Arts

ASU Gammage reveals 2014-15 season

For years Valley audiences have been enjoying adaptations of the Cinderella tale, including dance productions by Ballet Arizona in Phoenix and Ballet Etudes in...

Valley Youth Theatre alumni reunion concert

After learning that Valley Youth Theatre alumnus Nick Cartell had been cast in a 2012 revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar,” I...

Musical “Pippin” depicts teen’s search for meaning

Even families who don't recognize the name of contemporary composer Stephen Schwartz are familiar with his works, including music and lyrics for the Broadway...

Teen musician realizes longtime dream

Chandler mother Theresa Chai suspects her daughter's initial interest in playing violin came from watching her big brother play, but these days 15-year-old Tiffany...

Arizona teens compete in dance, drama and voice

More than 100 teens will compete this month in the Arizona Young Artists' Competition at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix. The competition began...

When your dad is a dog: A “Mr. Peabody” review

"It's an adoptive relationship," characters sometimes explain during "Mr. Peabody & Sherman," a film about a genius dog who adopts the baby boy he...

Valley students blend music with math

I entered the music classroom at Westar Elementary School in Goodyear last week to find two walls lined with keyboards, a giant white board...

Parents react to propaganda exhibit

Phoenix parents Bill and Somerset Gallmeyer admit they practically had to drag their three sons along to see "State of Deception: The Power of...

Mom and daughter battle cancer together

Scottsdale mom and art teacher Rachel Householder has been known to drive around town with a big stack of torsos in the back of...

Fighting hate with “The Laramie Project”

Spotlight Youth Theatre in Glendale isn't afraid to tackle tough topics. Last year, they performed "The Yellow Boat," which shares the story of a Tempe...

Playful pirates spotted in Scottsdale

Scottsdale families are used to seeing all sorts of tourists this time of year, although pirates aren't typically among them. Still, you'll spot plenty...

Fairy tale explores a father’s change of heart

When the father in the English fairy tale "Cap O' Rushes" asks his three daughters to confirm their undying devotion to him, he's met...

A mother/daughter crusade for art

"My daughter constantly has a pencil in her hand," says Scottsdale mom Jennifer Silver, describing daughter Ariana's love of art. One day Ari, then just...

Students work to liven up SRP’s canals

The 131 miles of SRP canals carry water throughout the Valley. They provide a place to walk, run, bike and fish, though most of...

Valley Youth Theatre performs “The Jungle Book”

Families got their first opportunity to buy Disney's 1967 film "The Jungle Book" on Blu-Ray and Digital HD this week. It's based on a...

A first look at Mesa’s i.d.e.a. Museum

Visitors to the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa last Friday morning were greeted by the sight of father-daughter circus performers. Martin Taylor of the Taylor...

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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