Arts

Phoenix hotline addresses rising suicide rates, offers help for struggling teens and parents

Teen Lifeline, a Phoenix-based crisis intervention and suicide hotline, has been helping Arizona teens and their families for 33 years. The nonprofit staffs its...

Childsplay premieres “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show” at Herberger Theater Center

Vibrant color and puppets galore depict a caterpillar who undergoes a magical transformation, a lonely firefly who learns to shine his light by finding friends...

Chandler museum brings to life bleak lessons of history with “Gaman” exhibit

It’s a dilemma every parent has faced: How does one talk to kids about important societal issues, such as racial discrimination? Here’s an idea...

Scottsdale author and illustrator wins 2019 Caldecott Honor

Scottsdale artist Juana Martinez-Neal was recently awarded a 2019 Caldecott Honor for her author/illustrator debut book “Alma and How She Got Her Name.” In...

Valley Youth Theatre stages “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”

When a beloved toy rabbit named Edward Tulane goes on an ocean voyage, he has no idea what’s in store for him. Initially, he’s...

Childsplay and Black Theatre Troupe stage “And in This Corner: Cassius Clay”

A bell sounds, and a young fighter named Cassius Clay Jr. steps into the ring. Before becoming a strong civil rights advocate and one...

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament opening this summer in Scottsdale

You’re not hallucinating if you see a castle taking shape adjacent to Salt River Fields on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near Scottsdale....

Detour Company Theatre stages “Shrek,” “Legally Blonde”

The 46 actors have 16 weeks to get ready for their January performances of the Broadway musicals “Shrek” and “Legally Blonde.” In the piano...

Childsplay brings “Ella Enchanted: The Musical” to Herberger Theater Center

When is a gift more of a curse? When it’s the “gift” of obedience that Ella’s misguided fairy godmother bestows upon her at birth. Childsplay...

Kids in Focus: Photography program gives at-risk kids new perspective

When kids experience trauma, they often disconnect — from the world and themselves. Karen Shell, a commercial photographer and founder of the nonprofit Kids in...

Charles Shaughnessy stars in “A Christmas Carol” at Tempe Center for the Arts

Best known for his roles as Shane Donovan on “Days of Our Lives” and as Maxwell Sheffield on the sitcom “The Nanny,” Charles Shaughnessy...

The power of music: Getting “in synch” with your kids

Something magical happened during a visit with my brother’s family in Germany this past summer. On our last night, as it was getting late and...

Arizona Broadway Theatre stages holiday classic “Miracle on 34th Street” in Peoria

Will the real Santa Claus please stand up? The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade needs you. In “Miracle on 34th Street,” coming to Peoria’s Arizona Broadway...

15 ways to enjoy “The Nutcracker” in metro Phoenix

What goes together better than marshmallows and hot cocoa? How about the holidays and “The Nutcracker.” Just as this classical ballet takes to stages...

Valley Youth Theatre premieres “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical”

With the Arizona premiere of “Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical,” Valley Youth Theatre takes a stand against bullying and bigotry, and reminds audiences that our...

“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” with a TheaterWorks twist

Ever wanted to go on a top-secret mission? Infiltrate an enemy submarine? Capture a deadly foe? Then you should see “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,”...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

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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