APS center – Aux Petits Soins™

Open House & Community Meet-Up

Come for the Answers. Stay for the Community. 🇫🇷

Have last-minute questions? Want to meet other families, reconnect with members of the Aux Petits Soins community, or simply see what we’re all about?

Then be sure to stop by our Open House on Saturday, September 12, from 2–4 p.m. It’s the perfect opportunity to chat with our team, connect with other French language and culture enthusiasts, and learn more about our programs before the academic year begins.

We’ll be publishing the full schedule of activities soon. In the meantime, save the date and make sure to stop by to say Bonjour!

Introducing the Aux Petits Soins French Lending Library

Bring French reading into your home with the new Aux Petits Soins™ French Lending Library!

Our carefully curated collection of French books for children ages 0-12 helps support language learning while fostering a love of reading. Members can browse our online catalog and borrow books throughout the school year. A teen collection is coming soon!

Memberships are available for $7/month (plus a refundable deposit for new members).

Visit the library page to learn more about membership, borrowing policies, and how to subscribe.

7th Annual APS Carnaval Celebration

Join us on Sunday, March 1, 2026, for the 7th Annual APS Carnaval Celebration!

Lansing-area French culture enthusiasts are invited to experience one of the world’s most festive celebrations –Carnaval! This explosion of color, music, costumes, and delicious food marks the days leading up to Mardi Gras. While most Michiganders will be enjoying paczki, we’ll celebrate the French way with authentic beignets.

This family-friendly event offers something for every age group:

Immersion Class for Little Ones (Ages 0–5)

A lively French-immersion session filled with songs, movement, stories, and age-appropriate activities designed to keep our youngest learners engaged and smiling.

Craft Table for Older Kids

Children ages 5 and up can let their imaginations run wild as they create the perfect accessory for their Carnaval costume, including masks, crowns, and colorful decorations inspired by Mardi Gras traditions.

Beignet Demonstration

Watch how authentic French beignets are made and discover the traditions behind this delicious Carnaval treat.

Cost: $15 per person. All attendees must purchase a ticket.

7th Annual APS Chandeleur Party

Three Events • One Delicious Tradition • Something for Everyone

Join us on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, for the 7th Annual Chandeleur Party!

Known in France as La Chandeleur (Candlemas), this beloved holiday marks the midpoint of winter and has long been celebrated by gathering with family and friends to enjoy crêpes and cider. (It is also the origin of the North American Groundhog Day tradition!)

Whether you’re introducing a toddler to French traditions, making crêpes as a family, or enjoying a festive evening with friends, there’s a Chandeleur celebration for everyone. Each session includes activities that introduce participants to the traditions and customs surrounding this warm and joyful French holiday.

10-11:30 a.m. : Immersion Adventure for Little Ones – Kids 0-5

Discover Chandeleur through a French immersion class designed especially for young learners. We’ll enjoy songs, stories, hands-on activities, and explore everyone’s favorite crêpe toppings in a playful environment created to delight our youngest participants.

Cost: $25 per child

Includes:

  • Admission to the immersion class
  • One crêpe
  • One activity kit

Save 20% with Early Bird pricing through January 6, 2027.

2-4 p.m. : Culinary Enrichment: Make Your Own Crêpes – Families

Bring your favorite toppings and spend the afternoon learning to prepare both savory and sweet French crêpes together. It’s a relaxed, delicious way to experience one of France’s most cherished traditions as a family.

Along the way, you’ll also participate in a fun French immersion activity. No prior knowledge of French is required.

Cost: $35 per person

Includes:

  • Guided crêpe-making instruction
  • One savory crêpe and one sweet crêpe
  • French immersion activity

Save 20% with Early Bird pricing through January 6, 2027.

7-9 p.m. : Culinary Enrichment: Make Your Own Crêpes – Adults

Looking for a festive evening with friends or a unique date night?

Bring your favorite wine, cider, or beverage along with your favorite crêpe toppings, then enjoy a relaxed evening learning to prepare both savory and sweet French crêpes.

You’ll also take part in a lively French immersion activity –no previous French experience necessary.

Cost: $35 per person

  • Guided crêpe-making instruction
  • One savory crêpe and one sweet crêpe
  • French immersion activity

Save 20% with Early Bird pricing through January 6, 2027.

Can’t Make It?

If you can’t attend on Feb. 6, you can still enjoy the experience by booking a private crêpe workshop for your family, friends, homeschool group, or organization.

Cost: $350 per session (up to 6 participants)

Contact us for details.

9th Annual APS King Cake Party

Three Events • One Delicious Tradition • Something for Everyone

Join us on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2027, for the 9th Annual King Cake Party! We’re bringing back all your favorites and adding even more ways to celebrate.

No matter which event you choose, the star of the day shines at the heart of it all:
la galette des rois (king cake), the iconic pastry of France’s traditional Épiphanie celebration.
Each session includes activities that help you discover how French families celebrate this beloved holiday.

10-11:30 a.m. : Immersion Adventure for Little Ones – Kids 0-5

A mini French immersion class for kids 0-5 with songs, stories and hands-on activities to discover la galette des rois and the traditions of Épiphanie.

Cost: $25 per child

Includes:

  • Admission to the immersion class
  • One individual king cake
  • One crown-making activity kit

Save 20% with Early Bird pricing through December 9, 2026.

2-4 p.m. : Culinary Enrichment: Make Your Own King Cakes – Families

Learn to prepare authentic French king cakes during this fun, guided baking workshop. Each table creates delicious galettes from scratch and takes home everything needed to continue the tradition.

One lucky guest will discover the hidden porcelain charm (la fève) and be crowned king or queen!

Cost: $75 per table (for up to 3 participants)

Includes:

  • Guided baking instruction
  • Ingredients and supplies to make three mini king cakes or one large king cake
  • One porcelain charm (une fève)
  • One paper crown

Save 20% with Early Bird pricing through December 9, 2026.

7-9 p.m. : Culinary Enrichment: Make Your Own King Cakes – Adults

Looking for a festive evening with friends or a unique date night?

Join our BYOB-friendly adult session, enjoy good company and bake your galettes with a glass of wine, cider or beverage of your choice.

Cost: $75 per table (up to 3 participants)

  • Guided baking instruction
  • Ingredients and supplies to make three mini king cakes or one large king cake
  • One porcelain charm (la fève)
  • One paper crown

Save 20% with Early Bird pricing through December 9, 2026.

Can’t Make It?

If you can’t attend on January 9, you can still enjoy the experience by booking a private King Cake workshop for your family, friends, homeschool group, or organization.

Cost: $350 per session (up to 6 participants)

Contact us for details.

Fête de la Musique at Fish Ladder Music Park

A collaborative community celebration presented by LansingRiverfront.org and Aux Petits Soins

Celebrate music from around the world at Lansing’s first Fête de la Musique, a free community festival bringing global sounds, cultures, and rhythms to Fish Ladder Music Park in Old Town.

Created through a collaboration between LansingRiverfront.org and Aux Petits Soins, this event combines Lansing’s vibrant local arts scene with an international tradition celebrated in cities around the world. Together, the organizations aim to create an inclusive community experience where music becomes a shared language connecting people of all ages and backgrounds.

Originating in France and now celebrated globally, Fête de la Musique invites everyone to experience the joy of music in public spaces. Lansing’s celebration will feature live performances, interactive musical activities, and opportunities for audience participation throughout the afternoon and evening.

Enjoy an afternoon of diverse music, community connection, and summer fun along the Grand River.

Event Details
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Time: 3:00–7:00 PM
Location: Fish Ladder Music Park
Address: 216 E Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI
Cost: Free and open to the public
Ages: All ages welcome

This free event is made possible through community partnership and support from the Community Foundation.

6th Annual APS Chandeleur Party

Three Events • One Delicious Tradition • Something for Everyone!

Joins us Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, for the 6th Annual APS Chandeleur Party! In French culture, this holiday commemorates the “halfway through winter” point (and is the source of the United States’ Groundhog Day tradition), and is celebrated with cider and crêpes!

Once again, we’re offering three unique events so French connoisseurs of every age can celebrate in a setting that suits them best. Each session includes activities that help you discover how French families celebrate this warm, joyful tradition!

10-11:30 a.m. : Immersion Adventure for Little Ones (Ages 0-5)

Learn about Chandeleur though a French immersion class designed especially for children ages 0-5. We’ll enjoy songs, stories, explore our favorite crêpe toppings and engage in hands-on activities tailored to keep the youngest learners involved and delighted.

Cost: $15 per child (includes French immersion class and one set of craft activities.)

To purchase your ticket, go here.

2-4 p.m. : Culinary Enrichment: Make Your Own Crêpes – Family

Bring your favorite toppings and spend the afternoon making savory and sweet crêpes with your family. It’s a relaxed, delicious way to learn a beloved French tradition together!

Cost: $15 per person (includes culinary enrichment activity that will allow you to make one savory and one sweet crêpes). All attendees must have a ticket.

To purchase your ticket, go here.

7-9 p.m. : Culinary Enrichment: Make Your Own Crêpes – Adults

Prefer a relaxed experience with friends, or a festive date-night activity? At this BYOB-friendly adult session, you’ll enjoy good company, bring your favorite toppings and spend the evening making both savory and sweet crêpes.

Cost: $15 per person (includes culinary enrichment activity that will allow you to make one savory and one sweet crêpes).

To purchase your ticket, go here.

6th Annual APS Carnaval Celebration

Due to an unexpected HVAC issue and lack of heat at Aux Petits Soins, the Carnaval Celebration originally scheduled for February 22 has been postponed to March 1, 2026.

Join us Sunday, February 22, 2026 (now March 1st), for the 6th Annual APS Carnaval Celebration! Lansing-area French culture enthusiasts will have a chance to take part in one of the biggest parties in the world – Carnaval! This explosion of color, music and food is the big lead-up to Mardi Gras, and while most Michiganders will be indulging in paczki, we’ll commemorate this annual feast with authentic French beignets!

This family-friendly event is designed to offer something fun for every age group:

Immersion Class for Little Ones (Ages 0-5)

A lively French-immersion session filled with songs, movement and age-appropriate activities to keep the youngest learners engaged and smiling.

Craft Table for Older Kids

Children ages 5+ can let their imaginations run wild as they create the perfect accessory for their Carnaval costume — masks, crowns and colorful decorations inspired by Mardi Gras traditions.

Beignet Demo

Families will also have the chance to watch how beignets are made, providing a delicious window into a beloved French celebration.

Cost: $15 per person – All attendees must have a ticket.

To purchase your tickets, go here.

8th Annual APS King Cake Party

Three Events • One Delicious Tradition • Something for Everyone

Join us on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, for the 8th Annual King Cake Party! We’re bringing back all your favorites and adding even more ways to celebrate.

No matter which event you choose, the star of the day shines at the heart of it all:
la galette des rois (king cake), the iconic pastry of France’s traditional Épiphanie celebration.
Each session includes activities that help you discover how French families celebrate this beloved holiday.

10-11:30 a.m. : Immersion Adventure for Little Ones – Kids 0-5

A mini French immersion class for kids 0–5 with songs, stories and hands-on activities to discover la galette des rois and the traditions of Épiphanie.

Cost: $15 per child (includes class admission and one set of crown-building supplies)

To purchase your tickets, go here.

2-4 p.m. : Culinary Enrichment: Make Your Own King Cakes – Families

Learn how to prepare authentic king cakes in a fun, guided baking session. Each table receives supplies to make three mini galettes, including a porcelain charm and crown … because someone must be king or queen!

Cost: $60 per table (includes the instructional session and one set of supplies to make three mini king cakes, complete with a porcelain charm and crown.)

To reserve your table, go here.

7-9 p.m. : Culinary Enrichment: Make Your Own King Cakes – Adults

Prefer a relaxed session with friends or a festive date night?
Join our BYOB-friendly adult session, enjoy good company and bake your galettes with a glass of wine, cider or beverage of your choice.

Cost: $60 per table (includes instructional session for a group up to three people and one set of supplies to make three mini king cakes, complete with a porcelain charm and crown.)

To reserve your table, go here.