Kids Only Bookclub

Want you child to read more? What about improving their reading comprehension? Then consider having your child join an area "Kids Book Club". Luckily the area offers several to choose from for the beginning reader through to the very experienced teens! Check out the many choices available to your child.

At the Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti), kids in grades 3-5 will meet at 7:00 p.m. one Tuesday each month for a snack and discussion. The free event does require registration though 482-4110 x1390.

Kids Book Club Dates:

• A Long Way from Chicago (1/17)
• The BFG (2/21)
• The Borrowers (3/20)
• The Dark Stair (4/17)
• The Homework Machine (5/15)

For young men that enjoy fantasy stories, the Boys Fantasy Book Club at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) might be the place to start. From 7:00-8:00 p.m. your son will talk about a favorite book that's been chosen just for him.

Fantasty Book Club Dates:

• Thursday, January 19
• Thursday, February 16
• Thursday, March 15
• Thursday, April 19

Is your teen an extreme reader sucking down countless books? Why not enroll in the eXtreme Readers Book Club. At 6:00 p.m., teens and adults will explore themes of race and class through contemporary teen fiction at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti).


Upcoming titles:

• When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Nepture (1/18)
• One Day It Will All Make Sense (2/15)
• 47 (3/21)
• Bronxwood (4/18)
• Street Pharm (5/16)

For the beginning reader, the Book Buddies program might be a better fit. School aged children will meet at 2:00-3:00 p.m. to discuss selected books, enjoy a craft, and have a small snack. Registration for this YDL Whittaker event is required however by calling 482-4110 ext.1340.


Kids Book Groups Dates:

• Saturday, January 28
• Saturday, February 25
• Saturday, March 24
• Saturday, April 21
• Saturday, May 19

Your young teen has a group of their own too with the Tween Book Club at Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti). Tweens ages 10-13 will get together at 7:00 p.m. to read and discuss books of your choice. At the first meeting we will discuss The Giver and vote on books YOU want to read for future meetings. Don't forget to register though!


Tween book Club Dates:

• Tuesday, January 31
• Tuesday, February 28
• Tuesday, March 27
• Tuesday, April 24
• Tuesday, May 29

With all of these great book clubs available to the kids, it will surely be a busy winter!

Fun at the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum

Zach making snow at the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum.

I was given the opportunity to check out the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum the other day. Funny thing is, my kids have been there and I never have, so it was a fun experience for all of us! We were invited to check out the Winter Games activities (There was an ice carving demonstration, the kids had fun making snow and even got to create their own pocket hand warmers.) however we stayed to play too!



My children, as most children do, LOVE to get dirty and mostly love to be involved in things. At almost 6 and 8, they are also becoming very interested in "science" type projects and experiments so the day was not wasted. We got to learn more about water, light, motion, nature - Pretty much everything you can imagine being tucked neatly into one little downtown 4-story building. The kids LOVED running from exhibit to exhibit dragging mom along, and they loved experimenting!
I think my son mostly enjoyed the WA2HOM Ham Radio operator and my daughter favored stepping into a bubble, but with so many things to see and do, it's easy to forget what your favorite might be. I certainly would have liked to be able to play more myself, or maybe explain a bit more about the science behind each of the activities, but they were too busy checking everything out.
 
 If you take your family, I recommend having at least 4 hours to explore - and don't worry about your child becoming bored, as there is so much to see and do.

Future Survivor contender? Gabby was challenged to catch the 4
balls before they dropped into the basket! The balls beat her though.

As a parent I would recommend tag-team parenting when you visit the AAHOM though. Even with my own two, it was hard not to get pulled into two directions; As one child found something amazing in one corner of the room, the other was running across the room finding something else! I did like though, that much of the space allows mom and dad to have a clear line-of-sight connection to their child. Another tip would be to either skip the water area on the lower level saving it to your last stop, or consider bringing a dry shirt. Even my two were all too happy to get wet!

Getting wet at the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum!

I found the museum to be bright and colorful, neat and well managed. The staff was all to happy to help too! And of course my kids LOVED the gift shop...  Thankfully it's not too difficult to say yes to educational toys.

A visit to the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum would be a great way to introduce out-of-town visitors to one of the many great Ann Arbor attractions while keeping your youngest visitors happy too. For those in and around town, families can always find fun, exciting and educational events and activities at the Ann Arbor Hands on Museum (like this weeks Winter Games) that keep you coming back for more.

Ann Arbor Hands on Museum | 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor 48104


Museum Hours:
Mon. - Sat.: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Open Tuesdays 9:00 a.m.)
Sunday: noon - 5:00 p.m.

Museum Admission:
Members: free
Admission (ages 2 and up): $10
Under 2: free admission
ACM Travel Passport Museum Guests: free admission
ASTC Travel Passport Museum Guests: Museums within 90 miles- $5, +90 miles - free admission

County Farm Park: Nature's Playground

Playing in the dirt, on the playground or wandering the bike paths and trails,
there is a lot to do at County Farm Park in Ann Arbor!

Last week my son and I attended a free activity program with Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation called "Dig Dirt" at County Farm Park. I hadn't been to the park since the county renovated it a year or so ago, and was amazed at how well it is now set up. The natural beauty of the area and landscaping heightens the fun farm-friendly playground equipment. It is a playground any child would love to explore!

The park has plenty of shade, a beautiful covered pavilion, nature trails and bike path's, and gardens snuggled among the paths and play equipment. In my opinion, the park would best serve the under 6 set, however my 7 year old had fun swinging off the play structure and didn't complain much! So the next time you're off to discover new parts of Ann Arbor, take the kidd-o's to County Farm Park to wander.

Kids younger than 6 will especially love County Farm Park, however older
brothers and sisters will certainly find something to do!

Family Event: Rollin Hills Pond Discovery

Spring is in the air, the birds and frogs are singing and flowers are beginning to bloom. If you children are beginning to wonder about the outdoors and what happens there, then join in the fun April 30 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Rolling Hills for "The Ins and Outs of a Pond". This free Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation program is approrpriate for kids of all ages as they explore the pond to capture creatures and view a brief slide presentation.

Meet at the Rolling Hills Park in the lodge by the sledding hill.

Free Program: Kids create a felt ball

On Wednesday March 2, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek Branch (3090 E. Eisenhower Pkw., Ann Arbor) kids, teens and youth can make their own felt balls using sheeps wool. It's a neat process where warm, wet soapy water and hands help the wool felt into amazing shapes - Youth can create felt beads to string a necklace, a pet toy or just a fun baby ball!

The program is free to participate in.

 

 

Sap to Syrup: Take the Family To Learn to Make Your Own Maple Syrup

On Saturday March 5, families can join Faye Stoner (Naturalist, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation) for the yearly free Sap to Syrup presentation where families learn about making their own maple syrup. Advance registration is needed and space is limited, so be sure to call soon to pre-register for the event (734) 971-6337, ext. 334. The program runs 1:00-2:00 p.m. for families and 3:00-4:00 p.m. for adults only at the County Farm Park. Maat at the Field Operations Bldg., next to the playground at the Platt Rd. entrance.

My family has taken the seminar led by Faye and has since made our own maple syrup from sap. It's great fun and a wonderful addition to Sunday morning breakfasts!

This Weekend: Candy Making Class for Parents & Kids

I thought this was a great option for those parents who would like to try making candy with their children but don't want to mess up their own kitchens.

This Sunday, December 5 there is a Parent/Child candymaking class at Ann Arbor Cooks (5060 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor 48103)from 2:00-4:30 p.m.

Parents can team up with their kids to make some yummy holiday treats including chocolate peppermint bark, chocolate truffles, sea salt caramels, and homemade toasted coconut marshmallows. If you'd prefer not to eat all the treats at home, consider this a great way for your child to make their own holiday gifts!

The class is geared for a for a parent and child (ages 6-12 years) team and cost $60 for the pair.

Thanksgiving Weekend Activities for the Whole Family in Ann Arbor

FROM AnnArbor.com:

If you are not in a food coma from all the turkey, out shopping for the crazy deals or decorating for the holidays, there are many great family activities to do this weekend with the kids. Here is a few fun family activities in and around Ann Arbor.


Practice Writing Skills and Letters
Beginning on November 26, kid’s can bring their letters to Santa to Santa’s mailbox located on Liberty Street, in front of Organic Bliss (117 E. Liberty Street). All letters received by December 16th will be answered.

Feed the Birds
Shhh, I heard of a little secret... Behind the nature center at Kensington Metro Park (2240 W. Buno Road, Milford), the birds will literally eat out of your hands if you take along some black oil sunflower seeds. What a great way to get out into nature! On November 26, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks will waive vehicle entry fees and boat launch fees for annual “Appreciation Days”.

Get Your Skate On
Take a break from shopping on November 26 to strap on your ice skates from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Yost Ice Arena (1000 South State Street, Ann Arbor). Open skate times at Veterans Ice Arena (2150 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor) are also available on November 27-28 at 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. or at the Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Rink (2751 Packard Road, Ann Arbor) on November 28 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. or 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.

Get Crafty
On Saturday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. children and adults alike can decorate an ornament free with in-store purchase at Michael’s Crafts. (Actually I blogged on holiday crafts at Michael's Crafts earlier this month...)

Add A Little Holiday Spirit
On Sunday Night when your family is about to head back to school and work, get into the holiday spirit by attending the Kerrytown Market & Shops Annual Tree Lighting Festival (407 N. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) from 5:30 - 6:00 p.m. Join in to welcome the holidays in the courtyard with Christmas carols, candle luminaries and Santa lighting the tree!

Free Building Project (Great to Tuck Away for a Holiday Gift!)

The Home Depot's Kids Workshops offer useful projects including the creation of toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as a window birdhouse, bughouse or Declaration of Independence frame kit.



Join in the fun at the FREE Kinds "How To" workshop at Home Depot as a way for your child to make a perfect holiday gift for a parent or grendparent! On November 6, kids can build their very own spice rack from 9:00 am - noon at participating Home Depot locations.

The workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills and tool safety, while at the same time helping to instill a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, this fun time allows for quality one-on-one time between adults and children. In addition to their free and newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, and an achievement pin!

Free Bouncing Session at Jump City This Friday!

Do your children like to bounce in those large inflatable bounce houses? Of course they do, but it'll often cost you an arm and a leg to pay for them to bounce. This Friday, October 15 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm though, kids can bounce for FREE at Jump City (2825 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor).
Take the opportunity to enjoy a fun experience with your children as parents and care givers receive valuable information regarding the November elections. This is a great chance to build public will for advocating on behalf of Michigan's youngest citizens and is sponsored by the Great Start Parent Coalition.

For questions or to RSVP for this event, contact Althea Wilson, Parent Liaison for the Great Start Parent Coalition at awilson.firststeps@gmail.com or 734-678-4653.

Staying In Ann Arbor This Weekend? Try These Family Events

Not going anywhere this holiday weekend? That doesn't mean you have to be stuck with nothing to do. There are some great things going on in and around Ann Arbor this weekend, check it out:

Saturday, September 4:

• Start the day bright and early with a fun 8:00 a.m. bird hike at Hudson Mills Metropark (8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter). Its an inexpensive fun way to start your morning costing only $2 per person plus the vehicle entry cost - Just be sure to call now to register 734-426-8211.
• For those parents who are unwilling to get out that early, after swinging by one of the many local farmers markets for a treat, head over to see Curious George who is making a guest appearance at the Washtenaw Avenue Barnes & Nobel for storytime at 11:00 a.m.
• For families interested in the areas great farming heritage, gardening, preserving or even if you simply have a kid who likes visiting the farm, check out the Rentschler Farm Museum in Saline between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - it is an interesting local farm full of history!
• The electronic signage in Ypsilanti on I-94 has reminded me that season football tickets for EMU are reasonably priced, so why not take the kids to EMU vs. Army football game starting at 7:00 p.m.?

Sunday, September 5:

• The Saline Community Fair begins next week, however there is an early pre-view beginning at 10:00 a.m.!
• This is one we've been trying to get to all summer. The plethora of great local artisan's in Ann Arbor makes the Sunday Artisan Market a must see for the entire family! It's open from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m so there is no excuse NOT to visit.
• Let the music be heard and join in the fun at Dancing in the Streets (Corner of Main and Washington Streets) in downtown Ann Arbor at 6:30 p.m. - This once a year festival is great fun for children of all ages!

Monday, September 6:

• Check out the Beasts at the Beach at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This fun program will highlight snakes and turtles in the area, not the sunbathers!
• More time to spend at the Saline Community Fair - For those of you kissing the Michigan State Fair!
• This may be one of your last chances to check out the Block Party at The Ann Arbor Hand's On Museum! It'll be gone at the end of September...

No matter what have a happy holiday weekend, enjoying the last long weekend of the summer spending it with family and friends. I am sure you will have fun no matter WHAT you do. And for those interested in other activities or events, be sure to check out the events calendar at AnnArbor.com!

Register Now for Upcoming Kids Build-it Clinics

I'm back - After a great family vacation I thought I'd better get back to work providing Ann Arbor families some great free and low cost ideas! Since these building clinics often require advance registration, I thought to pass them along:

• Doesn't matter which football team your kids support, at Home Depot they can build their own football stand on Saturday September 4 from 9:00 a.m. - noon. (I'm thinking too that it might be possible to flip this over for a small football shaped shelf/stool too!). This hands-on free workshop is designed for children ages 5-12 and is available at participating Home Depot locations.
• On Saturday, September 11 at 10:00 a.m. your children can build the family pooch a cute leash hanger for free at Lowe's! This dog-friendly kid's building clinic requires advanced registration though at the Lowe's Build and Grow website!
• Teach your kids about fire safety and have some fun doing it while building an awesome Fire Truck on Saturday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m.  This Lowe's Build and Grow project kit even includes a working siren and stickers. Make sure to register early though so that the classes are not filled up!

Are you looking for something interetsing (and free) to do this weekend? On Saturday, August 28, 2010 from noon - 7:00 p.m. be sure to stop by the Westgate shopping center (W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor 48103) for some family friendly fun at the Westgate Festival.

The event will provide a variety of kid activities and educational opportunities from the Learning Express, Nicholas Books and Leslie Science Center - Plus there will be plenty of musical entertainment, an Ambassador program and prize rally, and a “Back to school supplies drive” to benefit SOS Community Crisis Center. All local families are encouraged to come enjoy the great food and entertainment this family event has to offer!

Create Your Own Ice Cream Bowl This Sunday!

After some very HOT, humid weather in the Ann Arbor area of late, I'm personally ready for a break. I've been cooped up inside with the A/C blaring coming out only after dark. I'm starting to feel like a vampire... Maybe that's an exageration, however I know of families everywhere who have been hiding from the heat, and that's where this fun (and cool) event comes in... How about having a "Sundae" @ the Ann Arbor Art Center?

On Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Ann Arbor area families are invited to head over to the Art Center to paint their very own, one-of-a-kind, ceramic ice cream bowl. Your bowl will be fired and ready for pick up after the event, and while you wait, enjoy your very own ice cream sundae! Since the kids typically get finished much faster than the adults when doing craft projects, the folks at the Ann Arbor Art Center will also have face painting, balloon animals, and a building scavenger hunt for the day.

This would be a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, together with the people you love most. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchase online at the Ann Arbor Art Center or by calling, 734.994.8004 x 101.

Upcoming Kids Craft Events

Check out the great upcoming craft projects that are happening throughout the month of July at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor).

Sunday, July 18, 2010:
Stop into the store between 11:30am and 5:30pm to get a free color-in tattoo. If your children are like mine, this event will be a "must do" family outing... Tree town Toys staff will help kids apply the temporary tattoos that they can color in!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010:
Pablo Picasso saw geometric shapes in the planes of the human body - He didn't worry if facial features were scattered on the canvas. Think of his artwork as the perfect kid friendly project! From 1:30-2:30 p.m. kids ages 6+ will learn how to use a variety of angles and shapes to capture energy and motion in a Picasso-inspired portrait with Faber-Castell watercolor pencils on a canvas. Cost for this kids’ project is $5. Please make sure to register in advance by calling 734-929-6545.

Thursday, 22, 2010:
Children ages 6+ may create a one-of-a-kind "designer puppy" from 10:00-11:30 a.m. - Each pup can be designed as a favorite dog breed or create a one-of-a-kind polka dotted pooch! All puppies get tired, so kids will also decorate a bed for their puppy. Cost for entire project is $6.

Saturday, July 24, 2010:
Sticky Mosaics are a fun way to create magnificent mosaic artwork. It's also an excellent summer learning activity since children follow the numbers and place the colorful sticky foam squares onto the patterns. From 3:00-4:00 p.m. kids can create one mosaic in the store and get a second, different pattern, to take home to occupy their time later. This activity is geared towards children ages 3+ and costs $3.00.

More events will posted next week, so stay tuned. To RSVP to any of their kids' events, check out the Tree Town Toys Facebook fan page, or the Tree Town Toys website or call the store at 734-929-6545.

Life Lesson: Teaching Gratitude with a Side of Math!

Zach and I headed over to Food Gatherers today for their Family Volunteer Day - Which was really a block of 90-minutes instead of all day. It was a great activity for him, very age appropriate, and was just long enough to hold his attention for a lesson in being socially responsible by helping others.

My first objective, was to make sure that he understood what the Food Gatherers organization was about. I settled on telling him that Food Gatherers is a place where food is collected to give to those that can't afford to go buy groceries. A clearer explanation for him though came while we were driving when I mentioned the "food bank warehouse" and Zach pipped up "You mean it's like the bank where I put my college money?" "Actually yes that's exactly what it is. Food Gatherers takes food from people like you and I (we brought a few cans to donate which helped) and then stores it for people who need groceries. Families can then take their groceries out of the bank!" That still doesn't completely encompass what Foodgatherer's is, but it worked easily enough and further explanation came when we were inside volunteering.

Zach and I were actually assigned to the Carrot Cake Crew (or maybe that was what we called it!) where we created 2-pound bags of carrot cake mix from larger bulk bags. I was thrilled to do this too because not only was it a lesson in volunterring, but this job was a quick "math lesson" as well: 

"We have 3 bags already packaged Zach, how many more do we need to reach 8?"

"Each box needs 16 bags of cake mix and there are 11 already there. How many more bags do we need to put into the box?"

Zach thoroughly enjoyed being the one to scoop the cake mix into the bag on a scale, he also really liked watching the scale adjust until he got each bag weighed just right.  He was a tad on the short side though and complained - only briefly - that his arms were hurting. (I don't blame him at all!) So instead he sealed the bags and carried them over to the packing boxes.

He and I bagged around 36 bags of mix, and never once did he ask to go home! He didn't even mind the clean up portion and grabbed the broom with glee... If only he volunteered to help like that at home!

If they asked I'm certain he would have wanted to stay all day...

Our morning was a great way to spend time together, to enjoy helping others and was a great way to instill gratitude into Zach. I would do it again in a heartbeat and will be watching very closely for more family volunteer days - If you would be interested in family volunteer opportunities, be sure to sign up for the Food Gatherers e-mail list.

Free Kids Craft Projects Tomorrow at Michael's Crafts

Be sure to take your family to a local Michael's craft store tomorrow, March 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for a FREE family "Make It, take It" event. While supplies last, kids can create a fun spring craft project with new Crayola® Model Magic® Presto Dots™!

I'll admit, I've seen the Crayola® Model Magic® Presto Dots™ in the store while wandering aimlessly and have been intrigued - they sure look interesting, and fun, plus the opportunity to create a "messy project" in someone else's space tops my reasons for wanting to attend! Supplies may become quickly limited, so be sure to arrive early.

The nearest area Michael’s location is at 3655 Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor with a second store nearby in Canton, a short 15-minute drive from the Ann Arbor area.

Wondering What Things There Are to do With Kids in Ann Arbor?

The folks at AnnArbor.com have compiled the "The Mother List: Resources for families around Ann Arbor" that includes all sorts of things to do with your kids around Ann Arbor.  Check it out is you are stumped, it might bring to light new ideas!

Family Fun at the 2nd Annual Boxcar Derby This Saturday!

I grew up in Huntington Woods near the Detroit Zoo. It was a great childhood - We were able to play kick the can well into darkness on warm summer nights, my parents allowed us to ride bikes to local drug stores and we were even allowed to get quite dangerous on a rather large hill that was two blocks East of my house. And when I say we "played" on that hill, I mean we rode bikes, skateboards, roller-skates or even in home-made "soapbox cars" or other vehicles to drive down the hill in the MIDDLE OF THE STREET! While I do not condone playing in the street, I have amazing memories of the fun summer days we had, and really enjoyed riding down the hill. That's why I was excited to hear about the 2nd Annual Boxcar Derby on March 20th!

This Saturday, any Ann Arbor area child - elementary school kids to University of Michigan college "kids", or anyone in beteen can build cars and race them downhill near the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house. Food and finish line antics make it a perfect day for kids and families whether they are a racer, a sideline supervisor or a member of the cheering audience. Check out Youtube to see a video of last years boxcar derby event!

So be sure to stop by and check it out, Saturday 10am-1pm at S. University between Oxford and Walnut in Ann Arbor - I'm sure it'll be a fun day for all.

Upcoming Kids Building Projects

Here are several fun FREE upcoming kids building projects at the local Ann Arbor Lowes and Home Depot stores:

February 27

It’s a car, it’s a robot -It’s both! Bring your child to Lowe’s in Ann Arbor (3900 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti 48197) where they can build their own "Lowebot" - Just remember to sign up for the Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics online first!

March 6:

It's getting closer and closer to spring - Enjoy searching for spring seeds while your child builds the perfect rain gauge for your family garden. Kids ages 5-12 can join in the fun at Home Depot (3300 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti 48197) from 9:00 a.m. till noon.

March 13:

It’s March madness in and out of your home, so why not celebrate tournament time with a kids building clinic at Lowes? Bring your child into the store where they can create their very own Tabletop Basketball game.