Movies-in-the-Park: "Home"

See the movie "Home" under the stars on August 21!

We really enjoy spending time outdoors as much as possible, and movies in the park are some of the best ways during the summer months to do that! On Friday, August 21 at Mill Pond Park (Saline) families can enjoy seeing the movie Home.

Bring your blankets, family and friends and enjoy a great evening under the stars. From 6:30 pm to dusk there will be free family fun including inflatable obstacle course, inflatable bouncer, music, picnicking, sponsor activity area, games and more. Concessions are available for purchase. The movie "Home" will begin at sundown.

August Hikes for the Family

There are two hiking programs happening later this month through Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation. They are both appropriate for the whole family. What's really nice is that the timing of each event means you get to explore nature in several ways!

On Thursday, August 20 take a sunset hike at Rolling Hills at 6:30 p.m. A Field Guide to Fields will take you through Rolling Hills to see the botany, wildlife, and history. Explore the botany, wildlife, and history of the North American temperate grassland. Meet in the Prairie Pavilion lot.

Later in the week, on Sunday, August 23 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Explore the northern wetland habitats of  Trinkle Marsh. While on the naturalist led program there will be wet conditions so be sure to dress for the weather.

Chelsea Community Fair

I still feel the loss of the Michigan State Fair, I miss the barns upon barns of animals and agricultural displays. Not to mention the fun fair food, games, music and family-friendly atmosphere. Next week though we can take in the Chelsea Community Fair (20501 W Old US Highway 12, Chelsea) August 25-29, 2015!

Expect traditional displays such as the Nature's Creation of Life display, the many animals, as well contests, the demolition derby, tractor pulling and many horse shows! After my foray into home wine brewing, I'm looking forward to checking out the homemade wine contest as well as the tables upon tables of home canned and baked goods on display. New this year is a cool ice cream truck, a lumberjack show, draft horse pull and square dancing. Be sure to check out the full schedule of events at the Chelsea Fair before heading out though!

Admission prices for the event are $7.00 with free admission for kids under age 10. In addition to the daily admission fee, your family might opt to enjoy the midway and rides for $20.00.

Here is a brief list of highlighted events that might be of interest to local Ann Arbor families:

August 23:
Free Admission to Tractor Pull

August 24:
Free Admission to Tractor Pull
Gates Open at 9:00 a.m.

August 25:
Gates Open at 10:00 a.m.
Rides Open at 5:00 p.m.
The Nature’s Creation of Life exhibit is open all day
Colors the Clown performs 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Children’s Parade; Tricycle Pull & Kid’s Day Events in Main Arena 5:30 p.m.
Demolition Derby starts at 7:30 p.m.

August 26:
Gates Open at 10:00 a.m.
Rides Open at 1:00 p.m.
The Nature’s Creation of Life exhibit is open all day
Colors the Clown performs 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Demolition Derby starts at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 27 - Senior Day:
Gates Open at 10:00 a.m.
Rides Open at 1:00 p.m.
The Nature’s Creation of Life exhibit is open all day
Kiddies Peddle-Power Tractor Pull at 1:00 p.m.
Colors the Clown performs 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Chelsea Community Fair Diesel Shootout Truck Pull starts at 7:30 p.m.

August 28 - Ladies Day:
Gates Open at 10:00 a.m.
Rides Open at 1:00 p.m.
The Nature’s Creation of Life exhibit is open all day
Tractor Pulling Contest, Farm Stock, Speed-Pull Weight Transfer Sled Classes starts at 7:00 p.m.

August 29:
Gates Open at 10:00 a.m.
Rides Open at 1:00 p.m.
The Nature’s Creation of Life exhibit is open all day
Youth Horse Show (Fun Day) 9:00 a.m.
Parade 1:00 p.m.
Colors the Clown performs 3:00-7:00 p.m.
4-Wheel and 2-Wheel Drive Pulling/Diesel Truck Pull Contests start at 7:30 p.m.

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.

Summer Heat Wave Pool Give-away

The box arriving at my house the other day was perfect timing. It sure has been warm in Ann Arbor the past week or so! We finally flew past 90-degrees straight into a week of summer. Of course my children were crushed when they realized that they can not enjoy what was in the box due to the way our yard slopes.

Wait, what was IN the box? Funny you should ask!

Right now on the Ann Arbor Mom blog, local families have the opportunity to WIN a free backyard pool from Backyard Ocean! You read that correct as one Ann Arbor family gets their very own 8' x 26" Float to Fill Ring Pool Set. All you have to do to win, is comment below with one of your favorite ways to cool off in summer. For us it is a trip to the Argo Cascades followed by wading in the river at Island Park. Need some hints? Backyard Ocean has several great ways to cool off this summer and I highlighted a few of my favorites from their list!

Top Ways to Cool Off this Summer

1) Create a Slip n' Slide - This last week while visiting Silver Lake State Park, we heard of a local that creates a killer water slide using just sheets of plastic and a water pump. The slide starts at the top of the dune and ends in Silver Lake. Unfortunately he did not put it up while we were there. I also appreciate this great idea of a water-slide baseball! Honestly though the kids will have a lot of fun using a plastic drop cloth and sprinkler this summer!

2) Ice Cube Relay Races - Love, love, LOVE the idea of using ice cubes for any kind of game or relay race. I especially like freezing mini toys in ice cubes, then in using a stray see who can "thaw" their toy the fastest using only their breath. Although it is not a "ice cube" also consider stringing together frozen spoons then run an in and out relay.

3) Stay off Hot Pavement with a Bike Wash - No we are not talking a motorcycle wash (although pretty sure the riders would think this is cool) but how about using PVC a drill and a garden hose to create this front yard monstrosity? Pretty sure ALL the kids would want to play, making your the "cool house" for more reason than one! You can get all necessary supplies at Lowes.

Bike wash project directions courtesy of Lowes

 4) Homemade Popsicles - We used to make these ALL the time with small Dixie Cups, popsicle sticks, plastic wrap and a juice of choice. Consider adding real fruit too. Just drop fruit and juice into a cup, wrap the top with plastic wrap and insert a popsicle stick. Then freeze until solid! Easy peasy.

So what are your thoughts on the best way to keep cool? Comment below with your tip for a chance to with backyard pool from Backyard Ocean. All comments received by midnight August 7 will be entered into a random drawing. There is one caveat though, the winner must be available to meet with me in the parking lot of the local Sheriff Station in Ypsilanti - I already have the pool in hand, ready to give to the winner.

Thank you to Backyard Ocean for this amazing pool give away.

After you win your backyard pool, you may also appreciate some information on swimming pool safety and maintenance!

Hope to see many great tips - Stay cool.