Body Safety Storytime in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Join the Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center at Peninsula Community Library for a Body Safety Storytime in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This engaging 30-minute session aims to empower young children and their caregivers with essential body safety knowledge in a fun, age-appropriate, manner through read-alouds and consent practice activities.
TBCAC's facility dog, Henry, will be present to assist in activities and provide participants with an added sense of comfort.
Attendees will leave with a body safety toolkit that includes a coloring book for kids and additional resources for adults!
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Kids Crafternoon
Drop in craft session for kids weekly. New craft every week, all kids welcome. Enjoy the planned craft or use the craft cart materials to make their own!
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Body Safety Storytime in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Join the East Bay Branch Library and Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center for a Body Safety Storytime in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This engaging 30-minute session aims to empower young children and their caregivers with essential body safety knowledge in a fun, age-appropriate, manner through read-alouds and consent practice activities. TBCAC's facility dog, Henry, will be present to assist in activities and provide participants with an added sense of comfort.
Attendees will leave with a body safety toolkit that includes a coloring book for kids and additional resources for adults!
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Conservation Center Tour
Join GTRLC for a tour of the buildings and grounds at Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Preserve. This tour will include an inside look at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s new conservation hub and office space, including the McMullen Family Conservation Center, the Bob and Pauline Young Family Stewardship Workshop, and the native plant greenhouse and goat barn. Come out to experience this incredible new infrastructure that will help to conserve our region’s natural resources for now and generations to come.
Sleeping Beauty
Join Michigan Northwest Ballet Theater for their for performance of this wonderful ballet! With Tchaikovsky's beautiful, beloved score, choreography and staging by Thomas Morrell and Marleigh Bucenell (after Marius Petipa) and original costuming created by Donna Hood, this is a must see production! Our dancers have been working on this for months and are so excited to share it with you! Also, we are grateful for the Forest Nymph and Noble costumes that are on loan from Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Sleeping Beauty
Join Michigan Northwest Ballet Theater for their for performance of this wonderful ballet! With Tchaikovsky's beautiful, beloved score, choreography and staging by Thomas Morrell and Marleigh Bucenell (after Marius Petipa) and original costuming created by Donna Hood, this is a must see production! Our dancers have been working on this for months and are so excited to share it with you! Also, we are grateful for the Forest Nymph and Noble costumes that are on loan from Interlochen Center for the Arts.
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Traverse City Regional Pinewood Derby
The registration for this event closes on March 29, 2025
Did you build a cool Pinewood Derby car this year?
Is it Fast? Does it look Cool, Sporty, Funny, or Fast? Is it a work of Art?
Cub Scouts: Bring your fast, creative, or cool cars and have fun at the District Derby at the coolest location EVER!
All Cub Scouts and their families are welcome from all districts surrounding Scenic Trails District.
When: April 12, 2025
Who: All Cub Scouts who built a car this year.
Where: US Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, 1175 Airport Access Road, Traverse City MI 49686
Registration and Check-In is staggered by age groups:
Webelos (4th & 5th Graders) Check-In at 8:30 AM and their Race will begin at 9:00 AM
Bears (3rd Graders) Check-In at 9:30 AM and their Race will begin at 10:00 AM
Wolves (2nd Graders) Check-In at 10:30 AM and their Race will begin at 11:00 AM
Tigers (1st Graders) Check-In at 11:30 AM and their Race will begin at 12:00 PM
Lions (Kindergartens) Check-In at 12:30 PM and their Race will begin at 1:00 PM
Grand Champion Race will follow the conclusion of all Den races.
Please register all attending Racers, Parents, Siblings, and all family members joining you for the Scouts race. The Coast Guard requires us to have an accurate list of those visiting the Station. All adults will have to present their photo ID upon entering the station gate.
Registered racers will be provided lunch. Concessions also will be available for purchasing snacks or lunch while you are at the race.
INTENT – The purpose of this event is for the Cub Scouts to race a wooden car, promoting craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition, and to have FUN! The Scout should do as much of the work as is appropriate for their age, each year they should do more than the previous year. Buying premade parts is not the goal of this event! Each scout is expected to build a new car each year.
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Great Lakes Maritime Academy Open Ship
Join GLMA for the one day a year our beautiful training ship, the State of Michigan, is open to the public. Visitors will be able to talk with current cadets as the cadets direct them through the ship.
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STEAM Girlz
STEAM Girlz is a fantastic opportunity for young girls to explore technology and science in ways that resonate with them. This program encourages creativity and hands-on learning, allowing girls to engage with STEAM concepts in a supportive and inspiring environment. Through various activities and projects, participants will build confidence, develop skills, and discover the exciting possibilities within STEAM fields. Join us to empower the next generation of female innovators and leaders! Thank you to the Friends of IPL for providing the food and snacks.
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Body Safety Storytime in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month
Join the Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center at Kingsley Branch Library for a Body Safety Storytime in support of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
This engaging 30-minute session aims to empower young children and their caregivers with essential body safety knowledge in a fun, age-appropriate, manner through read-alouds and consent practice activities.
TBCAC's facility dog, Henry, will be present to assist in activities and provide participants with an added sense of comfort.
Attendees will leave with a body safety toolkit that includes a coloring book for kids and additional resources for adults!
More info
Kick off the Celebration of the Young Child with Miriam Pico
Kick off the Celebration of the Young Child with a joyful morning of music and fun featuring the amazing Miriam Pico. Kids will love singing, dancing, and moving along with her interactive performance.
Date: Thursday, April 18
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Location: Lake Ann United Methodist Church’s Community Center
Can't make this date? Join Miriam at one of her other performances:
April 25 – Kalkaska Trout Fest at the Senior Center (2:00–3:00 PM)
April 30 – Children’s Museum (10:00–11:30 AM)
June 5 – Hermann Park with Parenting Communities (10:00 AM)
June 6 – Grass River Natural Area during Fen Fest (12:00 PM)
This free event is perfect for little ones 0-5 and their families. Don’t miss out on the fun!
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10th Annual Big Little Hero Race
This is a superhero-themed race, coordinated by NMC's Professional Communications class! Please come wearing your favorite superhero costume. This event will sponsor College for Kids scholarships for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan Littles.
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Free Family Fun Day: Make & Take Citronella Plants
Make and Take Citronella Plants
Join The Botanic Garden for a hands-on workshop for children learning how to propagate new plants from cuttings. Appropriate for children ages 5-10 years old.
Join Janet Hickman and her grandson Leo as they share and demonstrate how to start new plants from cuttings. Children will learn some basic botany in the process while they have fun preparing their own potted Citronella cuttings to take home. This would make a great gift for Mom or Grandmother for Mothers’ Day.
There is no charge for the event but must register. Participation will be limited to 20 registered children and parents are welcome to observe/assist.
Sponsored by the Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City in partnership with the Botanic Gardens for the Children’s Sensory Garden.
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Earth Day Tree Planting Volunteer Workbee
Description: Grab your shovels and give back to nature this Earth Day! Join us at the Boardman River Nature Center for native planting along the Natural Education Reserve's Bottomlands. Help repopulate the watershed with native seedlings and trees!
When: Tuesday, April 22nd from 10:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685
Registration: Free. Registration is required.
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Miriam Pico Live at Kalkaska Trout Festival
Join us for an afternoon of music, movement, and joy as we bring Miriam Pico to Trout Fest! Sing, clap, and dance along to her engaging performance, perfect for young children and families.
Date: Thursday, April 25
Time: 2:00–3:00 PM
Location: Kalkaska Senior Center (During Trout Fest)
In case of rain, we will move inside the Senior Center!
Can't make this date? Catch Miriam at one of these upcoming performances:
April 30 – Children’s Museum (10:00–11:30 AM)
June 5 – Hermann Park with Parenting Communities (10:00 AM)
June 6 – Grass River Natural Area during Fen Fest (12:00 PM)
Come for the music, stay for the fun—and celebrate the young child with us! Free for families with kids 0-5.
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FREE: Miriam Pico at the Children’s Museum
A morning of music, movement, and fun awaits at the Children’s Museum with Miriam Pico. Her lively performance will have little ones singing, dancing, and celebrating the joy of childhood.
Date: Tuesday, April 30
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM
Location: Children's Museum
Can't make this date? More chances to see Miriam Pico:
June 5 – Hermann Park with Parenting Communities (10:00 AM)
June 6 – Grass River Natural Area during Fen Fest (12:00 PM)
Enjoy a free musical adventure designed for kids 0-5 and their families! Let’s make magical memories together.
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Family Geology Hike: Journey into the World of Fossils
Join Grand Traverse Conservation District for the second Family & Children Geology Hike featuring the Grand Traverse Area Rock and Mineral Club Pebble Pups - Journey Into the World of Fossils! Embark on a hike that invites you to step back in time and explore the geological wonders of our planet. This program will guide hikers through a landscape rich in ancient echoes, where fossilized remnants tell the tales of prehistoric life. Led by seasoned experts in paleontology, this event combines a scenic hike with hands-on fossil discovery, offering participants the chance to learn about ancient creatures. Meet at the Meadows Pavilion on the Natural Education Reserve.
This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.
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Botanical Printmaking
Experiment with textures and ink with monoprinting at the Boardman River Nature Center! Whether you're a seasoned printmaker or a curious beginner, you’ll create something completely unique.
Participants will have the opportunity to create and take home a framed piece of artwork and charming greeting cards.
This workshop is recommended for ages 10+.
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Lego Saturday at Benzonia Library
Bring your creativity! We will have bins and bins of Lego for your build and a variety of books to help spark ideas!
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Free Gymnastics with Leap of Faith
Join Leap of Faith Gymnastics for a free gymnastics event on March 29th! Limited spots available, reserve your spot today!
1 Hour Slots
8:30am-9:30am
9:30am-10:30am
10:30am-11:30am
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Raptors in the Spring Sky
Description: Have an up-close experience with live raptors from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary, and learn about Michigan raptors in the spring!
When: Friday, March 28th from 6:00 - 7:00pm
Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Registration: Free for ages under 2; $10 for children under 12; $15 for ages 12 and up; $55 for a family of 5+. Registration is required.
Family Movie & Popcorn Bar
Join the library for a free showing of The Wild Robot, and a popcorn bar with fun toppings!
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Yoga for Families
Families are invited to join our friends from Dharamsala TC for a short yoga and mindfulness program in our Youth StoryRoom. Families can get learn about mindfulness and develop flexibility and strength in their bodies with the help of Dharamsala's trained yoga instructors.
No sign-up or experience is required. Bring your own mat, if you prefer.
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Spring Break Beach Kids Movie: Finding Nemo
Bring your beach towels and camp out in the Youth StoryRoom for a special Spring Break beach movie for families (either the original Lilo & Stitch or Finding Nemo). We'll provide snacks and beverages to help you enjoy the movie experience.
No signup required. Please bring your own beach towel (a limited number of alternatives may be provided by the library
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Bricks & Build: Learn to build Motorized LEGO© models (Ages 9 - 12)
Calling all tweens aged 9 - 12 who enjoy LEGO©s- bring your bricks to life! Use a custom motor to add movement to LEGO© bricks and learn fundamental simple machine concepts through our designs. The goal is for children to relate these concepts to real-life applications by building fun, interactive models.
Signup for this program starting March 13th by completing the form below. There is room for 14 tweens at this program, though a waitlist will be kept.
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Challenge Island Spring Break program (ages 9 - 12)
Challenge Island brings their awesome blend of STEM and Art to TADL for some fun Spring Break challenges for youth ages 9 to 12 years old. Sign-up below to reserve your spot starting Tuesday, March 11th.
Are you excited for the Minecraft movie coming out in May? Us too! Come join us to bring Minecraft to life by building a chain reaction contraption. In this unplugged event, you'll be given a set of supplies and work as a team to create a chain reaction machine to accomplish a simple task. Also known as a Rube Goldberg Machine, they consist of a series of simple machines - lever, pulley, inclined plane, wheel and axle, screw, and/or wedge. We'll have plenty of examples to share. So whether you have built a chain reaction machine in Minecraft or not, the real-life version is so much more exciting! Come check it out!
Per TADL's Unattended Child Policy, parents or caregivers of children ages 9 and 10 must remain in the library while their child is in the library.
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Challenge Island: Mine Island Build Challenge (ages 5 - 8)
Challenge Island brings their awesome blend of STEM and Art to TADL for some fun Spring Break challenges for youth ages 5 to 8 years old (older siblings are welcome to attend with younger siblings). Sign-up below to reserve your spot starting Tuesday, March 11th.
We are excited for the Minecraft movie coming out in May! In this unplugged event, we'll swap computers for creativity and ipads for ingenuity to bring Minecraft alive by crafting a life-size village. In this unplugged event, each team will be given a shulker box of basic supplies and also be able to visit the island crafting table to gather the correct type of supplies specifically needed for your build. Your structure will be life-size which means you'll even be able to climb inside to experience Minecraft brought to life. Whether you have played Minecraft or not, if you have ever built a fort at home ...you'll fit right and have a blast. We offered this spring break event 2 years ago and it was wildly popular! We just had to offer it again in anticipation of the movie. Come join in on the crazy building fun!
Per TADL's Unattended Child Policy, parents or caregivers of children aged 5-7 are expected to remain in the room while their children are in this program. For children who are 8 years old, their parent or caregiver must remain in the library.
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NERF Mobile Games (ages 9 - 12)
Tweens aged 9 - 12 years old are invited to join in the NERF fun as you run, dodge, dive, and blast the competition! From "Capture the Flag" to "Eliminator" to "Zombie vs. Humans," players will put their physical and mental skills to the test. NERF Blasters and darts are provided, but you can also bring your own equipment. Are you NERF enough?
Please register each child attending below starting March 10th for this Spring Break event.
More info and registration
NERF Mobile Games (ages 5 - 8)
Kids aged 5 - 8 years old are invited to join in the NERF fun as you run, dodge, dive, and blast the competition! From "Capture the Flag" to "Eliminator" to "Zombie vs. Humans," players will put their physical and mental skills to the test. NERF Blasters and darts are provided, but you can also bring your own equipment. Are you NERF enough?
Please register each child attending below starting March 10th for this Spring Break event.
Spring Break Imagination Station
Looking for something to do over Spring Break? Our popular Imagination Station will have extended hours this week for the children in our community! Drop in between 9am-Noon to complete one free craft per child, per day. No registration required. Ages 2-16 years old, must be accompanied by an adult.
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Cooking for Teens: Sushi
Join sushi expert Nicholas Battista for a hands-on lesson on crafting bite-sized sushi rolls! He'll give a brief demonstration and talk about sushi tricks of the trade, then help you make your own choice of California Roll or Vegetarian Roll.
Participants will leave with a bamboo sushi rolling mat, recipe card, and the confidence to make their own sushi at home. Anyone with an appetite for adventure is welcome. From sushi-lovers to sushi-novices, this is the program for you!
Please contact us with any food allergies so we can ensure this will be a safe program for you to attend. Tea, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, will be served.
Registration required.
GTRLC’s Annual Maple Sugaring Day at the Maple Bay Farm
This family-friendly event allows participants to learn about every step of the maple sugaring process, from tapping the trees and boiling the sap down to maple syrup to tasting the finished product. All of this will take place at the beautiful Maple Bay farm, which boasts its own charming red sugar shack used just for this occasion.
Participants can “choose their adventure” at the event. Staff and volunteers stationed in the sugar bush, cellar, and sugar shack will demonstrate the sugaring process, showing how sap is transformed into delicious maple syrup! Registration required!
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National Park Service Maple Sugaring Days
Dechow and Olsen Farms in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located on M-22 and Port Oneida Road.
Come experience the sugaring process through time. Learn the history of maple sugaring from the Anishinaabe, then travel to the present day at the Olsen Farm. End your adventure by sampling warm syrup or making maple taffy.
The event is free with a park pass.
The fun includes:
a self-guided hike,
a visit to a historic sugar shack,
sap boiling demonstrations,
kid's activities,
and maple syrup sampling.
Maple Sugaring Days is presented by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in partnership with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. This event is in collaboration with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians' Natural Resource Department.
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Great Start Family Coalition for a Spring Break Family Adventure
Join the Great Start Family Coalition for a Spring Break Family Adventure at Boyne Area Gymnastics and Dance! No cost to attend!
Through generous support from Boyne Area Gymnastics, we are able to offer a free event for families with children 0-12 consisting of free play time on the equipment, light snack and story time.
This Family Adventure is an opportunity for children to get their energy out, experience some tumbling time, and make new friends! It is also a chance for parents to connect to each other, learn more about resources in our community and find out ways to be more involved.
This FREE event is geared toward families with children 0-12 with no registration required.
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Kids Storytime at Kalkaska Library
Every Friday at 10:30 am, Miss Marta will lead the kids in 30 minutes of kid-friendly stories, movement, music, and crafts.
Activities are designed for children from birth through kindergarten. Parent or guardian attendance is required.
On the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month, an additional 5toOne playgroup will also be included.
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Bunny Basket Bliss: Free Friends and Family Day
Join us for a free fun-filled craft event! All ages welcome. Craft a heart-shaped paper bunny basket using the Swedish paper weaving method. Refreshments will be provided.
No registration required - just simply show up and have fun!
NoMi Climate Families Hike Club
Enjoy a docent led family hike with the Leelanau Conservancy!
March Mini Horse Camp
Join Lake Ann Farm for a Mini Horse Camp!
Sunday March 16, 2025 from 11am to 2pm
Open to anyone ages 4-12
$30 per person.
We will do some Horse Grooming and riding, a St Patrick’s/Shamrock themed craft, a mini dance party, and a snack will be provided.
Dress warm and wear barn appropriate boots.
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Disney & Desserts
Central High School Choirs present their annual event "Disney and Desserts" for community members, young families and students. Enjoy songs from your favorite Disney movies and musicals performed live on the stage. Enjoy activities in the lobby following the performance including face painting, story book corner, photo booth, craft making and delicious desserts! Choose from 2 shows on Saturday, March 15th, 11:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. $15 for adults, $5 for students and children under 18. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door only, cash or check to TCAPS. Audience members (adults and children) are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney Character!
Disney & Desserts
Central High School Choirs present their annual event "Disney and Desserts" for community members, young families and students. Enjoy songs from your favorite Disney movies and musicals performed live on the stage. Enjoy activities in the lobby following the performance including face painting, story book corner, photo booth, craft making and delicious desserts! Choose from 2 shows on Saturday, March 15th, 11:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. $15 for adults, $5 for students and children under 18. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets are available at the door only, cash or check to TCAPS. Audience members (adults and children) are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney Character!
Free Virtual Parent Training: Brain & Body Connection - Guiding Discipline
Guiding Discipline with Dr. Lori Desautels: Discover co-regulation strategies to support your child’s emotional regulation, empathy, and problem solving.
ABOUT DR. LORI DESAUTELS
Dr. Lori Desautels, has been an Assistant Professor at Butler University since 2016 where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Lori was also an Assistant Professor at Marian University in Indianapolis for eight years where she founded the Educational Neuroscience Symposium that has now reached thousands of educators and is in its 15th year. Lori’s passion is engaging her students through the social and relational neurosciences as it applies to education. She does this by integrating the tier one trauma accommodating Applied Educational Neuroscience framework, and its learning principles and practices into her coursework at Butler.
Lori’s articles are published in Edutopia, Brain Bulletin, and Mind Body Spirit international magazine. She was also published in the Brain Research Journal for her work in the fifth-grade classrooms during a course release position with Washington Township Schools. Lori continues her work co-teaching in the K-12 schools integrating her applied research into classroom procedures and transition, preparing the nervous system for learning and felt safety. Her third book, Connections over Compliance: Rewiring our Perceptions of Discipline, was released in late 2020, and Intentional Neuroplasticity: Moving Our Nervous Systems and Educational System Toward Post-Traumatic Growth, her fourth book, was released in January 2023. Her new book/manual titled Body and Brain Brilliance: A Manual to cultivate awareness and Practices for our Nervous System was published in 2024.
Register Here
Second Sunday Art Project
Take part in a vibrant participatory artistic experience every second Sunday of the month! From flower arranging and printmaking to painting and weaving, each session offers a unique and creative activity.
Tickets are not required for this event, and registration is not necessary.
Second Sunday Art Projects are included with museum admission. Please pay admission when you arrive.
Animal Kingdom on Ice
"Animal Kingdom on Ice" features the movies of Jungle Book, Rio, Madagascar, and The Lion King in a large scale on ice production that everyone will love! Talented local figure skaters put on a show with dazzling skating, lighting, and incredible props. Bring your whole family for an unforgettable experience right here in Traverse City! Prepare to GO WILD!
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Free Pizzas for Families in Need
First come first serve line forms at 3:30. Free pizzas for families in need.
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Animal Kingdom on Ice
"Animal Kingdom on Ice" features the movies of Jungle Book, Rio, Madagascar, and The Lion King in a large scale on ice production that everyone will love! Talented local figure skaters put on a show with dazzling skating, lighting, and incredible props. Bring your whole family for an unforgettable experience right here in Traverse City! Prepare to GO WILD!
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Spring Carnival at Crystal Mountain
Celebrate spring the "up-north" way, with all kinds of snow-filled fun! Fun-in-the-sun costumes are highly encouraged. Get ready for events and activities for the whole family can enjoy during Spring Carnival.
Please Note: All activities are weather permitting and subject to cancellation.
9am - 9pm: If you dressed up with your best fun-in-the-sun costume, you'll receive $10 off your open-to-close window lift ticket!
9:30 - 10:30am: Cardboard Classic Registration
Please review the rules prior to creating your sled. Held slopeside on the Lodge Patio. Only two racers are allowed per sled. Helmets are required. Day-of-registration required 30-minutes before event start time (10:30am). All participants must be present at registration for a wristband. All participants are required to complete a waiver prior to the event, adults must sign for participants under 18 years old.
10:45am: Creative Sled Contest
Build a sled using only cardboard and duct tape. Sleds must be pre-registered to participate in the Cardboard Classic
11am: Cardboard Classic Race
Held on the Cheers to Lou slope! View the rules prior to building your sled.
11am - 1:45pm: Slush Cup Registration
Held on the Lodge Patio. Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Helmets are required. Rental gear is prohibited. All participants are required to complete a waiver prior to the event, adults must sign for participants under 18 years old.
11am - 2pm, Lodge Deck: Slopeside Lunch Special - Details coming soon.
Noon - 4pm
Slopeside DJ will be playing your favorites at the Crystal Center Patio!
On-Slope Scavenger Hunt - Find the surfboards scattered around the mountain and bring one back to the Park at Water's Edge for a prize!
2pm: Slush Cup
Ski or ride through a giant pit of icy slush! Day of registration required at the Lodge Patio at least 15-minutes prior to the start time. Helmets are required. Rental gear is prohibited. Please, NO ski poles. Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Held at the base of Thor.
2pm - 5pm: Live Music in the Vista Lounge
Ages 21+ only.
8pm - 11pm: Live Music in the Vista Lounge
Ages 21+ only.
Animal Kingdom on Ice
"Animal Kingdom on Ice" features the movies of Jungle Book, Rio, Madagascar, and The Lion King in a large scale on ice production that everyone will love! Talented local figure skaters put on a show with dazzling skating, lighting, and incredible props. Bring your whole family for an unforgettable experience right here in Traverse City! Prepare to GO WILD!
More info