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?