LET'S TALK ABOUT
CARING FOR OURSELVES!
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Let’s talk about PLAY! Playing is learning! Play a game like hide-and-seek, create a scavenger hunt or sing and dance to get your little one active and have fun together.
For more ideas on how to talk, read, and sing together visit: TALKING IS TEACHING
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Kindergarten Readiness Goal:
- Can dress and undress, brush teeth, and take care of other personal needs without much help.
- Engages with familiar adults as resources, to share ideas, and interests.
- Identifies story-related problems, events, and resolutions during conversations with an adult.
- Identifies numbers to 10 by name and connects each number to an object when counting.
- Demonstrates knowledge of Earth's environment (seasons, weather, day and night).
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Cooking Matters Recipe:
SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS
45 Minutes 5 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:
8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti (1/2 (16-ounce) package)
1 small onion
2 cloves garlic
1 large egg
1 pound 93% lean ground turkey or beef
2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, no salt added
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, no salt added
Instructions:
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions. In a colander, rinse with cool water and drain well.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, peel onion and garlic. Finely chop onion and mince garlic. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat egg with a fork. Add turkey, flour, onion powder, garlic powder salt, pepper and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Mix well. With damp hands, roll about 1 Tablespoon of meat into a ball to make 20 meatballs. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Stir constantly for 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer and add meatballs. Cook, partially covered, for 10 minutes without stirring (stirring before the meatballs “set” may break them up into the sauce).
- Gently stir and cook, partially covered, until the meatballs are just cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Serve over spaghetti.
View full recipe: SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
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ATTENDANCE & ENGAGEMENT: STAY WARM DURING WINTER
Maggie Dwan
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Dressing appropriately for winter keeps children warm, comfortable, and in school. Cold weather and illness can lead to increased absences, but proper winter gear helps ensure your child stays healthy and ready to learn.
Guidelines for Dressing Your Child in Winter:
✔ Base Layer: Wear moisture-wicking materials (wool or synthetic) to keep skin dry.
✔ Mid Layer: Add an insulating layer, like fleece or down, to retain body heat.
✔ Outer Layer: Use a waterproof, windproof jacket to protect against the elements.
✔ Accessories Matter: Hats, gloves, scarves, and warm, waterproof boots keep extremities warm.
Here’s a LINK to learn more about winter layering for kids.
By ensuring your child is dressed for the season, you help them stay healthy, engaged, and consistently attending school.
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Children build media habits and preferences from a very young age. These practical strategies build balance, critical thinking, self-regulation, and safety skills for toddlers through elementary school-aged children. | |
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, March 1, 10 AM - 12 PM: Saginaw Caring Closet, Saginaw
Saturday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29, 10 AM – 12 PM: Old Town Christian Outreach, Saginaw
Friday, March 7, 14, & 28, 12 - 2 PM: Radiant Church of God, Saginaw
Saturday, March 15, 10 AM - 12 PM: Faith Lutheran Church, Saginaw
Friday, March 21, 10 AM - 12 PM: Saginaw YMCA, Saginaw
Friday, March 21, 3-5 PM - DC House of Blessings, Saginaw
Tuesday, March 25, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: New Covenant Christian Center, Saginaw
Saturday, March 29, 15, 9 AM - 11 PM - Freeland Lions Club, Freeland
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INFANT SAFE SLEEP
Saginaw County Health Department
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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
March 4 - Exploring Parenting Styles
March 11 - Talking With Kids About Race
March 18 - Parenting in the Digital Age
March 25 - The Importance of Outdoor Play
Online Kinship Caregiver classes: Positive Discipline
March 12, 2025 7:00PM - 8:30PM
Online Kinship Caregiver lunch and learn classes: Helping Kids Manage Stress
March 21, 2025 11:30AM - 1:00PM
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.
Explore These Outdoor Wonders
Go Great Lakes Bay
If your vision of a flawless snow day is old-fashioned outdoor ice skating or snowshoeing through peaceful winter woods — consider this your cold-weather oasis. But if you’re partial to a bit more adventure, our natural spaces offer that, too.
Explore America's longest canopy walk, four stories high in a snowcapped forest, or pack down the powder on fat bikes or cross-country skis. Venture out to experience one of Michigan's top winter walleye fisheries — and find more excuses than you’ll ever need to get out in the fresh, open air.
Continue reading: EXPLORE THESE OUTDOOR WONDERS
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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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WHERE: River Rapids Library, Chesaning
DATE: March 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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March 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 - 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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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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March 1, 8, 15, 22, &29 - 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: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: March 1, 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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March 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 - 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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March 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 - Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Thomas Township, Shields
DATE: Mondays at 10:30 AM
Join us at Thomas Township Library for an energetic story time filled with stories, songs, fingerplays, and fun. Activities and crafts are prepared for children ages 3-5 but children of all ages are welcome!
Learn more: STORY TIME
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March 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, & 30 - 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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March 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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March 3, 10, 17 - Kids Zone | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: Monday at 6:30
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.
March 3: Craft Night
March 10: Games & Puzzle Night
March 17: Painterly Potter - RSVP
March 24: Book Club
Learn More: KIDS ZONE
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March 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 18, 20, & 27 - Bookmobile Stop | |
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Bring your 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 digital services.
Friendship Senior Center
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
9:30am - 10:30am
Edgewood Assisted Living
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Elmwood Manor
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Maplewood Manor
Thursday, March 6, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm
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Great Lakes Bay Health Center
Monday, March 10, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Pinewood Manor
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Robin Glen
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Davenport Manor
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
10:00am - 11:00am
Independence Village (Wescourt)
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Carrollton Middle School
Thursday, March 20, 2025
4:00pm - 7:30pm
Rosien Towers
Thursday, March 27, 2025
10:00am - 11:00pm
Wellspring Assisted Living
Thursday, March 27, 2025
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP
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March 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, & 27 - Tales For Two | | |
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WHERE: Thomas Township Library, Shields
DATE: March 4 at 10:30 AM
Join us at Thomas Township Library for an energetic story time filled with stories, songs, crafts and fun. Materials prepared for children 18 months to 3 years but children of all ages are welcome.
Learn more: TALES FOR TWO
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March 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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March 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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March 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Toddler Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: Tuesdays at 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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March 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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March 4, 11, 18, & 25 - Families United in Nature | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: March 5, 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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March 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Miss Beth's Boombox | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw
DATE: Thursday at 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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March 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Little Acorns Preschool Group | |
March 6 - Play Dough Party | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: First Thursday of each month at 5:30-6:30pm
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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March 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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March 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Jumping Jammers | | |
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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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March 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Play to Learn | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: Fridays at 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Play to Learn is a playgroup at the library for kids 0-5 years old and their caregivers. Age-appropriate toys will be available for kids to play with as they socialize, learn to share, and make friends. Caregivers get a chance to socialize, network, and make friends too! Drop in program. No sign up necessary. Meets Fridays 10:30-11:30am
Learn more: PLAY TO LEARN
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March 7, 14, 21, & 28 - Preschool Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: March 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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March 8 - Studio Storytime | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw
DATE: March 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: Mar 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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March 12 - Folk Art Animals | | |
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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: March 12, 5:30 PM
At this art program at the library you can make your own adorable animal inspired by Scandinavian folk art! Animal shapes will be pre-cut and ready to be decorated. You'll use paper, scissors, glue, and markers to make an animal you love! For kids kindergarten-5th grade. Drop-in program. No registration necessary.
Learn more: FOLK ART ANIMALS
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March 13 - Preschool Story Time: Snow | | |
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WHERE: Lowes, Saginaw
DATE: March 15 at 10 AM - 12 PM
Your mini-builder's creativity will go full throttle with Lowe's recycling Truck! Kids will build and personalize their truck, gaining hands-on skills while discovering the importance of recycling. Explore the world of construction, craftsmanship, and sustainability while having fun with the whole family!
Learn More & Register: LOWES
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March 15 - Community Youth Day | | |
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WHERE: Saginaw Valley State University, Saginaw
DATE: March 15, 1-2 PM
Learn more: COMMUNITY YOUTH DAY
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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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WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock
DATE: March 19, 5:30 PM
Visit the library for a Bluey party! We'll play games like "keepy uppy," "magic xylophone," and more! We'll also have prizes, crafts, and Bluey-themed snacks! Drop-in event for families/all ages! No registration necessary.
Learn more: BLUEY PARTY
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March 22 - Saturday Sensory Fun! | | |
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WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw
DATE: March 22, 2-3 PM
Come join in the ooey gooey fun! Make your own floam or cloud dough to take home. Play with snow inside! Try to figure out what the smell is and other sensational sensory activities.
Learn More: SATURDAY SENSORY FUN!
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March 22 - Won't You Be My Neighbor Day | | |
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WHERE: Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw
DATE: March 22, 2-3 PM
Let's celebrate Won't You Be My Neighbor Day at Hoyt Library! Won't You Be My Neighbor Day celebrates Mister Roger's birthday and the legacy of his show Mister Roger's Neighborhood. Most importantly, it emphasizes the idea to treat others with kindness, compassion, understanding, and acceptance. Join us for a craft, a special storytime, and lots of fun!
Learn More: WON'T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY
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March 22 - Hoyt STEAM Night | | |
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WHERE: Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw
DATE: March 25, 6:30-7:30 PM
Join us for a night of hands-on fun! Even though you're on Spring Break, come learn and experiment with us in the children's area of Hoyt.
Learn More: HOYT STEAM NIGHT
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March 26 - Hands On History | | |
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WHERE: Castle Museum, Saginaw
DATE: March 26, 11 AM - 1 PM
Learn more: HANDS ON HISTORY
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March 27 - Spring Break Slime | | |
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WHERE: Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw
DATE: March 27, 2:30-4:30 PM
Channel your inner mad scientist and come make slime! Ages 7-15, 2:30pm-4:30pm on Thursday, March 27th in the Hoyt Mezzanine. Registration required.
RSVP: SPRING BREAK SLIME
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March 28 - Spring Break Family Movie | | |
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WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw
DATE: March 28, 2-4 PM
Looking for something to do while the kids are on break from school? Settle in with a cool drink and freshly popped popcorn from the Popcorn Kitchen as we show a family movie at Zauel Library on Friday, March 28th at 2:00 pm! Everyone is welcome; children under 7 need an adult helper.
RSVP: SPRING BREAK FAMILY MOVIE
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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. | | | | |
