raisingarizonakids.com OCTOBER 2019
WHY KIDS LOVE
SPOOKY BOOKS
Birthday party ideas DRAMA FREE HOMEWORK Dealing with cyberbullies Leah Pollard (9) of Goodyear at The Farm at South Mountain.
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CONTENTS
October 2019 FEATURES
22
RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS: Tech-free roadtrip
24
USING COMMON SENSE: Cyberbullying is everyone’s business
It is possible to drive thousands of miles with kids — without iPads and video games. Here’s how one family managed the journey without screens.
Ilana Lowery, Arizona director of Common Sense Media, shares why cyberbullying is a persistent problem and what parents can do.
26
DRAMA FREE HOMEWORK JoAnn Crohn shares how to help kids create a homework routine that helps them learn responsibility and other important life skills.
SPONSORED CONTENT
16
BIRTHDAY PARTIES DIRECTORY
22 24
DEPARTMENTS
2
DIALOGUE
4
AZ GROWN
Facing our fears
• The world’s largest touring T. rex is coming to Arizona • Fifth-graders can earn $529 toward a college savings plan • Phoenix libraries to erase late fines • Sari on Science: Making spooky bubbles • The Florence Project: Fighting for ALL children • Why tweens are hungry for scary books • Arizona Helping Hands’ Birthday Dreams program • Where to find cool kids birthday gifts
28
FAMILY TIME!
40
FIRST PERSON
• Top October events • Fun runs and walks • Around Arizona • Pumpkin patches • Halloween events • Onstage family performances
“Speaking up” your kids
COVER PHOTO: Cover model Leah Pollard (9) of Goodyear with her mom Johna and brother Colton (11) at The Farm at South Mountain. PHOTOS BY ALLEN PATROU RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2019
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dialogue
October 2019 | Vol 30 | No 7 PUBLISHER Karen Davis Barr EDITOR Kara G. Morrison CALENDAR EDITOR Carrie Wheeler
U.S. BORDER PATROL
COPY EDITOR Debra Citron
Facing our fears FOR MONTHS NOW, many of us have felt despair about the treatment of children at our border. As parents, it conjures our worst fears about ever being separated from our young children, and whether in our darkest hour, a caring adult would show our children empathy and compassion instead of indifference or harm. The way we treat vulnerable children goes to the heart of who we are as a people. “This is not a political statement about immigration policy,” wrote Kent Johnson, CEO of Highlights for Children magazine, arguing against family separations and child detention. “This is a statement about human decency, plain and simple. … Let our children draw strength and inspiration from our collective display of moral courage. They are watching.” This month, we were finally able to catch up with the busy staff at The Florence Project — the only organization in Arizona that provides free legal council to children at the border. Their answers about what is happening in our state did not help our hearts, but they did give concrete ways we can fight against inhumane policies. Continuing a theme of empathy, Sheri Smith details the Birthday Dreams program that Arizona Helping Hands hosts, helping make birthday wishes come true for kids in foster care. Our October issue also features a sponsored birthday parties directory to help
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parents celebrate a child’s special day. Plus, we detail local spots to find cool birthday gifts for kids. FALL IS WHEN we get to brag about the enviable weather in greater Phoenix. The number of family events and fall festivals this month demonstrates how thrilled we are to get outside to enjoy it. Our Calendar Editor Carrie Wheeler was busy rounding up dozens of Halloween events, fall fun at pumpkin patches, fun runs and walks and much more around the entire state. Finally, in a nod to Halloween, Debra Citron takes on a growing genre in kids books, exploring why it is that tweens, especially, love a good scare. She concludes spooky stories can feel empowering to a child, giving her some control over her fears as she learns more about the scary realities of the world. Maybe that’s why I love Harry Potter so much, and why it may be the perfect time to share it with my second-grader.
Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com
CONTRIBUTORS Sari Custer, Ilana Lowery, Sheri Smith, Lisa Van Loo, Maggie Zehring ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Allen Patrou OPERATIONS MANAGER Tina Gerami-Bynum MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed, Mary Vandenberg IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copyright © 2019 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscription price is $20 for one year or $35 for two years. Back issues are $6 per copy. Make address changes on our website or mail changes to our office. Content guidelines are available at raisingarizonakids.com.
@RAKmagazine on Twitter; RAKmagazine on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest. CONTACT US: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 5229 N. Seventh Ave. #102 Phoenix, AZ 85013-1974 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com
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Valid for up to four (4) free child tickets with purchase of four (4) full price paid adult admissions per coupon. Redeem this offer online at VisitSEALIFE.com/Arizona OR Arizona.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com or present this coupon to the SEA LIFE Arizona or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Arizona admissions counter to receive your offer. Offer not valid with online discounted tickets, combination tickets, or any other discount or promotion. Not for resale. Code: RAKKGF Expires 2/28/2020. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2019 The LEGO Group.
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az grown good to know
20 fifth-graders will win $529 toward a college savings plan
WORLD’S LARGEST TOURING T. REX comes to Phoenix in November
MEET VICTORIA, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton touring the world, at the Arizona Science Center next month, when a world premiere exhibition opens transporting guests to the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Initially unearthed in 2013 outside Faith, South Dakota, Victoria has undergone years of research and restoration and is considered the second most complete T. rex skeleton on record. “This is one of the most significant paleontological discoveries in decades, and to have the exhibit premiere at Arizona Science Center is a privilege for our organization, our members and our community,” says Chevy Humphrey, The Hazel A. Hare president & CEO of Arizona Science Center. “The exhibition flawlessly combines science and storytelling while offering an unprecedented look into Victoria’s story and life 66 million years ago.” The exhibition is open to visitors of all ages. It explores unusual battle scars that may have led to Victoria’s death as well as her role as a mother. The exhibition uses animation and immersive digital environments with the latest paleontological findings to create an educational, emotional experience. Guests who purchase tickets to the Saturday, Nov. 16, World Premiere Party will have the first opportunity to meet Victoria. The exhibition opens to the public on Sunday, Nov. 17, and tickets are $9.95-$11.95; free for ages 2 and younger. General admission ($13-$19.95) is also required. Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org
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THE ARIZONA 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM has launched its first-ever essay-writing contest for fifthgraders. Twenty winning essayists — one from each of Arizona’s 15 counties, plus five additional winners in Maricopa and/or Pima counties — will get $529 to put toward an AZ529 College Savings Plan. The winnings will total more than $10,500. The essay theme is: “I’ll change the world in 20 years by. . .” Essays are due by midnight on Halloween. Fifth-grade teachers are encouraged to make the essay contest part of their curriculum. “Thinking about the future and planning for college is extremely vital, even for elementary school students,” says Deena Lager, director of the Arizona Family College Savings Program. The contest commemorates the Arizona Family College Savings Plan’s 20th anniversary and hopes to raise awareness that an AZ529 plan can help a new generation of Arizonans to achieve their post-secondary goals and help prevent excessive student loan debt. Essays should be mailed to: 5th Grade Essay Writing Contest, Attn: Davidson Belluso, 4105 N. 20th St., Suite 155, Phoenix, AZ 85016 or submitted online at az529. gov/essaycontest/
Facing library fines?
Phoenix libraries will erase them forever
IN NOVEMBER, the Phoenix Public Library will become a fine-free library system, waiving all existing overdue fines and discontinuing the practice of applying overdue fines to items that are returned late. Phoenix is the largest U.S. cities to adopt a finefree program, following a vote by the Phoenix City Council in September. Replacement fees charged for lost items will remain the same: A replacement fee is charged when an item is 50 days past due or when something is returned damaged. For more information, visit your nearest Phoenix library branch or phoenixpubliclibrary.org
C on t u s to a c t v a c l a i s it s s!
A musical about adoption and Foster Care
October 11 thru 27 Presented at Valley Youth Theatre
Discover the power of family music-making.
Music by Ned Paul Ginsburg | Lyrics by Michael Colby Book by Michael Colby and Ned Paul Ginsburg Sponsored in part by
Find a location near you in the Valley of the Sun: musictogether.com/GreaterPhoenix
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RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2019
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az grown STEM
SARI ON SCIENCE
SPOOKY “CRYSTAL BALL” BUBBLES HALLOWEEN IS MY favorite holiday. The ghosts, the goblins, the candy — and all the special effects you can dream up! Every Halloween, our family creates realistic spooky cauldron effects using dry ice. Now that my daughter is a little older, we’ve even upped our game to add a little extra science fun by taking our cauldron idea and making glowing “crystal balls.” I see a lot of fun in your future as you try this experiment, too! Supplies: • 5 pounds dry ice (available at most grocery stores) • Tongs and/or heavy gloves • Safety glasses • Liquid dish soap • Warm water • Large bowl (10-12 inches in diameter), preferably glass, with a smooth lip • Small bowl • Dish towel • Shoelaces or 20-inch fabric strips • Hammer • Glow sticks (optional) Note: Always use dry ice with adult supervision. Dry ice will cause severe burns if it comes in contact with bare or unprotected skin, so it must be handled while using heavy gloves or tongs. Also: Wear safety goggles when handling dry ice,
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especially when breaking it into smaller pieces. Never put dry ice in your mouth, and never store dry ice in an airtight container. Directions: • Fill the large bowl about half full of water. • Use your fingers to wipe a layer of dish soap along the rim of the large bowl. Try not to get any soap in the water. • Fill the small bowl about half full of water. Add a big squirt of dish soap and mix. • Wrap the dry ice in the dish towel and use the hammer to break it into smaller pieces. (The towel will prevent pieces from flying). • Using gloves and tongs, add a few pieces of the dry ice to the water in the large bowl. This will make it look like an eerie bubbling cauldron! For added effect, add an activated glow stick to the water (I prefer green, but any color looks great!). • Dip the strips of fabric in the soapy water in the small bowl and squeeze out a little so it’s not dripping. • Hold the cloth tight and drag across the rim of the large bowl, spanning the diameter to create a soap film. • Watch as your spooky, smoke-filled “crystal ball” bubble appears! What’s happening? Dry ice is not frozen water — it’s actually
solid (frozen) carbon dioxide, which freezes at about -109°F. As the dry ice warms in the water, it actually skips the liquid state and converts directly into a gas. This process is called sublimation. You can see these gas bubbles forming in the water, and the fog oozing out of the bowl is a mixture of cold carbon dioxide gas and water vapor condensing into droplets from the air around it. When you create a soap film over the top of the bowl, this gas fog gets trapped underneath. As the gas builds, it pushes the film in all directions, forming a large, fog-filled, crystal balllike bubble. How big does your bubble get before it breaks? Try adjusting your bubble solution to get the biggest bubble possible. If you’re done making big bubbles, what happens if you add the bubble solution to the big bowl? For more Halloween family fun, join the Arizona Science Center for Weird Science Halloween. Throughout October you’ll enjoy spooky science experiments, demonstrations and much more. Find details at azscience.org. Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, chief scientist at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (5). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.
SARI CUSTER
By Sari Custer
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RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2019
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az grown empathy
Migrant families are still being separated in many instances at the border, according to Arizona-based The Florence Project. Here, the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas processes border crossers.
Fighting for ALL children The Florence Project sheds light on family separations, offers ways to stand up against inhumane practices By Kara G. Morrison FOR MONTHS, MANY PARENTS have felt powerless as children and babies entering the United States with their families have been physically torn from their parents’ arms and placed in child detention facilities. The practice of family separations for migrants at the border has prompted nonpartisan organizations that advocate for children to take a stand. The American Academy of Pediatrics — an organization of 66,000 primary care pediatricians and pediatric specialists — and Highlights, a popular children’s magazine, both have issued statements in recent months about the serious trauma inflicted by inhumane policies. In Arizona, the situation became even harder to ignore as news reports surfaced of neglect and abuse at facilities holding immigrant and refugee children near the
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border and in greater Phoenix. While many groups are trying to help, some local volunteers declined a request to discuss their work, citing intimidation and threats from racist groups. The Arizona-based Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project sees the effects of family separations daily. The nonprofit organization provides free legal and social services to detained men, women and children. Laura Belous, advocacy attorney at The Florence Project, answered our questions about the situation at the border and offered thoughts on what Arizona parents can do to stand against cruelty to all children:
still seeing cases of children being separated from their parents or primary caregivers at the border. While we cannot speculate to what the motivations for these separations are, we do know that separating children from their parents or caregivers inflicts life-long trauma.
The Trump administration has stated it would reverse its family separations policy, but are children still being taken from their parents at the border? Unfortunately, we are
How has your work changed in recent years, and how many lawyers and volunteers do you have helping immigrant and refugee children? In the last several years, our work
What ages are the children you’re helping? We provide free legal and social services to children who are in immigration shelters in the Phoenix or Tucson areas or who have been released to sponsors in Arizona. Our youngest clients are just a few months old. We also work with lots of youth in their teens.
U.S. BORDER PATROL
has changed in several ways. First of all, immigration detention has expanded, and people are being detained for longer periods of time with fewer options for release. Our clients tell us that detention is traumatic and dehumanizing. Secondly, the policies of the current administration have led to cases that last for much longer periods of time and are much more complicated to win. In the last several years, immigration policy has been arbitrary and punitive, and anti-immigrant rhetoric has created fear in our communities. Can you talk about the overall challenges and one or two cases that stand out? The challenges we’ve faced in the last few years have been numerous. Anti-immigrant rhetoric and policy changes have made our work much more complicated and emotionally exhausting. Additionally, detention in Arizona has expanded and the separation of families and the detention of young children has been traumatic for our clients and our staff. These challenges make victories even more meaningful. For example, we were recently able to obtain legal status for three brothers who had been detained for more than two years and separated for some of that time. All three are incredibly smart and hard-working. Seeing those clients enroll in high school in the community and fulfill their dream of being together was something that was really moving to all of us. What does The Florence Project need to continue its work? Funds? Supplies? Donations! Your support provides legal services to detained children and adults in Arizona. When you invest in The Florence Project, you provide “know your rights” presentations to children and adults in immigration detention, and you provide lifesaving legal and social services.
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What else can Arizona moms and dads do to help? Talk to your children about immigration and explain to them that families like theirs are seeking safety and refuge. If your children are interested in helping, help them organize a bake sale or lemonade stand, and they can donate the proceeds. Kara G. Morrison is the editor of Raising Arizona Kids and the mother of Sofia (7) Reach her at kara@ rakmagazine.com.
Visit us now raisingarizonakids.com/digital-library RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2019
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az grown books
The art of the squeal
Tweens are hungry for scares By Debra Citron DO YOU REMEMBER THE “‘satiable child” of Kipling’s “Just So Stories?” The little elephant whose curiosity was impossible to satisfy reminds me of tweens’ enormous appetites for scary books. Why do pre-teens consume stories that scare them silly? The reasons are not silly at all. Author-illustrator Ella Frances Sanders observes, “We do seem to make sense of ourselves and the world as a part of a narrative — we think in terms of main characters … and where the beginnings, the middles and the endings are.” This is true for all humans; but especially for children, because the dark place under the bed, the unknown behind the closet door, and the shadow at the end of the hall demand language and context. So, for as long as there have been kids, there have been kids who crave scary stories. A quick, unanticipated pop-out “Gotcha!” or “Boo!” from behind a door or a tree doesn’t cut it. It’s not like curing hiccups. To be effective, a proper scare requires a slow, stomach-churning, nerve-wracking progression — from everything’s OK to but, then! and then! and then! — to disaster, and just maybe, survival. The creepier, more frightening the monster or alien, the better. Kids want to shout, scream, cry and occasionally have nightmares — and they’re doing it with books. Providing tweens with the means to scare the bejeepers out of themselves is big business in 2019. Some of the credit for this goes to relaxed mores, leisure time, mass and social media, disposable income and reading initiatives. But if demand for this product didn’t exist, no amount of marketing savvy could account for the fact that R.L. Stine alone has sold almost a half-billion books since 1992. (Stine will be speaking at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 at Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix.) Teachers and librarians note that as kids become independent readers, reading often becomes a social activity, and kids choose to read scary. They tout their favorite titles; they lend, borrow, bond and even compete over them. That might explain some of the numbers, but it doesn’t get to the why.
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It can’t be as simple as providing conceptual guardrails for things that go bump in the night. If that were true, parents’ logical reassurances and a few applications of spray-on monster repellant would have done the trick back when tweens were preschoolers. Academics have weighed in on this topic over the years. They all agree that it’s normal for children to glory in the gruesome, but disagree a bit as to why. They say kids like horror stories because they are curious or they are thrilled by abnormal and disgusting stuff or because they need a safe space to face actual fears or because horror makes them challenge the boundaries between the known and unknown. Like the story of the blind men and the elephant, in which each man touches a different part and thinks he knows what the animal looks like, each theory is partly right, but none of them gets the whole picture. Horror writer Victor LaValle comes closer to the heart of the matter, I think. He recently wrote in the New York Times that he loved reading “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” because it was validation that the world was a scary place. “That’s all I wanted as a child, someone to admit that what I felt wasn’t ridiculous or wrong.” Kids aren’t stupid. At age 7 or 8, they begin to notice that the sugarcoated version of the world they’ve been given has cracks in its colorful candy shell. Speaking as a former kid who was obsessed with monsters, I would add that I loved scary stories because I loved the rush of extraordinary excitement they brought, and I loved having some power, even if it was only over my own imagination. I could stop the scare whenever I wanted. I could close the book. I was in control. Many adults don’t remember just how little power children have. I know, it doesn’t feel that way when your 2-year-old throws a tantrum in the produce aisle at Safeway, but it’s true. That fizzy mixture of fright and exhilaration kids drink in when they chose to scare themselves isn’t on the menu when they are just plain scared. Adults sometimes forget what real fear tastes like, whether it’s rational or not. I grew up in a century-old house and spent my childhood terrified of our gigantic octopus of a furnace, and of the nailed-shut trap door
So many books, so little time If a tween read two scary books per week from age 8 through 12, that’s only a little over 500 books. There are literally thousands of titles in this genre, and more are published every year. It would be so easy to miss that perfect read. To help readers find their horror happy place, the children and teen librarians at every branch of Phoenix Public Library will help kids parse the sub and the sub-sub genres and help tailor personal reading lists accordingly. Some favorites are on page 10.
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to the attic in my closet ceiling, but I couldn’t avoid the basement or my bedroom. And I couldn’t unsee the map of Florida topped with a bullseye frozen on the family TV screen that October night in 1962, when we thought the Russian missiles were coming. I was 9, and I believed the world was ending. The world didn’t end of course, but my sense of security did. Scary stories were an escape, a diversion; and at the same time, they were imaginary dress rehearsals for pushing back against the darkness. Vicariously and safely, I could practice being brave. I could be a hero. Kids are generally pretty good judges of how scared they want to be, even if the reasons why are often lurking in their subconscious. Adults should respect the art of the squeal. Today’s tweens have a lot on their plates — so much that I think they’re going to need bigger plates. Global climate change is the new elephant in the room — bigger and faster moving than all the woolly mammoths of last Ice Age put together. Active shooter drills are, sadly, now facts of school life. In comparison, scary stories are pretty small potatoes; but if they give tweens a taste for overcoming existential threats, I say “Bon appétit!”
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Debra Citron is a Phoenix writer, editor and lifelong supporter of children’s literature and literacy.
RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2019
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az grown giving back
ARIZONA HELPING HANDS: Making birthday wishes come true for thousands of kids in foster care By Sheri Smith “LAURA” HAD A DIFFICULT childhood. She grew up in foster care and was shuffled from one home to the next. She has many memories from her younger years, some good — many not so good. But looking back, there is one moment she will never forget. She remembers being led into a room. The lights were dimmed, and several small candles were lit. A group of people had gathered. The faces were familiar, but she hadn’t known any of these individuals for very long. As she drew closer, something amazing happened. They began to sing: “Happy Birthday to Youuu…” Laura couldn’t believe her ears. This was the first time anyone had ever celebrated her birthday — or more importantly — celebrated her. Laura was 15 years old. It was one of the best days of her life. Dan Shufelt, president and CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to kids in foster care, says he’s heard many stories like this, and although he is grateful that Laura has this precious moment to look back on, he doesn’t want there to be any more “Lauras.” “We want these kids to be celebrated,” he says. “We want them to grow up knowing how important and special they are.” Although the numbers fluctuate, there are currently about 15,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system — a number that remains one of the highest per capita rates in the country. These children have been removed from
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their homes for various circumstances, but mostly because of abuse or neglect. The horrors and tragedies they have experienced in their young lives are often almost beyond comprehension, but it’s important to remember this: They are still children. They are innocent, and have been forced into situations through no fault of their own. The foster families who take in these kids face great challenges meeting the physical and emotional needs of children who have already experienced much pain and loss. That’s where Arizona Helping Hands comes in. In 2013, the nonprofit shifted its focus exclusively to kids in the foster care system, starting with its “Safe Place to Sleep” program — providing cribs and beds for children in foster and kinship care. Since then, they have expanded to providing other basic, essential needs including diapers, clothing and personal care items. The organization holds an annual “Holiday Toy Drive,” and every fall it hosts its annual “Back to School Success” program — providing kids in foster care with backpacks filled with basic school supplies. For many kids in foster care, the “dream come true” is the Arizona Helping Hands “Birthday Dreams” program, which provides each child with a gift bag, personalized to make every child feel special. Gifts are chosen based on a child’s age and interests, and every bag includes an age-
appropriate book to read. Foster families are also provided with a “Birthday in a Bag,” which is a party kit complete with cake mix, frosting, candles, cake pan, streamers and balloons. These small gestures may not seem like a lot on the surface, but letting a child know he or she is important and valued is truly a priceless and often life-changing experience. If you’re ever wondering how you can make a difference, here’s one way you can: Arizona Helping Hands is always in need of financial support and donations and is eligible for the AZ Tax Credit for qualifying Foster Care Charitable Organizations. Donations of $500 from individuals or $1,000 from joint filers are eligible for a dollar-for-dollar credit on state income taxes. “This is a situation where everyone can do something,” Shufelt says. “And it’s a great way to get your children involved in giving. Next time you go to the store, have your child pick out some items for a child in foster care.” The drop-off location for Arizona Helping Hands is 3110 E. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Volunteer opportunities are available. Donate online or request a “Birthday Dreams” kit for a foster child at AZhelpinghands.org. Sheri Smith is a Scottsdale freelance writer and the mother of two teenagers.
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az grown gifts
COOL PLACES TO FIND KIDS
BIRTHDAY PRESENTS By Carrie Wheeler
LET’S FACE IT, finding the perfect gift for anyone can be a chore — but the struggle is never more real than with those fickle creatures we know as our children, or their friends. Finding a reasonably-priced something that’s not going to end up in the giveaway bin or at the back of a closet can be a daunting task. While one-click shopping spots and big-box stores are easy gifting standbys, here’s a list of some local spots to add to your radar for fun, engaging, age-appropriate and even one-of-a-kind gifts. CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 2154, Chandler 602-581-5370 • crayolaexperience.com This attraction aimed at ages 12 and younger opened this spring at Chandler Fashion Center. It offers 19 hands-on activities: including customized crayons, 3D coloring pages, melted wax art and more, but the gift shop is a gem, and entrance to it is free. Buy a fill-your-own bin of your favorite crayons, gigantic crayons and more.
COST PLUS WORLD MARKET Locations Valleywide at worldmarket.com From giant whoopee cushions to STEM and craft kits, World Market has a surprising selection of kids gifts start at just $3-$7 (including staples like harmonicas and slime). There are also classic toy options (think Silly Putty and View-Master) and a big selection of gag gifts.
CURIOUS NATURE 5032 N. Central Ave., Phoenix 602-314-4346 • curiousnatureshop.com For nature-loving or macabre kids, Curious Nature sells rocks, shark teeth, skeleton bones, porcupine needles, taxidermy and other other curiosities. Try the $29.99 “mystery” box filled with an assortment of bones, rocks and trinkets.
KIDSTOP 6990 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-609-9012 • kidstoptoys.com This year marks KidStop’s 20th anniversary. One of the
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last local independent toy stores, it hosts an annual Toy Tester event before the holidays and still offers free gift wrap. You’ll find a huge selection of popular toys and must-haves for babies to tweens and teens.
LA GRANDE ORANGE 4410 N. 40th St., Phoenix 602-840-7777 • lagrandeorangepizzeria.com This Arcadia post-workout snack spot is also a good place to find interesting kids gifts. A selection of vintage and novelty candies (like wax lips and giant lollipops), super soft plushies, cool craft materials and well-curated book selection.
LOCAL BOOKSTORES • CHANGING HANDS in Phoenix and Tempe • changinghands.com • BARNES AND NOBLE, locations Valleywide • bn.com Bookstores have a surprisingly robust and well-curated selection of gifts for all ages: academic gifts like chess sets and science kits, building projects, hobby kits and more. And if all else fails, you can never go wrong with some good books.
MUSEUM GIFT SHOPS • ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix • azscience.org • CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX: 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix • 602-253-0501 • childrensmuseumofphoenix.org • PHOENIX ART MUSEUM: 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix • 602-257-1880 • phxart.org
• SCOTTSDALE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART: 7374 E. Second St., Scottsdale • smoca.org Valley museums are filled with culture, educational opportunities and often a trove of great gifts. Visit Phoenix Art Museum or SMoCA for well-designed books about cool artists, art kits and gifts with an emphasis on design. The Arizona Science Center offers science kits, kinetic toys, little robots, astronaut ice cream and other gifts that flex kids’ scientific muscles. The Children’s Museum offers fun toys and gifts for younger kids. Members also get discounts at these shops!
SCOUT STORE POGO PASS pogopass.com A Pogo Pass is a great gift that offers an entire year’s worth of fun at local venues, including select Arizona Diamondback games, Phoenix Rock Gym, Golfland Sunsplash, skating venues, ziplines, the Phoenix Zoo and many more indoor and outdoor venues. Admission (number of visits varies by venue) is included in the price of one pass. Raising Arizona Kids readers pay $39.98 per pass with the code RAK20 (for 20 percent off).
2969 N. Greenfield Road, Phoenix 602-224-0778 • scoutshop.org The scouting world is filled with projects for building capable and problem-solving Scouts. At the Scout Store find STEM kits, rocket launchers, pinewood derby kits, and an array of kid-sized camping gear. Calendar Editor Carrie Wheeler is the mother of Wilson (8). Send calendar info to Carrie@ RAKmagazine.com.
Come pa rt y wit h us! 3 bir thday options No clean up Ages 1 and up
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Calling the Rain by Andrea Pro
SAVE THE DATE: Nov. 9, 2019 • FAMILY DAY! • Learn more online SAVE $2 ON ADMISSION: Expires 1/19/20 • Coupon code: RAK
150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa, AZ 85201
480-644-2468 • ideaMuseum.org RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2019
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Sponsored Directory
BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNING
Planning a child’s birthday party takes time and creativity. These local businesses can help. They offer exciting venues and party packages that can make your child’s special day fun for everyone!
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ARIZONA HUMANE SOCIETY 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix • 602-997-7585 • azhumane.org Ages 5 and up. Animal lovers will enjoy a birthday spent with animal friends. Includes private party room plus decorations, invitations, party host, shelter tour and animal-themed crafts and activities. $225 for 2 hours of party time for up to 20 guests. Additional guests $10 each, up to 25 maximum. Off-site birthday presentations also available.
ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa • 480-644-3553 • azmnh.org Have a Dino-Mite birthday party! Basic party package is $250 and includes 2 hours in the party room plus unlimited time in the museum for up to 30 guests. During time in the party room, a dedicated facilitator will lead a craft activity. Party favor packets available for $1 each.
ASPIRE KIDS SPORTS CENTER 50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler • 480-820-3774 • aspirekidsports.com Ages 3-14. Gymnastics-inspired games, energetic movement, challenging new experiences and an opportunity to use Olympic regulation gymnastics equipment. Qualified coaches do all the work (except cut the cake!) while the birthday child, family and friends enjoy themselves.
AZ ON THE ROCKS 16447 N. 91st St., Suite 105, Scottsdale • 480-502-9777 • azontherocks.com/birthday-parties Ages 7 and up. AZR birthday parties offer climbing for all guests — including equipment and instruction, even for beginners — and a chance to try the free-fall device. Includes party room for cake and presents and special T-shirt or tank for the birthday child. Goodie bags are optional for an additional charge. There is no age limit — we invite all ages, even adults! Three party options and a ninja theme, too! Contact2@azontherocks.com
BUTTERFLY WONDERLAND 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale • 480-800-3000 • butterflywonderland.com/birthday-parties Ages 4 and up. Celebrate your birthday with the butterflies! Birthday party packages include a private party room, all-day admission to Butterfly Wonderland and its exhibits, cake and drinks, choice of party themes and a special gift for the birthday child. Pizza and extra experiences available.
CARRIE CURRAN ART STUDIOS 8300 N. Hayden, Suite A100, Scottsdale • 480-478-8121 • carriecurranart.com/kids-birthday-parties Ages 6 and up. This longtime local art studio has an all-new location with waterfront views that will help inspire your child’s inner Van Gogh. Pick from a popular theme or have the staff design a work of art of your child’s choice to recreate. Bring your own food, beverages and cake. All art supplies provided. $35 per painter, 10-painter minimum.
CIRCUS SCHOOL OF ARIZONA 16447 N. 91st St., Suite 103, Scottsdale • 480-292-7360 • circusschoolofarizona.com All ages. Learn to balance, juggle, and fly! Circus School parties offer a safe environment to try many different circus arts — static trapeze, aerial silks, lyra, wire-walking, rolling globe, juggling and more — taught by professional aerialists and circus performers who are trained instructors. Work in a team, build strength and gain confidence, all while having a blast!
CHILDSPLAY THEATRE Herberger Theater Center • 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix • 480-921-5700 • childsplayaz.org Ages 3-17. Every party includes tickets to your preferred Childsplay Theatre performance with the BEST seats in the house, drink vouchers for each party guest at the TLC Concession Counter and a designated party space for your group to celebrate (including tables, chairs and linens) that will be set up either inside the Herberger Theater Center or outside on their patio! You’ll have an hour-long reservation prior to the performance to enjoy concessions and cake and open gifts! $26-$31 per child.
DESERT BREEZE RAILROAD 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd. East, Chandler • 480-893-6652 • desertbreezerr.com Ages 2-10. Engineer Party Deal: $11.50 plus tax per child (8 minimum). Includes rides, engineer cap for the birthday child, printable invitations, ice cream, balloons, party host and reserved seating for up to 40 people at our Birthday Party Patio. Check out our website for more information and more party options! Deposit required.
FATCATS GILBERT 4321 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert • 5846 E. Longbow Parkway, Mesa • 480-498-332 • gilbert.fatcatsfun.com/birthday-parties-gilbert Choice of bowling or movie party themes. Each comes with a host and $5 arcade card. Bowling includes shoe rental, group photo and party balloons. Movie features choice of film plus one-hour Pizini table reservations, glow golf, pizza and group photo. Add-ons include glow golf and pizza (bowling party) and sipper pins (movie party). $14.99-$24.99 per person; 8-person minimum.
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Sponsored Directory FREESTONE RAILROAD 1021 E. Juniper, Gilbert • 480-632-2702 • freestonerr.com Ages 2-10. Engineer Party Deal: $12.50 plus tax per child (8 minimum) Includes rides, an engineer cap for the birthday child, printable invitations, ice cream, balloons, party host and reserved seating for up to 30 people at our Birthday Party Patio. Check out our website for more information and more party options! Deposit required.
GREAT ARIZONA PUPPET THEATER 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix • 602-262-2050 • azpuppets.org Ages 0-12. By booking a party at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, you get access to a private Party Room before and after the regularly scheduled show with a royal throne for the birthday child! You’ll also receive discounted tickets to the puppet show, craft materials to make your own puppets (which make great party favors!), plus child-size stages to perform in. $50-$300.
GYMBOREE PLAY & MUSIC 7077 E. Bell Road, Suite #206, Scottsdale • 19420 N. 59th Ave., Suite #A103, Glendale • 480-656-0801 • gymboreeclasses.com Ages 0-5. Choose your child’s favorite theme, and we’ll create a private, personalized party experience filled with kid-friendly activities guaranteed to be 100 percent fun, with zero cleanup! We specialize in 1st birthday parties all the way through to 5th birthday parties. The entire facility is yours for the entire time slot of 90 minutes. Additional 30-minute slots may be added. Member discounts apply; non-members are welcome! $299-$350.
ICE DEN 9375 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale • 7225 W. Harrison St., Chandler • 480-585-7465 • coyotesice.com Ages 3 and up. Ice Den birthday packages offer everything you need to host the coolest party in the desert. Dedicated Ice Den staff will assist with your planning from start to finish to ensure you and your guests have a fun and memorable experience. Package details, including party theme and catering options, can be customized for a one-of-a-kind event and feature a Zamboni ride for the guest of honor! $249 (plus tax) and up.
I.D.E.A. MUSEUM 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa • 480-644-2468 • ideamuseum.org All ages. Nurture your child’s creativity with hands-on art or robotics activities at his/her celebration. All parties include museum admission for guests, private party room (90 minutes or 2 hours, based on package), party host, party setup/cleanup and basic decorations. This fall, guest will enjoy the “Weather or Not: Art with Atmosphere” exhibition. Partygoers headed into ArtVille, our imaginative space for ages 0-4, need to wear socks. $225$305 and up (members), $250-$330 and up (non-members). Guests beyond the base party are extra.
LASER AND MIRROR MAZE 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale • 480-270-6200 • odyseamirrormaze.com/groups-birthdayparties.html Guests will be amazed and amused at this high-energy, action-packed birthday party. Packages include private party room, Laser and Mirror Maze tickets, cupcakes, water bottles, goodie bags, special room decorations and a dedicated birthday party hostess. Pizza and extras available.
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER ARIZONA 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 135, Tempe • 480-565-7079 • arizona.legolanddiscoverycenter.com Ages 3-12. Birthday Parties include exclusive use of the private Lego- themed room for 60 minutes with a host, admission for up to 20 individuals (ages 3 and up), free admission and a button for the birthday child, fun party games, and an Activity Pack for all the children! Our Premium Parties also include food and beverages and a take-home Lego build for each child. Contact us to book today! Packages start at $325
MOTHER NATURE’S FARM 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert • 480-892-5874 • mothernaturesfarm.com/parties Birthday parties at the farm with a 10-child minimum include a pumpkin for each child to take home, the hayride, spider web crawl, Alexander’s Adventure Maze, the animals and a private air bounce for $100 plus $10 per child and $5 per adult admission. You are welcome to bring food, cake, and party activities. Four tables will be reserved for 2 hours, and guests may stay at the farm as long as they wish once your party has ended
ODYSEA AQUARIUM 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale • 480-291-8000 • odyseaaquarium.com/birthday-parties/ Create fin-tastic memories with a birthday party at OdySea Aquarium! Our birthday parties are sure to get you noticed and offer certified fun for everyone! Each birthday party has exclusive use of Bumper Boats. And at OdySea Aquarium, everyone is part of the fun. We do all the cleanup! There are three party packages to choose from. Each includes: Up to 14 attendees (adults and children; birthday child is free), unlimited Bumper Boat rides for children, Unlimited Vortex: A Whirling Experience rides for all attendees, two slices of pizza per guest, juice and water, two birthday party hosts, paper goods (plates, napkins, cups) and digital Invitations.
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Birthday Parties!
PLAN AN UNFORGETTABLE PARTY FULL OF
Imagination & Wonder!
Celebrate with the birthday party of a lifetime at The Herberger Theater Center! This special deal includes tickets to a live show, party space and drinks for all partygoers.
childsplayaz.org/birthday | (480) 921-5763
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Sponsored Directory PHOENIX ZOO 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix • 602-914-4333 • phoenixzoo.org Calling all party animals! Let the Phoenix Zoo host your child’s next birthday party and enjoy a fun, stress-free day celebrating. All parties include Zoo admission, a personal party host, party favor cups, crafts, activities, cake, ice cream and much more! With a wide range of party options, it’s sure to be a wildly good time! $350 ($300 members).
POLAR PLAY ICE BAR 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale • 480-291-6578 • polarplay.com Welcome to the coolest place in the desert. Whether it’s 115 degrees outside or a balmy 75 degrees, it’s always a little below freezing at Polar Play. Step inside a frozen wonderland filled with ice games, stunning ice sculptures, and icy lounge areas to kick back and relax. An Instagrammer’s paradise, this is a unique and memorable experience for all ages! Birthday parties include a private room, unlimited access to the Ice Bar and games, food, drinks and decorations. We’ll do the work while you CHILL OUT!
SEA LIFE ARIZONA AQUARIUM 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 145, Tempe • 480-565-7079 • visitsealife.com/arizona/discover/birthday-parties Ages 3-12. Birthday Parties include exclusive use of the private Sea Life-themed room for 60 minutes with a host, admission for up to 20 individuals (ages 3 and up), free admission for the birthday child, fun party games and a Ranger Pack for all the children. Our Premium Parties also include food and beverage, themed goody bags and a private guided tour of the aquarium. Contact us to book today! Packages start at $325.
TOLMACHOFF FARMS 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale 602-377-4747 • tolmachoff-farms.com Ages 2-12. Two hours of party time with 30 minutes of setup and 30 minute of tear-down time. Gift/souvenir for the birthday child, train ride, petting zoo, pedal carts, tricycles, corn box, tunnel slides, jumping pillow, party host, covered picnic area. Bring your own food, cake and ice cream. Up to 25 guests. $275.
TOUCH-A-TRUCK WITH JUNIOR LEAGUE OF PHOENIX 3975 E. Lockwood Drive, Phoenix • 602-234-3388 • jlp.org Ages 2-12. Each Touch-A-Truck Birthday Zone package includes a private tent with tables and chairs, a custom party banner, balloons and tablecloths. Also included is admission for your guests, a VIP parking pass, and Zoom Passes for popular lines. Upgraded packages include Birthday Party Photography and/or enhanced party décor! Your child and guests will meet rescue workers, climb aboard vehicles of all sizes and uses and have a ball honking horns. $250-$550.
VERTUCCIO FARMS 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa • 480-882-1482 • vertucciofarms.com All ages. Two hours of unlimited access to the farm’s air pillow, giant jump pad, mini zip line, hay maze, tube slide, farm animals and train ride. Includes covered reserved area and picnic tables, plus half an hour before and after for setup and teardown. Bring your own food and drinks. By reservation only. $275 and up for up to 50 people.
WHIPPLES FUN CENTER 1510 E. Bell Road, Suite 300, Phoenix • 602-802-8350 • whipplesfuncenter.com Ages 2-16. All party packages include: 1½ hours in a private party room with a host (plus 1½ hours reserved table in the cafe after time in the party room). Unlimited Ballocity and trampolines play and $10 arcade card for the guest of honor plus 10 guests (more can be added at additional cost). We provide two large pizzas and two pitchers of fountain drinks. Party packages include laser tag and/or bumper cars. $265-$350.
XTREME GYMNASTICS 15821 N. 79th St., Suite 3, Scottsdale • 480-596-3543 • xtremegymnastics.com Ages 3-12. Trampolines, tumble track, foam pit. Includes trained staff, cake, balloons, decorations, paper products, invitations, thank-you notes and T-shirt for guest of honor. Add-ons include pizza, inflatables, additional play time. 1½ hours. $230 and up (up to 10 guests), $9 for each additional child.
Did you miss the print edition of the parties directory? Contact advertising@rakmagazine.com for the online directory 20 October 2019
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Birthday Parties
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Saturdays & Sundays Ages: 3-12 • Super fun and active party • Obstacle course, inflatables and much more • Cake, Decorations, Balloons and Paper products • Invitations and Thank You notes Call now to reserve your party!
(480) 596-3543
Arizona Museum of Natural History 53 North Macdonald Street • Mesa, Arizona 85201
xtremegymnastics.com 15821 N. 79th St #3, Scottsdale, AZ
480.644.3553 • AzMNH.org
PUMPKIN DAYS & CORN MAZE October 2nd - November 3rd, 2019 WWW.TOLMACHOFF-FARMS.COM & AZ FIELD OF SCREAMS HAUNTED CORN MAZE
OCTOBER 4th - OCTOBER 31ST WWW.AZFIELDOFSCREAMS.COM
$2.00 OFF GENERAL ADMISSION ONLY( up to 8 people) not valid with any other offers or field trips · 2019
5726 N. 75th Ave·Glendale, AZ 85303·602-999-3276 RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2019
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RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS
Yes, a family road trip without screens is possible Story by Lisa Van Loo and photos by Ron Abelar
It
was going to be a long trip through Utah, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, and we knew it would be challenging. We plotted a course through five national parks over the course of 12 days this summer, sneaking in overnighters at a few hotels along the way to freshen up and do some laundry. We wanted to do it all without worrying about charging an iPad or getting a signal so someone could “level up” on the game they were playing. So we left the technology at home, hitting the road for 3,200 miles in a car packed full of kids — one kid for every available seat belt. It turns out, we spotted every single horse along the route, because those five kids were actually looking up instead of down. We didn’t ditch the tech devices for the seemingly never-ending “Horsey!” announcements. We did it because we wanted our kids to actually experience the new places we were driving through.
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It was intentional, but not punitive. After all, it’s how we as parents experienced road trips as kids. None of the kids will ever forget braving a blinding thunderstorm on our way into Yellowstone National Park or pulling over so everyone in the car could get a closer look at the bison roaming a field as we reached the Montana-Wyoming state line. We also stepped out to look on as a herd of bighorn sheep snacked during the “magic hour” inside Zion National Park. We heard their excitement from the backseat when they spotted elk, and pulled over so everyone could peek through their binoculars. And we kept our speed low so everyone could see every second of Goingto-the-Sun Road inside Glacier National Park, where waterfalls spill down to the winding road at seemingly every turn, and a mountain goat graced us with a majestic pose as if he knew that was the photo everyone
was looking to capture. We can only imagine what our kids would have missed on these drives if they had been distracted by technology. YouTube, Instagram and texts could wait. These places couldn’t. To be real, the absence of technology on a road trip can be a challenge, especially for the adults involved. We had to manage arguments related to someone’s elbow taking up too much room, and someone not sharing the coveted neck pillow we awarded to the poor kid who had rotated to the car’s lone middle seat. This is childhood, and parenthood. Those arguments are constant, with or without technology. But without technology, there are none of those zombie-quiet moments in the car. It’s an adjustment, but one that’s worth it. As part of our survival toolkit, we stocked the car with new activities they hadn’t seen before. We found a chunky edition of Mad Libs, bought all new dry-erase markers for the boards we keep in the car, and picked up
a couple of brain puzzles that progressively stumped each kid at some point. And, we scored Highlights. Remember those magazines from our childhood? The hidden pictures? They still exist, and they are just as engaging for kids today as they were when as kids we used them to kill time in the doctor’s office. Necessity is the mother of invention, and a tech-free road trip proves that over and over. Together, five kids managed to find a way to play Uno across two seats — each kid trusting the other not to peek. Bummed as I was, we couldn’t find a way to play travel Scrabble in the car with all the tiny pieces, and the Oregon Trail game we found required a big, flat surface we didn’t have. But we did go through an entire spool of rainbow-colored yarn. I remembered how to finger-crochet, gave them a 10-minute lesson, and before we knew it, they were making bracelets and necklaces and even dream catchers out of a $2 spool of yarn. The activities kept them busy on the parts of the drive that were less interesting, and allowed them to eject immediately when there was something amazing happening outside. We can’t say the same would have happened had they been gaming, or FaceTiming or texting. Without smartphones, apps and iPads, the experiences they were having in that moment took the front seat. And that was the whole idea.
Left: Dominic Nicita (10) found it was easy to spot elk and bison at Yellowstone National Park because they’re everywhere, and he didn’t have technology to distract him. Above left: Nolan Abelar (6) busied himself with a Highlights activity book. Above: Nolan Abelar (6), Lulu Nicita (9) and Riley Abelar (11) use their binoculars to spy on a bison resting in the grass just on the other side of the water. Right: A lunch stop in Missoula gave the kids time to eat sandwiches in the river.
Tech-free road trip survival tips ❱ Magazines and activity books for kids. We stocked up on Highlights, Time Magazine and National Geographic activity books from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and local bookstores. ❱ Brain puzzles. A few Rubik’s cube-type handheld games challenged our kids to solve color and shape puzzles. We found a couple of these puzzles at Target. ❱ Card games. Believe it or not, Old Maid and Go Fish are still a hit. Kids can also manage Uno in the car.
Lisa Van Loo is a Gilbert freelance journalist. Ron Abelar is an avid outdoorsman and photographer. Together, they are parenting five children. Follow them on Instagram @RaisingOutdoorKids
❱ Simple crafts. Beading, embroidery (if it’s not their first time) and yarn crafts helped put the kids in a state of concentrated, creative flow. ❱ Frequent stops. We learned to get everybody out of the car as often as possible, letting them explore the creek or nearby trail. For everyone’s sanity, let go of a rigid schedule and let the wonder unfold.
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Using Common Sense
CYBERBULLYING IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS By Ilana Lowery
K
ATEY, A CHANDLER MOM with five daughters between the ages of 10 and 13, worries about the continual — almost daily — cyberbullying that affects not only her kids, but thousands of other students at their schools. “It’s a constant dig at their dignity,” says Katey, who previously served as a school administrator in the East Valley. (She asked that we not use her last name.) Technology has “opened kids up to it 24/7.” Cyberbullying stories persist in the local and national news and the effects of this behavior can be devastating for everyone involved. Statistics show that modern technology — with its ability to increase our connectivity — makes it the perfect bullying platform. Cyberbullying is defined as ongoing, targeted harassment via digital devices over a period of time. While spreading rumors and bullying is nothing new for kids, online tools can magnify the hurt, humiliation and social drama in a very public way. Examples of cyberbullying include sending hurtful texts or instant messages, posting embarrassing photos or videos on social media and spreading mean rumors online or via smartphones. “The general population doesn’t know what they’re handing their kids,” Katey says, referencing the increasingly earlier age when children are given their first smartphones. “My daughter was secretly recorded in dance class, her image changed into a man, and then derogatory comments were posted on a Snapchat story about maybe she was actually a man and not a girl.” The feeling of being anonymous or “removed” from a target in an online environment can encourage a kid who normally wouldn’t say anything mean face-to-face to act irresponsibly or unethically.
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With the effects of cyberbullying ranging from low self-esteem to depression to thoughts of violence or suicide, it is important for parents, teachers and kids alike to know how to identify cyberbullying and learn how to prevent it.
“Students’ self-esteem is greatly impacted with any type of bullying, and it affects their behavior, health and grades,” “It’s a negative comment on a post, not being invited to a gathering and knowing a lot of your friends are going, and then they post pictures, or sometimes they will block you for no reason, but then you hear about it anyway. So, it’s kind of subtle over time — not one big thing,” says Jennifer, a mom of children who attend schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District. (She also requested we identify her only by her first name.) If you’re trying to figure out whether your youngster is being cyberbullied, think about whether the offender is being hurtful intentionally and repeatedly. If the answer is no, the offender might simply need to learn better online behavior. If the answer is yes, take it seriously.
ANTONIO GUILLEM
“She was frantic and tearfully sad,” Katey says of her daughter’s experience, “trying to figure out how to confront the person who posted it, knowing all the while what the outcome would most likely be, and the fact that there was no real way for people to ‘unsee’ it.” Former teacher Victoria Saylor, a parent of two and Arizona education manager for Common Sense Media, says getting students and their parents to talk openly about experiences with cyberbullying can be difficult, because a stigma remains about being bullied. “Students’ self-esteem is greatly impacted with any type of bullying, and it affects their behavior, health and grades,” says Saylor. “I noticed more absences, declining grades and changes in behavior, including signs of depression.” Until recently, parents, teachers and news accounts have focused on the relationship between a bully and his or her target. But experts say that there are usually more kids involved in a cyberbullying scenario, making it much more complex than previously thought. In fact, one of the side effects of how public bullying has become is that potentially everyone in the bully’s circle of friends — both online and off — may be involved. Identifying the different roles in a cyberbullying situation can help you to help your child develop self-awareness and a sense of empathy. These skills will go a long way toward cultivating an online culture of respect and responsibility. First, there’s the cyberbully, the aggressor who’s using digital devices to deliberately upset or harass his or her target, and the person who’s being cyberbullied. Then there are the bystanders, the kids who are aware that something cruel is going on but who stay on the sidelines (either out of indifference or because they’re afraid of being socially isolated or of becoming targets themselves). But there are also kids who act as upstanders. These are the kids who actively try to break the cycle, whether by sticking up for the target, addressing the bully directly, or notifying the appropriate authorities about what’s going on. Kids should be encouraged to take the active role of upstander and build positive, supportive online communities. By making kids aware that a safe world is everyone’s responsibility, we empower them to take positive actions — like reporting a bully, flagging a cruel online comment, or not forwarding a humiliating photo — that ultimately can put a stop to an escalating episode of cruelty. “I am a huge fan of kids owning their own conflict with parental support and guidance, as the kids know the other child much better than I ever will,” Katey explains. “We role-played back and forth possible ways she could handle it and sorted out the least likely to inflame yet still advocate for herself and to set a boundary for the other child. “There is never a Hallmark moment in these situations,” Katey adds, “but [there is] the constant reminder that dignity is theirs to keep, and … one child/adult … never has the right to take yours away.”
Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for Common Sense Media, which offers resources to parents and teachers and a free digital citizenship curriculum to local schools to help address problems such as cyberbullying. She can be reached at ilowery@commonsense.org.
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SIGNS YOUR CHILD IS INVOLVED IN CYBERBULLYING
1. Behavior changes. A kid who bullies usually is in some type of crisis. If your normally happy kid turns grumpy, aggressive or defiant, it may be more than the typical tween/teen ups and downs. 2. Slipping grades. When school work suffers or is inconsistent, it could be an outward sign of inner distress. If necessary, enlist the help of teachers or other family members. 3. Secretive or evasive behavior. Does your kid hide his/her phone or laptop when you are around? A need for privacy is natural, but trust your gut if it seems excessive or defensive. 4. Multiple social media accounts. If your child has multiple online profiles for a single social network, he/she might be trying to hide or disguise activities. If you become aware of this, focus on supporting your child and helping him sort out his issues. And follow through with natural consequences, not harsh punishments.
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TIPS FOR DEALING WITH CYBERBULLYING
Cyberbullying can take parents by surprise. But if your kids are texting, sharing photos or posting comments, it is important to have a conversation with them about what to do if they become a target of online harassment. Here are tips to share with your kids about dealing with cyberbullies: 1. Don’t respond or retaliate. If you are angry or hurt, you might say things that you will regret later. Plus, retaliation only prolongs the problem and doesn’t solve it. 2. Block the bully. Block phone numbers, screen names and email addresses, and remove the person from your buddy or friends list. 3. Save the evidence. Print out or take screen shots of the abusive messages and keep them as proof. 4. Report it. Most websites have rules against cyberbullying. You can usually find information on how to report abuse in the site’s community guidelines. 5. Tell a trusted adult. Telling a teacher or a parent isn’t tattling, it is standing up for yourself. Even if the bullying occurs online, your school probably has rules against it.
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Q&A:
Drama Free Homework Author JoAnn Crohn helps
create homework routines that shift responsibility to kids early on, helping them learn life skills like persistence and time management By Kara G. Morrison
AS A FORMER elementary school teacher, JoAnn Crohn knows what it’s like to assign homework and have it come back undone. As a Chandler mom of two, she also knows what it’s like getting kids to tackle nightly homework with few tantrums and little hand holding. It’s not easy — at first. Crohn recently wrote “Drama Free Homework,” which offers tips she’s learned (some from mistakes) as a teacher and a parent. She also talks to parenting groups about best practices for making homework less frustrating for kids and parents alike. Ultimately, the goal is helping kids create effective habits. “With a solid homework routine, your kid should be done with homework in less than 30 minutes for third grade and younger, and a little more than 30 minutes for fourth grade and up,” writes Crohn, who is also the founder of noguiltmom.com. Get a timer ready, and a box dedicated to homework supplies. Here’s what Crohn shared on why homework is important, and how to shift the responsibility to your kids early on, so they learn better study habits and life skills. You mention homework in early elementary grades doesn’t necessarily improve academic (and test) performance, but it can create good study habits? Our main goal in the elementary grades is
to keep kids excited about learning and to show them that learning takes place at home as well as school. When kids work on homework, they’re mastering the skills of: Focus — staying with a project for an increasing amount of time; Persistence — pushing through when a question stumps them; Time management — Prioritizing what to get done now and what can be pushed to later or not done at all; and Responsibility —
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finishing an assignment and bringing it back to school. I admit, I’m that parent who thinks my daughter has been working for hours and deserves a break after school (OK, I’m usually tired, too), so it’s hard to put my foot down and make her start homework immediately. But if it’s not done right away, it’s so hard to come back to it. I believe that kids absolutely
need a break after school. But, it’s best to leave it up to them when to do homework. Sit down and ask them what time they would like to do homework each day, and then stick to the time they set. Every child is different. My daughter prefers to do her homework immediately, while my son wants a break and will usually do homework around 5 p.m. or even in the morning before school. What’s a homework box, and why do you suggest it? If you have
ever spent 20 minutes looking for a pencil, a homework box is a lifesaver! It’s an ordinary pencil box filled with supplies usually used for homework like a pencil and pencil sharpener, an eraser, colored pencils, scissors and a glue stick. It has one twist, though: Taped to the lid is a checklist of supplies in the box. Your child is responsible for all those supplies being returned to the box at the end of each homework session. This keeps all the supplies you need for homework always available. You say kids can take ownership of the homework routine by choosing when, how and where to work. Are there any restrictions on this? Every family is different. Setting the when, how
and where should be a compromise between the parent and child. If
…to do homework on the living room floor instead of the kitchen table.
THAT’S A REASONABLE REQUEST…
the child isn’t choosing appropriate places, such as, “I want to do my homework while watching TV,” the parent will need to step in to explain why the television is not the best place to stay focused on work. But say the child wants to do homework on the living room floor instead of the kitchen table. That’s a reasonable request that should be given a shot. You’re OK with rewards for completing homework — at least to start? Mini rewards to start a task can be a powerful tool. Something
LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS
small like a sticker, extra minutes of screen time or a packet of fruit snacks can motivate a reluctant child to complete homework. Then, once the child experiences the success of completing an assignment, the rewards can be weaned away. You advocate kids should be able to do their homework independently, which is great. But isn’t homework in part communicating to parents what kids are learning so parents are a little more engaged? Yes and no. A student should do homework
independently; the parent shouldn’t need to watch over and police the homework’s completion. Parents can see what kids are learning through kids questions about a homework assignment or by glancing over the child’s shoulder. Ultimately, it should be the child’s responsibility to complete the homework and not the parent’s. Parents feel so much stress that they need to reteach their child each night what was learned in school, and that doesn’t need to happen. When parents look over their kids’ homework, should they point out wrong answers? Yes, definitely. I do this by pointing to a question
and saying, “You might want to check this answer again.” Feedback is always a good thing. However, if it becomes a battle of wills between you and your child, I’d suggest getting the teacher involved. For some reason — and I’ve experienced this as a parent, too — kids tend to argue with their parents about an incorrect answer but believe their teachers. If you’ve ever heard, “That’s not how Mr. Phillips said to do it,” you know what I mean. Obviously, questioning the teacher on every single question would be exhausting, but if you’re noticing a trend, teachers can usually step in for you and make your life much easier. You talk about the importance of a growth mindset. How do you explain that concept to a kid? No one is born a genius. There’s
no such thing as a smart kid and a dumb kid. Instead, the mind is like a muscle. When you practice running, or soccer, or jump rope, it’s hard at first. But the more you practice, the easier it gets, because your body learns what to do. The same goes for the brain. When you learn something new at school, it’s hard. But the more you practice it, your brain gets stronger, and the subject becomes easier.
In your book, you mention the problem with perfectionism. I worry that kids don’t learn the value of making mistakes or learning from mistakes in school when it’s all about stellar test scores. First, I need to say that as a whole, most elementary school
teachers detest standardized testing. They feel it’s wrecking education and putting the focus on the wrong skills. I completely agree with this. [Teachers are] trapped, though, because their districts typically judge their performance based on their students’ test scores — which is not the measure of a good teacher. That said, we as parents need to start speaking up about our children’s anxieties. Teachers and schools aren’t aware of what’s happening at home when we see our kids fretting about a score or test that we know is meaningless in the long run, but that the kids place so much importance on. Kids present a different version of themselves to their teachers, whereas we see the whole version at home. Teachers can’t fix a problem if they don’t know one exists. By emailing and approaching our work as a collaboration, we can help our kids break this perfectionism mindset. What would you like to add? Homework can be a really great thing
to build a student’s skills. However, for that to happen, kids need to be in control of it; it needs to be appropriate for the child, and it should encourage skills already learned in the classroom. Kara G. Morrison is the editor of Raising Arizona Kids and the mother of Sofia (7). Reach her at kara@rakmagazine.com.
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family time!
Arizona State Fair (Oct. 4-27) at Arizona State Fairgrounds.
OCTOBER TOP EVENTS By Carrie Wheeler
Fall is officially here, bringing tons of outdoor festivals, fairs and Halloween fun. Whether the family is into the arts, nature, science, costumes or comfort food, family-friendly activities abound this month. Here’s what you won’t want to miss:
OCT. 3-27: Pumpkin & Chili Party. Every Thursday through Sunday in October, Schnepf Farms hosts its popular fall festival with hayrides, a roller coaster, miniature golf, a 10-acre corn maze, bonfires and marshmallow roasting, a petting zoo, inflatables, live entertainment, grilled food, chili and more. $22; free for ages 1 and younger; $17 tickets available at Fry’s Food Stores. Schnepf Farms, 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. 480-987-3100 or schnepffarms.com
OCT. 4-27: Arizona State Fair. Enjoy fried foods, thrill rides, carnival games, special exhibits, petting zoos and concerts — including The Cult, Pat Benetar and M.C. Hammer. Noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. $12; $8 for ages 5-13; free for ages 4 and younger. Additional costs for rides, games and concerts. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-6771 or azstatefair.com
NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites.
OCT. 4-18:
Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar
Movies in the Park. Spend Friday nights catching a free flick in the park. The City of Tempe hosts this free family movie series Fridays in October. Movies start at sundown, approximately 6 p.m. Free. Kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. tempe.gov
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OCT. 11-13:
Furry Friends Fine Arts Festival (Oct. 5) at Shemer Art Center.
A DOGS LIFE PHOTO
Four Peaks Oktoberfest. Bratwurst, brews and music turn Tempe Town Lake into a Bavarian playground at this annual festival, proceeds from which help send Tempe high school students to sister cities around the world. Brown’s Amusements returns with carnival rides, games and a Kinderfest play area. 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Free. 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe. 480350-8181 or fourpeaksoktoberfest.com Phoenix Greek Festival. Come for the food and stay for the dancing at the longestrunning and largest ethnic festival in the Valley featuring Greek food, music, jewelry and art. $5; free for ages 12 and younger. 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Community Center, 1973 E. Maryland Ave., Phoenix. phoenixgreekfestival.org
OCT. 5:
Tour de Fat. Enjoy a day of festivities celebrating beer, bikes and bemusement including bike parades, touring comedian ensembles, cirque performers, general mayhemists, live musicians and New Belgium beer. 11 a.m. bike parade, 11: 30 a.m. to 6 p.m. park festivities. Free. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. newbelgium.com
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
ARIZONA STATE FAIR
Furry Friends Fine Arts Festival. This fourth annual festival features juried Arizona artists showcasing animal-themed drawings, ceramics, metals, mosaics and more. There will be paw readings and pet adoptions by the Arizona Humane Society, live music and food vendors including Black Cat Coffee House and Leo’s Ice Cream. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 per person or $10 per family. Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. shemerartcenter.org
OCT. 5 & 12: Costume Storytime with Esteban the Magnificent. Join Esteban (a.k.a. Pea Green Crayon) from Drew Daywalt’s “The Day The Crayons Quit” for storytime and photos. 10 a.m. Free. Oct. 5 at Changing Hands Tempe, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe; 480-730-0205. Oct. 12 at Changing Hands Phoenix, 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602-274-0067. changinghands.com
OCT. 7: Chris Colfer Book Signing. The “Glee” actor and New York Times bestselling author of the “Land of Stories” will sign copies of his new series, “A Tale of Magic.” 7 and 8 p.m. $22 includes admission and signed book. Changing Hands Tempe, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe. 480-730-0205 or changinghands. com
OCT. 11-12: Otsukimi Moon Viewing Festival. During this two-day celebration of the moon, guests may enter the tea garden (ordinarily off-limits to the public) and watch traditional Japanese performances. $30; $7 for ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. 6:30-10 p.m. Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, 1125 N. Third Ave., Phoenix. japanesefriendshipgarden.org
Wild Rising by Cracking Art (Oct. 12-May 10) at Desert Botanical Garden.
OCT. 12: Barktoberfest. Friends for Life Animal Rescue hosts its 20th annual Barktoberfest, featuring shopping, fine arts and crafts, life entertainment, a dog wash and agility course, dog adoptions, dog costume contests, raffles and more. There’s an 11 a.m. alumni parade for families who have adopted dogs from Friends for Life. Admission is free, but some activities require a donation. Gilbert Town Center, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert. azfriends.org
OCT. 12-MAY 10: Wild Rising by Cracking Art. The Desert Botanical Garden’s newest exhibition is an installation from Milan, Italy, of more than 1,000 animal sculptures made from colorful and recyclable plastic. Visitors of all ages will discover that plastic does not have to end up in landfills; it can be reinvented into something eye-catching and thought-provoking. $24.95; $12.95 for ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org
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family time! OCTOBER TOP EVENTS Arizona Taco Festival (Oct. 12-13) at WestWorld of Scottsdale.
OCT. 19: Celebrate Mesa! This free family event brings the community together for games, carnival rides, music, a haunted bus, vendors, food trucks and more. 5-9 p.m. $5 for an unlimited ride wristband. Red Mountain Soccer Complex, 905 N. Sunvalley Blvd., Mesa. mesaparks.com Give Kids a Smile. Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine-Arizona hosts this free community event where dental students, supervised by faculty practitioners, provide free dental care for local kids. About 200 kids ages 6 to 14 will receive free screenings and treatments including cleanings, sealants, fillings or extractions. Appointments required. Midwestern University Dental Institute, 5855 W. Utopia Road, Glendale. 623-806-7150 or midwestern.edu/GKAS International Archaeology Day. Celebrate the thrill of discovery with site tours, hands-on archaeology activities and demonstrations that will channel your inner Indiana Jones. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $6; $3 for ages 6-17; free for ages 5 and younger. Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-495-0900 or pueblogrande.org Peoria Country Music Fest. Enjoy live country music from four popular country bands, as well as food trucks, a beer garden, live bull riding, a cigar lounge, corn hole games and more. 2-11 p.m. $15; $5 for ages 12 and younger. Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria. pleasantharbor.com
NTK PHOTOGRAPHY
Speak Up for Kids Health & Wellness Fair. The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and Strong Families AZ are calling all superheroes to unite in the battle against the forces that threaten child health and well-being. This free outdoor event features a kids zone with superhero-themed games and activities, superhero appearances, a health fair exhibition, vendors, food trucks, a silent auction, raffle prizes and more. Costumes are encouraged. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Historic Downtown Heritage Square, 113 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. 602-261-8063 or heritagesquarephx.org
OCT. 12-13: Arizona Taco Festival. Forget Taco Tuesday. Celebrate your favorite cuisine all weekend long at this annual tacotopia including 50 restaurants dishing out $2 tacos. Use tokens to buy tacos, drinks and more. Kids can ride a mechanical bull, hop in a hamster ball or jump in a bounce house. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $15; $150 VIP Cantina entrance. WestWorld of Scottsdale,16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. aztacofestival.com Free Extreme BMX Stunt Show. Get ready to see X-Games athletes show off insane skills during this free weekend-long stunt spectacular, performed on BMX bikes, skateboards and scooters. Witness high-flying action at the Big Air Halfpipe, Jump Ramp and Flatland Freestyle stunt shows. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Odysea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-291-8000 or odyseainthedesert.com Railfair. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s annual celebration features model train displays and special presentations on railroad and Arizona history. Free admission; $2 rides on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and Charros Carousel. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com
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KidStop Toy Tester Event. Celebrate this local toy store’s 20th anniversary at its Official Toy Tester Event. The shopping center’s parking lot turns into an obstacle course and demo area for toddlers to teens testing toys and voting for their favorites, from the Faux Bow Pro to Carpool Karaoke, scooters and EZyRollers to an American Ninja Warrior Ninjaline. 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $5 per toy tester; proceeds benefit Arizona Helping Hands. KidStop, 6990 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale. 480-609-9012 or kidstoptoys.com Touch-A-Truck. Kids can get up-close-and-personal with commercial and industrial vehicles, including a tow truck, dump truck, commercial bucket loader, sanitation vehicle, backhoe and an 18-wheeler. Activities include a sand play area, a miniature roadway with toy vehicles and The Big Dig, where kids can scoop sand with a backhoe. Home Depot will offer a wooden tow truck workshop while supplies last. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Westgate Entertainment District east parking lot, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. 623-930-2299 or glendaleaz.com/events
family time! OCTOBER TOP EVENTS OCT. 26:
PROJECT HUMANITIES
Festival of the Arts. Enjoy performances by more than 25 arts groups — including dance, live music and aerial performances — plus children’s activities, pet adoptions, food, craft beers, wine tasting and more. Proceeds benefit the Herberger Theater’s Youth Outreach Programs. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497 or herbergertheater.com AZDroneFest. Enjoy FPV drone racing, a flight demonstration cage for hands-on drone flying, search and rescue simulations, freestyle FPV competition and more. A film screening follows from 5-7:30 p.m. and requires a ticket for entry. 2-5 p.m. Free with boxed toy donation to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Grand Canyon University, 3300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. azdronefest.com
Hacks for Humanity (Oct. 19-20) at Arizona State University Stauffer Hall B.
OCT. 19-20: Hacks for Humanity. A 36-hour hackathon challenges participants to create technologies to address local and global issues. The finished products must embody these seven Humanity 101 principles: kindness, compassion, integrity, respect, empathy, forgiveness and self-reflection. This annual event draws 150-200 students, faculty, staff and community members. Free. Arizona State University Stauffer Hall B, 950 S. Forest Mall, Tempe. hacksforhumanity.io
OCT. 20: Portal to the Past. Enjoy colorful entertainment and performances by local storytellers, musicians, poets and dancers, including interactive family art activities led by local artists. This free public event celebrates the rich history and legacy of the Hohokam, the original inhabitants of the Valley of the Sun. 2-5 p.m. Free. Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-495-0901 or pueblogrande.com
OCT. 25-26: Howl-O-Ween. The Phoenix Zoo’s delightfully spooky annual event includes scary (recommended for ages 8 and up) and merry (all ages) activities! Meet superheroes, princesses and Star Wars characters; trick-or-treat; dance or play zombie laser tag. Costume restrictions apply; no weapons allowed. 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. $12.95; free for ages 2 and younger. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-273-1341 or phoenixzoo.org Strange Garden. Mad botanists dazzle guests with fascinating and peculiar plants at the Desert Botanical Garden’s annual Halloween event. Dance with groovy ghouls at the Monster Bash, stroll Boo Alley and see pumpkins carved by Villafane Studios. Plus: live performances, face painting and food and beverage vendors. Ages 12 and younger get a pumpkin. Family-friendly costumes encouraged; see website for restrictions. 5:30-9 p.m. $24.95; $12.95 for ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org
OCT. 25-31: Halloween Spook-Tack-ula. The Scottsdale train park is transformed into a haunted fun park featuring a spooky train ride (6:30-9 p.m. nightly) created with younger children in mind. See “Hotel Transylvania” at 6:30 pm. Friday. Trick-or-treat from 4:30-9 p.m. on Oct. 31. $5 Spooky Train Ride; $15 fast pass. McCormickStillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com
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Scottsdale Fall Festival. Join friends and family for a night of treats, fun and frights with 25 game booths, a tot area for ages 4 and under, live entertainment, a haunted forest, food vendors, face painting and fireworks. An inflatable arena will house more than 10 inflatables, a giant rock wall, face painting and more. 5-9 p.m. $5 wristbands online; $10 at the event. South Eldorado Ball Field, 2311 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. scottsdaleaz.gov Earth and Space Exploration Day. The School of Earth and Space Exploration on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus hosts this event, which is free with registration. Ages 5 and up can enjoy hands-on science activities, more than 40 exhibitors and 3D astronomy shows in the Marston Exploration Theater. Experts from the Center for Meteorite Studies will examine your rock specimens to determine if they are meteorites. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building IV, 781 S. Terrace Road, Tempe. sese.asu.edu
OCT. 26-27: Dia de los Muertos Festival. Families can honor loved ones who have passed at this annual Mesa Arts Center festival featuring live entertainment, participatory children’s activities, traditional face painting, a wide variety of food options, studio demonstrations, a mercado and a custom car show. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com
Calendar Editor Carrie Wheeler is the mother of Wilson (8). Send calendar info to Carrie@RAKmagazine.com.
fun runs and walks family time! Phoenix Children’s Hospital 5K (Oct. 5). Join current and former patients and their families at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital 5K walk/run and 1-mile fun run in downtown Phoenix. Proceeds support vital PCH programs and services that are funded through donations to the Phoenix Children’s Foundation. 6:30 a.m. $15-$40. Downtown Phoenix, First Avenue/ Washington, Phoenix. phoenixchildrensfoundation.org
Zoowalk for Autism Research (Oct. 5). Walk on the wild side at this annual event to benefit Arizona State University’s autism/Asperger’s research program. The walk starts in the Phoenix Municipal Stadium Parking Lot and ends at the Phoenix Zoo. 6:30-11 a.m. $25; $15 for teens; free for ages 12 and younger and for people on the autism spectrum. Participation comes with free zoo admission. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-831-2047 or zoowalk.org AZT in a Day (Oct. 12). If your family loves the outdoors, you’ll love the AZT in a Day challenge. Hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians will gather to collectively complete the entire length of the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) in a single day. The trail has been divided into nearly 100 sections (ranging from 2.1 to 13.8 miles in length) and you have 24 hours to complete your section. This event celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act. aztrail.org Lake Powell Half Marathon (Oct. 12). Be prepared for spectacular views! The first three miles of the Lake Powell Half Marathon circle a portion of town, then runners head to Page Rim Trail with stunning views of rock formations and a glimpse of Lake Powell. Strollers are not allowed because of slick rock conditions. 6:15 a.m. $125. John C. Page Park, 500 S. Navajo Drive, Page. thelakepowellhalf.com HopeKids HopeWalk (Oct. 12). This family-friendly stroller/wheelchair accessible 5K walk supports families who have a child with a life-threatening illness. Enjoy free food, crafts, face painting, a nonprofit resource fair, photo booth, entertainment
Howling Night Run (Oct. 19) at Cesar Chavez Park.
and guest visits from mascots, princesses and superheroes. 9 a.m. Free to attend; walking teams pledge $100 in donations. Notre Dame Prep High School, 9701 E. Bell Road, Scottsdale. hopekids.org Fit Families Mud Run (Oct. 19). This family-friendly obstacle course offers a 1.25-mile beginner route with about 10 obstacles. Or choose the 2.5-mile route with 13 obstacles, designed for ages 12 and older. Parents should accompany children ages 10 and younger (running with a child is free). The first 200 registered participants get a 2019 Mud Run T-shirt. 7:30 a.m. check-in; races start at 9 and 9:50 a.m. $10-$25. Apache Junction Rodeo Grounds, 1590 E. Lost Dutchman Blvd., Apache Junction. 480-983-2181 or ajcity.net/parks Westgate Desert Dash (Oct. 19). Proceeds from this 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run support St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center programs and services. 7 a.m. $25; $15 for ages 12 and younger. St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center, 7300 N. 99th Ave., Glendale. startlineracing.com Howling Night Run (Oct. 19). Arrive in costume and be ready to run or walk a 5K in the dark! This timed event is considered appropriate for children, but be aware some individuals will be wearing scary costumes. No pets allowed. 5 p.m. $5-$35. Cesar Chavez Park, 7858 S. 35th Ave., Laveen Village.
howlingnightrun.com Dowell-O-Ween Monster Dash (Oct. 26). All proceeds for this 1-mile and 5K family run named for pediatric dentist Alan Dowell go to Poore Medical Clinic, an all-volunteer nonprofit offering medical services to uninsured, low-income individuals in Northern Arizona. 10 a.m. $20; $5 for ages 17 and younger. Buffalo Park, 2400 N. Gemini Road, Flagstaff. alandowelldds.com/monster-dash Autism Speaks (Oct. 27). Help enhance the lives of people living with autism. Autism Speaks and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center sponsor the walk, which raises money for autism research, awareness and outreach. The event includes a 5K walk, 1-mile family fun walk and community resource fair. 8 a.m. Donations accepted. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. 480-2692724 or autismspeaks.org Wicked Half Marathon and Spooky Sprint (Oct. 27). This Halloween-themed family event offers a half marathon, 4-mile run and Spooky Kids Sprint. Kids get a bag at check-in and can trick-or-treat along the course. Costumes are highly encouraged. Proceeds benefit Hope & A Future, a Christian nonprofit helping kids who are aging out of foster care. 7 a.m. $20-$75. New River Trail, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria. startlineracing.com
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RACELOOKUP, LLC
Pink Out 5K (Oct. 5). Walk, run or skip through this 5K fun run to battle breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the local nonprofit Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump! The organization provides education, prevention information and direct assistance with free wigs and mammograms. Enjoy local craft vendors, cancer resource booths, food trucks, live music and a kids zone. 8 a.m. $15-$40. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. checkforalump.org
family time! around arizona FLAGSTAFF
Pumpkin Walk (Oct. 25-26). Bring your flashlight and a sweater and walk through trails lighted by jack-o-lanterns. Plus hayrides, hot cider and cocoa, apple bobbing, food, spooky stories and performances by a campfire. Costumes encouraged. 4-7 p.m. $8; $5 for ages 6-12; free for ages 5 and younger. The Arboretum, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff. 928-774-1442 or thearb.org Celebraciones de la Gente (Oct. 26-27). Celebrate Mexican cultural traditions at the Museum of Northern Arizona. The event features fine arts and unique crafts, mariachi music, folkloric and Aztec dancing, elaborate altars and Day of the Dead-inspired crafts for kids. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $8-$12; free for ages 9 and younger. Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. 928774-5213 or musnaz.org
ORACLE Glow: A Nighttime Art Experience (Oct. 5 & 12). Explore a 10-acre sculpture park featuring semi-permanent works by a host of recognized artists. 7-11 p.m. $22; $13 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger. Triangle L Ranch, 2805 N. Triangle L Ranch Road, Oracle. trianglelranch.com
PAGE Lake Powell Hot Air Balloon Regatta and Street Fair (Oct. 31-Nov. 3). See the unforgettable sight of hot air balloons ascending into the Arizona sky above Lake Powell, and watch balloons inflate, launch, land and glow. The Street Fair includes live music, carnival games and rides. 7:15 and 7:30 a.m. balloon launches. Regatta Street Fair is 3-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday.
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SCOTT TEMME
Oktoberfest (Oct. 5). Grab your stein and celebrate 11 years of music, food and polka in downtown Flagstaff. The day includes games and activities, a variety of craft vendors for adults and a root-beer garden for kids. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. $10; free for ages 12 and younger. Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. 928606-7600 or flagstaffoktoberfest.com
Pumpkin Patch Train (Oct. 5-27) in Williams.
Free. Locations vary in Page. 928-6454310 or lakepowellballoonregatta.com
PATAGONIA Fall Festival: A Celebration of Music & Art (Oct. 12-13). More than 120 artists, nonprofits and food vendors converge for a fun-filled weekend with music and entertainment, a children’s activities tent, art, a beer and wine garden and more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Patagonia Town Park, 325 McKeown Ave., Patagonia. patagoniafallfestival.org
PRESCOTT Folk Music Festival (Oct. 5-6). Arizona’s oldest continuing folk music festival turns 41 this year. Hear more than 200 musicians from around the Southwest, plus storytellers, dancers, songwriters and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5; free for ages 17 and younger. Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. 928-445-3122 or sharlot.org Everybody’s Hometown Festival (Oct. 19). Each street in downtown Prescott features a theme, from local bands to food from local restaurants and breweries and family fun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. $20-$200.
RaisingARIZONAKids.com
everybodyshometownfestival.com Boo at the Zoo (Oct. 31). Come see nocturnal animals after the sun goes down and trick-or-treat at different stations around the sanctuary. Bring a flashlight. 6-9 p.m. $8. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott. 928-778-4242 or heritageparkzoo.org
TUCSON Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest (Sept. 21-Oct. 13). Celebrate fall and all things German, including traditional German food, beer and entertainment with dancing and costumes. Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission; $5 parking. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 Ski Run Road, Mount Lemmon. 520-576-1321 or skithelemmon.com Nightfall at Old Tucson (Sept. 27-Oct. 31). Old Tucson turns terrifying with live shows, haunts and a collection of spooky characters. 6-10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 6 p.m to midnight FridaySaturday. $29.50; $22 for ages 9-11; free for ages 8 and younger. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson. 520908-4833 or nightfallaz.com
Archery Days (Oct. 2, 9 & 16). Ages 9 and older can test their bow and arrow skills with an introductory class. 9:3011:30 a.m. $3 plus museum admission: $10; $5 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger. International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road, Tucson. 520629-0100 or thewildlifemuseum.org Halloween in the Wild (Oct. 26). This fun, not-too-scary family event includes Halloween arts and crafts, games, live animal encounters and a haunted house. $10; $5 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger. International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass Road, Tucson. 520629-0100 or thewildlifemuseum.org
WILLIAMS Pumpkin Patch Train (Oct. 5-27). Take Grand Canyon Railway to a pumpkin patch every weekend in October. Tickets include a pumpkin to take home, optional haunted train car, refreshments, haybale maze and crafts. Costumes are encouraged! Train departs at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $29; $22 for ages 2-15; free for ages 1 and younger. Grand Canyon Railway, 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams. 800-8438724 or thetrain.com
Pumpkin patches and fall fun Rocker 7 Farm Patch in Buckeye.
Top Oct. events
Nothing says fall more than taking the kids to a pumpkin patch for outdoor fun and family photos. Please call these
QUEEN CREEK
venues first or check their social media sites before making a long drive. We’ve learned the hard way that local
Schnepf Farms 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek • 480-987-3100 schnepffarms.com Hayrides, roller coaster, miniature golf, 10-acre corn maze, bonfires and marshmallow roasting, petting zoo, inflatables, rides, climbing wall, live entertainment and more during the Pumpkin & Chili Party every Thursday-Sunday in October. $22; free for ages 1 and younger; $17 tickets available at Fry’s Food Stores.
pumpkin patches can be closed after a rainstorm, etc., and most do not update their websites in real time.
BUCKEYE
GLENDALE
Rocker 7 Farm Patch 19601 W. Broadway Road, Buckeye • 623-208-8676 rocker7farmpatch.com Pumpkin patch, crop maze, hayrides, sunflower field, petting zoo, jumping pillow, concessions and picnic area. Hours vary Friday-Sunday starting Oct. 11. $8-$10; free for children in diapers.
Tolmachoff Farms 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale • 623-386-1301 tolmachoff-farms.com Six-acre corn maze, mini corn maze, haunted corn maze, petting zoo, jumping pillow, hay pyramid, farm activities and play areas. Hours vary Oct. 2-Nov. 4. $12; free for ages 2 and younger.
DEWEY
MESA
Mortimer Family Farms 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey • 928-830-1116 mortimerfarmsaz.com Games, farm activities, live entertainment, hayrides, barn dance and more during the Pumpkin Festival each Friday-Sunday Sept. 27-Oct. 27. Hours vary. $11-$15.85; free for ages 2 and younger.
Vertuccio Farms 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa • 480-882-1482 vertucciofarms.com Seven-acre corn maze, miniature golf, pumpkin patch, inflatables, petting zoo, mini zip line, barrel train ride, giant jump pad and more. Hours vary Sept. 30-Nov. 3. $10; free for ages 2 and younger.
GILBERT
SCOTTSDALE
Mother Nature’s Farm 1663 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert • 480-892-5874 mothernaturesfarm.com Pumpkin decorating, air bounce, Alexander’s Adventure Maze, animals and hayrides. Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in October. $10 children, $5 adults.
MacDonald’s Ranch 26540 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale • 480-585-0239 macdonaldsranch.com Hayrides, train rides, pedal cars, petting zoo, hay maze, Western games and panning for gold. $10-$12; free for ages 1 and younger; additional cost for pony rides, mechanical bull and bounce house. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 4-31; closed Tuesdays. Open 9 a.m. to noon on Halloween.
WILLCOX Apple Annie’s 6405 W. Williams Road, Willcox • 520-384-2084 appleannies.com Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze & hayrides ($6$10) and a children’s play area. During Fall Pumpkin Celebration weekends (Sept. 21-Oct. 27), you’ll find treats for sale including pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin pies. 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
WILLIAMS The Pumpkin Patch Train 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams • 800-843-8724 thetrain.com Take the Grand Canyon Railway to a pumpkin patch every Saturday and Sunday in October. Includes a pumpkin to take home, optional haunted train car, refreshments, hay-bale maze and crafts. Costumes encouraged! Train departs at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. $29; $22 for ages 2-15; free for ages 1 and younger.
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family time! halloween events Whether your brand of fall fun is spooky, silly or celebratory, there are plenty of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos events to choose from this month!
CAREFREE
GLENDALE
Enchanted Pumpkin Garden (Oct. 18-27). World-renowned pumpkin carver Ray Villafane and his team host live pumpkin-carving demonstrations at the town of Carefree’s annual event, featuring amazing pumpkin vignettes, colossal pumpkin photo opps, an inflatable corn maze, face-painting, arts and crafts and costume and pie-eating contests. Hours vary. Free. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St. 480-4883686 or carefreepumpkingarden.com
AZ Field of Screams (Oct. 4-31). Do you dare enter this haunted corn maze? Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. This attraction is not recommended for ages 10 or younger. 7-11 p.m. every Friday-Saturday in October. $20. Tolmachoff Farms, 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale. 602-999-3276 or azfieldofscreams.com
CHANDLER Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 26). The City of Chandler hosts a trunk-ortreat experience with ghoulish games, haunted houses, arts and crafts and costume contests for toddlers to teens. The evening includes souvenir photos and light food and refreshments. 5:308:30 p.m. Free. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park’s Stage Plaza, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. chandleraz.gov
FOUNTAIN HILLS Halloween in the Hills (Oct. 31). Hit the streets of Fountain Hills for a Halloween carnival like no other. More than 40 local businesses and charities set up carnival-style family game booths along the avenue, and businesses stay open for trick-or-treating. Plus bounce houses, costume contests, live entertainment and food vendors. 4-8 p.m. 16704 Avenue of the Fountains, Fountain Hills. Halloweeninthehills.com
GILBERT Barktoberfest (Oct. 12). Friends for Life Animal Rescue hosts the 20th annual Barktoberfest, featuring shopping, fine arts and crafts, live entertainment, a dog wash and agility course, dog adoptions, dog costume contests, raffles and more. There’s an 11 a.m. alumni parade for families who have adopted dogs from Friends for Life. Admission is free, but some activities require a donation. Gilbert Town Center, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert. azfriends.org
36 October 2019
Fall Festival and Resource Fair (Oct. 26). The Maricopa County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program hosts this festival with face painting, crafts, games, trick-or-treating and lots of community resource information. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Glendale Adult Center, 5970 W. Brown St., Glendale. maricopa.gov
Plus kettle corn, a balloon artist and face painting. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Downtown Mesa. downtownmesa.com
GOODYEAR
PEORIA
Goodyear Ballpark Fall Festival (Oct. 19). The spring-training home of the Cleveland Indians and the Cincinnati Reds hosts its fall festival with costume contests, trick-or-treating, a pumpkin patch, a zipline, petting zoo, performances, magic shows, craft vendors and more. Free parking and admission. 5-9 p.m. 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. 623-882-3120 or goodyearbp.com
PuppetWorks Boo!: A Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 12-26). On the scariest street in town, where no kid dares go trick-or-treating, three friends set out on a fun-filled Halloween adventure filled with hilariously spooky shenanigans performed in the black light style of puppetry. 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturdays. $10. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org
MESA Dia de los Muertos Festival (Oct. 26-27). Families can honor loved ones who have passed at this annual festival at Mesa Arts Center featuring live entertainment, children’s activities, traditional face painting, a wide variety of food options, studio demonstrations, a mercado and custom car show. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com Trick-or-Treat on Main Street (Oct. 31). Little ghouls and goblins can head to downtown Mesa for a safe, family-friendly afternoon. Participating businesses will be passing out candy.
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Halloween Monster Bash (Oct. 26). The City of Peoria hosts a scary good time at its annual bash featuring a costume parade, carnival games, inflatables, crafts, live entertainment and balloon illumination. 5-9 p.m. Free with a canned-food donation for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. 623-773-7133 or peoriaaz.gov
PHOENIX Fear Farm (Sept. 20-Nov. 2). Fear Farm offers scary attractions, a haunted house for teens and adults and a midway geared toward ages 12 and younger with fair food, games and carnival-style adventures. Times vary through Nov. 3.
$28-$34. Fear Farm, 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix. fearfarm.com Ghost Hunt (Oct. 11). Join Phoenix Arizona Paranormal Society after dark as they bring you into Pioneer’s most haunted buildings to investigate ghostly activity. 7-10 p.m. $40. Pioneer Living History Museum, 3901 W. Pioneer Road, Phoenix. 623-465-1052 or pioneeraz.org Spooktacular Kids Night Out & Sleepover (Oct. 19). Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics & Dance invites kids ages 3 to 13 to wear costumes and enjoy gymnastics, dancing, a haunted house, costume contest, foggy maze, bounce house, trampolines, obstacle courses, fort-building and a foam pit. They’ll wind down with a Halloween-themed movie. Pizza and drinks included. Sleepover option for ages 5 and older. 6-10 p.m.; 8 a.m. Sunday sleepover pickup. $30-$50. 15801 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. 602-9925790 or arizonasunrays.com Creepy Candy Crawl (Oct. 19). Kiddos can trick-or-treat from store to store and enjoy music, prizes and spooky surprises at Desert Ridge Marketplace. Show off your Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize for best family/ group costume! 4 -6 p.m. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. shopdesertridge.com
ISTOCK
Howl-O-Ween (Oct. 25-26). The Phoenix Zoo’s delightfully spooky annual event includes scary (recommended for ages 8 and up) and merry (all ages) activities! Meet superheroes, princesses and Star
Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org
Wars characters; trick-or-treat, dance or play zombie laser tag. Costume restrictions apply; no weapons allowed. 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. $12.95; free for ages 2 and younger. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-273-1341 or phoenixzoo.org
part of the 11th annual Edgar Allan Poe Festival, special performances of The Raven will take place every 20 minutes at the Rosson House Museum in Heritage Square between 7:30-9:30 p.m. $15. Rosson House Museum, 115 N. Sixth St., Phoenix. poefest.org
Strange Garden (Oct. 25-26). Mad botanists will dazzle with fascinating and peculiar plants at the Desert Botanical Garden’s annual event. Dance with groovy ghouls at the Monster Bash, stroll Boo Alley and see pumpkins carved by Villafane Studios. Plus: live performances, face painting and food and beverage vendors. Ages 12 and younger get a pumpkin. Family-friendly costumes encouraged; see website for restrictions. 5:30-9 p.m. $24.95; $12.95 for ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org All Hallows Eve (Oct. 26). Dress in costume and go trick-or-treating throughout Pioneer Village’s decorated historic buildings. Hop on the haunted trolley, enjoy food, music and more! 6-10 p.m. $6; four for $20. Pioneer Living History Museum, 3901 W. Pioneer Road, Phoenix. 623-465-1052 or pioneeraz.org Howl-O-Ween (Oct. 27). Head to Margaret T. Hance Park for a dog costume parade and family fun. Admission to Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s second-annual event is free, but there is a $25 parade entrance fee for those who want to walk amongst the dressed-up dogs and have a chance at the grand prize. Noon to 4 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park (west side), 1134 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-495-1500 or dtphx.org/howloween Trick-or-Treat at the Children’s Museum (Oct. 31). Get your Halloween costume ready and trick-or-treat throughout three floors of hands-on exhibits. Little ghosts and ghouls are also invited to a “Monster Mash” on the dance floor. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $14.95; free for babies younger than 1.
$12; $10 for ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Salt River Reservation. azspooktacular.com
E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-2918000 or odyseainthedesert.com
Halloween Spook-Tack-ula (Oct. 25-31). The Scottsdale train park is transformed into a haunted fun park featuring a spooky train ride (6:30-9 p.m. nightly) created with younger children in mind. See “Hotel Transylvania” at 6:30 pm. Friday. Trick-or-treat from 4:30-9 p.m. on Oct. 31. $5 Spooky Train Ride; $15 fast pass. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com
hosting its 21st annual Trunk or Treat Festival with carnival games, snow cones, bounce houses and a costume parade. Free. 4-6 p.m. in the N.S.U.M.C. church parking lot, 11735 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. nsumckids.info
The Raven at PoeFest (Oct. 31). As a
The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oct. 31-Nov. 3). The sounds of Tim Burton’s macabre classic take center stage at Symphony Hall. Watch the film on a huge screen as the symphony performs the colorful score. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $30-$98. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602495-1999 or phoenixsymphony.org Dia de los Muertos (Nov. 2-3). Honor departed loved ones at the Desert Botanical Garden with a two-day traditional Dia de los Muertos festival featuring music, dancing and storytelling. Experience the Ofrenda exhibition, authentic Mexican food, a mercado and more. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org
QUEEN CREEK Pumpkin and Chili Party (Oct. 3-27). Pick out the perfect pumpkin, then enjoy a chili dinner. Admission includes rides, games, fall activities, pig races and entertainment. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. ThursdaySunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. FridaySaturday. $22; $17 tickets at Fry’s; free for ages 2 and younger. Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. 480-987-3100 or schnepffarms.com
SCOTTSDALE Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival (Oct. 25-26). This Halloween festival will light up Scottsdale’s night sky with 20 glowing hot air balloons. About 4,000 pounds of candy will be passed out. Listen to live music, feast on food and beverages from vendors, play in a kids zone, walk a haunted trail and enjoy a fireworks display. 5-9:30 p.m.
Howl-O-Ween Party (Oct. 26). Stroll through the wildlife sanctuary and visit each habitat to get a treat from the animals. Costumes are encouraged. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider and snacks available. 5-7 p.m. $30; $20 for ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, 27026 N. 156th St., Scottsdale. 480471-9109 or southwestwildlife.org Odysea Fall Festival (Oct. 26). Ages 16 and younger can participate in a not-so-spooky costume contest. Enjoy music, games, prizes, inflatables, character meet-and-greets, face painting, trick-or-treating, crafts and more. 5-8 p.m. Free. Odysea in the Desert, 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale. odyseainthedesert.com Scottsdale Fall Festival (Oct. 26). Enjoy a family night of treats, fun and frights with 25 game booths, a tot area for ages 4 and younger, live entertainment, a haunted forest, food vendors, face painting and fireworks. Plus inflatables, a giant rock wall, face painting and more. 5-9 p.m. $5 wristbands online, $10 at the event. South Eldorado Ball field, 2311 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale. scottsdaleaz.gov Halloween Bash (Oct. 27). Celebrate Halloween at this free event that includes a costume contest, trick-or-treating, bounce houses/slides, face painting, live entertainment, family-friendly performances, prizes and more. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Odysea in the Desert, 9500
Trunk or Treating (Oct. 27). North Scottsdale United Methodist Church is
TEMPE Brick-or-Treat (Oct. 17-Nov. 2). Enjoy Halloween-themed scavenger hunts, costume contests with prizes, a 6-foot Dracula build, skeleton character meetand-greets, a ghost hunt and more. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Last entry is two hours before close. $17.95-$29.95. Legoland Discovery Center, 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 135, Tempe. arizona. legolanddiscoverycenter.com Creepy Candy Crawl (Oct. 25). Dress up in your spookiest and kookiest costumes to partake in contests, a parade through The District, trick-or-treating from store to store, free photo booth, games, prizes and entertainment. 6:308:30 p.m. Free. 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. tempemarketplace.com Family Halloween Carnival (Oct. 26). Have a bewitching good time at the Family Halloween Carnival at Kiwanis Park Softball Complex with carnival games, mini-train rides, inflatables, a toddler play area, costume contests, live entertainment, face painting and food. 5-9 p.m. Free; 25-cent tickets for attractions and games. Kiwanis Park, 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe. 480350-5200 or tempe.gov/familyfun Halloween Stroll (Oct. 27). Ghosts, goblins, superheroes and princesses are invited to downtown Tempe for a stroll through 6th Street Park. Halloween crafts, games, live entertainment, food and trick-or-treating. Starts 2 p.m. at 6th Street Market, 4:30 p.m. costume contest at Hayden Station on Fourth Street west of Mill Avenue. Free. downtowntempe. com/halloweenstroll
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family time! onstage The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Sept. 8-Oct. 13) at Herberger Theater.
under age 1. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music (Oct. 19-20). This musical spectacular features popular Nick Jr. characters onstage together for the first time. Characters from Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol, Dora The Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues and You, Blaze and the Monster Machines and Top Wing all perform original music as well as show favorites. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. $22-$73. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. nickjrlive.com The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oct. 31-Nov. 3). Tim Burton’s macabre classic takes center stage. The animated film will be shown on a huge screen as the Phoenix Symphony performs its colorful score following Jack the Pumpkin King’s quest to seize Christmas. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $30$98. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-495-1999 or phoenixsymphony.org
PUPPETS
TIM TRUMBLE
The Three Little Pigs (Sept. 18-Oct. 6). Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents a hilarious musical rendition of the tale about the dangers of shoddy home construction and how three pigs must face a big, bad, very hungry wolf. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $8-$12; free for ages 1 and younger with the purchase of a child’s ticket. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org
MUSIC Jonas Brothers w/ Bebe Rexha and Jordan McGraw (Oct. 5). The Jonas Brothers’ “Happiness Begins” tour coincides with the release of their newest album with the same name. 7:30 p.m. $60-$500. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. talkingstickresortarena.com
38 October 2019
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert (Oct. 11-13). Watch Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back projected on the big screen above the orchestra as The Phoenix Symphony performs John Williams’ legendary score. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $25-$98. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org
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Baby Shark Live! (Oct. 18). Sharks must always keep moving, so Pinkfong’s viral song and dance sensation will come to life in more than 30 cities this fall. Young fans will be dancing in the aisles as Baby Shark and his friends learn about shapes, colors, numbers and so much more. 6 p.m. $29.50$55.50; free lap seat tickets for babies
Old MacDonald’s Pumpkin Patch (Oct. 9-31). When all of the animals on Old MacDonald’s farm need to find Halloween costumes, fun and silliness ensues. Told with hand puppets and rod puppets with lots of singing along. Recommended for ages 3 and up. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $8-$12; free for ages 1 and younger with the purchase
of a child’s ticket. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org PuppetWorks Boo!: A Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 12-26). On the scariest street in town, where no kid dares go trick-or-treating, three friends set out on a fun-filled Halloween adventure filled with hilariously spooky shenanigans performed in the black light style of puppetry. 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon Saturdays. $10. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org
THEATER The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Sept. 8-Oct. 13). Based on Kate DiCamillo’s breathtaking story, Childsplay’s production follows the journey of Edward Tulane, a vain toy rabbit, as he learns what it is to love and be loved. 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday. $12-$32. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497 or herbergertheater.com or childsplayaz.org Frozen, Jr. A tale of true love and acceptance between sisters, this story expands upon the emotional relationship and journey of Princess Anna and Queen Elsa. When faced with danger, they discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. The show features beloved characters plus magic, adventure and humor. • East Valley Children’s Theatre (Sept. 26-Oct. 6). 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 4 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $15. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480756-3828 or evct.org • Fountain Hills Theatre of Arizona (Sept. 27-Oct. 13). 7 p.m. FridaySaturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $18. 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661 or fhtaz.org • Greasepaint Youtheatre (Oct. 11-20). 7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $15. 480-
949-7529 or greasepaint.org Pirates of Penzance, Jr. (Sept. 27-Oct. 6). Off the coast of Cornwall, a gang of pirates does what pirates do when Frederic, a pirate apprentice, reminds the pirate king that his obligation to the gang is over soon. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $25; $15 for ages 3-12. Desert Foothills Theater at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. dftheater.org The Addams Family: A New Musical. Wednesday, the ultimate Princess of Darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family! Everything is about to change as the Addams host a dinner for her fiancé and his parents. This is one family dinner you won’t forget! Recommended for ages 5 and older. • Act One Youth Theater (Oct. 3-6). 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $5-$25. Phoenix Center for the Arts Third Street Theater, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. actoneyouththeater.org • Desert Stages Theatre (Oct. 18-Nov. 10). 7:30 p.m. FridaySaturday, 2 or 4 p.m. Sunday. $22-$28. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480-483-1664 or desertstages.org
wander into an enchanted country through an old wardrobe and help a frostbitten community return to the warmth of the summer. This play about courage and the love of freedom is based on the novel by C.S. Lewis. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday. $9-$20. Mesa Community College Theatre, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. 480-461-7172 or mesacc.edu They Chose Me (Oct. 11-27). Valley Youth Theatre’s musical production spotlights the subject of adoption, as seen through the eyes of kids ages 7-18. It tells the funny, yet poignant story of an adoptee and many of the issues she faces, including foster homes, parental loss, gay adoption and multi-cultural families. Times vary. $20. 525 N. First St., Phoenix. 602-253-8188 or vyt.com The Crucible (Oct. 11-27). This drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem was written by Arthur Miller in 1953 as an allegory for McCarthyism, when U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisconsin) and the The House Un-American Activities Committee investigated U.S. citizens for alleged subversive activities. TheaterWorks promises a “new seating experience” during its production. 7:30 p.m. FridaySaturday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $18-$38. Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria. 623815-7930 or theaterworks.org
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Oct. 9-Nov. 10). Wrongly accused of murdering his neighbor’s dog, 15-year-old math prodigy Christopher Boone takes matters into his own hands to find the killer. When the investigation takes a personal turn, Christopher must leave his hometown to discover the truth about the murder and himself. 8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 3 p.m. SaturdaySunday. $41-$91. Phoenix Theatre, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602254-2151 or phoenixtheatre.com
Bare (Oct. 18-Nov. 3). In this rock musical, high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school explore issues of sexuality and personal identity. As they struggle to come to terms with who they are, and who the world thinks they should be, they seek answers from their church, their friends and ultimately from within. 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, additional matinees Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-843-8318 or spotlightyouththeatre.org
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Oct. 11-19). Four children
Home (Oct. 19). A large-scale performance project that revolves
around the life cycle of a home. Created through a mix of illusion, choreography, construction and live documentary, “Home” illuminates the messiness of life that transforms a house into a home. 7 p.m. $20. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. 480-965-3434 or asugammage.com The Burn (Oct. 25-Nov. 10). The Arizona premiere of “The Burn” explores how social media impacts our conversations and identities. When a high school production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” forces students together, tensions escalate into acts of bullying. The play explores the demonization of the “other,” which is increasing in these polarized times. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $15-$50. Judith Hardes Theatre at The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-254-2151 or blkboxphx.com Wizard of Oz (Oct. 26-Nov. 3). When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog Toto are whisked away to the magical Land of Oz. Traveling the Yellow Brick Road to see the Wizard, they meet Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480483-1664 or desertstages.org Anastasia (Oct. 29-Nov. 3). A brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to find home, love and family. Times vary. $40-$200. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. 480-965-3434 or asugammage.com The Raven at PoeFest (Oct. 31). As a part of the 11th annual Edgar Allan Poe Festival, special performances of The Raven will take place every 20 minutes at the Rosson House Museum in Heritage Square between 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $15. Rosson House Museum, 115 N 6th Sixth St., Phoenix. poefest.org
RaisingARIZONAKids.com October 2019
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first person
“Speak up” your kids
Keep the venting private; focus on positives in public By Maggie Zehring
CONFESSION: I’m good at truth-telling and being real. It’s not that I’m terrible at complimenting or lifting up my friends and family. But sometimes, I do let honesty come before the emotional needs of those I love most. This isn’t a good habit to hold as the parent of three boys and a foster parent to children who have had to cope with a lack of security and safety. It should be — and needs to be — my job to use positive words in the best way for their hearts. So hear me now; I’m preaching to myself. Parents: We need to “speak up” our kids to other people. When we’re catching up with friends or family, consider our children’s precious ears and what they hear when we offer up impressions of them. Think of an instance when a really close friend or a partner talked about you. For many of us, a joke here or there at our expense isn’t the end of the world. Or think of that time when your sibling reminded everyone you were the family “jokester.” In context and as an adult, these interactions can be easy to brush off.
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If you’re a kid, this flexibility doesn’t apply. Kids take things literally, and their hearts take words at their full weight. It’s up to us to respect this about them. We need to be intentional with the way we talk about our kids. Here are a few things I’ve learned: Save the negative talk for when the kids are not around. We all need to vent and swap stories about our kids’ antics, but we are fools if we think for a second that they don’t hear us when they’re awake or in proximity. Kids have open ears when they know the conversation isn’t intended for them, so save the venting for one-to-one adult time. Try prompting your child to share a recent “win” with an adult friend, family member or acquaintance. Let your child share a recent accomplishment with the cashier at the grocery store. Or prompt your child to tell your best friend how he learned to apologize to a friend at summer camp. Take opportunities to lift up your kids in front of other trusted adults.
Avoid labeling your kids. At the end of the day, no one wants to be pigeonholed. This is especially challenging, because we all do it, and it has been done to us. Do your best to save your predictions about your child’s future or your interpretations of their personality to yourself (e.g., Johnny is the shy one of the family! Jane is such a jokester; she is always making us laugh). Practice daily affirmations at the dinner table or on the ride to school. Take a few minutes daily to share a specific affirmation of each child in the family in front of all the other family members. Be detailed — noting exactly what you’re proud of and why you are happy for your child. Maggie Zehring of Scottsdale juggles her writing and social media skills with being a mom to three rambunctious young boys.
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