WINTER FAMILY FUN FEST -
SCAVENGER HUNT WINNERS
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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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Early On Hints & Tips
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.
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.
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Parent Survey
Great Start Collaborative needs your help to determine the following for community events in Bay and Arenac Counties:
- What type of events?
- Where should they be hosted?
Scan the QR code or go to this link to complete the SURVEY.
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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
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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. | | |
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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
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Arenac County Baby Pantry
583 E. Cedar St., Standish (entrance is on the North side of the building)
Open Wednesdays at 12 - 4 PM.
The Baby Pantry provides FREE clothing, diapers, wipes, formula, and other things baby related to anyone in need.
Learn more: ARENAC COUNTY BABY PANTRY
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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
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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
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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
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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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NEMSCA - ARENAC COUNTY
Rental Counseling
Financial Literacy Class
Homebuyer Education
Call 989-358-4653 or email gagnona@nemcsca.org for dates.
Learn More: NEMSCA
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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
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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, 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
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March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, & 30 - Bay City State Park Visitor Center Open | | |
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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
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March 1 - Family Time: Create A Mural with Delta Kids/ Michigan Learning Channel | | |
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WHERE: Bay County Historical Society, Bay City
DATE: March 1, 11 AM - 12 PM
Join Delta Kids/ Michigan Learning Channel for FAMILY TIME @ the Museum. Today we are creating murals. Create your own mural that represents Bay City and add to the group mural "What I Love About My Town."
Register: BAY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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March 1 - A Cat-Hat-Tastic Movie Matinee! | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning
DATE: March 1, 1-2:30 PM
Spend a Saturday afternoon at the Pinconning Branch for snacks and a viewing of Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat! (Rated PG)
Register: HAT-CAT-TASTIC MOVIE MATINEE
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March 3 - Busy Book Cafe (age 0-3) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: March 3, 11 AM - 12 PM
Join us at Sage Library on Monday, March 3 for Busy Book Cafe!
For children ages 0-3 years old + Adult.
We begin at 11 am. Craft supplies and directions will be available for parents to build a page for a baby busy book. Toys will be out for children to play while adults craft and visit.
Learn more: BUSY BOOK CAFE
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March 4, 11, 18, 25 - Preschool Tuesdays: Family Playtime @ the Museum | | |
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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
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March 5 - STEM Sprouts (age 3-5) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library, Bay City
DATE: March 5, 11 AM - 12 PM
Ages 3-5 with an adult. Drop in. Littles are encouraged to explore through playful, hands-on discovery-based stations.
Learn more: STEM SPROUTS
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March 5 - Baby Book Club (age 0-3) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: March 5, 5:30 PM
Join us at the Sage Branch Library on Wednesday, March 5 at 5:30 pm.
Bring your baby to sing, rhyme, dance and take home a new book to keep. Stay to play and chat with other parents. We look forward to seeing you!
Register: BABY BOOK CLUB
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March 6, 13, 20, & 27 - Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe & Playgroup | | |
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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
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March 6, 13, 20, 27 - Move & Groove | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: March 6, 13, 20, & 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
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March 8 - Pups & Pages (Age 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: March 8 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
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March 10 - Excited Goat Storytime w/ WIRT | | |
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WHERE: Excited Goat Coffee Company,
Essexville
DATE: March 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
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March 10 - Outdoor Explorers in Omer | | |
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WHERE: Omer Library, Omer
DATE: 2nd Monday of the month, 10:30 AM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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March 11 - Make and Take Party (ages 2-12) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: March 11, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Choose from our awesome selection of crafts to design, decorate, and take home!
Register: MAKE AND TAKE PARTY
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March 13 - Family Read Aloud Book Club: BFG | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: March 13, 5:30 PM
Join us at Sage Library for Family Read Aloud Book Club: The BFG by Roald Dahl on Thursday, March 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
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March 14 & 28 - Playdate (ages 0-4) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack WIrt Library, Bay City
DATE: March 14 & 28, 10 - 11 AM
Little ones can play, discover & meet new friends. Ages 4 & under. Participating caregiver required. No registration required.
No Registration Required.
Learn more: PLAYDATE
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March 14 - Baby Playground (age 0-2) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: March 14, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Join us for sensory play and fun for babies! Ages 0-2 + Adult are invited to attend.
Register: BABY PLAYGROUND
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March 14 - Nature Explorers | | |
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WHERE: Bay City State Park, Bay City
DATE: 2nd Friday of the month, 1 PM
Learn more by emailing trogana@baisd.net.
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Marhc 15 - Pups and Pages (age 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: March 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
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March 16 - St. Patty's Day Parade | | |
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WHERE: Downtown Bay City, Bay City
DATE: March 16, 2 PM
The Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Association is delighted to invite you to join us in celebrating this year’s 70th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
The parade starts at Center and Park Avenues and disbands at Center and Water Streets. Marching bands, pipe bands, and floats will march down the street led by the Parade Marshal.
This is an opportunity for family and friends to get together and enjoy a day together.
Learn more: ST. Patrick's Day Parade
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March 18 - Baby Prom (age 0-2) | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: March 18, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Dress up your babies and bring them for a fun baby-sized prom! We'll have a baby dance floor, photo booth, craft, and more!
Register: BABY PROM
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March 19 - Bake (age 3-5) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: March 19, 11:30 AM
Ages 3-5 with an adult. Try out our mobile kitchen with your preschooler. We'll be making banana bread.
Learn more: BAKE
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: March 19, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Join us at Sage Library on Wednesday, March 19 for Pups & Pages!
Children ages 4-12 will read to a a certified therapy dog beginning at 5:30 pm.
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 Sage children's desk.
Register: PUPS & PAGES
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March 19 - Kids in the Kitchen | | |
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WHERE: Dow Bay Area YMCA, Bay City
DATE: March 19, 6:30 PM
Choose from our awesome selection of crafts to design, decorate, and take home!
Register: KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
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March 20 - Mad Scientist (Age 6-12) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: March 20, 5:30 PM
Children age 6-12 are invited to join us at Sage Library for Mad Scientists: Build It! on Thursday, March 20 @ 5:30 pm.
Let's make super structures!
Register: MAD SCIENTIST
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March 20 - Pups & Pages (Age 4-12) | | |
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WHERE: Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning
DATE: March 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
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March 21 - Little Wigglers | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: March 21, 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
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March 26 - Building With Play Doh (age 3-5) | | |
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WHERE: Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City
DATE: March 26, 11 AM - 12 PM
Ages 3-5 with an adult. Drop in for Play-Doh fun!
No registration required.
Learn more: BUILIDING WITH PLAY DOH
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March 28 - Young Scientists (Age 2-5) | | |
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WHERE: Sage Branch Library, Bay City
DATE: March 28, 10:30 AM
Join us at Sage Branch Library for Young Scientists: Construction Zone on Friday, March 28 @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 construction! We will be building a hand fan, engaging in simple plans, connectors and more!
Register: YOUNG SCIENTISTS
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March 29 - Peeps Birdhouse | | |
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WHERE: Auburn Branch Library, Auburn
DATE: March 29, 1 & 3 PM
Celebrate spring by creating your own edible Peep birdhouse.
Register: PEEP BIRDHOUSE
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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. | | | | |
