The First Steps PTO is delighted to announce this year’s KidFest on Sunday, May 31 from 3:00–5:00 PM! Join us outdoors at the beautiful Leslie Science & Nature Center for an afternoon of family fun, featuring a live concert with Joe Reilly. As we celebrate 25 years of serving families in our community, your support helps provide scholarships so more families can participate. Don’t miss our 12th annual KidFest!
What to Know 
- Arrive at 3:00pm to enjoy fun family activities and check out prizes from our online silent auction
- Joe Reilly's concert runs from 4:00-4:45pm
- Bring blankets and snacks — ground may be damp
- We recommend purchasing tickets in advance
Join us at 3:00pm for hands-on activities designed for kids! During the first hour, local preschools and businesses will be available to share information about their programs—and host fun game and craft stations around the lawn. Take a look at photos from last year… then come see who’s joining us this year!
Joe Reilly will begin the KidFest family concert at 4:00PM with songs that will get you moving. He encourages active participation with dancing and singing. Joe Reilly's performance is underwritten by Allen Creek Preschool.
Food Trucks We have 2 trucks this year: the Goodie Truck with all your ice cream favorites and a taco truck on-site, offering items for purchase. Please note that these vendors operate independently, and purchases do not contribute to the PTO scholarship fund. That said, we're grateful they're willing to be with us this year with delicious tacos and sweet treats!
KidFest takes place entirely outdoors, so we encourage you to bring blankets for seating, along with snacks and water for your family. Folding chairs are welcome if placed toward the back of the event area. Indoor restroom facilities will be available. We recommend purchasing tickets in advance to receive helpful event reminders, though tickets will also be available on-site.
Online Silent Auction:
Bidding opens on Saturday, May 30 at 8am. Browse items, track your favorites, and place your bids!
Bidding is all online and will close on Monday, June 1st at NOON. Winners will be notified after the auction. Gift cards and certificates will be mailed or emailed; other items can be picked up at Westerman Preschool & Family Center or may be delivered within Ann Arbor. Details will be arranged after the auction.
First Steps PTO's mission
The First Steps Early Childhood Division of Ann Arbor Rec & Ed offers year-round programs for children from birth through age five—designed to nurture curiosity, connection, and joyful learning from the very start. Our classes and camps create welcoming spaces where babies, toddlers and preschoolers can explore, play, and grow, while parents and caregivers build community and feel supported every step of the way.
The PTO’s mission is to ensure that all local families can fully participate in the First Steps program. We work to provide access to the parent education and family support that are so essential to children’s future success—without financial barriers.
All proceeds from KidFest directly support our scholarship fund. Last year, the First Steps PTO provided scholarships to more than 150 children. You can help create even more opportunities for families by purchasing tickets and bidding at the auction!
Unable to attend? You can still help support scholarships by making a donation—every gift makes a difference.
Thank you so much to all our Sponsors, especially Big Blue Swim School - Ann Arbor, Blossom Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Goldfish Swim School - Ann Arbor, Lightbridge Academy-Ann Arbor and The Little Seedling as well as all our Auction Contributors.
