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Phoenix Zoo to reopen Sept. 19 to general public

The Phoenix Zoo reopens to the general public on Saturday, Sept. 19, following a Sept. 14 reopening for zoo members. The zoo will be operating...

My mother, a Holocaust survivor, distilled life’s lessons to three profound basics

Maybe I was in denial. My mother seemed immortal. Marianne Greenblum, the feisty Holocaust survivor “who never looked back” (my brother’s words), was still...

GiGi’s Playhouse offers free tutoring for students with Down syndrome

GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix — one of only 49 Down Syndrome Achievement Centers for children across the United States and Mexico — has turned its...

Desert Botanical Garden hours expand for fall

As summer temperatures (finally!) start heading down, the Desert Botanical Garden is expanding admission hours to welcome visitors seeking an outdoor escape. Beginning Sept....

A mother’s letter to her daughter in the time of COVID-19

You are growing up in a difficult time. The world is at a tipping point, and you and your generation are going to be...

Girl Scouts offers free “Make New Friends” virtual event series

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council and Girl Scouts of the USA are hosting free “Make New Friends” virtual events to help young girls start kindergarten...

Phoenix Mercury star featured in “She Persisted in Sports” book

Diana Taurasi, star of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury, is featured in the new children’s book “She Persisted in Sports: American Olympians Who Changed the...

Arizona Science Center offers in-person support for online education

Arizona Science Center is offering in-person education support and enrichment for K-6 students navigating remote learning until school campuses can safely reopen. Science Hall (think...

9 mental health tips for COVID-frazzled kids and parents

This month, kids and parents will be tested. This test won’t be graded, or held in a classroom, but will play out in our...

Homeschooling is not the same as distance learning

As uncertainty about the coming school year dragged into July, Glendale mom Arika Hall made a decision. Her family will homeschool their middle-school-age son...

AAP issues new COVID-19 guidelines for masks and testing

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued updated guidelines for the use of face coverings and coronavirus testing protocols for children. The AAP is now...

5 strategies for teaching tolerance that is authentic and sustainable

My naive upbringing in Upland, California led me to believe that racism and discrimination were evil traits from the past. My elementary teachers would...

Gilbert dad invents water bottle for on-the-go handwashing

Suds2Go — a dual-purpose water bottle for handwashing on the go — was invented by a Gilbert dad during a bad flu season. Gabe...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Not knowing everything is part of the adventure

When I walked out of REI with a rental backpack more than three years ago, my kids could feel my excitement. I was absolutely...

Using Common Sense: 9 ways to motivate kids for online learning

With COVID-19 numbers still high in Arizona, and in-person learning delayed, distance learning is the new back-to-school reality. As a parent, you probably have...

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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