The Easter Bunny Comes to Briarwood

Hop over to Briarwood Mall for
Easter Bunny photos starting March 13!

Spring is trying to er - spring - hopefully. That means it's time for the annual Easter Bunny visit at Briarwood Mall; For families hoping to hop on over and have their peeps photos taken with Mr. EB, he is here March 13 through April 4, 2015. To avoid long lines, be sure to reserve your spot to visit the Briarwood Mall Easter Bunny. This year, Easter Bunny photos will be taken near Von Maur, Monday - Thursday, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturday's 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Parents of special needs children should also note, there are a "Caring Bunny" photo op on March 29, 9:00-10:30 a.m. Here is the link to order tickets for the caring bunny at Briarwood.

For your furry family members, they too can visit with the bunny on Sundays, March 15, 22 and 29 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Guests are asked to enter the mall near the H&M entrance, between Sears and Von Maur. Dogs must remain on leash at all times.

1st Annual LEGO Bricks Ultimate Build-Off Exhibition Come to Ann Arbor

Heads up LEGO loving parents - On May 2, Bricks 4 Kidz-Ann Arbor and the Ann Arbor Art Center will host the 1st Annual LEGO Bricks Ultimate Build-Off Exhibition. The event is currently looking for some sponsors. Parents should also note that this Ann Arbor event will include free activities put on by Bricks 4 Kidz and The Ann Arbor Art Center.

For more information about the contest: http://www.bricks4kidz.com/michigan-annarbor-dexter/pre-school-classes/

Free Dinosaur Tours at University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History

When the kids were old enough for us to get out and explore the area, we ran across the great resource at the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History (1109 Geddes Ave., Ann Arbor) - Actually our first experience was during their annual Halloween party, however we've been back several times! On Saturday's and Sunday's though, they offer a free, 30-minute docent-led tour of the dinosaur exhibits at 2:00 p.m.

It's a great way to spend a weekend afternoon! For more information, be sure to visit the University of Michigan Exhibit Museum of Natural History Website or call 734-764-0478.

Upcoming Guided Hikes for the Whole Family

Here are a couple of upcoming family hiking opportunities that I wanted to share.

Hike to Arbor Woods Preserve Sunday, March 8, 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Northfield Woods Preserve. Meet at the parking lot of Northfield Woods, and hike east from there to visit this new wooded property that is part of the Natural Areas Preservation Program. Plan to do some plant id, look for animal signs, be on the lookout of signs of spring and more, as we explore this new preserve. Faye Stoner will lead this hike.

The second hike, titled “Winter or Spring?” is a night hike and campfire program on Saturday, March 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Park Lyndon (North Lot). Join the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation staff on the second evening of spring, to hike the trail to the wetlands and back, talk about seasonal changes, listen for night sounds, learn about frogs and owls and other night animals, and look for early spring stars! Snacks and hot drinks around the fire at end of hike. Faye Stoner leads this hike.

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.