Kids Calendar
(age 12 & under)
December 2024
Key to Locations
AADL: Ann Arbor District Library 327–4200, aadl.org. Events (all free) offered at Downtown (343 S. Fifth Ave.), Westgate (2503 Jackson Ave.), Traverwood (3333 Traverwood), Malletts Creek (3090 E. Eisenhower), and Pittsfield (2359 Oak Valley) branches.
HSHV: Humane Society of Huron Valley, 661–3575, humaneed@hshv.org. 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. Events also hosted at Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center (5245 Jackson Rd., ste. A1). hshv.org.
Events
Daily Nov. 21–Dec. 24, except Nov. 28. (most days, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; see website): Santa: Briarwood Mall. All kids invited to sit with Santa; photos available for purchase. Dec. 1 is “Pet Photo Night” (6:30–8 p.m.) for 4-legged, leashed, friendly pets that weigh less than 60 lbs. A session for kids with special needs is held before the mall opens on Dec. 8, 9–10:30 a.m. Note: Santa takes a break 3–4 p.m. Briarwood Von Maur court. Appointments encouraged at simon.com/santa. (734) 769–9610.
Dec. 1 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.): “Santa, Mrs. Claus & the Grinch”: Stone Chalet. A chance for kids to meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, elves, and a grumpy Grinch. Professional photos included. Hot chocolate served. Stone Chalet, 1917 Washtenaw. Kids, $10 (adults, $8; infants 12 months & under, free) in advance at enchantedinnandevents.com & (if available) at the door. (866) 382–6542.
Dec. 1 (1–3 p.m.): “Interactive Movie Experience: Moana”: AADL Pittsfield. Participatory showing of the 2016 Disney animation, set in ancient Polynesia, about a chieftain’s daughter who seeks out the demigod Maui to reverse a terrible curse. Audience members encouraged to act out scenes from the movie as it plays, à la Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings. Scripts and props provided. Free.
Every Mon.–Fri. (different times): Preschool Storytimes: AADL. Half-hour program of stories and songs for kids ages 2–5 (with caregiver). Pittsfield (Mon. 10:30 a.m. & Thurs. 11 a.m.), Downtown (Tues. 11 a.m., except Dec. 24), Malletts Creek (Tues. 11 a.m., except Dec. 24, & Wed. 10:30 a.m., except Dec. 25), Traverwood (Thurs. 11 a.m.), and Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m.). Free.
Every Mon.–Wed. & Fri. (different times): Playgroups for Babies: AADL. Fifteen minutes of stories, rhymes, and songs led by AADL staffers, followed by a short open playtime. For kids up to 24 months (with caregiver). No older siblings. Malletts Creek (Mon. 10:30 a.m.), Traverwood (Tues. 11 a.m., except Dec. 24), Westgate (Wed. 10:30 a.m., except Dec. 25), and Downtown (Fri. 10:30 a.m.). Free.
Dec. 2, 4, & 5 (10:30–11 a.m., different branch locations): “Preschool ArtStart”: AADL. AADL staff lead children ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult, in arts and crafts, with an emphasis on having fun with the process of making something. Traverwood (Mon.), Pittsfield (Wed.), & Malletts Creek (Thurs.). Free.
Every Tues., except Dec. 24 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Tummy Time”: AADL Westgate. New and expecting parents encouraged to bring their babies and discuss new baby experiences. Free.
Dec. 4 & 18 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Tiny Tails Story Time”: Tiny Lions. Stories, crafts, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats and dogs. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. Tiny Lions. $10 per kid (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
Dec. 4 (1–2 p.m.): “Mini Masterpieces on Canvas”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades K–8 invited to create a design on a 2-inch mini canvas using paint pens and sharpies, then turn it into a magnet or pin. Free.
Dec. 4 (2–3 p.m.): Cardboard Monkey Puppets: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades K–5 to use cardstock and brads to create an actuated and movable monkey puppet. Free.
Dec. 4 (2–3:30 p.m.): “K–5 Nature Crafts: Build a Bird”: Ann Arbor Parks Department Natural Area Preservation. Kids in grades K–5, accompanied by an adult, invited to learn about Michigan birds, take a short walk, then use natural materials to build their own bird sculpture. Dress for the weather. Olson Park pavilion, 1515 Dhu Varren. Preregistration required at cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/vv2. Free. (734) 794–6627, outreach@a2gov.org.
Dec. 5, 12, & 19 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Little Paws Story Time”: HSHV. Stories, crafts, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats and dogs. Also, a chance to make a toy or treat for the animals. For kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult. HSHV. $5 (babies under age 1, free). Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
Dec. 6 (6-8 p.m.): “Snow Ball”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation. Families with children ages 4-12 invited to dance to music spun by a DJ. Also, a balloon drop, refreshments and crafts. Pittsfield Twp. Community Center, 701 Ellsworth. $45 per adult/child pair (residents, $40; additional children, $10). Preregistration required at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. (734) 822–2120.
Dec. 7 & 14 (10–11 a.m.): “Drop-In Writing for Wee Bots”: 826 Michigan. Kids ages 5–8 invited to work in small groups with adult volunteers to create stories and play creative games. 826michigan, 115 E. Liberty. Preregistration required at 826michigan.org. Free. info@826michigan.org.
Dec. 7 & 21 (10–11:30 a.m.): “Rescue Reading”: HSHV. Kids ages 6–11 invited to read to adoptable animals to work on their reading skills, using their own or provided books. Also, a group read-aloud and a dog meet-and-greet. No adults. HSHV. $10. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
Dec. 7 (1–2 p.m.): “Moana Coloring!”: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades K–5 to color scenes to celebrate the arrival of the new Moana movie. Free.
Dec. 7 (1–2 p.m.): “Perler Bead Party”: AADL Westgate. Kids grades preK–5 invited to make crafts with colorful fusible beads. Free.
Dec. 7 (2–3 p.m.): “The Water Princess”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Read and Look. A reading of Susan Verde’s picture book about a girl who dreams of bringing clean water to her African village. Followed by a chance for kids ages 4–7 (accompanied by an adult) to explore the museum’s collection to find items pictured in the book. Kelsey Museum, 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
Dec. 8 & 15. (Noon–6 p.m.): “Santa at the Farm”: Domino’s Petting Farm. Santa is available for pictures in the farmhouse living room in front of the fireplace. Bring your own camera. Domino’s Petting Farm, 3001 Earhart Rd. $20 per family (members, $10), preregistration required at pettingfarm.com. (734) 998-0182.
Dec. 8 (2–3 p.m.): “Rocket Science!”: AADL Downtown. A chance for kids grades K–5 to learn about the basic properties of aerodynamics, how rockets take off, and how a rocket’s shape affects its flight, then build paper rockets with scissors, tape, and paper. Free.
Dec. 8 (2–3:30 p.m.): “HEXBUG Adventures”: AADL Westgate. Kids grades K–5 invited to play with the library’s robotic HEXBUGs in an interactive obstacle course. Free.
Dec. 9 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Magnetic Tile Time”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades preK–3 invited to build towers, spaceships, and houses out of magnetic tiles. Free.
Dec. 12 (10:30–11:15 a.m.): “Sensation Stations”: AADL Malletts Creek. Babies and infants age 2 and under, accompanied by an adult, invited to engage their senses by scooping, pouring, shaking, and sorting a variety of materials while exploring colors, shapes, textures, and sounds. Free.
Dec. 12 (6–7:30 p.m.): “Stories with Santa”: HSHV. Kids age 10 and under, accompanied by an adult, invited to take part in holiday-themed activities, do crafts, and hear stories. Photos with Santa and interaction with adoptable cats and dogs. Refreshments. Holiday attire and a gift for the resident shelter animals encouraged (see suggested gifts at hshv.org/wishlist). HSHV. $12 per child (babies under age 1 and adults, free; limit of 2 adults per registered child). humaneed@hshv.org. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
Dec. 13 (4–5:30 p.m.): “K–5 Nature: Tracks on Trails”: Ann Arbor Parks Department Natural Area Preservation. Kids in grades K–5, accompanied by an adult, invited to learn about animal tracks and what they reveal about animal behavior. Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area, exact location revealed on sign-up. Preregistration required at cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/vv2. Free. (734) 794–6627, outreach@a2gov.org.
Dec. 14 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Mandarin Language Story Time”: HSHV. Stories read in Mandarin, crafts, and a tour of the shelter. Geared to kids ages 2–5 (but all children welcome), accompanied by an adult. HSHV. Free. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
Dec. 14 (1–2 p.m.): Ocean Stories and Crafts: AADL Pittsfield. Kids grades preK–3 invited to listen to AADL staff read ocean-themed stories, followed by a chance to make some ocean crafts. Free.
Dec. 14 (1–2:45 p.m.): “Santa’s Candy Cane Trail”: Hudson Mills Metropark. Quarter-mile 30-minute walks along a trail lined with a variety of winter holiday characters, ending with a chance to see Santa Claus, take pictures with and talk to him, drop a letter in his mailbox, and take a ride on a Holiday Carol Wagon. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. 1 p.m. (a new group leaves every 15 minutes through 2:45 p.m.), Hudson Mills Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial Rd., Dexter. $6 per person (kids under 2, free), plus $10 vehicle entry fee. Preregistration at bit.ly/HudsonCandyCane required by 4 p.m. Dec. 13. (734) 426–8211.
Dec. 15 (11–11:45 a.m. & noon–12:45 p.m.): “Neurodivergent Kids Move!”: AADL Westgate. Local teachers Jesse Deucher & Sarah Kairis lead autistic and other neurodivergent kids preK & under (11 a.m.) and K–5 (noon) in a program of music and movement. Free.
Dec. 15 (1–2 p.m.): “LEGO Letterpress”: AADL Downtown. A chance for kids grade 3 & up to build a small design out of LEGOs and then make a print of it using the library’s letterpress presses. Free.
Dec. 15 (1, 2, & 3 p.m.): Jewish Storytime: AADL Traverwood. Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor storytellers lead a 45-minute program of stories and activities in English (1 & 3 p.m.) and Hebrew (2 p.m.) for kids ages 5–7 (1 p.m.), ages 3–7 (2 p.m.), & ages 2–4 (3 p.m.). Free.
Dec. 21 (2–3 p.m.): “Sparkle Penguins”: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades K-5 to make penguin companions using glittery craft foam and other crafting supplies. Free.
Dec. 21 (2–4 p.m.): “Junior & Mini Naturalist: Solstice Celebration”: Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission. Kids ages 3–11 welcome to join naturalists Kelsey Dehring, Elle Bogle, and Shawn Severance on a nature hike to leave a treat for local wildlife, followed by nature stories around a bonfire with holiday treats and hot drinks (provided). Independence Lake County Park, 3200 Jennings, Whitmore Lake. Free, but $6 vehicle entry fee (noncounty residents, $10). Preregistration required at parksonline.ewashtenaw.org (ages 7-11 use #821004; ages 3-6 use #821002).
Dec. 22 (10:30–11:15 a.m.): “Dancing Babies”: AADL Traverwood. Local music teacher Robin Robinson leads kids age 5 & under (accompanied by an adult) in a program of music and movement. Free.
Dec. 22 (1–2 p.m.): Beaded Snowflakes: AADL Pittsfield. Kids grades K–5 invited to make snowflakes using pipe cleaners and beads. Free.
Dec. 22 (2–3 p.m.): “Building Big with Paper Cups”: AADL Westgate. A chance for kids grades preK–3 to use paper cups to construct (and demolish) tall towers, pyramids, and walls. Free.
Dec. 23 (1–2 p.m.): “Sonic the Hedgehog Coloring!”: AADL Traverwood. A chance for kids grades K–5 to color scenes to celebrate the arrival of the new Sonic the Hedgehog movie. Free.
Daily Dec. 23–Jan. 7, except Dec. 24, 25, and 31 & Jan. 1 (times TBA): “Hands-On Holidays”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Family-friendly hands-on activities TBA exploring science and nature. With live entertainment each day, including puppet shows, music, and storytelling by performers TBA. Details posted at discoverscienceandnature.org early in December. AAHOM, 220 E. Ann St. $16/person (members, those with WIC EBT cards, $3/person).
Dec. 26 (1–2 p.m.): “Mufasa: The Lion King Coloring!”: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades K–5 to color scenes to celebrate the arrival of the new Lion King movie. Free.
Dec. 27 (10–11:30 a.m.): “K–5 Nature: Trees by Touch”: Ann Arbor Parks Department Natural Area Preservation. Kids in grades K–5, accompanied by an adult, invited to learn about bark on different types of trees, do some bark rubbings, and play a fun game. Furstenberg Nature Area, 2626 Fuller Rd. Preregistration required at cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/vv2. Free. (734) 794–6627, outreach@a2gov.org.
Dec. 27 (2–3 p.m.): “Collage for Kids”: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades preK–5 to cut simple shapes out of scrapbook paper, maps, and old book pages, then glue them on a piece of foam. Free.
Dec. 27 (2–3 p.m.): “The Wild Robot Crafts”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades K–5 invited to cut & glue paper to create a scene inspired by the new Wild Robot movie. Free.
Dec. 27 (7:15–8:45 p.m.): “Cats and Kids”: Tiny Lions. Kids ages 6–11 invited to spend time with adoptable cats and kittens at the Tiny Lions Lounge. Also, crafts and games, popcorn, and juice. Kids only. Tiny Lions. $20. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
Dec. 28 (2–3 p.m.): “DIY Stamps”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades preK–5 to use foam shapes to create their own rubber stamps. Free.
Dec. 28 (2–4 p.m.): “Movie Day at the Library: The Muppets”: AADL Downtown. Screening of this 2011 Disney adventure comedy in which the Muppet squad must regroup to stop an avaricious oil mogul from tearing down its movie studio. Free.
Dec. 29 (11–11:45 a.m.): “Young Scientists”: AADL Pittsfield. Science-themed stories and simple science experiments aimed at preschoolers, accompanied by a caregiver. Free.
Dec. 30 (2–3:30 p.m.): “K–5 Nature: Winter Celebration”: Ann Arbor Parks Department Natural Area Preservation. Kids in grades K–5, accompanied by an adult, invited to make an ornament or do another craft using natural materials. Cinnamon and tree nuts will be present. Burns Park, 1300 Baldwin. Preregistration required at cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/vv2. Free. (734) 794–6627, outreach@a2gov.org.
Dec. 27 (7:15–8:45 p.m.): “Cats and Kids”: Tiny Lions. Kids ages 6–11 invited to spend time with adoptable cats and kittens at the Tiny Lions Lounge. Also, crafts and games, popcorn, and juice. Kids only. Tiny Lions. $20. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, humaneed@hshv.org, (734) 661–3575.
Dec. 28 (2–3 p.m.): “DIY Stamps”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades preK–5 to use foam shapes to create their own rubber stamps. Free.
Dec. 28 (2–4 p.m.): “Movie Day at the Library: The Muppets”: AADL Downtown. Screening of this 2011 Disney adventure comedy in which the Muppet squad must regroup to stop an avaricious oil mogul from tearing down its movie studio. Free.
Dec. 29 (11–11:45 a.m.): “Young Scientists”: AADL Pittsfield. Science-themed stories and simple science experiments aimed at preschoolers, accompanied by a caregiver. Free.
Dec. 30 (2–3:30 p.m.): “K–5 Nature: Winter Celebration”: Ann Arbor Parks Department Natural Area Preservation. Kids in grades K–5, accompanied by an adult, invited to make an ornament or do another craft using natural materials. Cinnamon and tree nuts will be present. Burns Park, 1300 Baldwin. Preregistration required at cityofannarbor.volunteerhub.com/vv2. Free. (734) 794–6627, outreach@a2gov.org. Free.
Dec. 30 (2–3 p.m.): “Beaded Animal Keychains”: AADL Traverwood. Kids in grades K-5 invited to use pony beads to make a keychain in the shape of either a mouse or a lizard. Free.
Dec. 30 (2–3 p.m.): “Slime Time”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades K–5 to play with the library’s slime. Free.
Dec. 31 (11 a.m.–noon): “Noon Year’s Eve Celebration”: AADL Downtown. New Year’s celebration for kids grades preK-5. Free.
