Home     Classified Ads     Contact Us

Kids Around Town

 

Do you know of an event around town for or about kids where the admission price is FREE?  Please submit it so we can share this information with other Moms!  Be sure to include the date, time, location and age appropriate with a short description.

Events which are not free may be listed for a fee, call 269-217-2725 for more information.

Note: We make as much effort as we can to ensure that the information contained on this site is accurate, but not all submissions are made by the coordinator of these events. We urge you to contact the event sponsor and confirm before making any plans.

 

November 2005

Preschool Performance Series - Tom Hodgson (free)
Saturday, Nov. 5th
at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
10:00am
Join us for “Music to Celebrate the Great Outdoors.” Preschool educator and performer Tom Hodgson has performed at preschool conferences and preschools across the country.

CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW 
Saturday, Nov. 5th
at the Kalamazoo County Fairground, Room A & B
10:00am-4:00pm
Sponsored by Treasured Crafts, this 8th Annual show is a popular start for the Holiday season. Artists and crafters from throughout the Midwest will be featured at this juried show which will feature many unique items for gift giving. Admission is free. For information call 269-327-5373 or e-mail to mlscraftylady1@aol.com.

Festival of Arts (free)
Saturday, Nov. 5th
at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
1:00pm-4:00pm
The Museum will be filled with local artists following the annual Holiday Parade. Meet members of the Kalamazoo Chapter of the Embroider's Guild of America, local hand spinners, wood carvers, and soap stone carvers.

T.A.B. Meeting (free)
Thursday, Nov. 10th
at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Location
3:30pm-5:30pm
Teen members of the Teen Advisory Board assist and support Teen Services.  Members plan and promote exciting programs, participate in special community service projects, attend special outings and discuss books, movies, music, and web sites!  553-7807

Santa Arrives! (free)
Saturday, Nov. 12th
at the Crossroads Mall
Time to be announced.
Santa arrives at the Food Court. Come have breakfast with Santa and Ronald McDonald.  Free admission; cost of breakfast 

Visit with Santa (free)
Saturday, Nov. 12th – Saturday, Dec. 24th
at the Crossroads Mall
Mall Hours
Come visit with Santa and have your picture taken! In the Marshall Field Court. 
Free admission; pictures for purchase 

Holiday Craft Show (free)
Saturday, Nov. 12th 
at the Stockbridge United Methodist Church
9:00am-4:00pm
Arts & crafts, refreshments, activities for the kids!  269-321-2069

People Make the Difference Arts & Crafts Show  (free)
Saturday, Nov. 12th 
at the Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Main Campus
9:00am-4:00pm
Arts & Crafts Show  269-342-9801 ex 200

Gamers' Arena
Saturday, Nov. 12th
at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Location
12:00pm-4:00pm
Challenge other game-loving teens to one of the many games we provide or bring one of your own favorites.  Try your luckat a classic role-playing game or batttle against others in a variety of new or retro card and board games.  FOOD!

Animated Shakespeare: MacBeth (free)
Saturday, Nov. 12th
at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum
2:30pm
Each ½-hour episode of the award-winning landmark BBC series Animated Shakespeare presents both young and old audiences an abbreviated, beautifully animated play by William Shakespeare.

National Children's Book Week (free)
Monday, Nov. 14th – Saturday, Nov. 20th
at the Portage District Library
Library hours?
November 14th-20th Children’s Book Week is held to celebrate the joy of reading children’s books. To recognize this special observance the library will be accepting gently used children’ s books in place of your library fines for over due materials. All books will be donated to local organizations that serve children and their families in our community. *Come in during this week and guess how many picture books are in the Preschool Collection. The closest guess will win a gift certificate to a local book store.

Tiny Tots (free)
Monday, Nov. 14th
at the Portage District Library
9:30am – 10:00am  OR 10:30am-11:00am
Walking until two years. These six week sessions include interactive rhymes, fingerplays, songs, and hands-on toys. This time is designed especially for you and your tiny tot. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Mondays, October 24th thru November 28th at 9:30 am or 10:30 am No registration required

Little Me (free)
Monday, Nov. 14th
at the Portage District Library
10:00am – 11:00am
Birth through crawling. This time is dedicated to you and your little one. Enjoy this rewarding time interacting with your child and enjoying books, songs, fingerplays, and toys. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Mondays, October 24 through November 28 at 10:00 am. No registration required

Precious Preschool (free)
Monday, Nov. 14th, Tuesday, Nov. 15th
at the Portage District Library
M 2:30pm – 3:30pm, T 10:00am-11:00am
3 to 5 years These 6 week sessions are designed for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Preschoolers will have a great time experiencing stories, songs crafts and just plain “kid fun”! New! We are now offering morning and afternoon sessions.
Afternoon 2:30 sessions: Mondays, October 24th thru November 28th Required registration begins October 10th
Morning 10:00 sessions: Tuesdays, October 25th thru November 29th Required registration begins October 11th

Terrific Twos (free)
Wednesday, Nov. 16th
at the Portage District Library
9:30am –10:00am OR 10:30am-11:00am
Two years old Two year olds will enjoy this time with their favorite adult. Participants will experience stories, action rhymes, dance/movement, and maybe learn a new letter. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Wednesdays, October 26th thru November 30th at 9:30 am or 10:30 am
Registration begins October 12th

Baby Time Play Group (free)
Wednesday, Nov. 16th
at the Portage District Library
5:30pm-7:30pm
Birth through 18 months This is a wonderful time for you and your baby to get together with other families for an evening of socialization and interaction. All toys and books will be provided and are developmentally age appropriate for your little ones. Wednesday, November 30th 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm Wednesday, December 14th 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm
No registration required

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Wednesday, Nov. 16th
at the Portage District Library
6:00pm-8:00pm
“On top of spaghetti all covered with cheese, I lost my poor meatball when somebody…” “Come and get it!” Dinner will be served at the library. Bring your entire family for this night of noodles, breadsticks, and fun. Catered by Fazoli’s Italian Restaurant Registration begins November 2nd
Cost is $3.00 per person

Miyazaki Mania!
Wednesday, Nov. 16th
at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Location
6:00pm-8:00pm
Hayao Miyazaki is considered by many to be the greatest living director and animator in Japan.   Don't miss your chance to watch a movie from one of the best animators in the world!  FOOD!

Let’s Talk Turkey
Wednesday, Nov. 16th
at the Washington Square Branch Library
6:30pm
It’s that time of year—everyone is thinking of turkeys. Hear stories about them, and make one to take home. Family program.  Registration required.

Drop Zone
Thursday, Nov. 17th
at the Washington Square Branch Library
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Drop in after school!  Each boredom-busting program will feature games, art projects, food, and video games (retro and Play Station). Teen in grades 5th through 8th are welcome.  FOOD!

Weaver's and Fiber Artists of Kalamazoo Annual Sale/Exhibit   (tickets required)
Thursday, Nov. 17th – Saturday, Nov. 19th
at Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Th 5:00pm-8:00pm; Fr 9:00am-8:00pm, Sa 9:00am-4:00pm
This is the 37th year for this sale, which features one-of-a-kind items created by members of the Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo, Inc. The sale includes items such as handwoven and felted rugs, handwoven table linens, baskets, shawls, scarves, jewelry, handspun-handknit garments, handspun specialty yars for knitters and a variety of small decorative and gift items. Many shoppers come early to get the choice of the Christmas ornaments. At the same time, KVCC will also be the site of the Art ETC sale and the KVCC Student Art Sales.  269-375-8465

Festival of Trees 2005 hosted by the Junior League of Kalamazoo  (tickets required)
Thursday, Nov. 17th – Sunday, Nov. 20th
at the Radisson Plaza Hotel
Times vary each day
This spectacular four-day event ushers in the holiday season! The festivities begin on Nov. 17 with "Dessert Among the Trees Preview Party." On Nov. 18 is the "Mistletoe Luncheon and Fashion Show." The fun continues on Nov. 19 with the "Children's Candy Cane Party" and "Night of Lights." The Festival of Trees will culminate on Nov. 20 with the "Holiday Brunch."
Hotline: 269-343-7653; Ticket Line: 269-349-3490

Registration for Breakfast with Santa
Thursday, Nov. 17th
6:00pm
Join Santa for breakfast at the Grille Room at the Moors on Dec.6, Dec. 8 or Dec. 14th! Have some holiday fun as Santa Claus is coming to town and will visit with you while you eat breakfast! Bring your camera for this one! You don’t want to miss this scrapbook opportunity! Registration is limited and must be done in person. Payment is due upon registration. Registration for all 3 sessions is on Thursday, November 17th at 6:00 p.m. (Registration must be done in person. Limit registration to 3 children or 1 family at a time)
Cost: $5.00 per child.  Call the Portage District Library for more information.

Rock, Paper, Scissors
Saturday, Nov. 19th
at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Location
1:00pm-2:30pm
It's the method used throughout the world to settle arguments or to make a decision, but Rock, Paper, Scissors can also be played for fun!  Learn the rules, and some strategies from Chris Berggren, the 2004 Bronze Medalist at the International World RPS Championships.

PS2 Fun (free)
Saturday, Nov. 19th
at the Portage District Library
1:00pm-3:00pm
Join other gamers for some friendly “big screen” play at the library! Call or stop at the Youth Desk to vote for your game of choice. We may choose your favorite for Game Day! (Elementary Age Program) Registration begins Friday, November 4th

Tiny Tots (free)
Monday, Nov. 21st
at the Portage District Library
9:30am – 10:00am  OR 10:30am-11:00am
Walking until two years. These six week sessions include interactive rhymes, fingerplays, songs, and hands-on toys. This time is designed especially for you and your tiny tot. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Mondays, October 24th thru November 28th at 9:30 am or 10:30 am No registration required

Little Me (free)
Monday, Nov. 21st
at the Portage District Library
10:00am – 11:00am
Birth through crawling. This time is dedicated to you and your little one. Enjoy this rewarding time interacting with your child and enjoying books, songs, fingerplays, and toys. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Mondays, October 24 through November 28 at 10:00 am. No registration required

Make It, Take It Crafts
Monday, Nov. 21st  and Tuesday, Nov. 22nd
at the Eastwood Branch Public Library
12:00pm-6:00pm
Turkey and Thanksgiving crafts to make and take home. Family program.

Precious Preschool (free)
Monday, Nov. 21st, Tuesday, Nov. 22nd
at the Portage District Library
M 2:30pm – 3:30pm, T 10:00am-11:00am
3 to 5 years These 6 week sessions are designed for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Preschoolers will have a great time experiencing stories, songs crafts and just plain “kid fun”! New! We are now offering morning and afternoon sessions.
Afternoon 2:30 sessions: Mondays, October 24th thru November 28th Required registration begins October 10th
Morning 10:00 sessions: Tuesdays, October 25th thru November 29th Required registration begins October 11th

Drop Zone
Tuesday, Nov. 22ndh
at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Location
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Drop in after school!  Each boredom-busting program will feature games, art projects, food, and video games (retro and Play Station). Teen in grades 5th through 8th are welcome.  FOOD!

Terrific Twos (free)
Wednesday, Nov. 23rd
at the Portage District Library
9:30am –10:00am OR 10:30am-11:00am
Two years old Two year olds will enjoy this time with their favorite adult. Participants will experience stories, action rhymes, dance/movement, and maybe learn a new letter. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Wednesdays, October 26th thru November 30th at 9:30 am or 10:30 am
Registration begins October 12th

Make It, Take It Crafts
Wednesday, Nov. 23rd
at the Eastwood Branch Public Library
10:00am-3:00pm
Turkey and Thanksgiving crafts to make and take home. Family program

Tiny Tots (free)
Monday, Nov. 28th
at the Portage District Library
9:30am – 10:00am  OR 10:30am-11:00am
Walking until two years. These six week sessions include interactive rhymes, fingerplays, songs, and hands-on toys. This time is designed especially for you and your tiny tot. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Mondays, October 24th thru November 28th at 9:30 am or 10:30 am No registration required

Little Me (free)
Monday, Nov. 28th
at the Portage District Library
10:00am – 11:00am
Birth through crawling. This time is dedicated to you and your little one. Enjoy this rewarding time interacting with your child and enjoying books, songs, fingerplays, and toys. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Mondays, October 24 through November 28 at 10:00 am. No registration required

Precious Preschool (free)
Monday, Nov. 28th, Tuesday, Nov. 29th
at the Portage District Library
M 2:30pm – 3:30pm, T 10:00am-11:00am
3 to 5 years These 6 week sessions are designed for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Preschoolers will have a great time experiencing stories, songs crafts and just plain “kid fun”! New! We are now offering morning and afternoon sessions.
Afternoon 2:30 sessions: Mondays, October 24th thru November 28th Required registration begins October 10th
Morning 10:00 sessions: Tuesdays, October 25th thru November 29th Required registration begins October 11th

Terrific Twos (free)
Wednesday, Nov. 30th
at the Portage District Library
9:30am –10:00am OR 10:30am-11:00am
Two years old Two year olds will enjoy this time with their favorite adult. Participants will experience stories, action rhymes, dance/movement, and maybe learn a new letter. New this fall- 6 week sessions! Wednesdays, October 26th thru November 30th at 9:30 am or 10:30 am
Registration begins October 12th

December 2005

Santa's Village presented by Central City
Saturday, Dec. 3rd – Saturday, Dec. 24th
at Downtown Kalamazoo Mall Plaza
Times to be announced
Kids of all ages can meet Santa, make crafts, and have their picture taken with Santa  269-344-0795

Book Sale
Wednesday, Dec. 3rd
at the Portage District Library (lower level)
9:00am –3:00pm
Shop for gently used books at our book sale sponsored by the Friend's of the Library.

15th Annual Christmas at Wings-Arts & Craft Show (free)
Saturday, Dec. 3rd – Sunday, Dec. 4th
at Wings Stadium
Sa 8:00am-5:00pm; Su 10:00am-5:00pm
Over 340 Vendors including 6 non-profit. Crafts, food, spices, candles, wood, jewelry
269-349-1185

City of Portage Tree Lighting and Caroling  (free)
Saturday, Dec. 3rd
at the Portage City Center
7:00pm
After the tree lighting ceremony, follow the walking trail to Celery Flats where participants will be greeted by a band, choir, the Marines, elves, chestnuts roasting, hot spiced cider...Santa arrives in a horse-drawn wagon and children are encouraged to meet Santa and give him their Christmas lists! The Hayloft Theatre Barn will be open for traditional holiday refreshments.  FREE; donations to benefit the needy are encouraged  269-329-4522

Breakfast with Santa
Wednesday, Dec. 6th, Thursday, Dec. 8th and Wednesday, Dec. 14th
at the Grille Room at the Moors
9:00am –11:00am
Join Santa for breakfast! Have some holiday fun as Santa Claus is coming to town and will visit with you while you eat breakfast! Bring your camera for this one! You don’t want to miss this scrapbook opportunity! Registration is limited and must be done in person. Payment is due upon registration. Registration for all 3 sessions is on Thursday, November 17th at 6:00 p.m. (Registration must be done in person. Limit registration to 3 children or 1 family at a time)
Cost: $5.00 per child.  Call the Portage District Library for more information.

Literary Bacchanal: Cool poetry and prose (free)
Sunday, Dec. 11th
at the Kalamazoo Public Library, Van Deusen Room, 315 S Rose St, and Portage District Library, 300 Library Lane
1:00pm – 4:30pm
Hop between Kalamazoo Public Library and Portage District Library to meet local adult and children’s authors and musicians and purchase their autographed works for yourself and holiday gift giving. A wide variety of literary and musical talent will be represented at each library. Refreshments served.  Phone: 375-7809 or 329-4542 ext 710

Annual Gingerbread House Making
Saturday, Dec. 17th
at the Portage District Library
10:00am –4:00pm
Bring the whole family and make a gingerbread house that looks good enough to eat! Test your imagination and building skills with provided graham crackers, frosting, and lots of candy! (Family Program) Registration is limited and must be done in person. No exceptions. Payment is due upon registration. (Maximum 2 houses per family) Saturday, December 17, 10:00 am or 1:00 pm Registration begins Tuesday, November 29th at 6:00 pm
Cost: $4.00 per house

All Ears Theatre - A Christmas Carol (free)
Sunday, Dec. 25th
Airs on WMUK
5:30pm
Charles Dicken's most famous story is brought to radio featuring all of the beloved characters - Marley, the Ghost of Christmas Past, Tiny Tim, and others. Families will enjoy this story about love, family, and the redemption of one's character.  269-343-5059