20th Annual Great Lakes Kite Festival
Grand Haven State Park
May 22-23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Free
mackite.com

Witness a simple pastime become an art form at Mackinaw Kite & Toys' biggest festival of the year. Lay out a beach blanket and picnic on the warm sand. Lounge with the fam as the sky becomes your entertainment. Colorful silk flyers flutter across a cloudy canvas throughout the day.
The pros dominate the center flying field, maneuvering their stunt kites and performing choreographed team routines to music.
Show your own handling skills on the north flying field, open to anyone with a kite. Non-kite owners can head to the manufacturer's field and test-fly this year's newest kite designs.
When your necks stiffen from staring skyward, peruse the MACkite tent to view a variety of kites and wind toys up for adoption or try your hand at family games and crafts benefiting the Children's Leukemia Foundation.

Galaxies
Carr-Fles Planetarium, Muskegon
May 11-June 17, Tuesdays & Thursdays 7 p.m.
Free
muskegoncc.edu

Described as "a nature walk on the grandest of scales," this star-studded show starts in our local skies and transports your little astronomers through the Milky Way and on to outer galaxies. Classical Composer Kevin Braheny's original music lures your mind into the cosmos as star clusters and nebulae float across the orbed planetarium sky. Tim Ferris, noted author of 11 cosmology books, including the bestselling book and PBS movie, Seeing in the Dark narrates the 40 minute extra-galactic journey.

Passenger Hot Air Balloon Rides
Sky American, Inc.
May-Oct. by reservation
$225 per passenger
skyamericaninc.com, (616) 698-9245

Jump aboard balloon pilot, Woody Watson's hot air balloon for an unforgettable ride. At dawn or dusk, the 105,000 cubic foot balloon sets sail after an orientation, including a history of ballooning lesson from the enthusiastic captain. Besides a breathtaking float in the clouds, your family toasts the voyage with complimentary non-alcoholic bubbly and take turns running the burner, actually driving the huge balloon.
Topping out at 1,200 feet, Watson hovers at about 500 feet at 10 mph over the Thornapple River area, south of the Ford airport. "I get paid to have fun," Watson said, "so I am sure to make it fun for all my passengers too."
Before and after the one-hour sky sail, you get hands-on, helping to inflate and deflate the gigantic air flyer.
Those worrywart parents need not fret in the hands of Captain Watson. He's flown thousands of passengers for more than 30 years and is currently ranked fifth in the nation from the Balloon Federation in America.

Rock Hard Mommas
Rock Hard Boot Camp, Grand Rapids
$250/month for six months
rockhardbootcamp.com, (616) 617-0603

Mommies, all of your energy goes to the well-being of your kids. This month, let Mother's Day begin a journey focused on you. Rock Hard Mommas is a six month program dedicated to your transformation inside and out.
Kandy Holmstrom, mother of three and founder of Rock Hard Boot Camp, glows with passion. Motivated by realizations during her own post-mommyhood transformation, Kandi combines the expertise of Rock Hard Boot Camp, AURA Skincare + Cosmetics, Design 1 Salon Day Spa, Wellspring Counseling, and Bengston Center for Plastic Surgery to become a nurturing family who takes care of you.

Besides setting up nutritional and fitness training, including boot camp classes available every morning and evening, four personal training sessions and weekly food logs, mommas redeem "Golden Tickets" for awesome freebies and exclusive discounts from affiliating businesses.
AURA Skincare + Cosmetics treats you to the "Fabulous in Five" skin care and makeup consultation. Design 1 Salon Day Spa pampers you with a free style and hair consultation focusing on looks best for you. Bengston Center for Plastic Surgery offers one complimentary service and a one-hour free consultation.
Kandi believes, "99% of the time, there is something on the inside that needs to be overcome in order to realize a breakthrough in true transformation," so a free half-hour counseling session with Mario Fransiscocty of Wellspring Counseling is mandatory within the first month of your journey.
Your mind and body wellness is not the only payoff for the program. To reward you for reaching your six-month goal; Rock Hard Mommas showers you with a prize package from each of the partners. Finish the process with a full hair and makeup makeover and an "after" photo shoot. "You become a whole new person," Holmstrom said.
Your first boot camp class is free, and your contract can continue after 6 months.

At least 90 days out of the year, my Texan husband asks me, "Why do people live in Michigan?" My answer is always, "SPRING!" When that weather finally breaks, and the warm arms of the sun reach down from a blue sky, I am overwhelmed with renewal, optimism, energy and inspiration. Seriously, you may spot me twirling atop the green mounds of Ah-Nab-Awen Park (watch out, Julie Andrews).

I can't be the only one who bursts with a motivation to create this time of year. If your like-minded family needs a release for the energy-inspiring spring, visit these West Michigan havens for hands-on creative activities.

Spring Break Activities: Friendship and Community in Art
April 6-10, 10a.m.-3p.m.
Admission: $8/$5 (Adults/ Kids 6-17 yrs.)

Grand Rapids Art Museum Education Center
101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids
artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000

The education team at the GRAM's family studio pride themselves on art activities that reach all ages. They design "projects that are actually really cool" and encourage "multigenerational engagement," promises John Carfagno, the education director.

This is definitely true of its Spring Break family art activity. Egon Schiele's poster for the Vienna Secession inspired the project. Your little artists and you collaborate to create a representation of your family, collage-style, using photographs of each of you (bring them or take them in-studio), colored paper and pastels. Like Schiele's piece (pictured, left), the focal point of your collage is a large table, with items positioned around it. Once the subjects are in place, discuss which items should be pictured on that table to complete an image of your family-ness. Museum educator and creative genius Miranda Krajniak adds a bonus for parents, "We use lots of really messy items and unique media but you can make a mess and don't have to clean it up."

Finish your masterpiece, then stick around to explore the permanent studio highlights like the Share Your Story journal, the tiny wrapped table for toddler experimental free-form drawing and the Family Drawing Wall. "I've yet to find a kid who doesn't want to draw on the family drawing wall," Carfagno said.

Most popular is the Calder Experience area. Donning Velcro-covered lab jackets, your Calder kids and you stick on felt geometrics and choose Calder-esque head gear. Arrange yourselves into a human mobile then pose for a photo that is sent to your e-mail within a week of your visit.

Global Cultural Festival Japan Themed Activities
April 6, 7, 10 & 17, 10-noon
Admission: $5 (registration required)

Saugatuck Center for the Arts
400 Culver St., Saugatuck
sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399

Saugatuck Center for the Arts has a full lineup of children's activities to supplement its Global Cultural Festival: Japan exhibit.

The Fresh Art + Fresh Film activity is perfect for ages 5-8. Professionally filmed shorts focus on an aspect of Japanese culture and inspire a hands-on craft following the viewing. 1000 Paper Cranes plays on April 6 and the April 7 show is Japanese Folklore: Fan Painting. Afterwards, the kids make their own origami paper cranes and paint Japanese fans.

On April 10, professionally trained calligraphy artist Michiko Yoshimoto leads children ages 8-10 in basic calligraphy strokes. Each participant leaves with his or her name in the beautiful Japanese script. Although parents and older sibs usually drop off the little ones, they are invited to stay and participate if they wish.
Tour the Kimono exhibit, viewing men's, women's and children's cultural dress on April 17.

To top it off, executive director Kristin Armstrong encourages families to take part in "an amazing cultural experience" on April 24 at 8 p.m. when Nagata Shachu Drumming Ensemble from Toronto performs. "Kids are just bug-eyed" during this loud and exciting demonstration. Admission is $35 for adults and $10 for children.

Deanna's Playhouse
11172 Adams St., Holland
Mon.-Sat., 10a.m.-3p.m.
Admission: $5
deannasplayhouse.com, (616) 396-7566

This 15,000-square-foot indoor play area offers an open space for preschool kids to blow off steam. With a tiny road through a miniature Holland, they drive push vehicles to bank at a baby Macatawa, shop at a mini Meijer and cruise around a big red lighthouse.

A music room, arts and crafts room, infant and toddler room and stage are all available for romping time. When parents need to take a breather, plop down with the kids in the sensory room on the padded seating area. Professionally designed to calm over-stimulated rugrats, it's a perfect place to just chill while focusing on the sparkly, star-like overhead lights and color-changing fiber optics.

Plan your visit on Tuesday or Thursday at 11 a.m. to take advantage of Arts and Crafts Day and Amazing Activities Day. In honor of Easter and Earth Day this month, the tots create take-home projects like Easter bunnies made of plastic eggs and recycled crafts on Tuesdays and participate in themed egg hunts and sing-alongs on Thursdays.

March promises to come in like a lion and go out like a lamb. Experience all of the animals in between with your family's outings this month.

Big, Big Bugs
Through May 31
General Admission: $8/$3/Free (Adults/Children/Under 3 years)
Exhibit Admission: $2
Planetarium Admission: $3

Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl Street
grmuseum.org, (616) 456-3977

It sounds like a personal nightmare to me but your swarm may go buggy for the gigantic insects featured at Grand Rapids Public Museum's newest exhibit, Big, Big Bugs. Common Michigan crawlers such as the 20 feet long, 10 feet tall praying mantis, 30 times life-sized caterpillar, or a locust with a 21-foot wing span are displayed at uncommon proportions. Shrunk smaller than the animated creepers, people become the pests, skittering through the giant leaves and blades of grass to peek at giant bugs up close and personal.

Check out the bug family portraits when you enter the dirt-walled Bug House. Crawl through an Alice in Wonderland wormhole to witness fighting atlas beetles magnified 40 times their size to 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, but watch out for the giant aerosol can of human repellant. Schedule a session in the Bug Lab to examine the scientific side of a bug's life including topics like life cycles, adaptations, anatomy and insect jobs. The planetarium show "Crickets & Constellations" completes your insect itinerary.

Through June 6
$6.50, under 2 years free

Grand Rapids Children's Museum, 11 Sheldon Street
grcm.org, (616) 235-4726

Future veterinarians in your family get a chance to play their dream role at the Happy Animal Clinic. Performing exams and emergency medical attention to stuffed animal patients, studying animal X-rays, and providing animal grooming transforms your animal lover into an animal doctor. Hands-on fun includes animal scavenger hunts, feeding time at the kennel, creating pet puzzles and a special animal Make-it and Take-it activity. Competitive family? Pick a four-legged racer and cheer them on in the pet cross-country derby race. Plan your visit for March 13, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. to meet real sea creatures in Blue Fish Aquarium's touch tank.

Kalamazoo Reptile and Exotic Animal Show
March 13; 10a.m.-3p.m.
$4/$2/Free (Adults/Children/Under 6 years)

Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds
2900 Lake Street
kalamazooreptileshow.com, (269)779-9851

Does your family prefer slithery to four-legged and furry? Does your pet inspire company to cringe rather than cuddle? The Kalamazoo Reptile and Exotic Animal Show sounds like your kind of afternoon outing. Join fellow lizard lovers in this meeting of reptile, amphibian and exotic animal connoisseurs. Bring your own reptilian buddies to show off and trade, or come to meet massive constrictors, mellow tortoises or shifty-eyed iguanas for sale. Regardless of your motivation, the day is sure to fulfill your family's amphibian amore. The bad news: your kids will surely beg to take one of hundreds of scaly specimens home. The good news: a veterinarian exam from Milwood Animal Clinic comes free with any purchase.

John Ball Zoo Grand Re-Opening Celebration
March 6, 10a.m.-2p.m.
$3.50/$3/Free (Adults/Children/Under 3 years)

John Ball Zoo Administration Building, 1300 West Fulton, Grand Rapids
johnballzoosociety.org, (616) 336-4301

Just in time for your family's animal-themed adventures, John Ball Zoo's grand re-opening celebration is this month. Zoo staff is on-hand throughout the afternoon to reintroduce you to the zoo including new exhibits you can expect for the summer. Warm up your tootsies and your creativity at the kids' craft station in the aquarium.

Black History Month reminds us to celebrate diversity. West Michigan is home to countless cultures, so use this month to expose the family to assorted cultures. Area art centers offer tons of fun ways to sample West Michigan's melting pot.

DTE Ethnic Heritage Festival
Grand Rapids Public Museum
272 Pearl St., Grand Rapids
Feb. 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Free
grmuseum.org, (616) 456-3977

Grand Rapids Public Museum packed this festival with cultural exposure. Music, dance, foods and crafts from various ethnic groups that call West Michigan home are featured throughout the day in tons of fun activities. Two stages stay active with traditional dancers representing Irish, Pacific Island and American Indian cultures. Get your feet moving to a heart-thumping drum performance by the multicultural group WaZoBia. Settle in for the oral talents of storytellers and handiwork of craft demonstrations. Fashionistas in the family will love the traditional and modern ethnic fashion showcase hosted by local celebrity and newscaster Terri DeBoer. Try the mouth-watering delicacies from various cultures available for purchase. While the kids climb aboard the free carousel rides, mom and dad can drink international beer from foreign lands.The planetarium show, "Everybody's Sky: Start Stories from Around the World" and the museum's permanent exhibit "Newcomers: The People of the Place" complement this (multi) cultured event perfectly.

The Moscow Circus "A Russian Folk Fair"
Van Singel Fine Arts Center
8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center
Feb. 8-9, 7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $29.50, Students $18.50
vsfac.com, (616) 878-6800

Van Singel Fine Arts Center offers a happier perspective of Russian culture than the Red Dawn marathon on TNT by hosting the talents of The Moscow Circus. The folk fair starts as soon as your family enters the lobby filled with Russian clowns, costumed performers and dancers and continues as you find your seats for the thrilling theatre-circus production. Narrated by Russian mythical characters, the show weaves cultural history with the exhilaration and silliness of a circus. Your little world travelers will emote "ooohs," "ahhhs," and "OWWWs" while witnessing the strength, grace, balance and flexibility of the famed circus performers before the colorful backdrop of lively Russian music and bright traditional costumes. Audience participation adds a bit of hilarity to the night as you laugh at the poor sap pulled on stage.

African Art Super Saturday
Muskegon Museum of Art
296 West Webster Ave., Muskegon
Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-1p.m.
Admission: Free
muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570

In honor of Black History Month, Muskegon Museum of Art is dedicating their monthly Super Saturday to African and African American artists. It's a perfect outing for families seeking culture. Throughout the day, different activities are sure to please everyone in the family. Start with a stirring film about African culture and the creation and use of African masks. Then try your own hand at the art form with the children's Make and Take craft. Your tiny artists will use bold colors, designs and patterns to construct their own African Masks. After the African exposure, join the docent on a tour of contemporary African American artists' work. While you're there, check out another multicultural exhibit, the Edward Curtis exhibit, an American Indian portfolio.

Year of the Tiger Exhibit
Holland Area Arts Council
150 East 8th St, Holland
Feb. 1 - April 26; Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Admission: Free
hollandarts.org, (616) 396-3278

Holland, a sanctuary city during the Vietnam War, possesses a rich Asian community, so it is fitting that the Holland Area Arts Council hosts "Year of the Tiger." In conjunction with the early spring New Year Celebrations of Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian cultures, the free exhibit offers a glimpse into the Asian experience. Asian Hollanders share artifacts including traditional costumes, artwork and sculpture as well as intriguing personal immigration stories. Specific dates to visit the exhibit offer extra family fun. All day on Feb.4, along with the first Fridays of its running months from 6 to 8 p.m., kids learn Asian crafts such as weaving, sapling planting and cooking. A special Kids Can Cook "Asian Delights" class is offered in conjunction with the Year of the Tiger exhibit on Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon for $12, in which kids ages 5 to 10 become chefs of spring rolls, white rice and various stir fry sauces.