Holiday Break Events, Activities & Camp

With area schools about to be release for the holidays, many families are looking for things-to-do. Families might enjoy ice skating, roller skating at Skatin Station II, or frolicking at any of the local metroparks or county parks! Beyond that, there are many other holiday break events available to families around Ann Arbor to discover.

The Ypsilanti District Library has several Holiday Movie Matinees to entertain the kids. Shows are from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and are appropriate for kids of all ages as they are Rated-G and Rated-PG movies! Stop in for your free movies - Just think while the kids are engaged, you can grab a book and relax.

• 12/20: Lion King - Rated-G
• 12/21: Justin Bieber-Never Say Never - Rated-G
• 12/22: Tangled - Rated-PG
• 12/27: Mars Needs Moms - Rated-PG
• 12/28: Soul Surfer - Rated-PG
• 12/29: Gnomeo & Juliet - Rated-G

The Dexter District Library is also offering family-friendly free movies. On December 23 at 11:00 a.m., see the Muppets Christmas Carol (Rate-G), Rango (Rated-PG) on December 30 at 11:00 a.m. or Kung Fu Panda 2 on January 5 at 11:00 a.m.

For the tiniest of tots, what about a Fancy Nancy Tea Party at the Dexter District Library on December 28 at 11:00 a.m.

For the craftiest of kids, there are many great craft events happening. Many are free and allow kids to drop-in. Find events at the The Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield Branch) has a Happy New Year's Craft on December 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m. for kids in preschool - grade 5 or Cereal Box Scrapbooks on December 29, 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield Branch) where kids in grades 4-8 get crafty! Here are a few more fun, free events for the kids...

Drop-in crafts at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) from 1:30-3:30 p.m. 

• 12/22 - Folded holiday trees
• 12/27 - Candy cane mice
• 12/29 - Snowman paper dolls
• 1/3 - Pipe cleaner snowflakes
• 1/5 - A 2012 calendar

Grade school aged children might enjoy some other activities while on school break:

• Tuesday, January 3 at 11:00 a.m. - Participate in a Mario Kart Wii Tournament at the Dexter District Library. This free event is for kids ages 6-12.
• Wednesday, January 4 at 11:00 a.m. - Kids can play Bingo for Books at the Dexter District Library. This event is for kids ages 6+.
• Kids and teens will enjoy learning PLAYOGA at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room) on December 27, 2:00-2:45 p.m.  Learn yoga poses through playing and singing.
• Youth in grades 4+ can make their own Mini Monster Stuffies at the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield Branch: Program Room) on December 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn the basics of sewing while designing and making your own ugly little monster stuffed toy! All supplies for this free event are provided.
• Want to learn more about the environment in a fun, free way? Take the kids to see Joe Reilly as he invites kids of all ages to deepen their relationship with their natural environment during his performance December 29 at 2:00-2:45 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room). Joe's rhythmic melodies and creative lyrics about ecology are pure entertainment that gets everyone moving! This event is for grade K - 3.

For the teenager in your life, there are a few fun, free events happening too.

• Enjoy a free movie at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti). Teens will enjoy a Classic Sci Fi Teen Flix from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on December 29. 
• Teens in grades 6-12 can participate in Wii Smash Bros. Brawl & Snacks event on December 27 at the Dexter District Library at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Participate in a Teen Crafternoon for Grades 5-12 at the Dexter District Library on December 30, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Just be sure to pre-register.
• Want to do some scrapbooking? The Dexter District Library has a Scrapbooking for Teens event on January 2 at 1:00 p.m.
• Teens in grades 6-12 and adults can learn to make jewelry from paper beads at the Ann Arbor District Library (Traverwood Branch: Program Room) on December 28, 2:00-3:30 p.m. All supplies are  provided for this free teen event.
• Kids can make their own Cereal Box Scrapbooks on December 29, 2:00-3:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield Branch: Program Room). This free event is geared for kids and teens in grades 4-8. Bring photos, memorabilia, and creativity to create a few scrapbook pages.
• Teens in grades 4+ can learn the basics of origami on December 29, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Ann Arbor District Library (Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room)

For working parents, a winter break camp might be in the cards for your children. There are a few happening throughout Ann Arbor.


The Ann Arbor Art Center's Creativity CampAnn Arbor Art Center website.