Free Fishing Weekend and Ann Arbor Ice Fishing Derby's

Photo courtesy of the Scheel family

I don't know why this has been top of mind this year. Maybe it is the lakes being mostly frozen...  Perhaps it is my desire to learn new skills or filling my bucket list. At any rate, I really want to try ice fishing. I don't want a new hobby or anything, I just want to try it once. It's a good thing that Michigan offers a free fishing weekend free fishing weekend this month! Now I can try ice fishing.

On February 16-17, Michigan has their free fishing weekend. Families can certainly find friends to take them out, however sometimes pre-planned programs are the best way to try out ice fishing. The closest free fishing weekend events are an Ice Fishing Derby at  Seven Lakes State Park (14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly) on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. There will be loaner equipment available, as well as refreshments, prizes and a warm fire!

I also found an Ice Fishing for Beginners program at Kensington on February 16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Come test the waters and take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend on the beautiful Kent Lake. The program will begin indoors at the Nature Center to learn about the basics of ice fishing which will include various aspects of ice safety, proper technique for drilling your hole in the ice, and how to attract the fish. Participants will then head outside and hit the ice so you can try it yourself. If possible, bring your own ice fishing rod (inexpensive and available at many sporting stores). Dress to be outside, waterproof boots are highly recommended. If you want to have a seat while waiting for your big catch, a 5 gallon bucket is a great choice. Bait will be provided. Ages 6 and older. The cost is $5 and please preregister, (810) 227-8917.

If that weekend is not convenient for your desire to try ice fishing, Independence Lake will be holding their annual Ice Fishing Derby. The  annual Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation program is being held February 10 from 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on February 10. Participants can catch and release Northern Pike, Bass and Crappie. Gift cards and other prizes will be given to contest winners. You will however need to bring your own bait. The cost for the event is $10 for kids (12 & under)/ and $15 for adults which includes lunch. There is a discount for pre-registration.

The whole family will enjoy the outing, so bundle up and get pumped to try your hand at ice fishing. You can find alternative February free fishing weekend options for ice fishing at the DNR website.

Photo courtesy of Scheel family.

Events: Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month in Ann Arbor

In Ann Arbor, the celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. provides families with several free and educational programs. From library events to musical performances to speeches and other free events; there will be several well-run programs for everyone in the family to enjoy.

MLK Celebration for the whole family will be held at YDL-Michigan (229 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197) and YDL-Whittaker (5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197). On Monday, January 21 at 1:30 p.m., honor the memory by sharing your dreams. watching Selma or participating in many special events to celebrate the day.

Through March 16, the Ypsilanti District Library is also hosting a national traveling exhibit, The Power of Children. It highlights the lives of three children who changed the course of history: Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White. At the age of six, Ruby Bridges became the face of school de-segregation as the first African American child to attend a previously all-white school in New Orleans. Her confidence, optimism, and pride gave hope to a nation, giving energy to the Civil Rights movement as it dismantled Jim Crow laws. The exhibit is free and open to the public, and is on display in the Community Room at YDL-Whittaker whenever the library is open.

At YDL-Whittaker, families can learn more about African American Genealogy. On Saturday, January 19, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, learn about the different resource or technique to help you discover your family history.

Families can get Free Admission to Henry Ford Museum (20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn, MI 48124-4088 ) on January 21 to honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Come to The Henry Ford Museum for live music, dramatic presentations, make and take activities or sit in the seat that Rosa Parks did. Thanks to the generosity of Target, admission to the Museum and parking are free. Activities include live musical performances, make and take activities and free giveaways!

The annual MLK Day for children and youth in Ann Arbor is being held at the University of Michigan at the Modern Languages Building (812 E. Washington, Ann Arbor). The full day event (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) allows participants a day of free activities filled with fun, creativity, dialogue and entertainment. While early registration is closed, youth can still be registered at walk-up.

The Ann Arbor District Library (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) is hosting an MLK Day Concert
with the Biakuye Percussion Group at 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room. The free event is intended for grade K-12.

On Monday, February 5, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library Downtown branch, families can stop in for I Am Making History. Where poets and performers from Ann Arbor’s Neutral Zone, will showcase their talents but also the importance of having a voice in the community. Then on February 9, 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the AADL-Westgate branch, listen to local residents talk about their experiences in the Living Oral History project by AADL. Residents from Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti discuss their experiences on topics like faith, education, race and how they related to the African-African community.

On Monday, February 11, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, at the YDL-WHittaker, Dr. Theresa Saunders of EMU’s College of Education explores the gaps in funding and support that have widened the achievement gap for students of color in Michigan, and what needs to change.

The youngest residents of our community will enjoy watching the Wild Swan Theater production of 
Under the African Sky running February 21-23 at the WCC Towsley Auditorium. I saw this production a few years ago with my sons class and really enjoyed it. In all, four shows will run. The production, a collection of fun tales taking place in Africa is full of colors, music, drumming and drama, and gives audiences a taste of delightful storytelling.

Disney Junior Play Date

On March 24, noon-1:30 p.m. in the JCPenney Court at Briarwood Mall, area families can come to a Disney Junior play date with Muppet Babies. This free event will feature sampling from Dole, balloon tying, street magic, juggling, Bingo with shapes, and other family friendly activities.

The event is free but space is limited, so please reserve your space online. The ticket will entitle event goers to receive a Make and Take Disney Muppet Babies Color Wheel, a game piece for Color and Shape Bingo, Dole snacks and more. Craft supplies are limited to attendees who reserve their spot, but a ticket is not required to participate in the music and entertainment portions of the event.

Ann Arbor Halloween Events, Activities and Information

I don't know if it's my children's incessant begging about Halloween events that we'll do or what they want to be, if it's a result of seeing all of the Halloween candy and decorations or if it's because I just sent off my latest column to the Ann Arbor Family Press but it's probably a good time to post a list of all of the Ann Arbor Halloween events families can plan!

Find and information on Halloween events, activities, haunts and more with the Ann Arbor Mom - Find What you can do with kids, toddlers and teens in and around Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County!

This list of Halloween events will be updated as events come onto my radar...

October All Month:

• Complete Guide to: Cider Mills, Apple Orchards, U-pick Places and Hay Mazes in Washtenaw County
• Greenfield Village Hallow'een
• Detroit Zoo Boo
• Little Boo at the (Toledo) Zoo 
• Haunted Halloween Houses at the Wolcott Mill Historic Center - October 15, 22 and 29
• Crazy Hilda's Camp of No Return (teens and up)
• Wiard's County Fair

Week of October 1:

• EMU Fall Concert Symphony Orchestra Concert at Pease Auditorium - October 6, 7:30 p.m.

Week of October 7:

• Run Scream Run 5K & 10K race at Wiard's Orchards - October 7
• Zombie Run - Run for the Arb, Run for Your Life! - October 13

Week of October 14:

• Monster Smash - October 14, 12:00-3:00 p.m.
• Frankentoys at AADL Downtown - October 14, noon-3:00 p.m. 
• Trick or Treat on the Trail at Hudson Mills Metropark - October 14, 4:00 p.m.
• Farm Halloween at the Wolcott Mill Farm Center - October 14, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
• Michael's Kids Club Vampirina® Web of Friendship Craft $2.00 - October 14, 10:00 a.m. - noon
• Kapnik Orchard's Fall Apple Festival - October 14-15
• Spider Web Art at AADL Pittsfield - October 15, 1:00-2:00 p.m.
• Huron River Trick or Treat Canoe Paddle - October 15, noon-5:00 p.m.
• Pumpkins, Lanterns, & Leaves - Fall Family Event at Matthaei - October 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Week of October 21:

• Tots Halloween at Lake St. Clair Nature Center - October 21, 1:00 p.m.
• AADL Mallets Creek Craft: Bubbling Boo Bombs! - October 21, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• Boo!! The History of Halloween at lake Erie Marshlands Museum - October 22, 2:00 p.m.
• Michael's Kids Club Vampirina® Friendship Bracelets $2.00 - October 21, 10:00 a.m. - noon
• Animal Haunts - Northern Neighbors at Leslie Science & Nature Center - October 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. 
• Halloween Costume Swap at AADL Downtown - October 22, 3:00-4:30 p.m.

Friday, October 27:

• Halloween Downtown/Ypsi Glow at YDL-Michigan Library Plaza - 5:30-9:00 p.m.
• Free Halloween concert at Towsley Auditorium - 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 28:

• Trick-or-Treat at the Farm at the Wolcott Mill Farm Center - 6:00-9:00 p.m.
• Michael's Kids Club Vampirina® Treat Bags $2.00 - 10:00 a.m. - noon
• Sugar Skulls and Jolly Rancher Roses at YDL-Superior - 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• Halloween at the A2 Market 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Haunted Woods at Camp Munhacke - October 28, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
• Washtenaw County Parks Halloween Bash  - 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 29:

• Hoots and Haunts Halloween at Environmental Discovery Center - 1:00 & 3:00 p.m.
• Family Halloween Party at the Natural History Museum - Noon – 5 p.m. Free
• 2017 AADL Costume Contest 12:30-3:00 p.m. 

Monday, October 30:

• Halloween at Ann Arbor Farmers Market - 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 31:

• Halloween Party at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown) 10:00-10:30 a.m. and 11:30-noon.

To add events to the Halloween event list, please contact me at tmayrend at gmail dot com or comment below.





Sources include: AnnArbor.com, individual websites, previous posts and Google.

Ann Arbor Halloween Costume Swap

Do you have old costumes your kids have outgrown? Perhaps your children don't enjoy hand-me-downs and want to see what else they could wear. If either of these scenarios appeal to you, then consider participating in the Halloween Costume SWAP at the Ann Arbor District Library.

From October 1-22, drop off your gently used, clean Halloween costumes to any Ann Arbor library branch. Then on October 22, come and pick out a new costume from our collection at the Halloween Costume Swap. Save money, clear your closet, and pick out something exciting and snazzy for the year. Costumes for all ages and sizes are accepted!

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!

Perseid Meteor Shower 'Meteors & S'mores' Events

Make memories. Take the kids outdoors to
view the Perseid Meteor Shower!

Unless you have been living under a rock, it is no secret that the Perseid Meteor Shower is happening. Kids, like adults will feel the thrill of seeing hundreds of meteors streaking brightly across the night shy. The trouble is, here in town it can be a bit difficult to catch a glimpse of this rare event. To solve this dilemma though, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting and event August 10-13 called 'Meteors & S'mores' at area state parks across the state.

During the event, day-use visitors and campers are encouraged to bring blankets, camp chairs, bug spray and snacks to enjoy the night stargazing in a designated viewing area. Families can also enjoy complimentary s'mores and campfires. During the free event, the State Parks will stay open later. A State Park pass or entry fee will apply to access the parks.

For more information on "Meteors & S'Mores," contact Stephanie Wirtz at wirtzs@michigan.gov or call 989-274-6182. State Parks closest to Washtenaw County participating in the 'Meteors & S'mores' event:

August 10

• 8:00-11:00 p.m. Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Dark Sky Park - Lenawee County) 

August 12

• 8:30-11:00 p.m. Seven Lakes State Park (Oakland County) 
• 9:00-11:00 p.m. Hayes State Park (Lenawee County) 

August 13

• 9:00-11:00 p.m. Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County) 
• 10:00-11:30 p.m. Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) 

See the Michigan DNR 'Meteors & S'mores' event page for information, tips or to find other participating parks, Get outdoors, spending that time with your kids will build memories to last a lifetime!

Memorial Day Weekend: Events, Parades and Ceremonies

This weekend is often thought of as the "official start to summer" kicking off with pool openings, BBQ's and family gatherings. It is important to remember though that it should also be a time of reflection and remembrance.

Luckily throughout Washtenaw County and the area, there are plenty of opportunities to experience events to help you do that. So save some gas money this holiday weekend and find something to do with the kids, right here at home. Honor the men and women of this great nation by attending one of the many Memorial Day ceremonies, processions and parades and then head out to experience the other free events happening. There will be plenty of fun for everyone!



Saturday, May 28:

Area Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will gather at Highland Cemetery (943 N River St., Ypsilanti) to place flags on the graves of our fallen heroes starting at 10:00 a.m. Lunch is served to volunteers after flags have been placed.

Be sure to check out the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra's FREE concert in the park at 2:00 p.m. Bring your blanket and the family to enjoy patriotic music in the park.

Sunday, May 29:

The annual Memorial Day observance at Arborcrest Memorial Park (2521 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor) will start at 2:00 p.m. and lasts about an hour (rain or shine). Local dignitaries, the Washtenaw County Honor Guard, local Boy Scout troops and Miss Washtenaw are often in attendance.

Monday, May 30:

The Annual Ann Arbor Memorial Day Parade begins at 10:00 a.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Middleton and Frederick and winds along Frederick, Middleton, Bardstown, Windemere, and Barrister roads winding up in Glacier Park at Larchmont and Barrister. There will be a memorial ceremony in Glacier Park at the end of the parade.

Belleville: Sumpter Township Country Fest in Belleville May 27-30, 2016. There is also a parade in downtown Belleville at 10:00 a.m. starting at Cathedral and 2nd that will process down Main Street and conclude at the cemetery.

Chelsea: Parade at 10:00 a.m. The parade route heads south on Main St., east on Park St., north on East St. and east on Middle St., ending at Oak Grove Cemetery for a traditional ceremony honoring area veterans.

Dexter: The Dexter parade begins at 10:00 a.m. with a ceremony in Monument Park after the procession.

Milan: The annual memorial will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Blue Star Memorial and Veteran's Wall of Honor in Wilson Memorial Park. The parade will commence following these ceremonies and process West on Main St. ending at the Marble Park Cemetery, where services will be held and dignitaries will speak, honoring our military veterans.  The public is encouraged to participate in this parade using a patriotic theme but please do not pass out candy.

Saline: The Memorial Day parade, hosted by the American Legion, begins at 10:00 a.m. on Bennett Street due to Construction!

Ypsilanti:

The Yankee Air Museum always has something. On Saturday, May 28 participate in “Celebrate and Connect: Send a Million Letters to our Troops”starting at 10:00 am until 4:00 pm to support USO’s goal of collecting 1 million messages to share with those serving in the U.S. military worldwide. Then on Monday, May 30 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. participate in the annual program dedicated to honoring the military men and women who were killed serving the United States.

The Ypsilanti Memorial Day Procession begins at 9:00 a.m. (North Huron Street/Michigan Avenue) and ending at the Highland Cemetery for a ceremony. Includes veterans, Scouts, marching bands, Gold Star Mothers, and a 21-gun salute.

It is important that I also point out that there are many historic and beautiful war memorials throughout Washtenaw County to visit and honor our veterans. For a full list or War Memorial locations in Washtenaw County visit the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County website.

If you have other Memorial Day observances to add to the post, please comment below. Watch for the weekend events round-up too for your other planning needs!

Geocaching 101

On Saturday, May 14, experience Geocaching 101 at the Eddy Discovery Center  (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea | (734)475-3170). Families will learn the basics of this popular past-time at one of three instructional sessions (11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 1:00 p.m.) Learn to use a GPS unit (or bring your own) and have fun hunting for prizes. Instructions and clues for the hunt will be available inside the Discovery Center with GPS coordinates provided. Just show up for this fun and free event!

Butterfly Festival at UM Museum of Natural History

On Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. families should plan to attend the Butterfly Festival and the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. This free event will have live butterflies and teach kids about the life cycle and lifestyles of butterflies. Stay for this enjoyable spring event and help plant in the Museum’s Butterfly and Pollinator Garden, or make your very own butterfly wings to take home.

Creating a Pollinator Garden Library Event

Learn to create a pollinator garden at the Ypsilanti District Library (Michigan Ave. branch) on Thursday, March 31, 6:30-8:00 p.m. This free program will help you get ready for spring as you design a beautiful and functional garden.  Learn about selecting and sourcing native plants, herbs, perennials, and annuals that will attract a wide variety pollinators.  This free program is presented by by Shawn Severance, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation naturalist..

February Building Clinics for Kids

On Saturday, February 27 at 10:00 a.m. kids can build their own monster truck. To register for the MONSTER JAM®, FEATURING DRAGON® event, register at the Lowes Build and Grow website.

See the Perseid Meteor Shower at Independence Lake

See the Perseid Meteor Shower  next Tuesday at
Independence Lake! 

On Tuesday, August 11 from 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. see the Perseid Meteor Shower in the peaceful setting at Independence Lake. Naturalist Ron Gamble will start the evening with a brief talk on
meteor shower viewing starting at 9:00 p.m. Pre-registration for this free program is required, call Faye at (734) 971-6337 x 334.

Meet at the Independence Lake Park, Beach Center lot.

Ann Arbor Earth Day Celebrations, Activities & Events

Do you want to teach your children to appreciate their natural environment? Why of course you do, what parent wouldn't. The world we live in needs to be around for generations to come, and our kids need to understand what they can do to live in, and improve it. Since Earth Day arrives on Good Friday this year, many events are taking place around that day. Take a look, and find an event you can attend to show off mother Nature in all her glory!

The Annual Ann Arbor Area Earth Day Festival will be held on April 19, noon-4:00 p.m. at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor). The free event features educational displays, music, hands-on activities, face painting, animals, clean energy expo, and family entertainment including storytelling and sing-alongs. The event always includes the All Species Parade too, with many participants in costumes representing plants and animals. For a full list of Earth Day activities at the LSNC be sure to refer to their website.

Another great way to encourage sustainability  a love for nature and taking responsibility is through allowing your children to participate in a Earth Day project, a spring clean-up event or other community conservation project.

Family Fun Night at UM Natural History Museum

This Friday Night spend a Night at the Museum specifically a Fun Friday Night The University of Michigan Natural History Museum (1109 Geddes Ave, Ann Arbor).  On Friday April 10, the museum will be open until 8:00 p.m. so the entire family can enjoy experiencing all the museum has to offer. This free event includes storytime, cow eyeball dissections, the Planetarium and fun activities. The entire event is free however donations are accepted. For planetarium shows at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., there is a $3 cost. Each show is 30 minutes long. Tickets can be purchased the night of the event at the Museum Gift Shop.

Be sure to arrive early as some activities have limited space. The Fun Friday Night includes:

• Planetarium shows at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m
• Storytime at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. (limited to 36 people)
• Free demonstrations
• Dinosaur tour at 7:00 p.m. (limited to 15 people)

Spring Equinox Children's Event

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

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

Hands-on Weekends at the UM Natural History Museum

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

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

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

Easter Bunny, Egg Hunts and Breakfast With The Bunny Events

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

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

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

ANN ARBOR:

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

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

BELLEVILLE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Birdwatching for Beginners

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

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

Full Moon Hike with Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation

On March 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at County Farm Park (Medford Lot), families can explore the surrounding woods, fields, sky and snow as the last full moon of winter rises. Dress for the weather (and in suitably celebratory celestial attire) for this free event. At the end of the hike, hot drinks will be served by the campfire at 7:30 p.m..

This wonderful program is appropriate for the entire family, including children in strollers. Please pre-register with Shawn Severance at severances@ewashtenaw.org or call 734- 971-6337 x 335.