Historic Tours of Parker Mill

My daughter watching with wonder how the
Parker Mill grist mill works. Take your family
on a free tour this October!

Sundays throughout September and October from 1:00-5:00 p.m. families can get a free tour of the Parker Grist Mill (4650 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor). Parker Mill is one of a few remaining pioneer grist mills still operational in southeastern Michigan.  Come and learn how the Parker family used water power to grind corn and wheat, turn a lathe and run other machines in their mill.  Your family can stop by anytime to visit, but a more formal detailed tour will begin at 3:00 for interested visitors.

My children have been there many times. In fact when we stopped by the other day after making our cider, they knew so much that they could almost lead the tour themselves. Oddly enough they continue to enjoy the wonders of watching the grist mill operate!

Bring along your camera too for photo ops. Parker Mill is one of the nicest natural places to take family photos too!!!

Michigan Free Fishing Weekend

The size of the fish is measured by a
kid's smile! Enjoy free fishing in
Michigan this weekend.

Every year the Michigan DNR sponsors free fishing weekends, with June 8-9, being one of them. Although kids can always fish for free, if you are a non-fishing adult, this is a great time to check out the sport and introduce your kids to fishing. Besides you can get out in nature together! All fishing license fees will be waived for the weekend, however all fishing regulations will still apply. That's right it's FREE fishing!

 There are some ideal Washtenaw County fishing spots for families available. My kids especially like the ease of fishing off the docks at Rolling Hills. While there are very few "keepers" caught there, you can be assured that the kids will catch something - This alleviates the long wait times often associated with fishing. Of course this also spoils your children a bit, but seeing their faces when catching fish, well that's priceless!

Events on Free Fishing Weekend

Free Fishing programs are also happening through Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation at Rolling Hills park from 10:00 a.m. - noon on June 10 or at Independence Lake Park, on June 11 from 10:00 a.m. - noon.  Poles, bait and instruction are provided for this free event. available. Pre-registration is required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org, (June 10: Section A:10-11/B:11-noon ; June 11 Section C: 10-11/ D: 11-noon). This event has a maximum of 15 people per session so be sure to register soon!

Hook Line & Sinker - Learn to fish with the DNR! Rods, bait and instructions will be provided at the Waterloo Recreation Area, Crooked Lake fishing pier in Chelsea at 10:00 a.m.

There were not many events listed at the time of publishing, but the State of Michigan has a partial list of Free Fishing Weekend events.

Want to learn to fish but can't get out this weekend? Then the Hook, Line and Sinker program with the DNR might be up your ally. Learn casting and fishing basics with a borrowed rod and reel if you don't have your own equipment. Hook, Line and Sinker programs begin in mid-June and continue throughout the summer. There is one Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m. At Crooked Lake Fishing Pier in Washtenaw County!

So make a date with the kids or start a new tradition while having some great fishing fun. It's time to enjoy that Michigan fishing!

Free Dental Health Care at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Each year, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry Student Council sponsors Dental Health Day for kids ages 4-18. This free dental clinic will be offered on March 31, 2018 to Ann Arbor and surrounding communities.

Because of the increasing cost of dental care, lack of information about dental services and changes in insurance coverage, many people refrain from seeking dental evaluation and service until they are experiencing pain, or find themselves in and emergency situation. Dental Health Day was designed to allow more people, who would otherwise refrain from seeking dental treatment, to receive basic dental health care, free of charge, reducing risks of emergencies.

This year, Dental Health Day will be held March 31, at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University in Ann Arbor. Individuals regardless of income can participate in the program. An appointment is not necessary, however, patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Treatments will not be provided. Registration will start at 7:30 and will continue until noon or until 100 patients have been evaluated. All participants will receive FREE oral exams, FREE oral cancer
screenings, FREE dental x-rays and FREE oral hygiene instruction. Please enter the School of Dentistry at the North University Avenue entrance. Parking will be available at the Fletcher Street parking structure.

If you have further questions or seek additional information, please contact U of M School of Dentistry (989) 787-0712, e-mail them at gkasumsod@gmail.com or visit the School of Dentistry's website.

Imagination Library

Several years ago I learned about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. In fact, my daughter participated for about a year through Washtenaw Success By 6 Great Start Collaborative. At the time, and currently, Washtenaw County families living in Ypsilanti can register to participate, specifically families residing in the 48197 or 48198 ZIP codes can participate.

Think of it. A new, hardcover, age-appropriate book mailed to your home every month until your child reaches age 5. That means that by the time your child enters kindergarten they will have their own library of books.

"My girls love when these books arrive every month," said Jenny Kukiela of Ypsilanti, "some of them have even become family favorites!" 

Children that are accepted into the program receive free books each month until their turn 5. To register your child, visit the Imagination Library website. Southeastern Michigan families can register their children as well.

Passport 2 Pittsfield

On May 7, explore Pittsfield Township, learning
about the community while finding many fun family activities and freebies!

Another weekend event for the whole family is the Passport 2 Pittsfield Event. This free event on Sunday, May 7, from 1:00–4:00 p.m.allows families will explore Pittsfield Township as they fill their "Passport".

Families will collect stamps and goodies as you travel throughout the Township stopping by each of the locations to tour the buildings, share your ideas, and learn about the services that Pittsfield Township has to offer. Activities you can encounter along the way include:

• Free line dancing
• Play Earth Day Bingo
• Free coloring book for the kids
• Make a flower art sculpture
• Get crafty creating a box city
• Get your own tree to plant with a free state tree seedling
• Kids will get their own Police Badge, Firefighter hat, and Child ID Kits (for mom and dad) 

There is no lack of fun with games, parachute fun, emergency vehicle displays, and photos with Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime Dog! Families can also get into drawing for prizes from many local restaurant and shopping establishments.

Stridepost Family Motivation Game

I wanted to share with you Stridepost, a new family motivation app for today’s technology-driven families. They are launching this week with a 21 Day Motivation Game. I like the idea that it is a simple, fun way to reward your kids n getting them motivated to do chores. Your children Kids use technology more than ever, so why not use this as an advantage to bring your family together, while staying organized and getting things done.

Stridepost’s four main features not only help to keep your kids motivated and excited to complete tasks, but also your whole family organized and on the same page:

• Allowance & Rewards Tracker – Set points or an allowance budget for your kids to work toward as they check off their to-dos. Each task completed earns points, and on Sundays, these points are deposited into kids’ accounts. Kids can redeem points for things you agree upon.
• To-do List Tracker – Keep track of your kids’ and family tasks while teaching kids how to prioritize their responsibilities to develop strong management skills.
• Family Wall – All members of your family can communicate in one place through private in-app messages.
• Online Family Calendar – Use the master Online Family Calendar. You can even import a Google Calendar or iCal into Stridepost’s Family Calendar!

Now through June 15, families can participate and enter the Family Motivation Game. The winning family will receive a Family Fun Pack valued at $300, which will include gift cards for a family night out, including a special activity and dinner. So what are you waiting for, improve your family communication and organization while having fun, with special daily challenges. I know I am excited to see my kids play (even if they can't win!).

To enter, sign up for Stridepost online for a free 90-day trial. Parents will need to can download the Stridepost Parents app (iOS and Android) and while adding the Stridepost Kids app (iOS and Android). to the devices their children use!

CHI-CHI's Salsabration Giveaway

Do you need some chips and salsa for your next #Salsabration? Do you like when the Ann Arbor Mom does give-aways? Then today's post should make you very happy.

From now until noon Saturday, comment on the blog post or on the Ann Arbor Mom Facebook Page on your favorite CHI-CHI's Mexican Food. A random winner will be chosen from all entries to receive an assortment of CHI-CHI’s products - chips and salsa of course!  Of course this is in anticipation of Saturday's game (Go Blue), so go out and get some CHI-CHI's today.

Going to the Michigan game Saturday? Be sure to get there early so you can experience a CHI-CHI’s Salsabration, compete with free merchandise, a virtual congo line, and an endless supply of their zesty salsas and chips.


Disclaimer: This is a promoted post. The Ann Arbor Mom will also be receiving chips and salsa for a salsabration!

Free National Parks Pass

Swimming while visiting the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes.

We were exceptionally excited to learn about the new program "Every Kid in a Park" which grants families of fourth grade children free admission into our National Parks. We got our pass this past year and have already visited the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. We do have plans later this summer to visit the River Raisin Battlefield, Gettysburg, and Assateague Island National Seashore as well as many other national treasures. My daughter especially appreciated that SHE was able to get this free pass for us too!

So how do you get YOUR free National Park pass? Started September 1, 2015, the National Park Service granted all fourth grade students the opportunity to sign up for a free pass into the park. The program is being offered in the year to come too. The National Parks Service is celebrating 100 years this year so this is an excellent time for this awesome opportunity. To sign up for your free National Park Pass visit everykidinapark.gov today!

4th graders across the nation get FREE entry into America's National Parks.
Register today for your free pass.

Independence Day Parades

While thinking of fireworks, a day off, grilled burgers and family fun, Independence Day is also host to several Ann Arbor area parades on July 4. Here are a few 4th of July parades to consider.

ANN ARBOR:

Annual Fourth of July Parade
Downtown Ann Arbor starting at 10:00 a.m.
Hosted by Ann Arbor Jaycees

Kid's decorate your bikes, trikes and wagons for a chance to participate in the parade featuring floats, walking groups, musical groups, and much more. For more information call 734.681.0577 email parade@a2jaycees.org.

NORTHVILLE

Independence Day Parade
Downtown beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Sponsored by the Northville Community Foundation and St. Mary Mercy Hospital.

Find music, floats, marching bands, clowns, children’s characters, vintage and classic Cars, bike and pet parades and more. After head over to the Mill Race (215 Griswold St., Northville) to continue your 4th of July celebrating from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Find a Civil War encampment while enjoying your family picnic. Docent-guided tours of the historical buildings will be available for the day.

PLYMOUTH-CANTON

Independence Day Parade, Celebration and BBQ
Sponsored by VVA Chapter 528.
Check the website for more details.

YPSILANTI

Ypsilanti Independence Day Parade
Starting in Depot Town at E. Cross and N. River beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The parade is sponsored by American Legion Post 282 and the Ypsilanti Jaycees.

Kids can decorate a bike, wagon, or tricycle to lead the Ypsilanti District Library's bookmobile in the parade. Children must meet at 10:30 a.m. and need to be accompanied by an adult if they are younger than 10. To pre-register, call 734.482.4110 ext. 1316.

WHITMORE LAKE:

Parade of Lights
July 3, 2011 - 10:00 p.m.
View the a lighted boat parade like no other. Boats begin the parade in front of Mac’s Marina (9876 Main St., Whitmore Lake).

Annual 4th of July Parade
Downtown on Main Street starting at noon
Find patriotic displays featuring emergency vehicles, fire trucks, floats, and decorated bicycles, trikes and Big Wheels!

Celebrate Michigan’s Log Cabin Day at Parker Mill

On Sunday, June 26, families can celebrate Michigan’s Log Cabin Day by touring a pioneer grist mill and Parker Mill log cabin during Log Cabin Day in Michigan. Visit a 1880’s log cabin to imagine what it's like to live in this log home in pioneer days. There might even be some pioneer “chores” for your kids to do - Gather water, wash clothes, or try your hand on an antique weaving loom. Make it a day or stop by for an hour, the program runs from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and children are encouraged to dress in their best pioneer clothing!

Summer Block Party at Rolling Hills

On Saturday, June 18, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. families can enjoy a "Summer Block Party" at Rolling Hills Park. This free event (with paid entry into the park) will offer a hist of fun experiences including free food, yard games, sand volleyball, t-shirt dying and other summer vacation favorites. It sounds like a fantastic not-to-be missed event!

Teen Event: Try Rowing For Free

Teens can try rowing for free at Bandemer Park, May 21 at 10:30 a.m.

Have you wondered what it's like to be in one of those long narrow shells rowed by a crew? Teens (age 12+) and adults can try it for free at a National Learn to Row Day event hosted by the Ann Arbor Rowing Club and University of Michigan Men's Crew Team. Just show up at (N. Main St. to Lake Shore Dr.) any time between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. After signing a waiver, you'll receive brief instruction on land, and then shove off in a 50' long shell, stabilized by experienced rowers, and instructed further by a coach in an accompanying safety launch.For more information contact Info@a2crew.com,

Free Day Camp for Kids Age 8-12 at HVA

FREE ALERT for a summer day camp program for kids age 8-12!

Your child age 8-12 can learn about being safe, emergency preparedness
 and even CPR during the free Camp 9-1-1 at HVA locations this summer!

The folks at Huron Valley Ambulance are offering a free 2-day camp at 13 locations around the area to kids interested in learning about emergency services and safety. The program, taught by local EMT's introduces information about careers in Emergency Services while teaching the kids about safety at home or at play. While at camp, kids will learn how to perform lifesaving skills on injured victims, including learning CPR! This would be a great program for any Boy Scout, Girl Scout or any kid simply interested in being safe. programming runs 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. for each of the two days.

My son attended last summer with his friend and learned so much. Of course my son is very focused too, which helped! He enjoyed the experience though and is hoping to do it again before he is too old! My daughter can't wait until next summer when she is old enough to attend.

Locations of the day-camp are held throughout Washtenaw County all summer long, so there are many opportunities to sign your kids up. To register your child for this free day-camp, visit the HVA Camp 9-1-1 registration page.

Free Educational Program for Ypsilanti Teens

Does your student need an educational challenge? Then The Wolverine Pathways program might be a great option. Teens (incoming 7th and 10th grade students) who live within the Ypsilanti public school district, qualify for this exceptional learning program, and it's FREE!

The University of Michigan’s Wolverine Pathways is a free, year-round program that partners with your family, school and community to provide learning experiences that will help you succeed in school, college and future careers. Selected students will receive academic support and enrichment as well as invitations to participate in cultural events and service opportunities. Students who successfully complete the program are also eligible for full tuition scholarships to the University of Michigan!

The application deadline to apply is May 31, 2016. For more information, please visit the Wolverine Pathways Program website.

Kids Bowl Free All Summer Long

For several years now my kids have participated in the Kids Bowl Free program during the summer months when they are out of school. It is the perfect afternoon activity when the summer weather isn't cooperating, and the best part is that my children get to enjoy free bowling!

Let your kids can bowl FREE
all summer long!

Starting May 1, Ann Arbor families can take their children for free bowling at Bel-Mark Lanes. This is the only Ann Arbor bowling alley hosting the Kids Bowl Free program this year. I have been told too, that the bowling alley is under renovation, so be sure to stop in and check them out!

Bel-Mark Lanes, Ann Arbor
May 1-Sept 1
3530 Jackson Rd. | (734) 994-8433
Mon-Thurs until 6:00 p.m.
Fri-Sun until 5:00 p.m.

Looking for other convenient bowling alleys? Here are two more nearby:

Lodge Lanes, Belleville
May 1-Sept 30
46255 I-94 S Service Dr, Belleville | (734) 697-9178

Chelsea Lanes, Chelsea
April 15 1-Oct 31
1180 S. Main Street, Chelsea | (734) 475-8141

Super Bowl, Canton
May 2-Aug 31
45100 Ford Rd. | (734) 459-6070

There are many participating bowling alley's in Michigan to choose from, so check out their available times and choose wisely. Parents will only be able to register for one bowling alley per e-mail account.

In past years, if you register early, you will most likely also be offered the family pass for just $24.95 per family.  This pass is good for up to 4 adult family members (Mom, Dad, Older Siblings, Grandma, Grandpa or an Adult Babysitter) to bowl 2 games of free bowling every day during the summer along along with the children that have registered in the family.

So sign up today for this amazing summer deal.

Sleeping Bear Wilderness Ambassadors: Free Teen Program

The Sleeping Bear Wilderness Ambassador Program is a free program for teens in grades 8-12. Participants will experience a wilderness environment and while learning outdoor skills and providing leadership to others.

Volunteer Work Ambassadors will have the opportunity to join park staff in one or more of the following activities: field science Wilderness monitoring working with kids trail and campsite maintenance site restoration. Besides the memories, friendships, and skills to last a lifetime, more tangible benefits include volunteer service credit cool swag to take home photo and video DVD bragging rights on leadership experience to put on college applications and resumes.

To be eligible, applicants may apply between April 4-25 for the June 20-26 trip. For more information, visit the Sleeping Bear Wilderness Ambassador webpage.

Free Tickets: Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move

On Sunday, April 10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Michigan Theater, children (grades K-4) and their families should consider seeing the youth theatre production of Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move. The show, part of the Benard L. Maas Not Just for Kids series, is about a young boy named Alexander, and what happens when he finds out that his family is moving. Join Alexander as he learns that home is “where your family is” and that change can be exciting.

Tickets for this youth theatre production are available at the box office or at Ticketmaster.com for $12.00 each. Ann Arbor Blog parents though have the opportunity to win a family (4) pack by commenting below on what you would say to your children in the event of a move. All entries received by Thursday, March 31 will be entered into a random drawing.

Free Alert: Pancakes All Day at IHOP

Today is National Pancake Day, so be sure to stop by the Ann Arbor IHOP (4221 Ellsworth Rd., Ypsilanti 48197) for free pancakes from 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m. - Each customer will get a stack of three buttermilk pancakes at no charge, although the restaurant is encouraging donations for the Children's Miracle Network in hopes of raising $1.75 million in donations.

Soap Making for Kids

Having trouble at bathtime? It would be so much fun though to bathe with soap your kids actually made though! On Saturday, March 19 at the Ypsilanti District Library (Superior) from 2:00-3:00 p.m., kids ages 6-18 will learn the basics of soap making. This free event is fun, easy, and environmentally friendly using a melt-and-pour method. Kids will make washing lots of fun by adding small toys, colors, fragrances, oats, or fine glitter to their soap.

Registration is not required for the event.

March Building Clinics for Kids

Find the fun building clinics being offered in March on the Ann Arbor Mom Blog. The nice thing about these events is that they are both free and perfect for kids ages 5-12. My kids have participated in many if these free building clinics and have loved every one they have participated in.

Build a Toy Wagon: This hands-on workshop at Home Depot allows kids to build a real rolling toy wagon for their tiny toys. Once the wagon is built, your child can decorate it with The Home Depot stickers. All participants get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin (while supplies last).

To register for this free event on, visit the Home Depot website. This program is on Saturday, March 5, 9:00 a.m.until noon.