Arts

Exploring i.d.e.a. Museum’s “All Aboard Trains”

Many of today's kids have never traveled on traditional trains, but they still find them fascinating. A new train exhibit at the i.d.e.a. Museum...

Valley Youth Theatre performs “James and the Giant Peach”

As parents, we often look for ways to help our children learn to appreciate perspectives that differ from their own. We want them to...

Dinosaur exhibit opens at Arizona Science Center

Families have one more reason to visit the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix now that a unique dinosaur exhibit is on view. “Dinosaurs in Motion”...

Get ready for the fairy tale ball!

It seems like there’s always a charity ball taking place somewhere. Usually they’re formal, pricey affairs meant only for grown-ups. But the Children’s Museum...

Valley theaters host youth playwriting contest

Most middle school students aren't wild about writing term papers, but some love having the chance to do a little creative writing---especially when they...

3 new family-friendly art exhibits

When you're looking for fun, inexpensive and educational ways to spend time together, check out these three new family-friendly art exhibits that let children...

Preparing kids with autism for the live theater experience

When her son Nate went to watch a rehearsal for Detour Company Theatre several years ago, Jodie Weiss, then a performer with Tempe-based professional...

Inflatable art on display at Vision Gallery in Chandler

Vision Gallery in Chandler has been getting quite a few visits from exuberant children and their families intrigued by artwork that almost has the...

CREATE maker space opens at Arizona Science Center

Families flocked to the opening of the new Arizona Science Center's CREATE maker space to try their hand at unique ways of making and...

Childsplay performs “Sideways Stories from Wayside School”

Life is rather odd inside the 30th-floor classroom at Wayside School, where teachers waver between wonderful and weird, students morph between mischievous and well-mannered...

The oldest arts charter schools in Phoenix

Schools that blend arts with academics provide early opportunities for young students with an affinity for visual or performing arts. They can explore their...

12 places to see kids perform in Phoenix

Taking your kids to see music, dance and theater performances by other youth is a great way to pique their interest in the arts...

How to be a stellar backstage parent

Backstage parents—especially stage moms—have gotten a bad rap over the years. They’ve been depicted in film and television as conniving, controlling sorts who will...

12 holiday family favorites

A Charlie Brown Christmas (Wed-Tues Dec 9-29). Concerned about materialism during the Christmas season, Charlie Brown works to restore the true holiday spirit. Times...

Musical “Wicked” explores perils of popularity

Most kids are eager to be popular with their peers, especially during the start of a new school year. Parents know the path to...

Disney shows coming to Valley stages

I still remember going to the movie theater with my mom, back when family-friendly offerings included films like "Bambi" and "Dumbo." Today’s families have more...

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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