The Critter House at the Leslie Science & Nature Center

Sundays, April 5, 12, 19, 26  from noon-3:00 p.m. families can explore the Critter House at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105).

The Critter House allows kids of all ages to observe frogs, turtles, snakes, rabbits, and more as they hop, crawl, or slither in their homes here at LSNC! The animals at the house include species native to this region as well many unique and exotic animals donated by our supporters. During open hours the staff will answer your questions, hold interactive activities, and help you 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.

This is a free activity no registration is required. Please call 734-997-1553 with any questions.

Spring Welcome a Children’s Program

Let us enjoy a hearty "Spring Welcome!" with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation. On Thursday, April 2, join naturalist Shawn Severance at County Farm Park (Medford Lot) to explore the magic of spring.  

During this program children ages 2-5 will read the book “Tap the Magic Tree” which will be followed by a tap, jiggle, wiggle and brush as the kids breeze their way through the woods.  Hopefully the kids will wake up the tiny leaves and flowers nestled snug in their buds, waiting for spring. This free event will be held at 10:30 a.m.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Coming to Performance Network

Rescheduled from December, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is coming to the Performance Network (120 E. Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104) May 30-31. This delightful family theatrical production explores the delicious chain reaction set in motion when a little boy offers a cookie to a visiting mouse. Performances are May 30 and ­31 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and may be purchased online at www.pntheatre.org or by calling the box office at 734-­663-­0681.

 Want a chance to win (2) free tickets to the Saturday, May 30th at 2:00 p.m.? Thanks to performance Network, the Ann Arbor Mom blog has the opportunity to give one family free admission to the program. Just comment below on what part of the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is your child's favorite part. A random winner from all entries posted by midnight April 8. Tickets will then be held in will-call at the theater for the winner.

Exploring the Back Forty

Get outdoors and Explore the Back Forty of Rolling Hills. On Sunday, March 29, 2:00-4:00 p.m. (meet in the northern Sports Field Lot) join naturalist Faye Stoner to explore  the western-most fields and hedge rows of the park. Hikers will discuss the plant and animal life found. Some easy bushwhacking may be required for this hike so dress appropriately.

Toledo Zoo Aquarium Grand Re-opening

On March 27, 2015, the Aquarium at the Toledo Zoo will re-open. The newly renovated Aquarium houses 3000+ aquatic animals in 178,000 gallons of water – nearly four times the volume as the previous Aquarium. Although the two and half year renovation preserved the exterior of the Works Progress Administration (WPA)-era structure, the new Aquarium experience, from sleek sharks to glittering tropical fish, is like nothing seen before in this region.

Families will now be able to touch a stingray, stand beside a sea turtle as it glides by, and talk to a diver inside The Reef. Every step leads further into the mysteries that lurk underwater, from flooded forests of the Amazon and deep seas of the Pacific to fish that glow in the dark and sea nettles that kill with a touch.

So what's new in the Toledo Zoo aquarium?

Exhibit water volume:
Old: 46,000 gallons
New: 178,000 gallons

Largest Exhibit:
Old: 7,600 gallons
New: 90,000 gallons

Percentage of marine (saltwater) exhibits:
Old: 37%
New: 87%

That's a lot of change to check out, so be sure to stop in after they re-open March 27!

Spring Break Activities for Kids: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti

There may be some questions on Phil's "spring" prediction however,
your kids and teens still have plenty of Spring Break activities!

Many schools in the area are having spring break after Easter. Unfortunately the list of activities and events seems to be a bit short this year. Below is an events listing, day-by-day, to keep your kids and teens happy and busy throughout spring break and their week off school.

Events that happen all week include Spring Break events at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) from 2:00-3:00 p.m. and daily activities at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

If more activities are found, they will be added to the post. Have you heard about something fun to do on spring break? Be sure to comment below!

Monday, April 6:
10:00 a.m.: Is it spring yet? The Matthaei Botanical Gardens wants you to figure that out. Kids can grab their parents and an activity backpack to go on a self-guided hunt for signs of spring. Scavenger hunt sheets, magnifying lenses, and twig and bud detective guides will help children investigate signs of spring.  This is a free event!

2:00 p.m.: Spring Break Fun (YDL-Michigan) Kids can stop in everyday for a fun craft or activity. K-5 Activity.

2:00 p.m.: Secret Agent Training Center at the AADL. This free event is intended for grades K - 8. Find out what it takes to be a spy at Super Secret Spy School. Kids will learn techniques and strategies employed by the sneakiest of spies for carrying secrets, mastering disguises, and writing in code.

6:00 p.m.: Spring Break Matinees at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whitaker Rd.) - Free movies.  All ages are welcome and there will be free popcorn! Movies:  Sleeping Beauty

6:30 p.m.: Spring Break @ the Library (YDL Michigan Branch) Celebrate National Poetry month! Bring your rhymes to the Teen Zone and add your lyrics to the beat. Hosted by ADB. Free teen event.

7:00 p.m.: Felt Ball Fun Teen Event and youth (grade K and up). Spend time with local crafter Beth Battey as she leads a hands-on workshop to make a felt ball. Start with colorful wool roving, add warm water, a little soap and some patience, and you get a fun felt ball! Felt balls can be toys for kids and pets, jewelry, a garland or a fun decoration!

Tuesday, April 7:
10:00 a.m.: The Power of Nature - A Make Way for Spring program for kids at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Children and their parents invited to celebrate World Health Day with self-guided activities that tap into the power of nature. Free; self-guided.

11:00 a.m.: Spring Break @ the Library (YDL Michigan Branch) Put your creativity to work over Spring Break and make a graphic novel with Casey Dixon. Brainstorm a story, layout your ideas on storyboard, get tips and improve your drawing. This program runs Tuesday-Thursday. Free teen event.

1:00 p.m.: 3-D Flower Art at the AADL. Kids will make gorgeous 3-D flowers to decorate your space or give as gifts.

2:00 p.m.: Spring Break Fun (YDL-Michigan) Kids can stop in everyday for a fun craft or activity.

6:00 p.m.: Spring Break Matinees at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whitaker Rd.) - Free movies. All ages are welcome and there will be free popcorn! Movies:  Maleficent

7:00 p.m.: Polymer Clay Pinwheel Earrings Teen Event (grades 6+). Head to the Library and make a pair of fun, one-of-a-kind earrings.

Wednesday, April 8:
10:00 a.m.: Eco-Kids - A Make Way for Spring program at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Children accompanied by a parent will learn how to turn table scraps into soil through composting and make paper from recycled newsprint.  $5.00/child includes activities and materials. A Make Way for Spring school break activity.

2:00 p.m.: Spring Break Fun (YDL-Michigan) Kids can stop in everyday for a fun craft or activity.

2:00 p.m.: Pokemon Showdown at AADL. This free event is intended for grades 6 - 12. Are you walking around with a head full of Pokemon knowledge? Pokemon Showdown is the ultimate Pokemon battle simulator - and there's no need to catch 'em all!

2:00 p.m.: Caped Crusaders. Kids (grades K-5) will make a one-of-a-kind super hero cape. We’ll show you how.

6:00 p.m.: Spring Break @ the Library (YDL Michigan Branch) Teens can make a glass bead wind chime. Free teen event.

6:00 p.m.: Spring Break Matinees at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whitaker Rd.) - Free movies. All ages are welcome and there will be free popcorn! Movies:  Big Hero 6


Thursday, April 9:
10:00 a.m. Native Beauties - A Make Way for Spring program at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Children accompanied by a parent will learn what makes a plant native and how it can be used in the garden  $5.00/child includes activities and materials. A Make Way for Spring school break program.

1:00 p.m.: Make a pencil crossbow at the AADL. Kids (grades K-5) will use household materials to learn a little about how crossbows work.

2:00 p.m.: Spring Break Fun (YDL-Michigan) Kids can stop in everyday for a fun craft or activity.

6:00 p.m.: Spring Break Matinees at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whitaker Rd.) - Free movies. All ages are welcome and there will be free popcorn! Movies:  Boxtrolls

7:00 p.m.: Teen Event - Make Studded Cuff Bracelets at the AADL. Teens in grades (6+) will make something shiney for their wrist - studded cuff bracelets!


Friday, April 10:

10:00 a.m.: Conservation Station - A Make Way for Spring program at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. On a guided tour children accompanied by a parent will explore the trails and wetlands at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and discover ways to become stewards of the land. (Rainy day alternative: Michigan ecosystems games.)  $8.00/child includes materials and activities. A Make Way for Spring school break program.

1:00 p.m.: Button Bonanza at the AADL. Kids in grades K-5 will make fun button crafts including button flower rings.

2:00 p.m.: Spring Break Fun (YDL-Michigan) Kids can stop in everyday for a fun craft or activity.

Spring Campfire Programs for the Family: Free Events

There are a couple fun campfire programs I wanted to share with readers. The nice weather makes being outside special, especially at night. My family enjoys listening to the birds, frog choruses and nature awakening. Wouldn't you like to breath the fresh spring air too?

The first event, “Winter or Spring?” is a night hike and campfire program with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation. On Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Park Lyndon (North Lot - 18801 N Territorial Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118), Faye Stoner will guide families on a brief hike the trail to the wetlands and back. Families will talk about seasonal changes, listen for night sounds, learn about frogs and owls and other night animals, and look for early spring stars! At the conclusion of the hike, enjoy light snacks and hot drinks around the fire.

The following weekend, families can join in on "Fireside Fun" at the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105). The old-fashioned campfire circle is set up on Sunday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. Families are sure to be reminded that there's nothing more relaxing as sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. Families will need to bring camp chairs, and s'mores fixings - the LSNC staff will provide a blazing outdoor campfire and plenty of marshmallows.

Both of these programs are free events and perfect for the entire family.

Spring Equinox Children's Event

With the arrival of the vernal equinox, please plan to attend the children's program "Return of the Light" at the Scio Woods Preserve. The free program will be held Saturday, March 21, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

As spring arrives and breathes new life into the world around us, new daylight brings bird chirping weather, seed growing weather, and frog calling weather. Children will gather to explore the earth waking up while reading the classic German story “The Root Children Wake Up”. This program is for children ages 4-8.

Fly Zone Family Saturdays at the Yankee Air Museum

On the 1st Saturday of every month through May, families are invited to participate in Fly Zone Family Days at the Yankee Air Museum (47884 D St., Belleville, MI). This free event allows students ages 10-18 and their parents to enjoy the new Fly Zone attraction from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Fly Zone is an aerial challenge course for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). While this is a free event, pre-registration required online: http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/fly-zone-family-days-at-yankee-air-museum/. Two family members are allowed as observers. Students and observers should plan to provide their own lunch.

Hands-on Weekends at the UM Natural History Museum

Each weekend, your kids will have the opportunity to get hands-on at the UM Natural History Museum (1109 Geddes Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109) on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m (No Demos on April 4 or 5).  The current Hands-On Demo: Cow's Eye Dissection will help kids explore what makes our eyes work or how we see?

Kids will have the opportunity to dissect a cow’s eye to take a closer look at the organ that helps us see the world. How is it similar to and different from our eyes, and those of other animals? Learn the parts of the eye and how they work together to illuminate our sight. They will also talk about why some of us need glasses and how we can keep our eyes and our vision healthy.

There is something for everyone during this free interactive demonstration! Hands-on demonstrations are 20-30 minute interactive programs on the 2nd floor of the Museum.​ ​They include both brief presentations highlighting University research and engaging hands-on activities, and are suitable for adults and children ages 5 and up.

Easter Bunny, Egg Hunts and Breakfast With The Bunny Events

Find Easter Egg Hunts, Marshmallow drops,
breakfast with the Easter Bunny and other
great spring Ann Arbor events at
the Ann arbor Mom blog!

Of course the Easter Bunny can be found at Briarwood Mall, however there are many great celebrations of spring happening throughout March and April including many great egg hunts, breakfast with the Easter Bunny, marshmallow drop events and many other free and low cost events celebrating Easter. Below are many great Easter events for families, listed by city - Ann Arbor, Belleville, Canton, Dexter, Manchester, Saline and other nearby communities!

Keep your eyes peeled and let me know of family friendly local Easter Egg hunts that should be highlighted,I'll be adding more as they come to my attention. 

ANN ARBOR:

The Ann Arbor Jaycees are hosting an Easter Egg Scramble on Saturday, April 4 at Lillie Park from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with three egg hunt times (11:30, noon and 12:30). There will also be photos with the Easter Bunny, games, face painting, balloon twisters and a petting zoo. You can also pre-register at www.a2jaycees.org.

The Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor) is celebrating spring wit a fun-filled, educational event for every member of the family, including guided interpretive hikes, a golden egg hunt for a special prize, an egg grab, family games, and checking out the rabbits in the Critter House. The event happens April 4, from 10:00 a.m.-noon for only $8/individual. Be sure to register for the Leslie Science Center Spring Eggstravaganza, it's sure to be popular!

BELLEVILLE:

The chaos of a spring Easter Egg Hunt
is great fun for the entire family!

The Willow Metropark “Easter Egg Scramble,” happens March 28 at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Come for Easter fun with an egg hunt, crafts, games, and a petting farm. Advance ticket purchase is required for $5 per child plus vehicle entry permit. Please call 734-782-3956734-782-3956.

CANTON:
Summit on the Park is hosting an Easter Bunny Breakfast at the Summit on the Park, Grand Ballroom on March 28, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Families will find strolling entertainment, a beautiful buffet breakfast and a visit with your favorite furry friend. Advance registration required. Cost: Children three and under, $4/Ages 4-12, $10 and Ages 13 and over are $15

Heritage Park is hosting an Easter Bunny Eggstravaganza on  March 28, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. No registration is necessary - but there is a $5/family fee to participate for kids ages 11 and under. Egg Hunts will run continuously in two age categories, which helps to keep the "hunting" fair for even our littlest participants. The grounds tend to be very wet in early spring so please dress accordingly. After the hunt, families should plan to hop over to the Summit on the Park Gymnasium for strolling entertainment.

DEXTER:
This year's Hudson Mills Metropark Easter Egg Hunt will be held on March 29, noon-2:00 p.m. at the activity center. Kids ages 12 and under can join the fun with an egg hunt at the park and participating in a variety of activities such as the “Barnyard Express” show, free face painting and visiting with the Easter Bunny. The event cost is $4 per child in advance/$5 per child at the door plus the vehicle entry pass into the park. 

MANCHESTER:
The Manchester Men’s Club is sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt at Carr Park April 4 at 1:00 p.m.

MILFORD:
Check out TWO egg hunts at the Kensington Metropark (2240 W. Buno Rd., Milford - At Maple Beach) this year. The Fun on the Farm Egg Hunt on April 2 at 10:00 a.m. and the The Great Egg Hunt on April 4 at 10:30 a.m. Details for the egg hunts have not yet been added to their website however in past years there has been a $3 fee. A Metropark vehicle entry permit or daily $5 admission is also required. For additional information, please call 1-800-477-31781-800-477-3178.

SALINE:
The Saline Recreation Center is hosting Bunnytails on March 31, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Children to age 6 can enjoy the Easter Bunny, a story, snack and craft for only $8.

On April 4, families can enjoy Saline Springfest with something for children of all ages!

• 11:30 am: Egg Scavenger Hunt (Ages 2-7) - Bring a basket or bag to collect eggs that have been scattered throughout the woods behind the Rec Center. The children will be divided into the following age groups: 2-3, 4-5 and 6-7. A few lucky eggs will have a prize sticker. All participants will receive a goody bag. This event will take place outside rain, shine or snow. Cost is $7/child, for early registration and $10 the day of.
• 12:00 - 1 pm: Lunch with the Bunny (All ages) - Mr. Bunny himself will be making the rounds as you enjoy a pizza lunch. Bring your camera to take pictures with the Bunny. Cost is $7/child, for early registration and $10 the day of.
• 12:00 - 1:00 pm: Hippity Hop Trail (Ages 2-12) - Pick up treats and visit with local businesses along the Hippity Hop Trail inside the Rec Center. Those who sign up for the Egg Hunt or Dive will receive free admission for the Trail. Is your business interested in participating?  Those who sign up for the Egg Hunt, Lunch with the Bunny or Egg Dive will receive free admission for the Trail, otherwise the cost is $2 to participate.
• 1:00 pm: Egg Dive (Age Groups 6-7 and 8-10 years old)  - Floating eggs will be scattered throughout the leisure pool for kids to collect. A few lucky eggs will have prize stickers inside. All participants will receive a goody bag. Participants are welcome to stay and swim after the event. Cost is $7/child, for early registration and $10 the day of.

The Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Eggstravaganza on April 4, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Kids start at Busch's (565 E. Michigan Ave., Saline) and hop to participating businesses to pick up your egg! After you visit the businesses drop your stamped list off at Mickey's Dairy Twist to enter a drawing to win one of 4 baskets filled with items donated from area businesses. Call 734.429.4494734.429.4494 for more info.

YPSILANTI:
The Ypsilanti Jaycees' will be hosting their annual Easter Egg Hunt and Marshmallow Drop on March 28,  10:00 a.m. at Frog Island Park in Ypsilanti. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. with a $1 fee per child. Fun family games begin at 9:30 a.m. while children await their age group egg hunts - the Easter Bunny will even be standing by for a photo op! A marshmallow drop follows the egg hunt and begins at 11:00 a.m., allowing children to return their captured marshmallows for small prizes!

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Ann Arbor Jaycees Spring Eggstravaganza

With the snow melting and the clocks springing forward, it’s time to mark your calendars for Ann Arbor’s Annual Spring Eggstravanza to be held at Lillie Park South (4365 Platt Rd) on April 4th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to take photos with the Easter Bunny, decorate baskets and bunny puppets, visit a petting zoo and enjoy balloon twisters, music, face painting and games! This year’s event will feature 3 rounds of Egg Scrambles to begin at 11:30 a.m., noon and 12:30 p.m.. Attendees will be divided by age group at each scramble.

The Spring Eggstravanza is a collaborative effort of Ann Arbor Jaycees and Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation. For more information, parking maps and preregistration visit www.a2jaycees.org/ees.

The Easter Bunny Comes to Briarwood

Hop over to Briarwood Mall for
Easter Bunny photos starting March 13!

Spring is trying to er - spring - hopefully. That means it's time for the annual Easter Bunny visit at Briarwood Mall; For families hoping to hop on over and have their peeps photos taken with Mr. EB, he is here March 13 through April 4, 2015. To avoid long lines, be sure to reserve your spot to visit the Briarwood Mall Easter Bunny. This year, Easter Bunny photos will be taken near Von Maur, Monday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturday's 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Parents of special needs children should also note, there are a "Caring Bunny" photo op on March 29, 9:00-10:30 a.m. Here is the link to order tickets for the caring bunny at Briarwood.

For your furry family members, they too can visit with the bunny on Sundays, March 15, 22 and 29 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Guests are asked to enter the mall near the H&M entrance, between Sears and Von Maur. Dogs must remain on leash at all times.

1st Annual LEGO Bricks Ultimate Build-Off Exhibition Come to Ann Arbor

Heads up LEGO loving parents - On May 2, Bricks 4 Kidz-Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Art Center will host the 1st Annual LEGO Bricks Ultimate Build-Off Exhibition. The event is currently looking for some sponsors. Parents should also note that this Ann Arbor event will include free activities put on by Bricks 4 Kidz and The Ann Arbor Art Center.

For more information about the contest: http://www.bricks4kidz.com/michigan-annarbor-dexter/pre-school-classes/

Free Dinosaur Tours at University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History

When the kids were old enough for us to get out and explore the area, we ran across the great resource at the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) - Actually our first experience was during their annual Halloween party, however we've been back several times! On Saturday's and Sunday's though, they offer a free, 30-minute docent-led tour of the dinosaur exhibits at 2:00 p.m.

It's a great way to spend a weekend afternoon! For more information, be sure to visit the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History Website or call 734-764-0478.

Upcoming Guided Hikes for the Whole Family

Here are a couple of upcoming family hiking opportunities that I wanted to share.

Hike to Arbor Woods Preserve Sunday, March 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Northfield Woods Preserve. Meet at the parking lot of Northfield Woods, and hike east from there to visit this new wooded property that is part of the Natural Areas Preservation Program. Plan to do some plant id, look for animal signs, be on the lookout of signs of spring and more, as we explore this new preserve. Faye Stoner will lead this hike.

The second hike, titled “Winter or Spring?” is a night hike and campfire program on Saturday, March 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Park Lyndon (North Lot). Join the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation staff on the second evening of spring, to hike the trail to the wetlands and back, talk about seasonal changes, listen for night sounds, learn about frogs and owls and other night animals, and look for early spring stars! Snacks and hot drinks around the fire at end of hike. Faye Stoner leads this hike.

Birdwatching for Beginners

Are your kids interested in learning about Mother Nature's Feathered Friends? Children 8 and older and Adults can experience a free Birdwatching for Beginners program on March 7 at 10:00 a.m. at County Farm Park, (Field Operations Bldg.)

The first hour of this free activity will include informative educational slides and discussion on how to identify birds using field marks, tor by their habitat, behavior, and songs. The second hour of the program will be spent outside practicing bird-watching skills. Please bring binoculars and field guide if you can. Naturalist, Faye Stoner will lead this hike.