Arts

Building bridges through music

Tom Chapin returns to Higley Center for the Performing Arts (HCPA) this month as part of the Building Bridges classroom program, which incorporates the...

“Nicky’s Family” recounts children’s rescue

For Phoenix mother Deborah Muller, the subject of a film called "Nicky's Family" really hits home. Both her mother's parents, now deceased, were Holocaust...

Grandmother Cathy Rigby soars in “Peter Pan”

Cathy Rigby first soared in gymnastics mode, competing as a teen in the 1968 and 1972 Olympics. But nowadays she soars over various stages, starring...

Fun picks for Valley visitors

After running into folks enjoying the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix with friends visiting from Iowa this week, I was reminded that plenty of...

“Parental Guidance” a smart, funny film

Watching pre-release teasers for the film "Parental Guidance" led me to believe it was just another jumble of crass and crude. Think curly-headed grandson...

“Les Misérables” : Honest work, just reward

"Les Misérables" was born by pen to Victor Hugo -- a French poet, novelist and dramatist -- in 1862. Hugo's story addresses characters in...

Three Claras share “The Nutcracker” experience

As Ballet Arizona performs "The Nutcracker" just three more times this season, a trio of young Valley dancers are preparing to perform the role...

“Rise of the Guardians” a timely reminder

Were our three children still tiny, holiday gifts at our house would include "The Guardians" by William Joyce, a trio of books recounting the adventures of...

“This is 40” is cute but crass

If you're heading out to the movies with family members this weekend, be forewarned. A new film titled "This Is 40" would be better titled "This...

25 DVDs for family film time

As friends and family gather this time of year, there's something to be said for the simple joys of watching films together. Movies are...

Hobbit leaps from book to big screen

J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" was required reading for students of my generation -- often assigned by teachers and frequently shared between peers. I can...

Think your family is strange?

Ever felt an odd sense of relief after learning that someone else's family might be more strange than your own? It's always nice to be reminded...

Families celebrate with Junie B. Jones

Arizona author Barbara Park has writtten more than two dozen books in a series about a little girl named Junie B. Jones, who always seems to...

French circus comes to town

When the circus comes to town, people think Barnum & Bailey with elephants, tents and trapeze artists. International School of Arizona in Scottsdale saw...

Pooh delights with snow and song

Families were wowed at Valley Youth Theatre Saturday afternoon, even before entering the theater for this year's production of "A Winnie the Pooh Christmas...

“Snow Queen” brings young dancers together

The audience for Saturday's opening of "Snow Queen" was filled with families, including many eager to see friends perform in the Center Dance Ensemble...

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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