March's Family Fun Guide

Created by Great Lakes Bay Parents - Informing parents since 2012!
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SAVE THE DATE

March 1 & 15 at 4:30 PM: Bay-Arenac Great Start Family Network @ Arenac Community Center, Standish

Learn more: FAMILY NETWORK



March 2, 9, 16 & 23 at 10 AM: Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe @ Bay City Town Center, Bay City

Learn more: GREAT LAKES BAY MOM CAFE

COMMUNITY RESOURCES 

2022 Talking is Teaching

Let’s talk, read, and sing about BOOKS! 


When you read with your child every day, you are helping to boost her early language and brain development.  This will help to prepare your little one for success in school and in life.



SEE MORE TALKING IS TEACHING TIPS

At Home Learning

Bedtime Math App - FREE


Math activities to do with your 3 - 8 year old.


Learn more: BEDTIME MATH

Imagination Library - FREE


Children ages 0-5 receive in the mail one book a month for their personal library.


Learn more: IMAGINATION LIBRARY

Michigan Learning - FREE


Online programs and activities for your preschooler.


Learn more: MICHIGAN LEARNING

Talking is Teaching - FREE


Activities, resources, and tips to help you talk, read, and sing with your 0-5 year old.


Learn more: TALKING IS TEACHING

Kindergarten Round-Up

NEMSCA Early Head Start

Food Assistance Program

Households needing assistance finding resources can call 2-1-1 or visit www.mi211.org to find local food resources.


Learn more: 2023 BENEFIT CHANGES

Volunteer Income Tax

United Way of Bay County

Bay County Residents


The VITA tax program is taking appointments beginning Tuesday, January 24th providing FREE tax preparation services to qualified Bay County families. To schedule your appointment, dial 2-1-1.


To schedule your appointment online, visit http://taxes-bay.rfs.us/

Arenac County Baby Pantry

WHERE: 583 E Cedar Street, Standish

HOURS: Wednesdays 12 - 4 PM


Do you need clothes, baby food, wipes, diapers, toys, etc. for the kiddos?  Visit the Arenac County Baby Pantry in Standish. 


Everything is FREE!


Learn more about ARENAC COUNTY BABY PANTRY

Child Care Providers Resources

Michigan Tri-Share


The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program (Tri-Share) is an innovative approach to increasing access to high quality, affordable child care for working families, with the cost of child care shared by an employer, the employee and the State of Michigan. The pilot also seeks to increase the labor market by allowing employers to offer a child care subsidy to help retain and attract talent.


Learn More: MICHIGAN TRI-SHARE

Child Care Workforce Support Stipends


The Bay Area Community Foundation is funding a onboarding stipend for child care providers hired on or after 9/14/21 (scholarship to support the provider's costs to hire new staff)


Learn More: CHILD CARE WORKFORCE SUPPORT STIPENDS

Caring for MI Future


Caring for MI Future is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses—help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan.


Learn More: CARING FOR MI FUTURE

PARENTING CLASS & SUPPORT

In-Parent Classes

MCLAREN BAY REGION - BAY COUNTY

Infant and Child CPR & First Aid - Family Class - March 8 at 6 - 9 PM


Boot Camp for New Dads

March 9 at 6 - 9 PM


Baby Class for BIG KIDS

March 28 at 6 - 7:30 PM


Learn More & Register: MCLAREN BAY REGION

NEMSCA - ARENAC COUNTY

Rental Counseling


Financial Literacy Class


Homebuyer Education


Call 989-358-4653 or email gagnona@nemcsca.org for dates.


Learn More: NEMSCA

Online Parent Classes

Extension Extras Parenting Hour

WHEN: Tuesdays at 8 - 9:30 PM


March 7 - Importance of Outdoor Play

March 14 - Setting the Stage: Promoting Social-Emotional Health in Young Children

March 21 - Screen Time for Children

March 28 - RELAX: Alternatives to Anger for Parents and Caregivers


The Parent Talk System Webinar Series - March-April Webinar

March 2, 2023 - April 6, 2023 11:30am-1:00pm


Online Kinship Caregiver Workshops

March 8 at 7 PM - Introduction to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)


Guiding Principles for Highly Successful Parenting Webinar Series: March-April 2023

March 13, 2023 - April 10, 2023 8:00pm-9:30pm


Mindful Wednesday Lunch & Learn

March 15, 2023 at 12- 1 PM - Mindfully Feeding Infants & Toddlers


Mindful Monday

March 20, 2023 at 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Mindfully Feeding Infants & Toddlers


Learn More & Register: MSU EXTENSION PARENT CLASSES

Parent Support

FREE FAMILY EVENTS

Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

STEM Passport

STEM Pipeline


You and your child can explore STEM Passport locations and events in the Great Lakes Bay Region (GLBR) by accessing our STEM calendar of events or our partner websites in the list below.


Arenac & Bay County STEM-Rich Organizations


  • Arenac Community Center, Standish
  • Bay City State Recreation Area, Bay City
  • Bay County Library System
  • The Historical Museum of Bay County, Bay City
  • Delta College Planetarium
  • Delta Kids / Michigan Learning Channel


Start Exploring: STEM PASSPORT

PLAYGROUPS

MARCH EVENTS

March 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Standish: FREE – Storytime for Preschoolers (age 3 – 5) @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library

DATE: Wednesday at 11:15

LOCATION: 114 N. Court St., Standish


LEARN MORE

March 1 & 15

Standish: FREE – Bay-Arenac Great Start Family Network @ Arenac Community Center

DATE: 1st & 3rd Wednesday at 4:30 – 5:30 pm

LOCATION: 583 E. Cedar Street, Standish


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March 1, 8 & 15

Online: FREE – “Creative Coping: An art-based workshop for kids and parents” *RSVP with Michigan.gov

Location: Online

Dates: Wednesdays at 6 - 8 pM


Do your kids like to draw, paint, or sculpt? Would they enjoy having Mom or Dad (or both) join in? This interactive webinar series gives your family an opportunity to make art together while learning about identity, self-awareness, and expressing emotions. These lessons can help your child develop the ability to cope with the ups and downs of life.


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

March 2, 9, 16 & 23

Bay City: FREE – Great Lakes Bay Mom Cafe & Playgroup @ Bay City Town Center

DATE: Thursdays at 10 am – 12 pm

LOCATION: 4101 E. Wilder, Bay City


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March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31

Bay City: FREE – Celebrating National Reading Month @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

DATE: March 3, 10, 17, 224 & 31 at 9:45 AM

LOCATION: 500 Center Ave., Bay City


For families with young children.


March is Reading Month and we are celebrating with surprise readers every Friday morning at the Wirt Library. Drop in to catch a story presented by a local VIP!


LEARN MORE

March 3 & 17

Bay City: FREE – Playdate (ages 0-4) @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

DATE: March 3 & 17 at 10:00am – 11:00am

LOCATION: 500 Center Ave., Bay City


LEARN MORE

March 3

Bay City: FREE – Young Scientists (Age 2-5) *RSVP @ Sage Branch Library

DATE: March 3 at 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

LOCATION: 100 E Midland St., Bay City


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

March 4

Bay City: FREE – Kids Workshops @ Home Depot

DATE: March 4 at 9 AM - 12 PM

LOCATION: 3860 State St.Bay City


LEARN MORE

March 5

Bay City: FREE – MOVIE SUNDAY “SING 2 – 2021” @ State Theatre

DATE: March 5 at 10:30 AM

LOCATION: 913 Washington Ave, Bay City


LEARN MORE

March 5

Bay City: Bay Concert Band in Concert @ Bay City Central High School

DATE: March 5 at 3 pm

LOCATION: 1624 Columbus Avenue, Bay City


Ticket Prices:

A ticket is good for any one performance during the season.


All tickets are $8.

Children 6th grade and younger are admitted FREE.


LEARN MORE


March 10 & 17

Bay City: FREE – No School Day at the Museum @ Bay County Historical Society

DATE: March 10 & 17 at 10 AM - 4 PM

LOCATION: 321 Washington Avenue, Bay City


LEARN MORE

March 10 & 24

Pinconning: FREE – Toddler Time (age 0-4) *RSVP @ Pinconning Branch Library

DATE: March 10 & 24 at 10 am

LOCATION: 400 S Kaiser St., Pinconning


LEARN MORE

March 10

Auburn: FREE – Baby Playground (age 0-2) *RSVP @ Auburn Area Branch Library

DATE: March 10 at 10:30 AM

LOCATION: 235 W Midland Rd, Auburn


LEARN MORE

March 13

Bay City: FREE – Storytime @ Populace Coffee

DATE: March13 at 9 AM

LOCATION: 810 Saginaw Street, Bay City


LEARN MORE

March 15

Bay City: FREE – Pups & Pages (age 4-12) *RSVP @ Sage Branch Library

DATE: March 15 at 5:30 PM

LOCATION: 100 E Midland St., Bay City


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

March 16

Bay City: FREE – Playgroup at the Museum @ Bay County Historical Society

DATE: March 16 at 1:30 PM

LOCATION: 321 Washington Avenue, Bay City


LEARN MORE

March 18

Pinconning: FREE – Pups & Pages (age 4 – 12) *RSVP @ Pinconning Branch Library

DATE: March 18 at 3 - 4 PM

LOCATION: 400 S Kaiser St., Pinconning


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

March 21

Bay City: FREE – St. Patty’s Day Parade @ Downtown Bay City

DATE: March 19 at 2 PM

LOCATION: Center Ave., Bay City


Bay City’s parade began in 1955 and has grown to an event that has become a celebration for the Irish and Irish at heart. The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was on March 17, 1955 at 5:30 p.m. The parade started at Center Avenue and Monroe Street and disbanded at City Hall on Washington Avenue. Mr. Jim Noonan was the Parade Marshal and 10,000 people attended the parade. Sheila Tennant was the St. Patrick’s Day Queen riding the St. Patrick’s Day float that featured a “harp” theme.


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March 21

Bay City: FREE – Storytime @ O’MACARON

DATE: March 21 at 10 AM

LOCATION: 906 Washington Ave, Bay City


Families with young children. Bring the littles downtown to storytime with the Wirt Library! We will meet at O’Macaron, on Washington Avenue, where you can enjoy a sweet treat and drink while we talk, read and sing about Baking!


No registration needed.


LEARN MORE

March 21

Standish: FREE – Michigan Snakes Alive @ Mary Johnston Memorial Library

DATE: March 21 at 4 PM

LOCATION: 114 N. Court St., Standish


LEARN MORE

March 21

Auburn: FREE – Taco Tuesday (age 2-5) *RSVP @ Auburn Branch Library

DATE: March 21 at 4 PM

LOCATION: 235 W Midland Rd, Auburn


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March 24

Auburn: FREE – Science Club Jr: Color Mixing (age 2-5) *RSVP @ Auburn Area Branch Library

DATE: March 24 at 10:30 AM

LOCATION: 235 W Midland Rd, Auburn


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March 24

Bay City: FREE – Friday Fun (age 2-5) *RSVP @ Sage Branch Library

DATE: March 24 at 11 AM

LOCATION: 100 E Midland St., Bay City


Join us at Sage Branch Library for an in-person program Friday Fun: Not a Box on Friday, March 24! The program is for children ages 2-5 + Adult. Get ready to sing, dance and creative play with cardboard boxes. We look forward to seeing you!


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March 25

Bay City: FREE – Drive-In Movie (ages 3-6) *RSVP @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

DATE: March 25 at 10:30 AM

LOCATION: 500 Center Ave., Bay City


Ages 3-6 with caregiver. Create your very own cardboard car while viewing the “drive-in” movie I’m Fast, based on the book by Kate McMullan. Movie snack is provided.


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March 25

Auburn: FREE – Pups & Pages (age 4-12) *RSVP @ Auburn Area Branch Library

DATE: March 25 at 11 AM

LOCATION: 235 W Midland Rd, Auburn


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

March 27

Bay City: FREE – Story Time @ The Historical Museum of Bay County

DATE: March 27 at 9 AM

LOCATION: 321 Washington Avenue, Bay City


LEARN MORE

March 27 & 28

Bay City: FREE – Preschool Storytime (age 2-5) *RSVP @ Sage Branch Library

DATE: Monday, March 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1 & 8 at 10:00am – 10:45am


Tuesdays, March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2 & 9

10:00am – 10:30am

LOCATION: 100 E Midland St., Bay City


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March 27

Bay City: FREE – Bake (Age 2-5) *RSVP @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

DATE: March 27 at 10:30 AM

LOCATION: 500 Center Ave., Bay City


LEARN MORE & REGISTER MORE

March 28

Bay City: FREE – Baby Storytime (ages 0-2) *RSVP @ Sage Branch Library

DATE: March 28, April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2 & 9

11:00am – 11:30am

LOCATION: 100 E Midland St., Bay City


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March 29 & 30

Auburn: FREE – Preschool Storytime (age 2-5) *RSVP @ Auburn Area Branch Library

DATE: March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26 & May 3 & 10 at 10:15 – 10:45 AM


March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4 & 11 at 11:15am – 11:45am

LOCATION: 235 W Midland Rd, Auburn


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March 29

Bay City: FREE – Preschool Storytime (age 2 – 5) *RSVP @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

DATE: March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3 & 10

LOCATION: 500 Center Ave., Bay City


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

March 29

Pinconning: FREE – Family Storytime (age 0-6) *RSVP @ Pinconning Branch Library

DATE: March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3 & 10 at 6 – 6:30 PM

LOCATION: 400 S Kaiser St., Pinconning


LEARN MORE

March 29

Bay City: FREE – Family Storytime (age 0-8) *RSVP @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

DATE: March 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3 & 10

6:30pm – 7:00pm

LOCATION: 500 Center Ave., Bay City


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March 30

Auburn: FREE – Baby Storytime (age 0 – 2) *RSVP @ Auburn Area Branch Library

DATE: March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4 & 11 at 10:15am – 10:45am

LOCATION: 235 W Midland Rd, Auburn


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March 30

Bay City: FREE – Baby Storytime (ages 0-2) *RSVP @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

DATE: March 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4 & 11 at 10:30 – 11 AM

LOCATION: 500 Center Ave., Bay City


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March 31

Bay City: FREE – Unicorn Mindfulness Movement Yoga Storytime (ages 2-4) *RSVP @ Alice & Jack Wirt Public Library

DATE: Friday, March 31, 2023

10:15am – 10:45am

LOCATION: 500 Center Ave., Bay City


Join us at the library for mindfulness and movement – Unicorn yoga storytime. Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Mats will be provided, please dress comfortably.


LEARN MORE & REGISTER

Visit Great Lakes Bay Parents' KIDS DAILY CALENDAR for a full listing of story times, family/ kid events, and new places to discover in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

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