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mid-Michigan

4th and 5th Graders Can Get Free Lift Tickets in Michigan Through the Cold is Cool Passport Program

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Whether you live in Michigan or are planning your next winter trip here, you and your family can hit the slopes for reduced rates if you have a fourth or fifth grader in your family thanks to the Cold is Cool passport program.

Kids skiing

The Michigan Snowsports Industries Association (MSIA) has brought back its Cold is Cool Ski & Ride Passport App for families with fourth and fifth graders. Families can download the app for $25 and get up to three free lift tickets or trail passes at 29 different participating ski areas – including Mid-Michigan’s very own Snow Snake Ski & Golf in Harrison, MI – for their fourth and fifth grade children.

In addition to the lift tickets donated by the participating ski areas, the Cold is Cool Passport includes a coupon for 20% off a helmet purchase and $20 off the purchase of $100 at participating ski shops across the state. Some ski areas have also included coupons for equipment rental and free or discounted lessons.

Learn more and register today!

Free and Fun Family-Friendly Events in Mid-Michigan August 2019

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Summer may be almost over, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty left to do in the Mid-Michigan area! Check out this month’s family-friendly free and fun events we’ve discovered.

Fun and Free Family Friendly Events in Mid-Michigan August 2019

August 1-3rd – Midland’s RiverDays features music, food, hot air balloons and more all for free! Get the details and plan your family’s adventure.

August 3rd – Catch the first Movies by Moonlight in downtown Mt. Pleasant! The first show is A Dog’s Purpose, rated PG. Movies start at 8:30 pm.

August 3rd – Alma Church of the Nazarene is hosting a community picnic and everyone is invited! Stop by between 3-6 pm for food, fun and back to school giveaways.

August 5th – Celebrate the addition of an amphitheater at Island Park in Mt. Pleasant with a free concert and ribbon cutting! Concert to begin at 7pm.

August 8th – Stop by downtown Mt. Pleasant for another installment of Thrilling Thursdays and celebrate space! Build and launch your own water bottle rocket and enjoy Tang and moon pies. Event kicks off at 6pm at City Hall.

August 9th – Play it Safe at this free community event brought to you by ICCU. Stop by Island Park in Mt. Pleasant between 12noon and 4pm for games, prizes, crafts and more! Plus, the first 200 kids will receive a free bike helmet! Get more details here.

August 9th – NCG Cinemas kicks off their Free Family Film Festival. Free films include Hotel Transylvania 3, the Goonies, Wonder Park, and How to Train Your Dragon 3. The festival runs from August 9th – August 31st.

August 10th – Stop by the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum for another Kids & Culture event! This month kids will get to take a peak into Mexican culture and explore through crafts and games. The event is from 10am – 12noon.

August 11th – 17th – Visit the Midland County Fair this week for some animal fun!

August 24th – Victory church is hosting a free community carnival that will feature food, games and carnival rides. Stop by between 2-5pm.

August 28th – Have you ever wanted to read to an animal before? Your family can at Leaman’s Green Applebarn today at 10am.


Free Family Fun Activities in Mid-Michigan May 2019

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You may have noticed that we completely SKIPPED a month of free family fun activities this last April. We apologize for the inconvenience, but sometimes life just gets busy. And April was REALLY busy here at the MSD household.

We’ve finally adjusted to our new rhythm and we’re excited to share some fun and free activities just in time for May.

Free Family Fun Activities in Mid-Michigan May 2019

May 4th – FREE comic book day! Check out your local comic bookstore or see if your local library is participating. In downtown Mt. Pleasant, Hall of Heroes, LLC will have over 50 different FREE comic books to choose from! Plus, you’ll find some great deals throughout the store and can stick around to enjoy the 1966 Batman movie showing at the Broadway Theater across the street for only $2 a person.

The Chippewa River District River Library is also hosting a Mini-Con this year where you can pick up a FREE comic book (while supplies last) when you visit the library between 12 noon and 2 pm. Additionally, your family can participate in a variety of activities around the library and even meet LEGO Batman!

May 6th – FREE slice day at Bell’s Pizza! Stop by anytime during open hours and claim your free slice of pizza. Limit one slice per person.

May 11th – Enjoy a free movie at the Ideal Theater in Clare! Stop by the theater at 2 pm for a family-friendly show. Hosted by the Coleman Wesleyan Church Women’s Ministry.

May 11th – Its another Kids & Culture Saturday! This month, visit the CMU Museum of Cultural and Natural History from 10 am – 12 noon for an educational, fun and free event.

May 17th – Register for Family Trivia Night at the Chippewa River District Library. The game begins 6pm and pizza and refreshments are provided. Plus, there will be PRIZES! Trivia questions are for elementary aged through adult.

May 18th – Stop by the Barnes & Noble bookstore in the Midland mall for free story time fun! Today at 11am, story time will feature the Dr. Seuss classic “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”

May 19th – Stop by and celebrate Hope Well Ranch’s 15 year anniversary! Its free to attend, but after you learn more about this great organization, you may want to consider providing a donation to support their mission if you are able. The event will feature the Incredible Dr. Pol, the Palooka Brothers string band, food trucks, Maxon’s Blue Country Barbeque, Cruisin’ Chef, the Grub Hub, kids games, ranch tours and more!

May 25th – Join Living the Good Life Alpaca Acres for their free community event, the 3rd Annual Alpaca Palooza in Harrison, MI. There will be live music, unique vendors and all sorts of fun photo opportunities! Stop by anytime between 10 am – 4 pm.

Are there other opportunities happening in our community we should know about? Share in the comments or on our Facebook page!

Free Family Fun Events in Mid-Michigan March 2019

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Looking for some ways to welcome Spring? We’ve got you covered all March long with our list of FREE family fun events happening throughout Mid-Michigan.


Photo by Benjamin Manley on Unsplash

Calling all LEGO fans! Stop by your local Barnes & Noble for a special LEGO architecture build event on Saturday March 9th at 6pm! For those of you in mid-Michigan, Barnes & Noble is located in the Midland Mall.

It’s time for another Kids & Culture event, this time at Off-Broadway Performing Arts Studio! Stop by Saturday March 9th between 10 am – 12 noon for a fun and free family-friendly event.

Another great opportunity this month is a comedy magician show taking place at Plachta auditorium on Central Michigan University’s campus on Tuesday, March 12th at 7 pm. Trent James, the award-winning comedy magician, is sure to wow you, making this an evening of fun for everyone. Free to attend and open to the public.

Not sure if this show is right for you? The video below will give you a sneak peek into a Trent James show.

We’re told that March 12th is FREE pancake day at IHOP! Stop by and enjoy your free shortstack and, if you’re able, consider donating to help children battling critical illness while you’re there.

And if you love free food, you might want to mark down March 20th on your calendar. We’re told that Dairy Queen will be serving up free ice cream cones that day, but haven’t been able to officially confirm it. Check with your local Dairy Queen to see if they will be participating.

Stop by the Chippewa River District Library, Shepherd branch for Create, Make and Take Craft time on March 13th at 3:30pm. All materials will be provided – you just need to bring your creativity!

Grab your favorite board game and head on over to the Salvation Army in Alma on March 15th at 6pm for a free family game night! Movies will also be playing in the chapel.

Looking for an opportunity to introduce your family to the orchestra? Creative 360 in Midland will be hosting the Midland Community Orchestra Small Ensemble and invites everyone to come and listen March 15th at 7pm. More details can be found on the Great Lakes Bay Parents website.

Did you know that Michigan is one of the top maple syrup producers across the nation? In 2017 it was ranked as the 7th top producer of this sugary confection. On March 16th, your family can discover how maple syrup is made during Maple Syrup Day at the Chippewa Nature Center! The event is free for kids and members, but $5 for adults who aren’t members at this time.

Stop by the Chippewa River District Library, Veterans Memorial campus for a rescheduled family date night featuring Kim Darst from Husky Haven Sled Dogs and her incredible story of racing in the Iditarod! Attendees will get the opportunity to see her sled gear and interact with one of her dogs! Be sure to arrive early to this event taking place March 17th at 2pm. 

Take a break from technology and stop by the “Pop” in carnival taking place at Finch Fieldhouse on Central Michigan University’s campus March 22nd from 6 – 8 pm. CMU’s Recreation, Parks and Leisure services RPL 430 class is partnering with Angel Wings to host a family-fun night where kids and adults can play classic carnival games like ring toss and mini bowling. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help support the local charity.

Are there free family-fun events we missed? Share them in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Free Family-Fun Events in Mid-Michigan February 2019

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No matter your entertainment budget, there are always wonderful ways to spend time together as a family in Mid-Michigan. Every month we’ll highlight free events every family can enjoy!

Free Family Fun Events in Mid-Michigan February 2019

Join Mount Pleasant Community Church at the Chippewa Nature Center for a free Family Fun Nature Day February 2nd, 2019. There will be indoor and outdoor scavenger hunts and plenty to explore together as a family from 10am – 12noon. RSVP at mpcc.org/events.

If you’re looking for an activity to do with older kids, you may want to check out this fun and free event hosted by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy on February 2nd, 2019. Families can go snowshoeing at Sylvan Solace. To reserve snowshoes, call 989-772-5777.

Have a Home Depot nearby? Kids can make a Valentine Candy Box at this month’s free kid workshop on February 2nd, 2019. If you live in Midland or Mt. Pleasant, workshops are scheduled between 9am – 12noon. Kids will get to take home their craft, receive a certificate of completion, a workshop apron and commemorative pin while supplies last.

The West Midland Family Center wants to keep you moving despite the cold temperatures winter brings. This February 5th, 2019 families are encouraged to come out and give martial arts a try at no cost. Participants must sign a waiver before each class; however, free opportunities are available every Tuesday through June. A full list of winter activities offered through the family center can be found here.

Let the Chippewa River District Library host your family date night! On February 8th, families can join Kim Darst from Husky Haven Sled Dogs as she shares her experience competing in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Anchorage Alaska. You’ll also get to stand on her sled and interact with one of her dogs! Pizza from Dominos Pizza also provided.

Head on over to Mid Michigan College’s Harrison campus for a Winter Blast February 9th, 2019. Families can learn how to geocache, create a pine cone bird feeder, learn how to snowshoe, ride a fat tire bike, test out hockey skills, and relax with a cup of hot chocolate. Event takes place 10am-2pm.

On the first Saturday of every month families in the Mid-Michigan region can participate in free Kids & Culture events hosted by Art Reach of Mid-Michigan. This February 9th, kids and families are invited to the WCMU Public Media studio to participate with PBS’s latest program, Lets Go Luna. The event is scheduled from 10am – 12noon and will include a story time and valentine-making craft.

Whether you or your child is a plane enthusiast, this event is unique in that it gives kids the opportunity to go up in an airplane and learn about flying from the perspective of a trained pilot. This Young Eagle Rally is taking place February 9th from 9am – 12noon at the Jack Barstow Airport in Midland. Call Jeff Gallant at 989-948-4704 to register for this event.

Stop by Barnes & Noble on February 11th for a free evening story time at 7pm. This event is great for children ages preschool and up.

Love legos? Love Target? Then you’ll love the free LEGO movie 2 event Target is hosting at its stores February 16th, 2019. Kids can help Emmet build a ship with available lego blocks, play a game, and get a vest to keep that matches Emmet’s. To find out of if your local Target is participating, visit Target.com.

Enjoy a free movie thanks to the Salvation Army in Alma on February 17th, 2019. I Can Only Imagine will be playing in the chapel theater while Incredibles 2 will be playing in the community room. Bring some snacks and enjoy the movie of your choice. Event goes 5-7pm.

Have your kids ever wanted to try hockey? USA Hockey is hosting a Try Hockey for Free event at rinks across the US on February 23rd, 2019. Go to tryhockeyforfree.com to find a participating rink near you.

What sort of adventures will you find this February? Be sure to share your favorite free events with us in the comments or on our Facebook page.

Free Family Fun Events in Mid-Michigan this December

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Looking for some free family fun in the Mid-Michigan area this holiday season? Here are just a few opportunities for you and your family to enjoy no matter your budget.

Free Family Fun Events

This December is full of holiday fun. Whether you’re looking for something to do outdoors or inside, we’ve got you covered.

Enjoy live holiday music at ArtReach in downtown Mt. Pleasant every Thursday evening from 5-8pm December 1st-December 20th. 

Downtown Mt. Pleasant is also kicking off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Weekend November 30th-December 1st. Join in on the fun and visit the participating shops and restaurants, visit a hot cocoa warming station, go for a hay ride and visit Santa. Visitors can also attend the lighted Christmas parade at 6pm December 1st. And be sure to stick around for the fireworks display directly after.

Visit the orchard and enjoy the evening with Santa on December 1st at the Leaman’s Greenapple Barn in Freeland. Can’t make it on the first? Additional dates include December 7th and 8th.

While you’re in Freeland, don’t forget to pull your car up for the annual light show at the park. Bring some snacks and tune your radio to  93.9 FM to see the lights in tune with the music. Shows kick off at 5:30pm and last about 12 minutes each. The last show is at 10pm. Pull your car up any night of the month.

Get into the Christmas spirit at the Veterans Memorial Library where they will be showing the Polar Express December 1st at 11am. This interactive opportunity features a model version of the train and a conductor ready to stamp tickets for those in attendance. Hot chocolate and bells to be provided.

December 4th you can visit the movie theater for FREE! Wear you pajamas and bring a non-perishable food item for your chance to win a door prize. Popcorn and hot cocoa will be served. The North Pole Pajama Party at Celebration Cinema in mt. Pleasant kicks off at 5:30pm. Registration is required in advance. 

Looking for an opportunity to get your craft on? Then stop by the Veterans Memorial Library in downtown Mt. Pleasant on December 4th at either 5:15 pm or 6:30 pm for your chance to make holiday ornaments.

Dow Gardens is beautiful any time of year, but the Christmas season is particularly magical. Visit Dow Gardens in Midland for their annual Christmas Walk on December 6th, 7th, 8th, 14th, or 15th between 5 and 7:30 pm. Enjoy candelight, reindeer, music, and poinsettia displays. Want to take in some fireworks too? A firework show is scheduled for December 8th at 7 pm.

Christmas Cart Tours are also available on December 5th at Dow Gardens. This opportunity is exclusively available to guests with mobility issues and their families.

Love Mary Poppins? The Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant has another opportunity for an interactive movie experience taking place on December 7th. Watch the movie on the library’s big screen and receive items to use throughout the movie to make it come to life. Pizza to be provided by Dominos. Showtime scheduled for 5:30 pm.

December 8th you can stop by and visit one of Kati’s dietetic student volunteers at the Health and Safety Fair taking place at the Zion Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant from 9am – 12 noon. She’ll be at the Around the Plate booth to share some positive holiday food vibes alongside other health professionals offering a variety of screening services at no cost to families.

A free breakfast and snack items will be provided and prizes given every 15 minutes. An inexpensive Christmas store for those 6 years and under will also be available with free gift wrapping too.

Another option on December 8th is the Midland TubaChristmas taking place downtown at the H hotel at 2 pm. It’s the third annual showing and destined to be a good time. Play the tuba, euphonium or baritone? You can join in on the performance. More information about this event can be found here. 

Or stop by the Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare, Michigan December 8th to join children’s book writer Sue Thoms, author of the 12 Days of Christmas in Michigan, who will be visiting the farm from 11am-3pm.

Later in the evening on December 8th, take the family to Central Michigan University for the Dance Minor Showcase at Plachta Auditorium. The show starts at 7 pm.

Looking to connect with other parents and have some kid-free time? The Veterans Memorial Library in Mt. Pleasant is hosting a Caregivers Dinner Night on December 20th at 6pm. Childcare and dinner is provided.

We hope you and your family have fun all month long!

Know of other free events taking place this month for families to enjoy? We’d love to know all about it. Share your events in the comments below.