Kids Calendar
(age 12 & under)
August 2026
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.
★ Free
Events
★ Every Sat. (9:30 a.m.): Storytelling Series: Broadway Park West. Stories told by Chelsea fiction writer Steve Daut, a playwright whose storytelling style draws on his experience as a magician and comic. 841 Broadway. lowertowna2.org/events-calendar.
Aug. 1 (11 a.m.–noon & 1–2 p.m.): “Super Science Saturday: Wacky Science”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Veteran educational entertainer Doug Scheer presents 2 programs for kids grade K & up that blend science and humor to explore everything from unexpected physics to mind-boggling chemistry. 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.
★ Aug. 1 (11:15 a.m.–noon): “Greece! Rome! Monsters!”: U-M Kelsey Museum of Archaeology Read and Look. A Kelsey staffer reads John Harris & Calef Brown’s jazzy retelling of some monster myths, including the Harpies, Medusa, and Chimera, followed by a chance for kids ages 4–8 (accompanied by an adult) to explore the museum’s collection to find items pictured in the book. 434 S. State. Free. (734) 764–9304.
★ Aug. 1 (noon–1 p.m.): Unicorn Masks: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make a unicorn mask out of felt, glittery cardstock, sparkly jewels, and other craft supplies.
★ Aug. 1 (noon–1:30 p.m.): “Tabletop Sports Extravaganza”: AADL Downtown. Kids grades K–5 invited to make and play old-school tabletop sports games, including hockey, paper football, and basketball.
★ Aug. 1 (3–6 p.m.): “Turntables & Tunes”: Hudson Mills Metropark. An afternoon of music and dance geared to kids ages 9–12 (all ages welcome), with a live performance by the Detroit-based techno-electronic Vintage Future Band, and dancing to tunes spun by a DJ. Kids can try out real DJ equipment for themselves, and see how DJs mix and create music. Also, an inflatable obstacle course, bounce houses, yard games, face painting, and ice cream. Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. Free, but Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entrance fee required. (734) 426–8211, ext. 6531, [email protected].
★ Aug. 2 (11 a.m.–noon): “Paw Patrol Party”: AADL Pittsfield. Kids ages 2–5, accompanied by an adult, invited for games and crafts to celebrate this popular kids show.
★ 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.), Traverwood (Thurs. 11 a.m.), 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., except Aug. 3), Traverwood (Tues. 11 a.m.), Westgate & Pittsfield (Wed. 10:30 a.m.), and Downtown (Fri. 10:30 a.m.).
★ Aug. 3 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Little Play Date”: AADL Westgate. Open playtime for babies & preschoolers, accompanied by an adult.
★ Every Mon. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “K–5 Nature Crafts”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation. Kids grades K–5, accompanied by an adult, invited for a themed group craft, a walk, and games. Dress for the weather and bring snacks. Weather permitting. Aug. 3: Fire Pit Fries (Hunt Park, 1035 Daniel). Aug. 10: Clay Prints (Garden Homes Park, 1800 Franklin). Aug. 17: Pine-cones Bird Feeders (Leslie Park, 2900 Leslie Park Cir.). Aug. 24: Bird Feeder Craft (White Oak Park, 2665 White Oak Dr.). Meet at the playground in each park. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected].
★ Aug. 3 (1–2 p.m. & 2:30–3:30 p.m.): “Rock On: Digging Into Earth’s Hidden Treasures”: AADL Pittsfield. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center staff lead a program for kids grades K–5 exploring rocks, minerals, and the processes that formed them.
★ Aug. 3 (3–3:30 p.m.): Puppet Show: AADL Downtown. AADL storytellers present a fun and silly puppet show for kids grades preK–3.
★ Every Tues. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Outdoor Story Time”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation. Kids ages 2–5 invited, accompanied by an adult, for stories, play, and crafts on a theme. Dress for the weather and bring snacks. Weather permitting. Aug. 4: Mushrooms (Hunt Park, 1035 Daniel). Aug. 11: Pond Life (Garden Homes Park, 1800 Franklin). Aug. 18: Fruits (Leslie Park, 2900 Leslie Park Cir.). Aug. 25: Decomposers (White Oak Park, 2665 White Oak Dr.). Meet at the playground in each park. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected].
★ Aug. 4, 11, & 25 (10–11:30 a.m.), Aug. 5, 12, & 26 (5:30–7 p.m.) & Aug. 9 (3–4:30 p.m.): “Nature Play Pop-Ups”: Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Kids ages 3–7 (accompanied by an adult) invited to learn about nature and take part in a hands-on craft and other activities. Aug. 4, 5, & 9: “Gravity Play.” Aug. 11 & 12: “Cutting Garden & Flower Play.” Aug. 25 & 26: “Floating & Boating.” 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Free; metered parking. mbgna.umich.edu/event/nature-play-pop, (734) 647–7600.
★ Aug. 4 (2–3 p.m.): Mermaid Sparkle Wands: AADL Westgate. Kids grades K–5 invited to make and decorate a sparkly seashell or starfish wand fit for a mermaid.
★ Every Thurs. (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Nature Play”: Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation. Kids age 5 & under, accompanied by an adult, invited for self-guided exploration of nature through play. Natural materials provided. Dress for the weather and bring snacks. Weather permitting. Fuller Park playground, 1519 Fuller Rd. Free, preregistration required at tinyurl.com/a2parksrec or (734) 794–6250. [email protected].
★ Aug. 5 (3–4 p.m.): “Light-Up Paper Helicopters”: AADL Downtown. Kids grades K–5 invited to make a paper helicopter that lights up.
★ Aug. 5 (7–7:30 p.m.): “Pajama Jam Storytime”: AADL Pittsfield. AADL storytellers lead a program of sleep-themed stories and songs for kids ages 2–5. Dress in pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal or blanket.
★ Aug. 6, 10, & 12 (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 fun. AADL Malletts Creek (Thurs.), AADL Traverwood (Mon.), & AADL Pittsfield (Wed.).
★ Aug. 6 (1–1:45 p.m.): “Young Scientists”: AADL Malletts Creek. Science-themed stories and simple science experiments for preschoolers accompanied by an adult.
★ Aug. 6 (2–3 p.m.): “Anything Goes Crafts”: AADL Downtown. Unstructured craft time with leftover program supplies for kids grades K–5.
★ Aug. 7 (noon–1 p.m.): “Roll A Monster”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades K–5 invited to assemble a paper monster using parts determined by random dice rolls.
★ Aug. 7 (noon–1:30 p.m.): “Robots are STEAM-Tastic!”: AADL Pittsfield. Kids grades K–6 invited to interact with 3D-printed and cardboard robot models to predict robot behavior in different environments. Led by Indiana-based robotics engineer and educator Carlotta Berry.
Aug. 8 & 22 (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. $10. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. (734) 661–3575, [email protected].
★ Aug. 8 (1–2 p.m.): “Paper Lantern Jellyfish”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades K–5 invited to make a hanging decoration out of a repurposed paper lantern, LED lights, & other craft supplies.
★ Aug. 9 (10–11 a.m.): “Summer Storytime”: Literati Bookstore. Literati staff read picture books and lead kids activities TBA. Main St., in front of Pretzel Bell. (734) 585–5567, literatibookstore.com.
★ Aug. 9 (noon–1 p.m.): “Spy Academy!”: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades K–5 to learn spycraft techniques, including code writing, disguises, and how to conceal secret documents.
★ Aug. 9 (noon–1:30 p.m.): “Make Your Own Flag”: AADL Pittsfield. Kids grades K–5 invited to make a flag using a variety of craft materials.
★ Aug. 10 (3–4 p.m.): Mermaid Crafts: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make a mermaid crown and wand.
★ Aug. 10 (3–4 p.m.): “Fabulous Fingerprint Necklaces”: AADL Downtown. Kids grades K–5 invited to make wearable necklaces out of fingerprint ink, a small charm, and other basic supplies.
★ Aug. 11 (2–3 p.m.): “Frog and Toad Celebration”: AADL Westgate. Library staff read Arnold Lobel’s humorous, compassionate stories about these animal friends who stick together through thick and thin, followed by a chance to make Frog and Toad–themed crafts. Aimed at kids grades preK–3.
★ Aug. 12 (noon–1 p.m.): “A Painting with Pasta”: AADL Downtown. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make fish skeletons, a car, or other design out of spaghetti, macaroni, orecchiette, farfalle, and other pasta shapes.
★ Aug. 12 (noon–1 p.m.): “Unicorn Flower Pots”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades K–5 invited to make a little unicorn-themed flower pot, then add a provided live plant.
Aug. 13 (10 a.m.–noon): “Littles and Coffee”: Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. Open play time for kids age 5 & under (accompanied by an adult). Free coffee & tea. AAHOM preK space, 220 E. Ann. $16 museum admission (babies under 2, free). (734) 995–9439, discoverscienceandnature.org/aahom.
★ Aug. 13 (11 a.m.–noon): “Paper Lanterns”: AADL Downtown. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make a watercolor paper lantern.
★ Aug. 13 (11 a.m.–noon & 12:30–1:30 p.m.): “Insect Investigations”: AADL Malletts Creek. Leslie Science & Nature Center staff show live insects TBA and discuss animal adaptations and how scientists compare and contrast different creatures. Aimed at kids grades K–5.
★ Aug. 14 (1–2 p.m.): “Paper Penguin Friends”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades K–5 invited to make a colony of penguins using paper, scissors, and glue.
★ Aug. 14 (1–2 p.m.): “Create a Character”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades K–5 and their parents to work together on a drawing activity sheet. Led by local children’s book writer & illustrator Amy Nielander.
Aug. 14 (6–6:30 p.m.): “Spider-Man Storytime”: Recess Café. Kids 10 & under (accompanied by an adult) invited to take photos, play movement games, and enjoy a superhero dance party with a costumed Spider-Man performer. 208 S. Ashley. Tickets $9 per child (caregivers free with child ticket), only in advance at starbrightentertainmenta2.com.
Aug. 15 (10:30–11:30 a.m.): “Little Paws Toddler Time”: HSHV. Stories, crafts, & fingerplays. Also, a chance to interact with adoptable cats & dogs and make a toy or treat for the animals. For kids ages 2–5 with accompanying adult. $5 (babies under age 1, free). Space limited; preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. (734) 661–3575, [email protected].
Aug. 16 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.): “Inspired by Nature”: U-M Matthaei Botanical Gardens. All kids ages 8-12 invited to make cool stuff, art, and simple machines using natural and foraged materials, simple tools, and imagination. No registration required, but please check in at the Coming & Going station in the Gaffield Children’s Garden Tree Tunnel. mbgna.umich.edu/events
★ Aug. 17 (noon–1 p.m.): “Tiny Window Greenhouse”: AADL Westgate. A chance for kids grades preK–5 to make a small greenhouse out of paper and a ziplock bag to tape in a window and watch seedlings grow.
★ Aug. 17 (noon–1 p.m.): “Chicken Storytime & Craft”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades preK–3 invited to listen to AADL staff read chicken stories, followed by a chance to make a paper plate chicken.
★ Aug. 18 (11 a.m.–noon): “Pool Noodle Pom-Pom Launcher”: AADL Downtown. Kids grades K–5 invited to decorate a pool noodle, then use it to launch pom-poms and see how far they fly.
★ Aug. 18 (11 a.m.–noon): “Printmaking with Found Objects”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids age 5 & up to create prints using bubble wrap, pencil erasers, potato mashers, and other everyday household items.
★ Aug. 18 (2–3 p.m.): “Summer Painting”: AADL Westgate. Kids grades preK–5 invited to create a colorful seasonal painting using precut summer shapes.
★ Aug. 19 (3–4 p.m.): “DIY Stamps”: AADL Westgate. A chance for kids grades preK–5 to use foam shapes to make their own rubber stamps.
★ Aug. 19 (3–4:30 p.m.): “HEXBUG Adventures”: AADL Pittsfield. Kids grades K–5 invited to play with the library’s robotic HEXBUGs in an interactive obstacle course.
★ Aug. 20 (noon–1 p.m.): “Rubber Band Powered Car”: AADL Downtown. A chance for kids grades K–5 to use simple materials to make a fun and zippy car that can be launched with a rubber band.
★ Aug. 20 (noon–1 p.m.): “Sesame Street Party”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades preK–1 invited to make Sesame Street crafts and listen to music from the show.
Aug. 21 (10:30–11 a.m.): “Moana Storytime”: Recess Café. Kids 10 & under (accompanied by an adult) invited to listen to stories, play games, take a mini dance lesson, and sing “How Far I’ll Go” with a costumed Moana performer. 208 S. Ashley. Tickets $9 per child (caregivers free with child ticket), only in advance at starbrightentertainmenta2.com.
★ Aug. 21 (2–3 p.m.): Handsewn Felt Envelopes: AADL Pittsfield. Kids grades K–5 invited to use colorful felt and some simple stitches to make an envelope with a button closure.
★ Aug. 21 (2–3 p.m.): “Decorate Your Shield”: AADL Traverwood. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make a cardboard shield, then decorate it with a family crest or coat of arms.
Aug. 21 (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 & games, popcorn, and juice. No adults. $20. Preregistration required at hshv.org/event-calendar. (734) 661–3575, [email protected].
★ Aug. 22 (10 a.m.–11:30 a.m.): “PlayLab: Block Printing”: Ann Arbor Art Center. Kids ages 8–12, accompanied by an adult, invited to join DaJaniere and Gyona Rice, who have an exhibit at the A2AC this month (see Galleries), for an exploration of the principles of design while completing a custom tote bag and postcard using block printing techniques. 117 W. Liberty. Free, but preregistration required (space limited) at annarborartcenter.org.
★ Aug. 22 (noon–1 p.m.): “Craft Stick Bird Feeders”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades K–5 invited to create a bird feeder out of craft sticks.
★ Aug. 22 (noon–1:30 p.m.) & Aug. 26 (2–3:30 p.m.): Nature Journaling: AADL Traverwood. Natural Area Preservation staff help kids in grades K–5 make a nature journal out of recycled paper, then practice adding scientific observations and renderings.
★ Aug. 23 (11 a.m.–noon): “Rumi Meet & Greet”: Starbright Entertainment. Kids 12 & under with adult accompaniment invited to meet and take photos with one of the heroines from KPop Demon Hunters. Costumes encouraged. The Little Seedling, 2465 W. Stadium. Free. starbrightentertainmenta2.com.
★ Aug. 23 (2–3 p.m.): “Paper Bag Monsters”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades K–5 invited to make a monster friend out of paper bags, pipe cleaners, and a variety of precut paper shapes.
★ Aug. 24 (11 a.m.–noon): “Mischievous Yarn Monsters”: AADL Westgate. A chance for kids in grades K–5 to make silly little monsters out of yarn, pipe cleaners, and googly eyes.
★ Aug. 24 (11 a.m.–noon): “Very Hungry Caterpillar Paper Crafts”: AADL Downtown. Kids grades K–5 invited to use construction paper to make a caterpillar like the one featured in Eric Carle’s popular picture book.
★ Aug. 25 (1–2 p.m.): “Bug Crafts”: AADL Westgate. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make a ladybug headband, a cicada mask, or a shiny clothespin dragonfly.
★ Aug. 25 (1–2 p.m.): “Octopus Mobiles”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make a few paper octopuses and turn them into a hanging mobile.
★ Aug. 26 (2–3 p.m.): “Paper Plate Flying Jellyfish”: AADL Malletts Creek. Kids grades K–5 invited to combine everyday objects and glittering craft supplies to make a jellyfish that can move.
★ Aug. 27 (3–4 p.m.): “Animal Mosaics”: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make a mosaic using a dog or cat template and paper squares.
★ Aug. 27 (3–4 p.m.): “Sock Puppets”: AADL Westgate. Kids grades K–5 invited to make sock puppets using provided materials.
★ Aug. 28 (10–11 a.m.): “All About Sun”: Hudson Mills Metropark. A hands-on nature adventure for kids ages 3–6, accompanied by an adult. The program includes stories about the sun, outdoor exploration, and creative activities. Held both indoors and outside, weather permitting. Hudson Mills Metropark Activity Center, 8801 North Territorial, Dexter. $5 per child (adults, free). Preregistration required by 4 p.m. Aug. 27 at tinyurl.com/metroparks0826. Metroparks pass or $10 vehicle entrance fee required. (734) 426–8211, ext. 6531, [email protected].
★ Aug. 28 (noon–1 p.m.): “S’more Pals”: AADL Pittsfield. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make a s’more-shaped plush toy.
★ Aug. 28 (noon–1 p.m.): “Animal Paper Craft: Lizards and Coyotes”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades K–5 invited to cut and paste paper to create a desert scene.
★ Aug. 29 (noon–4 p.m.): “Healthy Kids Day & Back-to-School Bash”: Ann Arbor YMCA. Community party with bounce houses, sport stations, dancing to music spun by a DJ, a free backpack giveaway, face painting, and more. Fireman’s Park, 8795 MacArthur, Ypsi. Free. Facebook.com/share/1e65sykxfk.
★ Aug. 29 (2–3 p.m.): “Sand Art”: AADL Malletts Creek. A chance for kids grades K–5 to make art by pouring and layering different colored sand.
★ Aug. 29 (2–3 p.m.): “Make Your Own Story Cubes”: AADL Traverwood. Kids grades K–5 invited to design and create these cubes that can be rolled like dice for storytelling prompts.