Community Calendar

Celebrate the start of summer with a family-friendly day of exploration and connection along the Boardman–Ottaway River. Families are encouraged to spend the day enjoying a mix of guided and self-guided activities, including a guided hike to the Great Lakes Incubator Farm, hands-on river discovery with aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling, and opportunities to contribute to the GTCD community BioBlitz. Activities are designed to be flexible, allowing families to explore at their own pace and choose what works best for them.

As the day winds down, families are invited to stay for three special evening opportunities. Meet our Nature Day Camp staff and sign up for the Traverse Area District Library's Summer Reading Club when the Bookmobile rolls in—kids can register for the Jurassic-sized “Unearth a Story” program, grab a free t-shirt, and check out a book. Then gather around for the kickoff of our Fireside Chat series, featuring campfire stories and songs led by Jen Strauss—a cozy, family-friendly way to wrap up a full day outdoors.

Attend one activity or stay for the day—pre-registration is required using the link below.

OTP’s youth performers offer a musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Princess Winnifred, an unconventional and spirited woman, vies for the hand of Prince Dauntless, but must pass a test devised by his domineering mother, Queen Aggravain. Full of humor, quirky characters, and catchy songs, this comedic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea is a lighthearted tale of love and defying expectations.

Round up the family and head out to Coy Mountain, located at 9011 Valley St. in Alden, to enjoy a romp in the woods and reading a good book along the way.

A new story will be placed each month and covers about a 1/2-mile portion of the trail. Open daily from dawn to dusk. The storybook for the month of June is “The Home Builders” by Varsha Bajaj. Sponsored by Alden District Library

Miss Lona will be reading stories with a Father’s Day theme and making Father’s Day cards with the kids.

This program will be held in the library located at 8751 Helena Rd, Alden, 231-331-4318.

Cost: FREE
Audience: All ages, abilities, and interests

🎨🦉🔬 Discover, Explore, Create

Join us every second Saturday for a FREE afternoon of hands-on discovery! Families are invited to enjoy interactive experiences in science, history, and art while exploring the museum’s indoor and outdoor exhibits—including live animals and nature displays.

What to Expect:

🧪 Engaging science, history & art activities
🐍 Animal encounters & museum exploration
🌳 Outdoor exhibits to spark curiosity
🧩 Opportunities for problem-solving & creative thinking
🧠 A space to build critical thinking skills and lifelong learning

Please note: Free Second Saturdays are designed for quality family time. We kindly ask that no large groups attend.

Please Pre-register by "purchasing" a free ticket. This helps us prepare for number of people attending, THANK YOU!

OTP’s youth performers offer a musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Princess Winnifred, an unconventional and spirited woman, vies for the hand of Prince Dauntless, but must pass a test devised by his domineering mother, Queen Aggravain. Full of humor, quirky characters, and catchy songs, this comedic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea is a lighthearted tale of love and defying expectations.

OTP’s youth performers offer a musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Princess Winnifred, an unconventional and spirited woman, vies for the hand of Prince Dauntless, but must pass a test devised by his domineering mother, Queen Aggravain. Full of humor, quirky characters, and catchy songs, this comedic musical retelling of the classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea is a lighthearted tale of love and defying expectations.

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. Second Sunday Art Projects are included with museum admission. Please pay admission when you arrive.

Second Sundays are made possible with support from the Linda O'Meara Fund for Arts Education.

For more information, please click here.

Come hang out with us for live music. We'll be serving wine, seasonal cocktails, cider, coffee, and tapas-style small plates to share. Bring your crew or show up solo — Dune Bird is that kind of place.

This is a free event — no reservation required. Seating is first come, first served.

Please check our social media for the most up-to-date event information. For more information about our event calender, click here.

Come have fun with us at French Valley! Enjoy live music, locally crafted drinks, kid-friendly options, and tasty snacks for the whole family.