October 30, 2014

Win Tickets to Pinkalicious the Musical

Pinkalicious The Musical will turn the City Theatre
positively Pink November 21-23.

Based on the popular children’s book, Pinkalicious The Musical will be in Detroit at the City Theatre on Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 23. Tickets ($22 general admission and $15 opening night) are on sale now and may be purchased online at OlympiaEntertainment.com, and at all Ticketmaster locations.

In Pinkalicious The Musical, Pinkalicious can't stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor's office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe - a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. The one hour musical, promises to be pinktastic fun for everyone.

Want a chance to win tickets to see Pinkalicious The Musical, comment below on your favorite remedy for Pinkititis. A random winner will be chosen from all entries posted by midnight on November 8.

Pinkalicious The Musical  at the City Theatre
Friday, November 21 - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 22 - 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 23 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

October 29, 2014

The Leslie Science & Nature Center: November Free Events

My kids and I have been over to the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd, Ann Arbor, MI) many times - For field trips, scout outings and just to stop in. We love the many great programs offered. As a mom on a budget though, I really appreciate the many free programs that are offered. Spend one day checking out the raptors, take a hike or even participate in the free campfire program. There is much to do and you won't be disappointed. Here are the free events happening in November!

Raptor Feeding Saturdays happen nearly every Saturday. In November you can stop in on November 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. Kids will get to see how a bird's feet and beak work together to help our raptors eat. Volunteers will be on site feeding the birds and answering your questions – after watching the birds in action, you and your kids are likely to have quite a few!

On Sunday's (except November 30), the Critter House will be open from noon to 3:00 p.m.  Noon-3:00 p.m. Your kids will have the opportunity to observe the many frogs, turtles, snakes, rabbits, and other small critters as they hop, crawl, or slither around in their homes. Our animals include species native to Michigan as well many unique and exotic animals donated by our supporters. During Critter House open hours, our staff will answer your questions, hold interactive activities, and help the kids get up close and personal with some interesting and unusual animals! Take advantage of this great way for kids–and the whole family–to develop an appreciation for the incredible diversity of the natural world. The Critter House will be open November 2, 9, 16, & 23.

Both of these programs are free events appropriate for all ages. For more information be sure to contact the LSNC or visit them online!

October 13, 2014

Events Round-up: Ann Arbor Halloween & More

Sing it with me now "I want candy!" OK maybe not, but that is the general tune of my household right now. Halloween is just around the corner and there are so many great events and activities.  With so much happening throughout the week, it's worth a stand alone blog post.

Are you ready for Halloween? I'm just hoping Ann Arbor doesn't have snow, specifically because we're headed to the Greenfield Village Hallow'een, The BSA's HauntedWoods at Camp Munhacke and HalloWeekends at Cedar Point!(Want to win tickets to Halloweends?) And that's in addition to so many other activities and Ann Arbor events!

So find all of the Halloween events, activities, and haunts you desire in Ann Arbor, in addition to other fun events happening over the next few days. The Ann Arbor Mom will always have ideas whether you are in and around Ann Arbor with kids or living nearby. Want more ideas? Be sure to like the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Page for local events, activities and things-to-do. There may even be a surprise or two!

Wednesday, October 15:

Create some Fuzzy Spiders & Glittery Webs at the Ann Arbor District Library (AADL - Pittsfield Branch) 4:00-5:00 p.m. Gr K-5 event.

Thursday, October 16:


Enjoy a Family Night and celebrate Halloween with inflatables, food, crafts, activities and more at Pierpont Commons on October, 16th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 18:

Make a Frankenstein mask from 10:00 a.m. - noon at Michael's crafts for just $2/child. Ages 3+

Sunday, October 19:

Kids in Gr K-5 will enjoy this free event where they will make Mini Yarn Monsters at the AADL (Mallets Creek) 2:00-3:00 p.m. Learn a few tricks to turn yarn into a fun monster you can call your own! For those outdoorsy types, consider instead going to the Trick or Treat on the Huron River program happening from noon-5:00 p.m.

Friday, October 24:

Boo at the Zoo noon-4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 25:

This appears to be the "Big" Halloween event day in the area. Everything from ice skating to crafts to events around An Arbor. Start the day at the Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) where the youngest family members will enjoy Boo! Happy Halloween Storytime! at the Michigan branch at 3:30 p.m. or at 11:00 a.m. hear some not-so-scary stories, sing some Halloween songs and create a simple craft at the AADL.

Want to do some fun Halloween crafts? At 1:00 p.m. create a Spooky Monster Banner at the AADL (Mallets Creek) or bring your child (Ages 3+) to drop into your local Michael's Crafts from 10:00 a.m. - noon for a $2 Halloween Make-and-take program. Teens also have a special crafting event starting at 1:00 p.m. at the AADL (Pittsfield Branch as they create unique Mini-Monster Stuffies. Teens and adults will work with local crafter Beth Battey, to make their creations during this free teen teen event, all supplies provided. This is an intricate project that will require the entire time and patience to complete. Gr 6+

Get out there and get active before eating all the sweets during the Halloween Skate at Veterans Memorial Park - Indoor ice arena at 1:00-2:30 p.m.  General admission rates apply as you skate to the spooky sounds of Halloween. Best costume prizes awarded. Fun for all ages.

There are two chances to participate in Trunk or Treat today. There is Trunk or Treat at (YDL -Superior) at 5:00 p.m. or Trunk or Treat with the Ann Arbor Jaycees, 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Your wee ones will also appreciate Boo Bash at Briarwood Mall from 5:00-8:00 p.m. For the first hour, kids can trick-or-treat with participating retailers throughout the mall in a safe, climate-controlled environment. There will also be fun activities throughout the evening, including appearances from Colors the Clown and Leonard the Lion, a chocolate drop station from The Melting Pot, and an obstacle course from Gym America. Students from the University of Michigan Dental School will dress in costumes and teach kids about proper dental care. Even The Parade Company will be represented, thanks to Art Van Furniture, which is hosting Clownie and providing reflective Halloween treat bags for families. Noerr, the mall's photo provider, will also be available for those frightfully fantastic family photos this year.

If it is music you would rather enjoy, then consider instead the EMU Orchestra Halloween Concert  at 7:30 p.m. at Pease Auditorium.  For an evening of family fun, join the EMU Symphony Orchestra for their annual Halloween Concert. Children of all ages are encouraged to wear Costumes! Admission: $10 Adults $8 Students or Seniors $6 Youth under 12

Sunday, October 26:

Of course there is always the iconic Family Halloween Party at the U-M Museum of Natural History Museum noon - 5:00 p.m. My children loved this party when we went a few years ago. It is a crazy day but well worth spending time there! Discover special stations and displays full of hands-on activities, live animals, and more! This is a free party and no reservations or tickets are necessary. The party is suitable for all ages. Don't forget to bring your goody bag! For more information, call (734) 764-0480.

What about another option for Trunk or Treat at YDL? It's happening at 5:00 p.m. at the Whittaker Road Branch.

Close out the weekend by enjoying the Music of the Night during the University of Michigan Halloween Concert at 4:30 p.m.

Monday, October 27:

More Trunk or Treat at Cueter Chrysler 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 28:

The Dexter District Library is hosting a special Halloween Movie Showing of “The Mummy” at 1:00 p.m. With incredible special effects and classic suspense come follow two explorers, (Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz) as they search for long lost treasure and break a 3,000-year-old curse. Come re-discover this extraordinary classic story. Rated: PG-13, 125 minutes.

There are also several opportunities for pre-school Halloween Parties with a storytime event held at at the Saline District Library at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and a K-1 Halloween Fun at 4:15 p.m. at the  Saline Rec Center. Later in the day kids can enjoy the Harry Potter Party at the Saline District Library 4:15 p.m.

Want to help with the decorating? Teens can help out by making a Halloween Wreath at 7:00 p.m. at the AADL Pittsfield Branch. This event is intended for grade 6 to adult Get in the spooky spirit making a Halloween-themed wreath!

Wednesday, October 29:

Teens shouldn't miss out on the Teen Halloween Party with a Tarot Card Reader at YDL (Michigan) 7:00 p.m. or making Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Charms at 7:00 p.m. at AADL (Malletts Creek Branch). Both programs are free teen events.

Thursday, October 30:

Enjoy the Harry Potter Party at the Saline District Library 4:15 p.m. or head to the annual Downtown Halloween Fall Festival at Ypsilanti District Library starting at 5:00 p.m. The event (always a yearly favorite!) allows kids to wander downtown Ypsilanti for tricks or treats followed by a quick craft and free activities at the Ypsilanti District Library. Don't forget to stop by the "Boo" Mobile and get your free popcorn, candy!

Need a break and some exercise before the big day? Then the Halloween Yoga Party at Peachy Fitness 6:30 p.m. is the way to go.

Friday, October 31:

Teens can have their own party at the Teen Night Halloween Spooktacular 8:00 p.m. - midnight.

For the rest of the family, try trick or treating during the Halloween Family Bash at Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center at 6:00-8:30 p.m.

    October 12, 2014

    Win Tickets to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point

    Win a family 4-pack of tickets to HalloWeekends at Cedar Point.

    My family and I will be staying at Castaway Bay in two weekends when my son has a soccer tournament. This year my kids are even more excited to spends some time at Cedar Point during  HalloWeekends. I'll share some photos when we go, but I have something even better to share now.
    Want to win tickets for visit Cedar Point for HalloWeekends? Thanks to the folks at Cedar Point you can.

    Comment below on your favorite Cedar Point Memory for an opportunity to win a family four-pack of tickets to HalloWeekends valued at nearly $200. Please note that the tickets are only valid this year, and your lucky winner only has three (3) more weekends to use them - Friday nights (after 6 p.m.), and Saturdays and Sundays now through Nov. 2, 2014.

    All comments need to be posted on the blog by midnight, October 15. A random winner will be chosen Thursday.

    October 8, 2014

    Trunk or Treat at Cueter

    Here is another great, free event from Cueter Chrysler (2448 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti). Be sure to stop by on October 27 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for candy, music, food and a good time strolling down the haunted vehicle lane!


    Trunk or Treat With the Ann Arbor Jaycees



    My kids and I love the Trunk or Treat event held each year at our church and are sorely to be missing it AND the one at their school due to an out-of-town soccer tournament this year. What is Trunk or Treat you ask? Basically it is walking around the decorated cars in a specific location to collect candy.

    The decorated cars can get crazy too. Families tend to come to compete for who has the most awesome display. For the kids of course it is all about the candy. Don't have a Trunk or Treat event at your school? The Ann Arbor Jaycees has a great family-friendly Trunk or Treat event October 25, 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Carpenter Elementary (4250 Central Blvd, Ann Arbor).

    Join other Ann Arbor families for this safe alternative to trick-or-treating that gives kids the chance to dress up and play without going door-to-door. Participating car trunks are decorated in Halloween themes by parents, families and community members, who will be handing out candy.

    This is a free event open to the public.  Parking spaces for decorated cars is limited though, so be sure reserve your Trunk or Treat spot by October 20, 2014. For more details on the Ann Ann Arbor Jaycees Trunk or Treat event, visit their website.  Prizes will be awarded for Best Decorated Trunk and Best Costumes for kids and adults!


    October 1, 2014

    Sea Life Michigan Brand Ambassador

    I am excited to share that I will be a Brand Ambassador for the SEA LIFE Michigan aquarium that will be opening in Auburn Hills at Great Lakes Crossing in early 2015. I know it's not an "Ann Arbor" attraction, however a 35,000-square-foot aquarium is worth driving an hour to!

    SEA LIFE Michigan will be a family-friendly aquarium with a focus on interactive fun. Visit an underwater world, coming nose-to-nose with many sea creatures, like starfish, seahorses, sharks and graceful stingray. In addition to their 30 displays being planned for the launch, the centerpiece of the aquarium will be an underwater tunnel that passes beneath a tropical ocean tank.

    I was excited to learn that the aquarium will offer educational talks, feeding demonstrations, field trips and an interactive touch-pool where kids can hold a crab or touch a starfish too! I can't wait to share this experience with my kids - Sit tight for more information. I should be headed to the tank filling session in a few months.