Arts

Childsplay stages “The Phantom Tollbooth” at Tempe Center for the Arts

Life is totally boring for a boy named Milo --- until a mysterious tollbooth suddenly appears in his room. He finds himself knee-deep in...

Balancing act: Kid performers find harmony between studies and stage

When school starts, some kids are pulling double duty managing academics and a demanding performing arts schedule. Practice time can absorb 16 to 20...

The perfect illustration: Molly Idle’s busy, idyllic life

I know exactly how Tea Rex feels. He’s the semi-civilized tyrannosaur who takes tea with Cordelia and her little brother in Molly Idle’s hilarious breakthrough...

Arizona Sunrays opens new Phoenix gymnastics and dance complex

Twenty-six years into owning Arizona Sunrays gymnastics and dance center in Phoenix, Dan and Julie Witenstein are finishing up the biggest construction project of...

Acting classes for kids and teens

Childsplay Sybil B. Harrington Campus for Imagination and Wonder at Mitchell Park 900 S. Mitchell Drive, Tempe 480-921-5700 • childsplayaz.org Camps and classes for children and teens ages...

Valley Youth Theatre brings “Shrek The Musical” to the Herberger

What better way to experience a fairytale ending to summer than to spend it with a lovable ogre who finds himself on a life-changing...

Phoenix mom brings to life Sesame Street’s new Muppet with autism

Stacey Gordon knows how to get to Sesame Street. Gordon is the Phoenix mom/puppeteer behind Julia, the Muppet with autism who debuted on Sesame Street...

Family Time: Top August events in metro Phoenix

School days are sneaking back into our daily lives. But before you pack those backpacks, soak up a few more lazy days of summer...

After a hiatus from live music, “The Nutcracker” brings back the symphony

A local holiday entertainment staple, Ballet Arizona's "The Nutcracker" will return this year with live music by the Phoenix Symphony. The symphony was absent...

Gilbert theater creates magical under-the-sea kingdom for “The Little Mermaid”

Despite the wishes of her father, King Triton, young mermaid Ariel longs to become part of the human world above the sea. When she...

Valley Youth Theatre brings “The Wizard of Oz” to Herberger

Ever heard of a scarecrow without a brain, a tin man without a heart or a lion without courage? Or what about Dorothy, a...

“Beauty and the Beast” travels from Peoria to Phoenix

Time is running out for the Beast, who is no beast at all, but rather a young prince trapped by a curse. Trapped with...

“Legally Blonde The Musical” takes the Glendale stage

  Filled with memorable songs and lively dances, “Legally Blonde The Musical” is an unlikely tale of self-discovery and transformation that manages to be hilarious,...

Greasepaint Youtheatre brings “Peter and the Starcatcher” to Scottsdale stage

Filled with marauding pirates, mermaids, Lost Boys, jungle tyrants, a crocodile and a flying cat, not to mention unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, “Peter...

Parents Night Out: May date-night ideas for couples

May is here, and it is a great time to sneak in some couples time before the kids are home for summer break. Here...

Childsplay transforms “Alice in Wonderland” into rock opera onstage in Tempe

Alice falling down a rabbit hole may be old news. But what if it involves rock ’n’ roll, with the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat...

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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