Arts

Character education through fairy tales

Several years ago, Arizona schools adopted character education programs to help students develop attributes including compassion, gratefulness and responsibility. Community organizations responded by offering...

Let’s dance! Classes at Ballet Arizona

The School of Ballet Arizona, the official school for Ballet Arizona in Phoenix, is gearing up to begin the 2014-2015 school year on Monday, Aug....

My Day at Camp: Kidstuff Films

Edward Darkslade, the non-film industry name  for Jim Davis, is a film buff whose Kidstuff Films makes movies for kids, by kids. The effort...

A house filled with folk toys

The first house in the Phoenix neighborhood dubbed Arcadia was built in 1919. Remnants of the original structure are thought to remain in the...

Summer fun at art museums

You don’t have to know anything about art to have fun exploring local art museums, says Kathryn Blake, director of education for the Phoenix...

Creative writing classes—for grown-ups!

There's nothing glamorous about spending the wee hours doing laundry or kitchen duty. When we're fortunate enough to find time for ourselves, it's nice to have...

“Funny Papers” at ASU Art Museum

I remember reading the comic strips every Sunday as a child, sometimes rolling Silly Putty into flat pancakes I would press against the newsprint...

“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...

My Day at Camp: Quartet Camp

The sound from the string orchestra in the sanctuary at the Camelback Bible Church is slow and solemn as the students learn the difficult...

New exhibit reveals power of stories

Once upon a time, stories were shared only through oral tradition. Nowadays, we use tools like Instagram to create and tell our tales. Stories...

Summer travel memories

Sometimes family memories are made in the most unexpected places. Several years ago, I drove to San Francisco with my oldest daughter Jennifer, eager to...

My Day at Camp: Childsplay

Childsplay summer classes at the campus at Mitchell Park in Tempe offer kids ages 4 to 17 the chance to learn theatrical arts from...

“Peter Pan” inspires high-flying fun

Children were delighted several years ago when gymnast Cathy Rigby "flew" across the ASU Gammage stage as Peter Pan. Now Valley families can enjoy the Valley...

“Summer of Love” includes free art activities

Families who gathered last night at The Gallery at Tempe Center for the Arts were among the first to tour a new exhibition titled...

Summer fun with scissors and paper

Our oldest daughter Jennifer discovered the fine art of paper folding during elementary school. We learned while exploring all things origami that there's a...

“Bon Voyage” exhibit takes kids around the world

Families watching coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio may be wishing they could travel to Brazil. Never fear if it's not in 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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