Theater

Childsplay performs “Girls Who Wear Glasses”

Middle school can be especially tough for kids who feel different, including kids who wear glasses. It’s a time peers judge each other based...

“Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” at ASU Gammage

During intermission for opening night of the Broadway musical "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" at ASU Gammage in Tempe, I overheard a mother sharing memories...

Best March performances for families

Looking for the best March performances for families? We've found a fun selection that includes a puppet show with an Arizona twist, an orchestral...

Can today’s kids love Shakespeare?

If you think kids won't "get" Shakespeare, you're not alone. I suspected the same thing until my daughter, Lizabeth, tried a Shakespeare summer camp...

Childsplay and Phoenix Mercury to choose Visionary Girls

Childsplay and the three-time WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury are partnering on a new program, "Visionary Girls," to honor young women in the Valley. The...

Valley Youth Theatre’s “The Emperor’s New Clothes”

Although Hans Christian Andersen penned “The Emperor’s New Clothes” more than 175 years ago, it feels relevant for today’s society. If the fabled king who...

Picky eater inspires “Monsters and Peas” story

Parents can get pretty creative when it comes to helping kids eat their veggies. “My son was having some food issues a few years...

February’s best family performances

February is filled with family-friendly performances, including a puppet show that teaches young children about desert habitats, a two-man show that will have teens...

“The Magic Books” reminds us that reading is fun

We spend a lot of time wondering about ways to help children learn to read, especially with all we know about the role of...

Childsplay performs “A Thousand Cranes” in Tempe

Childsplay in Tempe is performing a simple but supremely elegant play called "A Thousand Cranes" through Sunday, Jan. 25 at Tempe Center for the...

American Idol alumni star in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Families who have followed the televised singing competition "American Idol" for many seasons may remember Diana DeGarmo. She took second place behind Fantasia Barrino...

Scottsdale mom heads Art and Sol

Most moms keep plenty busy coordinating their own children's busy lives. But Renee Werkheiser, a Scottsdale mother of two, has about 200 additional children...

Best January performances for families

We've all got a bit of cabin fever after days spent avoiding holiday crowds and cold weather, so it's the perfect time to get...

5 reasons to see “Mary Poppins” at Phoenix Theatre

"Mary Poppins" at Phoenix Theatre is a fun option for all families---especially those seeking something without a Christmas holiday theme.  The musical continues through Sunday,...

New play explores high school dropout crisis

Why do teens drop out of high school? Most of us assume our kids will graduate, so we rarely consider the question. But the...

Valley Youth Theatre alumni perform on Broadway

Bobb and Karol Cooper must be feeling especially proud. Bobb Cooper, artistic director for Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, and Karol, resident costume designer,...

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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