Family Fun Guide

March 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS

HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES

TALKING IS TEACHING:

Let’s talk about PLAY! Play time is fundamental to your child's early development. Check out our tip sheet for everyday play activities to support your little one’s cognitive, social, and emotional skills: http://bit.ly/2FW6JrK.

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

KINDERGARTEN READINESS GOALS:

Walk up and down stairs without help
Controls strong emotions in an appropriate manner most of the time
Writes strings of letters, not necessarily words
Uses numbers to compare, knows the purpose of standard measuring tools
Demonstrates knowledge of characteristics of living things (pretends to feed a baby doll or animal, puts baby doll to sleep, etc.)
Toilet Trained

HELP ME GROW

Music isn’t just fun—it builds language and memory! Singing and dancing with your 3- to 5-year-old helps them develop coordination and early reading skills. If you have concerns about your child's speech or learning, call Help Me Grow.

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: Motor milestones, like rolling, crawling, or walking, often happen between 6-18 months. Early intervention for motor delays can improve coordination and set the stage for active play.

Year 2: Most children begin sitting independently by about 6 months and walking between 12–15 months. Provide daily floor time in a safe space so your child can practice rolling, sitting, crawling, and pulling to stand—movement builds strength and coordination.

Year 3: By age 2, toddlers can run and kick a ball, and by age 3, many can jump with both feet off the ground. Encourage active play such as climbing at the playground, dancing to music, or playing simple ball games to build balance, strength, and coordination.

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: EVERY DAY COUNTS FOR LITTLE LEARNERS

Maggie Dwan

As part of our MiFamily Engagement Center efforts, we created Unplug and Play Great Lakes Bay, an initiative that offers families ideas and activities to choose connection and play beyond screens. We also developed the Digital Diet Framework, which helps families think about the type, amount, timing, and balance of screen use at home and make informed choices that work for them.

Start here: FEWER THAN 5 to learn more!

Family Tip: Choose one screen-free routine to protect each day (like dinner, before bed, or in the car). Use that time to talk, read, or play together. Small changes can build strong routines, connection, and early literacy skills.

COOKING AT HOME - FRITATA

70 Minutes 8 Servings

Ingredients

1½ pounds seasonal vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, turnips, or bell peppers

2 medium onions

4 ounces low-fat cheddar cheese

12 medium eggs

1 teaspoon dried dill, thyme, or oregano

Non-stick cooking spray

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Rinse and cut seasonal veggies evenly into small pieces. Peel, rinse, and dice onions. If using, slice mushrooms and rinse and chop fresh herbs.
Grate cheddar cheese.
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add seasonal veggies to boiling water. Briefly boil, about 30 seconds. Using a colander, drain the veggies.
In a large bowl, whip eggs with a fork until well blended. Whisk in dried herbs. Set aside.
Coat medium skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Heat over medium high heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. If using mushrooms, add now. Add boiled seasonal veggies. Continue cooking until soft and some of their juices have evaporated, about 5 minutes more.
Coat 9-by-13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Layer ingredients in the baking dish in the following order: veggie mixture, egg mixture, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Bake until eggs are firm and cheese is melted, about 35 minutes. A thermometer inserted in the middle should read 160°F.
If using, garnish with chopped fresh herbs.

View full recipe: FRITTATA

FAMILY RESOURCES

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!

FOOD RESOURCES

CLOTHING & DIAPERS

PARENT SUPPORT & CLASSES

MSU EXTENSION - FREE ONLINE PARENTING CLASSES

Extension Extras Parenting Hour

Tuesdays at 7:30 - 9:30 PM

March 3 - Importance of Outdoor Play

March 10 - Talking With Kids About Differences

March 17 - Exploring Parenting Styles

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

March 31 - Mathematics for Infants and Todlers

Online Building Early Emotional Skills for Parents Webinar Series

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 at 11:30 AM –9 PM

Online Extension Extras for Professionals Third Thursdays- Importance of Outdoor Play

March 19 at 7 - 8:30 PM

Online Extension Extras for Professionals Fourth Fridays: Understanding a Toddler's World

March 27 at 1 - 2:30 PM

Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES

CHILD CARE AVAILABILITY

STAY CONNECTED

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

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS:

March 3 at 4:30 PM: CLAY BARRETTES (ages 6-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

March 4 at 10:30 AM: SENSORY PLAY (ages 1-5 + adult) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

March 4 at 5:30 PM: BABY BOOK CLUB (ages 0-3 + adult) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

March 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 10:30 AM: MOVE & GROOVE (ages 0-5 + adult) @Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

March 5 at 3:30 PM: GAMERS CLUB JR (grades 1-4) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

March 5 at 6 PM: PAINT-BY-PIPETTE PROCESS ART (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

March 6 & 20 at 10 AM: PLAYDATE (ages 0-4 + adult) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

March 7 at 9 AM: KIDS WORKSHOP @ Home Depot, Bay City

March 10 at 4:30 PM: MAKE & TAKE PARTY (ages 2-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

March 11 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY PUZZLE COMPETITION (ages 4+) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

March 12 at 5:30 PM: FAMILY READ ALOUD BOOK CLUB – UNGIFTED (ages 0-12) @ Sage Branch Library

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

March 13 at 10:30 AM: LITTLE WIGGLERS (ages 0-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

March 13 at 10:30 AM: MUPPET BABIES & TODDLERS (ages 0-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

March 13 & 24 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

March 14 at 11:15 AM: ST. PATRICK’S DAY SLIME (ages 6-10) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

March 14 at 3 PM: CURIOSITY CLUB – SUPERB STATICS (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning

March 15 at 2 PM: ST. PATTY’S DAY PARADE @ Downtown Bay City, Bay City

March 17 at 5:30 PM: LEPRECHAUN TRAPS (ages 2-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

March 18 at 3:30 PM: SPRING EQUINOX CELEBRATION (ages 0-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

March 18 at 5:30 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

March 20 at 10:30 AM: YOUNG SCIENTISTS: ANIMAL ADVENTURE (ages 2-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

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

March 21 at 1 PM: EASTER EGG HUNT @ Williams Township Park, Auburn

March 21 at 1 PM: STEM TIME TRAVELERS (grades K-5) @ Historical Museum of Bay County, Bay City

March 21 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

March 21 at 6 PM: EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA! @ Dow Area Family YMCA, Bay City

March 24 at 5:30 PM: BABY PROM (ages 0-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

March 25 at 11 AM: WIGGLE WORM WEDNESDAY (ages 0-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

March 26 at 5:30 PM: MAD SCIENTISTS: SEA MONKEY SCIENCE (ages 6-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

March 26 at 6 PM: SENSORY SOOTHING GALAXY GLITTER JAR CRAFT (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library

March 27 at 10:30 AM: A IS FOR ART: FLOWER FUN (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

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 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

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