Created by Great Lakes Bay Parents - Informing parents since 2012!

Family Fun Guide

June 2024

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SAVE THE DATE

LET'S TALK ABOUT ART!

Let’s talk about ART! When your little one shares her artwork with you, you can encourage her creativity while also having a great conversation! You can ask questions like, “Tell me about your art!”, “How did you do that?” and “How do you feel about what you made?” 


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

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Kindergarten Readiness Goal:


  • Dress and undress, brush teeth, and take care of other personal needs without much help
  • Controls strong emotions in an appropriate manner most of the time
  • Identifies story-related problems, events, and resolutions during conversations with an adult 
  • Uses numbers to compare, knows the purpose of standard measuring tools 
  • Demonstrates knowledge of Earth's environment (seasons, weather, day and night) 


HEALTHY FOOD

Cooking Matters Recipe:

MINI PIZZAS

25 Minutes 6 Servings


Kids love to help in the kitchen. Let your child clean the vegetables. As you cut the vegetables fruit ask what color each one is. Together decorate each mini pizza like it is a piece of art.


Ingredients:

1 medium red or green bell pepper

8 ounces button mushrooms

1 large tomato

1 (4-ounce) chunk part-skim mozzarella cheese

6 whole grain English muffins

1 Tablespoon canola oil

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried basil

1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, no salt added



Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Rinse bell pepper, mushrooms, and tomato.
  3. Remove core and cut pepper into thin slices. Slice mushrooms ¼-inch thick. Remove core and dice tomato into ¼-inch pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, grate cheese.
  5. Split English muffins in half. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake until edges are lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Prepare sauce while muffins cook.
  6. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add peppers and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes. If needed, use a colander to drain vegetables.
  7. Transfer veggies to a medium bowl. Add tomatoes. Stir to combine.
  8. Stir spices into tomato sauce. Do this directly in the can.
  9. When muffins are lightly browned, spoon 1 Tablespoon sauce over each muffin half. Coat evenly.
  10. Layer veggies evenly over sauce. If using pepperoni, place one slice on each muffin half. Top with shredded cheese.
  11. Bake muffins until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 6–8 minutes.
  12. Let pizzas cool for 2 minutes before serving.


View the Recipe: MINI PIZZAS

COMMUNITY EVENTS WITH MEALS

AT HOME STEAM ACTIVITIES

BRAIN BUILDING THROUGH PLAY: 6 GAMES TO PLAY WITH TODDLERS (2-3 YEARS)

Center on Developing Children, Harvard University

Learn more: BRAIN BUILDING THROUGH PLAY

SUMMER LEARNING

Michigan Learning Channel

Summer is full of opportunities to play and learn and we want to make it easy to find inspiring, kid-friendly activities! That’s why we’ve worked with PBS stations and content creators from across the country to bundle up some of our favorite activities into one, easy-to-carry-anywhere book. We hope you and your kids will use this to inspire learning all summer long!


View the Fun Activity Books:

EARLY LEARNERS

Activities for Preschool – Kindergarten students.


ELEMENTARY

Activities for 1st Grade – 3rd Grade students.

SCREEN TIME

ARE SOME TYPES OF SCREEN TIME BETTER THAN OTHERS?

Common Sense Media



"For sure. There's a huge difference between an hour spent shooting zombies in an app versus an hour spent composing music online.


That's not to say that everything has to be stamped "educational" to provide an enriching experience. With any screen media you choose for your kids (or they choose for themselves) -- movies, games, TV shows, apps -- you want to look for how it engages your child. There's nothing wrong with a little mindless entertainment. But your kids will get more out of their screen time if you consider these "four C's."


Read the full article: COMMON SENSE MEDIA

IS YOUR CHILD ON TRACK?

crawling-hallway-baby.jpg

Families with children between the ages of 2 months and five residing in Saginaw County can complete a FREE Ages and Stages developmental screening or a social-emotional screening. Screenings take ten minutes to complete and the results are back within a week. Results tell parents what to expect at each state of development. Often times, early diagnosis can help give a child the best opportunity to reach their potential.


Learn more: AGES & STAGES QUESTIONNAIRES

COUNT THE KICKS

One out of every 169 pregnancies ends in stillbirth in the U.S., and that rate is two times higher for Black expectant parents.


The link between fetal movement and a healthy baby is clear, but research continues to uncover more about the importance of tracking baby’s movements. Count the Kicks uses the latest research to help achieve our mission.

Count the Kicks provides free, evidence-based resources for expectant parents to stay informed and monitor their baby’s well-being.


Learn more about: COUNT THE KICKS

PRESCHOOL & CHILD CARE

Great Start to Quality


Children learn so much in their first five years. Quality licensed programs, for children 0-12, help children learn, grow, and develop. The foundation is set for children to be successful in school, work, and life when they have a safe place to learn, explore their world, and build relationships. Great Start to Quality is committed to helping Michigan families find child care that fits their budget and schedule.


Great Start to Quality is Michigan’s quality rating and improvement system that evaluates the quality of licensed programs, for children 0-12. As a Michigan family, you can use Great Start to Quality as a tool to help you look up and compare early childhood programs to find the best child care. On a scale of one- to five-stars, Michigan child care, preschool, and afterschool programs are scored in different areas, and those scores are combined to give them their Star rating.


Learn More: GREAT START TO QUALITY

PARENT SUPPORT & CLASSES

PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

MSU EXTENSION

FREE Online Parenting Classes


Extension Extras Parenting Hour

Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM

June 4 - Together We Can: Co-Parenting

June 11 - Essential Skills for Learning and Life

June 18  - Introduction to Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences

June 25 - How Children Develop


Online Building Early Emotional Skills for Parents Webinar Series

Mondays, June 3, 2024 - June 24, 2024 8:00-9:30pm


Online Kinship Caregiver Workshops: Mindfulness for Children

June 12, 2024 7:00PM - 8:30PM


Mindfully Feeding Infants and Toddlers

June 17, 2024 11:30AM - 12:30PM


Mindfully Feeding Infants & Toddlers - WIC Webinar

June 27, 2024 12:00PM - 1:00PM


Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES

COMMUNITY EVENTS

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.

GUIDES

SUMMER CAMPS


Start planning your summer with the Summer Camps guide, sponsored by Bay Shore Camps. Explore camps by county or type.


Start planning: SUMMER CAMPS

FARMERS MARKETS


Shop local by visiting a farmers market near you!


Directory: FARMERS MARKET

STEM PIPELINE

The Great Lakes Bay Region STEM Passport compiles information for hands-on, dynamic STEM organizations in the community. Now locating current STEM-based activities and events in the region is easy!


Learn more: STEM PASSPORT

June's Schedule - Saginaw County Playdates

June's Schedule - Thomas Township Nature Center

June 1 - Catch Me If You Can

June 1 - Kids Workshop

WHERE: Home Depot, Saginaw


DATE: First 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.


Learn more: KIDS WORKSHOP

June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Preschool Storytimes

WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw


DATE: Saturdays at 10:30 AM


We are inviting children and their families to our storytime for 30 minutes of read-aloud stories, songs, fingerplays and fun. A theme-related craft project is included for fun and fine motor skills practice. Stories and content are prepared for children ages 3-5, but all children are welcome.


Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Free Saturdays @ Saginaw Art Museum

WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw


DATE: Saturdays at 12 - 5 PM


In an effort to increase accessibility to the museum, we have extended our regular hours to include Saturday afternoons Noon-5pm starting this week, for FREE! We look forward to welcoming you and yours into our gem of a museum to explore our collection, exhibitions, and gardens.


Learn More: FREE SATURDAYS

June 3, 10, 17 & 24 - Monday Matinees

WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw


DATE: Mondays at 2 PM


Join us in the Zauel Meeting Room for a fun and free family movie every Monday afternoon this summer!


Learn More: MONDAY MATINEE

June 3 & 17 - Bookmobile Stop

WHERE: First Ward Community Center, Saginaw


DATE: June 3 & 17, 5-6 PM


The PLOS Bookmobile is coming to First Ward Community Center! Families can bring their Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect book! You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services.


Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP

June 4 - Bookmobile Stop

WHERE: STARS Bus Plaza, Saginaw


DATE: June 4, 9-10:30 AM


The PLOS Bookmobile is coming to the STARS Bus Plaza! Riders can bring their Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect books to check out! You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services.


Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP

June 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25 & 27 - Tales For Two

WHERE: Zauel Memorial Library, Saginaw


DATE: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 10:30 AM


Come read, laugh, and play at our storytime program designed for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years. Our storytime provides active young children and their caregivers with stories, fingerplays and songs based on simple concepts, repetition, and lots of movement. This storytime will engage toddlers while fostering early literacy and fine motor skills development.

 

Meets Tuesdays, with a repeat of the same program on Thursdays.


Learn More: TALES FOR TWO

June 4 - Museum Tunes

WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw


DATE: June 4, 6 PM


Learn More: MUSEUM TUNES

June 5 - Bookmobile Stop

WHERE: Saginaw Valley Manufactured Homes, Saginaw


DATE: June 5, 3-4 PM


The PLOS Bookmobile is coming to Saginaw Valley Manufactured Homes! Residents and guests can bring their Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect books to check out! You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services.


Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP

June 7, 14, 21 & 28 - Preschool Storytime

WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw


DATE: Fridays at 10:30 AM


Drop-in storytime fun! We can't wait to have you join us for stories, music, crafts, games, and more!


Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

June 7 - Family Flicks

WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 7, 2-4:30 PM


Every other Friday all summer long, we'll be showing family favorites for kids and teens.


6/7, Wish (2023) - 1hr 32min (PG)


6/21, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023) - 2hr 45min (PG-13)


Learn More: FAMILY FLICKS

June 7, 14, 21 & 28 - Friday Fun Days

WHERE: Main St., Frankenmuth


DATE: Fridays, 6-9 PM


Main Street comes alive from 6PM – 9PM with live music and street performers EVERY FRIDAY from May 24th thru August 30th. Discover talented musicians from around the state as well as some local favorites. Face painting, balloon twisting, and magicians, oh my!


The lineup changes weekly, so be sure to stay tuned. Entertainment is free, but if you happen upon an act you enjoy, consider throwing them a few bucks to keep them coming back!


Learn More: FRIDAY FUN DAYS

June 8 - Saturday Movie

WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport


DATE: June 8, 11 AM


We will be watching "Up" and eating popcorn. This movie is good for all ages.


Learn More: SATURDAY MOVIE

June 8 - Drop-in Activity: "Rock'n Art"

WHERE: Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, Saginaw


DATE: June 8, 1-4 PM


Learn More: DROP-IN ACTIVITY

June 8 - Studio Storytime

WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw


DATE: June 8, 12:30-1 PM


Calling all young museum goers! Join us every second Saturday this summer for Studio Storytime. We will listen to a story and create an art project, with a new theme each time. The program is geared towards ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Studio Storytime is in partnership with Public Libraries of Saginaw.


Learn More: STUDIO STORYTIME

June 8 - Open Studio

WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw


DATE: June 8, 1-4 PM


Come make the studio space your own and turn one of your ideas into a reality! Drop-in between 1pm-4pm on the Second Saturday of the month June-August for unguided art making. We have plenty of materials for you to access, like yarn, fabric, markers, colored pencils, and more. Open Studio is open to all: kids, adults, and anyone new to art. Saginaw Art Museum’s studio space is a great place to try out art materials and take a little creation home with you. If you are stuck, no worries! We will have volunteers or staff present to help you get inspired.


Learn More: OPEN STUDIO

June 8 - LEGOs at the Library

WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 8, 3-4 PM


Come test your creativity with our Legos. See what weird and wonderful things you can build!


Learn More: LEGOS AT THE LIBRARY

June 11, 12 & 14 - Kids DIY Camp

WHERE: Rauchholz Library, Hemlock


DATE: June 11, 12 & 13, 1-3 PM


Kids DIY Camp (Ages 5-9): Do-It-Yourself at this camp with fun arts and crafts projects!


The library is offering free mini-camps this summer! Each camp is for 2 hours, 3 days a week and explores a different topic or theme. Registration is required in person or by phone, 989-642-8621.


Learn More: JUMPING JAMMERS

June 11 - Bookmobile Stop

WHERE: Boys and Girls Club, Saginaw


DATE: June 11, 10-11 AM


The PLOS Bookmobile is coming to the Boys & Girls Club at Stone Elementary School! Children and their friends can bring their Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect book! You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services.


Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP

June 12 - Snake Encounters with REPCO Wildlife

WHERE: Hoyt Main Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 12, 3 PM


REPCO Wildlife Encounters (Prehistoric World) is a reptile sanctuary out of Perry, New York. They offer exciting and educational wildlife encounters to schools and libraries across the nation. These programs teach children and families about wildlife and inspire them to care about nature and science.


Join us at Hoyt Library for their special program on snakes! It's sure to be awessssssome!


Learn More: SNAKE ENCOUNTERS

June 13, 20, 25, & 27 - Raising Readers Academy

WHERE: Castle Museum, Saginaw

June 13, 20 & 27 at 12 PM


Carolyn R. Otto Family Literacy Center

June 25 at 4:30 PM



Learn More: RAISING READERS ACADEMY

June 13 - Cameron Zvara: Comedy Magician & Entertainer

WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 13, 3 PM


Cameron’s show is filled with mind-blowing magic, clean comedy, juggling, music, and TONS of audience participation. His show is perfect for all ages to enjoy!


Learn More: CAMERON ZVARAS COMEDY MAGIC SHOW

June 13 - Bookmobile Stop

WHERE: Zilwaukee Community Hall, Saginaw


DATE: June 13, 3:30-5:30 PM


The PLOS Bookmobile is coming to Zilwaukee! Patrons can bring their Public Libraries of Saginaw library card or sign up for a new card (ID with current address needed), then browse our mobile library to find the perfect books to check out! Books for all ages will be available. You can also check out a Chromebook and get help with our digital services.


Learn More: BOOK MOBILE STOP

June 14 - Outdoor Movie

WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport


DATE: June 14, 9 PM


Bring your lawn chairs and/or a blanket and join us for an outdoor movie! We will provide the popcorn! We will bring it inside if it rains.


Showing: "The Goonies"


Learn More: OUTDOOR MOVIE

June 15 - Summer FUN Kickoff for Kids!

WHERE: The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History , Saginaw


DATE: June 15 at 10 AM


FREE, FUN, event for kids and families to kickoff the Castle Museum's summer programming. Enjoy touch-a-truck, STEM activities, crafts, and more at this event aimed at getting kids excited for Summer!


Learn More: SUMMER KICK-OFF

June 15 - Kids Workshop

WHERE: Lowes, Saginaw


DATE: June 15 at 10 AM - 12 PM


Rev up Father's Day with our exciting workshop where kids will build their very own miniature UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle)! Dads and their little gearheads can bond over the joy of assembling this rugged vehicle, complete with movable wheels and a customizable design. It's a hands-on adventure that celebrates the spirit of exploration and outdoor fun. Whether it's for off-road adventures or backyard races, this Father's Day UTV is sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for a day of building, bonding, and making dad proud!


Learn More & Register: LOWES

June 15 - Dragon Hunt Yoga Class

WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 15, 10:30 AM


Come learn to breath and move like a dragon. This is aimed at children ages 3-10 but all are welcome to try it out. This class is just a small sample of the fun to come as Miss Michelle works on her certification. Children ages 6 and under need adult supervision. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel or a mat. 


Learn More: DRAGON HUNT YOGA CLASS

June 15 - Garden Game Day

WHERE: Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw


DATE: June 15, 1-4 PM


Did you know that there is more than art at Saginaw Art Museum? There is also a historic garden! Come enjoy it at Garden Game Day on June 15, 2024.


We will have fun games to play like croquet and cornhole, plus bubbles, chalk, a scavenger hunt, and more! Come anytime between 1:00 and 4:00 pm. There is no admission fee on Saturdays and the event is free. All ages are welcome.


Learn More: GARDEN GAME DAY

June 15 & 29 - Together We Read

WHERE: Hoyt Main Library Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 15 & 29 at 2-3 PM


We'd LOVE to have you join us in the Hoyt Children's area for a fun time of stories, jumpy songs, a craft, and a snack! 


Learn More: TOGETHER WE READ

June 17 - Music for Littles

WHERE: Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth


DATE: June 17, 10:30 AM


Ages 0-3


RSVP required


Learn More: MUSIC FOR LITTLES

June 20 - Preschool Story Time: A Camping We Must Go!

WHERE: The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, Saginaw


DATE: June 20 at 11:00 AM


Our littlest museum patrons can enjoy fun stories and crafts with Ms. Krisit centered around camping activities this month. FREE. Parents must stay with their children. 11 a.m. start time. No RSVP required.


Learn More: PRESCHOOL STORYTIME

June 20 - Daring Design Challenge

WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock


DATE: June 20 at 3 PM


Program at the library hosted by Delta Kids! Details TBD. Check back soon!


**Registration is required to attend, but is not yet open for sign-ups.


Learn More: DARING DESIGN CHALLENGE

June 20 - Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary on the Road

WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 20 at 3 PM


Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary is a reptile rescue facility in Athens, Michigan that is home to hundreds of reptiles who have come to the sanctuary through adoption, donation, rescue or from other institutions. Join us at Zauel for this fascinating animal encounter!


Learn More: CRITCHLOW ALLIGATOR SANCTUARY

June 20 - Outdoor Concert

WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport


DATE: June 20, 5:30 PM


Robert Johnson will be here live and in concert! He sings acoustic rock, country blues & more!


Learn More: LIVE MUSIC

June 21 & 28 - Reading With Frank

WHERE: James E. Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth


DATE: Wednesdays at 10:00 AM - 12 PM


Learn More: READING WITH FRANK

June 24 - Tummy Time

WHERE: Frankenmuth Wickson District Library, Frankenmuth


DATE: June 24, 10:30 AM


Ages birth through pre-crawl 


RSVP required


Learn More: TUMMY TIME

June 24 - T-Shirt Painting

WHERE: Butman-Fish Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 24, 3 PM


We will be using a variety of techniques to paint and color a t-shirt at Butman-Fish Library. We will supply choices of new plain t-shirts in a variety of sizes but you are also welcome to bring your own if you want to ensure your correct size or particular fit. All age kids are welcome but the younger crowd will need an adult helper to attend with them.   


Learn more: T-SHIRT CRAFT

June 25, 26 & 27 - Kids Geology Camp

WHERE: Rauchholz Memorial Library, Hemlock


DATE: June 25, 26 & 27 at 5-7 PM


Kids Geology Camp (Ages 5-9): Learn about rocks, soil, and more with fun experiments!

June 25th, 26th, & 27th

5:00pm-7:00pm


The library is offering free mini-camps this summer! Each camp is for 2 hours, 3 days a week and explores a different topic or theme. Registration is required in person or by phone, 989-642-8621.


Learn More: KIDS GEOLOGY CAMP

June 27 - Storytime with Firefighter Phil

WHERE: Zauel Library, Saginaw


DATE: June 27, 10:30 AM



Come join Firefighter Phil from the Saginaw Township Fire Department for this special storytime and touch-a-truck event!


Learn more: STORYTIME WITH FIREFIGHTER PHIL

June 27 - Snakes with Amber

WHERE: Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport


DATE: June 27, 3-4 PM


Interested in snakes? Join us as the library director, Amber, brings her snakes to the library and teaches about the different snakes.


Learn More: SNAKES

June 29 - Scavenger Hunt Adventure

WHERE: Price Nature Center, Saginaw


DATE: June 29, 11 AM


Join us at Price Nature Center for a scavenger hunt and hike through the woods. After the hike, we will have a small picnic.


Learn More: SNAKES

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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