Arts

Theater company seeks kid reporters

Bryn Creek of Gilbert has been attending Childsplay shows in Tempe since she was a preschooler. She has a special fondness for Childsplay productions featuring...

Museum helps families celebrate French culture

From books to screens big and small, American families are exposed to all sorts of French characters -- from Pepé Le Pew and Belle to...

The Way, Way Back

I recently had the extreme pleasure of interviewing Jim Rash and Nat Faxon, who wrote, directed, produced and acted in the “The Way, Way...

Spending summer days with Shakespeare

"All the world's a stage," according to playwright William Shakespeare. Yesterday several youth ages 10 to 14 started a two-week Shakespeare camp presented by Childsplay...

“Despicable Me 2” a touching single father tale

The minions are still making mischief in "Despicable Me," but single father Gru has lost his will for wreaking havoc on the globe. Apparently...

Exploring family-friendly art exhibits

Think you'll only find artworks exhibited at your local art museum? Assume most exhibits aren't appealing for kids? More than a dozen summer art...

Sesame Street exhibit explores the human body

Does Elmo burp? Do Bert and Ernie eat healthy foods? Can Big Bird play soccer? Your kids might start to wonder after touring a...

Theater camps put life skills center stage

It's unlikely most of the youth who attended last week's Camp Broadway at ASU Gammage in Tempe will choose on-stage careers. That's perfectly fine...

Summer fun with puppet play

If sweltering temperatures have you looking for ways to beat the heat at home, consider gathering all those stray socks and paper lunch sacks to...

Exploring the art and science of dreams

It's rare to find yourself standing under a giant cloud in Arizona, but that's just what families did while touring a new exhibition at...

Local libraries offer critters, comedy and crafts

Teens are learning to play guitar. Reluctant readers are sharing stories with therapy dogs. Families are enjoying game and comedy nights. It's all happening at Valley libraries,...

Tips for family museum meandering

A single image comes to mind when I think of museum visits I made as a child. I see a giant hall with a sterile...

Misfits invade “Monsters University”

After the nerdy kids get invited by the cool kids to a party, they burst through the front door of a local frat house...

Family event features art inspired by food

Andy Warhol knew the power of the soup can, but artist Sonny Assu has a way with cereal boxes. Families can enjoy his take...

Valley Youth Theatre performs “Shrek The Musical”

The house was filled with children donning headbands topped with green or furry ears last weekend, as Valley Youth Theatre opened its production of "Shrek...

“Man of Steel” sacrifices story for special effects

Behind every Superman, there's a supermom. Sometimes two. The new film "Man of Steel" opens with the sound, then sight, of a woman giving...

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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