Kids Calendar
(age 12 & under)
December 2025
Key to Locations
AADL: Ann Arbor District Library, (734) 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, as well as the AADL Warehouse (265 Parkland Plz.).
HSHV: Humane Society of Huron Valley, (734) 661–3575, [email protected]. 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. Events also hosted at Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center (5245 Jackson Rd., ste. A1). hshv.org.
Events
Daily, except Nov. 27, Nov. 21–Dec. 24. (most days 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; see website): Santa: Briarwood Mall. All kids invited to sit with Santa; photos available for purchase. A session for kids with special needs is held before the mall opens on Dec. 7, 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.
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.), Downtown (Tues. 11 a.m.), Malletts Creek (Tues. 11 a.m. & Wed. 10:30 a.m., except Dec. 24), Traverwood (Thurs. 11 a.m., except Dec. 25), and Westgate (Fri. 1 p.m.).
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.), Westgate & Pittsfield (Wed., except Dec. 24, 10:30 a.m.,), and Downtown (Fri. 10:30 a.m.).
Dec. 1 (12:30–1:30 p.m.): “Little Play Date”: AADL Westgate. Open playtime for babies & preschoolers (with caregiver).
Every Tues. (10 a.m.–noon), every Wed., except Dec. 24 & 31 (4–5 p.m.), every Fri., except Dec. 26 (10 a.m.–noon), every Sun. (3–4 p.m.): “Nature Play Pop-Ups: Farm to Kitchen”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Kids ages 3–8 (accompanied by a parent or caregiver; older siblings welcome) invited to learn about nature and food and take part in hands-on craft and other activities in one of Matthaei Botanical Gardens’ greenhouses. MBG, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. (734) 647–7600, mbgna.umich.edu/nature-play-pop-ups.
Dec. 3 & 17 (9:30–10:30 a.m.): “Tiny Tails Toddler Time”: Tiny Lions. Stories, crafts, fingerplays, and interaction with adoptable cats. 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. (734) 661–3575, [email protected].
Dec. 3 (10–11 a.m.): “Stories & Snowflakes”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Environmental Education. City environmental educator Eleva Potter leads kids ages 3–6 (younger siblings welcome) with adult accompaniment on a short walk to gather sticks, then make snowflakes with them. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Ann Arbor Senior Center, 1320 Baldwin. Free, preregistration required (space limited) at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec. [email protected].
Dec. 4 & 18 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Little Paws Toddler Time”: HSHV. Stories, crafts, & fingerplays. Also, interaction with adoptable cats and dogs and 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). Space limited; preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. (734) 661–3575, [email protected].
Dec. 5 (6–8 p.m.): “Winter Wonderland Dance”: 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. $30 per adult/child pair (residents, $25; additional children, $10). Preregistration required at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. (734) 822–2120.
Dec. 5 (7 p.m.) & 6 (10 a.m. & 2 p.m.): “June on the Moon”: EMU Theatre Department. All ages 2 and up invited to the first public performance of this new musical, billed as a “sensory theatre work for neurodivergent audiences.” The interactive production is led by a cast of actors and paraprofessionals who guide the audience on a mission to save the moon and its magical garden, and is designed for audiences of all ability levels. The 2 p.m. performance on Dec. 6 is accompanied by an ASL shadow signed performance. EMU Sponberg Theatre, 124 Judy Sturgis Hill Bldg., 1030 E. Circle Dr., Ypsi. Tickets $6 in advance at emich.ludus.com & at the box office (10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri.), and (if available) at the door. (734) 487–1849.
Dec. 6 & 20 (10–11:30 a.m.): “Rescue Reading”: HSHV. Kids ages 6–11 invited to work on their reading skills by reading to adoptable animals, 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. (734) 661–3575, [email protected].
Dec. 6 (10 a.m.–3 p.m.): “PlayLab: Printmaking”: Ann Arbor Art Center (A2AC). All kids ages 7–12 (10 a.m.–noon) and 13–17 (1–3 p.m.), accompanied by an adult, invited to design and print their own tote bags and original prints while learning the basics of color mixing, composition, and stencil design. A2AC, 117 W. Liberty. Free, but preregistration required at annarborartcenter.org.
Dec. 6 (10:15–11:15 a.m.): “Wee-Write with 826 Michigan”: AADL Pittsfield. Kids ages 5–8 invited to work in small groups with adult volunteers to write stories and play creative games.
Dec. 6 (1-2 p.m.): “Tracks on the Trails”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Environmental Education. City environmental educator Eleva Potter leads kids in grades K–5, with adult accompaniment, on a short hike to look for animal tracks. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Mary Beth Doyle Park disc golf course, 3191 Chelsea Cir. Free; preregistration required (space limited) at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec. [email protected].
Dec. 6 (2–3:30 p.m.): “HEXBUG Adventures”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades K–5 invited to play with the library’s robotic HEXBUGs in an interactive obstacle course.
Dec. 6 (2–3:30 p.m.): “Diorama-rama”: AADL Traverwood. A chance for kids ages 5–10 to create a fun piece of 3D art out of cardboard boxes, colorful paper, and a huge selection of other decorative items.
Dec. 6 (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. 6 (4–5 p.m.): Kids & Family Open Mic and Comedy Hour: Oz’s Music Environment. Kids ages 6–12 and family members invited to play a song or share a story or joke. Oz’s Music Environment, 1922 Packard. Free; donations accepted. (734) 662–8283.
Dec. 7 (11 a.m.–4 p.m.): “Santa, Mrs. Claus & the Grinch”: Stone Chalet. A chance for kids to meet Santa & Mrs. Claus, some 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. 7 & 13. (Noon–6 p.m.): “Santa at the Farm”: Domino’s Petting Farm. Santa and Mrs. Claus are available for pictures in the farmhouse living room in front of the fireplace with cozy music, decorations, and treats. Bring your own camera. Domino’s Petting Farm, 3001 Earhart Rd. $35 per family; preregistration required at pettingfarm.com. (734) 998-0182.
Dec. 7 (1–2 p.m.): “Low Waste Bird Feeders”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades preK–5 invited to make pine-cone bird cakes and cereal hoop feeders to hang outside for overwintering birds to eat.
Dec. 7 (2–3 p.m.): “Arabic Folktales for Children: Timeless Stories to Share in English and Arabic”: AADL Malletts Creek. Egyptian children’s writer Hadil Ghoneim reads from her new bilingual collection of Arabic folktales. Aimed at kids grades preK–5.
Dec. 8 (5:30–7:30 p.m.): “Read-Aloud and Sing-Along: Ann Arbor Jewish Book Series. Versatile writer-musician Jason Schachter McKinney reads from Jason Belongs, his new kids book about his life as a Jew of African heritage, and he leads a sing-along. Pizza dinner. All ages invited. JCC, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. Free, preregistration required at jlive.app/events/13577. (734) 971–0990, jccannarbor.org.
Dec. 8, 10, & 11 (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 the fun of it. AADL Traverwood (Mon.), AADL Pittsfield (Wed.), & AADL Malletts Creek (Thurs.).
Dec. 10 (6–7:30 p.m.): “Stories with Santa”: HSHV. Kids age 10 & under, accompanied by an adult, invited to take part in holiday-themed activities, do crafts, and hear stories. Photos with Santa and a chance to play with adoptable cats and dogs. Refreshments. Holiday attire and a gift for resident animals encouraged (suggested gifts at hshv.org/wishlist). HSHV. $12 per child (babies under age 1 and adults, free); limit of 2 adults per registered child). Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar, (734) 661–3575, [email protected].
Dec. 11 (7 p.m.): “Holiday Hooray! with Phil and Erin Stead”: Literati Bookstore. This local husband-and-wife duo of illustrator Erin and writer Phil read A Snow Day for Amos McGee, the latest installment in their award-winning Amos McGee series. With live holiday music TBA, light refreshments, and a raffle. 7 p.m., Literati, 124 E. Washington. Tickets $25 (includes admission for 1 adult & 1 kid, a signed copy of the book, and 1 raffle ticket; additional kid tickets, $6) in advance only at literatibookstore.com. (734) 585–5567.
Dec. 12 (5:30–8:30 p.m.): “Pets and Pajamas Movie Night”: HSHV. All kids ages 6–11 invited to watch an animal-themed movie and interact with adoptable pets. Cheese pizza dinner. Wear pajamas and bring a sleeping bag & pillow. Call for movie selection. HSHV. $35 per child. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. (734) 661–3564, [email protected].
Dec. 13 (11 a.m.–noon):“Polar Express Storytime”: Schuler Books. Schuler staff read Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 Caldecott-winning picture book (the basis of the popular 2004 animated film) about a young boy who’s welcomed aboard a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Also, a chance to make holiday-themed crafts. Kids get a free cup of hot cocoa and a silver bell to take home. Schuler Books, Westgate shopping center, Free; preregistration requested at schulerbooks.com/events-ann-arbor. (734) 662–0600.
Dec. 14 (noon–1 p.m.): “LEGO Connection”: AADL Westgate. Kids grades K–5 invited to play with AADL Lego blocks.
Dec. 14 (noon–1 p.m.): “Paper Bag Penguins”: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades preK–5 to make a penguin puppet using a paper bag and easy precut paper shapes.
Dec. 15 (7–7:30 p.m.): “Not That Kind of Princess Story”: AADL Malletts Creek. AADL staff tell stories featuring unexpected princesses. Aimed at kids grades preK–2.
Dec. 16 (1–11:45 p.m.): “Young Scientists”: AADL Traverwood. Science-themed stories and simple science experiments for preschoolers accompanied by a caregiver.
Dec. 17 (9–10 a.m.): “Holiday Extravaganza”: Pittsfield Township Parks & Recreation. Kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult, invited to make winter-themed crafts, engage in guided play, and have snacks. Pittsfield Twp. Community Center, 701 Ellsworth. $15 (Pittsfield residents, $10) per child. Preregistration required by Dec. 10 at recreation.pittsfield-mi.gov. (734) 822–2120.
Dec. 19 (7:15–8:45 p.m.): “Cats & Kids”: Tiny Lions. Kids ages 6–11 (unaccompanied by an adult) invited to spend time with adoptable cats and kittens. Also, crafts & games, popcorn, and juice. Tiny Lions. $20. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. (734) 661–3575, [email protected].
Dec. 20 (11–11:45 a.m.): “Dancing Babies”: AADL Westgate. A program of music and movement for infants and kids age 5 & under (accompanied by an adult).
Dec. 20 (1–2 p.m.): “Circus Anatomy with Poppet”: AADL Downtown. Detroit-area dancer and contortionist Poppet leads a program for kids grades K–5 exploring how muscles, joints, and bones function together to create movements.
Dec. 20 (3–4 p.m.): “SpongeBob Party”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades preK–5 invited to make SpongeBob-themed crafts and listen to music from this popular Nickelodeon cartoon.
Dec. 20 (3–4 p.m.): “Sparkle Penguins”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make penguins using glittery craft foam and other crafting supplies.
Dec. 21 (1–2 p.m.): “Bluey Party”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades preK–5 invited for games and crafts to celebrate the popular kids show.
Dec. 21 (1–2 p.m.): “DIY Stamps”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades preK–5 to use foam shapes to make their own rubber stamps.
Dec. 22 (11 a.m.–noon): “Paint a Snake”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades K–5 invited to paint a wooden toy snake.
Dec. 23 (noon–1 p.m.): “Mixed-Media Circle Collage Inspired by Howardena Pindell”: AADL Westgate. Kids grades K–8 invited to punch paper circles, then layer them with other colorful materials to create a collage in the style of this American mixed-media artist.
Dec. 23 (1–1:45 p.m.): Magic Show: AADL Downtown. A2 Magic owner Jeff Wawrzaszek performs a magic show for kids grades K–5.
Dec. 26–Jan. 4 (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 early in December at discoverscienceandnature.org. AAHOM, 220 E. Ann St. $16/person (members & those with WIC EBT cards, $3/person).
Dec. 26 (1–2 p.m.): “Snowy Pictures”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades preK–3 invited to draw a snowy-day picture using chalk and construction paper.
Dec. 27 (noon–1 p.m.): “Pipe Cleaner Sculptures”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades K–5 invited to make all kinds of unique sculptures using pipe cleaners.
Dec. 27 (noon–1:30 p.m.): “Origami for Beginners”: AADL Westgate. A chance for kids age 6 & up to learn how to fold basic origami pieces.
Dec. 28 (noon–1 p.m.): “Dinosaur Dig Site”: AADL Downtown. Kids grades K–5 invited to use tools to excavate a simulated paleontology dig for toy dinosaur skeletons and real fossils.
Dec. 30 (2–3:30 p.m.): “LEGO Fun Day”: AADL Downtown. A chance for kids grades K–5 to play with AADL LEGO blocks.
Dec. 30 (2–3:30 p.m.): “Pipe Cleaner Jellyfish Light”: AADL Westgate. Kids grade 3 & up invited to make a hanging jellyfish light by using colorful pipe cleaners and an LED light.
Dec. 31 (11 a.m.–noon): “Noon Year’s Eve Celebration”: AADL Downtown. New Year’s celebration for kids grades preK–5.