Family Fun Guide

April 2026

VISIT THE WEBSITE

UPCOMING EVENTS

HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES

TALKING IS TEACHING:

Let’s talk about CARING FOR THE EARTH! Spending time outdoors will help your child naturally develop a love and respect for the world around them. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in nature with your little one and talk about the colors, shapes, smells, and sounds all around you!

For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING

KINDERGARTEN READINESS:

Walk forward and backwards easily
Manages classroom rules, routines, and transitions with occasional reminders
Follows directions of two or more steps (ex. put your food in the trash and rinse off your plate)
Extends and creates simple repeating patterns
Demonstrates scientific inquiry skills (observing, planning, predicting, sharing ideas about what happened, using tools such as magnifying glasses, rulers, scales to make observations)
Toilet Trained

HELP ME GROW

Nature is the best playground! Running, climbing, and jumping outside help 3- to 5-year-olds develop coordination and strength.

If you have concerns about your child's development, call Help Me Grow.

For more information visit helpmegrow-mi.org/counties or call 844-464-0005.

EARLY ON

Year 1: Babies start babbling around 4-6 months, laying the foundation for speech. By 2 years, they can have a vocabulary explosion! Early intervention can water this growth if delays in communication arise.

Year 2: By 12 months, most children understand simple words and directions and can say 1–3 words. By 24 months, many use at least 50 words and begin combining two words. Talk with your child throughout the day, repeat and expand on what they say (e.g., child says “ball,” adult says “Yes, big red ball!”) to build vocabulary.

Year 3: Between ages 2 and 3, children typically learn an average of 5–10 new words per day. Read books together daily and ask simple questions, point to pictures, and encourage your child to label objects to support language growth.

If you have concerns or questions about your child's development please contact Amy Vallad, BAISD Early On Coordinator at vallada@baisd.net or (989) 262-4182

Learn more about EARLY ON.

STRIVE FOR FEWER THAN FIVE: UNPLUG AND PLAY GREAT LAKES BAY TIP

Maggie Dwan

Did you know? For children ages 2 to 4, experts recommend no more than 1 hour of sedentary screen time each day, and less is better. This week, choose one unplugged activity to do together each day, like reading, building, coloring, or outdoor play. Small screen-free moments help support healthy growth and strong family connection.

Source: World Health Organization. Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age.

Learn more about UPLUG AND PLAY GREAT LAKES BAY

COOKING AT HOME - CHOCOLATE BANANA PUDDING

30 Minutes 6 Servings

Ingredients

1 ripe banana

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 Tablespoons cornstarch

Pinch ground cinnamon

Pinch salt

2 large eggs

2 cups low-fat milk

1⁄3 cup honey

Instructions:

In a small bowl, use a fork to mash the banana to a smooth pulp.
In a medium bowl, use a fork to whisk cocoa powder, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt.
In a second medium bowl, lightly beat eggs. Whisk eggs into the cocoa mixture to make a smooth paste. Whisk out any pockets of flour and cocoa completely.
In a medium pot over medium heat, heat milk and honey. Bring to a simmer.
Pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture over the egg mixture. Whisk constantly until smooth. Continue adding milk, a little at a time, until about half the milk mixture is used.
Add egg mixture to pot with remaining milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until it just begins to bubble and thicken. Remove from heat.
Whisk in mashed banana right away until fully combined.
Pour warm pudding into 6 small cups. Eat warm, or refrigerate until set, about 2 hours.

View full recipe: CHOCOLATE BANANA PUDDING

FAMILY RESOURCES

FOOD RESOURCES

CLOTHING & DIAPERS

PARENT SUPPORT & CLASSES

IMAGINATION LIBRARY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Myth: Many people believe that Dolly Parton fully funds Imagination Library. However, local chapters of Imagination Library rely on fundraising and outside support to purchase books and postage for our community!

To support the continuation of this program...consider making a donation today! Many community chapters across the State are pausing this program until more consistent funding can be secured! Help make sure this doesn't happen to Bay and Arenac County!

DONATE TODAY!

MSU EXTENSION - FREE ONLINE PARENTING CLASSES

Extension Extras Parenting Hour

Tuesdays at 7:30 - 9:30 PM

April 7 - Screen Time for Children

April 14 - The Birds and the Bees - Talking With Kids About Sex

April 21 - Together We Can: Co-Parenting

March 24 - Setting the Stage- Promoting Social-Emotional Health in Young Children

April 28 - Positive Discipline

Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series - April 2026

Mondays, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4 at 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series - April 2026

Thursdays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7, 14 at 7 - 8:30 PM

Online Extension Extras for Professionals Third Thursdays- Screen Time for Young Children

April 16 at 7-8:30 PM

Online Extension Extras for Professionals Fourth Fridays: Mathematics for Infants and Toddlers

April 24 at 1 - 2:30 PM

Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES

CAN COUNCIL

CHILD CARE AVAILABILITY

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

COMMUNITY CALENDARS:

There are always family-friendly events happening throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. The following Community Calendars are wonderful resources to help you find a fun outing for your family.

GO GREAT LAKES BAY

GREAT LAKES BAY PARENTS

HEY BAY CITY

STEM PIPELINE CALENDAR

IN THE NEWS:

Read article: SAGINAW ART MUSEUM EXPANDS PROGRAM TO BAY, ARENAC COUNTY STUDENTS

VENDORS NEEDED:

Summer Touch-A-Truck/Family Fun Fest

Vendor & Truck/Vehicle Registration Form

Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10 AM - 3 PM at the Bay City State Park

- Touch-A-Truck/Vehicles, please register your vehicle and contact Michael Barker for parking and logistical planning at barkerm3@michigan.gov, or call at 989-684-3020

- Community Resource Vendors

Vendors will be encouraged to bring your own tent, however, a large tent will also be available for vendors that don't have a tent. Note: Vendors bringing tents will want to consider stakes/weights to help secure your tent/s during the event.

Community resource vendors may contact Rich VanTol with any questions: vantolr@baisd.net or 989-233-8729

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS:

March 28 at 2 PM: PARACHUTE PARTY (ages 5-8) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

March 31, April 1, & 2 at 10 AM –4 PM: EASTER EGG SCAVENGER HUNT (ages 3 -12) @ Historical Society of Bay County, Bay City

March 30 & 31, April 1, 2, & 3 at 2 PM: SPRING BREAK SERIES (ages 5-12) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

March 31 at 1 PM: CRAFTERNOON (ages 3-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

March 31 at 4:30 PM & 6 PM: PEEP RACECAR (ages 2-12) @ Auburn Area Branch Library, Auburn

March 29 at 12:30 PM: ALGER PARK & REC EASTER EGG HUNT @ Moffatt Twp Fire Hall, Alger

April 1 at 11 AM: DIY HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

April 1 at 3 - 4:30 PM: GAMER DAY @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 1 at 5:30 PM: BABY BOOK CLUB (ages 0-3 + adult) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 2 at 10:30 AM: DANCING THROUGH DIVERSITY: PRINCESS DANCE CLASS (ages 3-7) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 2 at 10:30 AM: MOVE & GROOVE (ages 0-5 + adult) @Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 2 at 1 - 3 PM: MOVIE BREAK - LILO & STITCH @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish

April 2 at 5-6:30 PM: SMART MONEY MI KIDS: CREATE YOUR OWN CHARCUTERIE BOARD (ages 5-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 2 at 6 PM: RECYCLED SHAPES PROCESS ART (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

April 3 at 10 AM: PLAYDATE (ages 0-4 + adult) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 3 at 10:30 AM: DANCING THROUGH DIVERSITY: K-POP DANCE CLASS (ages 3-7) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 4 at 9 AM: KIDS WORKSHOP @ Home Depot, Bay City

April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4 & 11 at 10 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 & 12 at 10 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 & 12 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 7 at 4:30 PM: SMART MONEY MI KIDS: CREATE YOUR OWN CHARCUTERIE BOARD (ages 5-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 8, 15, 22, 28, May 6 & 13 at 10:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 8, 15, 22, 28, Mary 6 & 13 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) @ Pinconning Branch LIbrary, Pinconning

April 8, 15, 22, 28, May 6 & 13 at 10:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 8, 15, 22, 28, May 6 & 13 at 11:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 8, 15, 22, 28, May 6 & 13 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 9, 16, 23, 29, May 7 & 14 at 10:15 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 9, 16, 23, 29, May 7 & 14 at 10:30 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 9, 16, 23, 29, May 7 & 14 at 11:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 9 at 3:30 PM: GAMERS CLUB JR (grades 1-4) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 9 at 5:30 PM: MAD SCIENTISTS: FLY, FLING, AND SOAR (ages 6-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 9 at 6 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

April 10 at 10:30 AM: BUGGY BABIES & TODDLERS (ages 0-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 10 at 10:30 AM: YOUNG SCIENTISTS: BUSY BEE (ages 2-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 10 & 24 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

April 11 at 10:30 AM: STORYTIME @ Risers Kitchen, Auburn

April 11 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 14 at 4:30 PM: SMART MONEY MI KIDS: CREATE YOUR OWN CHARCUTERIE BOARD (ages 5-12) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 14 at 5:30 PM: PEEP TASTE TEST (ages 6-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 15 at 3:30-5 PM: CHESS AT THE LIBRARY @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 15 at 5:30 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 16 at 6 PM: SMART MONEY MI KIDS: CREATE YOUR OWN CHARCUTERIE BOARD (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

April 17 at 10:30 AM: LITTLE WIGGLERS (ages 0-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 17 at 10:30 AM: A IS FOR ART: BOOTS & BLOOM (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 18 at 12 - 2 PM: FAMILY FUN FAIR @ Delta College Planetarium, Bay City

April 18 at 1 PM: STEM TIME TRAVELERS (grades K-5) @ Historical Museum of Bay County, Bay City

April 18 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 21 at 4:30 - 6:30 PM: SEW CREATIVE: WALLETS (ages 6-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 23 at 3:30 PM: GAMERS CLUB JR (grades 1-4) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 23 at 6 PM: EARTH DAY PARTY (ages 0-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

April 24 at 10:30 AM: MINI MUSIC MAKERS (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 25 at 10:30 AM: DRIVE-IN MOVIE (ages 3-6) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

April 25 at 3 PM: CURIOSITY CLUB – BUILD A BEE HIVE (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning

April 28 at 4:30 PM: PETALS AND PAINT WITH FLOWERS FROM THE HEART (ages 2-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

April 30 at 4:30 PM: GIFT FOR A GAL (ages 0-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 30 at 5 PM: GIFT FOR A GAL (ages 0-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

April 30 at 6 PM: COFFEE FILTER BUTTERFLIES (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch LIbrary, Pinconning

DO YOU NEED HELP?

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Visit our Website