Family Fun Guide

August 2026

FEATURED EVENT

FOOD RESOURCES

The Summer Food Service Program serves nutritious meals to children up to age 18 living in low-income areas (where 50 percent or more of the students qualify for free or reduced price school meals). The program can operate in schools, public housing centers, playgrounds, camps, parks, and faith-based facilities.

Find a MEET UP AND EAT UP location near you.

HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES

TALKING IS TEACHING - LET'S TALK ABOUT MUSIC

Did you know that music and singing can help boost your baby’s language development and help prepare him for success in school? When you sing songs together, your baby learns new words, sound patterns, and more! 

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

KINDERGARTEN READINESS:

HELP ME GROW

Creativity sparks learning! Drawing, pretend play, and storytelling help your 3- to 5-year-old build problem-solving skills and confidence. 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.

UNPLUG & PLAY GREAT LAKES BAY

Maggie Dwan

🎒 Digital Diet Summer Tip:

Screen-free moments help children get ready for school

Children learn a lot through simple, everyday moments. Waiting in line, getting dressed, playing outside, helping at home, and reading together all help children practice skills they will use in kindergarten.

Screen-free moments give children more chances to practice:

• Waiting
• Taking turns
• Listening
• Following directions
• Calming their body
• Trying againSolving problems

Try one simple idea today:

• “First shoes, then outside.”
• “Can you bring me your shoes and coat?”
• “Let’s take five deep breaths together.”
• “What can we do while we wait?”
• “What else could we try?”

Kindergarten readiness can grow through play, routines, and time together.

Learn more about UPLUG AND PLAY GREAT LAKES BAY

COOKING AT HOME

SOUTHWESTERN BLACK-EYED PEA & CORN SALAD

Cooking Matters

30 Minutes 10 Servings

Ingredients

1 medium bell pepper

1 small red onion

2 (15½ ounce) cans black-eyed peas

1 (15¼ ounce) can corn kernels, no salt added

3 Tablespoons canola oil

2 Tablespoons vinegar

1 teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rinse and dice bell pepper, removing core and seeds. Peel, rinse, and dice onion.
2. If using, rinse and chop cilantro leaves.
3. In a colander, drain and rinse black-eyed peas and corn.

Chef’s Notes:

• Dried black-eyed peas may be cheaper than canned. If using dried, cook according to package directions until peas are soft but not mushy. Drain, rinse, and add 3 cups cooked peas to salad. Use leftovers in other recipes later in the week.
• Try chilling the salad. Serve it over cooked spinach or kale.
• Use any type of vinegar you have on hand. Try balsamic, cider, or red or white wine vinegar.
• Use black beans in place of black-eyed peas if you like.
• When corn is in season, use fresh in place of canned. Cook 4 medium ears corn. Remove kernels from cob with a knife. Add to salad.

View full recipe: SOUTHWESTERN BLACK-EYED PEA & CORN SALAD

FAMILY RESOURCES

FOOD RESOURCES

CLOTHING & DIAPERS

ARENAC COUNTY CHILD PROTECTION COUNCIL

ARENAC COUNTY CHILD PROTECTION COUNCIL

PARENT CLASSES

PARENT SUPPORT & CLASSES

MY MICHIGAN HEALTH

MSU EXTENSION - FREE ONLINE PARENTING CLASSES

CAN COUNCIL'S PARENT CAFES

Upcoming Cafes:

Bay County Health Departments - Wednesdays: August 12, 19, & September 2 at 11 AM - 1 PM.

Register for PARENT CAFE.

GREAT LAKES BAY REGION MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS

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

REGISTER

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

FARMER'S MARKETS:

Thursdays (till October 1) at 2-7 PM: PERE MARQUETTE PARKING PLAZA FARMER'S MARKET, Bay City

Fridays (till September 11) at 2-6 PM: STANDISH DEPOT FARMER'S MARKET, Standish

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS:

August 1 & 2: SAGINAW BAY WATERFOWL & OUTDOOR FESTIVAL @ Bay City State Park, Bay City

August 1 at 9 AM: KIDS WORKSHOP @ Home Depot, Bay City 

August 1 at 11:30 AM: MOVIE TIME: THE LAND BEFORE TIME @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish

August 1 at 2 PM at 11 AM: PETTING ZOO @ Alice and Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, September 5 at 7 PM: MUSIC FROM THE MARSH @ Bay City State Park, Bay City

August 3 at 11 AM: LAWN SERIES - SIDEWALK CHALK ART @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 3 at 12:30 PM: STORIES AND SONGS IN THE PARK @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 4 at 10 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 4 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 4 at 11 AM: TERRIFIC TREES STORYTIME AND CRAFT (ages 4-9) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City

August 4 at 4:30 PM: FOAM PARTY! (ages 0-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 4 at 5-8 PM: NATIONAL NIGHT OUT @ Wenonah Park, Bay City

August 5, 12, 29, & 26 at 9 - 11 AM: BUSY BEES PLAYGROUP @ Bay City State Park, Bay City

August 5 at 10:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 5 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

August 5 at 10:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 5 at 11:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 5 at 12:30 PM: WE DIG DINOS! @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 5 at 1 PM: SUMMER MOVIE - THE LAND BEFORE TIME @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 5 at 4-6 PM: READING IS DINO-MITE: LAST CHAPTER PARTY@ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

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

August 5 & 12 at 6:30 PM: AUGRES MUSIC IN THE PARK @ AuGres City Park, AuGres

August 5 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 5, 12, 19, 26, September 2 & 9 at 6:30 PM: WEDNESDAYS IN THE PARK @ Wenonah Park, Bay City

August 6, 13, 20 & 27 at 10 AM - 12 PM: GREAT LAKES BAY MOMS CAFE @ Monitor Township Park, Bay City

August 6 at 10 AM: MICHIGAN WILDLIFE PRESENTATION @ Au Gres Community Library, AuGres

August 6 at 10:15 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 6 at 10:30 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 6 at 11:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 6 at 12:30 PM: SUMMER LAWN SERIES - GROWING GREEN WITH JENNY JEAN @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 6 at 1 PM: LIVE ANIMAL NATURE DISCOVERY @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish

August 6 at 4:30 PM: TRACTOR STORYTIME @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 6 at 6 PM: PALEO PARTY (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library

August 7 at 10 AM - 12 PM: COMMUNITY CARNIVAL @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 7 at 10:30 AM: SCHOOL BUS STORYTIME @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 7 at 11 AM: BUILD WITH DINO BONES (ages 7-12) @ Alice and Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 7, & 14 at 2:30 PM: FREE ART FRIDAY @ Studio 23, Bay City

August 7 at 3:30 PM: QUIET CLUB: BEAD & READ (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning 

August 7, 14, 21 at 6:30 PM: SUMMER CONCERT SERIES @ Standish Historical Depot, Standish

August 8 at 3 PM: FARMYARD FUN! PINNY PASTURES! @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

August 11 at 9:30 AM: WALKING CLUB @ Sage Branch Library

August 11 at 10:30 AM: DINO CAMP JR: DINOSAUR TERRARIUMS (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 11 at 10:30 AM: SCHOOL BUS STORYTIME (ages 2-6) @ A lice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 11 at 2:30 PM: DINO CAMP: CLAY DINOSAUR EYE (ages 6-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 11 at 2 PM: MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY: LAND OF THE LOST @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish

August 12 at 10:30 AM: DINO CAMP JR: DINO DIG (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 12 at 1 PM: MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON @ Au Gres Community Library, AuGres

August 12 at 2:30 PM: DINO CAMP: EDIBLE FOSSILS (ages 6-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 12 at 3:30 PM: FINGERPRINT ART FOR LITTLES (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Bay City

August 12 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY PUZZLE COMPETITION (ages 4+) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 13, 20, & 27 at 10:30 AM: MOVE & GROOVE (ages 0-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 13 at 10:30 AM: DINO CAMP JR: DINO-DERMY (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 13 at 2 PM: WATER STORY @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish

August 13 at 2:30 PM: DINO CAMP: WOVEN DINOSAUR (ages 6-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 13 at 6 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

August 14 at 10:30 AM: DINO CAMP JR: DINOSAUR SLIME (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 14 & 28 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME! (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

August 14 at 2:30 M: DINO CAMP: VOLCANO SLIME (ages 6-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 15: STANDISH STRONG @ Downtown Standish

August 15 at 10:30 AM - 2:15 PM: STANDISH STRONG: PICK A CRAFT @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish

August 15 at 10:30 AM: STORYTIME @ Riser Kitchen, Auburn

August 15 at 1-3 PM: BOOKS AND BEADS(ages 6-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 15 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 18 at 1 PM: DESIGN YOUR OWN BUTTON PIN @ Au Gres Community Library, AuGres

August 18 at 4 PM: SNOOPY BABIES & TODDLERS (ages 0-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

August 18 at 5-7 PM: CONE WITH A COP @ Wanigan Eatery & Pub, Bay City

August 19 at 1 PM: STORYTIME WITH CRAFT @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library, Standish

August 19 at 5:30 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 20 at 11 AM - 3 PM: GAME DAY @ Au Gres Community Library, AuGres

August 20 at 5:30 PM: DECORATE A NOTEBOOK @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 20 at 6 PM: UPEXPECTED ART?! BLEEDING TISSUE PAPER (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning 

August 21 at 10:30 AM: LITTLE WIGGLERS (ages 0-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City 

August 21 at 10:30 AM: SCHOOL BUS STORYTIME (ages 2-6) @ Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning 

August 21 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn 

August 25 at 10:30 AM: SCHOOL BUS STORYTIME (ages 2-6) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

August 26 at 9:30 AM: STORYTIME @ Trombley House, Bay City

August 26 at 10:30 AM: SENSORY PLAY(ages 1-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

August 28 at 10:30 AM: YOUNG SCIENTISTS: ICE CREAM SOCIAL (ages 2-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

TRUNK OR TREATS

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