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 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.

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.

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.

Teen Tech Week: Teen Event

During teen tech week at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker Branch), teens ages 12-18, will make light-up bracelets on March 9. The event is geek chic and happens at 5:30-6:30 p.m. Discover the world of e-textiles, and make a fabric, light-up bracelet with LilyTiny mini-arduinos. Meet at the teen area for this free event.

Creativity Lab: Teen Event

Teens will love the newest programs offered at the Ypsilanti District Library. On February 24, 5:30-6:30 p.m., they will create their own essential oil stress balls to give as a gift or keep. Teens will use rice and essential oils to make a stress relief ball with Melissa Krager at the YDL-Whittaker teen area.

Free Movies: Fall 2015

See free movies at Goodrich Theaters Sept 12-Nov. 8.



Attention families, free movies are back! On weekends September 12 through November 8 at Goodrich Quality Theaters (Canton Cinema - 43555 Ford Rd., Canton and Quality 16 - 3686 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor) at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., the entire family can enjoy a free movie once they register for the FMG club. Tickets are first come, first serve and plan on an intermission with every show, otherwise everyone gets in free!

The schedule is as follows:

• 9/12-13: Penguins
•  9/19-20: The Spongebob Movie 
• 9/26-27: Paul Blart Mall Cop 2
• 10/3-4: Home 
•  10/10-11: Annie 
• 10/17-18: The Nut Job
• 10/24-25: Night at the Museum Secret Tomb
• 10/31-11/1: Minions
•  11/7-8: Shawn the Sheep Movie

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)

Getting Crazy With Yarn [Craft Programs]

It's all about yarn at the Ann Arbor District Library in two fun upcoming events. Both are teen events intended for kids in grades 3+, teens and adults too!

On Sunday February 1 (4:00-5:00 p.m.) at the Malletts Creek Branch, step in for DIY Wrapped Yarn Vases. This free event will teach you to create beautiful, wrapped yarn vases to keep or give as gifts.

The second yarn program, Yarn-Wrapped Wire Words, will be held on Saturday February 7 at 2:00 p.m. at the Malletts Creek Branch. Learn about brightening up your home with funky yarn-wrapped words. Perhaps even give it as a Valentine's Day gift for someone special.

Make a Felt Cozy for Your Tablet

Did you get a new tablet, Kindle or iPad for the holidays? The best thing you can do is protect that gift! The Ann Arbor District Library is set to help too with their latest free program - Making a Felt Cozy for Tablets.

On Thursday, January 15, at 6:00 p.m. be sure to stop into the AADL Traverwood Branch (program room) to create something amazing using felt and fabric glue. This free event is intended for youth in grades 3 and up, plus teens and adults.

Halloween Night Teen Event

 

Teen events are often hard to come by, that's one reason this one caught my eye.

On Halloween night from 8:00 p.m. - midnight, teens ages 13-17 are invited to join in Halloween Teen Night at the Mack Indoor Pool (715 Brooks St., Ann Arbor). The program is just $10 and includes a night full of spooky swimming, glow sticks pizza and a movie.  To sign up for this event, call 734-794-6237 or visit www.a2gov.org/mack.

Free Teen Back-to-School Event

With the new school year fast approaching, Briarwood Mall and Teen Vogue are hosting a back to school event like no other.  On Friday, August 22 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. youth, teens and even mom and dad can enjoy fashion shows, special offers and giveaways during the "ABC's of Style."

The free event will feature a fashion show giving families a chance to view the season's hottest trends while receiving first-hand fashion advice from Teen Vogue Beauty & Health emcee Justin Jones. Stay after the fashion show for a special musical performance from the fast-rising new boy band IM5.


While you are in the mall though, be sure to stop by Guest Services for an exclusive style guide.  Shoppers will also enjoy product demonstrations and giveaways from event sponsors Coca-Cola and Unilever brands St. Ives, Simple, and Q-tips – plus view a sneak peek of Fox’s new fall series RED BAND SOCIETY as well as receiveing exckusive  swag bag giveaways.

“Briarwood is the center of fashion in Ann Arbor, and teaming up with Teen Vogue elevates our back-to-school shopping season into a true fashion and entertainment experience,” said Denise Murray, director of marketing and business development. “These events and offers will help parents and students alike get set for the upcoming school year.”

For more information about the ABC’s of Style events, visit http://www.simon.com/teen-vogue-style. For more on IM5, visit http://www.weareim5.com.

Weekend Event Round-Up: March 21-23

It has been a while since I have posted a weekend planner. This just seemed like a good weekend to share, and honestly I had a bit of time to collect the information. My daughter is excited to be off with my cousin for a weekend away - They will be crafting, seeing the new Muppet movie and sewing a dress for her to wear for book character day at school. I on the other hand want to see Divergent, will likely take my son to see the Muppet movie and will be shuttling him around to various Science Olympiad practices. I'll then end my weekend with my Brownie Troop skating at the Spectacular Scout Skate at Skatin Station. No rest for the weary here!

What are your weekend plans for this first weekend of spring? Doing anything special with the kids in Ann Arbor? If not I hope this weekend events round-up can provide some great ideas for fun!

Saturday

9:00  a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Predators and Prey at the UM Museum of Natural History

9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Free movies: Madagascar

10:00 a.m. Celebrate the 10th birthday of the AADL Malletts Creek Branch with a Happy Birthday Craft Celebration For Youth (ages 3+).  Make a three tiered paper cake with gems, tissue paper, stickers and ten candles and have a little treat.

10:00 a.m. Get crafty when visiting Michael's (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor). For just $2 kids get to decorate a picture frame with felt stickers. This program runs every half hour until noon.

11:00 a.m. Get hands-on with a great snake demo at the UM Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109). Explore the world of snakes: How they move, how they hear and smell and what they eat. Kids will even get up close and personal with snake skin, hear like a snake, and use museum specimens to learn more. This is a free event however donations are always appreciated! Families can also attend at 3:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m. Celebrate the beginning of Spring by planting an herb garden and enjoying an ice cream float at the Ypsilanti Library (Michigan) Spring Fling free event.

11:30 a.m. Check out the stars when exploring the planetarium at the UM Natural History Museum during the "The Sky Tonight: Star Talk".  Learn about stars, constellations, planets, and telescopic objects in the current night sky. Cost is $5/person. Other planetarium shows are hourly on the half hour throughout the day.

12:00 p.m. Rainbow Loom Meet Up at Michael's crafts. Cost if $5. Register at Michael's online.

2:00 p.m. Free dinosaur tours.

2:00-4:00 p.m. Get your lab rats excited with gravity experiments during the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker) Library Lab Kids. This program allows kids in grades 1-6 to dive into scientific discoveries with fun, hands-on experiments. Be sure to wear old clothes for this messy lesson about gravity. Parents do need to stay to help too. Registration is required for this program by calling 482-4110 x1340 or logging onto your library account. 

3:00 p.m. Free Event. Raptor Feeding at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Road Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105).

4:00 p.m. Bring your budding artist to the Drop in and Draw Kids teen event. Kids will work on drawing skills. All skill levels are welcome, all supplies are included free too.

4:00 p.m. Experience spring by creating a spring terrarium at the Eddy Discovery Center (17030 Bush Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118). Families should bring a glass container with a lid (quart to gallon size) and be ready to dig in to create a small ecosystem beautiful enough for display. This is a free event.

Sunday

9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Free movies: Madagascar

12:00 p.m. The Critter House is open at the Leslie Science & Nature Center.

2:00-3:30 p.m. The sky's the limit when your kids create their own telescope!  This Eddy Discovery Center program allows your kids to be their own little Galileo as they make their own working telescope with astronomy buff Meg Gower. The cost for this program is free to members of the Waterloo Natural History Association or $2/person or $5/family Supplies for the telescope are $8/telescope. This event is limited to creating 20 telescopes so advance registration required at by calling 734-475-3170.

2:00 p.m. Free dinosaur tours.

3:30 p.m. Hands-on snake demo at the UM Museum of Natural History.

4:00 p.m. Your budding musician will enjoy the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Family Concert "The Planets" (at the Michigan Theater) featuring music from Star Wars as well as many famous planetary musical compositions. Starting at 2:30 p.m. kids can enjoy pre-concert activities including an instrument petting zoo. There will also be a real Apollo Space suit for viewing and after the show, Astronaut Tony England will be signing autographs.Sounds like a plan that is out of this world!

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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 

Win Tickets to See Hello Dolly at the Fox Theatre

Want to win (4) tickets to the Tony Awards-Winning show Hello Dolly! when it comes to the Fox Theatre next week? Here's your chance. Olympia Entertainment has given me a family (4) pack to pass along to one lucky reader. Just comment below on why you need the night out. All entries received by Sunday, October 13 will be entered for a random drawing.

One Ann Arbor Mom fan will get the chance win tickets to see
Hello Dolly! coming to Detroit October 18-19

Hello, Dolly! starring Sally Struthers, is set to arrive at the Fox Theatre for two performances October 18-19. Tickets ($30, $45, $55 and $70) are on sale now and can be purchased at OlympiaEntertainment.com, the Fox Theatre and at Ticketmaster.com.

Two-time Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers stars as the strong-willed matchmaker Dolly, who travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the ornery "well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire" Horace Vandergelder. With an irresistible story and an unforgettable score including the title song, “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and the show-stopping “Before the Parade Passes By,” Hello, Dolly! has been charming audiences around the world for 50 years. The show would make an exceptional night out for you and your spouse, or perhaps families can introduce their older children and teens to the joy of musical theatre!

Remember, just comment below on why you need to win this contest for a chance to win tickets. Tickets are good for the show Friday, October 18 at 8:00 p.m.

Free Art Tours at the University of Michigan Museum of Art

Each Sunday in September at 1:00 p.m., families can take a free docent guided tour of the University of Michigan Museum of Art (525 S. State St., Ann Arbor). The free program guides visitors through diverse art gallery tours that include a variety of art styles and media that illuminate the theme and preferences of the unique individual guiding the tour. Themes may be repeated but each docent's approach and choice of objects is always unique allowing families to explore the museum several times throughout the month!

This docent guided tours are likely best for older, more mature youth and teens.

Weekend Events Round-up: Labor Day Weekend

Happy Labor Day weekend. Here's hoping whatever you are doing - Having a family BBQ, spending time at the beach, camping, playing outdoors or having a picnic is peaceful and wonderful. I know many friends will be prepping for that first day of school, as I will be doing, as well as finishing up our summer bucket list! Don't let the weekend get away from you though, there is still plenty of great activities and events happening around town. Experience Kid's Day at the Saline Community Fair, or even head to the Michigan State Fair.

Another fun weekend event sounds like the Old St. Patrick Labor Day Weekend Festival (5671 Whitmore Lake Rd., Ann Arbor). The festival hours are Saturday and Sunday noon - 11:00 p.m. With free admission, families will find kids’ games, a petting farm, free face painting and inflatables. Teen specific activities include a rock-climbing wall and a bungee jump. Find food and plenty of entertainment in this fun-filled event.

It's been kind of a hectic week for me with the family and I'm not sure how the next few months will play out, I will however continue to try and get you fun events and activities for the kids! Have a great Labor Day weekend check out a few things happening around town.

Friday:

• Free dinosaur tours at the UM Natural History Museum at 2:00 p.m. 
• You're a Good Man Charlie Brown  at Children’s Creative Center (1600 Pauline Blvd., Ann Arbor) at 8:00 p.m.  Ticket prices for general admission are $20.

Saturday:

• Weekly story time at Nicola's Books 11:00 a.m. - noon
• Hands-on cow-eye dissection at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) at 11:00 a.m. & 3:00 p.m. for ages 5+ This is a free event but there is a suggested donation is $6 per person. 
• Ultimate gaming experience at Briarwood Mall (Macy's court) where kids and teens can try unreleased Nintendo and Bandai Namco games at 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
• Free dinosaur tours 2:00 p.m.
• You're a Good Man Charlie Brown  at Children’s Creative Center at 8:30 p.m.  

Sunday:

• Ultimate gaming experience at Briarwood Mall 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• Free dinosaur tours 2:00 p.m. 
• West Lake Preserve almost autumn exploration hike at 2:00-4:00 p.m. On this hike families will look at insects, wildflowers, birds, trees and more as they hike the field and forest habitats of the preserve.
• Hands-on cow-eye dissection at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History at 3:00 p.m.
• Dancing in the Streets party happens in downtown Ann Arbor (Main & Washington) 2:00-6:30 p.m. 

Monday:

• Free admission to the The Henry Ford Museum during the Target Family Fun Day.

Weekend Events Round-Up: August 9-11

It's a whacky weekend for me for sure. We're heading out, and apparently my head is, well elsewhere...  This was posted initially (by mistake) with some text from aslt week. *sigh* Which substantiates the need for vacation. I suppose my head is with my husband too, as he has two interviews today. I sure would like to start the school year in a positive way but getting him employed!

But enough about me. What are your weekend plans? If I were here I'd probably head over to Saline Summerfest, check out one of our favorite parks or possibly, maybe sit and relax. (r-i-g-h-t) For those of you looking for something to do though, here is the weekend summer events round-up for your planning needs. Enjoy!

Friday, August 9

• 10:00 a.m. Storytelling at the Ann Arbor Library (downtown)
• 11:30 a.m. Planetarium show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
•  2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 2:00 p.m. Film Fridays at the Ypsilanti District Library: Dolphin Tale
• 5:00-11:00 p.m. Saline Summerfest
• 7:00-10:00 p.m. - Friday Night Live Skate at Skatin Station II (Canton)

Saturday, August 10

• 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Saline Summerfest
• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thunder Over Michigan Airshow
• 10:00 a.m. Preschool Yoga at the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield)
• 10:00 a.m. Lowe's Build and Grow kids building workshop - Build Dusty from Planes
• 10:00-11:30 a.m. Nature Rides at the Waterloo Recreation Area. $45/rider.
• 10:00-noon - Tot roller skating at Skatin Station II
• 10:30 a.m. Family Storytime at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker)
• 10:30 a.m. Thomas the Train Storytime (Michigan)
• 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Teen Event - Paper Collage Craft Workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown) 
• 11:00 a.m. - Noon Storytime at Nicola's Books
• 11:30 a.m. Reptiles at the Ypsilanti District Library (Whittaker)
• 11:30 a.m. Planetarium show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
• Noon-1:00 p.m. Open Studio drop-in at the Fly Children's Art Center (Ypsilanti). $5/class.
• 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. Cow Eyeball Hands-on Demo at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
• 1:00-4:00 p.m. All Day Skate at Skating Station II
• 2:00 p.m. Teen Event - Fantastic Flights at the YDL (Superior)
• 2:00-3:30 p.m. Fairy Gardens at the YDL (Superior). Pre-registration required for this free event.
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 3:30 p.m. Reptiles at the Ypsilanti District Library (Michigan)
• 7:00-10:00 p.m. Summer Saturday Skate at Skating Station II

Sunday, August 11

• 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thunder Over Michigan Airshow 
• 12:30- 5:30 p.m. Teen Event - Paper Collage Craft Workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown) 
• 1:00-3:00 p.m. Teen Event - Minecrafters Guild workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown)
• 1:00 p.m. Dancing Babies at the Ann Arbor District Library (Mallets Creek)
• 1:30-2:00 p.m. - Planetarium Show at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 
• 2:00 p.m. Lowe's Build and Grow kids building workshop - Build Dusty from Planes 
• 2:00-2:30 p.m. - Free Dinosaur Tours
• 2:00-5:00 p.m. - Open Skate at Skating Station II 
• 3:00 p.m. Cow Eyeball Hands-on Demo at the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History 

Independence Day Weekend Events: July 3-7

What are your plans for this extended holiday weekend? If you are in town, there is still lots to do - Indoors and out. Of course you could head to the Drive-InTheatre in Canton, there are several great family-friendly movies to be seen including Despicable Me 2. If the weather cooperates there is always Rolling Hills, Independence Lake or the free spray park in Canton, and of course you could rent a canoe or paddle boat on the Huron River too! I love that the Ann Arbor area offers so much to families! Don't forget this is the last weekend for the Ann Arbor Summer Festival too, but there is still plenty to do.

So what are your plans? Check out the extended weekend events calendar for your family's weekend planning - Hopefully it is your go-to-guide for events and activities in and around Ann Arbor. Have an event to add? Simply comment below or send me a message!

What are your weekend plans with the family? Besides parades, fireworks
and cook-outs, there is still plenty to do!

Wednesday, July 3

Today has a few events families will enjoy including several storytime programs 11:00 a.m. (AADL (Pittsfield - 3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) or (AADL Main - 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor) and 6:00 p.m. (AADL Traverwood - 3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor). In the evening be sure to check out the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, especially the KidZone Tent after 5:00 p.m. to catch a glimpse of the natural world by visiting one of the Leslie Science & Nature Center Critter House snakes, turtles, tarantulas, or scorpions. Kids will also be able to make playful owl masks and apply temporary tattoos. A few other noteworthy events happening:

• Planetarium Shows at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Teen art zone at the YDL (Michigan) at 2:00 p.m. - Each week teens will participate in a new art project.
• Star Spangled Crafts at the AADL (Pittsfield - 3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) at 3:00 p.m. for preschooler aged children through 5th grade.
• Wacky Widget Wednesday's at the YDL (Whittaker) at 3:00 p.m. where kids will make their own faux stained glass window.
• Ann Arbor Civic Band's Tribute to the U.S.A. at West Park (215 Chapin St., Ann Arbor) Band Shell at 8:00 p.m. where families will enjoy a patriotic free performance.

Thursday, July 4

Of course Independence Day always offers the 3 F's - fireworks families and fun. Enjoy your BBQ but not until you see one of the many area parades. After 5:00 p.m. be sure to check the Ann Arbor Summer Festival's KidZone Tent at Top of the Park as Apple Playschools helps celebrate Hispanic culture through music and bilingual yoga for kids. Kids can also collaborate on a Reggio inspired art project or hear talking flowers tell surrealist, Wonderland-like stories, play hilarious games with alien robots, or check out Spontaneous Art. Performances by the Capitol Steps at 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. are also great ways to cap off your July 4!


Friday, July 5

The holiday may have kept you hopping but that shouldn't mean your family should ignore the fun KidsZone sponsorship at Top of the park. On Friday, kids can discover their inner athlete as they team up with family and friends and try out new sports with the staff of the U-M School of Kinesiology’s KidSport Camp. Families will find hands-on activities and cool camp activities that support team building, social, and athletic skills! There are a few other activities I wanted to feature for Friday too including:

• Bubble Fun at the AADL Main (343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor). Let your kids (Grades K-5) explore making homemade bubbles during this free event at 2:00 p.m.
• Preschool Storytime at Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield - 3090 E. Eisenhower Pky., Ann Arbor) from 10:00-10:30 a.m.
• Drop-In Craft Extravaganza at Dexter District Library (3255 Alpine St., Dexter) Free event for kids and teens of all ages.
• Planetarium shows at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 
• Film Friday's at the Ypsilanti District Library (Michigan Ave.) where kids can see The Muppets at 2:00 p.m. 

Saturday, July 6

Here's another fun KidZone Tentevent at Top of the Park. See LEGO robot lions roar, LEGO bayblades compete, and LEGO sumo robots battle to be king of the mountain when Rocks and Robots takes over.If that's not enough, then how about any of these fun events:

• The Critter House at the Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd., Ann Arbor) is free and open to the public from 10:00a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
• Family Storytime at the YDL (Whittaker) at 10:30 a.m.
• Roller Coaster Program at 10:30 a.m. at YDL (Michigan) and 1:00 p.m. (Whittaker). Stop by to visit with the staff from the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum as they demonstrate what makes roller coasters go, then work in small groups to build your own roller coaster. This free program is only available to YDL cardholders. Call the library to register.
• Weekly Story Time at Nicola's Books (2513 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor) from 11:00 a.m. - noon.
• Hands-On cow-eye dissection at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave. Ann Arbor) at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Learn the parts of the eye and how they work together. The 20-30 minute interactive program takes place on the 2nd floor and includes a brief presentation and engaging hands-on activities. This free event is suitable for adults and kids and teens (Ages 5+). 
• Planetarium shows at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) at 11:30, 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.
• Open Studio Drop-in art session at the FLY Children's Art Center (40 N. Huron, Ypsilanti) at noon-1:00 p.m. For just $5/class your kids can get creative in the studio without the at-home mess. Parents can chill in the parent's lounge while their children "work". No registration is required for this event.
• Raptor Feeding at the Leslie Science and Nature Center from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Eggcellent Engineering for kids and teens (Grades 4-8) at the AADL Main at 2:00-3:00 p.m. Put your brain in gear to design and build a vehicle that will protect an egg from a big, big drop.
• Altered Tee Workshop at the FLY Studio 2:00 p.m. For $10/student kids and teens (Ages 6+) will join fabric artist Allida Traleda and learn to cut and alter a baggy old tee-shirt into a cool, wearable work of art - no sewing required!
• Free dinosaur tours 2:00 p.m. 

Sunday, July 7

In the afternoon, kids can build a Spacecraft on Top of the Earth at Ann Arbor District Library (July 7-13) - See what happens when many people work together to build a spaceship on top of the world! This collaboration will be built out of provided materials upon the map in the Youth area. Come work on it all week, whenever the Library is open! Then after 5:00 p.m. check out the KidZone tent sponsored by the Conceptual Development Lab at the University of Michigan. Kids can make their own bubble wand and blow bubbles. My kids have participated in many of their studies, the kids like "getting paid" while helping with important developmental research! After that stay for the closing movie - Grease at 10:00 p.m. Sing along to your hearts content too! If that's not enough how about this?

• Free dinosaur tours 2:00 p.m.
• Hands-On cow-eye dissection at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave. Ann Arbor) at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Planetarium shows at University of Michigan Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) at 1:30and 2:30 p.m.
• Kids and teens (grades 6+) can make a JunkBot Buggies at 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the AADL Downtown. Learn about electronics as you build a JunkBot out of scrap parts and electrical circuits.

Xplore Engineering One Day Camp

Kids in grades 5-8 will enjoy spending the day with a
parent exploring the Xplore Engineering Summer Camp.

I received a note from a reader about publishing information on Xplore Engineering Summer Camp, a one-day program where kids and teens in grades 5-8 and their parent can participate in several fun, educational engineering challenges. The one-day camp runs on August 9, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Three engineering sessions and lunch are included in the $75 registration fee.

The featured workshops are extremely hands-on with participating teams choosing between learning about bones, nanotechnology, bridge construction, rockets, bacteria, and even creating an autonomous miniature robot. The sessions are registered first-come-first-serve though, so you will want to choose your programs quickly. 

For more information and to register for the Xplore Engineering Summer Camp, please visit their website. It sure looks like a fun way to spend the day with your child!

More information and registration information is available on their website.It sure looks like a great way to spend the day with your child!riday, August 9, 2013
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST
College of Engineering
University of Michigan North Campus - See more at: http://mconnex.engin.umich.edu/events/2013/xplore-engineering-alumni-summer-camp/#sthash.k5fYijRy.dpuf

Friday, August 9, 2013
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST
College of Engineering
University of Michigan North Campus - See more at: http://mconnex.engin.umich.edu/events/2013/xplore-engineering-alumni-summer-camp/#sthash.k5fYijRy.dpuf

Xplore Engineering – Summer Camp

Xplore Engineering – Summer Camp

Xplore Engineering – Summer Camp