Book a private playtime at Ann Arbor’s Hands-On Museum with your pod
ANN ARBOR – It’s been a long year of closures, and one group that has felt it the most is parents. Luckily, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has begun offering reservations for pods of up to 25 people to come and enjoy the beloved children’s museum. How it works:Each pod pays a set price for a group up to 25 people (including babies). To qualify, the registrant must be an EBT or WIC card holder. The card must be shown to museum staff on the day of their reservation.
Build a kid-friendly winter obstacle course inspired by U-M gardens, arboretum staff
To help beat the winter blues, families are encouraged to venture outdoors to play, spend time together and get some fresh air. “In Gaffield Children’s Garden, we provide rich, open-ended nature play experiences. We encourage families to participate and replicate what we do here, in their own homes, apartments, and parks.”One such activity is constructing a winter obstacle course. They posted this obstacle course over the weekend:Anything can be used to construct the obstacle course -- snow balls, sticks, stumps and rope, to name a few items. Make sure you associate a mission with the course: “Let’s hop over three snowballs, circle the stump two times and sprint to the tree.”To see the full guide on creating a fun winter obstacle course, click here.
Ann Arbor’s Young People’s Theater launches fundraiser to stay afloat during pandemic
ANN ARBOR – Local youth theater group Young People’s Theater has launched a fundraising campaign to stay open amid the coronavirus pandemic. Since 1977, the youth theater group has been putting on productions and hosting camps and classes for kids ages five and up. When the pandemic began in March, YPT had to stop all activities, which halted incoming revenue. The theater company, a 501(c)(3) non profit run exclusively by volunteers, fears it will be forced to close if it cannot raise funds to cover operational expenses. Young People’s Theater is at 331 Metty Dr. STE 3.
Experience drive-thru Halloween light show near Ann Arbor
Medical specialty camp for children with serious health challenges North Star Reach will host a Drive-Thru Halloween Glow & Lights Show this season. The drive through the camp will feature spook-tacular illuminated displays, a wooded wonderland and singing jack-o'-lanterns. Tickets are $25 per car and all proceeds benefit North Star Reach, which provides a free summer camp experience for families with children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. (©John Baird 2020 | North Star Reach)Dates and times:Friday, Oct. 23rd | 7 p.m.–9 p.m.Friday, Oct. 30th | 7 p.m.–9 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 31st | 7 p.m.–9 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 1st | 6 p.m.–8 p.m. North Star Reach is at 1200 University Camp Drive in Pinckney.