APRIL IS FOR FAMILIES.

Not only is spring break a great part of April, but the many activities in the area will keep you busy all month long. If you are planning family adventures during that time, take a look at this:

Arts and Crafts:
Marshall retailers are offering “make-it-and-take-it” projects for kids on April 4,5 and 6. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. During that week, these child-friendly stores will have handy arts and crafts for kids to make on the spot. Prices range from $2-$3 each. Do all the projects in one day or spread them out on each day. Come create at Oerther’s, The Realm of Creativity, Handle & Hinge, East End Gallery, paper & i, Hemmingsen’s, Vint-edge and The Green Scene. Contact 269.781.5163 for more information.

Dance Lessons at Backroads:
Enjoy a great night of dancing with lessons by instructor Sally Shock. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during April, Sally will teach beginner plus and intermediate lessons at Backroads at 6:30 to 8 p.m. These lessons are for all ages and the cost is $5.

Come join in for an evening of fun, great exercise and new friends.

Binder Park Zoo Opening Day:
It’s here at last…the opening day of our favorite zoo. The animals are anxious to see all their friends after a sleepy time this winter. Be the first to greet the lions, giraffes, llamas, prairie dogs, monkeys, zebras, cheetahs and more. They are waiting for your return.

Opening day is Thursday, April 13, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also open daily through October. Binder Park Zoo is located at 7400 Division Drive Battle Creek, Michigan.

Movies at Bogar:
April is also a great movie month. Especially for kids: The new Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast, comes in April as well as The Boss Baby, the new animated family flick from DreamWorks. Call the Bogar Theatre at 269.781.3511.

The Brooks Nature Center:
Marshall has great places for you to take the kids and get outside, exercise, view nature and have fun. Brooks Nature Center features over 180 acres and an opportunity to explore wetlands, remnant hardwood forest, lake shore areas and over 80 acres of restored native prairie. A variety of bird species can be observed at the nature area, while trails are ideal for hiking, biking or skiing.

For directions stop in at the Welcome Center in city hall for a brochure and map or call 269.781.5163.

Grevers’ Nature Center:
Located off of Verona Road, Grevers’ Nature Center is a great place to hike, bike, walk the dog, jog and view nature. Located in Marshall Township, this park is over 80 acres and was donated to the Marshall Public Schools by the Grever’s Family where they planted perennial flowers and seedling pines. Over six miles of trails were maintained by the family and are still viable today. The wetland areas is a resting place for migrating waterfowl. Ducks, geese and muskrats can be found in the more open water areas. Take your binoculars to observe the various species of birds seen throughout the park and enjoy what nature has to offer.