Arts

Museum urges kids to “Move it!”

Mazes and stairs and tunnels---oh my! They're all part of a new outdoor exhibit space spanning the front yard of the Children's Museum of...

Exhibits featuring young artists

The Valley is filled with talented young artists who make all sorts of art at schools, libraries, museums and galleries. Taking your child or...

“Rio 2”: It’s not easy being Blu

It's your typical family of five. One parent prefers order, the other favors spontaneity. One sibling bounces through life while another lives in perpetually...

Arizona authors sign books to fund literacy

People stopped and talked to the four Arizona authors seated at a table in front of Sibley’s West gift shop in downtown Chandler during...

The many faces of foster care

Three of nine youth who will take the stage Friday night in a new play called "Shipwrecked" know its subject better than most. They're...

VYT’s “Snow White” is fairest of them all

Mirror, mirror on the wall---who's the fairest of them all? It's the question posed by an evil queen to her mirrors in the story...

Tips for introducing kids to poetry

May the road rise up to meet you. So begins the Irish blessing Tucson father Tyler Meier remembers hanging on the wall in his...

Old plastic becomes artwork

Phoenix artist Shari Keith says she can’t start with a blank canvas. “I need things in front of me” for inspiration, she says. The...

Teachers use drama to promote literacy

Sally Gonzales-Hughes is one of several teachers at a UMOM New Day Centers homeless shelter for families in Phoenix. Her classroom bustles with activity and evidence...

Nature inspires art: Fun ways to take creativity outdoors

Our family has often coupled outdoor adventures with art—taking along a camera, sketchpad and drawing supplies on visits to places like the Desert Botanical...

“Around the World in 80 Days” on stage

For generations the works of 19th century French writer Jules Verne have been required reading for American students. Some take to his tales, but...

A walk down movie memory lane

Remember movies? They're those quaint reels of altered reality we used to watch before Friday nights got consumed by changing diapers and attending high...

Celebrating arts & arts education

More than 500 people---including artists, arts supporters and advocates, business leaders and elected officials---attended the 33rd annual "Governor's Arts Awards" celebration Tuesday night at...

“Divergent” has plenty for parents to ponder

For days teens have been flocking to local theaters, eager to see the girl with three birds in flight tattooed below her left sternum....

“Muppets Most Wanted” leaves viewers wanting

It's not easy being green, especially when there are two of you. The latest in a long string of Muppet movie sequels pits Kermit...

Childsplay wows the cafeteria crowd

A white van pulled up along a side entrance to the cafeteria at Copperwood Elementary School in Glendale earlier this month. A trio of...

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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