Watch the Animals Find Easter Eggs at the Toledo Zoo

For those Ann Arbor families with a zoo membership and with a day off this Friday, I have a wonderful, inexpensive and fun idea - Head to the Toledo Zoo's annual "Animal Egg Hunt".

This Friday, April 2, animals throughout the Zoo take part in their own Animal Egg Hunt as they track down eggs hidden in their habitats as part of the zoo's enrichment program. Through enrichment, the animals’ senses are stimulated which encourages natural behaviors. It’s a key component of their over all well-being!

In addition to animal enrichment, a fun craft in the Great Ape Interpretive Center from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and story times will be available throughout the day to stimulate young two-legged mammals!

Toledo Zoo Animal Egg Hunt Schedule:

10:15 a.m. Gorillas in the Kingdom of the Apes
10:30 a.m. Harvey the Chimp and Orangutans also in the Kingdom of the Apes
10:45 a.m. Primate Forest
11:00 a.m. Story Time in the Aviary
11:15 a.m. Tortoise feed in the Reptile House
11:45 a.m. Octopus feed in the Aquarium
12:15 p.m. Story Time in the Great Ape Interpretive Center
1:15 p.m. Otters in the African Savanna
1:45 p.m. Meerkats in the African Savanna
2:00 p.m. African Wild Dogs in Africa!
2:30 p.m. Story Time in the Arctic Encounter®
Throughout the Day visit the Aviary

Family Volunteer Opportunity at Food Gatherers During Spring Break

Some very odd coincidences have been happening to me of late that have led to a great opportunity for my family. 

...  I have been considering what to do with my children during spring break next week
... I have been thinking about the next volunteering opportunity for my children and I,
... And I have been reading a great book "You'll Thank Me Later" that gives parents an understanding of how to help their children become more grateful, so that they will grow up to be respectful, responsible and happier adults.

So where have these odd coincidences led me? To an e-mail I received about two Family Volunteer Days at Food Gatherers!

Volunteering is something that I have done throughout my life - my parents always encouraged it. It has been one way for me to give back when it might have otherwise been a cost-challenge. Giving back is also something that I am teaching my children, even at their young ages. In general volunteering seems to be a rising trend, whether it is because Disney offered up the opportunity to receive a free amusement park ticket in exchange for a day of volunteering or simply because one parent wanted to provide a means to give their child food for thought through volunteering.

"Involving children in volunteering and community service is an excellent way to help them gain perspective about the benefits of their lives. And learn gratitude." says Annie Zirkel, Licensed Professional Counselor, Relationship Counsultant and author of You'll Thank Me Later "Of course this needs to be done just right, taking into account the child's age and sensitivity to situations that they will be exposed to. That's the trick - not overdoing it and not under doing it."

Volunteering is a wonderful thing really, and has many benefits to children, teens and adults alike.  Benefits of teaching a child the value of volunteering include:

• An increased sense of connectedness in your children,
• Passing on of family values,
• Seeing immediate results of their actions for positive impact, 
• Increases in self-esteem and self-image,
• Greater confidence in learning new skills and being exposed to new experiences,
• Volunteering can help dissolve the materialistic and self-centered attitudes,
• and a great sense of satisfaction

In the instance of the volunteering opportunity at Food Gatherers next week, my son and I will be there on Wednesday.  By the time this article posts however I would bet that many of the spaces on either Monday, April 5th - 2-3:30 p.m. or Wednesday, April 7th - 10-11:30 a.m. will be filled.  That should NOT however discourage you from calling (734-761-2796) to see what is available for families with children ages 5-12 or when future opportunities will be present.  It is also possible to sign up at the Food Gatherers site to receive e-mail alerts for volunterring opportunities (Once at the site, sign up for the “FG Volunteers” group).

What a GREAT way to strengthen the family bond, contribute to a worthy organization AND have a meaningful conversation with your child in a positive environment. If happen to be at Food Gatherers next Wednesday be sure to say "hello" ~ Zach and I will be there helping to either help sort recently donated food and pack up 'family' boxes, or they may help sort and repackage incoming produce that will be distributed to partner agencies for families in need of food assistance.

Where Kids Eat Free in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline and Ypsilanti

Another mom and I were having a discussion about where kids can "eat for free" - It's always a benefit when parents can dine somewhere and get a little something for their efforts of hauling the entire family along! So I thought to put together an area list, but you know what? Instead I found an awesome website that includes many Washtenaw County restaurants where kids can eat for free.  The site includes the restaurants where kids eat free, information about what ages are included, the day(s) of the week when free kids meals are available, and the times of day the free kids meals are available. 

Below I've included the restaurants in Ann Arbor and the surrounding cities of Dexter, Saline and Ypsilanti where "kids eat free" - If you have information on additional restaurants that should be included, please drop me a line or add the restaurant info in a comment below:


Ann Arbor Restaurants Kids Eat Free 

Arena - Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
203 E Washington St, Ann Arbor 48107 | Ph: 734-222-9999

Banditos - Every Day of the Week
216 Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor 48104 | Ph: 734-996-0234

Bella Italia - Wednesday
895 W Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor 48103 | Ph: 734-222-9993

Blue Nile - Every Day of the Week
221 E Washington St, Ann Arbor 48104 | Ph: 734-998-4746

Classic Cup Cafe - Tuesday

4389 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor 48103 | Ph: 734-662-4411

Cottage Inn Pizza - Monday
512 E William St, Ann Arbor 48104 | Ph: 734-663-3379

Dennys - Tuesday Saturday
3310 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor 48104 | Ph: 734-971-0090

Moes Southwest Grill - Tuesday
857 W Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor 48103 | Ph: 734-998-0900

Qdoba - Sunday
2252 S Main St, Ann Arbor 48103 | Ph: 734-332-1489
3279 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor 48104 | Ph: 734-973-6393

Roly Poly Sandwiches - Saturday
2412 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor 48104 | Ph: 734-677-0686


Dexter Restaurants Kids Eat Free

Dexters Pub - Sunday
8114 Main St, Dexter 48130 | Ph: 734-426-1234


Saline Restaurants Kids Eat Free

Macs Seafood Shack - Sunday
104 E Michigan Ave, Saline 48176 | Ph: 734-944-6227

Wings Pizza n Things - Sunday
6877 State Rd., Suite D, Saline 48176 | Ph: 734-429-7700


Ypsilanti Restaurants Kids Eat Free

Harvest Moon - Monday
5484 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti 48197 | Ph: 734-434-8100

IHOP - Every day
4221 Ellsworth Road, Ypsilanti 48197 | Ph: 734-528 4467

Pizza Hut - Tuesday
3045 Carpenter, Ypsilanti 48197 | Ph: 734-971-6500

Rio Wraps - Monday
1334 Anna J. Stepp, Ypsilanti 48197 | Ph: 734-547-9727

Free Kids Craft Projects Tomorrow at Michael's Crafts

Be sure to take your family to a local Michael's craft store tomorrow, March 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for a FREE family "Make It, take It" event. While supplies last, kids can create a fun spring craft project with new Crayola® Model Magic® Presto Dots™!

I'll admit, I've seen the Crayola® Model Magic® Presto Dots™ in the store while wandering aimlessly and have been intrigued - they sure look interesting, and fun, plus the opportunity to create a "messy project" in someone else's space tops my reasons for wanting to attend! Supplies may become quickly limited, so be sure to arrive early.

The nearest area Michael’s location is at 3655 Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor with a second store nearby in Canton, a short 15-minute drive from the Ann Arbor area.

Wondering What Things There Are to do With Kids in Ann Arbor?

The folks at AnnArbor.com have compiled the "The Mother List: Resources for families around Ann Arbor" that includes all sorts of things to do with your kids around Ann Arbor.  Check it out is you are stumped, it might bring to light new ideas!