Arts

Upcycled Science: Create your own musical instrument

Traditionally made from the skeletons and spines of cacti, rainsticks recreate the sound of falling rain and were believed to be used by ancient...

Q&A with Bobb Cooper as Valley Youth Theatre celebrates 30 years

A local institution, Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix boasts a surprising number of stars among its alumni, from Hollywood’s Emma Stone to Kimiko Glenn...

Colten Cowell Foundation brings “Batcave” magic to kids in need of compassion

What kid wouldn’t want to feel like a superhero? Thanks to a couple of dedicated people at the Colten Cowell Foundation in Phoenix, lots...

Childsplay brings “Charlotte’s Web” to Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix

Wilbur, the lovable piglet with the unlikely but wise and winsome spider friend named Charlotte, is back on stage this season in downtown Phoenix. Childsplay presents...

Phoenix Art Museum admission is free to kids July-September

The Phoenix Art Museum is offering  free admission to kids --- ages 17 and younger --- from Sunday, July 1, through Sunday, Sept. 30. The PhxArt Open for...

VYT’s Bobb Cooper reprises role in “Annie” at the Herberger Theater

For the fourth time in his 23 years as Valley Youth Theatre’s producing artistic director, Bobb Cooper has taken a razor to his suave...

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...

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...

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...

Arizona families needed to host French exchange students this summer

Celina Hayes fell in love with France after spending her junior year of high school as an exchange student through Rotary International. So when...

Kate DiCamillo’s Newbery-winning “Flora & Ulysses” hits Tempe stage

How do you create a new world? A novelist uses language, imagination and skill to make a world that is consistent within itself, and therefore,...

Pop-ups: A “movable” feast of deliciously dazzling books

Every good book is a gift. All you have to do is open it and enjoy. But like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, it’s...

Valley Youth Theatre stages “Little Women, the Broadway Musical”

How can the hopes and dreams of four young women from the 1860s still resonate? Find out April 6-22, when Valley Youth Theatre's stages its new...

Make your own movable books or cards

  Making 3-D paper art is a great STEAM activity and a fun, creative challenge for kids. Here’s a roundup of books and websites to...

Spotlight Youth Theatre stages Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” March 2-18

When the Huns invade, one man from each family must join the war effort, so Mulan rushes off to war in her elderly father's...

Top March events for families in greater Phoenix

There’s no time for spring cleaning this month, because these family events will keep you on the go. Lace up those sneakers, because the...

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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