Did Someone Say SPRING BREAK???

 

There is so much going on around town during spring break I am dedicating an entire post to it.  That and, my Silly Sister In Law called and told me to get a move on. 

Some of these events require registration, and are for kids a little older than I usually try and keep entertained.  After all, Spring Break doesn’t really a lot to a 2 year old…

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First, the usual suspects:

• John Ball Park Zoo has Zoobilee with many special activities from keeper talks to crafts, to special games & fun! Every day is different…but you’ll find something different each day!

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum isn’t usually open to the public on Monday, but they are during Spring Break. They will still have the Thursday Night $1.00 night though. Kenny Ahern will have special performances all week; check the website for times.  Don’t forget to bring a new paint brush or roller for Habitat for Humanity; you’ll get one free admission per family.

Meijer Gardens continues with it’s Butterflies are Blooming Exhibit.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum has Spring Break “ArtVentures” for families on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Look at their website for specific times and events.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is having the “Spring Break Explorers Club. Activities include geo-caching activities, costumed interpreters, and super sized maps. 

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Sporting Events :

Whitecaps play April 7, 8, 9 and 10

Griffins play April 4, 11 and 12

Rampage plays April 13

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And some things we don’t do every day:

Grand Rapids Civic Theater Spring Break Escape Theater Classes.  All week.

The Humane Society of Kent County is offering a Kids and Paws camp where kids can interact with animals, make crafts and play games.  Contact the Humane Society for details.

Kids Day at the Farm Museum Wednesday April 9 from 10am-2pm.  Coopersville.

Blandford Nature Center Spring Break Day Camp “Grow It! Eat It! Break It Down!” April 8, 9, and 10 from 10am-3pm.  More details are here.

Craig’s Cruisers has several different spring break specials.

Climbing Walls: 

• One hour climbing wall instruction/ one hour free swim. The fun starts April 5 and goes through April 10. 2 Sessions: 10a-noon or 1p-3p. All four days $75. One day $20. Ages 5-12 welcome. http://www.getcollective.com/ 4620 Kalamazoo SE
  Kentwood, MI 49508.  Contact Jen, Marta,Michael or Jake for reservations. Email: jdykstra@getcollective.com. Phone: 616.455.8700
• Or check out Higher Ground, all of the info is on the website.

Bounce Party has added more ‘open bounce’ times during spring break; their website lists them all.

Tarry Hall has roller skating. Go ahead, shoot the moon!

Gymco has open gym several times during the week as well.

Kentwood Aquatics has open swim in the evenings all week.

The Forest Hills Aquatics Center has special Spring Break swim times as well.

Dairy Discovery has a tour on Saturday.

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Movies

• Dove Family Film Festival, the movie this week is Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, and switches to Spiderman 3 on Friday.
• Other cheap movie ideas I posted about previously.
• Other cheap movie ideas from another local blog.

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Story Times

Barnes and Noble has several; click ‘events’ on the website and type in your ZIP code for the time and place convenient to you.

Pooh’s Corner has story time every day except Tuesday.

Check with your local library for story times and other events; they aren’t all listed on the GRPL website and there are too many to list here on the KDL website.

I don’t know if this is an exhaustive list; but I do know that I am exhausted after writing it so if I need to add anything, please let me know! 

Menu Plan Monday

Ugh! All of this talk about an economic dip/recession/depression is getting to me. I keep reading that the price of corn is going up so all of those yummy processed foods with corn syrup (which is everything) will get more expensive too.  I might as well buck up and sharpen my skills now.  Here is a great post about Recession-Proofing Your Diet, and another about 6 Easy Ways to Battle Rising Food Costs. I’m getting pretty good at stocking up, so I shouldn’t have to buy much this week to make this menu happen. 

My own personal attempt at saving money on groceries is to work my way up the food pyramid.  Why not? Naturally, my bread maker died immediately upon hearing this announcement.  I am now equipped with a new one, so I’ll also be experimenting with that this week.

MONDAY 

We had spaghetti and meatballs with my Dad and Grandma Sunday night they are both doing much better, thank you everyone for your very kind words!!) and have plenty of leftovers.

TUESDAY 

I’m going to give this recipe for Mexican Lasagne from Heart Matters a try. As a side we’ll have Super Fresh and Tasty Lentil Salad from Sarah’s Musings.

WEDNESDAY

I love copycat recipes; and although I’ve never had the original I’m going to make Applebees Tequila Lime Chicken.

We’ll also have Slow Cooker Baked Beans from ‘Burgh on a Budget with a few modifications.  I use dried beans and I’m not sure what varities I have on hand, but I’ll make it work. 

We’ll also have some corn.

THURSDAY

I made a lasagne last week and put it in the freezer.  It was a day of cooking frenzy, and I can’t remember what all went into it, but I think that sausage was involved.  I’ll serve it with fresh steamed carrots.

FRIDAY

I need to use up the rest of my frozen asparagus from LAST year before the new crop comes in.  Note to self; easy on the asparagus this year.  We have decided to try and eat less meat, so I was happy to come across this recipe for Roasted Asparagus with Poached Egg and Parmesan on the Cheap Healthy Good Blog.  Just a little tidbit for my fellow Grand Rapidians – I use regular parmesan (not the dried stuff in a shaker) for everything, and have found that Horrocks has the best price per pound. 

Although it seems like a weird combination I think I will also make some baked potatoes to ‘bulk up’ the meal a bit.

SATURDAY

Here is a recipe for Fried Rice from life.after.baby. I will throw some bacon in there and see if I can pass it off as a meal 🙂

My weird kids like spinach salad, so I’ll make some of that too.

SNACKS AND TREATS

We found one of those old school popcicle trays in the cupboard, and started making our own last week.  The kids are crazy about them, and since we either use juice or leftover smoothies, they are very healthy. 

We go through a ridiculous amount of popcorn, but I’m happy to keep buying it.  This is a great snack for the kids, and for us.

I am on the lookout for the perfect blueberry muffin recipe, please toss any suggestions my way!

For more Menu Plans, head over to Laura’s blog.

Free Family Resource Guide

I’ve written before about the Child and Family Resource Council.  If you’d like to see that post, click here.  Now, they are offering their newly updated free Family Resource Guide.  This has a very complete listing of programs, organizations, and events for families in Kent County.

You can either download it, or call for a copy.  It’s a great way to find out about services available to us as parents! Here is the link for more info.

Win Tickets to Meijer Gardens!!

GR Now is giving away a family four pack of tickets to see the Butterflies Are Blooming Exhibit at Meijer Gardens!! Here is the link; winner is drawn tomorrow so hurry and enter. Good luck!