Movie in the Park: Disney’s Finding Nemo
Upjohn Park
1018 Walter St., Kalamazoo
June 27, 9 p.m.
Free
kalamazoocity.org, (269) 337-8191
Grab a chair or blanket and join family and friends under the stars for the Movie in the Park series at Upjohn Park. On June 27, the movie is Finding Nemo, featuring everyone’s favorite clownfish and his journey out in the sea. “There’s so much humor in Finding Nemo—even for adults,” said Denise Siegel, recreation manager for the City of Kalamazoo Department of Parks and Recreation. Games and activities such as a bean bag toss and soccer games will be on hand before the movie starts to warm up for the show. Popcorn will be available, as well as refreshments and the possibility of some food trucks for those in the snacking mood. “It’s been a rough winter and people have been cooped up,” Siegel said. “Having these films in the park encourages people to come out and enjoy the summer.” Future movies include The Lego Movie and Disney’s Frozen in August and The Hunger Games in September for the teen and college crowd.
Saturday Slip N Slide
Rosewood Park, aka Charlie’s Dump
1915 Rosewood St., Jenison
June 21, noon-5 p.m.
$1/wristband lets you enjoy all activities and waterslides
saturdayslipnslide.com, (616) 662-9664
It’s not a party until someone whips out the slip and slide. Imagine four waterslides (each slide is 40 feet wide and 150 feet long) with a piping system in place for a continual flow of water for slipping and splashing fun. This affordable, family friendly event not only offers sliding activities but also features bounce houses, dunk tanks, food and vendor booths with local businesses providing giveaways, services and treats for guests. Sign up for children's workshops from Home Depot where staff is on hand to help kids with projects they can take home. If you’ve got small children, you can take them to the special toddler waterpark specifically for kids that may be afraid of the slides or are too small. “Kids are ecstatic,” said Event Coordinator Lori Hoorn. “Families look forward to this event and for some, this is the only vacation they can afford. It’s virtually free.” There’s even an entertainment stage with a band and a 5k fun run/walk that takes place at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the event benefit KIDS HOPE USA to help at-risk children in the community.
Cultural Art - Face Paint, Henna, Warriors and Princesses
Cynthia Hagedorn Fine Arts Studio in The Homestead
8485 Homestead Dr., Zeeland
June 27, 9 a.m.-noon
$25/pack a lunch
cynthiahagedorn.com, (616) 510-3599
This workshop explores the many different ways and reasons cultures assemble themselves. Boys and girls at the Cynthia Hagedorn Fine Arts Studio in The Homestead are treated to a session involving face paint, shields, clothing for battle, tiaras, jewelry and fashions for show. Geared for ages seven and up, this workshop teaches “the different ways of creating fashions to adorn their bodies for battle or for the ballroom,” said Cynthia Hagedorn, a local fine artist. Children will develop their idea of their own culture through discussions and costume and makeup play. Make a crown, create some jewelry or design warrior fashions—this is a great way to have fun but also educate during the summer when a lot of lessons get lost. “There are a wide range of reasons behind body painting and face painting. Warriors paint with red, bold colors or for a wedding there could be henna.”
What Floats Your Boat?
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids
June 6-8, Fri., 5-8 p.m.; Sat., 1-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m.
Free admission during Festival of the Arts
artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000
During Festival of the Arts 2014, the Grand Rapids Art Museum wants kids to experiment with recycled and found materials to create their own boat. Children gather in Pocket Park located near Wege Plaza and test the waters with their unique creations. “It’s an opportunity to create something out of everyday objects—things you have at your house and use them in a new way,” said Katie Williams, studio program senior coordinator. “It’s a fun way to test the waters, like in a science experiment.” Recycled materials include pop bottles, dowels, skewers and materials that are earth friendly. Even string, embroidery floss and washi tape are utilized to brighten up boats “without making a huge impact on the environment.” This event is a great way to enjoy Festival, the start of summer, a love of water and kids get to take their boat home to continue playing.
