Valentine's Day Craft Projects for Kids and Teens

Kid's can make their Valentine a salt-dough 

heart or create other personalized craft 

creations this week at several events 

throughout Ann Arbor.

Photo courtesy of Kaboose.

When I think of Valentine's Day, I am reminded of a Valentine's Day school party in fifth grade. I passed out the typical handcrafted Valentine's Day cards to classmates and even got crafty with salt-dough, shaping it into a Valentine heart that I gave to Hank, my fifth grade crush. Unfortunately for me, even though I didn't label who the heart was from, he knew, and proceeded to tell the entire class I didn't know how to cook. Explaining that it wasn't a cookie was a fruitless effort and quite embarrassing!

Creating Valentine's Day gifts, though, became a tradition of sorts and one that I have passed to my children — everyone loves a good treat, be it baked or crafted, and this week throughout Ann Arbor, there are many opportunities for your children and teens to craft their hearts out!

Michaels Crafts is always a good location for free or low-cost "Make-it Take-it" craft projects, and this week they are not failing to deliver. On Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10:00 a.m. - noon, kids ages 3 and up can drop in to create their own Valentine's Day Love Bugs for $2. Then on February 10, from 10:00-12:00 p.m. Kids can make a Valentine's Day Card for $5
Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises.

The Ann Arbor Library has a couple events for children and teens to create sometime sweet for their sweethearts. On Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Traverwood branch, try creating your Valentine a felt flower. Then on February 10 at 2:00 p.m., stop by the Mallets Creek branch to make a Valentine card. Be sure to log into your Ann Arbor Library account to register!

Do you know of other Valentine's Day events to add to the calendar. Please share them in the comments below!

Winter Fun Fest

Get your Winter Fun Fest passport stamped
at three events and get a free t-shirt and tote bag!

Many of my readers will know that I am a scout leader for both of my children. My son is now in Boy Scouts and I am his Assistant Scoutmaster and my daughter is a Junior Girl Scout. What makes scouting amazing to me is the amount of outdoor activities the scouts do. The non scouting part of me also likes to be outdoors - Playing sports, hiking, sitting in the woods or foraging for good eats. Basically the outdoors is a big part of our lives.

This winter your family can enjoy the outdoors too during the Winter Fun Fest happening throughout Washtenaw County. Winter Fun Fest runs from January 27th until Feburary 25th with over 20 fun winter events in three weeks! Whether you like warming up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa or tromping through the freshly fallen snow, we've got something for everyone to enjoy.

 At the first event you attend you can pick up your Fun Fest Passport - if you attend three events in the next three weeks, you will win a free T-Shirt or Tote! A full list of Winter Fun Fest events can be found here: http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/departments/parks_recreation/activities/winter-fun-fest/calendar-of-events-winter-fun-fest

Did I mention that these are free events? Certainly there may be some parks that require an entry fee but get ready to have some free fun with the family!

Free Youth Day Activities Sponsored by Ford Motor Company

On Saturday, September 24, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. kids ages 5-16 can spend an afternoon of design education and exploration sponsored by Henry Ford Learning Institute. The free event will have kids making human scale weaving, making sun prints, and creating inflatable sculptures.  The event is part of the 2016 Detroit Design Festival program, taking place Sept. 21-25. For more information and to register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ddf-2016-youth-day-presented-by-ford-motor-company-fund-tickets-27193113334

Tubing Argo Cascades

That's me!!! Even adults enjoy riding
down the Argo Cascades in tubes! 

One of the best ways to stay cool in Ann Arbor during the summer is to tube down the Argo Cascades. We have been over after school in the evening, took a quick trip for a brief cool off and have even spent an entire day at the Cascades complete with a picnic lunch.

My kids love riding their tubes to the end of the run then jogging back up the path to start all over. I will spend hours sitting on the side lines, dipping my toes in or taking photos of the fun. Recently I even took my Girl Scouts to spend some time cascading down the river!

To get to the Argo Cascades you need to get to the Argo Canoe Livery (1055 Longshore Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48105). Families can bring their own inner tubes or rent them for $10/tube, for a 2-hour rental, at the Argo Canoe Livery. Kayaks may also be rented and floated down the Cascades however I would think that is more of a one-way trip as getting them back to the beginning of the run would take significant effort.

With a recent increase of weekend traffic and attendance at the Argo Cascades, the City of Ann Arbor has published specific details about the best parking locations, and details on tubing the Huron River.

So grab a tube and cool off at the Argo Cascades, you will not be disappointed. While the current is not overly strong, nor the river deep, I do recommend life jackets for smaller children, or better yet, mom and dad can ride with the kids!

Signs of Spring Along the Huron River

Take an early spring hike through the Burns-Stokes Preserve (Zeeb Rd., Scio Twp.) with Faye Stoner, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation on Sunday, March 13, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to hike through oak woodlands, floodplain forest and prairie habitat on this walk, as we look and listen for signs of the changing seasons.  Will any hepatica be blooming, frogs calling, cardinals singing?   Parts of the trail may be muddy so dress accordingly and wear boots or shoes that can get wet.

Mothers Day Crafts

Tomorrow will be beautiful in Ann Arbor, but as my daughter reminded me last night, Mother's Day is NEXT WEEKEND! She was actually pretty cute too, as she told me that she wanted to save money to buy me a big diamond. I didn't have the heart to tell her she didn't need to but instead told her that Daddy will be taking her to Home Depot to build a picture frame. I told her she could give it to Grandma, but I expect I will be receiving it now. With that being said, I wanted to share these three quick Mother's Day craft options that are happening tomorrow.

I already highlighted the Home Depot kids building project earlier this week, but as a reminder, starting at 9:00 a.m. at local Home Depot locations, kids can build a cute picket fence frame. It would be a perfect Mother's Day project.

Lucky kids (and parents) may also want to stop by a local Michael's craft store during their Kids Club® event 10:00 a.m. - noon. This is where they craft and you shop. This 30-minute drop-in event gives kids the opportunity to create and take home a completed project for just $2/child. The cost  includes supplies and none of the mess. It is for kids ages 3 and up. Tomorrow kids are making a Mother's Day frame.

Then later that day, stores are offering a family class for another kind of frame. This one is a cute canvas project that highlights your child's handprints so they can say "Owl always love you! The project runs 6:30-8:30 p.m. and costs $15 for the canvas and all supplies. Once again though, the mess stays at Michael's.

So Whoo loves you this Mother's Day? Be sure to take the kids. If you don't want the projects, I'm certain grandma would love to receive one this Mother's Day!

Birding for the Family

I love spending time in the woods with the kids. In the past few years we have gotten more into birding as well. This is actually the second year I am coaching my daughter in Feathered Friends for the Washtenaw Elementary Science Olympiad too. So why are birds so special? Because they offer the perfect opportunity to see things in nature, and to do so requires everyone to be quietly observant!

There are two great programs available through the Washtenaw County parks and Recreation program in May that I wanted to highlight. They are perfect opportunities for beginning birders and they are free events! Be sure to check them out.

On Saturday, May 2 at the Kosch Headwaters Preserve (Prospect and Ford Roads), walk through open fields, dry woods, wet woods and more to see the birds living there. The area is perfect for birding and should provide a nice variety of spring birds. Bring binoculars and field guide if you can. Beginning birders welcome! Faye Stoner leads this walk starting at 8:00 a.m.

Then on Saturday, May 9 at County Farm Park (Platt Road entrance), bring the kids to the free event called "Birdwatching For Kids." Celebrate backyard and urban birds on International Migratory Bird Day! The program will start with some basic bird identification tips and then head out into the gardens, fields and wooded areas of County Farm to see what birds we can find living in the park. The information collected that day will be sent to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to add to their data on birds that live in urban areas. Bring binoculars and field guide if you can, but some materials will be provided. Children ages 6 and older are welcome to participate. Faye Stoner leads this hike starting at 3:00 p.m.

New Exhibit at U-M Museum of Natural History

Starting April 4 and running through January 2016, families should consider visiting the new exhibit The Shape of the Universe.   The exhibit traces the history of our evolving understanding of the Universe, from Einstein's discovery of space-time, through the development of theories explaining the Big Bang and cosmic expansion, up to cutting-edge research on gravity waves being conducted by U-M mathematician Lydia Bieri. This exhibit will include interactives, video, beautiful NASA photographs, and artwork by local high school students.

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.

Kids at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market: Free Events

The Wednesday evening market and Sunday morning Farmers Markets hold lots of fun in store for the kids. Mom and Dad can purchase healthy foods while the kids get to participate in free activities. During the coming month and through October, there are several fun events to hight-light.

September 27: A Taste of Music - The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra stops by the market, to perform a special concert and hold an Instrument Petting Zoo for children and adults alike! Join us all day for the chance to try out your favorite classical instrument, or stop by at 11:00 a.m. for the concert. Time: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

October 8: Bring the entire family to the Wednesday Evening Market to participate in free activities, games, live music and demonstrations to teach kids about food, farming and markets. Tine: 4:00-8:00 p.m.

October 25: Halloween at the Market - GIVE365 partners with the Ann Arbor Farmers Market for free face painting, pumpkin carving, and other Halloween festivities in celebration of the harvest season. Children are encouraged to wear their costumes! Time: 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Movies-in-the-park: Frozen

I certainly hope this is not an homage to weather this summer or a forecast of the winter to come, but the next Movies in the Park feature for Ypsilanti Township is Frozen. Saturday, August 2 is a great night to enjoy a movie under the stars at Ford Heritage Park (Ypsilanti Township). Plan to bring blankets, chairs and possibly a picnic dinner to enjoy too!

The evening events typically are all about family too - Music, games, raffles prizes, activities plus the the feature presentation at dusk (9:00 p.m.).  The movie will shown on a giant video projection system complete with concert stereo sound so that families can have the best experience possible.

The next Movies in the Park will be held September 6. This is a FREE event for ALL ages!

Free Family Art Night

I am happy to promote the FREE Family Art Night at the Two Twelve Arts Center (216 W Michigan Ave, Saline, MI 48176) happening throughout the summer. Each night will have new and exciting projects created by "activity Rob". 

Take the family to enjoy the Free Family Art Nights
at the Two Twelve Arts Center in Saline.
Wednesdays, June 20-Aug 20.

The program is hosted on select Wednesday's throughout the summer from 7:00-8:30 p.m. for children and adults of all ages. Family Art Nights start June 18 and run every Wednesday (except Independence Day week) through August 20.

What will you and your family create this summer?

Summer Camp Open House at Peachy Fitness

Here is a head's up on a summer camp open house from my friends at Peachy Fitness.Zaini is opening a new studio and the camp open house on June 14 will allow your kids (Ages 3-12 years) to try Zumba, Yoga & Dance for free. Be sure to stop by 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. to check out the opportunity plus all of the fun and deals!


For more information be sure to visit the Peachy Fitness website!

Lemonaid Day Detroit

My kids love setting up a lemonade stand in the summer. OK specifically they LOVE the idea of making money selling lemonade. Sadly though, our neighborhood is fairly quiet so they get little to no traffic. Lemonade Day though might just change all of that.

What's Lemonade Day? It's an opportunity for your kids to run their own business!

Kids will learn invaluable business skills, and even get a fun (and free) workbook to help them build their business plan. Doesn't that sound like a great opportunity for your kid? To learn more about Lemonade Day or to sign your child up, find them online at detroit.lemonadeday.org.

Now I just have to help my children secure the best location for their lemonade stand!!! 

Weekend Events Round-Up: Oct 12-13

Do you have any weekend plans? It's going to be beautiful fall weather, so be sure to get outdoors. Try visiting Debuck's in Belleville, taking a hike in a local park or just wandering your neighborhood. Of course many of my friends are talking about cleaning up their yards too.

Me? Why we will have soccer on Saturday then heading out to Camp Munhacke for a family campout with my Webelos. On Sunday morning they'll head out for a hike too. Unfortunately I have been benched from the hike - My physical therapist says it's a no-go with my knees. I was really looking forward to seeing the colors too! At least the kids are excited.

Need ideas on what to do with the kids? Here are a few ideas to spark your interest. The round-up weekend events planner is chocked full of programs, and ideas to make your weekend special. Many of them are free events too!


Saturday, October 12

• 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Fall Color Hike (5-miles) at Camp Munhacke (20120 Bartell Rd Gregory). $4/Free for kids age 5 and under
• 10:30 a.m. - Family Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker).
• 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Make A Good Impression hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. Information about fossils and fun, hands-on exploration of fossil casting.
• Noon-2:00 p.m. - Apple Cider Pressing at the Waterloo Recreation Area (Dexter). 
• 11:30 a.m. -12:15 p.m. - Family Crafts at Ophir Crafts (Westgate Shopping Center 2507 Jackson Ave.) Free. Register at www.ophircrafts.com, or by emailing ophircrafts@gmail.com
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Zumba Time at the Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine, Dexter). Teen Event.
• 12:30-1:15 p.m. - Family Crafts at Ophir Crafts 
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. - The Leslie Science & Nature Center presents Critters Up Close at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum 
• 2:00 p.m. - Dinosaur Tours at the UM Natural History Museum
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Safety Pin Bracelets at the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor) 
• 3:00-3:30 p.m. - Casting hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. 

Sunday, October 13

• 9:00 -11:00 a.m. - Autumn Bird & Botany Hike at Trinkle Marsh at Easton Farm Preserve, (Dancer Rd. just north of Trinkle Rd., Lima Twp.)
• 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Pioneer Day at the Waterloo Area Farm Museum (9998 Waterloo-Munith Rd., Chelsea). Admission $5 adults/$2 kids ages 5-12/free admission for kids under 4.  
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. - The Leslie Science & Nature Center presents Critters Up Close at the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum 
• 2:00-3:00 p.m. - Paper Castles at the Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower, Ann Arbor)
• 2:00-4:00 p.m. - Kids Pinterest Craft Party at the Chelsea District Library (221 S. Main, Chelsea). Kids ages 9-12. Materials and snacks provided free, preregistration required 734-475-8732. 
• 3:00-3:30 p.m. - Casting hands-on demonstration at the Museum of Natural History. 
• 3:00-4:15 p.m. - Dancing Through Time with People at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. Kids and teens in grades 4+.
• 6:30-8:00 p.m. - A Good Old-fashioned Campfire Circle at the Leslie Science & Nature Center 

Build Monster-Sized Fun This Summer

Both kids building clinics - Lowe's Build & Grow and the Home Depot Kid's Building Workshops - are featuring scary summer building projects. OK perhaps not scary, but they are sponsored by soon-to-be-released summer blockbuster films!

In June, kids can make Mike and Sulley Scarers on June 8- 9 or they can build a Monster's University chest June 22-23. These free events, inspired by the upcoming release of Disney Pixar’s upcoming release Monsters University, tend to fill up quickly though, so be sure to register at the Lowe's Build & Grow site for your preferred location!

Monsters University Scarers
June 08 at 10:00 a.m. or June 9 2:00 p.m.
Bring your child to Lowe’s to build an awesome Mike and Sulley Scarer.

Monsters University Chest
June 22 at 10:0 a.m. or June 23 at 2:00 p.m. 

Monster fun continues at Lowe’s when your child builds a chest 

In July, Home Depot gets into the act with a despicable project inspired by the upcoming release of Despicable Me 2. On July 6, 9:00 a.m. - noon your child can participate in a fun "surprise" kids building workshop. These programs are always enjoyable and teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. I love that my kids are not messing up my house either! All participants get to keep their craft and receive a free  certificate of achievement.

Raptor Feeding at Leslie Science & Nature Center: Free Program

Weekends throughout June be sure to stop by the Leslie Science & Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd.,  Ann Arbor) to see the feeding of the raptors. OEach Saturday (June 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29) from 1:00-3:00 p.m. families can check out a free event as volunteers feed the centers beautiful raptors - Eagles, hawks, and event the Peregrine Falcon.

Will the birds of prey like eating while being watched?
Find out by visiting the Leslie Science & Nature Center during Raptor Feeding,
a free program offered throughout June.

Not sure what they eat? You'll find out. Want to know how they eat? You'll find out. Watch LSNC volunteers as they feed the raptors and answer your questions.

Families can drop-in to this free event, but please be aware that birds may or may not be coming out of their enclosures to eat, dependent on the skill of the volunteer.

Will the birds like eating while being watched? Find out by visiting the Leslie Science & Nature Center during Raptor Feeding, a free program offered throughout June.

The bald eagle at the Leslie Science & Nature Center
showing off for us while on a field trip with my son!

Ann Arbor Summer Splash Days

Ann Arbor pool Splash Days off free activities for the kids with
paid admission. It's a great way to spend an afternoon.

Want to have some cool summer fun this year? Then Splash Days in Ann Arbor is the way to go!

On select days 2:00-4:00 p.m. throughout the summer, your kids can enjoy fun-filled activities in and out of the water at three Ann Arbor pools - Imagine spending the afternoon of special games, contests and prizes. All activities and prizes are FREE with the cost of pool admission.

Dates of Summer 2013 Splash Days are:

Buhr Park Pool 
2751 Packard St, Ann Arbor

June 15, July 13 and August 10

Fuller Park Pool

1519 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor

June 22, July 20 and August 17

Veterans Memorial Pool

2150 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor

June 29, July 27 and August 24

As soon as the official flier is available I will add it to the post!