Holidays

This season, give the gift of literacy

Written by Kacy Vega. As we dash our way through this festive season, let’s take a moment to conjure up warm and fuzzy feelings for…...

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...

Clamshell packaging can frustrate, cause injury during holidays

That impossibly hard, clear plastic molded around a pack of batteries, an electronic device, a toy — sometimes called clamshell or oyster packaging —...

Tons of snow means family fun

Snow Day at Desert Ridge Marketplace brought out the desert dwelling, snow ball throwing, mitten and pom-pom hat-wearing crowds yesterday. The annual event, held...

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...

Memories and traditions: Visiting the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum

In my family, the Christmas tree wasn’t complete until my father’s toy train encircled it and made its noisy maiden voyage to ring in...

Keeping the PEACE this holiday season

The holidays are a time for peace, joy and goodwill. However, holiday stress can make people lose site of this, especially when they're juggling...

Santa is Skyping this holiday season

With Christmas just around the corner, children are as busy as elves making out wish lists that seem to include every item in the...

Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals for families

We've gotten a lot of press releases recently about Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Here are some options we thought might be useful...

Fun art options at Mesa Arts Center

Now that the Valley is filled with freeways, it's easy to explore areas outside your own hometown. As you're looking for ways to spend...

Fondant pumpkins for fall desserts

Baked goods just seem to taste better when there’s a crisp nip in the air. Leaves fall, we sip cinnamon apple cider and pumpkin...

New twist on “The Nutcracker”

A new twist on "The Nutcracker" rolls into town Monday, Nov. 19 on the side of a 40-foot bus. In a joint venture with Ballet Arizona,...

Ice skating shows in the Valley

The winds and water of Hurricane Sandy swept Olympic Skaters and singer/songwriter Jewel from Atlantic City to Grand Canyon University Arena for two ice...

2013 DSNetwork calendar and other gifts that give back

The DSNetwork 2013 calendar was unveiled Oct. 27 at the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk. The photography, courtesy of Bugabu Images, features the...

Halloween candy: Dentists prefer chocolate

This is the best news ever. In survey results presented by Delta Dental, 79 percent of dentists that hand out Halloween candy prefer chocolate over other...

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.

STAY CONNECTED

16,000FansLike
4,049FollowersFollow
3,150SubscribersSubscribe