Dance

Fun art options at Mesa Arts Center

Now that the Valley is filled with freeways, it's easy to explore areas outside your own hometown. As you're looking for ways to spend...

New twist on “The Nutcracker”

A new twist on "The Nutcracker" rolls into town Monday, Nov. 19 on the side of a 40-foot bus. In a joint venture with Ballet Arizona,...

Spotlight on diverse cultures

You'd have a tough time traveling to several regions of the globe in just a couple of days, but your family can enjoy a...

Ballet Arizona breaks ground on new building

Ballet Arizona held an official groundbreaking ceremony for its new home, located at 2835 E. Washington St. in Phoenix, Tuesday morning. The company's new facility,...

Arts festival features children’s activities

Expect plenty of family-friendly activities as SRP and the Herberger Theater Center in downtown Phoenix present the 3rd annual Herberger Festival of the Arts from...

Free, family-friendly Ballet Under the Stars

Each year Ballet Arizona in Phoenix presents a series of free outdoor performances perfect for family outings. It's a popular affair for teen dancers...

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

What started as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson became Hispanic Heritage Month under President Ronald Reagan. The month-long celebration, from Sept. 15...

A charter school for kids who love the arts

“The arts draw them in; the academics keeps them here,” says Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics (ACAA) principal Chris Lalley. Though the students of...

Fall theater classes for kids

Is your child the class clown? Always on the go? Fond of singing day and night? Prone to playing dress-up? Longing for a career...

Let’s dance!

Though our three children attended an elementary school with a strong dance program, many families aren't so fortunate. Parents wondering whether their children might...

Summer fun at Valley libraries

Play a game of word association with someone born during the 20th century, and they'll likely respond with "books" when you mention the word "library."...

Seize the play!

On any given day at the Children's Museum of Phoenix, you'll find toddlers riding trikes and preschoolers pushing child-sized shopping carts. You'll see children...

S.W.A.T. Lake

I've seen police officers in all sorts of settings -- from patrolling on horseback near "ground zero" in Lower Manhattan to poising radar guns...

Dance recital roundup

In dance world, December conjures images of “The Nutcracker.” But June is the month for dance recitals, and we’ve got plenty of them here...

Ballet is serious business

Ballet is serious business. That's the gist of a new film called "First Position," which follows the adventures of several youth from various parts...

Once upon a bunhead

Our youngest daughter Lizabeth, now a college sophomore in NYC, trained for many years in the Vaganova method at a dance studio that's fastidious...

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.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe