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December 05, 2008

Calendar of Events

Family and Kids' Stuff

Monday December 2008

10:30-11:30 a.m.

"Playgroups for Babies": Ann Arbor District Library.

Every Mon. through Dec. 8. Playgroup for kids up to 24 months, accompanied by an adult. No older siblings. Note: Playgroups are also offered (through the week of Dec. 8) at the Malletts Creek (Tues., 10-11 a.m., & Thurs., 6:30-7:30 p.m.), Pittsfield (Tues., 6:30-7:30 p.m.), and Traverwood (Fri., 10:30-11:30 a.m.) branches. AADL, 343 S. Fifth Ave. at William. Free. 327-8301 (main library), 327-4200 (branches).

Tuesday December 2008

10-10:30 a.m.

Preschool Storytimes: Ann Arbor District Library.

Every Tues. through Dec. 9. Stories and songs for kids age 2 & up (accompanied by an adult). Note: These storytimes are also offered (through the week of Dec. 8) at the Malletts Creek (Wed., 10-10:30 a.m.), Traverwood (Wed., 6-6:30 p.m., and Thurs., 10-10:30 & 11-11:30 a.m.), and Pittsfield (Thurs., 7-7:30 p.m., and Fri., 10-10:30 a.m.) branches. AADL youth department story room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. at William. Free. 327-8301 (main library), 327-4200 (branches).

11 a.m.

Children's Hour: Shaman Drum Bookshop.

Every Tues. except Dec. 23 & 30. Shaman Drum staff read picture books for kids ages 2-6. Shaman Drum, 315 S. State. Free. 662-7407.

Wednesday December 2008

10 a.m.

"Storytime for Boys and Girls": Waters Place Borders.

Dec. 3, 5, & 6. Borders staffers "Ms. Kathy" and "Ms. Joan" read stories, lead sing-alongs, and play kids games. Borders, 3140 Lohr Rd. Free. 997-8884.

11 a.m.

"Storytime with Miss Annette": Arborland Borders.

Every Wed. & Fri. except Dec. 26. Borders staffer "Miss Annette" reads stories and leads a craft project for toddlers. Also, raffle. Borders, 3527 Washtenaw. Free. 449-9394.

Friday December 2008

9:30-11 a.m.

"Tiny Tot Time": Leslie Science and Nature Center.

A program of hikes, storytelling, songs, puppets, and crafts for kids ages 1-3 (accompanied by a caregiver). Snacks provided; dress for the outdoors. Leslie Science Center, 1831 Traver Rd. $6. 997-1553.

10 a.m.

"Storytime for Boys and Girls": Waters Place Borders.

Dec. 3, 5, & 6. Borders staffers "Ms. Kathy" and "Ms. Joan" read stories, lead sing-alongs, and play kids games. Borders, 3140 Lohr Rd. Free. 997-8884.

4 p.m.

"W Is for Waves": Barnes & Noble.

U-M Museum of Zoology biological illustrator John Megahan shows kids how to draw some of the sea animals and other images he painted to serve as illustrations for Marie & Roland Smith's new Sleeping Bear Press children's book. Barnes & Noble, 3235 Washtenaw. Free. 973-1618.

Saturday December 2008

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

"Dinosaur Discovery Day": U-M Exhibit Museum Discovery Day.

See review. This family-oriented dinosaur program includes a fossil dig, a dinosaur puppet show, a dinosaur craft, screening of dinosaur films, and other family-oriented demonstrations and activities. Prize drawing. Refreshments. U-M Exhibit Museum, 1109 Geddes at North University. Free. 764-0478.

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Annual Children's Festival and Holiday Bazaar: Rudolf Steiner School.

The entire school is transformed into a children's festival, with puppet shows, musical performances, a raffle, and more. An activity room features kids crafts, and a children-only gift room has goodies priced for wee budgets. Also, an artisans market with handmade crafts by 40 local artists and a toy room. Food available in King Winter's Cafe and the Gingerbread Tea Room. Preceded on Dec. 5 by an adults-only preview night (6:30-10 p.m.), with a silent auction, music, and refreshments. Rudolf Steiner School, 2775 Newport Rd. Free admission (nominal fee for raffle & cakewalk). 995-4141.

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Christmas Party: Downtown Home & Garden.

Santa is on hand to talk to kids, give them a Christmas orange, and take their Christmas lists. Free roasted chestnuts, eggnog, cider, and while they last, smidgens of delicious smoked goose right from the store's Big Green Egg smoker. Downtown Home & Garden, 210 S. Ashley. Free. 662-8122.

10 a.m.

"Storytime for Boys and Girls": Waters Place Borders.

Dec. 3, 5, & 6. Borders staffers "Ms. Kathy" and "Ms. Joan" read stories, lead sing-alongs, and play kids games. Borders, 3140 Lohr Rd. Free. 997-8884.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

"Sciencepalooza": Hands-On Museum.

Dec. 6 & 7. A popular monthly exhibit in the concourse area with hands-on experiments and activities. This month's program: "Science of Toys." Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann. $8 (members & infants, free) regular admission. 995-5439.

11 a.m.

Ralph's World: The Ark.

Family show by Ralph Covert, the former frontman of the Chicago indie rock band the Bad Examples. He has released 6 acclaimed CDs of energetic kiddie rock, including the recent The Rhyming Circus, which features the likes of "The Rhyming Circus" and "Folsom Daycare Blues." The Ark, 316 S. Main. Tickets $15 in advance at Herb David Guitar Studio, the Michigan Union Ticket Office, & all other Ticketmaster outlets; and at the door. To charge by phone, call 763-TKTS.

11 a.m.

Storytime: Nicola's Books.

Every Sat. Storytelling program for kids under age 7. Nicola's, Westgate shopping center. Free. 662-0600.

11 a.m.

Children's Storytime: Barnes & Noble.

Every Sat. Storytelling programs and occasional craft activities for kids. On Dec. 20, local children's writer Sheila Pursglove (see Cranbrook Whole Foods listing below) reads her new children's book The Mouse Ate the House. Barnes & Noble, 3235 Washtenaw. Free. 973-1618.

11 a.m.-noon.

"Snowflakes Are Falling": Ann Arbor District Library.

All preschoolers through 3rd-graders invited to make paper snowflakes. AADL Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower (between Stone School & Packard). Free. 327-4200.

"Christmas on the Farm and at Dewey School": Waterloo Area Farm Museum.

Dec. 6 & 7. This German immigrant family's pioneer homestead comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a rural 1880s Michigan Christmas. Docent-guided tours of 2-story brick farmhouse. Free hot cider in the farm's spartan log cabin, and tours of the one-room Dewey School. Gift shop. Refreshments. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 9998 Waterloo Rd. (left off Clear Lake Rd. from I-94 exit 153), Chelsea . $4 admission (seniors $3; children ages 5-17, $2; ages 4 & younger, free). (517) 851-7890.

1 & 3 p.m.

"Super Science Shows": Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Family Day.

Every Sat. & Sun. Museum staff give family-friendly science demos. Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann. $8 (members & infants, free) regular museum admission. 995-5439.

1 p.m.

"Kids Club Story Time and Activity": Cranbrook Whole Foods Market.

Michigan writer Sheila Pursglove reads The Mouse Ate the House, her new children's book about a mouse who makes his home in a gingerbread house under a Christmas tree. Also, an appearance by Merriweather Matthew Mouse. Signing. Followed by gingerbread cookie decorating. Whole Foods, 990 W. Eisenhower Pkwy., Cranbrook Village shopping center. Free. 997-7507.

3-4 p.m.

Kids Drum Circle: Oz's Music.

All kids invited to join a drumming session hosted by Oz's owner Steve Osburn. Drums provided. Oz's, 1920 Packard. $10. 662-8283.

4-5 p.m.

Kids Open Stage: Oz's Music Environment.

Kids of all ages and all musical abilities are invited to play, sing, or just observe. Oz's, 1920 Packard. Free; donations welcome. 662-8283.

4 p.m.

"Sing Along with Santa": Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

This popular annual family concert features a carol sing-along led by former orchestra staff member Charley Sullivan as Santa. With bassist Erin Zurbuchen, pianist Lori Zupan, erhu player Xiaodong Wei, and an Ann Arbor Youth Chorale ensemble. Michigan Football Network radio personality Lucy Ann Lance emcees. Followed by cookies, apple cider, and photos with Santa. Bethlehem United Church of Christ, 423 S. Fourth Ave. Tickets $12 (children 12 & under, $5; families, $30; patrons, $50) in advance at the AASO office (220 E. Huron suite 470) and a2so.com, and at the door. 994-4801.

Sunday December 2008

Noon-4 p.m.

"Country Christmas": Cobblestone Farm Association.

Re-creation of mid-19th-century Christmases, with period Christmas decorations, cooking on the woodstove, and dulcimer music by the Village Strings. Also, a chance to visit with Father Christmas. Costumed interpreters provide tours of the restored 1844 Ticknor-Campbell farmhouse and its grounds, including a barnyard with live animals. Attendees can dip a candle to take home. Gift shop. Cobblestone Farm, 2781 Packard (next to Buhr Park). $3 (kids, $1.50; family, $7) suggested donation. 994-2928.

Noon-3 p.m.

Green Fair: U-M School of Art and Design/School of Natural Resources and the Environment.

All elementary school children and their parents invited to learn about recycling, alternative energy, buying local foods, and water conservation. U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free. (248) 396-9990.

Noon-4 p.m.

"Sciencepalooza": Hands-On Museum.

Dec. 6 & 7. A popular monthly exhibit in the concourse area with hands-on experiments and activities. This month's program: "Science of Toys." Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann. $8 (members & infants, free) regular admission. 995-5439.

"Christmas on the Farm and at Dewey School": Waterloo Area Farm Museum.

Dec. 6 & 7. This German immigrant family's pioneer homestead comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of a rural 1880s Michigan Christmas. Docent-guided tours of 2-story brick farmhouse. Free hot cider in the farm's spartan log cabin, and tours of the one-room Dewey School. Gift shop. Refreshments. Noon a.m.-4 p.m., Waterloo Area Farm Museum, 9998 Waterloo Rd. (left off Clear Lake Rd. from I-94 exit 153), Chelsea . $4 admission (seniors $3; children ages 5-17, $2; ages 4 & younger, free). (517) 851-7890.

1 p.m.

Children's Storytime: Liberty Borders.

Every Sun. Borders staff reads stories for kids. Borders, 612 E. Liberty. Free. 668-7652.

1:30 p.m.

33rd Annual Christmas Sing: Western Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor/Ann Arbor North Rotary Club/Notre Dame Club of Ann Arbor.

More than 500 people usually attend this family-oriented event. Kiwanis members Jeff Crause, Charlie Phibbs, Mike Fedel, and Tony Fahmie lead the audience in a sing-along of favorite Christmas carols. Organ accompanist is Andrew Rogers. Also, a visit from Santa and guest performances by the St. Francis Assisi Middle School Choir and by Miss Washtenaw County, who does a baton twirling routine. Emcee is Michigan Football Network radio personality Lucy Ann Lance. Michigan Theater. Free. 668-8397.

2 p.m.

"Kerry Tales: Cradles and Candles with Mother Goose": Kerrytown Shops.

30-minute family-oriented program of rhymes, riddles, and stories with local storyteller Trudy Bulkley as "Mother Goose." Hollander's, 407 N. Fifth Ave. (Kerrytown). Free. 769-3115.

3:30 p.m.

Children's Puppet Shows: Dreamland Theater.

Dec. 7, 14, & 21 . The Dreamland Puppet Troupe presents several marionette, rod, and shadow puppet shows for kids. Dreamland Theater, 26 N. Washington, Ypsilanti. $5 (kids age 3 & under, free). 657-2337.

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