A new performance center is coming to A2AC in downtown Ann Arbor.

Here's what's open for families on President's Day in Ann Arbor.

Ann Arbor is the top place to raise a family in the country, according to Fortune Magazine.

The Ann Arbor Art Center is offering a wide variety of art classes this winter.

Here’s where you can have a hauntingly good time around Ann Arbor.

Hit the ice in costume in Ann Arbor on Halloween.

A4 readers who subscribe to our newsletter can enter the giveaway for a chance to win either a family 4-pack of tickets to the Wiard’s daytime Country Fair or a pair of tickets to its nighttime haunted thrill park.

This year, Washtenaw County community members can visit its family-friendly daytime fair and spooky night-time terrors.

The event is part petting zoo, part Halloween haunt and part live stage show.

Participate in several Halloween-themed activities at the Leslie Science & Nature Center on Oct. 30.

Learn about trees up close at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

ANN ARBOR – It’s been a long year of closures, and one group that has felt it the most is parents. Luckily, the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum has begun offering reservations for pods of up to 25 people to come and enjoy the beloved children’s museum. How it works:Each pod pays a set price for a group up to 25 people (including babies). To qualify, the registrant must be an EBT or WIC card holder. The card must be shown to museum staff on the day of their reservation.

To help beat the winter blues, families are encouraged to venture outdoors to play, spend time together and get some fresh air. “In Gaffield Children’s Garden, we provide rich, open-ended nature play experiences. We encourage families to participate and replicate what we do here, in their own homes, apartments, and parks.”One such activity is constructing a winter obstacle course. They posted this obstacle course over the weekend:Anything can be used to construct the obstacle course -- snow balls, sticks, stumps and rope, to name a few items. Make sure you associate a mission with the course: “Let’s hop over three snowballs, circle the stump two times and sprint to the tree.”To see the full guide on creating a fun winter obstacle course, click here.

ANN ARBOR – Local youth theater group Young People’s Theater has launched a fundraising campaign to stay open amid the coronavirus pandemic. Since 1977, the youth theater group has been putting on productions and hosting camps and classes for kids ages five and up. When the pandemic began in March, YPT had to stop all activities, which halted incoming revenue. The theater company, a 501(c)(3) non profit run exclusively by volunteers, fears it will be forced to close if it cannot raise funds to cover operational expenses. Young People’s Theater is at 331 Metty Dr. STE 3.

Medical specialty camp for children with serious health challenges North Star Reach will host a Drive-Thru Halloween Glow & Lights Show this season. The drive through the camp will feature spook-tacular illuminated displays, a wooded wonderland and singing jack-o'-lanterns. Tickets are $25 per car and all proceeds benefit North Star Reach, which provides a free summer camp experience for families with children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses. (©John Baird 2020 | North Star Reach)Dates and times:Friday, Oct. 23rd | 7 p.m.–9 p.m.Friday, Oct. 30th | 7 p.m.–9 p.m.Saturday, Oct. 31st | 7 p.m.–9 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 1st | 6 p.m.–8 p.m. North Star Reach is at 1200 University Camp Drive in Pinckney.