Travel

Raising Outdoor Kids: Here’s how to reserve a national parks campsite

Getting a campsite for tent camping or RV camping inside a national park takes planning, because each park has a different reservation window.

Preparing kids (and parents) for summer sleepaway camp

Sleepaway camp conjures images of idyllic sunny days filled with sing-alongs, matching T-shirts, lake activities, close friendships, crafts, and, with some luck, a few...

Learn to camp as a family during AZ Family Campout Program weekends

Have you thought about taking the family camping but didn’t feel confident in your wilderness skills — or your kids' attention spans for roughing...

3 free treasure hunts families can enjoy together — anywhere

Raising kids in Arizona affords many opportunities to spend time outdoors, especially during these beautiful winter months. But what outdoor activities help strengthen family...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Let ’em climb — indoors and out

If given the option, kids generally wouldn’t choose a documentary when they’re handed the TV remote. But “The Dawn Wall” was different. Our five only...

Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park and resort celebrates Scottsdale grand opening

Great Wolf Lodge, a new indoor water park and resort, celebrated it's Scottsdale grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 17. The 350-room, all-suite hotel next...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Yes, a family road trip without screens is possible

It was going to be a long trip through Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, and we knew it would be challenging. We plotted a...

San Diego caters to visiting families with “kids free” deals in October

Every October, San Diego reaches out to families with free deals for kids --- including free admission (with an adult ticket) to major attractions...

7 lessons your kids will learn from family travel

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of...

Costa Rica: A destination for family adventures

Have you heard the Spanish expression pura vida? Literally translated, it means “simple life” or “pure life.” But in Costa Rica, it’s used more...

Taking a road trip? Try listening to an audiobook as a family

When my family travels in airplanes, it’s every person for him or herself. My 8-year-old son can sit through any intercontinental flight with an...

My summer “sacrifice” — sending triplets to sleepaway camp

We drive along a winding road, finally approaching scenes that feel familiar. Until now, we have seen them only on colorful brochures and website...

Summer travel: What’s new at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens May 31 at Disneyland. Not just a ride, Galaxy’s Edge is an entire new “land” at the Anaheim, California,...

Stay-at-home family adventure: Host a French exchange student this summer

Anthem mom Celina Hayes fell in love with France as a high-school exchange student. Today, she’s the director of Bonjour Phoenix — a three-week...

Raising Outdoor Kids: Exploring the beauty of our national parks

When we finally arrived at Grand Canyon National Park, I remember just being happy to get out of the car. We had been driving...

Legoland California celebrates 20th birthday with new attractions

It's been 20 years since Legoland California opened its gates in Carlsbad — a laid-back beach town nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles....

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