Arts

Family-friendly opera “The Magic Flute”

"The Magic Flute" is opera that adults and kids will enjoy. This beautiful blend of music, storytelling and visual splendor will be performed by Arizona Opera...

American Idol alumni star in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Families who have followed the televised singing competition "American Idol" for many seasons may remember Diana DeGarmo. She took second place behind Fantasia Barrino...

Scottsdale mom heads Art and Sol

Most moms keep plenty busy coordinating their own children's busy lives. But Renee Werkheiser, a Scottsdale mother of two, has about 200 additional children...

Tips for choosing your child’s voice teacher

Maybe your child loves chorus classes at school, or sings a bit when performing with local theater companies. Before you take it to the...

Best January art exhibits for families

Some parents assume kids aren't keen on seeing art exhibits, often because of their own childhood visits to exhibits that felt boring or irrelevant....

Best January performances for families

We've all got a bit of cabin fever after days spent avoiding holiday crowds and cold weather, so it's the perfect time to get...

“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...

Seton Catholic Preparatory announces Valleywide art and poetry contest

Students across the Valley can participate in an art and poetry contest sponsored by Seton Catholic Preparatory in Chandler. Prizes are gift cards ranging in...

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...

5 reasons to see “Mary Poppins” at Phoenix Theatre

"Mary Poppins" at Phoenix Theatre is a fun option for all families---especially those seeking something without a Christmas holiday theme.  The musical continues through Sunday,...

New play explores high school dropout crisis

Why do teens drop out of high school? Most of us assume our kids will graduate, so we rarely consider the question. But the...

Valley Youth Theatre alumni perform on Broadway

Bobb and Karol Cooper must be feeling especially proud. Bobb Cooper, artistic director for Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, and Karol, resident costume designer,...

Through Each Others Eyes:Photos build global awareness

When our three kids were in grade school, we looked for ways to help them develop empathy. Feeling grateful for our own good fortune, we...

MIM drum exhibit is hands-on fun

Kids who dislike museums with a hands-off, look-only policy will find plenty of hands-on fun in the new Musical Instrument Museum's drum exhibition. The...

Arcadia music educator advances toward Grammy

Music educator Richard Maxwell created the Contemporary Music and Sound (CMAS) program at Arcadia High School in Phoenix as an immersive simulation of 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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