Articles

Renovated Burton Barr Central Library to reopen June 16

Just in time for summer, a cool space reopens that welcomes your kids with open arms --- and even better, it’s all free! Burton Barr...

Three recipes for perfect popsicles from AZ Pops

Pam Raphael of AZ Pops knew that moving from Atlanta to Phoenix was the right move for her family business. “We have a very, very...

Donate school supplies to Save the Family in Mesa

Mesa-based Save the Family needs your help collecting school supplies for disadvantaged children. Drop off items at the organization's building, 125 E. University Drive in...

The Body Safety Box: Education expert’s toolkit aims to prevent abuse

The Kahlil Gibran poem “On Children” hangs in my office: You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. They come...

Free innovation curriculum offered to Arizona middle and high school teachers

Fifty teachers and 1,600 students in Arizona public schools can try out a free new curriculum aimed at creating more entrepreneurs and creative problem-solvers...

Disney’s “Mary Poppins” takes the stage in Peoria, then downtown Phoenix

“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke practically made that a household word in the 1964 movie “Mary Poppins.” And now there’s a sequel, “Mary...

The monkey’s uncle: Noteworthy kids books by Brian Selznick

Oh, that Brian Selznick! He’s gone and done it again. He has made a spectacle — not of himself, but an honest-to-goodness spectacle, nonetheless....

5 tips for navigating Disneyland during peak seasons

Disneyland really is the happiest place on Earth. But it takes a lot of work to achieve that happiness — especially when visiting during...

Debra Citron wins Arizona Press Club Award for profile of illustrator Molly Idle

The Arizona Press Club announced this week that Raising Arizona Kids writer Debra Citron won a first-place writing award in the “community personality profile”...

Children’s books that explore service and patriotism in time for Memorial Day

Even though Memorial Day is celebrated with parades, flags and fireworks, patriotic concerts and community picnics and potlucks, it is perhaps our most solemn...

Phoenix Comic Fest brings superheroes and more to convention center

Phoenix Comic Fest (formerly Phoenix Comicon) is a massive gathering of comic book, video game, TV and movie enthusiasts that's become an Arizona entertainment and...

Deep breaths and being kind: A year as a foster parent

Written by Maggie Zehring “Hi! It’s nice to meet you,” I respond a bit forcefully. It feels like the millionth time I’ve heard the same...

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre presents Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.”

Magic, mayhem and the power of love. That’s what Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” is all about. Audiences can experience it May 18-June 17, when Scottsdale...

Local theaters offer sensory-friendly movies for kids and families

The house lights are brighter, the sound is lower and no one will raise an eyebrow if children walk around, dance, sing, talk or...

Temple Grandin appearing in Mesa to discuss “Calling All Minds” book for kids

Thomas Jefferson invented macaroni and cheese. That fact alone can interest kids in our Founding Fathers quicker than tickets to “Hamilton.” It turns out...

Mother’s Day reflections: The woman who taught me how to be a mom

In 2013, I was pacing in my bedroom, willing my body to stop. I looked at the clock: 10 a.m. It had officially been...

PARTY ARTICLES

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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