Arts

Tips for choosing a dance studio

Fifteen-year-old Scottsdale twins Caroline and Maria Biondo started classes at a Phoenix dance studio when they were just 7 years old. They soon realized they...

Fun with dance (and doing good)

Susan Silverman is hoping to pack the house for an upcoming production of "Sleeping Beauty," which features more than a dozen youth served by Free Arts for Abused...

Audition news for young dancers and actors

For some kids, there's just nothing quite like the thrill of being onstage. They love the camaraderie and creativity of performing with peers, and...

“Planes” film inspires time with real aircraft

Small planes will be on plenty of kids' minds in coming days and weeks as families head to movie theaters for the new Disney...

“Sneak peeks” of the performing arts season

All those hours spent driving kids between school, play dates, lessons and sports practice leave little time for planning relaxing family together time. But...

My Day at Camp: Valley Youth Theatre

Acting ranks number one on my list of Top 10 Cool Careers. I love what actors do, but I could never be one! At...

Mesa dad finds joy in sharing art

Children who assume that every Smurf is blue might be surprised to meet a Mesa father who goes by the name Aztec Smurf. "I was...

Youth choirs make a joyful noise

Children who sing in choirs get more than vocal training, according to Greg Amerind, Town Choir director and artistic assistant for the Phoenix Boys...

Ballet Arizona moves into new space

Students in The School of Ballet Arizona summer program were among the first to enjoy the company’s new digs at 2835 E. Washington St.,...

“The Smurfs 2” explores the meaning of family

It's  been more than 50 years since Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford conceived of tiny blue creatures called Les Schtroumpfs, which we know nowadays as...

Family fun with The Phoenix Symphony

We often attended concerts performed by The Phoenix Symphony when our three kids were younger, and still marvel at the fact that Lizabeth managed to...

Garden fun with fairies, butterflies and art

Fairy books. Fairy parties. Fairy crafts. Fairy movies. We enjoyed them all when our three children were young. Something about fairies and their magical...

Tips for creating an art-friendly home

Taking a few simple steps to create an art-friendly home gives you all sorts of options for summer days too hot or rainy for...

Fall festival features superhero theme

Kids who love any excuse to don their superhero garb will be especially pleased with the theme for this year's Herberger Theater Festival of the...

Life according to “Turbo”

At the heart of "Turbo," the latest film from DreamWorks Animation, is a snail named Theo (Ryan Reynolds). His favorite pastime is sipping energy drinks...

Disney shows headed to Valley stages

I'll never forget seeing Disney films like "Bambi" and "Dumbo" on the big screen as a child. My favorite film memories still include watching...

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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