Wee, It's Time for the Dawn Farm Jamboree

Kids will find lots to do at the Dawn Farm
Jamboree. From bounce houses to climbing
walls, music and more. AND it's all free!

I drove by the sign yesterday so I know that "it's time for the Dawn Farm Jamboree" wee... A few years ago we attended this fun, local event. The kids loved it, and more importantly it is FREE!

On September 11 from 1:00-6:00 p.m., stop by the Dawn Farm (6633 Stoney Creek Rd., Ypsilanti) for a free event for the whole family. Find live music, hayrides, a petting zoo (OK you can pet all the animals on the farm), pony rides,kids activities, a rock wall, a silent auction and so much more.

Of course if you wanted to donate any money towards the organization, I am CERTAIN that they wouldn't turn it away as their mission is to provide individuals with alcohol and other drug addictions recovering success!

Junie B. Jones Comes to the Toledo Zoo

On Saturday, February 8, everyone’s favorite first-grader comes to the Toledo Zoo’s Indoor Theatre. This live one-hour musical from New York will get your kids giggling over smelly school buses, “personal beeswax” journals and – of course – a little monkey business.

Show times for this family performance are 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Admission for the show is $17 for Toledo Zoo Members and $18 for Non-Members.

Tickets for Junie B. Jones at The Toledo Zoo are available for purchase in person at the Zoo’s box office, located inside Visitor’s Services at our Anthony Wayne Trail Entrance.

"Dive-In" Movie is Good Clean Fun

Be sure to check out Despicable Me 2 as it is shown during the Dive-In Movie at the Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St, Ann Arbor) on Saturday, February 1. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. for just $5/adults, $4 youth with kids under 3 getting free admission!

Noon Years Eve at the Toledo Zoo

This sounds like a fun way to ring in the New Year even if it happens 12 hours early!

The Toledo Zoo is hosting Noon Year's Eve to ring in 2014. Your family can raise a toast to the New Year with some tasty juice, sing a round of “Auld Lang Syne” and watch the ball rise… all at the stroke of noon! There’s even a place where you can make a few ReZOOlutions to be a little greener in the new year.

The fun starts at 11:00 a.m until 1:00 p.m. on December 31. Activities that families will find include  ice carving demonstration, cool crafts in the African Lodge, a visit with the Zoo mascots, and a special snack. The zoo ice rink will also be open starting at 11:00 a.m.

Don’t miss the fun!

Mack Indoor Pool Family Splash Days This Winter

A great way to enjoy special time with the kids is during Mack Indoor Pool Family Splash Days.

Splash Days at Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St., Ann Arbor) are on select Sunday afternoons throughout the winter. Families will enjoy special games, activities, prizes and of course swimming! Activities are from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on December 15, 29; January 12, 26; February 9, 23; March 16, 30; April 13, 27; and May 18.

For more information call 734.794.6237 or visit the Mack Pool Website. All activities and prizes are covered with paid admission. Adult: $5, Youth under 17 & Senior 55+: $4. Children ages 3 and under receive free admission.  During Mack Indoor Pool Family Splash Days bring one child and receive 50% off admission for a second child!

Back-to-School Picnic at the Leslie Science & Nature Center

Families are sure to enjoy the Back-to-School Picnic this weekend at
the Leslie Science & Nature Center.

This Saturday, September 21, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. be sure to stop by the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor) for a back to school picnic. The family event will feature live music from Gemini, guided hikes, field games, the Critter House, and of course the resident Raptors. The music starts at noon, so bring your picnic lunch and come early to find the best spot for your blanket.

The cost for this event is just $6 for as many people that can fit on your blanket! To register for the event in advance, visit the LSNC websites registration page.

Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree

As an active scouting parent, there was no doubt I would post this event when I ran into it yesterday at the Saline Community Fair. I'm just sad to know that I can't attend as I will be at a BSA Woodbadge course! The Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree though is the perfect way to stand behind the "No Child Left Indoors".

On Sunday, September 8, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., , kids can spend the day in the great outdoors learning many outdoor skills - shooting, archery, birding, fishing, boating, camping and even nature crafts. Families can see many displays ad participate in hands-on activities. Kids will find instruction in archery, dutch oven cooking, stand up paddle-boarding, fly fishing, outdoor photography and many, many more nature-based activities. Kids can also learn all about habitat and environmental projects and possibly take part in a live Chukar hunt (pre-registration for the Chukar hunt is required.).

Get a total outdoor experience for the whole family. Food vendors will be on site or bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the lake. Make sure to bring a water bottle and a backpack or tote bag for all the goodies you'll be taking home. Dress for the weather as the Great Outdoors Youth Jamboree will be held rain or shine. This is a free event that will take place at the Lake Hudson State Recreation Area (5505 Morey Highway, Clayton MI) so families will need to have the recreation passport or pay the minimal entry fee into the park.

Be sure to thank the event sponsors for this fantastic opportunity - Pheasant's Forever, the Michigan Pheasants Restorative Initiative and the Michigan DNR.

Family Fun Activities at the Saline Summerfest

Updated for 2013:

The Saline Summerfest promises family fun for everyone starting tonight! The schedule of events is jam-packed beginning with an arts & crafts show at 5:00 p.m. Take a look and pop over to Saline for some good, old-time family fun! Check out some of the more family-friends and kid-friendly events happening this year at the festival:

August 9:

4:30 p.m. Tricycle Races return!
5:00-9:00 p.m. Art & Craft show

6:00-8:00 p.m. dance, karate and twirling demonstrations
6:00-8:00 p.m. car show

August 10:

7:30-8:00 and a.m. Kid's Fishing Contest Registration - Contest 8:00-10:00 a.m. Kids 14 and under.

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Vendor booths open
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Street Machines car show
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Electric car show

10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Art & craft show

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Kid's games open. The area includes an inflatable obstacle course, bouncer, face painting, and more...

Noon - 4:00 p.m. Historical Society Trolley tours
12:00-12:30 p.m. Watermelons eating contest and egg toss (On the website there is a second mention of this happening at 1:00/1:30 p.m. too!)
1:00 p.m. Karate demo
2:00-3:00 p.m. Rubber Duck Race

4:30-5:30 p.m. Kids and Adult Tricycle Race
6:30-9:30 p.m. Photo Booth

While the event is partially free, some areas, like the kids game area cost $4 for an all-day wrist band. This grants preschoolers and children, ages 2-8, unlimited activities and fun!

During Summerfest there is plenty of music and fun, it certainly all can't be captured in this brief post. For more information on the event, be sure to visit the Saline Summerfest website!

High Flying Fun & Amazement During Thunder Over Michigan

If you have children, especially ones that LOVE airplanes, the head over to the Yankee Air Museum for the Thunder Over Michigan airshow this weekend.

The airshow, August 10-11, will feature a gathering of A-1 Sky Raiders, an AC-47 Gunship, a C-123 and a WWII battle reenactment. There is so much packed into one afternoon for only $35 and kids under 15 get free admission. Parking for the day is $15.


Experience the Ann Arbor areas most exciting aviation events ~ From the top fighters and bombers of WWII, to a special salute to Vietnam, to the heart-pounding modern military aerial demos.

Bring your sunscreen and sunglasses and be ready to keep your eyes to the skies!

Wayne County Fair in Belleville August 3-8

Ann Arbor area residents are lucky - There is the Washtenaw County Fair PLUS the Wayne County fairgrounds are at our back-door.

This week, August 3-8, the Wayne County Fair will be going on in Belleville with events from he typical 4-H livestock showings to a talent show, carnival rides, all the "fair food" one desires, demolition derby's and so much more!

For families, the best times to visit the fairgrounds are when discounts are in place (of course). For the past several years I have competed in the talent show and have brought the family along, this year thought I will think about taking the kids for Wednesday's carnival day where kids can ride all they want for $10 or possibly we'll attend during Friday night's track event where kids under 5 get in free!
Events Schedule:
Aug. 3-8 - 2009 Wayne County Fair
Aug. 5-8 - Carnival
Aug. 6 - Night of Destruction
Aug. 7 - USA Auto Enduro Run Derby
Aug. 8 - Michigan Supercross Championship Series
The Wayne County Fair
10871 Quirk Road / Belleville, MI 48111
Phone: (734) 697-7002

The fairgrounds are located West of Belleville and North of the I-94 Service Drive.
For a full schedule of events visit the Wayne County Fair website. The website also has a $2 discount coupon good for events on Thurs - Sat night! Look for us there with sticky cotton-candy fingers and smiles on our faces!!!



Creative Commons License / photo credits: WayneCtyFair

Spend Saturday with a Sundae @ the Ann Arbor Art Center

Summer and ice cream go hand in hand and next Saturday is the perfect time to enjoy your Saturday with a sundae. The best part is, you are helping to support the Ann Arbor Art Center (117 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor).
On Saturday, June 15, 1:00-4:00 p.m. for only $10 the entire family can paint a ceramic ice cream bowl then create their one of a kind sundae to enjoy. Ann Arbor Art Center Family Level Members get free admission to this event.

For more information on Sundae @ the Ann Arbor Art Center visit the Ann Arbor Art Center website.

Celebrate El Dia De Los Ninos With Your Family

I never had the opportunity to learn a language until I was in high school, and I'll never forget being introduced to Spanish my freshman year... That same year I visited my uncle in San Antonio and since I was learning Spanish, we were taken across the boarder to experience "Mexico". I actually understood much of what was being said - Well maybe not much of what was being said, but I am blonde and there were a lot of comments about me and my hair which I thought was fascinating.

The Ann Arbor District Library & Ypsilanti District Library join forces
to celebrate El Dia De Los Ninos this weekend. It's fun for the entire family!

That's why I am thrilled that my son is being exposed to Spanish in elementary school - He'll even have Spanish every year through eigth grade!

Our library has a bi-lingual story-time on every other Saturday, and unfortunately we've only been able to attend a few sessions.  I did however hear about the El Dia de los Ninos (Children's Day) and El Dia de los Libros this weekend  I thought it might be a fun event to attend.

On Sunday, April 28, the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor District Libraries have joined forces to offer the FREE family event that will include kids crafts projects, refreshments and even a Mariachi Band - This family event is sure to be Muy Bueno for all!

El Dia De Los Ninos
April 28, 2013 - 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room
Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti)
For more information on this event call the YDL Library at 482-4110.

Enjoy dancing, crafts, refreshments and music by -Mariachi Mexico 2000. Join other Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti families on this traditional day of celebrating children in Latin America as the library promotes literacy for all people of all cultural and language backgrounds.

Family Day at the UM Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

I love Ann Arbor and all that it has to offer. There are so many free events and activities that families of all ages can enjoy. Many of the programs are enriching for mom and dad as well as the kids! Kelsey Museum Family Day programs are one of those great family opportunities.

The Family Day programs are designed for children (aged 5-12) to learn about the ancient world. Each two-hour program brings the past alive through creative educational and hands-on activities. Programs throughout the year include The Egyptian Family Days feature a hieroglyphs, the chance to create a mummy, and crown and jewelry design, while other Family Days are feature special exhibitions. One thing is for sure though, each free program provides creative educational activities for youth to learn about ancient lives on those living in ancient Egypt, Greece or Rome.

The next Kelsey Museum Family Day program is scheduled for Saturday, April 20 at 1:00-3:00 p.m. Bring the whole family to experience ancient Egypt while exploring the museum galleries and artifacts. This is a FREE event, although donations are always welcome. For more information visit the UM Kelsey Museum website or call 734-647-4167. Advanced registration is not necessary for this event.

Week 5 - Weekend Events Round-up: Feb 1-3

It's FRIDAY - While the snow day in Ann Arbor on Monday threw many off this week, there's no denying that the end of the week has arrived. So what's to do in Ann Arbor with kids this weekend you ask? Stay warm I'd reply. The freezing temps should not freeze the family at home though, get out, explore and find something fun to do.

My family will watch my daughter cheer for Upward on Saturday, then hit the slopes on Sunday with a ski package through the Girl Scouts. I'm excited to take the kids skiing. Giving them a taste of the slopes sure sounds like fun even if it will be a little chilly. Last I heard though we were expecting the sun to peek out too!!!

So what's there to do? Have any activities or events in mind for the kids or even the whole family? I'm hoping the An Arbor Mom blog will help provide something fun to do!
 
Friday, February 1

I know that it is after work, and everyone is exhausted, but how does a Family Fun Nightat University of Michigan Museum of Natural History sound? From 5:00-9:00 p.m. -enjoy all sorts of great science and nature, only don't expect the exhibits to come alive!

If braving the cold to explre outdoors sounds more your speed, head to the Buhr Park Ice Arena (2751 Packard St, Ann Arbor) for a special Sci-Fi (or as I call it Sci-FRI!) skate 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. The entire family will enjoy skating to themed music. Be sure to dress the part though for a chance to win a prize for the best costume!!!

Saturday February 2

Brave the cool morning and pray for spring to come during Michigan's annual Groundhog Day celebration. If that seems too chilly, then take the kids to a Groundhog Day Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy some fun stories in the indoor warmth, create a craft and even make a groundhog goodie.

Home Depot might already be on your list of errands to run, so be sure to let the kids drop in on their free kids building workshop this month! It sure looks like a cute little wheel of love they are planning to build.

Another great way to spend time this weekend is through better understanding where you came from with a hands-on demos at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History ( 1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor). The free program called "DNA and Race" runs Saturday's at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and is geared for kids ages 5 and up.  Explore DNA and better understand how it makes up our bodies. Kids will also explore the relationship between DNA and and the idea of race. Does DNA determine skin color? What’s the relationship between skin color and what we think of as race? Are there any biological or genetic markers that define race?

Can't get to the museum for this program? Fear not, they are also bringing the program to you during a Family Science Workshop at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) at 3:00 p.m.

Sunday February 3

Your family has another chance to explore DNA at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History at 3:00 p.m.

Have you heard of other fun free events? What about other events that are reasonably priced for the family? I'm always looking to post great ideas for families on a budget - Just let me know!
 

Kindlefest in Kerrytown

On Friday, November 30, 6:00-10:00 p.m. families can experience Kerrytown and the season during the fourth annual Kindlefest celebration. Hear the music and carolers, warm up by one of many firepits, roast s'mores and chestnuts, find holiday greens and many artisans buying local this season. Shhh, Santa might even show up during this holiday event!

The Circus is Coming To Town!

Growing up I have fond memories of going to the circus. My grandpa and several uncles were members of the Masons which brought the circus to town. Clowns, fire-eaters, high wire acts - Cotton candy, cool flashing flash-lights - horses, dog acts, elephants - The whole nine yards!

This Sunday, the Kelly Miller Circus is coming to town. So take the kids and make some memories!

Kelly Miller Circus
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Lakeshore Apartments, Ypsilanti MI
Show times at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

If you can't splurge on the tickets (which are reasonably priced for pre-sale tickets) stop by at see the elephants raising the big-top tents during set up at sunrise. Advance tickets are $10 for adult and $6.00 for children under 12. Proceeds to benefit Care Charities. Tickets can be purchased at Aachen Auto, Lakeshore Apts, Keybank on E Michigan Ave.

Weekend Events Round-Up: August 10-12

This weekend, area families can enjoy lots of good old-fashioned family fun at the Saline Summerfest and Dexter Daze on Friday and Saturday. A friend was just asking me about the free dinosaur tours that happen each weekend too, that's always a lot of fun. Of course with the rain, families might consider other indoor activities like bouncing at Pump It Up in Canton (Friday night 5:30-7:00 p.m.), at Jump-City in Ann Arbor (Friday 6:30-9:00 p.m. or Sunday 4:00-6:00 p.m.) or at Xtreme Bounce Zone (Saturday 2:00-5:00 p.m.). There is nothing like bouncing all of your willies out weather is not cooperating!

Whatever you choose to do this weekend in Ann Arbor with kids, have fun and stay dry!  

What will you do with the kids during this rainy weekend? Nothing should stop you from enjoying all that Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Dexter have to offer. There are plenty of great activities and events for everyone!

Friday, August 10

Does your toddler or preschool aged child have Friday morning fever? Then make sure to head to the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) at 10:30 a.m. to remedy that with some engaging library fun!

 Saturday, August 11

Step into the Lowe's building clinic at 10:00 a.m. - Just make sure you are pre-registered. This weekend they are making a fun Shrek toy.

Saturday building clinics begin at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday clinics begin at 2:00 p.m. Be sure to register for these free events at the Lowe's Build and Grow website.

Although school is a few weeks away, take the kids to Whole Foods (3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) from 1:00-4:00 p.m. to sample healthy back-to-school snacks perfect for after school treats or packing in the lunchbox. Every student will receive a “report card” to grade six snacks then can turn in the completed report card to receive a free prize! There will be music and entertainment during the free event as well.

Teens ages 10+ are invited to stop by the Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Township) at 2:00-3:30 p.m. to make guitar string bangle bracelets. Create an original and stylish, summer wardrobe accessory.

Does your teen like anime, then stop at the Anime Typhoon at Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) at 3:30-5:30 p.m. to watch and discuss new (and old favorite) anime films.

Sunday, August 12:

The circus is in town! (I have fond memories and recognize that many in Ann Arbor feel differently, but I'm hoping some of you may appreciate knowing.) Shows are at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Lakeshore Apartments.

Dance around the Maypole or search for hidden Fairy Doors at the Sunday Artisan Market Fairy Door Festival from 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Fans got the heads up on seeing ET at the Rave Theaters last month, the movie, which is celebrating 30 years, will show at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Garden Programs at the Matthaei Botancal Gardens

Does your family like to dig in the dirt? Perhaps gardening is a pasttime at your home? Here are two programs that you might find fitting for the family.

Let your family enjoy the gardens at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Come and listen to stories that take place in gardens and then make a garden decoration to take home for your own garden. This program is $5.00 and is happening July 13 at 10:00 a.m.

The second program happens on July 25 at 10:00 a.m. and explores the Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden at Matthaei. Learn about the herbs and spices in the conservatory then make an herbal ice tea and a sachet to take home to enjoy later. The cost for this program is also $5.00.

It's never too early to get the kids into exploring the garden, however both of these programs might be best for older kids and teens! For more information and to register be sure to visit the Matthaei Botancal Gardens website.

Summer Carnival at Pioneer High School

From the Tilt-a-Whirl to elephant ears, everyone
will love this fun-filled family event.

June 20 is the first day of summer and for me anyway, the kids are already driving me crazy wanting to "do something". Are yours? If so, I may have a solution for those families looking for things to do.

On June 20-24 at Pioneer High School, the Ann Arbor Jaycees is hosting the 61st Annual Summer Carnival at Pioneer High School (601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor). At the carnival your family will find the typical midway foods, rides and carnival games they love as well as plenty of fun and entertainment for everyone! Families will find free admission to the carnival itself with $20 unlimited ride wristbands, however discount Summer Carnival wristbands are available for $2 off for families looking for a good deal!

Summer Carnival Hours:
June 20 - 6:00-11:00 p.m.
June 21 - 4:00-11:00 p.m.
June 22 - 1:00-11:00 p.m.
June 23 - 1:00-11:00 p.m.
June 24 - 12:00-11:00 p.m.

Be sure to stop by and get summer started with a bang by hanging at the Ann Arbor Jaycees 61st Annual Summer Carnival at Pioneer High School!

Free DSO Halloween Concert

Want to take the kids to enjoy the DSO for free? On October 29, (4) free tickets can be yours to the Halloween performance at the Max Fisher Center.

The first performance of the day at 10:00 a.m., Rock O’Ween,  featured the four Metro Detroit moms of Candy Band to bring you a spooktacular treat. Nursery rhymes will never be the same again! Come and listen as they play children’s songs with a rock twist.

At 11:00 a.m., families can enjoy the Thrills & Chills Young People’s Concert featuring Frank Oden. Bring your little ghosts and hobgoblins for some symphonic entertainment, scary tunes and traditional music for the whole family. Poet and actor Frank Olden will accompany the orchestra with poetry readings befitting Halloween as he takes the stage in his finest, scariest costumery.

During the event, the kids can even check out  a live bat display courtesy of the Organization for Bat Conservation at Cranbrook Institute of Science. All of this can be yours free!

DSO Halloween Concert
October 29, 2011
Max M. Fisher Music Center
3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit MI

To reserve your FREE ticket be sure to head to the DSO Halloween website.