Movies and TV

“Room” explores a mother’s boundless love

It's not your typical holiday movie marked by comedic romps and a sappy, sentimental ending. "Room" is a film for parents interested in a...

Sneak peek at the Scottsdale International Film Festival

Think the 15th Scottsdale International Film Festival is just for serious, art-minded movie buffs? Think again. The festival, which takes place Thursday, Nov. 5 through Monday,...

“Inside Out” is a must-see summer movie

"Inside Out," the newest film from Pixar, portrays life inside the psyche of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, where five distinct emotions work together in...

Why teens should see the film “Big Eyes”

It's billed as the tale of a famous art con---but there's much more to the new film "Big Eyes," which also explores the challenges...

“Into the Woods” blends family life with fairy tales

The new Disney film "Into the Woods" is a fabulous blend of family life and fairy tales. It's based on a musical by...

Silly “Night at the Museum” has a serious side

Families who have seen the first two "Night at the Museum" films---released in 2006 and 2009---know they're supremely silly. Museum artifacts from dinosaur skeletons...

5 things to know about the new “Annie” movie

Wondering whether your family might enjoy the new “Annie” movie? Here are five things that may help you decide. It’s fine if you haven’t seen...

“The Boxtrolls” is smart, beautiful film

"The Boxtrolls" is a smart, beautiful film that shares a pair of powerful messages: There's more than one way to make a family, and...

Storybook characters come to life

We've grown accustomed to seeing storybook characters come to life on televisions, movie screens and digital devices. But there's something magical about seeing classic...

Father’s memories inspire “The Giver”

Author Lois Lowry, whose 1993 novel The Giver inspired a new film with the same name, got to thinking about the importance of memory...

Tempe museum makes exploring history fun

I arrived at the Tempe History Museum Wednesday morning to discover a grandfather sitting in a row of three adjoining theater seats. His granddaughter...

“Jersey Boys” a fun choice for date night

Maybe you've driven the carpool while softly singing along with "Sherry," cooed the words to "My Eyes Adored You" during a romantic moment or...

Disney film inspires fire and rescue adventures

Families inspired by "Planes: Fire & Rescue," the newest film from Walt Disney Studios, have plenty of local options for learning more about real-life...

“Earth to Echo” stirs childhood memories

While watching a preview screening for the new film "Earth to Echo," I was reminded of seeing "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" with my mother. I...

“How to Train Your Dragon 2”

Fire-breathing dragons abound in "How to Train Your Dragon 2," the latest film based on a series of children's books written by Cressida Cowell....

“Maleficent” is movie mayhem

Parents eager to rush out and see Disney's dark take on the back story for the evil queen of "Sleeping Beauty" lore should think...

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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