RAK magazine October/November 2018

raisingarizonakids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

Birthday Party Ideas!

PLUS:

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Fall festivals and HALLOWEEN events

My TRANSGENDER GRANDSON

NEW! Raising Outdoor Kids

PARENTING?

There’s a class for that!

Melanie Jimenez (4) of Phoenix with teacher LaJennifer Morris. Learn more about TUTOR TIME LEARNING CENTERS’ educational offerings on page 3.

OdySeaAquarium.com

480.291.8000 | 9500 E Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

They will be.

In our Preschool and Pre-K programs, we offer personalized learning experiences to prepare children for elementary school. Our LifeSmart™ curriculum, inspired by the Multiple Intelligences theory of educational psychologist Howard Gardner, recognizes that children learn in different ways. We embrace every child’s unique “smarts” to help them learn best.

Our schools also offer: • Infant and toddler care • Summer, fall, winter, spring break camps • Before- and after-school clubs • Full- and part-time enrollment

• Elective programs such as • Yoga, Spanish, and Chess* • Healthy meals, snacks, and • physical activity time to support • our Grow Fit initiative

26 schools valley-wide.

Find your local school and tour today.

877.794.6704 • TutorTime.com *Programs and hours of operation may vary by school. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. ©2018 Tutor Time Learning Centers, LLC. FTT10

TM

October/November 2018

CONTENTS

FEATURES

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Camping — and connecting — with kids Lisa Van Loo and Ron Abelar of Raising Outdoor Kids share tips for getting kids outdoors and away from technology.

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“I am a boy named Jayden”

Grandmother Ellen Greenblum shares the story of her granddaughter-turnedgrandson, plus her worries and reasons for hope ahead.

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Healthy fall family meals

Emily Dixon, a Gilbert food blogger and recipe contributor to Sprouts Farmers Market, offers meal tips and three family recipes.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Birthday Parties Guide

This directory lists more than 30 local businesses offering party packages to celebrate your child’s birthday with fun and ease.

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DEPARTMENTS

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dialogue A new day

6

ages & stages

• Toddler Test Kitchen • Study shows HPV vaccine is not linked to risky sexual activity • AAP cautions pregnant and breastfeeding moms against marijuana use

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family time!

• Top fall events

azgrown

• Around Arizona

• Parenting? There’s a class for that!

• Pumpkin patches and fall fun

• Kids Free San Diego deals

• Halloween and Dia de los Muertos events

• Phoenix Heart Ball bicycle contest

• Onstage

• National Prescription Take Back Day

• Fall walks and fun runs

• Care Card shopping week is Oct. 19-28.

• Turkey trots

• Moon Magic: Make your own impact craters

• Holiday favorite family performances

• Four reasons parents must go to the polls • Co+Hoots coworking space creates community of entrepreneurs

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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first person

Why we grew our family through foster-care adoption

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about the cover sponsor TUTOR TIME LEARNING CENTERS October/November 2018 | Vol 29 | No 7 Publisher Karen Davis Barr Associate Publisher Brandy Collet Editor Kara G. Morrison Calendar Editor Liz Petroff Copy Editor Debra Citron Contributors Margaret Beardsley, Amy Carney, Sari Custer, Karen Fernau, Ellen Greenblum, Lisa Van Loo Art Director Michèlle-Renée Adams Photography Ron Abelar, Rick D’Elia, Carl Sweets Operations Manager Tina Gerami-Bynum Sales & Circulation Brandy Collet Sales Representatives Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed

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

Getting ready for

KINDERGARTEN at Tutor Time “IS MY CHILD READY FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL?” If you’re the parent of a young child, chances are you’ve asked this question. In today’s world, parents want to be sure they’re giving their children every advantage and opportunity. That means ensuring their education begins early — and gets off to the right start.

So how does a family choose a preschool? There are many factors to consider, such as:

in partnership with

Follow us! @RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine

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 © 2018 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscription price is $12 for one year or $18 for two years. Back issues are $6 per copy.

The Post Office will not automatically forward in the event of a move. Make address changes on our website or mail changes to our office. Original, locally generated articles,

• Curriculum and learning experiences • Building safety and security • Physical fitness: indoor and outdoor activities

• Healthy food selections • Extracurricular learning opportunities • Communication with families

But it’s not just about checking all the boxes. Tutor Time recognizes each child is unique and has different needs. Tutor Time’s curriculum and learning experiences are inspired by the work of pioneering American developmental psychologist Howard Gardner and his theory of multiple intelligences. Currently a professor at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education and senior director of the university’s Project Zero, Gardner recognizes that each child learns in different ways.

Tutor Time’s educators focus on each child’s needs, strengths and individual “smarts” to help them learn best. The result is a well-rounded child, prepared for kindergarten. With the exclusive School Readiness Pathway, which provides parents with educational options at every age and stage of development, educators at Tutor Time help you chart your child’s own unique path to elementary school — and future success.

The day we visited Tutor Time’s downtown Arcadia location, the kids were attentive, engaged and excited about learning — from storytime to telling time to playing with colorful tangram puzzles and, as a treat, “coloring” on iPads.

Early education and childcare experts here work to embrace individuality to nurture growth, learning, selfesteem and imagination, starting in the Infant programs. They pride themselves on providing a stimulating, nurturing environment that encourages strong milestone development in both academic (reading, writing, math) and life skills (making friends, communicating respectfully and resolving conflicts peacefully).

illustrations and photographs are welcome. Guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

Tutor Time offers Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, and School-Age programs. To schedule a tour at one of Tutor Time’s 26 schools Valleywide, call 877-684-1613 or visit TutorTime.com PHOTOS BY RICK D’ELIA

dialogue

Should elementary-age kids have cell phones? • Talking with teens about noise damage

july 2013

www.raisingarizonakids.com

raisingarizonakids.com

may 2007

A mom’s swimsuit epiphany Synchronized swimming POOLSIDE . . .in Style

in the swim programs 50+Valley

in partnership with

raisingarizonakids.com

YOUTH SPORTS!

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

Birthday Party Ideas!

200+ PROGRAMS

recreational and competitive

ROLLER DERBY

PLUS:

festivals and 40 Fall HALLOWEEN events

These girls are rough, tough and really fast

My TRANSGENDER GRANDSON

Adaptive sports keep everyone in the game

NEW! Raising Outdoor Kids

Harness the power of

BRAIN/BODY CONNECTIONS

PARENTING?

There’s a class for that!

PLUS:

ADHD: Perspective and coping skills for parents Phoenix Derby Brats member Muse “Not Amused” Scripter (8) of Glendale.

Melanie Jimenez (4) of Phoenix with teacher LaJennifer Morris. Learn more about TUTOR TIME LEARNING CENTERS’ educational offerings on page 3.

A new day

November 3, 2018 9 a.m - 1 p.m.

9-10 a.m. - Horns-free hour Aviano Community Park 3975 E. Lockwood Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85050 Kids and families can explore big trucks during this hands-on event!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit jlp.org

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8/30/2018 4:54:11 PM

WE’RE EXCITED to debut a new logo for this fall 2018 issue of R aising A rizona K ids. Our logo has gone through several changes in 29 years. Most recently, we used “RAK magazine” on our covers, because the (shorter) acronym worked well for social media branding.

Newer readers didn’t always connect RAK with R aising A rizona K ids, so we decided it was time to go “back to the future” — to a logo that capitalizes on the name parents have trusted for nearly three decades. By the time you’re reading this, we’ll also have refreshed our website, raisingarizonakids.com, with a cleaner look and a faster, fully responsive platform.

Please check it out, and while you’re there, sign up for our weekly eNewsletter featuring links to weekend family events, timely parenting stories and new, web-exclusive content.

You may also have notice we’ve combined our October and November issues this year, bringing you a robust roundup of fall family events. The change was admittedly tough on Calendar Editor Liz Petroff, who rose to the occasion (starting in August), rounding up top events for two of the busiest months in the Valley for fun runs, pumpkin patches, onstage performances and much more.

We didn’t combine these fall months into one issue to haze Liz! This time of year, our small-but-mighty staff is also busy producing the Schools, etc. issue, which comes out in November. It’s always a challenge putting

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out this annual guide to education in greater Phoenix, so having one less print deadline is going to make us all much saner heading into the holiday season.

Before we turn to holidays, there is reason for hope, and maybe more change, ahead. This fall’s Nov. 6 general election is an opportunity as parents and citizens to show our kids that voting is one of the most important civic duties we have. As I like to say, democracy is for those who show up and vote. Even with record turnout for the August primary election, only a third of Arizona’s registered voters turned in ballots. With so many things on the ballot that will affect families — from a proposed expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to the overall future of public school funding — it’s time to get informed and get to the polls. I am fascinated to see what will come of the #RedforEd movement’s motto: “Remember in November.”

And please enjoy these blistfull fall months when we Arizonans can brag about the warm (not scorching) temperatures, remember what cool night air feels like, and enjoy time outdoors as a family.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

ages & stages

PREGNANCY & BIRTH

HALLE HEART CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

AAP CAUTIONS AGAINST MARIJUANA USE FOR WOMEN WHO ARE

PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING

TODDLERS

PICKY EATERS?

TAKE ‘EM TO TODDLER TEST KITCHEN IF YOU STRUGGLE with a picky eater or have a curious toddler determined to “help” in the kitchen, this activity is perfect. Take your 2- to 6-year-old to Toddler Test Kitchen at Halle Heart Children’s Museum for a hands-on cooking class.

Toddler Test Kitchen features age-appropriate original recipes created and presented by registered dietitian and mom Yaffi Lvova of Baby Bloom Nutrition. Your toddler will learn about flavors and cooking basics, table manners and cooking tools. Advanced registration is required. $15-$18 per session, 10 a.m. select Mondays and Saturdays. $45-$59 for four sessions.

Halle Heart Children’s Museum, 2929 S. 48th St., Tempe. Call 602-414-2800 or visit hhcm.org

TEENS & TWEENS

HPV VACCINE NOT LINKED TO RISKY SEXUAL ACTIVITY

HIGH RATES OF HPV vaccinations do not correlate to high levels of risky sexual behaviors among teens. So concludes a new study in the September issue of “Pediatrics,” the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The vaccine prevents infection by certain types of human papillomavirus, including those that cause the greatest risk of cervical cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the HPV vaccination for both girls and boys at age 11 or 12.

The study found that many indicators of risky sexual activity among teens have actually decreased in recent years, while access to the HPV vaccination has increased. Researchers found no difference in risky sexual behaviors among teens in states with financial incentives or school-based education programs to help increase HPV rates compared to teens in states without such legislation.

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

WITH MARIJUANA NOW legal for medical or recreational use in half of the country, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges women to avoid the drug while pregnant or nursing because of its potential effects on a developing brain. Medical marijuana is legal in Arizona.

The clinical report, “Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Implications for Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes,” in the September issue of “Pediatrics,” shows marijuana use among pregnant women increased from 2.3 percent in 2002 to 3.84 percent in 2014 — a 67 percent increase nationally.

“As pediatricians, we believe there is cause to be concerned about how the drug will impact the long-term development of children,” says Dr. Sheryl A. Ryan, a lead author of the report, who notes stories swirling on social media are pushing marijuana as a harmless antidote to morning sickness. The THC chemical in marijuana is known to readily cross the placenta and can be found in breastmilk up to six days after.

“Many of these effects may not show up right away, but they can impact how well a child can maneuver in the world,” Ryan says.

“Children’s and teens’ cognitive ability to manage their time and school work might be harmed down the line from marijuana use during their mother’s pregnancy.”

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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ISTOCK

az grown resources

PARENTING? There’s a class for that!

WHO SAYS KIDS should have all the fun learning and growing? Parenting is a learned skill, too.

But it’s not always fun, and it’s never easy.

Parenting instincts and confidence benefit greatly from exposure to research-based strategies and time-tested wisdom from expert educators. Here are six Valley programs that offer classes to help you find the sweet spot where “effective parenting” meets “enjoyable experience” for all.

Arizona Facts of Life Active Parenting 3310 W. Flower St., Phoenix 602-254-2704 • azfactsoflife.org Workshops educate parents on a variety of issues related to teens and youth ages 11 to 17. Topics include Understanding Your Teen, Active Communication, Reducing Power Struggles, Parenting with Style, Preventing Teen Drug Use and Control vs. Influence.

Funded by the Arizona Department of Health Services Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program. Classes are free and court approved.

Deer Valley Family Resource Center Copper Creek Elementary, 7071 W. Hillcrest Blvd., Glendale New River Elementary School, 48827 N. Black Canyon Fwy, New River 623-445-4727 • dvusd.org/dvfrc Provides support to strengthen families living in the north Phoenix region. Offers education, prevention and awareness by coordinating existing programs and services to meet the needs of families with children ages birth through 5. Empowers parents and caregivers to become educators themselves and join in the joy of their child’s learning during the early developmental years. Funded by a grant from First Things First.

Fun Van by First Things First 480-474-8559 • ajpl.org/funvan A free, mobile parenting-education program operating in Pinal County in association with Apache Junction Public Library and First Things First. Children from birth to age 5 and their parents or caregivers attend 11 weekly classes on early literacy and parenting skills. Each class includes crafts, play time, story time, parent session, a book to keep, and more. The next session starts Oct. 1.

Benevilla Family Resource Center 16752 N. Greasewood St., Surprise 623-207-6016 • benevilla.org Provides free parenting classes, support groups, literacy events, purposeful play groups, referrals to community agencies and a lending library for families with children from birth to age 5. The center is funded by a grant from First Things First.

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Mesa Parent University Locations at various Mesa public schools 480-472-7278 • mpsaz.org/parentu Free classes for parents in child guidance and behavior, health, academics and growth and development. Classes are presented by national consultants and prominent Valley educators. All parents/caregivers are welcome.

Childcare is not provided and children not are allowed in

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

classes unless course descriptions indicate otherwise.

Modern Milk 13802 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 162, Scottsdale 480-999-1585 3244 E. Guadalupe Road, Suite 106, Gilbert 480-534-8192 modernmilk.com Both Modern Milk locations offer Happy Mom School for new moms, The Dad Class, classes on infant sleep and more. The six- or eight-week Happy Mom School sessions offer maternal/child experts and guest speakers from physicians to infant brain-development experts. Moms are grouped by their babies’ ages to help them develop friendships and support networks. The class for new dads is taught by a registered nurse and father of four. $59-$299.

North Central Parenting Group Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley • ncpgaz.org A non-profit, non-denominational organization that provides bi-weekly morning classes led by local child development experts to parents from infants through grade 6. (A pre-infant class for expectant moms also is available.) Outside of the classroom, “moms’ night out” events, philanthropic and community activities, family events and playgroups expand friendships among moms and socialization opportunities for children. Classes run through-May at St. Barnabas on the Desert, 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane in Paradise Valley. Annual registration fee is $300; childcare (by licensed childcare providers) is $35, with discounts for additional siblings.

Put money aside, not college.

October is Arizona’s College Savings Month. Open an AZ 529 account today!

Download your FREE AZ College Savings Planner at AZ529.gov

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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az grown good to know

FALL FAMILY DEALS IN

SAN DIEGO SAN DIEGO CATERS to families every fall with deals on admission to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Legoland and more during the month of October. More than 100 San Diego hotels, restaurants, attractions, museums, tours and transportation companies offer Kids Free San Diego deals, including free meals, discounts and other perks. See details at sandiego.org/kidsfree

PHOENIX HEART BALL BICYCLE CONTEST

THE PHOENIX HEART BALL Committee is offering a free children’s bike and helmet to a child who best answers this question: What is your favorite heart-healthy snack?

The committee works to promote awareness of a heart-healthy, low-stress family lifestyle while also doing some serious fundraising to support life-saving research, education and community outreach programs.

Since its inception, the local event has raised more than $33 million. Halle Children’s Museum in Tempe and the CPR in Schools program are two examples of how this effort benefits Arizona families.

The contest winner must be willing to have a photo taken while choosing a new bike at Walmart. One entry per household.

Contestants can be anyone under age 18 or a parent or guardian of a child under 18. Enter

by Thursday, Nov. 1 at raisingarizonakids. com/contests-and-giveaways/ The 59th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball is Saturday, Nov. 17 at The Phoenician Resort.

For more information, visit phoenixheartball. heart.org.

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A chance to safely dispose of unneeded medications SATURDAY, OCT. 27 is the Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Prescription Take Back Day. And while this federal organization’s primary goal for the event is to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths, the safe-disposal component is also as important to environmental responsibility.

More than 6.4 million Americans abuse controlled prescription drugs, according to a 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. When unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands, the consequences can be tragic.

Flushing unneeded medications down the toilet is not the answer — it can put harmful substances into our drinking water supplies.

Take Back Day hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and you can find an authorized collector near you by visiting takebackday.dea.gov. Many of these organizations accept unused medications year-round.

We visited the site to find out where we could dispose of unused medications within a five-mile radius of our central-Phoenix office. Options included five Walgreen’s locations and two CVS locations. So it’s not hard to do! And it’s a good excuse to clear some space in your medicine cabinet.

SHOPPING, DINING WITH CARE CARD SUPPORTS

FOUNDATION FOR BLIND CHILDREN THIS YEAR, the nonprofit Board of Visitors is continuing to support the Foundation for Blind Children through its annual Care Card program. Shoppers who buy the $60 Care Card get a 20 percent discount at more than 500 restaurants and retailers Oct. 19-28.

As Arizona’s oldest women’s charitable organization, the Board of Visitors works to serve the healthcare needs of women, children and the elderly. Care Card proceeds will buy blind children their first white canes and pay for many of the services the Foundation for Blind Children provides.

Participating shops and restaurants include: Kidstop Toys, Crate & Barrel, CB2, Pottery Barn, The Container Store, West Elm, Joyride Taco House, Sauce Pizza and Wine, Zinburger, Federal Pizza, Postino Winecafe, The Vig, Shake Shack and many more. Visit thecarecard.org

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

ISTOCK

MOON MAGIC: Make your own impact craters

anything change? Does it look different?

8. Remove your objects from the flour with the tongs. If you want to try more craters, just dust off your objects, sprinkle more cocoa on top of the flour, and start again!

By Sari Custer LOOK CLOSELY at the moon and you’ll see it’s covered with craters — some of them billions of years old. Ever wonder what caused these depressions in the moon’s surface?

The moon’s very thin atmosphere allows objects like meteorites to strike the surface, making impressions called impact craters.

Craters vary depending on a striking object’s size, shape, and speed.

Try this experiment at home to see how the moon got its signature look.

Supplies: • 13x9-inch or larger plastic tub (use any shallow pan or tray; a small kiddie pool works, too) • 5-pound bag of flour • 8 ounces cocoa powder • 3-5 balls in various sizes (golf balls, marbles,

tennis balls, ping pong balls, etc.)

• 1-inch angular or odd-shaped rocks (at least two) • Tongs Directions: 1. Take your materials outside or to an easy clean-up location and fill your tub with about 3 inches of flour.

2. Sprinkle a thin layer of cocoa powder onto the surface.

3. Now go make craters! Choose any ball to start.

Stand so that your ball is about 3 feet (1 meter) above the container, and drop it into the cocoa/flour.

4. What do you observe?

5. Make a prediction about what will happen with the other balls, and drop them the same way.

6. What happened this time? Is it what you expected?

7. Now try dropping the angular rocks. Did

Here, we are experimenting with objects of different sizes and shapes to see what their impact craters look like. Everything from the shape and depth of the crater to the “splatter” of materials is affected by the characteristics of the impacting object. For a challenge, try dropping your objects from different heights or different angles. You may also want to try adding a third layer of material (like cookie or bread crumbs) to see how your results change.

Did you know?

The Earth’s dense atmosphere typically Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center, and mom to daughter Carson (4). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.

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az grown civic engagement

DEMOCRACY IS FOR those who show up and vote.

U.S. citizens who want to vote in Arizona’s Nov. 6 general election must be registered to vote by Oct. 9.

Register to vote at servicearizona.com.

Find your polling location or check your voter registration status at the Elections Department of the Maricopa County Recorder’s Office (maricopa.vote) or the Arizona Secretary of State’s website (azsos.gov).

Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. At your polling place, you will need to show a valid Arizona driver’s license or other valid United States federal, state or local government-issued photo identification. If you have no photo ID, you can present two non-photo documents that show your name and current address. Accepted documents include a current utility bill, bank statement or valid Arizona vehicle registration.

When you register, you can request to be placed on the Permanent Early Voter List so you will receive a mail-in ballot for future election cycles. That gives you the flexibility of voting from home. Visit azsos.gov/elections/ voting-election

A number of races and initiatives are of particular importance to families. Here are four reasons to vote: 1. Arizona Schools Superintendent race.

After a crowded field during the August primary election, two candidates are on the Nov. 6 ballot vying for Diane Douglas’s job as Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction: Democrat Kathy Hoffman, a speech therapist in the Peoria Unified School District (electkathyhoffman.com) and Republican Frank Riggs, a former California Congressman and

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ISTOCK

FOUR REASONS PARENTS MUST GO TO THE POLLS

former charter school executive (riggsforaz.com).

The superintendent oversees Arizona’s public school system, directs the state’s Department of Education and is an ex officio member of the Arizona Board of Regents, the governing body of Arizona’s public university system. Read more about these candidates on the Arizona Secretary of State’s website azsos.gov.

2. Proposition 305: Empowerment Scholarship Account expansion.

Empowerment Scholarship Accounts provide parents with public funds their school district would have received for their child’s education to spend on qualifying educational programs and expenses. Currently, ESAs are available to Arizona children with disabilities, children in foster care, children with an active-duty military parent, children who live on a Native American reservation and children who attended a “failing” public school.

A “yes” vote on Prop 305 will expand the state’s ESA program to make all public school students eligible to apply for ESAs. It would ultimately allow families to use tax dollars to pay private school tuition. A “no” vote will stop the expansion. Save our Schools Arizona argues an expansion would continue to erode money from already underfunded public schools.

School choice proponents favor the measure.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

3. Governor’s race and state legislature.

Many educators are livid about the Arizona Supreme Court’s decision to remove Prop 207, the Invest in Education initiative, from the November ballot. If it had been on the ballot and passed, Prop 207 would have raised millions in revenue for education by hiking state income-tax rates on the state’s top earners. The race between Republican Gov. Doug Ducey (dougducey.com) and Democrat David Garcia (dg4az.com), an education-policy expert who supported Prop 207, could end up being about future education funding if the #RedforEd movement shows up. State government could also see shifts with all 90 members of the state legislature up for re-election.

4. U.S. Senate and Congress. Arizonans will elect a woman to the U.S. Senate for the first time this year. Democrat Kyrsten Sinema (kyrstensinema. com) and Republican Martha McSally (mcsallyforsenate.com) are vying for Sen. Jeff Flake’s seat. The nine races for Arizona’s members of the U.S. House of Representatives could also have an impact on the overall balance of power in the federal legislative branch. Visit azsos.gov for information on candidates in your district.

The

Nutcracker

Chandler Center for the Arts | Nov 23-Dec 2 | $25, $29 Mesa Arts Center | Dec 7-16 | $25, $29

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Chandler Center for the Arts | April 27-28 | $16, $22 Ticket base price. Venue fees apply

Tickets: balletetudes.net | “Ballet Etudes...turning out stars-to-be.” - The Arizona Republic

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

13

az grown work/life balance

Jenny Poon and Odeen Domingo.

In CO+HOOTS Local co-working space creates community to connect entrepreneurs, support families

By Margaret Beardsley | Photo by Mark W. Lipczynski WHEN JENNY POON was starting her own business as a graphic artist, she needed space for herself and one employee. She was also looking for the collaboration and encouragement that often comes from an office setting. But the cost of renting an entire office didn’t pencil out.

After weighing the options, Poon and her husband, Odeen Domingo, created Co+Hoots in Phoenix. It’s a shared work space where entrepreneurs launch businesses, and professionals needing a place to work can rent a desk or small office with shared amenities — copy machines, a kitchen, conference rooms and even educational speakers and networking sessions about growing a business in the tech age.

Poon explains their members “need to get away from the dog and the laundry and the dishes that are at home and be around people [who] are also building businesses and growing their own companies. … Our goal is to be there as a business grows out of this space and into its own.”

Their first space in downtown Phoenix had six members in 2010. Today Co+Hoots fills an entire building near Third Street and Indian School in Phoenix and is home to more than 250 members and 175 companies. Early next

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year, they’ll open a second location in Mesa.

Even more than the physical space, Poon and her husband are working to create a sense of community among local entrepreneurs. It’s something that came in handy when the couple became parents. Their 4-year-old daughter, Ayda, has grown up in Co+Hoots.

“Everybody here knows her,” says Poon, who was named the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2016 Businessperson of the Year. “We had Co+Hoots when she was born. She calls everyone here Tia or Tio (meaning aunt and uncle). It’s an Asian thing — a sign of respect.

We don’t have any family [in Phoenix], but we have had this huge support in the workplace.”

Poon admits work-life balance is still a challenge, even with one’s own business.

“It’s already so hard running a business by yourself, or even with your spouse, but there is a different dynamic when you have kids, and so we want to be supportive of that stage as well.

We struggled with it, too!” she admits.

“We encourage people to bring their kids to work,” Poon adds. “Of course there are boundaries. But at spring [or fall] break you will see lots of kids in here, and they work out of the space right next to their parents or hang out in the

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

kitchen area, which is filled with toys for them.”

During the Arizona teacher’s strike last spring, Co+Hoots was one of many businesses that supported #RedforEd; it offered free work space where people could also bring their kids.

Poon says they’ll offer “limited childcare” when they open their new Mesa facility. While it will not be a full-time child-care service, Poon says members can take advantage of it for a few hours to get some work done.

Giving back to the community is another of Poon’s passions. To that end, the Co-Hoots Foundation offers programming for women and high school students, many from Title I schools. One of her favorite events is a three-day Hackathon. Teams of teenagers bring ideas they’ve collaborated on throughout the weekend to a “Shark Tank”-style team of judges.

Some of the ideas have included an app to track food trucks and a straw that can turn any water into purified H2O. Poon says she loves the enthusiasm generated by the teens when they work together and see that someone is listening.

“Great ideas come from everywhere,” she says. “You shouldn’t feel like you can’t contribute because of your zip code or your background.”

Poon says her inspiration comes from her parents — themselves entrepreneurs, who owned a restaurant in Minnesota. Her mother taught her she could do whatever she set her mind to. Now Poon wants to pass these same lessons on to her daughter. “It takes someone strong to make someone strong,” is one of her favorite quotes.

Ayda is “an integrated part of our business, and she’s an integrated part of every piece of our lives,” Poon says. “I don’t think you need to separate those two things. … I think the more that we can integrate our children and our lives into how we work, we’ll see a better balance.”

“This is how you make it work as a working mom,” she says. “We are strong, independent people, and we can do anything we want to!”

Co+Hoots is located at 221 E. Indianola Ave. in Phoenix. Learn more by calling 602-6882825 or visit cohoots.com Margaret Beardsley of Phoenix is a staff writer and former television news executive producer. She is the mother of two adult children.

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5715 West Utopia Road Glendale, Arizona 85308 623-537-6360 RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

15

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNING

Your child’s special day should be fun for you, too! These local businesses pack lots of fun into every birthday party — and make planning the celebration much easier for moms and dads.

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: PARTY PLANNING Arizona Humane Society

Ballet Etudes

1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix 602-997-7585 • azhumane.org Ages 5-12. Animal lovers will enjoy a birthday spent with animal friends. Includes private party room plus decorations, invitations, party host, shelter tour and animalthemed crafts and activities. $225 for 2½ hours of party time for up to 20 guests. Additional guests $10 each, up to 25 maximum. Offsite birthday presentations also available.

2401 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert 480-558-2080 • balletetudes.net Ballet class led by company members, hostesses, games, story time, decorated pointe shoe for guest of honor, invitations, decorations, goody bags, story time, photo op, “free month with paid month” offer for guests. $250 and up.

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 1½ 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, special T-shirt or tank for the birthday child and goody bags for guests. Three party options, and a ninja theme, too!

Contact2@azontherocks.com

Bach to Rock - North Scottsdale 7325 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Suite 104, Scottsdale 480-990-8000 • northscottsdale.b2rmusic.com Rock Birthday Party (ages 7 and up) is a two-hour jam/recording session where the birthday boy or girl becomes a rock star. Karaoke Birthday Party (ages 6 and up) is a 90-minute singing/recording party for kids and adults. Rock City Birthday Party (ages 4-6) is an actionpacked 90-minute party that lets children to explore instruments up close and see how music is made on keyboards, drums and guitars. No experience necessary.

guests. $345 and up for up to 25 guests.

Beginners Edge Sports Training 7000 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 1830-1840, Scottsdale 623-748-9453 • thebestinaz.com Choose between our indoor, air-conditioned, 4,000-square-foot facility in Scottsdale, or BEST can bring the party & equipment to you. Prices start at $150 for 1 hour of games with professionally trained instructors that keep kids running, laughing and playing. Choose one or two sports. Optional add-ons include a bounce house, additional time or coaches. Call for details.

Childsplay Herberger Theater Center 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix 480-921-5763 • childsplayaz.org Ages 3-17. Discounted tickets to the best seats in the house to the show of your choice, with the opportunity for a free backstage tour after the performance for the birthday party group!

Circus School of Arizona 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, wirewalking, 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!

Butterfly Wonderland 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale 480-800-3000 • butterflywonderland.com 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. Packages start at $295.

Carrie Curran Art Studios 8300 N. Hayden, Suite A100, Scottsdale 480-478-8121 • carriecurranart.com Ages 6 and up. This longtime local art studio has an allnew 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.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix 602-648-2750 • childrensmuseumofphoenix.org Ages 10 and younger. Unlimited museum playtime for the day, including access to the museum’s noodle forest, mini supermarket, fort-building room, art studio, texture café, the Schuff-Perini climber and much more.

Packages feature one hour in a private party room with a “Party Pal” host, party invitations and a gift for the guest of honor. Extras include pizza, cupcakes and additional

City of Chandler

Tumbleweed Recreation Center 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler 480-782-2908 • chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed Ages 3 and up. Party packages include 45 minutes of activity time and 45 minutes of celebration in a classroom with paper products, decorations, craft supplies and a party host. Craft, baking, mad science, sports, princess and superhero themes available. $130$210 for 10 children; $10 for each additional child up to 20 maximum. Optional cake, cupcake and pizza add-ons.

Desert Breeze Railroad 660 N. Desert Breeze Boulevard East, Chandler 480-893-6652 • desertbreezerr.com Ages 2-10. Engineer Party Deal includes rides, engineer cap for the birthday child, printable invitations, ice cream, balloons, party host and reserved seating for up to 40 people on the Birthday Party Patio. Visit website for details and party options. Deposit required. $11.50+tax per child (8 minimum).

Dolphinaris 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Suite B-100, Scottsdale 480-407-5163 • dolphinarisaz.com Ages 5 and up. Dolphin Land Experience: Get an up-close view of a bottlenose dolphin and learn about its natural behaviors without getting in the water. Delight in a dolphin kiss, fin-to-hand shake and more. Ideal for small children/groups. Dolphin Water Experience: Step

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

17

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION: PARTY PLANNING into 3 feet of water and be amazed when a dolphin swims up to you! Groups need a minimum of 8 guests for Beach Club access and reserved cabana.

COMING IN NOVEMBER: A complete guide to K-12 education in Greater Phoenix.

FatCats Gilbert 4321 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert 480-498-3323 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.

Flip Dunk Sports 1515 E. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix 602-277-0067 • flipdunksports.com Flip Dunk Sports has birthday parties for every budget.

Bring your child for some jumping, flipping, crazy fun!

Choose a trampoline, ninja, gymnastics, dance or Nerf war theme. Call today to book your spot.

Freestone Railroad 1021 E. Juniper, Gilbert 480-632-2702 • freestonerr.com Ages 2-10. Engineer Party Deal $12.50+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 30 on the Birthday Party Patio. Visit website for details and party options.

Deposit required.

Funny Magic For Kids 3120 W. Wagoner Road, Phoenix 623-570-5996 • funnymagicforkids.com Laughter-filled 30- or 45-minute magic shows for kids and families at your venue. Ranked No. 1 on Yelp. Show packages for birthdays, camps, assemblies and family events start at $200 and up. Visit website to learn more.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix 602-262-2050 • azpuppets.org Ages 3 and up. Enjoy original and traditional shows performed by professional puppeteers. Afterward, kids design their own puppets with paper bags, scissors and glue. Package includes a party room with a refrigerator and microwave for three hours. $100 room rental plus $6 per person, including adults. Discounts for members.

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i.d.e.a. Museum

Main Event

150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa 480-644-2468 • ideamuseum.org All ages. Nurture your child’s creativity with hands-on art or robotics activities. All parties include museum admission for guests, private party room (90 minutes or 2 hours), party host, party setup/cleanup and basic decorations. Customized parties available, starting at $225 for members and $250 for non-members.

10315 W. McDowell Road, Avondale • 623-936-5300 1735 S. Santan Village Parkway, Gilbert • 480-462-2200 8545 S. Emerald Drive, Tempe • 480-753-1200 mainevent.com Main Event birthdays are epic for kids with state-of-theart bowling, multi-level laser tag and an arcade games gallery featuring more than 100 of the latest interactive arcade games. All party packages feature a FUNcard for arcade games, entree from the party menu, reserved space and a party host. $15.95-$29.95 per person, 10-person minimum. Add-ons include souvenir bowling pin and goody bags.

Laser and Mirror Maze 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale 480-270-6200 • odyseamirrormaze.com 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. Packages start at $270.

Mad Science of Northeast Phoenix 480-222-2233 nephoenix.madscience.org Ages 5-12. Mad Sciences comes to your venue. Highenergy, interactive shows feature demonstrations, chemical reactions (kids can make slime or putty) and other science activities. Includes science poster for guest of honor and stickers for guests. Many party themes and add-ons available, including dry-ice potions, science of cotton candy, rocket launch, goody bags and lab coats. Packages start at $225.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

OdySea Aquarium 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale 480-291-8000 • odyseaaquarium.com Party like a penguin! All birthday party packages include unlimited bumper boat rides for children, pizza and juice, scavenger hunts and digital invitations. Add-ons include train rides, animal ambassador appearances, candy bags and more. Packages start at $360.

Phoenix Zoo 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix 602-914-4333 • phoenixzoo.org Ages 12 and younger. Zoo admission, host, party ramada, party-favor bags, paper goods, one carousel ride/Stingray Bay admission, craft activity, cake, ice cream, lemonade and T-shirt for the guest of honor. 1½ hours. $325 and up for 10 children and 12 adults.

Shamrock Farms Stanfield 602-477-2462 • shamrockfarms.net All ages. Farm tour and covered area with tables in the barn. Bring your own cake and light refreshments or purchase food on-site. $7 per child, $10 per adult. Group discount for 10 or more guests.

Sky Zone Phoenix 4857 E. Greenway Road, Suite A, Scottsdale 602-493-5867 • skyzone.com/phoenix All ages. Trampoline time, party room with paper goods, host, pizza, drinks, invitations, gift for guest of honor. 2 hours. Starting at $275.

Tolmachoff Farms 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale 602-377-4747 • tolmachoff-farms.com Gift/souvenir for birthday child, train ride, petting zoo, pedal carts, tricycles, corn box, tunnel slides, jumping pillow, party host and covered picnic area. Bring your own food, cake and ice cream. $275 for 2 hours of party time with 30-minute setup and teardown. Up to 25 guests.

UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle 16000 Maricopa Road, Maricopa 520-233-2431 • ultrastaraz.com All ages. Party packages with bowling, laser tag, arcade games and/or movie. Includes party host, pizza, soft drinks, cupcakes, private party room and guest of honor’s name on the Jumbotron. 1-3 hours. $16.95 and up per person, 6-child minimum.

Vertuccio Farms 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa 480-882-1482 • vertucchiofarms.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.

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 each additional child.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

19

RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS

CAMPING — AND

CONNECTING —WITH KIDS

By Lisa Van Loo • Photos by Ron Abelar

W

E HAD BEEN in the car for two hours. We had answered requests for snacks with granola bars and goldfish crackers.

We had endured the “Are we there yet?” questions.

So when we threw the car into park, let everybody out and began unloading our gear, we thought the kids would be gone like lightning, exploring the creek that was running about 100 yards from our campsite along Arizona State Route 89A. Instead, they stayed, jumping from one rock to another, wondering what to do.

This is why we camp. Because kids today, even ours, apparently, need to be told to go explore.

We’re raising outdoor kids -— five of them between us -— ranging in age from 5 to 12.

We know what we’re up against. Today’s kids are entangled in technology. They send snaps, post stories, subscribe to YouTube channels and lose hours of daylight to game consoles.

We can’t completely avoid it, but we hope to balance it.

After hearing “I saw this video…” one too many times, we doubled down, realizing it was our responsibility to connect our children to the real world around them. We wanted to plant an appreciation within them for the public and protected landscapes that surround

20

them so they will become ambassadors for those places in the years ahead.

Breaking kids of well-established habits — particularly electronic ones that come with socially influenced, hard-to-sever roots — isn’t easy. But it’s doable. And, we believe, absolutely necessary.

We get them out — a lot. We take them camping and hiking. We laugh through mud runs and splash in lakes and rivers. We love every incredible, dirty, wet, primitive, adventurous minute of it.

IF YOU REALLY think about it, kids camp all the time without ever pitching a tent. Every child has built a fort in the family room or on their bunk beds. Some even build forts in the backyard. It’s almost a primal childhood activity.

Camping answers that internal craving. It removes the buffers, be they screens or walls, that exist between kids and nature. It often presents a need for them to problem-solve (try putting up a tent or finding shelter during bad weather). It instills a sense of respect and appreciation for life’s conveniences, from the fridge to flushing toilets. It puts adventure on the front burner.

The best thing about camping is that it can be a made-to-order experience. Novice campers can throw a tent, a cooler and a few sleeping

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

bags in the car and reserve a campsite online knowing they’ll more than likely have access to bathrooms and drinking water. (Find state park campsites at azstateparks.com/reserve and national park sites at recreation.gov.) They can stop at a restaurant along the way, grab sandwiches and be set for the night.

Families with a little more experience might risk securing a first-come, first-served walk-up campsite in a state or national park, or in a national forest. Many parks that allow reservations also reserve a select number of sites for walk-up campers, which is why it’s important to talk to the rangers at the sites to see what is available. (Check fs.usda.gov to find a specific national forest, and then visit the recreation.gov site for more information on availability and walk-up options.)

Seasoned campers also might get more adventurous about meals: cooking over a camping stove or using a Jetboil cooking system to whip up dehydrated meals eaten by the glow of headlamps.

Folks who want to venture further out can bring everything they’ll need, including water, and set up on public land. There is no fee to camp on public land, but there are also no services, which means an absence of toilets and a need for biodegradable wipes. This type of camping, known as dispersed camping, takes

Far left: Riley Abelar (10) and Nolan Abelar (5) near Idaho Falls during a trip to see the solar eclipse. Left: Riley Abelar (10), Lulu Nicita (8), Josie Nicita (12), Dominic Nicita (9) and Nolan Abelar (5) at the Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona. Left bottom: Ron Abelar and children Nolan (5) and Riley (10) watch the solar eclipse on the path of totality near Idaho Falls, Idaho.

a little research. Generally, dispersed camping is allowed within a national forest in areas that aren’t private or designated as established campgrounds. Put simply, if it’s in a forest, if it’s open and if you can access it, you can be there. It’s ours to use, and ours to protect.

The forest service website, fs.usda.gov, lists information on dispersed camping options.

ROAD TRIP TIPS: Five things we’ve learned

1. Cover any gear you leave outside at night.

Dew falls, even in the desert.

2. Secure the food you bring. Critters are smart and hungry, and they’ll go after anything.

Hang it high or lock it in a cooler.

3. Close your tent with the zipper up top to keep critters out.

4. Bring a trash bag. No matter where you go, you’ll be responsible for packing out your trash.

5. Talk to the ranger at the park or the campsite, even if the sign says “Lot Full.”

They are the ones who can get you a campsite, give you critical tips and keep you aware of issues that may come up.

WHEN CAMPING, PARENTS don’t have to worry about traffic and kids don’t have access to Wi-Fi. Exploring is everyone’s singular mission. When kids explore, they learn. When they learn, they connect. And it is that connection with the real world, one outside a screen, that we hope will provide valuable perspective and a lasting emotional investment in the environment around them.

We take every opportunity we get to teach our kids how and where to explore, and we talk about how they fit into it all. We focus on conservation, using life moments to teach life lessons about how their decisions and actions impact the planet.

For example, every camper needs to understand that they are responsible for their trash — and it wouldn’t be horrible if they also felt responsible for picking up trash other people leave along the way. No camper should forget that we live in a dry, sometimes vulnerable desert.

Brad Widhalm, a fire prevention technician with the Cave Creek Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest, says families should always check the weather forecast before going camping. Pack a map, let people know where you’re going, and do a little research to understand fire restrictions before heading out.

(As of press time, there were no fire restrictions

on Arizona state-owned or managed land, but conditions can quickly change. Visit the Department of Forestry and Fire Management website: dffm.az.gov/fire-restrictions.)

When you are able to safely include campfires in your experience, Widhalm recommends following Smokey Bear’s advice: “Make sure the area is free and clear of grass, brush and trees. Dig down a few inches if possible, so that the campfire is below surface level. And most importantly, mix dirt and water together [to throw on the fire] to make sure the fire is out completely before leaving the campsite.” (Find additional tips at smokeybear.com.)

AFTER YOU PUT out that campfire, you may find that camping has ignited a different kind of fire in your kids. Don’t be surprised if they start asking for more opportunities to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the world.

It didn’t take long for our kids to get on board. They daydream about destinations.

Their daypacks and fishing poles are always at the ready.

We’re not extraordinary. We don’t know everything there is to know about enjoying the great outdoors. (I’m still figuring out the compass on my survival bracelet.) But we’re enthusiastic about trying new experiences and learning from them. And we’re hoping that our successes and failures along the way prove helpful or inspiring to others.

That’s why we’re writing about raising outdoor kids. We’re also chronicling our journey on Instagram (@RaisingOutdoorKids).

In the months ahead, we’ll be teaching our children to chase waterfalls, explore national parks in and around Arizona, scout swimming holes, discover hikes and try family-friendly gear. We can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Lisa Van Loo is a freelance journalist. Ron Abelar is an avid outdoorsman and photographer.

Together, they are parenting five children in Gilbert. Follow them on Instagram @RaisingOutdoorKids

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

21

“I am a boy named

JAYDEN

”

It was impossible to dismiss Jayden’s raw, personal truth. It’s also impossible to deny our worry over the challenges ahead for my granddaughter-turned-grandson.

By Ellen Greenblum | Photos by Carl Sweets

I

met Aubree when she was 3 years old, when my daughter Amelia and her husband (Aubree’s biological dad) gained full custody of her. What I saw then was an adorable child, playful and silly. She loved cars and trucks, Spiderman and Ninja Turtles and hated wearing anything feminine or frilly. We assumed we had a delightful tomboy on our hands. No one thought anything of it.

By age 4, Aubree confidently began to say, “I am a boy, so I need boy clothes,” and “I need a short haircut.” Initially, my daughter and her husband thought it was a phase, as I did, blaming it on a host of rationalizations — from missing the brother she became separated from, to feeling angry at both her biological mother and her new mom “Milli,” or just confusion over new family routines and rules.

At age 6, Aubree asked me to help with the spelling of words in letters she painstakingly wrote to her teachers and her daddy and stepmom. The letter began: “I am a boy named Jayden.”

It was impossible to dismiss an innocently declared, raw personal truth. It was also impossible to deny our worry over all the potential challenges that lie ahead.

That was when we stopped calling Aubree a girl. We were going to continue to love Jayden, the boy, unconditionally while educating ourselves about how to most helpfully serve as advocates.

My daughter and son-in-law attended a handful of counseling sessions to help Jayden navigate things like public restrooms and offer tips on what to do if anyone at school or anywhere else questioned his identity.

At 6, Jayden understood and could articulate how body parts and gender identity don’t have to match. We gave him the January 2017 issue of “National Geographic” and its “Gender Revolution” story, which featured many other children like him. He felt reassured that he isn’t alone. He looked at the pictures on and off for days. I make a point of leaving mainstream magazines around that feature other gender non-conforming children and children’s books such as “The Princess Boy” to help remind him that he is not alone. His parents are his best allies, always poised to speak to adults on his behalf if he asks for help.

Jayden and I have regular Thursday evening dates. We ride bikes, have picnics, assemble jigsaw puzzles, eat French fries and watch movies. We talk about all kinds of things, and for the most part, he’s like any other kid. The little bit of him that is atypical has to think about how to respond in certain awkward situations.

One night at the YMCA, the desk attendant for the pool asked if he was in the computer system. “Yes,” I answered quickly, “but it might be under Aubree.”

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization: An Arizona organization offering child and family programming, resources, education, advocacy, etc. aztypo.org Camp Born This Way: A summer camp for transgender and gender nonconforming children in Arizona sponsored by the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation and envisioned by the TransParents project. Ages 5-17 and their families experience a weekend free from bullying, harassment and judgment and find support networks. campbornthisway.org PFLAG: Largest support and advocacy organization in the country with chapters in many cities in Arizona. pflag.org Southern Arizona Gender Alliance: A Tucson group that offers workshops, events, support and education for families with gender creative children. sagatucson.org The Trevor Project: A national organization for suicide and harm prevention for young people ages 13-24. thetrevorproject.org Trans Student: A Phoenix-based youth-led group working toward creating change in the educational environment. transstudent.org Trans Youth Equality: National organization covering information and support for families, healthcare, school policy, camps and advocacy. transyouthequality.org

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

COURTESY OF ELLEN GREENBLUM

Resources for transgender kids and their families:

Above left: Aubree with her stepmom and dad. Above right: Jayden today with his dad, stepmom and baby sister.

“What’s your name?” she asked him directly.

“Jayden.”

“Oh, then Aubree is your middle name?”

I looked at him and mouthed “yes.” He gave me the death stare for lying.

“Yes, it’s his middle name,” I exhaled.

When she asked him if he was a boy, he answered, “yes,” like he always does, and she said she would change that in the system, too. She then instructed us to use the family changing room, and I was relieved.

I explained to Jayden why I lied, feeling ashamed of my assumption that the attendant would not understand, when in fact she made no issue of Jayden’s changed name or gender. We both knew this could have gone either way.

For those of us who were able to trust and transition with him, we only know Jayden as he is now. He presents as a confident little guy, and even the photographs and faded memories of an adorable little girl with dirt on her hands and stinky feet don’t elicit questions or grief. That’s not to say everyone in his world has been flexible.

Statistics show that the suicide rate for transgender people is staggeringly high — 30 to 40 percent — unless the trans male or female has been well-supported throughout their lives, advocated for and assisted through tough transitions. Because this group is typically easy to identify by gender non-conforming ways of dressing, wearing make-up, hair styles etc., they are targets for sexual harassment and violence. As they approach adolescence, isolation and loneliness can be overwhelming.

What I’ve learned is that gender identity is not a given nor a choice. Some developmental psychologists say that children as young as 2 or 3 can express a gender identity that is at odds with the one defined by their genitalia. But other children take years, even decades, to determine that they are transgender. When I asked Jayden how he knew that he is a boy, he responded quickly: “How do you know you are a girl?”

Recent studies funded by the National Institutes of Health suggest that the biological development of genitals taking place in the womb can occur at a different time than gender association develops in the brain. A host of other chromosomal variations can impact where one falls on the spectrum. Younger children whose behavior

and preferences may not be solidly masculine or feminine are increasingly called “gendercreative” or “gender-fluid” by educators, psychologists and parents.

My best guess right now is that Jayden’s mental health will remain intact. He is well loved, respected and parented and is an excellent student at school — aside from the fact that he gets in trouble occasionally for his wiggliness and for losing things.

He has friends and plays outside in the neighborhood on days he doesn’t attend karate. In another year or so, we’ll send him to Camp Born this Way in Arizona — an informative overnight camp for families with gender non-conforming children ages 5-17. For the first time, he will meet a fully supportive community of kids like him. By the time he is in fifth grade, he will contemplate whether or not to stave off puberty with hormone therapy until he is old enough to face more serious choices regarding his body.

Although mainstream media feature celebrities in popular reality shows and program series like “Transparent,” “Orange is the New Black” and a heavily interviewed YouTube celebrity teen named Jazz, this content does not direct attention to the isolation and dangerous depression that affect too many gender non-conforming children, teens and adults.

There’s some good news on the horizon about tolerance and the millennial generation.

A recent survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign of 1,000 millennials ages 18-34 found that half think gender is a spectrum and that some people fall outside conventional binary categories. But discrimination against transgender and LGBTQ people has also been on the rise with discriminatory political rhetoric, policies such as trying to reinstate a ban on transgender people in the military and a Supreme Court decision that left open a door to same-sex and transgender discrimination.

On Jayden’s behalf and with his permission, I share his story with the hope that it’s a reminder for all of us to continue to educate ourselves and to consult with experts and organizations that can create safe home, public and school environments for all kids.

Ellen Greenblum BFA, M. Ed, MFA is a proud grandmother and chairs the Arts and Humanities department at Prescott College in Prescott.

INSPIRING STUDENTS SINCE 1968

When we’re at Ryan House, we get to just be a family.

The Buchanans

With our world-class care and programs, we embrace all children and their families as they navigate life-limiting or end-of-life journeys.

Providing palliative and respite care that addresses the needs of our children and families Providing our services at no cost to families Our Care Team will help families through the referral process

ryanhouse.org RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

25

Emily Dixon with her children Milo (5) and Sophie (7).

HEALTHY FALL FAMILY MEALS

By Karen Fernau | Photos courtesy of Emily Dixon A GILBERT MOTHER of two, Emily Dixon knows firsthand the challenges of getting dinner on the table quickly. But Dixon insists family meals don’t have to be fancy or time-consuming.

“It’s a misconception that it takes a lot of time to cook healthy, family-friendly food every night,” says Dixon, a food blogger and recipe contributor to Sprouts Farmers Market, the national grocery chain headquartered in Phoenix. “It does not have to be overwhelming, or take more than 30 minutes, and there’s no better way to connect with your children than at the dinner table. Too many of us are not eating together at home with family because we think it’s too hard.”

According to Harvard University’s Family Dinner Project, Dixon’s right. About 70 percent of meals are eaten outside the home, and about 20 percent are eaten in the car. About half of American families seldom have dinner together.

Dixon began food blogging nearly a decade ago as a college student who cooked as a diversion from her studies. With the birth of her daughter, Sophie, the focus of her blog posts flipped from random food that caught her fancy to family-friendly meals. When she learned that Sophie, diagnosed at age 2 with autism, was unable to tolerate gluten or dairy, she expanded the blog to include specialty diets.

26

“I firmly believe in the healing power of food, but I also know that each of our bodies is so different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all,” says Dixon, who uses her college degree in public health and nutrition to guide her blog posts.

She also believes in the advice of Michael Pollan, best-selling author and food evangelist: Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much.

For Dixon, it’s a sensible answer to the confusing and complicated question of what families need to eat to stay healthy. She avoids subscribing to any one eating plan, instead borrowing from a host of diets — from vegan to paleo to Whole 30.

“I try to be in the middle,” she explains.

“Nutrition is cumulative, so it’s OK to take the kids out for pizza or burgers occasionally. I don’t want families to try for perfection. Simple works.”

Dixon’s healthy eating plan is more than just a prescription for good health and healthy weight. Studies show that a steady diet of good-for-you meals leads to happier, more successful kids. Studies also conclude that regular family meals lead to positive attitudes, better grades and lower rates of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, behavioral problems and depression.

An added bonus is that home cooking costs less. The average household spends

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

about $3,000 a year dining out, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While a chicken and vegetable meal at a restaurant can cost about $10, minus tip and beverage, the same dish can be cooked at home for nearly a quarter of the cost — about $2.25.

For those transitioning from restaurants to home-cooked dinners, Dixon recommends baby steps. Don’t leap from cooking two nights a week to seven. Gradually add meals, aiming for at least five dinners per week at the kitchen table. The same advice goes for healthy ingredients. Don’t abruptly expect your family to eat a black-bean burger instead of a quarter pounder dripping in cheese. Slowly add new vegetables, fruits and whole grains, easing out foods high in fat, salt, sugar and calories. “So many try and go from one extreme to another, and that seldom works,” says Dixon.

Read Emily Dixon’s “8 tips for quick and healthy family meals” at raisingarizonakids.com

Karen Fernau is a longtime journalist and former food writer at The Arizona Republic.

3 RECIPES FROM EMILY DIXON

A Gilbert mom, food blogger and contributor to Sprouts Farmers Market. Find more of her recipes at onelovelylife.com.

SLOW CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA

SHEET PAN SAUSAGE AND VEGGIES • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (more, if needed) • 12 ounces pre-cooked link sausage, cut into rounds (pork or turkey kielbasa, chicken sausages, andouille, smoked sausage, etc.)

• 2 to 3 medium Yukon gold or red potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced • 2 bell peppers, seeded and diced into 1-inch pieces • 1 onion, diced into 1-inch pieces • ½ to 1 teaspoon garlic powder • ½ to 1 teaspoon onion powder • ¼ teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon pepper • 3 to 4 tablespoons fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, dill or basil • Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet. Add sausage, potatoes, mushrooms, peppers and onion, to pan. Sprinkle with garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using). Stir to combine well, adding more oil if needed. Shake to distribute as well as you can (pan will be quite full). Bake 25 minutes. Stir, then bake another 25 minutes or so, until veggies are caramelizing and sausage is browned. Sprinkle with herbs and stir to combine. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

• 1 to 1½ pounds chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless) • 1 onion, diced • 1 tablespoon coconut oil • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced • 2 teaspoons fresh turmeric, or about 1 teaspoon dried • 2 teaspoons garam masala • 1 teaspoon dried coriander • 1 teaspoon cumin • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes • 1/2 teaspoon salt • pinch of cloves • 2 to 3 tablespoons tomato paste • 1 14-ounce can of coconut milk (preferably full-fat)

• 1 cup broth or water • ¼ or ½ cup fresh cilantro, minced • Optional: For thicker sauce, add 1 tablespoon cornstarch or 2 tablespoons arrowroot

Place the chicken in the crock of your slow cooker. To make the sauce, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5-7 minutes, or until translucent. Add ginger, garlic, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, chili powder, chili flakes, cloves and salt. Cook 1-2 minutes more, or until very fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, coconut milk, and broth (or water) and stir to combine. Pour sauce over the chicken. Cook on high heat about 3 hours or on low 5-6 hours. To thicken, add cornstarch or arrowroot to slow cooker in the last 3-5 minutes before serving. Stir in cilantro right before serving. Makes 5 servings.

VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE TACO STUFFED PEPPERS • Bell peppers (halved or tops cut off) • 2 cups cooked quinoa • 1 15-once can black beans, drained and rinsed • ½ cup salsa • ¼ cup finely minced red onion • Juice of ½ lime • 2 to 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro • ½ teaspoon cumin • ½ teaspoon chili powder

• Salt to taste • To serve: avocado or guacamole salsa or favorite taco toppings like sour cream, cheese, etc.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Prepare a baking dish (8x8 if you’re doing them standing as jack o’lanterns or 9x13 if you’re halving them) by filling it with ½ inch water. In a large bowl, stir together quinoa, black beans, salsa, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, cumin, chili powder and a pinch of salt. Scoop quinoa filling into peppers or pepper halves. Carefully place in your baking dish. Cover dish with foil. Bake 40-50 minutes, or until peppers are desired tenderness. Enjoy with your favorite taco toppings. Makes 4 servings.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

27

family time!

TOP FALL EVENTS

Pumpkin Days and Corn Maze (Sept. 28-Nov. 4) at Tolmachoff Farms.

By Liz Petroff

Fall is calling Arizona families to get outside and enjoy the crisp weather, outdoor festivals and holiday fun. October brings us plenty of opportunities to show off costumes at spooky (but not-too scary) Halloween parties, thrills at the State Fair and joy from picking the best pumpkins in the patch. November navigates us into the holiday season, bringing spectacular outings that will light up your family time.

NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites.

Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar

SEPT. 28-NOV. 4: Pumpkin Days and Corn Maze. Tolmachoff Farms hosts a six-acre family corn maze, mini corn maze for little ones, petting zoo, jumping pillow, hay pyramid, farm activities and play areas. Hours vary. $12; free for ages 2 and younger; additional cost for pumpkins, special activities and AZ Field of Screams haunted corn maze. 5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale. 623-386-1301 or tolmachoff-farms.com

OCT. 4-28: Pumpkin and Chili Party. Grab your wagon and head over to the annual fall festival at Schnepf Farms.

Pick out the perfect pumpkin, then enjoy a chili dinner. Admission includes rides, games, corn maze, activities and entertainment. End the night roasting marshmallows by the fire. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $20; $15 tickets at Fry’s; free for ages 2 and younger.

Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. schnepffarms.com

OCT. 5-28: Arizona State Fair. Fill up on fried foods, seek thrill rides and master carnival games. Check the website for grandstand events, special exhibits, petting zoos and concerts, including The Wallflowers, 38 Special, Big & Rich and Sesame Street Live! Hours vary. $6-10; $4-7 ages 6-12 and seniors; free for ages 5 and younger. Additional cost for rides, games and concerts. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-6771 or azstatefair.com

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Cosmic Playground (Oct. 6- Jan. 13) at Arizona Science Center.

OCT. 12-14:

Phoenix Greek Festival. Come for the food and stay for the dancing!

This is the longest-running and largest ethnic festival in the Valley featuring Greek food, music, dancing, jewelry and art. $3; 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. 6- JAN. 13:

OCT. 12-28:

Cosmic Playground at Arizona Science Center. Learn more about space, our solar system and the universe at the Arizona Science Center’s new “Cosmic Playground” exhibit. Space lovers can climb, slide and explore the galaxy in an interactive play space constructed almost entirely of tape.

Lie in a tunnel of stars, climb into a wormhole or slide down a black hole. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $4.95 plus museum admission: $26.95; $21.95 ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org

Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical. Valley Youth Theatre stages the story of Lily Polkadot, who just moved to a “Squares Only” small town.

From daily bullying to the segregated drinking fountains, Lily’s quest for acceptance seems hopeless until she meets Sky. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadots is a colorful history lesson meant to remind kids (and parents) that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts. Times vary. $20. 525 N. First St., Phoenix. 602-253-8188 or vyt.com

OCT. 6-7: Railfair. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s annual celebration features model train displays and exhibits and a wide selection of the park’s seldom-seen vintage railroad equipment along with special presentations on railroad and Arizona history. Free admission. Rides on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and Charros Carousel are $2; free for ages 2 and younger with a paying adult.

7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. 480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com

OCT. 6-JAN. 27: Teotihuacan: City of Water, City of Fire. Experience world heritage archaeological treasures for the first time through this exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum. Partnering with Arizona State University’s archaeology faculty, this exhibit provides insight into the art, everyday life, and religion of Teotihuacan --- the first and largest metropolis on the American continent --- and its influence on other regions of Mexico through sculptures, friezes, murals and domestic objects. Hours vary. $9-$18; free for ages 5 and younger. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-257-1880 or phxart.org

OCT. 12- MAY 12: Electric Desert. Desert Botanical Garden invites families to see the desert in a new way at this light-and-sound experience by Klip Collective. Cacti and desert trees and plants become a living canvas in this nighttime experience of projected lights and original music. $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

REZ-ART

TOLMACHOFF-FARMS.COM

ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER

Four Peaks Oktoberfest. Bratwurst, brews and music take over Tempe Town Lake and turn it 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. Free admission; ride prices vary. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway. fourpeaksoktoberfest.com

OCT. 13-14: Arizona Taco Festival. Forget Taco Tuesday. Celebrate your favorite cuisine all weekend long at the annual Scottsdale tacotopia with 50 restaurants dishing out $2 tacos. Kids can ride a mechanical bull, hop in a hamster ball or jump in a bounce house. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. $12; free for ages 12 and younger. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. aztacofestival.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

29

TOP FALL EVENTS continued

Earth and Space Exploration Day. This free event is hosted by the School of Earth and Space Exploration on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Ages 5 and up will 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.

Free with registration. Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building IV, 781 S. Terrace Road, Tempe. alumni.asu.edu

OCT. 19-21: Maricopa County Home Show. Home improvement guru Ty Pennington headlines this home show with hundreds of exhibitors, how-to workshops, a holiday marketplace, presentations and seminars and a meet-and-greet with Pennington. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $8; free

CREATIVE COMMONS

OCT. 13:

OCT. 22: Markus Zusak at Changing Hands Bookstore. The Australian author of the international young-adult bestseller “The Book Thief” visits Tempe with his new release “Bridge of Clay.” Five Dunbar brothers bring each other up by their own rules, only to discover the moving secret behind their father’s disappearance. $30.50 includes book and admission for one. Changing Hands, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe. 480-730-0205 or changinghands.com

OCT. 25 OdySea Fall Festival. Enjoy music, games, prizes and costume contests. OdySea in the Desert invites ages 16 and younger to participate in a not-so-spooky costume contest. Plus inflatables, character meet-and-greets, face painting, trick-or-treating, crafts and more. 5-8 p.m. Free. 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale. odyseainthedesert.com

for ages 2 and younger; $5 parking; online discounts.

Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. maricopacountyhomeshows.com

OCT. 19-28:

“The Sleeping Beauty” (Oct. 25-28) at Symphony Hall.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden. World-renowned pumpkin carver Ray Villafane and his team host live demonstrations at Carefree’s annual event. Pumpkin photo ops, one-of-a-kind scarecrows, inflatable corn maze, face painting, crafts and costume and pieeating contests. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Free. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St. 480-488-3686 or carefreepumpkingarden.com

International Archeology Day. Celebrate the thrill of discovery at the Pueblo Grande Museum in Phoenix with site tours, hands-on archaeology activities and demonstrations that will channel your inner Indiana Jones. Enjoy lunch from the Yellowman Fry Bread food truck and a lecture with Dr. Glen Rice about food sharing. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Register for two-for-one tickets. $6; $3 ages 6-17; free for ages 5 and younger.

4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-495-0900 or pueblogrande.org

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ALEXANDER IZILIAEV

OCT. 20:

OCT. 25-28: The Sleeping Beauty. Ballet Arizona bring fairies, princes, nymphs and storybook charm to the stage with the Phoenix Symphony playing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. $33-$167. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602381-0184 or balletaz.org

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

A BONA FIDE TREAT.

— THE NEW YORK POST

This holiday, take your family to the show everyone will love more than Buddy loves Santa!

NOVEMBER 14 - DECEMBER 30 AT PHOENIX THEATRE PHOENIXTHEATRE.COM | 602.254.2151 Raising Arizona Kids BUGS Ad.ai RAKMagazine-ElfAd.indd 1

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8/27/18

12:15 PM 8/28/18 11:04 AM

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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TOP FALL EVENTS continued OCT. 26-27

Arizona Fall Fest (Nov. 3) at Margaret T. Hance Park.

FACEBOOK.COM/LOCALFIRSTAZ

Strange Garden. Dance with groovy ghouls, stroll Boo Alley and see pumpkins carved by Villafane Studios at the Desert Botanical Garden. 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. 27: Festival of the Arts. Celebrate at the Herberger Theater’s annual festival featuring live performances (theater, music and dance) on two outdoor stages, 25 local arts organizations, children’s activities, pet adoptions, beer and wine tasting, food and vendors. Proceeds benefit the Herberger Theater’s Youth Outreach Program. 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-254-7399 or herbergertheater.org

NOV 3:

“Sesame Street Live! C is for Celebration” (Oct. 27-28) at Arizona State Fair.

OCT. 27-28: Sesame Street Live! C is for Celebration. Favorite friends from Sesame Street are throwing a celebration at the Arizona State Fair. “Sesame Street Live! C is for Celebration” is a community party with singing, dancing and a little magic. Join Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and friends for excitement, laughter and music. 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $60.

Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-6771 or azstatefair.com

OCT. 27-APRIL 28: Big Bugs! at the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo is abuzz over its huge new animatronic exhibit. Guests can get up close and interact with 21 gigantic bugs made from steel, fiberglass and a special weather-proof “skin.” Watch and learn about the superpowers of the black ant, emperor scorpion, grasshopper and Mexican redknee tarantula. $5 plus zoo admission: $24.95; $16.95 ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800 or phoenixzoo.org

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

FELD ENTERTAINMENT

Arizona Fall Fest. Show your Arizona pride at the family-friendly festival celebrating all things local — shops, restaurants, entertainers and even Arizona-made wine, beer and spirits.

Enjoy food samples, live entertainment, a home-team sports zone and a kids zone

by Sprouts Farmers Market featuring crafts, games and activities. Free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park, 200 E. Moreland St., Phoenix. localfirstaz.com Tempe Book Festival. Book lovers can spend the day at the City of Tempe’s annual page-turning event that celebrates reading and writing by bringing together local authors, publishers and booksellers. Kids can enjoy storytime and performances. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Free. Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe. 480-350-5500 or tempe.gov Touch-a-Truck. Kids can spend the day in the driver’s seat of a firetruck, police cruiser, construction truck, helicopter and more when the Junior League of Phoenix hosts its annual Touch-a-Truck event. Meet local men and women who build, protect and serve, enjoy music, local mascots, educational games, bounce houses, slides, a rock wall, face painters, balloon artists and food trucks. $5; free for ages 2 and younger. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Horns-free hour for children with sensory special needs begins at 9 a.m. Aviano Community Park, 3975 E. Lockwood Drive, Phoenix. jlp.org

Come party with us!

3 birthday options no clean up For ages 1 and up

NOV. 3-4: Dia de los Muertos. Honor departed loved ones with a two-day traditional Dia de los Muertos festival at Desert Botanical Garden. Music, dancing, storytelling, ofrenda (offerings) exhibition, authentic Mexican food, mercado and activities. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $24.95; $12.95 ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org Shemer Arizona Arts Festival. Kick off holiday shopping at this two-day event to benefit the Arcadia area’s nonprofit art center. Shop dozens of Arizona artists’ oneof-a-kind works and see glass-blowing, flame-throwing and pottery demonstrations.

Plus children’s art activities, live music, food and a silent auction. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free. Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-262-4727or shemerartcenter.org Star Wars Days. Legoland Discovery Center inside Arizona Mills is celebrating Lego Star Wars Days the first two weekends in November. Participate in Star Wars-themed build competitions, scavenger hunts and more. Costumes encouraged. $15-$20; $8 homeschoolers; free for ages 2 and younger. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. 5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Suite 135, Tempe. 877-526-3960 or arizona.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Must-see Fall exhibition

Far out:

our solar systeM

sept. 28, 2018 – Jan. 20, 2019

Science and art collide!

SPonSored by

i.d.e.a. Museum

board oF directors, inc.

Rocketeer by Corinne Geertsen

save the date: nov. 3, 2018 • FaMily day! • learn more online Save $2 on admiSSion: Expires 1/20/19 • Coupon code: RAK

Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light (Nov. 9-11) at Scottsdale Waterfornt.

150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa, AZ 85201

480-644-2468 • ideaMuseum.org

Free

Dental Day For Kids SEAN DECKERT

Saturday October 20, 2018 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

NOV. 9-11: Chiles and Chocolate Festival. Enjoy a sweet and spicy weekend at the Desert Botanical Garden. Snack on samples from Arizona’s top chili and chocolate vendors.

Plus live performances of Brazilian, Caribbean and Latin music and dance. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $24.95; $12.95 ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-481-8188 or dbg.org Canal Convergence Water + Art + Light. This interactive art installation features large-scale artworks positioned both in the Arizona Canal and along its banks.

Additional attractions include family-friendly hands-on activities, art and dance workshops and live performances. Scottsdale Waterfront, 4420 N. Scottsdale Road.

480-874-4645 or canalconvergence.com

Free one-day event for children ages 7 to 14 includes: cleanings | sealants fillings | extractions An appointment is required.

Call 623-806-7150 or visit: www.midwestern.edu/GKAS 5855 West Utopia Road Glendale, AZ 85308 www.mwuclinics.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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TOP FALL EVENTS continued NOV. 11: Free Entrance Day in the National Parks. The National Park Service offers free admission to everyone entering national parks on Veterans Day. Arizona sites include the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Canyon de Chelly, Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Montezuma Castle in Camp Verde and many more. Any fourth grade student can also get a free annual National Parks pass through the Every Kid in a Park program, and active duty military and citizens with a permanent disability can also get free passes. nps.gov

JESSICA HATELY

Gathering of Legends. Spend Veterans Day at The Arizona Commemorative Air Force Museum. Shake hands of veterans from World War II and hear military aviation veterans share their experiences. Exhibits, artifacts and some of the rarest airplanes in the world.

1-4 p.m. $5-$15. 2017 N. Greenfield Road, Mesa. 480-924-1940 or azcaf.org Grand Avenue Festival (Nov. 10) on Grand Avnue Downtown Phoenix.

NOV. 10: Grand Avenue Festival (Nov. 10). This family-friendly festival in its 10th year celebrates the arts, small businesses, adaptive reuse and recycling. Local music, art installations, vintage building tours, mural projects, pop-up galleries, artist-designed selfie stands, wandering performers (stilt walkers, poets, dancers, balloon twisters, face painters), food trucks and free make-and-take craft stations. Returning this year: the Trashy Hat Promenade and Untrashed Recycled Fashion Show. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Free. Grand Avenue from Seventh Avenue and Van Buren Street north to Roosevelt in downtown Phoenix. grandavenueartsandpreservation.org Native American Heritage Festival. Arizona State University hosts this festival featuring the 18th annual Veterans Day Weekend Traditional Pow Wow. Celebrate with Native American dancers, drum groups, food and vendors. The ASU Teachers of the Future student club hosts kids activities. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Free. ASU west campus, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale. 602-543-5300 or alumni.asu.edu Once Upon a Fall Ball. Hear ye! Hear ye! All are welcome to attend the Fairytale Ball at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Dress in your best fairytale attire and be transported to a faraway land. Meet and greet princesses and Prince Charming, dance, make a royal crown, get glitter tattoos, enjoy storytime and have your photo taken with a unicorn. 6-9 p.m. $19.95-$24.95. 215 N. Seventh St. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

NOV. 12: City of Phoenix Veterans Day Parade. The City of Phoenix honors America’s heroes at its annual parade, held on Monday this year. The theme is “Out of the Trenches: A Century of Remembrance,” and the parade features eight grand marshals representing each era of military service from World War II to present day. The route starts at Montebello Drive, heads south on Central Avenue, east on Camelback Road, and south on Seventh Street to Indian School Road. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. phoenixveteransdayparade.org

NOV. 17-18: Harvest Festival. Fall is in the air at Enchanted Island Amusement Park in downtown Phoenix. Kids will love hayrides, pony rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, train rides and more. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. $12; $25 with unlimited access to Harvest Festival and amusement park rides; discounts with a canned-food donation for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. 602-254-1200 or enchantedisland.com

NOV. 18: Young Musicians Fall Concert. Arizona’s brightest young classical musicians showcase their virtuosity, technique and talent at the Young Musicians Fall Concert at the Musical Instrument Museum. Arizona MusicFest is proudly showcasing these artists at this entertaining concert. 2 p.m. $20. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480422-8449 or azmusicfest.org

NOV. 23-24: Glendale Glitters Spectacular Weekend (Nov. 23-24). This holiday event kicks

NOV. 10-MAY 5: Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants. Dive beneath the surface of the world’s rivers in the new exhibition OdySea Aquarium. Enormous in size and rapidly dwindling in number, these ancient fish play critical roles in their freshwater habitats.

The interactive exhibit — in conjunction with National Geographic’s Dr. Zeb Hogan, an aquatic ecologist and host of the Nat Geo WILD series “Monster Fish” — includes lifesize sculptures of monster fish as well as videos and hands-on interactive activities and games for all ages to learn how monster fish grow, how scientists study them and how anglers and others can help these fish survive. $37.95-$27.95. Open daily; hours vary.

9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-291-8000 or odyseaaquarium.com

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

off when 16 blocks of downtown Glendale light up with 2 million twinkling lights. Enjoy holiday entertainment, food, crafts and horse-drawn carriage rides. New this year, a fireworks display to celebrate the 25th anniversary. 5-11 p.m. Free. Murphy Park, 58th and Glendale avenues. 623-930-2299 or glendaleaz.com Calendar Editor Liz Petroff, of Phoenix, is mom to Jack (8) and Lucy (6). Send information about upcoming family events to liz@RAKmagazine.com.

Join us at the

FREE TO PARTICIPATE

Tolleson CommuniTy expos HealtH expo • pet expo “Promoting Positive Health in Our Community for the Entire Family”

STROLL

Saturday, November 3, 2018 10a.m. – 1p.m. • Free admission

OCTOBER 28 2PM

TH

Tolleson Veterans Park 8601 W. Van Buren St, Tolleson 85353 • Guest speaker: Mitch Garcia, US Service Animals • Health vendors, pet vendors and pet rescue groups • Tolleson services with each department • Blessing of the Animals • Wiener, Chihuahua and Big Dog races • Raffles and contests for adults and kids • Virtual reality game truck & Knockerball

-

E UM T T S CO NTES CO - AN

D

Bring your little ghosts, goblins, super heroes, and princesses to Downtown Tempe for a Halloween Stroll.

The fun begins at 6th Street Market located at 6th Street Park with Halloween crafts, games, live entertainment, food and more. Get your map of participating merchants and start trick-or-treating!

hosted by

For more information contact Tolleson Recreation at

623-474-4992 or visit www.tollesonaz.org

downtowntempe.com/halloweenstroll RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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family time! around arizona

The Polar Express (Nov. 9 - Jan. 5) in Williams.

FLAGSTAFF Oktoberfest (Oct. 6). Flagstaff offers visitors a taste of Munich with music, polka, pretzels and brats, craft vendors, beer for adults and a root-beer garden for kids. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. $7; free for ages 12 and younger. Wheeler Park, 212 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. 928-606-7600 or flagstaffoktoberfest.com Celebraciones de la Gente (Oct. 20-21). This lively Day of the Dead festival offers fine arts and crafts, mariachi music, folklorico and Aztec dancing, elaborate ofrendas (altars), heritage programs and kids crafts. $12; $8 ages 11-17; free for ages 10 and younger. Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. 928774-5213 or musnaz.org Pumpkin Walk and Fall Festival (Oct. 27). Bring your flashlight and a sweater and walk along trails lighted by jack-olanterns. Costume contests, hayrides, hot cider and cocoa, apple bobbing and spooky stories and performances by a campfire. 3-7 p.m. $8; $5 ages 6 and up; free for ages 5 and younger; most activity tickets cost $1. The Arboretum at Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road. 928-774-1442 or thearb.org North Pole Experience (Nov. 16-Dec. 28). Ride the Candy Cane/Snowball

36

Express to Santa’s 400-year-old workshop, where you can assist the elves in toy making, tour the factory, get treats from the bakery and take photos with Santa. 8:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily (with some exceptions). $39-$55; hotel and meal packages available. The Little America Hotel, 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff. 888-679-7268 or northpoleexperience.com

Folk Music Festival (Oct. 6-7).

Arizona’s oldest continuing folk music festival in Prescott turns 40. More than 200 Southwest performers include fiddlers, banjo players, storytellers, dancers, songwriters and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5-9; free for ages 12 and younger. Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. 928-445-3122 or sharlot.org

PAGE

Holiday Light Parade (Nov. 24).

Celebrate the season with a festive parade and Santa sighting! Floats, holiday music and an after-parade party. 6 p.m. Free. Near Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza, 120 S. Cortez St., Prescott. 928-443-5220 or prescottdowntown.com

Lake Powell Hot Air Balloon Regatta and Street Fair (Nov. 1-4). Treat the family to an unforgettable vision of hot air balloons ascending over Lake Powell.

Watch balloons inflate, launch and land; enjoy live music, carnival games and rides at the Street Fair. 7:30 a.m. balloon launch; Street Fair 3-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Free. Lake Powell Boulevard in Page. 928-6454310 or lakepowellballoonregatta.org

PRESCOTT Boo at the Zoo (Oct. 31). Kiddos are invited to trick-or-treat with their favorite animals at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. See nocturnal animals after the sun goes down and trick or treat at different stations. Bring a flashlight. 6-8:30 p.m. $6. Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott. 928-778-4242 or heritageparkzoo.org

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Wildlights and Animal Sights (Nov. 23-Dec. 29). Spend the holidays with your favorite wild animals at Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary. Enjoy holiday decorations, music and light displays.

6-8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $6.

1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott. 928778-4242 or heritageparkzoo.org

SAHUARITA Sahuarita Pecan Festival (Nov. 10). A Southern Arizona tradition with delicious foods from across the Santa Cruz River Valley and activities for the whole family.

Includes the Pecan Classic/Fun Run and

a pecan pie contest. $5 onsite parking; entry fees for competitions. 1625 E. Sahuarita Road, Sahuarita. 520-3295790 or sahuaritapecanfestival.com

TOMBSTONE Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 23).

Dust off those cowboy boots for the lighting of the Allen Street Christmas Tree in downtown Tombstone. The town “too tough to die” gets some holiday cheer. 5:30 p.m. Free. Fifth and Allen streets. 520-457-9317 or tombstonechamber.com

TUCSON Pumpkin Archery (Oct. 6). Archery enthusiasts ages 9 and older can kick off the Halloween season perfecting their skills. Archery supplies and pumpkins provided. 5-7 p.m. $2 plus museum admission: $5-$10; free for ages 3 and younger. International Wildlife Museum, 4800 W. Gates Pass, Tucson. 520-6290100 or thewildlifemuseum.org Halloween in the Wild (Oct. 20).

Spend a fun, not-so-scary Halloween exploring a creepy castle at the International Wildlife Museum. Includes games, crafts, live animal encounters and a haunted house, plus a costume contest and pumpkin and candy-corn games.

Bring your trick or treat bag to collect candy! 5-7 p.m. $5-$10; free for ages 3

pumpkin patches and fall fun family time!

and younger. 4800 W. Gates Pass, Tucson. 520-6290100 or thewildlifemuseum.org

GRAND CANYON RAILWAY

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Oktoberfest (Sept. 22-Oct. 14). Enjoy traditional German food, beer, and entertainment including dancing and costumes. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

Free admission; $5 parking. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, 10300 Ski Run Road. 520-576-1321 or skithelemmon.com Nightfall at Old Tucson (Sept. 28-Oct. 31). Adults and older children can have a frightfully good time enjoying live shows, haunts and scary characters. Attractions for the young and faint of heart include the Pumpkin King, a Monster Safari train and a costume contest. 6-10 p.m.

Thursday and Sunday, 6 p.m to midnight Friday-Saturday.

Call for prices. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road.

520-908-4833 or nightfallaz.com All Souls Procession Weekend (Nov. 2-4). Culture and art come together to honor memories of loved ones and ancestors. Community altars, exhibits, activities, entertainment, a children’s procession, All Souls Procession, non-motorized parade and finale ceremony.

Times vary. Free. Downtown Tucson. allsoulsprocession.org Tucson Celtic Festival & Scottish Highland Games (Nov. 2-4). This family-friendly event offers authentic food and drink, dancing, athletic competitions, storytelling and entertainment. Ages 7 to 13 can compete in youth athletic and create-your-own crest games. 6-10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday. $6-$16. Rillito Raceway Park, 4502 N. First Ave., Tucson. tucsoncelticfestival.org

WILLIAMS Pumpkin Patch Train (Oct. 6-28). Take Grand Canyon Railway to a pumpkin patch. 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. every Saturday and Sunday. $27; $22 for ages 2-15; free for ages 1 and younger. 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams. 800-843-8724 or thetrain.com

BUCKEYE

MESA

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. 6. $9-$10; free for children in diapers.

Vertuccio Farms 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa 480-882-1482 • vertucciofarms.com Seven-acre corn maze, miniature golf, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, mini zip line, barrel train ride, giant jump pad and more. Hours vary Oct. 1-Nov. 4. $10; free for ages 2 and younger.

SCOTTSDALE

DEWEY 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 Pumpkin Festival each Friday-Sunday Sept. 28-Oct. 28.

Hours vary. $15.85; online discounts; free for ages 2 and younger.

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. Sept. 29-Oct. 30; closed Tuesdays. Open 9 a.m. to noon on Halloween.

GILBERT

QUEEN CREEK

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.

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 through Sunday in October. $20; $15 tickets available at Fry’s; free for ages 1 and younger.

GLENDALE 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. Sept. 28-Nov. 4. $12; free for ages 2 and younger.

WILLCOX Apple Annie’s 2081 W. Hardy Road, Willcox 520-384-4685 • appleannies.com Pick-your-own pumpkins, corn maze, hayrides, children’s play area. Fall Pumpkin Celebration weekends Sept. 22-Oct. 28.

Pumpkin pancakes, ice cream, pies and bread and homemade cider donuts for sale.

Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting Ceremony (Nov. 24). The historic town of Williams hosts a traditional parade down Route 66 followed by a tree-lighting ceremony. 6:30 p.m. Free. Downtown Williams. 928635-0273 or experiencewilliams.com The Polar Express (Nov. 9-Jan 5). Grand Canyon Railway transforms into the Polar Express, based on the Chris Van Allsburg classic picture book. Families can snack on cookies, sip hot chocolate and sing carols. 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. departures (plus 3:30 p.m. on select dates). $43-$80; meal and hotel packages available. 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams. 800222-6966 or thetrain.com

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family time! HALLOWEEN and Dia De Los Muertos events For a list that’s updated daily, visit raisingarizonakids. com/halloween-events-metro-phoenix/

Enchanted Trail (Oct. 5-6). Enjoy guided night hikes, wildlife, Halloween crafts and a spooky bat cave at the Enchanted Trail Sendero Encantado in Phoenix. This annual bilingual and educational fall festival lets families get a rare glimpse of the Rio Salado by night while learning about Arizona’s nocturnal wildlife. 5:30-8 p.m. Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602468-6470 or riosalado.audubon.org Coco (Oct. 12). The City Lights Movie Night series at CityScape, in partnership with St. Mary’s Basilica, presents a viewing of “Coco” after a Dia de Los Muertos Festival marches through. Plus, a festive pop-up hosted by Chico Malo, low riders on display, live music and more. Bring a picnic blanket and chairs to enjoy the movie. 6 p.m. activities, 7 p.m. movie. Free. Patriots Park in downtown Phoenix. cityscapephoenix.com The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oct. 19-21). The sounds of Tim Burton’s macabre classic take center stage. The Disney film will be shown in its entirety as the Phoenix Symphony performs the score. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 6:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sunday. $25-$93. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-495-1999 or phoenixsymphony.org Enchanted Pumpkin Garden (Oct. 19-28). World-renowned pumpkin carver Ray Villafane and his team host live demonstrations at Carefree’s annual event. Pumpkin photo ops, one-of-akind scarecrows, inflatable corn maze, face painting, crafts and costume and

38

pie-eating contests. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Free. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St. 480-488-3686 or carefreepumpkingarden.com Goodyear Ballpark Fall Festival (Oct. 20). 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, inflatables, live entertainment and more. Free parking and admission. 5-9 p.m. 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear.

623-882-3120 or goodyearbp.com Celebraciones de la Gente (Oct. 20-21). Celebrate Mexican cultural traditions at the annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Families can experience fine art and unique crafts, Mariachi music, folkloric and Aztec dancing, colorful elaborate altars, and Day of the Dead inspired crafts for kids. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. $8-$12; free for ages 10 and younger.

Museum of Northern Arizona, 3101 N. Fort Valley Road, Flagstaff. 928-774-5213 or musnaz.org Halloween Spooktacular (Oct. 26).

Join the City of Chandler for a safe trunk-or-treat experience. Ghoulish games, haunted houses, arts and crafts and costume contest for toddlers to teens. The evening also includes souvenir photos and light food and refreshments. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. chandleraz.gov Howl-O-Ween (Oct. 26-27). Join the Phoenix Zoo for a delightfully spooky event that 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

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

MUSEUM OF NORTHERN ARIZONA

Fear Farm (Sept. 21-Nov. 3). Fear Farm offers scary attractions and a haunted house for older kids and teens, and a midway geared toward ages 12 and younger with fair food, games and carnival-style adventures.

Times vary. $28-$34. Fear Farm, 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix. Fearfarm.com

Celebraciones de la Gente (Oct. 20-21) at Museum of Northern Arizona.

Salt River Fields Balloon Spooktacular (Oct. 26-27). Families can enjoy a safe, fun-filled trick-or-treating Halloween festival that will light up the night sky. 20 hot air balloons will be on display and nearly 4,000 pounds of candy will be passed out. Live music, food and beverage vendors, kids zone, haunted trail and fireworks display.

5-9:30 p.m. $10-$15; ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Salt River Reservation. srfballoonfestivals.com Strange Garden (Oct. 26-27). Dance with groovy ghouls, stroll Boo Alley and see pumpkins carved by Villafane Studios at the Desert Botanical Garden. 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 ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org Creepy Candy Crawl (Oct. 27).

Kiddos can trick-or-treat from store to store and enjoy music, prizes and

spooky surprises. Show off your Halloween costume for a chance to win a prize for best family/group costume, most unique and spookiest! 3-5 p.m.

Free. District Stage at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Shopdesertridge.com Family Halloween Carnival (Oct. 27).

Beware of a bewitching good time at the Kiwanis Park Softball Complex. There will be 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, games and food. Kiwanis Park, 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe. 480350-5200 or www.tempe.gov/familyfun Halloween Comic Fest (Oct. 27).

Participating comic book stores celebrate Halloween by giving away Halloween-themed comic books and hosting spooktacular Halloween costume contests. Keep an eye out for monsters, zombies, vampires and aliens. Times vary at participating stores. Free. halloweencomicfest.com

Halloween Monster Bash (Oct. 27). The City of Peoria hosts a scary good time at its annual bash. Enjoy a costume parade, carnival games, inflatables, crafts, live entertainment and balloon illumination. 5-9 p.m. Free with a canned-food donation to benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave. 623-773-7133 or peoriaaz.gov Howl-o-ween Party (Oct. 27).

Trick-or-Treat with the ghosts, goblins and critters at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. Families can stroll throughout the wildlife sanctuary and visit each habitat, where they will get a treat from the animals. Costumes encouraged. Hot chocolate, hot apple cider and snacks available. 5-7 p.m. $20-$30. 27026 N. 156th St., Scottsdale. 480-4719109 or southwestwildlife.org Scottsdale Fall Festival (Oct. 27).

Spoil the family with a night of treats, fun and frights hosted by the City of Scottsdale. Food (and candy), game booths, a tot area, live entertainment and a fireworks show. New this year: inflatable arena, giant rock wall, face painting and more. 5-9 p.m. Free; $5 wristbands for inflatable arena.

Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center, 2301 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale.

480-312-0217 or scottsdaleaz.gov Dia de los Muertos Festival (Oct 27-28). Spirits connect when the memories of departed loved ones are remembered at this annual Mesa Arts Center event. The Day of The Dead festival includes live entertainment, children’s activities, traditional face painting and plenty of food options. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com Halloween Stroll (Oct. 28). Ghosts, goblins, super heroes and princesses are invited to downtown Tempe for a stroll through 6th Street Park.

Halloween crafts, games, live entertainment, food and trick-ortreating. Starts at 6th Street Market.

2 p.m.; 4:30 p.m. costume contest at Hayden Station, on Fourth Street west of Mill Avenue. Free. downtowntempe. com/halloweenstroll 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. Kids can win candy and toys. Free event also includes bounce houses, costume contests, live entertainment and food vendors.

4-8 p.m. Free. 480-837-8168 or halloweeninthehills.com Trick-or-Treat at the Museum (Oct. 31). Get your Halloween costume ready and trick-or-treat throughout three floors of exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Little ghosts and ghouls are also invited to a “Monster Mash” on the dance floor! $12; free for babies younger than 1. Free parking. 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org Trick-or-Treat on Main Street (Oct. 31). Little Ghouls and goblins are invited to downtown Mesa for a safe, family-friendly afternoon.

Participating businesses will be passing out candy. Plus kettle corn, a balloon artist and face painting. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Downtown Mesa, 1 E. Main St. downtownmesa.com Dia de los Muertos (Nov. 3-4).

Honor departed loved ones at the Desert Botanical Garden with a twoday traditional Dia de los Muertos festival featuring music, dancing and storytelling. Experience the ofrenda (offerings) exhibition, authentic Mexican food, a mercado and activities. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; daily procession 5-6 p.m. $24.95; $12.95 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! onstage

DANCE Arizona Dance Festival (Oct. 18-20).

Enjoy performances by emerging artists and professional companies offering all dance genres and styles. 7:30 p.m. $15$20. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. 480-350-2822 or tempe.gov/tca The Sleeping Beauty (Oct. 25-28).

Ballet Arizona and the Phoenix Symphony bring fairies, princes, nymphs and storybook charm to the stage set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. $33-$167.

Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-381-0184 or ballet.org So You Think You Can Dance Live!

(Oct. 28). The popular television dance show visits downtown Phoenix with top 10 contestants from Season 15 and original choreography. 7:30 p.m. $48-$68. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. livenation.com

MUSIC The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oct. 19-21). The sounds of Tim Burton’s macabre classic take center stage. The Disney film will be shown

40

as the Phoenix Symphony performs the score. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 6:30 and 10 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $25-$93. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 602-495-1999 or phoenixsymphony.org Voices of Valor (Oct. 11 and Nov. 8).

The Phoenix Boys Choir celebrates and gives thanks with a selection of patriotic and popular songs. 6 p.m. Free. Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-2645328 or phoenixboyschoir.org

“West Side Story” (Sept. 5-Oct. 14) at Phoenix Theatre.

Musical Instrument Museum during Arizona MusicFest. 2 p.m. $20. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 480-422-8449 or azmusicfest.org

PUPPETRY The Frog Prince (Sept. 12-Oct. 7). The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents the classic fairytale about a spoiled princess who learns to keep her promises. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m and 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $8-$12. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix.

602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

Sesame Street Live! C is for Celebration (Oct. 27-28). Friends from Sesame Street are throwing a celebration at the Arizona State Fair with singing, dancing and a little magic. Join Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and more. 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $60. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-252-6771 or azstatefair.com

Little Bunny’s Halloween (Oct. 10-28).

Children in preschool to grade 2 will enjoy singing along with Little Bunny and his mom while exploring the fun, not-too-scary side of Halloween. 10 a.m. WednesdayFriday, 10 a.m and 2 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m.

Sunday. $8-$12. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602262-2050 or azpuppets.org

Young Musicians Fall Concert (Nov. 18). Arizona’s brightest young classical musicians showcase their virtuosity, technique and talent at the

The LIttle Red Hen (Oct. 31- Nov. 18).

Will the hen get the help she needs to get wheat made into bread? This sing-along emphasizes helping one another. Times

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

vary. $8-$12. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W Latham St. 602-2622050 or azpuppets.org

THEATER Charlotte’s Web (Sept. 2-Oct. 14).

Childsplay presents the story of an endearing piglet named Wilbur and Charlotte, the wise spider who becomes a true friend. Times vary. $12-$30.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 480-921-5700 or childsplayaz.org West Side Story (Sept. 5-Oct. 14).

Phoenix Theater performs this modernday Romeo and Juliet story in the breakout musical by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein. Best suited for older children and teens. Showtimes vary. $36-$86. Phoenix Theatre, 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-254-2151 or phoenixtheatre.com 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Sept.

21-Oct. 7). Theater Works invites audience members to dive into the ocean on a unique, immersive, top-secret adventure. 7 p.m. Friday, 2:30 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m Sunday. $14.

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family time! onstage continued

“Waitress” (Oct. 2-7) at ASU Gammage.

Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org Narnia (Sept. 21-Oct. 7). A musical based on “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis. See what happens when children enter an alternative world with strange creatures, spirits and talking animals. 7 p.m. FridaySaturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $12. Fountain Hills Youth Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd. 480-837-9661 or fhtaz.org Seussical Jr. (Sept. 27-Oct. 7). East Valley Children’s Theatre presents the Cat in the Hat telling the story of Horton the elephant, who is protecting the Whos, who are living on a speck of dust. 7 p.m.

Thursday-Friday, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $15. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. 480-756-3828 or evct.org Waitress (Oct. 2-7). ASU Gammage presents the story of a waitress and expert pie maker who dreams her way out of her small town. This musical celebrates friendship, motherhood and the magic of a well-made pie. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $53-$125. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. 480-965-3434 or asugammage.com Native Gardens (Oct. 4-18). Arizona Theatre Company performs this new comedy about a high-powered lawyer and his wife moving into a well-to-do, mostly white neighborhood in our nation’s capital. A delicate disagreement over a long-standing fence line spirals into an all-out ludicrously comic border dispute, exposing notions of race, taste, class and cultural privilege. Best for tweens/teens. $25-$60. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 480-921-5700 or arizonatheatre.org Annie (Oct. 11-Nov. 24). Orphan Annie will sing her way into your heart.

The search for her parents leads her from 1930s “Hoovervilles” to the White

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House with Daddy Warbucks. 7 p.m.

Wednesday-Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $22-$40. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert.

480-497-1181 or haletheatrearizona.com Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Oct. 12-28).

Theater Works presents the battle between the doctor and villain in this new version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. 7:30 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $16-$38.

Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Ave. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical (Oct. 12-28). Valley Youth Theatre stages the story of Lily Polkadot, who has just moved to a “Squares Only” small town.

From daily bullying to segregated drinking fountains, polka-dotted Lily’s quest for acceptance seems hopeless, until she meets Sky. Inspired by Civil Rights pioneers Ruby Bridges and The Little Rock Nine, Polkadot is a colorful history lesson meant to remind kids (and parents) that our differences make us awesome, not outcasts. Times vary. $20. 525 N. First St.,

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Phoenix. 602-253-8188 or vyt.com Steel Magnolias (Oct. 12-Oct. 28).

Fountain Hills Theater brings southern comfort to the stage with this tearjerker about women who face life with love and courage. 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $12-$30. Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-837-9661 or fhtaz.org You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Oct. 19-Nov. 4). This classic based on Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts” comic strip shows an “average” day in the life of Charlie Brown re-constructed from his trials and tribulations with Snoopy, Lucy and the rest of the “Peanuts” gang.

7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $13. Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-843-8318 or spotlightyouththeatre.com Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (Oct. 25-28). Christian Youth Theatre presents this play based on the 1951 film about Alice’s adventures with the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter. 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday. $12-$15. Phoenix Center for the Arts, 1202 N. Third St. 480310-0366 or cytphoenix.org Mary Poppins (Nov. 2-18). Mesa Encore Theatre stages this musical, based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, in which a magical nanny takes us all on an adventure. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. 480-644-6500 or mesaencoretheatre.com Mary Poppins, Jr. (Nov. 16-Dec. 23).

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre brings us this version of the Mary Poppins story, adapted for younger audiences. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. SaturdaySunday. $17. 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, inside Scottsdale Fashion Square. 480483-1664 or desertstages.org The Giver (Nov. 29-Dec. 2). Twelveyear-old Jonas believes he lives in a perfect world, until he is chosen to be the new “Giver,” the one who learns and keeps his community’s memories.

Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive. 623-336-6001 or musicaltheatreofanthem.org

Discover the joy of making music together with your family!

ED R

ITH WILLS O

N

’S

E

Find a location near you in the Valley of the Sun. www.musictogether.com/GreaterPhoenix

M

VICTOR HAMBURGER

C on t u s to a c t v a c l a i s it s s!

Music and Lyrics By

Book By

Meredith Wil son Directed By David Ivers

Meredith Wil sandon Franklin Lacey $10 Community Night

$10 Student Tickets with valid ID.

is January 6!

Visit our website for details.

GO AS A GROUP AND SAVE!

520-884-8210 ext. 7213 groups@arizonatheatre.org

JANUARY 5 – 27

HERBERGER THEATER CENTER 222 E. MONROE ST., PHOENIX, AZ 85004 ARIZONATHEATRE.ORG / BOX OFFICE: 602-256-6995 SEASON SPONSORS:

I. MICHAEL AND BETH KASSER

PRODUCTION SPONSORS:

JOANIE FLATT & MICHAEL FLATT

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RYAN HOUSE

family time! fall walks and fun runs

Run for Ryan House (Sat. Oct. 6) at Rio Salado Parkway.

OCTOBER Phoenix Children’s Hospital 5K (Oct. 6). Join current and former patients and their families at this 5K walk/ run and 1-mile fun run in downtown Phoenix to support vital PCH programs and services that are funded through donations to Phoenix Children’s Foundation. 6:30 a.m. $20-$40.

CityScape, 1 E. Washington St., Phoenix. phoenixchildrensfoundation.org Pink Out 5K (Oct. 6). Walk, run or skip through this 5K fun run to battle breast cancer. Local craft vendors, cancer resource booths, food trucks, live music and kids zone. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump! That provides education, prevention and direct assistance with free wigs and mammograms to women with breast cancer. 8 a.m. $15-$40. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. checkforalump.org Run for Ryan House (Saturday, Oct. 6). Spend the morning helping to support world-class care and programs for medically fragile children and their families at this 5K and 1-mile family fun run.

Runners, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers, dogs, teams and virtual runners welcome.

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7 a.m. $15-$45 registration includes a shirt, bib, goodie bag, and a participation medal. Riverview Park, 2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa. ryanhouse.org AZT in a Day (Oct 6-7). If your family loves the outdoors, you’ll love this challenge to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act. Hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians gather on the 800-mile Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT) to collectively complete it in a single day.

The trail has been divided into nearly 100 sections, and participants have 24 hours

wishes granted to children battling lifethreatening medical conditions and supports future wishes that can have a dramatic impact on these children and their families.

The 1-mile and 3K run/walk includes activities and vendors. 8 a.m. Donations requested. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. arizona.wish.org Zoowalk for Autism Research (Oct. 13). Walk on the wild side at the annual event to benefit Arizona State University’s Autism/Asperger’s Research Program.

6:30-11 a.m. $25; $15 teens; free for ages 11 and younger; includes zoo admission.

to complete their portion — ranging from 2.1 to 13.8 miles. aztrail.org

Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-831-2047 or zoowalk.org

A Race for Maggie’s Place (Oct. 7). The entire family can enjoy this day of support for moms. 10K race, 9K run (representing the months of pregnancy), 5K run/walk/ stroller push, Diaper Dash and Kids Dash. Proceeds benefit Maggie’s Place, a local nonprofit that helps pregnant and parenting women in need. 7 a.m. $10$45. Arts Park at Tempe Town Lake, Rio Salado Parkway at Mill Avenue in Tempe.

602-262-5555 or maggiesplace.org

Lake Powell Half Marathon (Oct. 20). A spectacular view is just one of the perks of this 5K. The first three miles circle a portion of town, then head to Page Rim Trail with stunning views of rock formations and a glimpse of Lake Powell.

Strollers not allowed, due to slick rock conditions. 6:15 a.m. $105-$125. John C. Page Park, 500 S. Navajo Drive, Page. thelakepowellhalf.com

Walk for Wishes (Oct. 7). Turn steps into wishes. This Make-A-Wish Arizona fundraiser celebrates the thousands of

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The Howling Night Run (Oct. 27).

Calling all runners, walkers and Halloween fans! Arrive in costume ready to run or walk a 5K in the dark on the “haunted

island.” This timed event is considered appropriate for children but includes individuals in costumes with props trying to be scary. No pets allowed. 5 p.m. $5-$35. Cesar Chavez Park, 7858 S. 35th Ave., Laveen Village. howlingrun.phxfr.org AIDS Walk Arizona & Fun Run (Oct. 28). Walk or run to benefit Aunt Rita’s Foundation and programs to prevent HIV/ AIDS or assist those living with the disease.

Dogs welcome. 7:30 a.m. $10-$45; free for ages 12 and younger; $5 parking. Phoenix City Hall, 200 W. Washington St. 602-9046001 or aidswalkaz.org Autism Speaks Walk (Oct. 28) Help enhance the lives of people living with autism at this 5K walk, 1-mile family fun walk and community resource fair.

Autism Speaks and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center sponsor the walk, which raises money for autism research, awareness and outreach. 8 a.m.

Donations accepted. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway. 480-2692724 or autismspeaks.org Run for Your Life Haunted Trail Run (Oct. 28). Walk if you dare! Run Flagstaff, Northern Arizona Healthcare and Whole Foods Market host this 1-mile walk/run through a “haunted” trail at

Fort Tuthill. Experience scares, thrills and adventure and be on the lookout for the Mogollon Monster before it spots you. Bring your own flashlights and headlamps. Costumes encouraged!

Include a Kids Spooky Trick-or-Treat Dash. 5-7 p.m. $5-$25. Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff. runflagstaff.com The Wicked Marathon and Spooky Sprint (Oct. 28). This half marathon, 4-mile run and Spooky Kids Sprint in north Phoenix/Peoria is fun for the whole family. Kids get a bag at check-in and can trick-or-treat along the course. Costumes encouraged. Proceeds benefit Hope & A Future, a Christian nonprofit helping kids who are aging out of foster care. 7 a.m. $20$80. New River Trail, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria. startlineracing.com

NOVEMBER Buddy Walk Arizona (Nov. 3). Walk with a team to help fund Down Syndrome Network of Arizona programs and services during Arizona State University’s homecoming parade. The 2018 Grand Marshall is disability rights advocate and actress Lauren Potter, best known for playing Becky Jackson in the TV series, “Glee.” Enjoy face painting, games and dancing. The parade is four hours prior to Sundevils’ football kickoff, still TBA. 480-759-9150 or dsnetworkaz.org

3TV Phoenix 10K & Half Marathon (Nov. 4). This event is more than a race, it’s a community party! Arizona’s original road race, founded by Dr. Art Mollen, features a 5K run/walk, a 10K, half marathon and Mollen Mile. A wheelchair race, team challenge, costume contest and kids dash are included, along with entertainment and a post-race celebration. 6 a.m. $15-$185. CityScape, Washington Street between Central and Second avenues. phoenix10k.com Sahuarita Pecan Classic (Nov. 10). A fun run that the whole family can go nuts over! Run through the fall leaves of the pecan orchard in the Santa Cruz Valley. Ribbons to all participants. Plus, enjoy the Pecan Store, food and shopping vendors, Arabian horse demonstrations, horse-drawn wagon rides, tractor-pulling competitions and entertainment. 8 a.m. $15-$35; $5 parking.

Green Valley Pecan Company, 1625 E. Sahuarita Road, Sahuarita. 520-329-5790 or sahuaritapecanfestival.com Splash and Dash (Nov. 10). Get your feet wet and jump in for a 4,000-, 2,000or 1000-meter swim-only race. The Splash and Dash is open to all levels of athletes and offers a relaxed atmosphere.

7:30 a.m. $40-$50. Tempe Town Lake’s north event boat ramp, between Mill and Rural Avenues. 4peaksracing.com

The Color Run Hero Tour (Nov. 10). The Color Run 5K is a unique un-timed race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality. Runners are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer. Participants get a unicorn hero medal and lightning-bolt tee. 9 a.m. $15-$45. Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler. thecolorrun.com TMC Veterans Day Half Marathon & 5K (Nov. 11). Everyone is welcome at the Tucson Medical Center Veterans Day Half Marathon and 5K at Old Tucson.

The run winds through the hills of Tucson Mountain Park. There is also a 5K stroller division. All proceeds benefit local community groups and veterans assistance organizations. 7 a.m. $35$70. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road. everyoneruns.net Veterans Day Ceremony & Fun Run (Nov. 11). Honor veterans and their families with a 5K fitness run/ walk followed by breakfast at Estrella Mountain Community College’s Avondale campus. Bootcamp stations include timed sit-ups and push-ups, ammo can lift and tire flipping. Stick around for the kids zone, giveaways, entertainment and Veterans Day ceremony. 7 a.m. to noon. $11-$35. 3000 N. Dysart

Road, Avondale. 602-418-5771 or estrellamountain.edu/vetfunrun Gilbert Half Marathon (Nov. 17).

Help raise money to build shade structures and prevent skin cancer. The Shun the Sun Foundation’s race through the heart of Gilbert finishes alongside the Gilbert Days Parade. $40-$75.

Half Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m. at Higley High School, 4068 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert. The 10K starts at 9 a.m. at Nichols Park, 700 N. Higley Road, Gilbert. gilbertmarathon.org Mountain Pass Trail Runs (Nov. 17).

Pass Mountain Trail Runs feature a 50K, 25K, 10K and 5K on winding trails throughout Usery Mountain Regional Park on the edge of the Goldfield Mountain Range as part of the Desert Runner Trail Series. 7-9 a.m. Saturday. $53-$95. Usery Mountain Regional Park, trailhead staging area, Mesa. aravaiparunning.com IronKids Arizona Fun Run (Nov. 17). Calling all young athletes! The UnitedHealthcare IronKids offers children ages 3-13 a chance to feel the excitement of competition in a 1-mile or half-mile run while enjoying the outdoors. 9 a.m. $20. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway. ironman.com

TURKEY TROTS Anthem Turkey Trot (Nov. 22).

Join the Anthem community for its annual 10K run, 5K run/walk and kids dash in the shadow of Daisy Mountain and Gavilan Peak. Bring a non-perishable food item for the St. Rose Food Pantry to be entered to win raffle prizes. 8:30 a.m. $10-$35.

Anthem Community Center, 41130 N. Freedom Way. 4peaksracing.com ARP Thanksgiving Day Classic (Nov. 22). Win a pie at the ARP Thanksgiving Day Classic! The Peoria Diamond Club, Arizona Road Racers and hundreds of runners participate in this 10-mile and 5K

run and 1-mile fun run/walk. Pies will be awarded to the top three finishers in every age group. 8 a.m. $15-$50. Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave. 602-954-8341 or arizonaroadracers.com Sedona Turkey Trot (Nov. 22).

While the turkey is cooking, take the family out for a run in the Red Rocks!

The Sedona Running Company presents an out-and-back with a loop course on Soldier Pass Road. Runners looking for a challenge can enter the Iron Turkey Challenge, which involves running (or walking) the entire race carrying a turkey. 9 a.m. $35-$45.

Posse Grounds Park, 525 Posse Ground Road, Sedona. 928-282-6956 or sedonarunning.com Southwest Valley YMCA Thanksgiving Day Youth & Adult Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon (Nov. 22). Make a splash this Thanksgiving. This family event includes swimming in a heated pool, sprints and bike rides through Goodyear. Proceeds go to the YMCA Strong Kids program. 7 and 7:40 a.m. start times. $59-79.

Southwest Valley Regional YMCA, 2919 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. trifamilyracing.com

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family time! holidays onstage

HOLIDAY FAVORITE FAMILY PERFORMANCES It doesn’t feel like Christmas without the “Nutcracker” at Symphony Hall, a dose of holiday redemption from “A Christmas Carol” or hearty laughs with Buddy in “Elf.” These family performances are fun ways to add holiday cheer and spend time together during a busy season. Tickets to these local shows also make great gifts.

A Christmas Carol. This Charles Dickens classic comes in time to remind us what the future holds if we have no empathy as Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

• Hale Centre Theatre Center (Nov. 29-Dec. 24), 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert.

480-497-1181 or haletheatrearizona.com • Scottsdale Musical Theater (Dec. 6-23) casts Charles Shaughnessy as Scrooge. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. 602-9094215 or scottsdalemusicaltheater.com • Theater Works (Dec. 7-23), 8355 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org A Christmas Story: The Play (Nov. 30-Dec. 23). Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre performs the play based on the movie that ushered in a new genre of unvarnished holiday tales. Ralphie goes to all lengths to convince Santa he needs a Red Ryder BB gun. 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, inside Scottsdale Fashion Square.

480-483-1664 or desertstages.org A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail (Nov. 30-Dec. 23). It’s time for Valley Youth Theatre’s annual holiday tradition, Inspired by A.A. Milne’s Winnie-thePooh. 525 N. First St., Phoenix. 602253-8188 or vyt.com Black Nativity (Nov. 30-Dec. 16).

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Black Theatre Troupe presents this play based on works by Langston Hughes.

Singers, actors, dancers and musicians deliver its message of joy, hope, victory and liberation at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington, Phoenix. 602-258-8129 or blacktheatretroupe.org Cirque Holiday Spectacular (Dec. 7-9). Troupe Vertigo returns with gravitydefying acts and holiday cheer. Hear holiday favorites like “White Christmas” and “Deck the Halls” while hula hoops, strong men, contortionists, aerialists and jugglers perform on stage and 40 feet above it! Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 800-776-9080 or phoenixsymphony.org Elf, Jr. (Nov. 9-18). YouthWorks stages the heartwarming holiday comedy. Buddy the Elf travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his real dad — who is on the naughty list! 8355 W. Peoria Ave., Peoria. 623-815-7930 or theaterworks.org Elf: The Musical (Nov. 14-Dec. 30).

Buddy the Elf teaches his new-found family about Christmas magic. 100 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix. 602-254-2151 or phoenixtheatre.com Holiday Pops (Nov. 30-Dec. 2).

The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra presents this festive concert of

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“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Musical” (Nov. 29- Dec. 9) at Theater Mesa Arts Center.

seasonal favorites and the ever-popular sing-along at Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. 800-776-9080 or phoenixsymphony.org

ice maidens and the evil crystal palace.

Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 602-252-8497 or herbergertheater.org

It’s a Wonderful Life. Small -town banker George Bailey, in despair, is visited by his guardian angel on Christmas Eve and reminded of all the ways he helped others.

• Don Bluth Front Row Theatre (Nov. 16-Dec. 30), 8670 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 103, Scottsdale. 480-314-0841 or donbluthfrontrowtheatre.com • Starlight Community Theater (Nov. 30-Dec. 16), 1611 W. Whispering Wind Drive, Phoenix. 623-252-6815 or starlightcommunitytheater.com

The Nutcracker (Dec.13-24). In Ballet Arizona’s “The Nutcracker,” Clara battles mischievous mice and charms the Sugar Plum Fairy. With 150 performers, 100,000 Swarovski crystals and Tchaikovsky’s cherished score performed live by the Phoenix Symphony. Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. balletaz.org

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas (Dec. 27). An American holiday music tradition for more than three decades. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe.

480-965-3434 or asugammage.com Miracle on 34th Street (Nov. 23-Dec. 29). Arizona Broadway Theatre brings Santa Claus to trial and makes us all believe. 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria.

623-776-8400 or azbroadway.org Snow Queen (Dec. 1-16). Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s magical wintery fairy tale and set to Prokofiev’s score, this show brings the audience into the mystical world of sprites, gypsies,

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Musical. A comedy about the struggles of putting on a church Christmas pageant with a cast of troublemaking kids.

• East Valley Children’s Theater (Nov. 29-Dec. 9) stages this holiday comedy at Theatre Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St. 480-756-3828 or evct.org • Spotlight Youth Theatre (Nov. 30-Dec. 16), 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-843-8318 or spotlightyouththeatre.org The Night Before Christmas (Dec. 5-23). Great Arizona Puppet Theater celebrates the season with stories, music and puppets. After the 2 p.m. showing on Sunday, Dec. 16, kids can enjoy puppet making, holiday snacks and a visit from Santa. 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602262-2050 or azpuppets.org

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATER

Birthday Parties

Arizona Museum of Natural History 53 North Macdonald Street • Mesa, Arizona 85201

480.644.3553 • AzMNH.org

Corn Maze & Fall Festival

SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Oct. 1st – Nov. 4th

2019

New Location!

Ability 360 Sports & Fitness Center 5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix For updates sign up for our eNewsletter at

RaisingarizonaKids.com

Come join the fun!

• 7 Acre Corn Maze • Extreme Air Pillow • Pallet Maze NEW!!

• Giant Tube Slide • Mini Zip Line • Giant Tube Roll

• Mini Golf • Mini Hay Maze • Pumpkin Patch • Playground • Barrel Train Ride • Farm Animals

Mon – Thurs: 9 am – 9 pm Fri & saT: 9 am – 10 pm sun: 10 am – 6 pm adMission: $10 per person (Under 2 Free)

• Giant Jump Pad • Barn House Photo Op • Educational Pizza Farm • and much, much more

www.VertuccioFarms.com

4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa, Arizona (Between Elliot & Warner)

RaisingARIZONAKids.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018

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KATE ESCHBACH

first person

Amy Carney (center), smiles at her son as she and husband Keith conclude their child’s courtroom adoption ceremony on National Adoption Day 2016.

Why we grew our family through

FOSTER-CARE ADOPTION

By Amy Carney

EACH WEDNESDAY WHEN I picked up the Arizona Republic, I would read stories of kids who were eligible for adoption. I found myself captivated by the Wednesday’s Child profiles of children in Arizona’s foster-care system.

Through no fault of their own, they were living without their families.

As a mother raising four children, the harsh realities of these young lives tugged at my heart. I was drawn to the weekly narratives, yet I wasn’t sure I could help. Or could I? I continued to read the stories until I could no longer ignore the fact that our family must help. A child somewhere needed me to stop

feeling bad for his or her situation and instead bravely step up and open our home and hearts.

That was five years ago. For plenty of reasons, it was probably not the best time to foster or adopt a child. My husband Keith was often out of town for his job, leaving me alone to manage our busy family. Our triplet sons and younger daughter were in elementary school and involved in various sports and after-school activities. How could I take on another child?

There was no doubt life was hectic, but there was also no denying we had enough love in our hearts and room in our home for a child who needed us. It was necessary to move

beyond the excuses and circumstances that kept us in our comfort zone.

Keith and I attended an Aid to the Adoption of Special Kids orientation class to learn the different ways our family could help a child in the foster care system. Could we mentor? Provide respite care for another foster family? Become foster parents or even adopt?

Next came six months of classes, paperwork, inspections and meetings to become a licensed foster family. After taking children into our home for a couple of years, we decided to take a break from foster care. I became an AASK mentor instead.

One day, I took the teenager I mentored to a Children’s Heart Gallery event to have her professional pictures taken for their website as a step to finding her a forever family. It was there that she introduced me to a 9-year-old boy she knew from the group home where they had lived for a couple of years.

The moment I met this gentle, sweetspirited little boy, I knew we were meant to be his family — that we would love, support, protect, nurture, teach and guide this young man through life. We adopted our son nine months later, on National Adoption Day, Nov. 19, 2016.

Adding a fifth child to our family through adoption has been a beautiful, imperfect journey full of laughter and tears, joy and pain, love and commitment. Watching our son grow physically, mentally and spiritually under the safety and security of our family is a blessing.

Amy Carney is a Scottsdale writer, speaker and founder of Parent on Purpose. The mother of five children ages 11 to 17, she is married to retired pro hockey defenseman Keith Carney of the Phoenix Coyotes. Learn more at amycarney.com.

LEARN MORE • November is National Adoption Month, with National Adoption Day festivities happening on or near Nov. 17. nationaladoptionday.org • In Arizona, members of the public and especially any families interested in learning more about adoption are welcome to attend actual adoption ceremonies taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Durango Juvenile Court Center, 3131 W. Durango St., Phoenix. maricopanad.com • The Arizona Department of Child Safety maintains a list

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of current foster-care licensing agencies at dcs.az.gov/ fosteradoption/foster-care-licensing-agencies • Meet some of the Arizona youth waiting for forever families at The Children’s Heart Gallery: childrensheartgallery.org • Wednesday’s Child profiles originated on 12News, and the weekly broadcasts continue. The profiles are produced in partnership with Aid to the Adoption of Special Kids, the largest Arizona agency solely focused on finding families for children through foster care, adoption and mentoring.

Ranked in 10 out of 10 Top of our game and getting better

PhoenixChildrens.org