Halloween Night Teen Event

 

Teen events are often hard to come by, that's one reason this one caught my eye.

On Halloween night from 8:00 p.m. - midnight, teens ages 13-17 are invited to join in Halloween Teen Night at the Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St., Ann Arbor). The program is just $10 and includes a night full of spooky swimming, glow sticks pizza and a movie.  To sign up for this event, call 734-794-6237 or visit www.a2gov.org/mack.

Halloween: Kids Yoga Party

 

Want your kids to have fun this Halloween with a twist? (Literally!) Peachy Fitness (2385 S. Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor) is hosting a kids Yoga/Halloween event Thursday, October 30 6:30-7:30 p.m. Kids should plan to attend in costume. This is great way to get some exercise before eating Halloween Treats. Cost for this event is $5/child.

To pre--register, call Peachy Fitness at 734-681-0477.

Observe Birds of Prey in Flight

The Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor, MI) invites families to marvel at the breath-taking flight abilities of birds of prey up close and personal during the Fall Flight. This is a rare opportunity to witness the power and grace of three of these predators on Sunday, October 5 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

During the program, families will get the chance to see three birds of prey in flight, the Peregrine Falcon, a Red-tailed Hawk and one of the two Bald Eagles who live on the site. The event will include an examination of what makes each bird's flight pattern unique as well as the elements that make them similar. The opportunity to see these majestic birds fly free and un-tethered around the LSNC grounds is a rare one so don't miss it!

Registration for all ages is $9/person or $34/family; discounted rates of $8/person or $30/family are available to LSNC Members. Because event size will be limited, preregistration is encouraged at http://www.lesliesnc.org or by calling 734-997-1553.

Kids at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market: Free Events

The Wednesday evening market and Sunday morning Farmers Markets hold lots of fun in store for the kids. Mom and Dad can purchase healthy foods while the kids get to participate in free activities. During the coming month and through October, there are several fun events to hight-light.

September 27: A Taste of Music - The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra stops by the market, to perform a special concert and hold an Instrument Petting Zoo for children and adults alike! Join us all day for the chance to try out your favorite classical instrument, or stop by at 11:00 a.m. for the concert. Time: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

October 8: Bring the entire family to the Wednesday Evening Market to participate in free activities, games, live music and demonstrations to teach kids about food, farming and markets. Tine: 4:00-8:00 p.m.

October 25: Halloween at the Market - GIVE365 partners with the Ann Arbor Farmers Market for free face painting, pumpkin carving, and other Halloween festivities in celebration of the harvest season. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes! Time: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Huron River Trick or Treat by Canoe

Enjoy the Huron River Trick or Treat event October 16, just
don't let the pirates get your booty!

Although I have mentioned this even in my Halloween Events Round-up, it certainly sounds like a fun event for the whole family... So I thought to pass it along in greater detail.

On October 19, take your entire family on a trip down the river during the annual Huron River trick or Treat event. Starting at the Gallup Canoe Livery anytime between noon and 5:00 p.m. families can spend the afternoon enjoying the haunting fall beauty of the Huron River by canoe or kayak. As you paddle down the river families will encounter creatures, ghouls and goblins (although they don't look very scary) handing out treats and candy. Feel free to dress up in costumes or come as is, just be sure to bring a bag for your candy and keep an eye out for the swashbuckling pirates as they patrol the waters! You wouldn't want them to grab the booty you collected!

The fee for this Ann Arbor Halloween event is $22/boat, children need to be 1 for the boat-ride. Really it's no trick, but will certainly be a treat!



Photo courtesty Ann Arbor Parks

BOO at the ZOO a Great Lakes Zoological Society Event

On October 24, noon-4:00 p.m. the Great Lakes Zoological Society (6885 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor) is hosting BOO at the ZOO! This family friendly Halloween event includes a not-too-spooky trail, trick or treating, costume parade, animal activities, treats, music and more. The regular admission fee ($5.50/seniors & children 3-11, $8.00/12+) includes Boo at the Zoo activities and admittance into the Zoo.

This event is terrific and a lot of fun - Families have a wonderful time, and the venue fills up fast so please register soon!

Halloween Science Fun Day

Want to have some spooky science and math fun? Anchors Unlimited Science Fun, Inc. has a Halloween Science Fun Day planned on Saturday, October 25 at Jarvis Stone School (7991 North Territorial Road and Curtis Road, Plymouth, MI).

Kids ages 2-6 (10:30-11:30 a.m.)  and 7-10 (noon-1:00 p.m.) and their caregivers are invited to this free event. During the Halloween Science Fun Day participants will find activities, refreshments and prizes. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes and those wearing costumes relating to math or science may even win a door prize!

Pre-registration is encouraged. Although this is a free event, $5 donations would be appreciated and  accepted. Space is limited.

To register, send the children's name, age, phone and address/email along with parent or caregiver attending. Everyone will participate and this event happens rain or shine so be sure to dress appropriately. Deadline to register is October 10. Feel free to send any questions and registration information to Lisa Johnson at captain@anchorsciencefun.com.

Johnny Appleseed Festival at the Wolcott Mill

I love this time of the year. The cider, the donuts, pumpkins, beautiful mums and cool crisp air. It helps me relax and really take in the colors. There are so many great festivals and events to take in too, and next weekend there is no exception!

On Sunday, September 28 at the Wolcott Mill Metropark Historic Center (65775 Wolcott Rd.,  Ray MI 48096) families can lend a hand in making cider and apple crafts, learn the apple's history from Johnny Appleseed and enjoy samples of several apple recipes.  The annual Johnny Appleseed Festival will even allow kids and adults alike to use their imagination to design and build one of five scarecrows that will decorate the Historic Center grounds for the fall too.

While it's a little bit of a drive, the weather this weekend looks like it is going to be near perfect and a nice fall drive may be the best way to explore. The cost for this fun event is just $5/child and $3/adult. For more information or to register, please call 586-749-5997.

SEA LIFE Michigan Groundbreaking

Yesterday at Great Lakes Crossing, SEA LIFE Michigan had their Groundbreaking Ceremony.

SEA LIFE is the world’s largest aquarium brand, with more than 40 attractions worldwide. The brand is focused on offering amazing, breathtaking and educational experiences that wow guests while inspiring them to take an active role in conversation so the many amazing creatures and their environments are preserved for generations to come. In addition to weaving conservation information and tips throughout our exhibits, SEA LIFE takes an active role in conservation through our Breed Rescue Protect initiative. Helping to sustain  endangered species, rescue hundreds of sick and injured creatures and nurse them back to health to return them to the wild, and actively campaign to protect individual species and marine environments from exploitation or destruction.

Visitors will find more information about these initiatives in the new 35,000-square-foot aquarium, that will open in early 2015, along with more than 5,000 amazing creatures from our world’s oceans. Through our one-of-a-kind, engaging exhibits, such as our 180-degree underwater tunnel and our interactive touchpools, guests will have the once in a lifetime opportunity to come nose to nose with these creatures and learn about them and their environments.

Learning with LEGO and Bricks for Kids

If you have not been introduced to Bricks 4 Kidz you are in for a treat as the Ann Arbor District Library (downtown - 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI) is hosting Learn with LEGO program!

On Sunday, October 12 at 1:00 p.m., Kids in grades K-5 and their parents can join in the fun building and learning with trained Bricks 4 Kidz teachers. Families will use LEGO Technic sets to build and play while experiencing a variety of activities designed to foster teamwork, build self confidence and problem solving skills.

Be sure to sign up for the program - Bricks 4 Kidz programs aim to explore math and science concepts while having fun in a non-competitive setting.Think learning and fun with STEM activities. It's a great way to get your child excited about learning without them realizing what's happening. Be sure to logon or visit AADL to sign up for this free event.

Astronomy at the Beach: Kensington

Have you ever wanted to get a closer look at the moon and stars? Perhaps you've wanted to get a telescope to check out our universe? Then the Astronomy at the Beach Maple Beach at Kensington Metropark (2240 W Buno Rd, Milford Township, MI) is the perfect free event for you!

 On September.26 and 27 from 6:00 p.m.- midnight, telescopes will be set up on the beach for observations. Several local astronomy clubs will be present and sharing a variety of starry programs for you and your family. This FREE event takes place at Maple Beach, and it happens rain or shine. For more information, please call 810-227-8917 or visit the Astronomy at the Beach webpage.

Children's Theatre: Frog & Toad @ Wild Swan Theater

Hey Ann Arbor families have you ever taken your child to see a theatrical performance? Have you ever seen performances at the Wild Swan Theater? If either of these are true, please feel free to comment about your experiences in the comments below, we'd love to hear about it!

For me, children's theatre is a must. For years after getting out of college I performed hundred's of children's theatre productions across the state. When I had kids, it was easy then to introduce them to what I was doing and shows others were performing. I suppose that is why I am not surprised that both kids are now interested in theatre!

If you've never taken your child to live theatre, you are missing a who other world. Luckily the award-winning Wild Swan Theater kicks off the 35th season of bringing the finest professional theater to Ann Arbor families with Frog and Toad on October 9-11. Performances are Thursday, October 9, 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 11, 11:00 a.m.

Based on Arnold Lobel's wonderful stories by the same name, Frog and Toad will captivate children from ages 3 to 8. Through storytelling, puppets, and props, the play explores the adventures of these two very dear characters and their great friendship. Parents who have had a chance to read these much loved stories with their children will recognize some of the dramatized episodes, including Toad's efforts to hurry along the flowers in his garden by speaking poetry to his seeds or the difficulties Frog and Toad face trying not to eat ALL the delicious cookies Toad has baked.

The humor and compassion of these stories will delight and touch parents and their preschool or early elementary school-aged children. Tickets are just $12/adults, $8/youth and seniors with discounts for groups of 10+; $3 lap passes are also available for children under 2 years of age.

To purchase tickets visit the Wild Swan website or call (734) 995-0530. All performances take place at the Towsley Auditorium in the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College.

Storytime Programs for Children

While many of these are ongoing story time programs for toddlers and preschool aged children, it is important to remember that this information was pulled from the various websites. For accuracy, always verify times and locations with your local library.


MONDAY:

Ann Arbor District Library Playgroup Storytime
Location: 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Age: Babies to 24 months - No older siblings, please.
15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs, followed by open playtime. Parents/guardians must remain with their children.

Dexter District Library Toddler Story Time
Location: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: 18-months to 3 years


Ypsilanti District Library Downtown Storytime
Location: 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti  
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: Age 3-5
Introduce your child to the wonders of reading with stories, songs, and an occasional craft, led by our creative youth librarians.


Ypsilanti District Library Baby Storytime
Location: 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: Infant-18 months
Introduce your child to the wonders of reading with stories, songs, and an occasional craft, led by our creative youth librarians. Times and locations should be verified.

Dexter District Library Preschool Story Time
Location: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
Time: 11:30-12:00 a.m.
Age: 3-6 years

TUESDAY:

Preschool Storytime at the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum
Location: 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor
Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m.


Ann Arbor District Library Preschool Storytime
Location: 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Time: 10:00-10:30 a.m. & 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Age: 2-5 years - Siblings are welcome.

Ann Arbor District Library, Malletts Creek Playgroup Storytime
Location: 3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor
Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Age: Babies to 24 months - No older siblings, please.
15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs, followed by open playtime. Parents/guardians must remain with their children.

Ypsilanti District Library Superior Storytime
Location: 8975 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age:18 months - 5 years
Introduce your child to the wonders of reading with stories, songs, and an occasional craft, led by our creative youth librarians.

Ypsilanti District LibraryToddler  Storytime
Location: 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: 18 months - 3 years
Introduce your child to the wonders of reading with stories, songs, and an occasional craft, led by our creative youth librarians.


Ann Arbor District Library Preschool Storytime Traverwood Branch
Location: 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor, MI
Time: 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Age: 2-5 years - Siblings are welcome.

Dexter District Library Preschool Story Time
Location: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
Time: 1:00-1:30 p.m.
Age: 3-6 years


WEDNESDAY:

Ann Arbor District Library, Malletts Creek Preschool Storytime
Location: 3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor
Time: 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Age: 2-5 years - Siblings are welcome.

Ypsilanti District Library Toddler Storytime
Location: 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: 18 months - 3 years


Ann Arbor District Library Preschool Storytime
Location: 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor
Time: 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Age: 2-5 years - Siblings are welcome

Ann Arbor District Library, Pittsfield Playgroup Storytime
Location: 2359 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor
Time: 11:00 a.m. - noon
Age: Babies to 24 months - No older siblings, please.
15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs, followed by open playtime. Parents/guardians must remain with their children.

Dexter District Library Toddler Story Time
Location: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age:18-months - 3 years

Dexter District Library Toddler & Preschool Combined Story Time
Location: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
Time: 11:30 a.m. - noon
Age: 18-months to 6 years

Ypsilanti District Library Toddler Storytime
Location: 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
Time: 1:30-2:00 p.m.
Age: 3-5
Introduce your child to the wonders of reading with stories, songs, and an occasional craft, led by our creative youth librarians.

Dexter District Library Book Snackers
Location: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
Time: 11:30 a.m. - noon
Age: Grades 4-5

Ann Arbor District Library, Traverwood Preschool Storytime
Location: 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor
Time: 6:00-6:30 p.m.
Age: 2-5 years - Siblings are welcome.

THURSDAY:



Ann Arbor District Library, Traverwood Preschool Storytime
Location: 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor
Time: 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Age: 2-5 years - Siblings are welcome.

Dexter District Library Toddler Story Time
Location: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: 18-months to 3 years

Ypsilanti District Library Preschool Storytime
Location:5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: 3-5
Introduce your child to the wonders of reading with stories, songs, and an occasional craft, led by our creative youth librarians.

Dexter District Library Toddler & Preschool Combined Story Time
Location: 3255 Alpine St., Dexter
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: 18-months to 6 years

Ann Arbor District Library, Malletts Creek Playgroup Storytime
Location: 3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Age: Babies to 24 months - No older siblings, please.
15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs, followed by open playtime. Parents/guardians must remain with their children.

Ann Arbor District Library, Pittsfield Preschool Storytime
Location: 2359 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor
Time: 7:00-7:30 p.m.
Age: 2-5 years - Siblings are welcome.

FRIDAY:

Ann Arbor District Library, Pittsfield Preschool Storytime
Location: 2359 Oak Valley Dr, Ann Arbor
Time: 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Age: 2-5 years - Siblings are welcome.

Ann Arbor District Library, Traverwood Playgroup Storytime
Location: 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Age: Babies to 24 months - No older siblings, please.
15 minutes of stories, rhymes and songs, followed by open playtime. Parents/guardians must remain with their children.

SATURDAY:

Ann Arbor District Library, Malletts Creek Storytime
Location: 3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor
Time: 10:00-10:30 a.m.
Age: Any age
Library staff will read aloud stories that the whole family, all ages, can enjoy together.

Ypsilanti District Library Family Storytime
Location: 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti
Time: 10:30-11:00 a.m.
Age: Any age: 2-5 Ideal
Introduce your child to the wonders of reading with stories, songs, and an occasional craft, led by our creative youth librarians. Alternate Saturday's.

Storytime at Nicola's Books
Location: 2513 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Age: 7 and under


The Saline District Library  has storytime programs by registration only (See the Saline District Library for storytime dates, times and sign-up. Look under Youth tab on the website.)

SNAG Golf for Kids 4-10: Ann Arbor Kids Learn Golf

A few weeks back I mentioned that Ypsilanti's Pine View Golf course allowed kids to golf for $1, and I've been trying to track down a few golf courses where kids could golf with mom or dad for free (or very cheaply), however I did run across this great opportunity for Ann Arbor kids to learn golf. The weather is right, so why not teach your kids to golf in this fun, and unique environment?



Children with have a great time learning to golf with SNAG!

SNAG, is a t-ball style teaching method for kids golf. The kids meet once a week for 1 hour for six weeks. Classes are taught at Burns Park, and in the event of in-climate weather, lessons are held inside the Ann Arbor Senior Center which is adjacent to the park.  The cost is just $89/student for 12 classes, twice a week for 6 weeks.

SNAG Golf Schedule:
Tuesday/Thursday - Sept. 9-Oct. 16 
Session 1: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Ages ages 5–7
Session 2: 6:00-7:00 p.m. Ages 8–10

Tuesday/Thursdays - Oct. 20-Dec. 2
(No class Nov. 27)
Session 3: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Ages 5–7
Session 4: 6:00-7:00 p.m. Ages 8–10

To register for kids golf lessons, call or visit the Ann Arbor Senior Center (734.794.6520) or call or visit Huron Hills Golf course  (734.794.6246). Online registration for golf lessons for kids can be found at https://online.activecommunities.com/annarbor.


Sounds like a great way for kids to learn to play golf doesn't it?

Details about SNAG:

• SNAG integrates MODIFIED GOLF equipment to make learning fun and easy.
• SNAG is designed to be SAFE and can be taught and PLAYED ANYWHERE.
• The club-heads have more surface area to significantly increase the success of the learner.
• The psychology of color is used in each of the components to reduce anxiety.
• The five-sided grip ensures that the student holds the club properly.
• The Launch Pad™ makes the game portable and serves as an alignment tool.
• Targets are used to help the student focus on aim and accuracy. Training tools help each student develop skill acquisition quickly.

The program is put on as a result of a $12,000 grant for the equipment and the program, it's focused to give all junior participants “an opportunity” to then play on our courses. To make sure that our students “enjoyed golf and their experience playing & leaning the game.

Customer Appreciation Day @ Veterans Memorial Ice Arena

Don't miss Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, Sept. 27 at Veterans Memorial Indoor Ice Arena ( 2150 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor). From 1:00-2:30 p.m. families will enjoy free ice skating.

The arena opened this week for the season too, so be sure to visit to see their open skate times and to register for the first session of learn-to-skate classes and beginner hockey classes!

I'm Back

Well things have finally begun to become a more normal for my family. While I'm not fully happy with my mom's outcome from her stem cell transplant (sadly she's not in remission) we can begin moving on with our lives. She is feeling a bit better and starting to get out.  School has started too, which means that we're back into a semi-routine.

So thank you for your continued support and patience. I am not sure of the volume I will be able to keep up with, but I will try to continue to provide Ann Arbor families with the best activities and free events in the area!