Family Time

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit (Aug. 23 - Nov. 28) at Lighthouse Artspace.

September TOPEVENTS

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. Send calendar information to familytime@RAKmagazine.com

Jurassic Quest Drive Thru Dinosaur Experience (Aug. 27 - Sept. 5) at Gila River Arena.

THROUGH SEPT. 6:

“Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy

Exhibit.” The Children’s Museum of Phoenix says goodbye this month to its first traveling exhibit, featuring the art of children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle, who passed away in May at age 91, just as the exhibit debuted. Carle illustrated Bill Martin, Jr.’s book “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?” then wrote and illustrated “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” which has been translated into 66 languages and has sold more than 50 million copies since it was published in 1969. “Very Eric Carle” features hands-on activities inspired by five of Eric Carle’s classic books. Masks are required for all visitors ages 2 and older. $16; free for babies under age 1. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 215 N. Seventh St. in Phoenix. childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

AUG. 20-OCT. 2:

The Addams Family. The creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky family comes to life in this macabre musical. Wednesday Addams has fallen in love, and her parents, Gomez and Morticia, must host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents. $26$44. 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showtimes. Hale Theatre Arizona, 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert. 480-497-1181 or haletheatrearizona.com

AUG. 23-NOV. 28:

Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. Experience Vincent Van Gogh’s art in a new and unforgettable way: 500,000 cubic feet of projections of his most famous paintings. Wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight brushstrokes, detail and color from Van Gogh’s sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life paintings. The exhibit is designed and conceived by Massimiliano Siccardi, with soundtrack by Luca Longobardi, both of whom pioneered immersive digital art experiences in France. This exhibition contains sequences of bright flashing lights that may affect visitors who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy. Lighthouse Artspace, 4301 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $30-$100; free for ages 5 younger. vangoghphx.com

AUG. 27-SEPT. 5:

Jurassic Quest Drive-Thru Dinosaur Experience. This fun-filled drive-thru event offers life-like dinosaurs, baby dino and trainer meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and a choose-your-ownaudio-adventure tour. Special accommodations available for the hearing impaired. $49 per vehicle (up to 8 people) only at jurassicquest.com. Check for times; closed Monday-Tuesday. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale.

AUG. 27-SEPT. 23:

Wizarding Weeks at Harkins Theatres. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” select Harkins Theatres will be showing all eight films in the Harry Potter series. Tickets for each film are only $5. See showtimes and details at harkins.com

Intro to Camping (Sept. 10) at Roadrunner Park.

SEPT. 1-3:

Family Music & Movement Fun. Come experience the joy of family music. Music Together in Phoenix is offering a free preview of their mixed age class for families (parents, grandparents or nannies) with children ages birth to 5. This fun-filled class is designed for each child to participate at their own developmental level: singing, moving, chanting, listening, observing and exploring musical instruments. Space is limited; RSVP online. Check for times and locations. 602-363-8202 or musictogetherinphx.com

SEPT. 3-12:

The Three Wishes. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it! A kind-hearted woodcutter and his wife are granted three wishes by a wood elf, and use them in increasingly silly ways in this charming European folk tale told with hand puppets. Recommended for ages 5 and up. $6-$12. 10 a.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602262-2050 or azpuppets.org

SEPT. 6:

Labor Day Baseball Clinic. Campers ages 5-12 will enjoy three full hours of hitting, fielding, pitching, catching, base running and more. Plenty of instruction and swings while learning the fundamentals of the game. $70. Registration required. 9 a.m. to noon. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. saltriverfields. com/labordayclinic

SEPT. 4:

Flashlight Night at the Desert Botanical Garden. This is the final Flashlight Night of the summer! Bring your own flashlight to glimpse the night-blooming plants and animals that appear in the desert after dark. Activities include painting and getting an up-close view of animals, insects, pond critters and more. S’mores kits and refreshments for sale. Reservations required. $14.95; $9.95 for ages 3-17. 6-9 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org 9/11 Memorial Tower Challenge (Sept. 11) in Flagstaff.

SEPT. 9:

Salt River 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Get a team together or climb alone to honor and remember the firefighters from September 11th. Climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center at the Salt River Field stadium. Donate or pledge a fundraising goal. Registration is required. 5 to 9 p.m. Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, 7555 North Pima Rd., Scottsdale. nfff.akaraisin.com/ui/saltriver

SEPT. 10:

Intro to Camping. All families in Paradise Valley, Phoenix and Scottsdale — with boys and girls in kindergarten through 5th grade — are invited to join Cub Scout Pack 416 to learn about camping. Pack 416 AZ will campout near Payson Sept. 17. Roadrunner Park, 3502 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix. Free. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn more at beascout.scouting.org or email Dean Clayton for more information at pack416az@gmail.com

SEPT. 10-12:

Tempe Healing Field. The 20th annual Tempe Healing Field tribute — where American flags are on display for each victim of the 9/11 terrorist attack — will be held at Tempe Beach Park and broadcast on Facebook. Friday: 6:30 p.m. Evening Freedom Concert. Saturday: 5:30 a.m. Healing Field Tribute (names of the victims will be recited starting at 5:46 a.m.); 7 p.m. Candlelight Vigil with speakers and a ceremony. Sunday: 7:30 a.m. Tunnel to Towers 5K run/walk at the Tempe Beach Park. tempehealingfield.org

Labor Day Baseball Clinic (Sept. 6) at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

SEPT. 10-19:

Disney’s Descendants: The Musical. Disney’s beloved heroes and royalty are living happily ever after, safe from the villains they banished to the magic-free Isle of the Lost. That is, until Ben, the benevolent teenage son of Belle and King Adam, welcomes four children of villains to Auradon Prep high school. $20. 7 p.m. Greasepaint Youtheatre, 7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale. greasepaint.org

Into the Woods. A Baker and his wife wish to have a child; Cinderella wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack wishes his cow would give milk. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Suite 0586 (inside Scottsdale Fashion Square), Scottsdale. desertstages.org

SEPT 10-26:

Sistas the Musical. Presented by the Black Theatre Troupe, Sistas the Musical is a nonstop celebration of African American women told through Top-40 music, from Bessie Smith to Beyoncé. Five women prepare to bury the family matriarch. As they clean Grandma’s attic, the women find love and old memories packed away, as well as hit tunes that trace the history of black women. $44. 2 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. showtimes. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St. Phoenix. 602-258-8128 or blacktheatretroupe.org

SEPT. 11

9/11 Memorial Tower Challenge. First responders, military members and the public will honor all those who have died in the global fight against terrorism by climbing 2,071 steps in the Gila River Arena. Register to participate at 911towerchallengefoundation.org. A virtual 9/11 Memorial Tower Challenge is also available, along with in-person events in Flagstaff and Tucson. It’s National Grandparents Day (Sept. 12).

SEPT. 12:

It’s National Grandparents Day! (See page 66) Grandparents get free admission (with a paid child admission) at Crayola Experience in Chandler today. $20.99; free for ages 2 and younger. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Ste 2154, Chandler. crayolaexperience.com/chandler

SEPT. 16-19:

Guest Artist Red Herring Presents: Aesop’s Fables. Red Herring performs its rhymed version of the classic tales with original music and large tabletop puppets. These timeless stories address bullying, selfishness, competition, ingenuity and the affirmation that little beings can achieve great things. $6-$12. 10 a.m. ThursdaySaturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

SEPT. 17-19

Campout for Families. Families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley and Scottsdale are invited to join Cub Scout Pack 416 for a family campout near Payson. Free. 5 p.m. to 11 a.m. Location will be shared with families who register. Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade and siblings are welcome. Learn more at beascout.scouting.org or email Dean Clayton for more information at pack416az@gmail.com

Junk in the Trunk. Explore the 120,000 square feet of WestWorld filled with more than 130 vintage curators and handmade artisans from across the country. Plus live music, local food trucks and more at this 10th anniversary event. $8 general admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday or Sunday; $25 early bird admission from 8-10 a.m. Saturday; $40 admission for 4-9 p.m. Friday. Free for ages 12 and younger. $10 parking. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16500-16526 N. 94th St., Scottsdale. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com

Gold Over America Tour at Gila River Arena (Sept. 22).

SEPT. 17-26:

High School Musical Jr. Troy Bolton, the star athlete at a small-town high school, falls for nerdy beauty Gabriella Montez at a holiday karaoke party. When they return to campus, Troy and Gabriella audition for the upcoming school musical while also meeting their obligations to the basketball team and the academic decathlon. $25. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. showtimes. Desert Foothills Theater stages this Disney classic at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale. dftheater.org

SEPT. 18

Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day. An annual celebration of curiosity. Participating museums provide free entry to anyone who presents a Museum Day ticket (two people). Search for participating museums and purchase tickets by visiting smithsonianmag.com/museumday/museum-day-2021

SEPT. 22

Gold Over America Tour at Gila River Arena. Featuring athletes who participated in the U.S. Gymnastics Championships — including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, Phoenix’s Jade Carey (2020 Olympic floor exercise champion) and Gilbert’s MyKayla Skinner (2020 Olympic vault silver medalist). The tour is a high-energy, gymnastics-meets-pop-concert spectacular with a soundtrack from today’s biggest hit makers designed to spread a message of empowerment, togetherness, and “letting the gold inside each of us shine.” $21.50- $166.50. VIP packages available. 7:30 p.m. Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale. goldoveramericatour.com Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate (Sept. 30-Oct. 3) at Footprint Center (formerly Talking Stick Resort Arena).

SEPT. 22-OCT. 3:

Jack and the Beanstalk. This wonderful tale is told with hand puppets, beautiful changing scenery, a growing beanstalk and a very tall giant. $6-$12. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

SEPT. 23:

The Clumsy Princess. East Valley Children’s Theatre stages the winning play from its 2020 Aspiring Playwriting Contest. Prince Stephan has devoted his life to being the ultimate prince. Then he meets Princess Tilly, a clumsy young woman who accidentally knocks him out of a window. Stranded in his own kingdom for the first time, Stephan learns of a terrible beast plaguing his people and embarks on a quest with Tilly and his court jester to set things right. $10-$15. 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. showtimes. Performed at Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or evct.org or mesacenter.com

SEPT. 24-26:

Hispanic Heritage Weekend. The Arizona Diamondbacks celebrate Latino fans and players at Chase Field vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers. Live music and giveaways. Post-game fireworks on Friday set to Hispanic music. On Saturday, the first 10,000 fans will take home the Los D-backs Snakehead baseball cap. On Sunday, the first 1,000 fans will get the Los D-backs Serpientería Game. Check for times and ticket prices. mlb.com/dbacks

SEPT. 25

Free Entrance Day in the National Park. The National Park Service will offer free admission to everyone entering one of more than 400 national parks. In Arizona, that includes the Grand Canyon, Lake Mead, Canyon de Chelly, Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Montezuma Castle in Camp Verde and other popular destinations. nps.gov

Furry Friends Fine Arts Festival. This fun, animal-themed arts festival is “purr-fect” for the entire family! Highlights include juried artists who will showcase animal-themed drawings, photography, ceramics, and more. Paw readings and pet adoptions, business vendors, live music, entertainment, and food & beverage vendors will make it a day to remember. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 per person or $10 per family; furry friends are free. Shemer Art Center, 5005 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. shemerartcenter.org

SEPT. 26

Yoly Pacheco Ventriloquist Show. Free entertainment, Free Bounce Houses and Free admission! 6 p.m. Enchanted Island Amusement Park, 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. 602-254-1200 or enchantedisland.com

SEPT. 29

Understanding Tantrums: Not Just The Terrible Twos. A presentation for parents with strategies and tips for handling tantrums and meltdowns. Free, but registration required. 6:15 p.m. Avondale Team 4 Kids, 1585 N. 113th Ave., Suite 102, Avondale. 800-376-3440 or team4kids.com/sign-up-for-a-class

SEPT. 30-OCT. 3

Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate. Be part of the magic of Disney as Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa and Olaf. Check for times and prices. Footprint Center (formerly Talking Stick Resort Arena), 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-3792060 or footprintcenter.com/event

Celebrate

GRANDPARENTS DAY on Sept. 12!

National Grandparents Day is the first Sunday after Labor Day. Here are some innovative ways to enjoy Sept. 12 with grandma or grandpa in greater Phoenix.

Have an adventure:

All Day Dance (Sept. 12). Pop into Breakout Studios — a Tucson dance and fitness community — and try a ballet, jazz, modern dance or hip hop class together! $20 for an all-day pass. RSVP online. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Breakout Studios, 5811 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson. 520-275-1085 or facebook.com/ BreakOutStudiosTucson/events

Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure:

Phoenix. Urban Adventure Quest turns downtown

Phoenix into a giant game board with a fun scavenger hunt adventure. Form a team, solve clues and complete challenges at your own pace on your smart device. $49 for 2-5 people. Starts at the corner of 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. urbanadventurequest.com/tours/thingsto-do/phoenix

Crayola Experience (Sept. 10-12). Grandparents get in free with a paid child admission. $20.99; free for ages 2 and younger. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Ste 2154, Chandler. crayolaexperience.com/chandler

Northern Gila County Fair (Sept. 9-12). This

annual county fair boasts everything from farm animals to blue ribbon pies. Live entertainment, educational booths, food and fun for all ages. Payson Event Center, 1400 S. Beeline Highway, Payson. ngcfair.com

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix (Sept. 12).

Artist Kevin Overhulser will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3

p.m. celebrating Grandparent’s Day with handmade paper silhouettes. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. $16; $15 seniors; free for babies under age 1. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 215 N. Seventh St. Phoenix. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

Enjoy a concert:

Concerts at The Nash (Sept. 11-12). Hear Niki Haris (daughter of legendary jazz pianist Gene Harris) and an uplifting blend of jazz, blues, soul and gospel music. Or take in a Sunday Jam Session with Ioannis Goudelis, where student and pro musicians play together, unrehearsed. Times and ticket prices vary. 110 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-795-0464 or thenash.org

School Of Rock Tribute (Sept. 12). Students of the School of Rock will be rocking some great music. 10 a.m.: Alternative Rock Tribute; Noon: Metallica Tribute; 2 p.m.: Scottsdale adult program; 4 p.m.: Tribute to Stone Temple Pilots. All ages welcome. $10. The Revelry, 1065 N. Dobson Road, Mesa. schoolofrock.com/scottsdale

Cheer on your team:

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans (Sept. 12). Stay in, get the snacks ready and put on your favorite Cardinal’s jersey to watch the football game on CBS or listen on 98.7 FM. 10 a.m. azcardinals.com/schedule

Arizona Diamondbacks at Seattle Mariners (Sept. 10-12). Watch a D-backs baseball game from the comfort of your home on MLB, Bally Sports or listen on 98.7 FM. Check for times. mlb. com/dbacks

Use that senior discount:

Applebee’s offers a 10 percent off for seniors (varies by location). applebees.com

Denny’s. Offers a 55+ menu or 15 percent off regular menu items with your AARP card. dennys.com

El Pollo Loco. 10 percent senior discount for 60+. Ask your cashier for the discount prior to payment. elpolloloco.com

IHOP. Offers a 55+ menu or 10 percent off regular menu items with your AARP card. ihop.com

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. Seniors 62 and older can pay lunch menu prices all day. 11051 N. Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix. 602-331-3434 or pappadeaux.com

U.S. Egg Breakfast & Lunch. Check out the senior menu at locations in Chandler, Phoenix, Tempe and Scottsdale. useggrestaurant.com