May 08 Wednesday
Nothing brings people together like a bike ride!
Slow Rolls are our free community bike rides designed to provide a fun, social experience on two wheels. Show up, slow down, and explore your community at an entirely new pace. These family bike rides are typically just a few miles along a safe, flat route. All ages are welcome.
Traverse City Slow Rolls start at Oryana and end at The Little Fleet.
May 10 Friday
Join a District naturalist for a guided hike on the Natural Education Reserve to celebrate Mother’s Day! We will explore spring flora and fauna as we walk through different natural areas.
Registration: Free. Registration is required at www.natureiscalling.org/events
May 12 Sunday
Celebrate Mother's Day with a family-friendly art project by making your own paper flowers. Join the fun for free with the price of admission!
May 14 Tuesday
Our Peepers Program is an adult-accompanied program for early learners ages 3-5 years old, of all experience levels with the natural world. Join us for 60-minute nature programs that include stories, crafts, music, and discovery activities. The program cost is $5/child per session.
When do chicks leave the nest? When do bear cubs leave the den? Celebrate Mother’s Day with us on Tuesday, May 14th and learn about baby animals and their parents!
*Programming is 100% outdoors, so please dress for the weather.Learn more and Register at www.natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program
May 16 Thursday
The 5toOne Playgroup is a free playgroup for parents and their children ages 0-6 years old, gathering at Grow Benzie's Event Center, that includes a snack, a story-time and engaging activities designed for children 0-6. 5toOne Playgroup is a place where we help children thrive and connect parents with information and resources to ensure that all children reach their highest potential. Older siblings are always welcome.
May 17 Friday
We'll have unique and fun games at our family friendly game night! Play one of our games or bring your favorite game from home. We'll have popcorn and light refreshments to snack on but you are welcome to bring your own snacks (or even dinner!). Our catering kitchen will be available for use and we'll have paper plates and cutlery for your convenience. Don't miss out on what is sure to be a fun time! Please note: This will be our last family friendly game night until Fall.
Celebrate a decade of pedal-powered joy with Norte Youth Cycling! Join us at the City Opera House for a family-friendly evening of cycling inspiration and community. The evening will be filled with gratitude, giveaways, and an original feature film created by local videographer, Mark Goethel. Mark’s film captures the essence of Norte's impact, from first pedals to triumphs on the trails, all of which are propelled by Norte coaches, volunteers, and you, our community!
Bring your family and friends to share in the joy of Norte's journey. Our 10th-anniversary celebration isn't just about cycling; it's about the community, adventures, friendships, and joy that have defined the last 10 years. Join us as we pause to look back and then pedal into the next decade with Norte Youth Cycling—where every rider is welcome!
Tickets are required to attend. Adults - Tickets are free, but please consider one of the suggested donation options. Norte appreciates your support. Children - Free (reserve their free ticket now!)
Doors will open at 5:30pm
May 18 Saturday
Sell or buy any fun and funky or plain and practical used bikes at the 13th annual Recycle-A-Bicycle Bike Swap. This much anticipated event is the perfect time to become the new owner of a summer cruiser or upgrade a child’s bike.
The R-A-B Bike Swap is for anyone who wants to sell and/or purchase an unused or out-grown bicycle or bike accessory. Accessories include bike trailers, hitches, bike racks and sometimes frames and wheels. R-A-B requires that all bicycles be in ride-able condition. The tires must hold air and the brakes and shifters must be in working condition. Small items like shoes, helmets or clothing WILL NOT BE accepted.
If you are selling a bike, drop off is between 6 and 8 pm on Friday, May 17 at the Old Town Parking Deck. Sellers receive 75% of the proceeds and the Recycle-A-Bicycle program receives 25%.
The funds raised during the Bike Swap allow the Recycle-a-Bicycle program to continue to provide necessary active transportation to economically disadvantaged individuals and families.
ScheduleFriday, May 17 | 6pm-8pm | Bike drop-off at the Old Town Parking DeckSaturday, May 18 | 9am-1pm | Shop the Bike SwapSaturday, May 18 | 2pm-4pm | Pick up unsold bikes from the Swap
Head to The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and shop local on our historic front lawn! Browse Michigan vendors offering, jewelry, art, crafts, food and more. This is a free event and great for all ages!
Join us for the second hike in our Family & Children Geology Hike Series featuring the Grand Traverse Area Rock and Mineral Club Pebble Pups - Ancient Echoes Expedition: Journey into the World of Fossils!
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with the "Ancient Echoes Expedition: Journey into the World of Fossils," a thrilling hike that invites you to step back in time and explore the geological wonders of our planet. This immersive program guides hikers through a captivating landscape rich in ancient echoes, where fossilized remnants tell the tales of prehistoric life. Led by seasoned experts in paleontology, the expedition combines the excitement of a scenic hike with hands-on fossil discovery, offering participants the chance to learn about ancient creatures. As the trail winds through breathtaking vistas, participants gain a deep appreciation for the geological history that shaped the world we know today. This hike is not just a physical journey but a profound exploration into the mysteries of Earth's past, fostering a connection between nature enthusiasts and the awe-inspiring narratives concealed within the rocks and fossils of the terrain.per understanding of our interconnected relationship with these vital waterways.
This program is geared towards an audience of children and families.
Meet at the Oleson Pavilion next to the Boardman River Nature Center 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685.
Registration: Free. Register at www.natureiscalling.org/events