This weekend holds many great free activities and events for the kids around Ann Arbor. From getting crafty, to science exploration and fun with puppets there is a fun learning adventure for the whole family!

Begin your weekend Friday after school by stopping by the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) from 3-5 p.m. for free Bottle Cap Art. Learn to make magnets and jewelry from bottle caps. All supplies are provided.

On Saturday, bring the youngest members of your family to Target for a Read Across America from 9-11 a.m. This free event celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss and reading awareness with coupons, give-aways and free storytime. Since you may get a little thirsty, after the event, head over to the Ypsilanti District Library (229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti) at 10:30 a.m. to sample home made root beer and make some of your own.

After lunch your kids can have their choice of free craft events. At the Ypsilanti District Library (8975 MacArthur Blvd., Superior Township) at 2 p.m., kids can make their own book safe (limited to the first 15 kids attending) to hide their secret treasures or hop on over to the YDL Whittaker branch (5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti) at 2 p.m. for the Once a Month Craft Club where kids 8-18 can create some awesome projects. This group does require pre-registration online or by calling 482-4110 ext. 1340.

For those kids and teens more into experiments, the Chelsea District Library (221 S. Main St. Chelsea) is hosting a Science Saturday at 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. To register, call 734-475-8732 or go to the Chelsea District Library website and click on the calendar tab.

If all that doesn't interest you, how about a celebration of Black History month by puppets! The Ann Arbor District Library Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor) is hosting Sid "The Rock" Ellis to tell stories with puppets with a special emphasis on Black History Month. This event is free and perfect for elementary aged children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

After sleeping in Sunday and having a big family breakfast, consider making your own paper airplanes at the Ypsilanti District Library Whittaker branch. From 1:30-2:30 p.m., stop by to check out Snoopy the World War I Flying Ace and make and fly paper airplanes! Parents may also want to entertain their children with a free face painting. On Sunday, Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor) will offer free face painting 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

That's a lot packed into one weekend; however, there is something for kids of all ages. Just be sure to enjoy one of the many free events. If you do attend any of them, please feel free to e-mail your photos to tmayrend at gmail.com.

Tammy Mayrend is a Ann Arbor search marketing professional and mother of two who blogs on low-cost local activities, events, and Ann Arbor area freebies for families at annarbormom.com.