LET'S TALK ABOUT
CARING FOR OURSELVES!
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Let’s talk about CARING FOR OURSELVES! Your baby’s brain is like a little sponge constantly absorbing information and learning new things through close observation and exploration. When you are getting ready for the day, talk to your baby about what you are doing and why. “I am brushing my teeth with my favorite minty toothpaste because brushing daily helps keep my smile healthy!”
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Use a fork and spoon
- Manages classroom rules, routines, and transitions with occasional reminders
- Orients book correctly, turns pages from front to back, recognizes familiar books by their cover
- Extends and creates simple repeating patterns
- Understands physical properties of objects (heavy, light, rough, smooth)
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
FRUIT SMOOTHIES
15 Minutes 2 Servings
Kids love to help in the kitchen and it is a great way to bond. Talk about the importance of food for self care. Have your child pick out fruit and vegetables to add to their smoothie. Together, experiment what is the tastiest.
Ingredients:
1 medium banana
½ cup ice cubes
1 cup low-fat plain yogurt
½ cup 100% orange juice
4 frozen strawberries
Instructions:
- Peel banana. Place in blender.
- Add remaining ingredients to the blender. If using cinnamon, add now.
- Cover and blend until smooth.
View full recipe: FRUIT SMOOTHIES
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ATTENDANCE & ENGAGEMENT: BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATION FROM THE START
Maggie Dwan
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Did you know that regular attendance in kindergarten not only helps children build routines and social skills but also supports their literacy development? Missing just two days a month can add up to nearly 10% of the school year, which can impact their ability to learn foundational skills like recognizing letters, sounds, and words. Consistent attendance ensures your child has the opportunity to build these critical literacy skills and thrive academically.
Watch the short video below to learn why consistent attendance in kindergarten is key to your child’s success, both in school and beyond.
Every day counts! Working with your student’s teachers and schools to help address barriers to attendance shows your student that being there is important.
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SMARTPHONES VS. SMART KIDS: HEADING OFF DISASTER IN TEEN MENTAL HEALTH | Bestselling author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt shares research findings from his upcoming book, The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. He addresses the many unsettling connections between social media and the wellbeing of today’s students—with a call to action to rescue our kids. | |
PRESCHOOL FALL ENROLLMENT
Great Start Readiness Program
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FREE MEALS FOR KIDS
The Saginaw Family YMCA
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Mission Nutrition Community Events
FREE Youth Meals
Monday through Friday 4p-6p
Saturdays Noon – 2p
Visit website to learn more and for FREE food giveaways at THE SAGINAW FAMILY YMCA.
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FOOD DISTRIBUTION CALENDAR
The Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
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Saturday, February 1, 8, 15, & 22, 10 AM – 12 PM - Old Town Christian Outreach, Saginaw
Saturday, February 1, 15, 10 AM - 12 PM - Freeland Lions Club, 710 Powley Dr, Freeland
Friday, February 7, 14, & 28, 12 - 2 PM - Radiant Church of God, Saginaw
Saturday, February 8, 10 AM - 12 PM - Faith Lutheran Church, Saginaw
Wednesday, February 12, 10 AM - 12 PM - Liuna Local 1098, Saginaw
Saturday, February 15, 10 AM - 12 PM - SS Francis and Clare Parish Birch Run
Friday, February 21, 3-5 PM - DC House of Blessings
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BREASTFEEDING AND SAFE SLEEP
MI Health & Human Services
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Follow these steps to create a safe sleep environment for your baby. These steps aren’t always as simple as they sound. If you need help or feel overwhelmed, talk with your healthcare provider to create a plan that is best for you and your baby. Reach out to family and friends to ask for help.
Learn more: SAFE SLEEP STEPS.
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SAGINAW HEALTH DEPARTMENT | |
MI PREVENTION SMOKE ALARMS | | |
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MI Prevention works with local fire departments to supply smoke alarms for installation, if you need a smoke alarm, we encourage you to contact your local fire department.
Learn more: MI PREVENTION SMOKE ALARMS
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Families with children between the ages of two and five months residing in Saginaw County can complete a FREE Ages and Stages developmental screening or a social-emotional screening. Screenings take ten minutes to complete, and the results are back within a week. Results tell parents what to expect at each stage of development. Often times, early diagnosis can help give a child the best opportunity to reach their potential.
Learn more: AGES & STAGES QUESTIONNAIRES
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One out of every 169 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the U.S., and that rate is two times higher for Black expectant parents.
The link between fetal movement and a healthy baby is clear, but research continues to uncover more about the importance of tracking baby’s movements. Count the Kicks uses the latest research to help achieve our mission.
Count the Kicks provides free, evidence-based resources for expectant parents to stay informed and monitor their baby’s well-being.
Learn more about: COUNT THE KICKS
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GREAT LAKES BAY HEALTH CENTER | |
FREE Online Parenting Classes
Extension Extras Parenting Hour
Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM
February 4 - What Children Need to Know to Start School
February 11 - Together We Can: Co-Parenting
February 18 - Setting the Stage: Promoting Social-Emotional Health in Young Children
February 25 - Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Toddlers
Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series-February-March 2025
February 12, 2025 - March 19, 2025 11:30am-1:00pm
Online Kinship Caregiver classes: Parenting in the Digital Age
February 12, 2025 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Building Early Emotional Skills for Parents/Caregivers; Kinship Caregiver Webinar Series
February 14, 2025 - March 7, 2025 11:30am-1:00pm
Online Building Early Emotional Skills for Kinship Caregivers Webinar Series - February 2025
February 14, 2025 - March 7, 2025 11:30am-1:00pm
Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series
February-March 2025
February 17, 2025 - March 17, 2025 7:30pm-9:00pm
Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | |
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WHERE INNOVATION FLOWS
We're on a mission to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Locate STEM events: STEM PIPELINE CALENDAR
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Go Great Lakes Bay is a wonderful online parent resources to discover regional events and places to go throughout the year. Listing includes the following cities: Bay City, Birch Run, Chesaning, Frankenmuth, Midland, and Saginaw. Check out their blog post for informative articles written specifically for families.
Top Things to Do with Kids this Winter in the Great Lakes Bay
Go Great Lakes Bay
Warm woolen mittens & fluffy down coats — wrap up the family for wintertime adventures! Whether you sled down snowy slopes or twirl loops at outdoor ice rinks — enjoy the hot cocoa & rosy cheeks afterwards!
From outdoor fun to indoor escapades, discover seasonal shows & kid-friendly performances, hands-on museums & vintage arcades, and explore a region that's ready to go when covered in snow. Read on to create forever memories as a family this winter when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Pure Michigan!
Continue reading: TOP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS THIS WINTER
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February 1 & 2 - 2025 Zehnder's Snowfest | | |
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WHERE: Downtown Frankenmuth
DATE: January 29 - February 2
Zehnder’s Snowfest has been host to one of the top snow and ice sculpting events in North America for the past 33 years. Visitors have enjoyed larger-than-life snow sculptures and beautifully detailed ice carvings each year. In addition, Zehnder’s Snowfest has entertainment for the entire family in the warming tent, a fireworks display, petting zoo, and children’s activities.
Learn More & view schedule: ZEHNDER'S SNOWFEST
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February 1, 8 & 15 - Bring Back the Ice | |
February 1 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Home Depot, Saginaw
DATE: First Saturday at 9 AM – 12 PM
Join us the first Saturday of each month between 9 am – 12 pm for free in-person Kids Workshops.
Learn more: KIDS WORKSHOP
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February 1 - Family Fun Day | | |
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WHERE: Thomas Township Nature Center & Preserve, Saginaw
DATE: 1st Saturday of the Month, 10 AM - 2 PM
Family Fun Days: usually the first Saturday of the month from 10-2 pm. Family Fun Days are similar to F.U.N. nights. There are six or so stations based on a theme. There are science/STEM activities, a craft or two, a coloring station, and a snack. Families go through the activities and participate where they’d like. All are welcome.
Learn More: FAMILY FUN DAY
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February 1, 8, 15, & 22 - Family Storytimes | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: Saturdays at 10:30 AM
We are inviting children and their families to our storytime for 30 minutes of read-aloud stories, songs, fingerplays and fun. A theme-related craft project is included for fun and fine motor skills practice. Stories and content are prepared for children ages 3-5, but all children are welcome.
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: February 1 at 12 - 1 PM
Lego Club for kids of all ages. No registration required. Just come to enjoy time with other Lego Enthusiasts. We have 30 minutes of free build, then a 30 minute challenge build. Snack provided.
Learn More: LEGO CLUB
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February 1, 8, 15, & 22 - Free Saturdays @ Saginaw Art Museum | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: Saturdays at 12 - 5 PM
In an effort to increase accessibility to the museum, we have extended our regular hours to include Saturday afternoons Noon-5pm starting this week, for FREE! We look forward to welcoming you and yours into our gem of a museum to explore our collection, exhibitions, and gardens.
Learn More: FREE SATURDAYS
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February 1, 8, 15, & 22 - Together We Read | | |
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WHERE: Hoyt Library, Saginaw
DATE: Saturdays at 2 PM
We'd love to have you join us in the Hoyt Children's area for a fun time of stories, jumpy songs, a craft, and a snack! See you there!
Learn More: TOGETHER WE READ
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February 1 - Take Your Child to the Library Day | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish, Saginaw
DATE: February 1, 2-4 PM
On the first Saturday in February, thousands of libraries across the world celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by offering free, fun, fabulous activities for families. Your local library is an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun. Take Your Child to the Library Day is the perfect time to discover some library magic. Visit Butman-Fish Library between 2 and 4 pm for some family activities and crafts! All the fun will take place in the Children's Department.
Learn More: TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY
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February 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, & 25 - Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth
DATE:
Mondays & Tuesdays at 9:30 AM & 11 AM
Children ages 0-7 can bring along an adult friend and meet in the community room. Join Mrs. Emmons as we explore stories, songs, crafts, and rhymes. No registration required, just drop in!
Mondays Babies 0-2 @ 9:30 AM
Mondays Multi-Age @ 11:00 AM
Tuesdays Multi-Age @ 9:30 AM
Tuesdays Preschool Age @ 11:00 AM
Learn more: STORY TIME
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February 3, 10, 17, & 24 - Hoyt LEGO Club (ages 7-14) | | |
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WHERE: Hoyt Library, Saginaw
DATE: Mondays at 4 PM
Join us every Monday at 4:00 in the Hoyt children's area to make lego creations. We'll pick a different type of creation every week!
Learn more: HOYT LEGO CLUB
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February 3, 10, 17 - Kids Zone | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: Monday at 6:30
Join us Mondays starting in November for our new Kids Zone program! Every Monday at 6:30 pm we will have a different program for elementary-aged kids! All kids are invited; children under 7 need an adult helper.
February 3: Craft Night
February 10: Candy Combat
February 17: Art Night
January 13: Game and Puzzle Night
Learn More: KIDS ZONE
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February 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 13, 20, 25, 26, & 27 - Bookmobile Stop | |
Riders can bring their Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect books to check out! You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services. | |
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Friendship Senior Center
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
9:30am - 10:30am
Edgewood Assisted Living
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Robin Glen
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Maplewood Manor
Thursday, February 6, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Great Lakes Bay Health Center
Monday, February 10, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Pinewood Manor
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Robin Glen
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Saginaw Preparatory Academy
Thursday, February 13, 2025
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Carrollton Middle School
Thursday, February 20, 2025
4:00pm - 7:30pm
Davenport Manor
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Independence Village (Wescourt)
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ambassador Arms Apartments
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Rosien Towers
Thursday, February 27, 2025
10:00am - 11:00pm
Wellspring Assisted Living
Thursday, February 27, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP
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February 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Toddler Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 4, 11, 18, & 25 10:30 AM
Join us every Tuesday for stories, songs, finger plays, learning activities, crafts and more! Activities are aimed at toddlers aged 18 months - 3 years old, but this storytime is open to all ages.
Learn More: TODDLER STORYTIME
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February 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Story Hour | | |
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WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Saginaw
DATE: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM
Have fun with stories as Miss Cindy reads and discusses each story. We also sing songs, learn rhymes and fingerplays and make crafts. We promote early literacy by teaching the Ready to Read Michigan skills during each story hour
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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February 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Story Hour (age 3-4) | | |
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Join Janet Godfrey with your 3 or 4 year old child for stories and a snack. Pre-Registration is required.
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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February 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM
Preschool Story Time at the library for kids ages 2-5 and their adult helper! We will read stories, sing songs, use the felt board, do a craft and other fun activities for kids!
**Please register to attend so we know how to set up the space and plan the craft supplies.
Call (989) 642-8621.
Learn more: STORY TIME
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February 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Families United in Nature | |
February 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Little Acorns Preschool Group | |
February 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Story Hour (age 5-8) | | |
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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: Thursdays at 6 PM
Stories, Crafts, food and fun for 5 to 8 years old. Join with Bethany and James every Thursday during the school year except for holidays. Children must be pre-registered and Story Hour fills up fast so be sure to call or step in to see if we have any openings.
Learn More: STORY HOUR
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February 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Miss Beth's Boombox | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 6, 13, 20, & 27, 10:30 AM
Join us for a new, interactive, storytime on Thursdays starting in November! Wear comfy clothes and get ready to move and groove with Miss Beth as we sing, dance, jump, crawl, stretch, and wiggle during Miss Beth's Boombox! This program is for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with a loving adult.
Learn More: MISS BETH'S BOOMBOX
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February 6 - Play Dough Party | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: First Thursday of each month at 5:30-6:30pm (Exception: January 16th instead of the 2nd)
Check out all the awesome play dough toys at the library’s Play Dough Party! Make play dough pizza and ice cream, give a play dough haircut, make play dough puppets, and much more!
Family event for kids of all ages, must be accompanied by an adult.
Learn more: PLAY DOUGH PARTY
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February 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Jam & Play to Learn | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Fridays at 10 - 11:30 AM
Jumping Jammers and Play to Learn are now back-to-back on Fridays at 10:00-11:30am! Feel free to join us for one or both programs! For kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
The first half-hour will be Jumping Jammers, with interactive song and dance and a chance for kids to explore and play with various musical instruments!
For the last hour we will pull out the library's toy carts full of hands-on fun for Play to Learn playgroup! Let your child play, learn, and interact with other children while you socialize with the other caregivers! (If you are coming only for Play to Learn, please arrive around 10:30am).
Learn more: JUMPING JAMMERS
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February 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Preschool Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 7, 14, 21, & 28, 10:30 AM
Drop-in storytime fun! We can't wait to have you join us for stories, music, crafts, games, and more!
Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME
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February 8 - Community Youth Day | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw
DATE: February 8, 11:30 AM
Learn more: COMMUNITY YOUTH DAY
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February 8 - Studio Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: February 8, 12:15 PM
Calling all young museum goers! Join us every second Saturday this fall for Studio Storytime. We will listen to a story and create an art project, with a new theme each time. The program is geared towards ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Studio Storytime is in partnership with Public Libraries of Saginaw.
Learn More: STUDIO STORYTIME
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: February 8, 1-4 PM
Come make the studio space your own and turn one of your ideas into a reality! Drop-in between 1pm-4pm on the Second Saturday of the month June-August for unguided art making. We have plenty of materials for you to access, like yarn, fabric, markers, colored pencils, and more. Open Studio is open to all: kids, adults, and anyone new to art. Saginaw Art Museum’s studio space is a great place to try out art materials and take a little creation home with you. If you are stuck, no worries! We will have volunteers or staff present to help you get inspired.
Learn More: OPEN STUDIO
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February 10 - Who's Been Here in the Snow? (Grades K-3) | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 10, 4 PM
Park Ranger Miss Andrea will share information about animals in the winter and their tracks in the snow. She will read a book and lead a fun craft. This program is geared towards children in kindergarten through 3rd grade.
Learn More: WHO'S BEEN HERE IN THE SNOW
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February 12 - LEGO Challenge | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: February 12, 5:30 - 7 PM
Get ready for some fun and wacky Lego Challenges! Kids and their grown-ups will work together to build some incredible Lego creations!
Registration is required! Call or visit the library to sign up. 989-642-8621.
Learn more: LEGO CHALLENGE
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February 13 - Preschool Story Time: Snow | |
February 15 - Kids Workshop | | |
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WHERE: Lowes, Saginaw
DATE: February 15 at 10 AM - 12 PM
Lowe's is kicking off the New Year with a FREE kids' construction hat and collectible badge. Round up the family to learn about what's coming for DIY-U Kids Workshops. Children will love building, creating, and earning badges--it’s a hands-on adventure your mini-builder won’t want to miss!
Learn More & Register: LOWES
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February 15 - Toddler Tours | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: February 15, 12:30 PM
Calling all young museum goers! Join us for interactive activities in the art galleries. Enjoy art on a new level as we engage the senses and move our bodies. Geared towards ages 0-5, but all are welcome. Saturdays we have free admission, and this is a free activity.
Learn More: TODDLER TOURS
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February 18 - Crafternoons | | |
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WHERE: Wickes Library, Saginaw
DATE: 3rd Tuesday, 4 - 5:30 PM
Welcome to Crafternoons! Once a month, on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, there will be a family friendly drop in craft at Wickes Library. This month's is making magnets with paper and glass marbles.
Children under age 7 will need an adult helper.
Learn More: CRAFTERNOONS
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February 22 - Teddy Bear Yoga (age 3-12) | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: February 22, 10:30 AM
Bring your favorite teddy bear and learn how to breath and move like a bear with your teddy by your side. This is aimed at children ages 3-12 but all are welcome to try it out. This class is just a small sample of the fun to come. Children ages 6 and under need adult supervision. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or a mat.
Learn More: TEDDY BEAR YOGA
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February 22 - Hands On History | | |
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WHERE: Castle Museum, Saginaw
DATE: February 22, 10:30 AM
Learn more: HANDS ON HISTORY
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February 25 - Cubist Sculpture | |
February 27 - Fort-tastic Fun! | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: February 27, 5:30 - 7 PM
Will it waffle? Or will it fall apart? Join us at the library for a waffle making competition! Choose from a variety of ingredients to make sweet and savory waffles for yourselves and the judges! The team that scores the highest will win a prize! Registration is required to attend. Call or visit the library to sign up your family or group. Please let us know if you have any food allergies.
Learn more: FORT-TASTIC FUN
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Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region. | | | | |
