May 22 Wednesday
Round up the family and head out to Coy Mountain in Alden, where you will enjoy romping in the woods and reading a good book along the way. The storybook for the month of May is “Zoe and the Fawn” by Catherine Jameson and pictures by Julie Flett.
May 25 Saturday
More than 60 artisans and crafters displaying and selling their works. Pet friendly, family friendly! Popular summer craft show in picturesque and charming downtown Elk Rapids. Beaches, marina, parks, shopping, restaurants nearby, free parking. Held rain or shine. Assistance provided to vendors who need help with set up and tear down. Vendor's surveys always comment on how well organized the Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts show is!
May 28 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.
Turtles & lizards & snakes, oh my! This week we will learn about Michigan reptiles and what makes them different from us. Join us on Tuesday, May 28th from 10:00 - 11:00 am.
*Programming is 100% outdoors, so please dress for the weather.Learn more and Register at www.natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program
May 30 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.
Jun 01 Saturday
Join us for the third and final hike in our Family & Children Geology Hike Series featuring the Grand Traverse Area Rock and Mineral Club Pebble Pups - Ice Age Odyssey: Hiking through the Legacy of the Ice Age!
Take a transformative journey on "Ice Age Odyssey: Hiking through the Legacy of the Ice Age," a trailblazing expedition that unveils the remnants of a glacial epoch etched into the landscape. This immersive hiking program offers hikers the unique opportunity to traverse breathtaking terrains shaped by the colossal forces of the Ice Age. Led by knowledgeable guides well-versed in geological history, hikers will meander through stunning vistas adorned with ancient moraines, glacial valleys, and picturesque remnants of ice-carved landscapes. Along the way, adventurers will gain profound insights into the ecological and geological legacies left by the retreating ice, fostering a deep connection to the Earth's dynamic past. This hike promises not only a physical exploration but also a captivating narrative that unfolds with every step, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the enduring imprints of our planet's icy heritage.
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. Registration is required at www.natureiscalling.org/events
Please join us for a FREE concert to kick off Less Cancer’s Hike and Bike America 2024 event, a month-long endeavor to help get and keep America moving! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors too!
Featuring the band, The Insiders: A Tribute to Tom PettyOpening band, Sean Kelly and The TimewiserMt. Holiday, Traverse City, MI June 1st, gates open at 5:00 pm/concert starts at 6:00 pm (rain or shine)Food and cold beverages will be available for purchase.Donations to Less Cancer will be accepted.
We hope you join us for a fun-filled evening of good music and great food as we come together as a community to help support Less Cancer’s critical work of preventing cancer. See you there!
For more information about this event, please visit: https://www.lesscancer.org/how-we-do-our-work/less-cancer-bike-ride/
Jun 02 Sunday
Join Grand Traverse County 4-H as we explore the world of birding! Learn how to identify and observe new species – all while enjoying the health benefits that birding can bring! There is no cost to participate, and parents are encouraged to attend with their children. Best suited for youth ages 10-14, but more experienced birders are welcome! Workshop 1 will be held on Sunday, May 7th, at the Grand Traverse Conservation District Community Room from 10:00am-11:30am. The workshop series will be held once a month, on the first Sunday of each month through October at various birding locations around Grand Traverse County.
Registration takes place on 4-H Online website here: https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-inLook to register for the event "4-H Birding Workshop 1: The Basics of Birding."
Please call Emily Kotz, Grand Traverse County 4-H Program Coordinator, at 231-922-4825 or email at kotzemil@msu.edu with questions and event information.
Jun 07 Friday
Local growers and producers from all around northwestern Michigan. Located next to the Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, on US 31 by the Swan. Shop every Friday morning, June 7 – October 4 , 8 am to 12 pm.
Jun 08 Saturday
Join Plant It Wild at Green Elk Rapids Nature Fest 2024! PIW is one of 50 regional organizations representing environmental protection, outdoor education, recreation ideas, and more. A family friendly day including music, workshops, crafts, food and storytelling.
Jun 09 Sunday
Join GDC staff and chocolate artist Anne Boulley to make some stunning geodes filled with luscious caramel, toffee and sugar crystals. Emerald green, blue lapis, red ruby and more colors to choose from with an edible gold to gild the edges. You will learn how to decorate using colored cocoa butter, toffee "crystals" and how to arrange them so they look more realistic. We'll package them up for gift giving!