. The music starts at noon, so bring your picnic lunch and come early to find the best spot for your blanket.

The cost for this event is just $6 for as many people that can fit on your blanket! To register for the event in advance, visit the LSNC websites registration page.

Weekend Event Round-up: Sept 13-15

Autumn is my favorite time of the year. The weather this weekend will be spot on perfect even, fully reminding me about what I love about Michigan in the fall. What makes it even better is that I'll be spending the weekend camping with my daughter and several of her fellow Brownie Girl Scouts! Do you have weekend plans? If not, how about a few of these ideas. You will find family events, and programs for toddlers through teens - Many of the events are free even!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy all that it brings!

Friday, September 13:

10:00 a.m. Storytime featuring Woolbur at the Ann Arbor District Library - Pittsfield (Stories & songs for age 2-5)

10:30 a.m. Baby playgroup for babies up to 24-months. Find stories, songs and rhymes at the Ann Arbor District Library - Traverwood. No siblings please.

6:30 p.m. Fly Friday's at the Fly Children's Art Center. Weave bottlecaps into macrame and beads for a one of a kind wearable art. Cost $10/student. Register at www.flyartcenterwww.flyartcenter.org.org.

7:00-8:30 p.m. Teens can make a noteworthy notebook at the Ann Arbor District Library - Mallets Creek. Add style by crafting with paper, cloth, foam and other embellishments. Supplies provided for this free event.

Saturday, September 14:

9:00 a.m. Free movie - Ramona and Beezus 

9:00 a.m. Toddler Time at SkyZone Canton (ages 5 & under)

10:00 a.m. Lowes Build and Grow kids building clinic. Build a classic firetruck toy.

10:00 a.m. Free movie - Ramona and Beezus 

10:00 a.m. Rollers & Strollers Skate at Skatin Station II in Canton (Age 7 & under)

10:00 a.m. Free event for Leslie Science & Nature Center Members - Bats of the World. There is limited space for the event, call 734-997-1553 to reserve your spot.

10:30 a.m. Family Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker (ages 2-5)

11:00 a.m. Hands-on Demonstration at the University of Michigan Natural History Museum. Life: How do we find it?

1:00-10:00 p.m. Saturday All Day Skate at Skatin Station II in Canton 

2:00 p.m. Free dinosaur tours

2:00 p.m. Kids and teens (ages 10-18) can decorate a locker mirror at the Ypsilanti District Library - Superior. Pre-registration required online. 

2:00-5:00 p.m. Teen block party at Rock the Block at the Ypsilanti District Library - Downtown. This free teen event has free food, music and fun!

3:00 p.m. American Girl Party at the Ypsilanti District Library - Michigan. Girls bring your dolls for free keepsake photo and storytime fun.

3:00 p.m. Hands-on Demonstration at the University of Michigan Natural History Museum. Life: How do we find it?

Sunday, September 15:

9:00 a.m. Free movie - Ramona and Beezus 

10:00 a.m. Free movie - Ramona and Beezus 

1:00-4:00 p.m. Chesstastic for the entire family at the Ann Arbor District Library - Traverwood.

2:00-5:00 p.m. Open Skate at Skatin Station II in Canton  

2:00 p.m. Free dinosaur tours

3:00 p.m. Hands-on Demonstration at the University of Michigan Natural History Museum. Life: How do we find it?

6:30-8:00 p.m. Fireside Fun for the entire family at a good old fashioned campfire circle at the Leslie Science & Nature Center. Bring your chairs and fixings for s'mores. Marshmallows provided.

Free Tickets to See the Wiggles

One lucky family will have the opportunity to win tickets - A family 4-pack - to see the Wiggles on September 22. Just comment below on why your preschooler is amazing for your chance to win. One random winner will be chosen from all Facebook and blog entries posted by the end of the day Friday, September 13.


After 21 years of entertaining children around the globe, The Wiggles will introduce three new cast members including the first-ever female member, Emma Watkins. These vibrant new Wiggles will bring the “Taking Off!” worldwide tour to the Fox Theatre on Sunday, September 22 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets ($18, $24.50, $34.50 and $75 VIP) are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices, Hockeytown Authentics in Troy (without service charge) at all Ticketmaster locations and Ticketmaster.com. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000. Groups, of 8 or more, save on select seats by calling (313) 471-3099.

Kids Try Tennis for Free: Event

Kids can try tennis for free by attending one of the many free tennis Youth Tennis
programs happening throughout Metro Detroit in September 2013.

I was watching Nickelodeon - I mean my *kids* were watching Nickelodeon - when I noticed a fun ad encouraging kids to try tennis for free. The ad instructed viewers to go online to find a location near them where they could try the sport using smaller rackets on smaller courts. Of course being an event blogger this intrigued me - Besides I think getting the kids outside, no matter how, is so important, so I went to Youth Tennis website to find a location.

There are many locations throughout Michigan and Metro Detroit, I did make note of the two closest locations where kids from Ann Arbor can enjoy the free tennis play days. Make sure you get online, but here are the locations or your children.

September 22, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Yasmin and Brick Kids Play Day
Bricks Warehouse (7246 Jackson Rd Scio Twp, MI)
For more information contact Yasmin Kashef- kashfola@me.com or (203) 2178871

September 28, 10:00 a.m. - noon
Pinckney Area Tennis Open House
Location: 10154 Meadown Lane Pinckney, MI
For more information contact Mark Swanson - mswanson48@yahoo.com or (810) 923-4173

This free event is being sponsored by the US Tennis Association and Nickelodeon to bring tennis to more kids and to get the whole family more active. Make sure you get your kids playing tennis at this free event this September!

Weekend Event Round-up: Sept 6-8

Hello Ann Arbor families - It's going to be a beautiful weekend! I can't wait to get out there. I'm hoping the weather allows for some outdoor play, perhaps even a bike ride or hike! I'll certainly be foraging a bit and preserving some of the goods from my garden, however with the weather we are supposed to have, who wants to be tied to the kitchen? I want to find a great activity for my kids to enjoy. What about you? Do you have any activities or events in mind this weekend in Ann Arbor with the kids?

Here's hoping this weekend's event round-up will spark an idea for you...

Friday, September 6:

• Tonight spend a Fun Friday Night At the UM Natural History Museum (1109 Geddes Ave.Ann Arbor). From 5:30-9:00 p.m. families can wander the museum, participate in fun hands-on activities, see the dinosaurs, take guided tours, participate storytime and watch a planetarium show (for $3).

Saturday, September 7:

• Get outside and explore - Perhaps a trip to play disc golf at Rolling Hills, the end of summer hike at Hudson Mills (Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center) at 8:00-11:00 a.m., or even a tree hike with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation! Families wanting to know more about trees should plan to attend the Burns-Stokes Trees of Washtenaw County program held at Park Lyndon at 10:00 a.m.-noon. (This would make an exceptional scout event too!) The kids will learn about many of the tree species found in our part of Michigan. Pre-register at 971-6337 x334 or stonerf@ewashtenaw.org.
• What about a free movie to start the weekend? This weekend's free movie at the Quality 16 is epic. Catch it at 9:00 a.m. OR 10:00 a.m.
• Your preschooler might really enjoy storytime so be sure to check out the new Saturday stroytime at the Ann Arbor Hand's On Museum at 10:30 a.m.
• Want to learn about one of natures most important insects? Then the Festival of the Honey Bee at YDL-Michigan is the place to bee. From 1:00-5:00 p.m. create bee-related crafts, taste honey, do the waggle dance, and learn about pollination and the bee life-cycle. There is even an open-mic performance time for bee-related songs, poetry and essays. 
• Take your wee scientist to the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum for Sciencefest for hands-on activities from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. there is even a special pre-school month playtime for the tots happening. Experience even more science fun at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History with the hands-on program "Life: How Do We Find It?" at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and of course don't forget the free dinosaur tours at 2:00 p.m.
• Teach the kids more about where their food comes from at the Sixth Annual HomeGrown Festival. It happens at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market (315 Detroit St, Ann Arbor) from 6:00-10:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 8:

• You have a second chance to catch the free movie epic at the Quality 16 at 9:00 a.m. OR 10:00 a.m. 
• There is also a second chance for the ScienceFest preschool playtime today from noon-4:00 p.m.
• Storytime is at the Kerrytown Bookfest at 3:00 p.m.
• There are two fun fall activities happening at historic locations. Families could head over to Sharon Mills (5701 Sharon Hollow Rd, Manchester) for an open house at 1:00-4:00 p.m.to participate in a docent guided tour to learn about the mill and its hydroelectric generator. Want to stay closer to Ann Arbor? Then plan to tour an 1870's pioneer grist mill at Parker Mill (4650 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor). Families will learn how water power was used to grind corn and wheat. Formal tours are given at 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. 
• Don't forget the science fun happening at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History with the hands-on program "Life: How Do We Find It?" at 3:00 p.m. and free dinosaur tours at 2:00 p.m.
• I posted the other day about the Dawn Farm Jamboree. It's a great way to support a local Ypsilanti cause while spending a fun day out with the kids.

So there you have it folks. Many great activities and events happening throughout town. What will you choose to do?