Created by Great Lakes Bay Parents - Informing parents since 2012!

Family Fun Guide


February 2025

VISIT THE WEBSITE

FAMILY WINTER FUN FEST

COMMUNICATION BOARD

MAP & ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE

GOOSECHASE SCAVENGERHUNT

LET'S TALK ABOUT

CARING FOR OURSELVES!

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

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

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)

AT HOME ACTIVITIES

COOKING AT HOME

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:

  1. Peel banana. Place in blender.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to the blender. If using cinnamon, add now.
  3. Cover and blend until smooth.


View full recipe: FRUIT SMOOTHIES

ATTENDANCE & ENGAGEMENT: BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATION FROM THE START

Maggie Dwan

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.  

LITERATURE AT HOME

SCREEN TIME

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.

Watch video: SMARTPHONE VS SMART KIDS

KINDERGARTEN SIGN-UP

Bangor Township Schools Kindergarten and Young Fives ENROLLMENT PAGE

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

FOOD/ CLOTHING GIVEAWAY

The Closet Exchange

263 S. Main Street, Unit 3, AuGres MI


The Closet Exchange was established to provides children's clothing, shoes, etc. with the goal of meeting the basic needs of ALL children and is a division of the 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization "It Takes A Village - Arenac"


Learn more: THE CLOSET EXCHANGE


Safe Harbor Community Center

706 Joseph Street, Bay City, in the Banks District.


Serving Food 

Takeout

Monday - 5:30pm

Tuesday - 5:30pm


Food Pantry

Mondays 1:00pm - 3:00pm 


Mass Food Giveaway

Tuesdays - 9:00am


Learn more about SAFE HARBOR COMMUNITY CENTER

MI PREVENTION SMOKE ALARMS

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

CHILD CARE RESOURCES

Learn more about GREAT START TO QUALITY.

Michigan Tri-Share


The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program (Tri-Share) is an innovative approach to increasing access to high quality, affordable child care for working families, with the cost of child care shared by an employer, the employee and the State of Michigan. The pilot also seeks to increase the labor market by allowing employers to offer a child care subsidy to help retain and attract talent.


Learn More: MICHIGAN TRI-SHARE

Caring for MI Future


This is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses—help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan.


Learn More: CARING FOR MI FUTURE

PARENT SUPPORT & CLASSES

BAY ARENAC GREAT START

CAN COUNCIL

MSU EXTENSION

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

NEMSCA - ARENAC COUNTY


Rental Counseling


Financial Literacy Class


Homebuyer Education


Call 989-358-4653 or email gagnona@nemcsca.org for dates.


Learn More: NEMSCA

MCLAREN BAY REGION - BAY COUNTY


Visit the website to learn more about these upcoming classes:


  • Virtual Breastfeeding Class – Free of Charge
  • Virtual Childbirth Crash Course – Free of Charge
  • Breastfeeding Class : Health Pavilion


Learn More & Register: MCLAREN BAY REGION

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

STEM PIPELINE

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

GO GREAT LAKES BAY

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 CityBirch RunChesaningFrankenmuthMidland, 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

2024-2025 Playgroups

Winter Storytime

February 1 - Kids Workshop

WHERE: Home Depot, Bay City


DATE: 1st 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.


Register: WOOD WORKSHOP

February 1, 5, 6, & 8 - Take Your Child to the Library Day

WHERE: Bay County Library System


DATE:

Wirt: February 1 @9:00 am-5:00 pm

Pinconning: February 5 @ 3:30 pm

Sage: February 6 @ 5:30 pm

Auburn: February 7 @ 5pm


Take Your Child to the Library Day is Saturday, February 1! Drop into our branches throughout the first week of February to make a special tote bag for your library books (while supplies last), sign up for library cards, and learn about all the fun activities and resources our branches have to offer every day of the year!


Drop into the Wirt Library throughout the day for coloring, crafts, and lots of fun!


Register: TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE LIBRARY DAY

February 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, & 23 - Bay City State Park Visitor Center Open

WHERE: Bay City State Park,

Bay City


DATE: Saturday and Sunday 10 – 4 p.m. through Memorial day weekend.


Stop in for an activity, see live animals or borrow supplies for the trails.

The Visitor Center offers snow shoes and explore back packs to borrow free from the front desk. at 10 AM - 4 PM


Learn more: BAY CITY STATE PARK

February 1 - Dog Man (age 5-12)

WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City


DATE: February 1, 2 PM


Ages 5-12 with an adult.  


Drop in to celebrate the release of the new Dog Man movie by making crafts and playing games at the library.


No registration required.


Learn more: DOG MAN

February 3 - Populace Storytime w/ WIRT

WHERE: Populace Coffee, Bay City


DATE: February 3 at 9 AM


Families with young children. Join the Wirt library downtown at Populace Coffee House for storytime.


No registration required..


Register: POPULACE POPULACE STORYTIME

February 4, 11, 18, 25 - Preschool Tuesdays: Family Playtime @ the Museum

WHERE:

Bay County Historical Society, Bay City


DATE: Tuesdays at 10 AM - 4 PM


Preschoolers + adult are invited to stop by the Museum any time from 10 AM – 4 PM to complete the PRESCHOOL MUSEUM CHALLENGE.


Together you can explore the galleries for clues to complete the challenge, discover Delta College’s PBS Raising Readers Room with books supplied by the Bay County Library System, and play at the activity table. Stop by the Museum Store for a to-go activity and a coupon for a treat from McDonalds.


ADMISSION:

Bay County Residents & BCHS Members: FREE

Non-Bay County Residents: $2/person or $5/Family, Ages 0-5 FREE


Learn more: PRESCHOOL TUESDAYS

February 6, 13, & 20 - MineCRAFTED Snacks - MSU Extension (ages 4-12)

WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

DATE: February 6, 3:30 PM


Find out if “the cake is a lie” with Ms. Ronda from MSU Extension, where Minecraft-themed snacks will be made weekly based off the popular game!


Register: MINECRAFT

February 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe & Playgroup

WHERE: BAISD Career Center Playground, Bay City


DATE: Thursdays at 10 AM - 12 PM


LEARN MORE: text Amy Trogan 989-992-1803 or trogana@baisd.net

February 10 - Excited Goat Storytime w/ WIRT

WHERE: Excited Goat Coffee Company,

Essexville

DATE: February 10, 10 AM


Families with young children. Join the Wirt library at EXCITED GOAT COFFEE CO. in Essexville for storytime!


No registration required.


Learn more: EXCITED GOAT STORYTIME

February 10 - Outdoor Explorers in Omer

WHERE: Omer Library, Omer


DATE: 2nd Monday of the month, 10:30 AM


Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.



February 11 - Ready, Set, Kindergarten (ages 3-5)

WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

DATE: February 11, 2 PM


Ages 3-5 with an adult. Meet up with other preschool families each month to develop early literacy, math, SEL, and motor skills.


Register: READY, SET, KINDERGARTEN

February 13 - Family Read Aloud Book Club: Boxcar Children

WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City


DATE: February 13, 5:30 PM


Join us at Sage Library for Family Read Aloud Book Club: Boxcar Children on Thursday, February 13 at 5:30 pm.


For children ages 0-12 with their family. 


  • After registering pick up of a copy of the book at the Sage Branch Library or call Sage to have a copy sent to the branch of your choice.
  • There is eBook and audio book also available on Hoopla.
  • Read the book or listen together as a family.
  • Family can include aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends. 
  • Come to the library on Thursday, February 13 for a pizza party and book related activities.
  • If you don't completely finish the book, please still come on the 13th. 


Register: FAMILY READ ALOUD BOOK CLUB

February 14 - Owl Craft

WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City

DATE: February 14, 9 AM -5 PM


Ages 0-7 with an adult. Spend your day off from school making a cute foam owl craft. Drop in while supplies last.


No registration required.


Learn more: OWL CRAFT

February 14 & 28 - Playdate (ages 0-4)

WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City

DATE: February 14 & 28, 10 - 11 AM


Build together, family fun! What will you create with open-ended interactive building materials? Blue Blocks, Fort Build, Kinex, and more for you to BUILD with.  


No Registration Required.


Learn more: PLAYDATE

February 14 - No School Day @ The Museum

WHERE: Bay County Historical Society,

Bay City


DATE: February 14 at 10 AM - 4 PM


No school!?! Visit the Bay County Historical Society's museum, complete a SELFIE SCAVENGER HUNT and receive a coupon for a free bag of candy from Astro Freeze Bites.


Kids must be accompanied by an adult.


Program sponsor: Astro Freeze Bites


Admission: Bay County residents FREE


Register: NO SCHOOL DAY

February 14 - Young Scientists (Age 2-5)

WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City

DATE: February 14, 10:30 AM


Children ages 2-5 with the adult as the assistant are guided by your librarian during the hour of fun science exploration through STEAM stations, play, and craft geared toward the an amazing event happening the months of January and February! Six planets will be visible and in alignment like a parade in the sky! 


Register: YOUNG SCIENTISTS

February 15 - Storytime with Miss Bay County

WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library

DATE: February 15, 10 AM


Ages 0-6 with an adult.


Miss Bay County is visiting the library! Listen to her books about kindness then stick around to make your very own tiara and take home a princess book.


Registration is required.


Register: STORYTIME WITH MISS BAY COUNTY

February 15 - Pups & Pages (Age 4-12)

WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

DATE: February 15 at 11 AM


Read to a therapy dog or dog in training in a one-on-one session. You will be called to schedule your session the week of the program. Children ages 4-12 are invited to attend. 


Register: PUPS & PAGES

February 15 - Self-Love & Wellness: Family Yoga

WHERE: Great Lakes Dream Center, Bay City


DATE: February 15, 12:30 PM & 1:30 PM


Learn more: PEER 360 RECOVERY

February 15 - Pups and Pages

WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City


DATE: February 15, 2-3 PM


Join us in-person at Wirt Library and read to a certified therapy dog. Ages 4-12 read to a certified therapy dog in a one-on-one timed session based upon registration and arrival at the library starting at 2:00 pm. The dogs love to be read to and they look forward to seeing you soon!


We request an adult supervise or be present in the library.


Learn more: PUPS & PAGES

February 17, 21, 25, & - Healthy Teeth Storytime

Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

February 17, 10:30am


Sage Branch Library, Bay City

February 21, 10:30 AM


Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

February 25, 4:30 PM


Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

February 27, 6 PM





Register: HEALTHY TEETH

February 18 - Shrinky Dink Fun! (ages 6-12)

WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

DATE: February 18 at 5:30 PM


Shrinky dinks are a fun sheet you color and design, that you can shrink to create your own adorable craft!


Register: SHRINKY DINK FUN

February 20 - Bake (age 3-5)

WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

DATE: February 20, 2 PM


Ages 3-5 with an adult. Try out our mobile kitchen with your preschooler. We'll be making yogurt parfaits.


Registration is required.


Learn more: BAKE

February 20 - Pups & Pages (Age 4-12)

WHERE: Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning

DATE: February 20, 6-7 PM


Join us at the Pinconning library for Pups & Pages for ages 4-12! Bring a book from home or come a few minutes early to look at books as readers are assigned to a dog as they arrive and check in at the Pinconning Public Service Desk. We look forward to seeing you!


Register: PUPS & PAGES

February 21 - A is for Art

WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn


DATE: February 21, 10:30 AM


Join us for a fun morning of art exploration! We’ll be creating unique works of art using paint and shaving cream.


February – Marble Hearts


Register: A IS FOR ART

February 27 - Move & Groove

WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City

DATE: February 27, 10:30 AM


Ages 0-5 with an adult. Join us for a story, music, and dancing! Both kids and their caregivers will enjoy shaking their sillies out in this movement-based program.


No registration required.


Learn more: MOVE & GROOVE

February 27 - Mad Scientist (Age 6-12)

WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City

DATE: February 27, 5:30 PM


Children age 6-12 are invited to join us at Sage Library for Mad Scientists: Race and Zoom on Thursday, February 27 @ 5:30 pm. 


Create a vehicle to speed down the Sage race track! 


Register: MAD SCIENTIST

February 28 - Little Wigglers

WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City

DATE: February 28, 10:30 AM


For children that are walking ages 5 and under + Adult


Move and dance our wiggles out at a fun musical program. 


Register: LITTLE WIGGLERS

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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