Happy Halloween

Whether you are taking your child for the first time, have an experienced toddler or preschooler, are keeping up with your grade school kid or sending your teen off with their friends, I hope you have a safe and Happy Halloween tonight in and around Ann Arbor with kids!

Me after several cups of coffee today wishing all my friends in
Ann Arbor a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Don't remember the trick or treat times, the Ann Arbor Mom has you covered! Tired of hearing "When are we going out for trick or treat?" and need something to keep Jr. busy while big brother or sister are in school - Check out PBS Kids Halloween page!

Do you know of something awesome happening in the community, maybe an event, activity that needs to be highlighted? Be sure to drop me a line with the details!

Free Admission to Madeline and the Bat Hat at the Michigan Theatre

The folks at the Michigan Theatre have another great opportunity for Ann Arbor Mom blog readers. FREE admission to the next show in our Not Just for Kids Series, Madeline and the Bat Hat!

The first 100 entries to sign up will see the show on Sunday, November 10 at 1:30 p.m. will get free admission - No strings attached. However it's only available to the first 100 entries no later than November 16, AND we must get 25 entries for the contest to be valid.

To register go to the special link - http://madeline-a2momblog.eventbrite.com/ and enter the secret password (A2MOMBLOG) then click the “Register”. You will then be prompted to enter your name and email. Eventbrite will email a ticket voucher, which should be printed and brought to the box office on the day of the show. (If you forget to do this, though, your name will be on the will-call list!)

Family Friendly Film Series: Babe

The Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor) is hosting a free movies for kids 12 & under on November 3 at 1:30 p.m.

A young pig fights convention to become a sheep dog — or, rather, sheep pig — in this charming Australian family film, which became an unexpected international success due to superior special effects and an intelligent script. The title refers to the name bestowed on a piglet soon after his separation from his family, when he finds himself on a strange farm. Confused and sad, Babe is adopted by a friendly dog and slowly adjusts to his new home. Discovering that the fate of most pigs is the dinner table, Babe devotes himself to becoming a useful member of the farm by trying to learn how to herd sheep, despite the skepticism of the other animals and the kindly but conventional Farmer Hoggett (James Cromwell).

Tickets are free for children 12 & under, $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, older children and teens. This movie is rated G.

November Kids Building Clinics

My kids still love to build contraptions of all kinds, and when the building can be done elsewhere that's a huge bonus for me. That's why I love attending the kids building clinics at Home Depot and Lowes. In November there are three opportunities for fun building projects.

On Saturday, November 2 from 9:00 a.m. - noon your little builder can create their own tabletop ship at the Home Depot kids building clinic. It looks vaguely like the Niña, Pinta or Santa Maria and would make a nice addition to your Thanksgiving centerpiece. In addition participants receive a certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin.

On Saturday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m. your kids can create their very own pull-back race car just like the real #48 racing car! Parents do need to sign up in advance though at the Lowe's Build and Grow website.

Finally on November 30 from 9:00 a.m. - noon kids can build their own small toolbox at the Home Depot building clinic. This would make a great crayon storage box or something to gift to Dad at the holidays. Just attend early to be sure to get the project for the day and not the leftover project kits!

Kids building clinics are perfect for kids ages 5-12!

100 Years of Broadway at the Fox Theatre: Win Tickets

I have been wanting to introduce my kids to more musical theatre opportunities in the area, so when I saw that 100 Years of Broadway was coming to the Fox Theatre I thought it might be a good opportunity to share the experience with my family. Have you ever wanted to take your family to quality theatre? The Ann Arbor Mom blog has a great option for you to won free tickets for the November 3, 3:00 p.m. performance. All you need to do is comment below on what your favorite Broadway musical of all times is. A random winner from all Facebook and blog posts will be chosen from all entries posted by midnight October 29.

Little People Are Coming to the Toledo Zoo!

The kids and I have visited the Toledo Zoo on field trips and family outings. We love the ease of getting around, the sculptures, the animals and of course Nature's Neighborhood. My daughter and I even spent the night at a Zoo Snooze program with her brownie Troop this past summer. A special program was brought to my attention though that I wanted to share with you. On November 9-10 your youngest family members might enjoy the Fisher Price Little People show that the Toledo Zoo will be hosting.

Kids can join their favorite Little People® friends for Signing, Dancing and Plenty of Fun at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. The show is at the indoor theatre in the Museum of Science.  Stay the day and enjoy the zoo, ride the train or stop for a picnic.

Spending the day at the Toldeo Zoo is a great way to spend time with your kids!

Weekend Events Round-Up: Oct 12-13

Do you have any weekend plans? It's going to be beautiful fall weather, so be sure to get outdoors. Try visiting Debuck's in Belleville, taking a hike in a local park or just wandering your neighborhood. Of course many of my friends are talking about cleaning up their yards too.

Me? Why we will have soccer on Saturday then heading out to Camp Munhacke for a family campout with my Webelos. On Sunday morning they'll head out for a hike too. Unfortunately I have been benched from the hike - My physical therapist says it's a no-go with my knees. I was really looking forward to seeing the colors too! At least the kids are excited.

Need ideas on what to do with the kids? Here are a few ideas to spark your interest. The round-up weekend events planner is chocked full of programs, and ideas to make your weekend special. Many of them are free events too!


Saturday, October 12

• 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Fall Color Hike (5-miles) at Camp Munhacke (20120 Bartell Rd Gregory). $4/Free for kids age 5 and under
• 10:30 a.m. - Family Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker).
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Make A Good Impression hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. Information about fossils and fun, hands-on exploration of fossil casting.
• Noon-2:00 p.m. - Apple Cider Pressing at the Waterloo Recreation Area (Dexter). 
• 11:30 a.m. -12:15 p.m. - Family Crafts at Ophir Crafts (Westgate Shopping Center 2507 Jackson Ave.) Free. Register at www.ophircrafts.com, or by emailing ophircrafts@gmail.com
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Zumba Time at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine, Dexter). Teen Event.
• 12:30-1:15 p.m. - Family Crafts at Ophir Crafts 
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. - The Leslie Science & Nature Center presents Critters Up Close at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum 
• 2:00 p.m. - Dinosaur Tours at the UM Natural History Museum
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Safety Pin Bracelets at the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor) 
• 3:00-3:30 p.m. - Casting hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. 

Sunday, October 13

• 9:00 -11:00 a.m. - Autumn Bird & Botany Hike at Trinkle Marsh at Easton Farm Preserve, (Dancer Rd. just north of Trinkle Rd., Lima Twp.)
• 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Pioneer Day at the Waterloo Area Farm Museum (9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd., Chelsea). Admission $5 adults/$2 kids ages 5-12/free admission for kids under 4.  
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. - The Leslie Science & Nature Center presents Critters Up Close at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum 
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Paper Castles at the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor)
• 2:00-4:00 p.m. - Kids Pinterest Craft Party at the Chelsea District Library (221 S. Main, Chelsea). Kids ages 9-12. Materials and snacks provided free, preregistration required 734-475-8732. 
• 3:00-3:30 p.m. - Casting hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. 
• 3:00-4:15 p.m. - Dancing Through Time with People at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. Kids and teens in grades 4+.
• 6:30-8:00 p.m. - A Good Old-fashioned Campfire Circle at the Leslie Science & Nature Center 

One Stop Holiday Shop

I thought this would be an exceptional holiday shopping experience to highlight for Ann Arbor Moms. The exciting thing is, it's THIS weekend.

On Saturday, October 12 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College be sure to check out the many vendors available at the Ann Arbor Jaycees One Stop Holiday Shop! You'll find jewelry, food items and many gift ideas. Find special discounts too, like a special holiday buy from Peachy Fitness.

Peachy Fitness is offering a one-day special 8 classes for only $29*. The special is good for ladies and kids Zumba and Yoga classes and would make an exceptional holiday gift.

*Good for new clients only and to those present at the Ann Arbor Jaycees event.

Family Friendly Film Series: Shrek

The Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor) is hosting a free movies for kids 12 & under on Sunday, October 13 & 20. On both of those days, the movie Shrek will be shown at 1:30 p.m.

Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow head the voice cast of the irreverent comedy from the computer animation wizards at PDI/DreamWorks (Antz). Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek (Mike Myers) whose precious solitude is suddenly shattered by an invasion of fairy tale characters. They were all...

Tickets are free for children 12 & under, $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, older children and teens. This movie is rated PG.

Win Tickets to See Hello Dolly at the Fox Theatre

Want to win (4) tickets to the Tony Awards-Winning show Hello Dolly! when it comes to the Fox Theatre next week? Here's your chance. Olympia Entertainment has given me a family (4) pack to pass along to one lucky reader. Just comment below on why you need the night out. All entries received by Sunday, October 13 will be entered for a random drawing.

One Ann Arbor Mom fan will get the chance win tickets to see
Hello Dolly! coming to Detroit October 18-19

Hello, Dolly! starring Sally Struthers, is set to arrive at the Fox Theatre for two performances October 18-19. Tickets ($30, $45, $55 and $70) are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and at Ticketmaster.com.

Two-time Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers stars as the strong-willed matchmaker Dolly, who travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the ornery "well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder. With an irresistible story and an unforgettable score including the title song, “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and the show-stopping “Before the Parade Passes By,” Hello, Dolly! has been charming audiences around the world for 50 years. The show would make an exceptional night out for you and your spouse, or perhaps families can introduce their older children and teens to the joy of musical theatre!

Remember, just comment below on why you need to win this contest for a chance to win tickets. Tickets are good for the show Friday, October 18 at 8:00 p.m.

Win Tickets to See the Little Engine The Could

The Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor) has sent me this great offer for Ann Arbor families. This discount ticket offer is available for Ann Arbor folks to see Little Engine The Could Earns Her Whistle at The Michigan Theater on October 20 at 1:30 p.m. The show, part of the Benard L. Maas Not Just For Kids Series would be the perfect outing for kids in grades pre-K-2. 

Little Blue Engine dreams of someday leaving the train yard to pull the big cars on the main line track, but can she convince Big Silver that she is worthy of being a main line engine? This dynamic musical portrays Watty Piper’s timeless tale about hard work, determination and the meaning of true friendship. Join us when, against all odds, Little Blue Engine conquers her fears and demonstrates the extraordinary strength in that beloved phrase: “I think I can!”

To win tickets inspire me with a comment below on why your little one should get the free tickets. One lucky family will be drawn from all entires on Ann Arbor Mom Facebook and the blog! Enter by midnight October 14.

Ann Arbor Mom Blog Contests

To make it easier for Ann Arbor families to see all of the available contests, give-aways and freebies running on the blog, I wanted to create a single page that hosts the current contests running with a brief description of each event. The page will be updated as new give-aways are released.

Happy kids win prizes at the Ann Arbor Mom blog!

Coming Soon...

Win tickets to see 100 Years of Broadway at the Fox Theatre - November 3, 8:00 p.m. 

Win tickets to see Dinosaur Train Live - November 22, 8:00 p.m.
Win tickets to see the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Fox Theatre - November 23, 8:00 p.m.
Win tickets to see Sesame Street Live at the Fox Theatre - January 23-February 17.


October 2013


Win tickets to see Hello Dolly at the Fox Theatre - October 18, 7:00 p.m. Enter by midnight October 13.

Win tickets to see the Little Engine The Could Earns Her Whistle at The Michigan Theater October 13, 1:30 p.m. (Pre-K-2nd Grade) Enter by midnight October 10. Special discounts for all families. 

Win tickets to see Skate America at the Joe Lewis Arena October 18, 7:30 p.m. (All ages / Ann Arbor families) Enter by October 11, 5:00 p.m. 



Expired...

September 2013

Win tickets to see the Wiggles September 22. (Preschool ages families) Enter by September 13.