Family Fun Guide

May 2026

VISIT THE WEBSITE

2026-2027 PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION

FEATURED EVENT

HINTS, TIPS, & AT HOME ACTIVITIES

TALKING IS TEACHING

Let’s talk about SUNSHINE! As the weather warms up, encourage creativity and enhance your child’s fine motor skills by playing dress up with summer clothes. Ask your child to find clothes that will keep them cool and sunglasses to protect their eyes!

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

KINDERGARTEN READINESS:

Pedal a tricycle
Engages with familiar adults as resources, to share ideas, and interests
Identifies numbers to 10 by name and connects each number to an object when counting
Understands physical properties of objects (heavy, light, rough, smooth)
Toilet Trained

HELP ME GROW

Talking and reading with your child builds strong language skills! By 3-5 years old, kids are forming sentences and learning new words every day

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: By 1 year, most toddlers point to objects of interest—a key milestone for joint attention. This skill is critical for language and social interaction. Early intervention targets this if it’s delayed.

Year 2: Joint attention typically begins between 9–12 months, when babies start to follow a caregiver’s gaze or point, and it becomes more consistent by 18–24 months. Point to objects, name them, and wait for your child to look back at you—following their lead strengthens shared focus and communication.

Year 3: By age 2, toddlers can focus on an activity for about 3–6 minutes, and attention span gradually increases with age. Reduce background distractions (TV, phones) and engage in short, shared activities like reading, puzzles, or stacking blocks, gradually extending play time together.

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: SIMPLE MOMENTS MATTER

Maggie Dwan

Early literacy starts with everyday moments. Talking, singing, reading, playing, and exploring together help young children build the language and listening skills they need for future reading success.

Try simple, screen-free moments this week: read a favorite book, tell a story, sing in the car, name what you see outside, or let your child help with a daily routine. These small interactions build connection, curiosity, and confidence.

Unplug, play, and talk together. Every moment can help your child grow as a reader.

For family-friendly reading tips and simple ideas to try at home, visit READING ROCKETS.

Learn more about UPLUG AND PLAY GREAT LAKES BAY

COOKING AT HOME

CHICKEN BURGER

Cooking Matters

30 Minutes 4 Servings

Ingredients

¼ small bell pepper

¼ small red onion

1 pound lean ground chicken, turkey, or beef

1½ teaspoons garlic powder

1½ teaspoons onion powder

½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

1 Tablespoon canola oil

¼ cup water

Materials:

Cutting board

Food thermometer

Large skillet with lid

Measuring cups

Measuring spoons

Medium bowl

Sharp knife

Instructions:

Rinse and finely chop bell pepper and onion.
In a medium bowl, combine bell pepper, onion, ground meat, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Divide mixture into 4 pieces. Form pieces into patties about 4 inches across.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add burgers. Cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Add water to the pan. Cover and cook until the burgers reach 165ºF, about 10 minutes more.

View full recipe: CHICKEN BURGER

FAMILY RESOURCES

FOOD RESOURCES

CLOTHING & DIAPERS

PARENT SUPPORT & CLASSES

SUMMER DAY CAMPS

MSU EXTENSION - FREE ONLINE PARENTING CLASSES

Extension Extras Parenting Hour

Tuesdays at 7:30 - 9:30 PM

May 5 - Reducing Challenging Behaviors in Toddlers

May 12 - Childhood Anxiety and Depression

May 19 - Purpose of Play

May 26 - Let's Talk: Parent/Provider Communication

Online Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series - May 2026

Wednesdays, May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10 at 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Online Parent Talk System Webinar Series - May & June 2026

Thursdays, May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18 at 11:30 AM - 1 PM

Online Extension Extras for Professionals Third Thursdays - Let's Talk: Parent/Provider Communication

May 21 at 7-8:30 PM

Online Extension Extras for Professionals Fourth Fridays: Positive Discipline

May 22 at 1 - 2:30 PM

Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES

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

VENDORS NEEDED:

Summer Touch-A-Truck/Family Fun Fest

Vendor & Truck/Vehicle Registration Form

Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 10 AM - 3 PM at the Bay City State Park

- Touch-A-Truck/Vehicles, please register your vehicle and contact Michael Barker for parking and logistical planning at barkerm3@michigan.gov, or call at 989-684-3020

- Community Resource Vendors

Vendors will be encouraged to bring your own tent, however, a large tent will also be available for vendors that don't have a tent. Note: Vendors bringing tents will want to consider stakes/weights to help secure your tent/s during the event.

Community resource vendors may contact Rich VanTol with any questions: vantolr@baisd.net or 989-233-8729

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS:

May 2 at 9 AM: KIDS WORKSHOP @ Home Depot, Bay City

May 2 at 11 AM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 2 at 11 AM - 7 PM: FREE COMMIC BOOK DAY @ Cashman's Comics, Bay City

May 4 & 11 at 10 AM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 5 & 12 at 10 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 5 & 12 at 11 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 5 at 4:30 PM: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK: A2 MAGIC @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 6 & 13 at 10:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 6 & 13 at 10:30 AM: FAMILY FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) @ Pinconning Branch LIbrary, Pinconning

May 6 & 13 at 10:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 6 & 13 at 11:30 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 6 & 13 at 6:30 PM: FAMILY STORYTIME (ages 0-6) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 10 AM - 12 PM: GREAT LAKES BAY MOMS CAFE @ Bay City Town Center Community Room, Bay City

May 7 & 14 at 10:15 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 0-2) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 7 & 14 at 10:30 AM: BABY STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 7 & 14 at 11:15 AM: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 7 at 3-5 PM: MOM & ME BLOOM BASH @ Jay's Fruit Market Greenhouse, Standish

May 7 at 4:30 PM: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK: PAINTERLY POTTER (ages 0-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 7 at 6 PM: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK: PAINTERLY POTTER (ages 0-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 7 at 6 PM: CHILDREN'S BOOK WEEK: PRINCESS PARTY WITH RAPUNZEL @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 7 at 6 PM: COLLAGE MAKING FOR LITTLES (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

May 8 at 10:30 AM: GARDEN BABIES & TODDLERS (ages 0-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 8 & 22 at 11 AM: TODDLER TIME (ages 0-5) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

May 9 at 2 PM: PARACHUTE PARTY (ages 5-8) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 12 at 5:30 PM: ROCK PAINTING (ages 2-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 14 at 3:30 PM: GAMERS CLUB JR (grades 1-4) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 14 at 5:30 PM: FAMILY READ ALOUD BOOK CLUB (ages 0-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 14 at 6 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

May 15 at 10:30 AM: A IS FOR ART (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 16 at 2 PM: PUPS & PAGES (ages 4-12) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 16 at 3 PM: CURIOSITY CLUB (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Brach Library, Pinconning

May 21 at 10:30 AM: MOVE & GROOVE (ages 0-5 + adult) @Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 21 at 6 PM: DINOSAUR BINGO (ages 5-12) @ Pinconning Branch Library, Pinconning

May 22 at 10:30 AM: YOUNG SCIENTISTS (ages 2-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 26 at 4:30 PM: STEM AND STORYTIME (ages 2-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 27 at 10:30 AM: SENSORY PLAY (ages 1-5) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 27 at 11 AM: WIGGLE WORM WEDNESDAY (ages 0-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 27 at 5:30 PM: K-POP GOLDEN PARTY (ages 2-12) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 28 at 10:30 AM: MOVE & GROOVE (ages 0-5 + adult) @Alice & Jack Wirt Library, Bay City

May 28 at 3:30 PM: GAMERS CLUB JR (grades 1-4) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 28 at 5:30 PM: MAD SCIENTISTS (ages 6-12) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 29 at 10:30 AM: LITTLE WIGGLERS (ages 0-5) @ Sage Branch Library, Bay City

May 29 at 10:30 AM: SCIENCE CLUB JR. (ages 2-5) @ Auburn Branch Library, Auburn

May 30 at 10 AM: BURN & EARN FEST @ Maplewood Park, Bay City

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