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Grades K–12
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THE SUMMER HEAT is upon us and if you’re in the Metro-Phoenix or Tucson area you might be craving cooler temperatures already. Up in Northern Arizona, where morning and evening temps are still in the 50s, we’re just now bringing out the shorts and swimsuits.
If you’re seeking a family getaway this summer, consider a trip to the White Mountains—Payson, Heber-Overgaard, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, or Greer! We have over 50 lakes, streams, rivers, and watering holes to explore, plus too many hiking trails to count! Pack the sunscreen, fishing poles, and get ready for quaint shops & markets, outdoor recreation, delicious restaurants, and smalltown hospitality.
I’ve rounded up all our favorite places to explore in the White Mountains as a family and hope you’ll get a chance to check them out yourself. On the cover is my husband, Trent, and my 2-year-old who had so much fun at the White Mountain Family Fun Park. It’s open year-round, but it’s so much fun in the summertime!
This summer I’m juggling four boys at home ranging from 3 months to 10 years so I’m gearing up for late nights, fun outings, hours of swimming, skipped naps, a little
crying, and tantrums (from the kids…and me) and a WHOLE lot of practicing patience.
In this issue we’ve got some great tips on saving for a family vacation, building your own parenting village, being patient during summer break, and keeping a good routine when it feels like you’re living spontaneously.
As you anticipate 4th of July celebrations, we have some safety tips and fun themed recipes to try! And don’t forget to check out the 4th of July festival in Heber-Overgaard this year—it’s a family favorite for us!
I’ve stocked up on sunscreen, got new swimsuits for all the kids, mapped out some new places to explore, and I’m ready to cross off everything on our ‘summer bucket list.’ I know my summers with little ones are limited and I’m going to make the most of these short years. Whether you’re spending the whole summer hiding from the heat, traveling, or making new memories, Raising Arizona Kid s is with you every day of this long break!
Kate Reed, Publisher
Do you have a topic you would love us to write about? Email publisher@ rakmagazine.com
PUBLISHER
Kate Reed
EDITOR
Monique Seleen
CONTRIBUTORS
Gerren Ard, Karen Aurit, Michael Aurit, Scarlett Bendixen, Dr. Helene Felman, Rachel Galvez, Dr. Brooke Jeffy, Michael Klinkner, Rodrigo Mendoza, Rosalind Prather, Vince Vasquez, Maricopa County Library District, Southwest Human Development
ART DIRECTOR
Michèlle-Renée Adams
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Kate Reed
MARKETING CONSULTANTS
Tina Gerami-Bynum
Raising Arizona Kids 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. Copy right © 2023 by Raising Arizona Kids , Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Content guide lines are avail able at raisingarizonakids.com
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There’s nothing like the energy and passion of youth. That’s our inspiration for providing the region’s most exceptional kid-focused care — from advanced treatments and procedures to routine well visits. And now we’re expanding into the community with even more services in more places, to serve you better, so we can all grow healthier together.
phoenixchildrens.org/bigenergy
By Maricopa County Library District
THIS SUMMER, libraries around the county are celebrating stories of unity and kindness during Maricopa County Reads, your library’s Summer Reading program. Jump start your reading list with these reading recommendations celebrating togetherness, recommended by librarians across Maricopa County Library District! Don’t forget to sign up for Summer Reading, All Together Now, at maricopacountyreads.org for a summer full of reading and fun!
Follow little Carmelita and her dog, Manny, as they take a walk through their neighborhood and learn all the different ways there are to say “Hello!”
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “Isadora’s fun and vibrant cut-paper illustrations bring the diversity of our communities to life. This picture book is a great introduction to greetings in other languages and even includes a pronunciation guide in the back.”
–Davina from the Southeast Regional Library
By Carmen Agra Deedy & Pete Oswald
Rita and Ralph are best friends and neighbors who meet up each day to dance and play games, except one rotten day when one friend ends up hurt and both are left unhappy. Rita and Ralph need to learn to meet in the middle and heal their friendship.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “An excellent representation of the process of forgiveness and building healthy friendships. The author includes finger play to go with the story, which makes it especially fun to read aloud!”
–Lexis from the Southeast Regional Library
Explore all the places we are meant to be! Each page of this book celebrates our many emotions and various daily adventures.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “This heartfelt story will help young readers understand the experience of life.”
–Brittany from the Southeast Regional Library
A family in the city has a cot ready for other kids in the building whose caregivers work at night. A young girl feels jealous that these kids get attention from her parents and can do things in her apartment she never gets to do. She begins to appreciate how scary it can be for other kids to sleep in this cot as she tries it out herself.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “This book displays how amazing neighbors can create community and how children themselves can make others feel more included.”
–Katelyn from the El Mirage Library
“You and I, we’re alike, but we’re different too. That’s not good. That’s not bad. It’s just what is true.” Told in verse, We Belong explores and celebrates what makes us different and also what binds us together on our shared planet.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “This is such an uplifting picture book, affirming that we all belong, just as we are. Aguilera’s rich illustrations, with a huge cast of characters, will make you want to spend lots of time soaking in each page.”
–Davina from the Southeast Regional Library
Lola Levine is a second grader who loves soccer and hates the color pink, so when a new girl joins her class who loves pink and all things girly, the two immediately are at odds. Lola’s mom comes up with a scheme that requires the two to walk in each other’s shoes, literally, and learn that they have more in common than they thought.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “This book has a great message about learning to get along despite having different interests. I would recommend this series for readers who loved Junie B. Jones or Dork Diaries.”
–Lexis from the Southeast Regional Library
By Christina Soontornvat
Using a mix of her own research and news briefs, the author crafts an exciting recounting of the rescue of the Wild Boards soccer team in Thailand in 2018. The book is meticulously made with colorful pictures and scientific diagrams.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “You end up becoming an almost expert in caves and cave diving. But, clearly, the heart of the book is in the community and the soccer team that banded together to save them and each other.”
–Katelyn from the El Mirage Library
Amina’s Voice By Hena Khan
Amina Khokar, a gifted, but shy singer, has just started middle school and is adjusting to fitting into her new school. When a traumatic event occurs at her family’s mosque, she learns about true friendship and that, despite a few people who may be hateful, the majority of people in her community are friendly, supportive, and want to help.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “Amina is such a relatable character with her anxieties and self-doubts. She finds that her community is made up of good people, and that there are many people who are pulling for others and lifting each other up.”
–Jennifer from the Perry Library
How would you spend your last day if you knew it was your last? This book uncovers the adventures of two people who are facing this exact question.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “It is an unforgettable journey about unity and love with this heart-rending novel.”
– Brittany from the Southeast Regional Library
Darius Kellner is a typical American teenager, but he struggles with depression, and feels like he never fits in, both at home and at school. When his family travels to his mother’s native country, Iran to visit his grandparents, he finds that there is a place that he belongs, within his family, in the world, and as a friend.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: “In this heartwarming book, Darius is a voice for teens that experience depression and anxiety, as he learns to cope with the challenges that he faces. The descriptions of Iran and its people are vivid and detailed allowing the reader a glimpse at the rich history of this country and the diversity of the people who live there.”
– Jennifer from the Perry Library
Why is sunscreen important?
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) radiation from the sun causes skin cancer as well as the dark spots, wrinkles and sagging that ages the skin. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood doubles one’s risk of developing the most deadly form of skin cancer: melanoma. Sun exposure can also cause flares of rosacea and acne. Make sun protection a priority to reduce skin cancer risk but also to help the skin function properly and look its absolute best.
What about tanning?
• Babies and Kids: Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
• Swimming and Sports: Elta MD UV Sport
• Long-lasting All Day Use: LaRoche Posay Melt In Milk
• Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 50
• Under Makeup: Zo Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer
• Tinted Facial: Revision TruPhysical Intellishade
• Sun Protective Clothing: Coolibar, Uvskinz and Lands End
Publisher’s
Favorite Sunscreens:
• Babo
• ThinkBaby
• All Good • Tidal Waves
Organic
Tip for applying sunscreen: Get a makeup brush which makes it super easy to ‘brush’ the sunscreen on little ones and buff it into the skin. And then none on your hands!
Think of a tan as our skin crying for help in an attempt to protect itself. A tan is the evidence that damage is occurring, increasing skin cancer risk and aging the skin.
Should you still use sunscreen even if you won’t be in the direct sun?
Yes! Prove this to yourself by watching the daily UV index which shows how much UV radiation is reaching the ground. The lower the number the safer it is to be outdoors. Regardless of the number, you should wear sunscreen daily but additional precautions should be taken as the index increases. At 3 or above, wear a hat and seek shade. At 5 and above, avoid being outdoors during midday hours.
Even if you do not plan to be out, make sunscreen part of your family’s morning routine so you are not caught out and unprotected.
What does SPF and Broad Spectrum mean?
Sunscreens can protect us from certain parts of the UV spectrum emitted by the sun. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, refers to the protection offered from UVB rays. If you are wearing an SPF 30, it will take 30 times longer for you to burn than if you were not wearing it. Broad spectrum means the product protects from UVA rays.
What SPF should you use?
I recommend at least SPF 30 for daily use and SPF 50 for outdoor activities. Always use
broad spectrum products and water resistant if sweating or swimming. Be generous when applying. If outdoors, reapply every two hours and after swimming. If you are wearing makeup and need to reapply, consider a powder sunscreen for reapplication. Powders are also great for scalps.
Are all sunscreens the same? Absolutely not. Read on for some key differences but know the best sunscreen is the one you are willing to use. Try a few and find the best one for you!
Chemical vs Mineral.
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide the protection in mineral sunscreens. All other sunscreen agents are chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens are generally more cosmetically acceptable because they rub in well while mineral ones may leave a white cast. The jury is still out on the controversy that surrounds chemical sunscreens regarding absorption into our bodies, effects on marine life, and possible hormonal effects. But we do know that UV exposure causes skin cancer, so you have to decide what you are comfortable with.
Tinted sunscreens provide even more broad spectrum coverage by protecting against visible light. I highly recommend tinted products for day to day facial use.
Applying and reapplying sunscreen is not fun. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sun protective clothing with sunscreen on areas that cannot be covered, like the face.
Dr. Brooke Jeffy is a boardcertified dermatologist practicing in North Scottsdale.
Dr. Jeffy is the founder of btwn skincare, a product line and educational resource for tweens and teens to help them get started with healthy skin and wellness habits. To learn more visit brookejeffymd.com
LIVING IN ARIZONA, we have such wonderful weather most of the year. Summers, however, can be challenging due to the heat. Fortunately, if you know what to watch out for as a parent or caregiver, your children can be safe despite the scorching heat.
First, it’s important to know what collection of symptoms kids can get, and when to worry about the heat being too much. There are several forms of heat illnesses from mild to severe.
Heat Cramps: This is a mild form of heat illness. Heat cramps are muscle cramps that develop in extreme heat when exercising vigorously. Try to keep hydrated to avoid these. If your child complains of pains in legs or arms when exercising in hot weather (typically a heat index greater than 90 degrees), they should stop exercising. Try to get them into a cool place or under shade if in the sun, and re-hydrate. If the muscle pains go away, they can resume their activity.
Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is a moderate form of heat illness. This is when someone is in extreme heat and not able to keep up with their hydration needs. When experiencing heat exhaustion, kids and teens can exhibit the following symptoms:
• increased thirst
• weakness
• dizziness or fainting
• muscle cramps
• nausea and/or vomiting
• irritability
• headache
• heavy sweating
• cool, clammy skin
• a raised body temperature, but less than 104°F (40°C)
If the above develops, try to get them to a cool place and have your child drink fluids as much as possible. If you can give fluids with
sugar and salt (e.g. oral rehydration solutions, such as sports drinks or Pedialyte), this is better. Remove clothing and use cool towels to reduce your child’s body temperature.
If a child with the above symptoms cannot drink fluids due to the nausea or vomiting, they may need intravenous fluids (IVF) to help get them hydrated. Do not wait if your child is not improving. Heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, which is more dangerous. Call your pediatrician for advice if the above symptoms don’t start to abate within an hour.
Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is the most dangerous form of heat illness. It occurs when your body cannot control its temperature and can lead to dangerous levels of heat within your body. In extreme conditions heat stroke can cause brain damage and even death. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
• severe headache
• weakness, dizziness
• confusion
• nausea
• rapid breathing and heartbeat
• loss of consciousness
• seizure
• no sweating
• flushed, hot, dry skin
• temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher
If you think your child is experiencing heat stroke, please call 911. While waiting for help to arrive try to move the child or teen into the shade, remove clothes to keep as cool as possible. In this case do NOT give fluids unless they are alert, acting normally, and awake.
Helene Felman, MD, FAAP is a practicing pediatrician in southeast Arizona. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago in both Biology and Public Policy. Dr. Felman has been actively involved with the AAP since 2010. She currently is part of the Arizona AAP Advocacy Committee, helping to promote the health and well-being of children and teens at the state legislative level. She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband where she enjoys hiking and exploring the beautiful Sonoran desert.
• Keep hydrated – try to drink before and after activities, even if not thirsty to prevent heat illness.
• Dress accordingly – light fabrics, light colors help prevent overheating.
• Keep your cool – cool mist, water guns, pools – when children are in water or exposed to small amounts of water, as the water evaporates, it cools the body’s surface. If in the pool, be sure to remember your sunscreen.
• Air conditioning – find places to go in case your home does not have airconditioning or your air-conditioning breaks. Libraries and malls are free, climate - controlled options in many communities. Try to have a plan for an air-conditioned place to stay overnight in case of emergencies.
FOR MOST KIDS, summer means a break from the mundane schoolyear routine, endless days of pool time and an exciting summertime vacation to look forward to and tell all their friends about. Family vacations are special opportunities to experience new places and create memories that last a lifetime, but also the perfect time to incorporate valuable and practical lessons for your kids in the weeks leading up to the trip.
It’s no secret that the long break from school often comes with the daunting task of finding ways to keep our children occupied, entertained, and engaged, so I encourage you to include each child in the planning and saving process of your next vacation – and all future family trips. Financial awareness starts early, with children developing money habits as young as seven years old, so it’s never too early (or too late) to give them valuable lessons that will shape their financial future and keep them engaged.
Vacation costs can add up quickly, so planning early and involving your whole family from the start will ensure you have a fun, affordable trip everyone can enjoy and feel proud of.
As your trip approaches, review your travel budget and do some research to make sure you haven’t missed key or unique expenses associated with your destination. Don’t forget to set aside an amount for souvenirs and incidental costs (forgotten sunscreen, unexpected need for medication, gratuity, surprise fees, etc.). If you haven’t already, determine exactly what amount you’ll allocate toward the activities on your family’s wish list. This is a great time to get the kids involved!
Let them in on what the finalized activity budget is and let each of your children propose which activities the family should participate in. Set a deadline by scheduling a day for them to present their proposals to the rest of the family and at the end of the presentations, help them pick the best combination based on what everyone is most excited for. For example, although they may want to spend multiple days at a theme park, the budget may only allow for one day if they also want to take surfing lessons.
Pro tip: As you plan future vacations, include your tweens as young as 12 in family vacation budgeting discussions to take the mystery out of money and help them understand how the household makes
financial decisions. Doing this will set them up for success as they grow into their own financial independence.
Teach your kids, especially your little ones, the difference between “needs” and “wants.” For example, talk about how you will make coffee at home and cut out your drive-through coffee trips for a week – a “want” – so you can use that money to take the family to your favorite ice cream parlor on your beach trip. This will show them how to break down goals to smaller, attainable efforts and hopefully inspire them to do the same. Encourage them to think critically about their own spending and help them map out a plan.
Can you still have fun on a budget? Of course! Involve your kids in planning free or reduced cost activities leading up to your trip to save money. Check out your city’s event calendar or local library for free events, head out on a family hike, or volunteer as a family to provide your kids with new experiences leading up to your trip.
Vacations can be expensive, but you can find ways to save money and still have fun. Make a list of the things you want to do during your vacation and check for reduced-fee admission days and other discounts while planning your itinerary. Food costs can add up, so look for ways to save that will work with your family’s lifestyle, like cooking breakfast at your vacation rental before heading out for the day. Depending on your destination and the weather, consider swapping a pricey restaurant night for a takeout picnic in a park.
Plan for your next fall or summer vacation and get the whole family involved early. When the time comes to start planning, be transparent about how much you want to save and the timeframe you’ll need to stick to. It can be helpful to mark savings goals on a calendar or create a list to help children visualize the goals. Make this step interactive and brainstorm ways to save money, from kids collecting loose change in a piggy bank, a parent or teen picking up an extra shift at work, to an activity that includes the whole family like hosting a garage sale. Consider starting an allowance so kids can earn money from extra chores and start saving for the things they want to do or buy while away. Help them identify chores to do around the house to earn extra money, like keeping their rooms clean, cleaning up after the family pet, or watering the plants.
Be sure to track everyone’s progress and celebrate milestones along your savings journey.
No matter your destination or itinerary, family vacations are wonderful opportunities to create memories and provide enriching experiences for your children. And if you involve them in budgeting and saving for your upcoming adventures, you will also build on their financial literacy and set them on the path to a financially secure future.
Rachel Galvez is the Marketing Partnerships Manager at Arizona Financial Credit Union. A mom of two, Rachel is committed to empowering families with the information they need to make smart financial decisions now and set their children on the path to financial success in the future.
THERE’S NOTHING like an air-conditioned bowling alley to keep everyone cool and entertained during the hot summer months!
What’s even better is kids can bowl FREE this summer with participating bowling alleys as part of the community give-back Kids Bowl Free Program and there are several locations across Arizona.
If you sign up for a family pass, adults, older siblings and babysitters can bowl along with the registered kids.
The family pass is a one time payment, that is set by our participating bowling centers. Sign-up now at kidsbowlfree.com/0nugb5 or scan the QR Code!
Step 1: Find a Participating Bowling Center In Your Area
• Casa Grande: Cotton Bowl
• Glendale: Glenfair Lanes
• Phoenix: Let It Roll Bowl
• Scottsdale: Mavrix
• Tucson: Cactus Bowl & Tucson Bowl
Step 2: Register Your Kids
Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games each day of the KBF program, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations. Participating bowling centers set their age limits, see the center registration page for more details.
Step 3: Enjoy a fun summer of bowling!
By Rosalind Prather
THEY SAY "it takes a village" to raise a child, but for some of us, parenting is more akin to treading water alongside a deserted island. There were seasons in my life where being a mom did not come with a tribe of other women I could lean on, specifically when my first daughter was born. I was the first of all my friends to have children and the first in my family as well. Overnight it seemed I was living on a different planet and my existing support system of childless friends couldn't possibly relate to my newfound challenges as a mom. My sister was young and kid-free and my mom was busy with her career.
Most of us have heard the ancient wisdom about it taking many to create an ideal environment for a child. But what if you don't have a village, a tribe, an A-list babysitting team? What if you live far away from family and feel disconnected? Where can you turn to find reliable people when you've reached your limits, need someone to vent to, and might not make it through one more tantrum? We all know community matters. If you need proof, simply watch what happens to Tom Hanks after years alone at sea as he befriends a Volleyball he named "Wilson." If you find yourself striking up a conversation with Mrs. Potato Head, it's time to start building your village. I am not saying it is easy but it is certainly worth it. Here are 8 tips on how to build your village.
1. Recognize how much you need one. For some introverts, it's easy to not put forth the effort to find "mom friends" or a bigger support
network outside of your home because those things require socializing and, especially if you are a new mom, and don't truly understand how big the payoff could be, you might not be motivated to put yourself out there. But even if you are a people-person, it can seem daunting and overwhelming if you don't know where to start. So, you start at the very beginning - setting the intention of getting out of the house: attending an event, playdate, park date or indoor play space at least 3-5 times a month.
2. Enroll your kids in activities from an early age. Gymnastics, dance, Kinder music, mommy and me classes, etc. It was in a local dance school lobby watching our girls plie through glass where I met my best friend - my ride or die. Nine years later and I cannot imagine life without her. It's hard to meet friends when you're a young mom, especially when you aren't going into work or involved in groups or activities outside the home. So, involve your kids instead. One other way to enlist your children can be to bring them into the conversation. Odds are they come home 50,000 times asking for a playdate with someone in their class. Write a note to that parent with your cell number listed and let your kid deliver it to their new friend. Teach them early the value and work that goes into maintaining a friendship.
3. Be picky about who you let in. Evaluate if they share your values, are they trustworthy, do they bring drama? Do they have your best
interests at heart? This can be difficult because not everyone in your existing tribe might decide to have children and the odds are they will certainly not be pregnant and have their baby or babies at the same time as you. So, you will have to open up to the idea of a broadened network. So, yes, that means making new friends in adulthood. Parenthood ain’t for the faint of heart. Ask yourself these litmus questions: Could I call this person if I need an emergency pick up for my child at daycare/school? Who could you lean on when you needed an emergency date night with your spouse? Who would you let see your huge pile of laundry and feel precisely zero shame? That’s a winner. As you walk through those questions, whoever comes to mind is who you want to let in.
4. Set, schedule and be unrelenting about getting some quality “mom time” each month. Whether a Girls Night Out, a pedicure with one friend, midday lunches while the kids are in school—whatever you can schedule and routinely keep, do that! And plan in advance so that you are not chasing each other around coordinating schedules.
5. Court women almost like you're dating. What you put into a friendship is what you get out of it. Initiate the planning of regular time together, remember birthdays, offer support during difficult times and genuinely show up for your people.
6. Do as I do. Our kids need our help to find their village too. Put yourself in strategic places. Find a few nearby playgrounds and visit them around the same time on certain days. Find local museums that have programming of interest to you and your child. Your next mommy BFF might be there. When you are brave enough to strike up a conversation and put yourself out there for a new friend, your kid is watching and learning.
7. As you are trying to create your village don’t let social media fool you. Your feelings of isolation and loneliness are only exacerbated by Instagram highlights where nobody looks lonely and in reality, everyone actually is. It can be tempting to think that social media can be the best or only place to create a village when you don’t have one. While it might be a helpful place to find like-minded parents with kids of a similar age, it is not the only option. Use it intentionally. Get in and get out. Once you are scrolling aimlessly, I can promise that you will run into at least 50 people that have their parenting game “perfected” far more than you.
8. Get out of your own way. Do you have a trusted neighbor or friend that offers to watch your kid for an evening so that you can do a date night, catch your breath after a tragedy, go to bed early, go to happy hour? Let that person help you. Say yes and thank you. And then, return the favor. Be sure to invest in those that invest in you. Nobody wins if we all act like Superwoman who never needs, asks for or accepts help.
Rosalind Prather is a third-generation small business owner and momtrepreneur in Tucson, AZ. She is the Cofounder of Trusting Connections Nanny Agency and Timeless Play. She is the proud mother of two girls. She is married to Bryan, her cowboy and true soulmate and considers family life and motherhood her greatest joy.
SUMMER IS HERE and with that comes a change in routine, even for homeschoolers or those going to summer school whose routine might not seem to change that much.
The following suggestions are applicable to all parents under a variety of circumstances. So take a seat, and enjoy as you “travel” to find the best environment possible for developing your parental skills.
Take a trip to “You Are In Control” island where you learn how to change the way you view your experiences in order to respond sensitively to your children.
Visit the “Whose behavior?” museum and recognize that your behavior is an influential factor in creating the environment that sustains your children’s’ appropriate and inappropriate responses.
Finally, figure out what to do when you ride the “When Things Are Not Working” rollercoaster. It is possible that you might lose your cool due to different factors influencing your behavior but find out how to be flexible and persevere during the ups and downs.
As you think about these stops on your journey, you may see that some preparation is needed. Being patient during the summer requires a proactive, rather than a reactive, approach.
How do we do this? Simple. Follow the journey!
As you deal with many stressors, especially during changes in routine, be sure to schedule time for yourself.
• Control your daily access to rest. Rest does not necessarily mean hours of sleep. Rest can come in many forms, sometimes silence may be enough to reduce the physiological load when taking care of children. Do something that renews your ability to tolerate stress, such as: mindfulness, stretches, prayer, yoga, meditation, journaling, etc.
• Control your access to movement and exercise. You can exercise by
yourself or even include your children.
• Control your daily or weekly routines, making sure it is flexible. When organizing your week, teach your children to transition from one activity to the next with a visual schedule. It is highly recommended to include your children in the development of their weekly schedule. Of course, you are in control of the options for each time slot, but as they make decisions between ‘Activity A’ or ‘Activity B’, they develop social abilities to solve problems in a group setting.
A good proactive technique is to identify your emotional limits. The skill involves taking time to observe the moments that you lose patience (e.g., running late, tantrums, siblings fighting, etc). In your observations, try to withhold judgment, analyze what happened before you lost your patience, and recognize the consequences of your responses (e.g., yelling, speaking out of frustration). With that awareness, make a plan.
The next step is to practice your plan. This may look like:
• Practice communicating with your child. A healthy exchange provides opportunities for your child to communicate back with you.
• Practice listening to your child’s words. The more you listen, the more you’ll see that your child’s words might not mean the same thing as when you say them. For example, if your child says something like “I don’t like you!” in challenging situations, this experience of listening may assist you in reacting differently to their outbursts.
• Practice your responses to potential issues. If your child is running late, for instance, that may trigger your impatience. So, to plan ahead, practice what to do under these circumstances.
• Practice teaching replacement behaviors. Children present maladaptive
behaviors that can be reduced by teaching them other ways to communicate their wants and needs.
Remember that the purpose of your child’s challenging behavior is either to get or avoid something. You can control the conditions surrounding your child’s challenging behaviors and make them more or less likely to occur.
Your child may scream loudly when you ask him to take out the trash. Screaming usually gets him out of taking out the trash. You could simulate the moment you ask him to take out the trash in the following exchange:
Parent: “If you do not want to take the trash right now, you can say, ‘Can I take the trash out later?’”
Child: “Can I take the trash out later?”
Parent: “Ok, you can take the trash out in an hour.”
You can hug your child and praise him for using appropriate behavior.
As your behavior changes, the behavior of your children will, too.
Sometimes, there are days in which you prepare ahead to save time during a busy morning, anticipating your child’s difficulties with getting ready (e.g., you laid out their clothes the night before, packed snacks ahead of time, woke up early to prepare breakfast), but things are still not working out.
In those moments, losing your cool may be inevitable.
• Take a step back and observe the situation.
• Frame your thoughts with occasions your child demonstrated growth and achievement.
• Follow the plan and the schedule you prepared. This is the time to be flexible in the face of new challenges but also to balance perseverance with your plan. A good plan should have options (For example, ‘Plan A: Going to the park; ‘Plan’ B: Playing in the backyard) that were selected by your child or made with your child in mind.
We all want to be good parents. We can accomplish this by proactively preparing for the journey ahead. You are in control of your emotional responses. As you change your behavior by preparing, practicing, and executing detailed ‘travel’ plans, your child will also change theirs.
You will encounter bumps in the road, cancellations, and bad weather. These ups and downs are natural events, and as you learn new behaviors that will assist your child in presenting increasingly appropriate responses, your overall journey will be marked with success.
Rodrigo Mendoza holds a Bachelor of Science in University Studies from Brigham Young University and a Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis from ASU. Currently, he is completing the PHD ABA program at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). He is the Program Director of the ABA Department at T.E.A.M. 4 Kids Pediatric Therapy.
THERE ARE A LOT of exciting things to look forward to as the summer months roll around including vacations, increased flexibility and more family time. But with kids out of school, bedtimes get out of whack, screentime usage is hard to manage, and the overall structure that was nicely maintained by the routine of school is a thing of the past.
Summertime is a great opportunity for kids to relax and have fun, but it can also be a time of chaos and confusion. Without school it can be difficult for kids to stay on track and keep up with their responsibilities. As a parent it’s important to help your child stay organized and maintain a sense of structure over the summer.
To start the summer off right, create a new daily routine. Routines are important for kids because they offer a sense of stability and security. Routines support a child’s mental health and lessen anxiety of the unpredictable.
Here are some ways to establish solid routines which can in turn help youngsters with time management skills and build healthy habits.
• Create a summer schedule. This should
include a mix of activities like playing outdoors and engaging in physical activity, reading and other educational activities, spending time with friends and exploring creative outlets.
• Make sure to include some downtime as well so your child can relax and recharge. But establish screentime limits so the hours aren’t sucked away on this mindless activity. You can also use the schedule to assign chores and other responsibilities such as taking care of the family pet, helping plan daily meals and keeping the common areas of your house tidy.
• Establish a designated workspace. This can be a desk or table in a quiet area of the house. Make sure the workspace is stocked with all the necessary supplies, such as paper, pens and other materials. Encourage your child to use the workspace for studying, reading and completing assignments.
• Set clear parameters for your child. Make sure they understand what is expected of them each day and set a reward schedule like a trip to the movies or a special treat for meeting goals.
• Stay connected. Make sure to check in
with your child regularly to see how they’re doing with their personal goals and provide support and encouragement along the way. Schedules don’t need to be as rigid in the summer, but a general daily plan is good for kids and parents alike.
By following these tips, you can help your child stay organized and maintain a sense of structure over the summer. With a little bit of planning and effort you can ensure that your child has a productive and enjoyable summer.
Michael Klinkner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Neurolinguistic Programming.
He is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Klinkner provides individual, group and family therapy to children, adolescents and adults in Central Phoenix and Gilbert, Ariz. Klinkner focuses on treating a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma and ADHD. For more information, visit evolvecounselingaz.com
AS PARENTS, you know that problems are continuously popping up like a whack-a-mole game at Chuck E. Cheese.
There are multiple answers to any problem and many ways to find an answer. Approach challenges with a “creative mindset,” and you’ll find better solutions in less time without conflict.
And here’s a whack-a-mole BONUS— modeling a creative approach for your kids helps them learn that they can also handle challenges creatively so they’ll be more resilient.
Here are three simple steps to creative problem solving:
Together, take a moment to state the challenge or problem you are facing.
“We both booked the same weekend for a beach vacation with the kids.”
Easy to do and effective! Answer a question that seeks solutions rather than focusing on the problem.
“What could be some potential solutions to us both having booked the same weekend for a beach vacay with the kids?”
Welcome all ideas without judgment. If you both allow all ideas on the table—even wild ones—without negativity, you will create an environment to agree upon the best solution.
• We can keep both bookings and split kid-time. This way, each of us also gets some kid-free downtime at the beach.
• We can move our bookings back-to-back to give the kids a longer vacation.
• We can overlap our bookings on one day so the kids can spend time with both of us together.
• We can each take one of the kids for a special bonding trip without a sibling.
• We can share the rebooking fee and move one of the trips to a different date so we both get a full weekend beach vacation with the kids
Now supercharge the momentum you’ve created by considering your options with your “rosiest colored” glasses on—looking at possible solutions without calling out what you don’t like or won’t work. Ignore things that aren’t helpful and avoid negative words like “no,” “but,” and “shouldn’t,” which stunt the creative process and cause conflict.
Focus on what you like about options and
what could work. Use positive words like “yes” and “can.” Yes, it’s challenging. And yet our biggest challenges offer us the most valuable opportunities. Nailing this step is the gamechanger for creative problem-solving!
Why not turn a potentially stressful challenge into a ‘game’? Share this article with your co-parent and choose to turn parenting whack-a-mole disaster into a creative problem-solving party.
Courageous Co-Parenting is Raising Arizona Kids’s column for separating or divorced parents to learn conflict resolution skills, strategies, and attitudes for healthy co-parenting. These concepts apply to all parents. Please feel free to share the column with your co-parent.
Michael Aurit, JD, MDR, is the Co-Founder of The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation in Scottsdale, Arizona, and an Adjunct Professor at The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law and Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. Michael is married to Karen Aurit, and they live in Phoenix with their two daughters. To learn more, visit auritmediation.com
ARE YOU IN a loving relationship but find it challenging to let go and move on after an argument with your partner?
You want to move on—but you also want to be right. You may even think that letting go of your anger means you are “giving in” or condoning your partner’s unwanted behavior.
You may think you are getting a message across to your partner by holding onto anger that feels justified, but you may actually be hurting yourself. Recent studies show that holding a grudge increases your chances of experiencing anxiety, depression, isolation, overall stress, and other mental health conditions.
But how do we move past anger and heal our relationship? The answer often lies in forgiveness.
Psychologists generally define forgiveness as an intentional decision to release feelings of resentment toward a person or group who has harmed you. Forgiveness does not mean condoning or excusing offenses and doesn’t require reconciliation.
Research shows that resentment destroys
relationships and that partners who can forgive and move past hurt and pain are more likely to have long-lasting and fulfilling relationships.
So, how do we let go and gain the power to forgive?
• First, become aware of, acknowledge, and allow your feelings of resentment.
• Second, acknowledge that your resentment is hurtful to YOU.
• Third, ask yourself, “Will this resentment be important to me 10 years from now? Does this resentment move me toward my relationship goals?”
• Fourth, challenge yourself to focus on your partner’s positive qualities and perspective so that you can work as a team to reach a compromise.
• Fifth, choose to let go to achieve inner peace. You will know you’ve truly let go and forgiven when you no longer feel the need to bring up the issue; you can talk about what happened and hear the other person’s perspective without getting defensive or angry.
Forgiveness isn’t easy; sometimes, letting go feels like a steep climb up Mount Everest. However, you can experience more moments of peaceful happiness within yourself and your relationship by choosing to let go. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what it’s all about?
Healthy Love Habits is Raising Arizona Kids’s relationship column for learning simple habits to create the healthy and loving connection you desire and deserve.
Karen Aurit, LAMFT, is Director and Co-Founder of The Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation in Scottsdale. Karen is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in mindfulness theory. She is also an Adjunct Professor at The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law and Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law. Karen is married to Michael Aurit, and they live in Phoenix with their two daughters. To learn more, visit auritmediation.com
NOTHING SAYS the Fourth of July like fireworks! Celebratory sparklers can light up the evening as fireworks blossom across each county—and don’t forget the yummy barbeque!
When safety precautions are put in place, the Fourth of July is a literal blast. However, many residents are injured each year by the improper handling of fireworks and firearms that not only endanger those handling them, but those surrounding them.
C2 Tactical is a local leader in firearm recreation and safety with an indoor gun range in Tempe and Phoenix. Experts and instructors at our locations teach courses on non-lethal protection and how to properly use a firearm, emphasizing caution and awareness.
Firing a celebratory shot into the air is not a harmless act—in fact—each year it sends someone to the hospital. Even if you’re far from a group of people, we do not encourage firing a gun into the air during this holiday unless in a safely monitored and designated area.
When a bullet is fired into the air, it can travel up to a mile and the speed down
is lethal if it hits someone on accident. Sometimes it even takes up to two minutes for a bullet to come down, making it hard to tell where it will land.
It can’t be stated enough—do NOT fire your gun in celebration. Instead, find a safely monitored indoor gun range or designated firing space for recreational use.
Fireworks are fun but if handled at a private property, there are several things to consider. Fireworks should never be handled while anyone is intoxicated and never by children.
The National Safety Council says that tens of thousands of residents are sent to the hospital each year by improper use of fireworks. They advise that no one use fireworks at their home.
• Never light them indoors
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hand
• Wear protective eyewear
• Never light them near flammable material
• Never point them at anyone
• Always maintain a safe distance
• Be sure to have a bucket of water nearby to extinguish fireworks that don’t fully go off,
Many residents will switch to sparklers thinking they’re safer than fireworks, but this isn’t true. Fireworks burn at 2,000 degrees— that’s hot! National Fire Protection Services states that 25% of emergency room visits on the Fourth of July come from sparkler-related incidents.
Sparklers can easily burn through clothes and cause severe burns. Consider glow sticks instead and never allow children to play with sparklers.
In short, the Fourth of July is a safe holiday for families and get-togethers, but you might want to leave the pyrotechnics to the experts and opt for a blanket on the cool grass instead.
If you own a firearm, we highly suggest that you take safety courses.
Vince Vasquez is a managing member at C2 Tactical. C2 Tactical offers courses for gun owners of all levels of expertise, as well as beginners who’ve never shot a firearm. For more information, visit c2tactical.com
NOTHING IS MORE nostalgic for summer memories than spending the day on the lake. We want to keep your family safe this summer so here are some tips to keep in mind.
If you’re new to boating, you might be surprised with the many styles available. Pick one with ample shade coverage, seats for the kids, and something you feel comfortable maneuvering. If you’re not quite ready to buy a boat you can also rent one for your trip. Don’t forget to purchase your boating license!
New to boat ownership? Consider taking a course through the Arizona Game and Fish Department which offers Boating Safety Education courses including instruction on the basic skills required to safely operate a boat or personal watercraft, trailering your vessel, navigational rules, buoys, anchoring, legal requirements, boating emergencies, and water sports and paddling. Courses are offered in three formats: classroom courses, home study courses and online courses. azgfd.com
In Arizona, for children under 12, wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) also known as life jackets, is a law. A life jacket is the closest thing to a seat belt you
have when boating and life jackets are proven to save lives. Here are some safety tips from the Arizona State Parks and Trails to keep in mind when it comes to PFDs:
• Use the right size PFD. We’re all built differently, so try on and purchase the most comfortable option.
• Use bright colored PFDs to help others see you in the water.
• Check PFD frequently for leaks and hardware issues.
• Dry your PFD before storage in a wellventilated area out of the sun - we all know how damaging the Arizona sun can be!
Are you prepared for an emergency on the lake? Check out this safety equipment list of items that should be on your boat, and remember, it is your responsibility to stay sober while operating a watercraft.
• First-aid kit
• Emergency bailing device (bucket)
• Knife
• Flashlight
• Oars/paddles in case of engine failure
• Functional running lights (it’s the law)
• Anchor to hold your boat until help arrives
• Plenty of drinking water
• Extra clothes
• Signaling flags or flares
• Sunscreen
Natural bodies of water are different from pools. Make sure to keep an eye on the weather, currents, undertows, rocky dangers, and stay clear of other boaters.
Talk to your kids ahead of time about the important boat safety rules. Make sure the kids know there is no going in the water without adult supervision, life jackets must remain on at all times, and that there will be no running on the boat.
You might find you have little to no service on the water. Know how to radio for help and how to identify your location.
If you're new to boating, docking can be nerve-racking when you have little ones. It’s often easier to have two people docking the boat so you need to make sure the kids are safe on the boat when the adults are occupied.
By paying attention to detail and being prepared, you will ensure that you and your family will have a safe and memorable trip to the lake this summer!
Splash pads (some are called “spray pads”) are seasonal features — but our summer is a long season. Here is a list of municipal parks and other gathering places where kids can cool off while enjoying free water play.
ANTHEM
• Adventure Playground, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Pkwy.
AVONDALE
• Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Rd.
• Festival Fields Park, 101 E. Lower Buckeye Rd.
• Park Avenue Plaza, 755 N. 114th Ave.
BUCKEYE
• Coronado Commons Splash Pad. Located north of W. McDowell Rd &, west of N. Verrado Way.
• Tartesso Community Park Splash Pad. Located on W. Tartesso Pwky.
CHANDLER
• Chuparosa Park Spray Pad, 2400 S. Dobson Rd.
• Desert Breeze Park Spray Pad, 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd.
• Espee Park, 450 E. Knox Rd. Chandler Fashion Center Spray Pad, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd.
EL MIRAGE
• Gateway Park Splash Pad, 10100 N. El Mirage Rd.
GILBERT
• The Falls Splash Pad, 2218 E. Williams Field Rd.
• Water Tower Park Splash Pad, 45 W. Page Ave.
GLENDALE
• Glendale Heroes Regional Park, 8100 W. Bethany Home Rd.
• Westgate Shopping Center Splash Pad, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd.
GOODYEAR
• Goodyear Community Park Splash Pad, 3151 N Litchfield Rd.
MESA
• Eastmark Community’s Great Park, 5100 S. Eastmark Pkwy.
• Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St.
• Riverview Park, 2100 W. Rio Salado Pkwy.
• Camino a Lago Park, 21249 N. 98th Ave.
• Paloma Community Park, 29799 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy.
• Pioneer Community Park, 8755 N. 83rd Ave.
• Rio Vista Park, 8866 W. Thunderbird Rd.
• Altadenda, 3711 E. Altadena Ave.
• Civic Space Park, 424 N. Central Ave.
• Dust Devil, 10645 W. Camelback Rd.
• Edison, 901 N. 19th St.
• Francisco Highland, 2702 E. South Mountain Ave.
• Mountain Vista, 13647 S. 50th St.
• Nuestro, 1433 S. Ninth St.
• Pecos, 17010 S. 48th St.
• Trailside Point, 7215 W. Vineyard Rd.
• The Splash Pad at Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd.
• Luci’s at The Orchard, 7100 N. 12th St. building 2.
• Founder’s Park , 22407 S. Ellsworth Rd.
• Mansel Carter Oasis Park , 19535 E. Appleby Rd.
• Agua Linda Park, 8732 E. McDonald Dr.
• Chesnutt Park, 4565 N. Granite Reef Rd.
• Florence Ely Nelson Desert Park, 8950 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd.
• McDowell Mountain Ranch Park, 15525 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy.
• Paiute Park, 3210 N. 66th St.
• Pima Park, 8600 E. Thomas Rd.
• Vista del Camino Park, 7700 E. Roosevelt St.
• Scottsdale Quarter Splash Pad, 15059 N. Scottsdale Rd.
• Dick McComb City Park, 17894 W Westpark Blvd.
• Marley Park (Heritage), 15073 W. Sweetwater Ave.
• Surprise Farms Community Park, 17894 Westpark Blvd.
• Veramonte Park, 12741 N. 140th St.
• The Cloud at Kiwanis Park, 5233 S. Ash Ave.
• Esquer Park Splash Pad, 2407 E. McArthur Dr.
• Hudson Park Splash Pad, 1430 S. Cedar St.
• Jaycee Park Splash Pad, 817 W. 5th St.
• Tempe Marketplace Splash Pads, 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy.
• Catalina Park Splash Pad, 925 N. 4th Ave.
• Clements Splash Pad, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr (charges entrance fee).
• Palo Verde Park Splash Pad, 355 S. Mann Ave.
• Udall Splash Pad, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
• Naida Jane Baker Splash Pad, 2536 N. Castro Ave.
• Brandi Fenton Splash Pad, 3482 East River Rd. Cactus Springs, 221 E. Wetmore Rd. (charges entrance fee).
• Cool Water Kids Splash Pad, 2561 W. Ruthrauff Rd.
• CrossRd.s at Silverbell District Park Splash Pad, 7548 N. Silverbell Rd. Marana Heritage River Park Splash Pad, 12280 North Heritage Park Dr.
• Oro Valley Aquatic Center, 23 W. Calle Concordia (charges entrance fee).
• Picture Rocks, 5615 N. Sanders Rd. (charges entrance fee).
• Warden Family Splash Pad, 5110 S. San Joaquin Ave.
• Thatcher Splash Pad, 3883 W. Ballpark St.
• Frontier Park, 650 N. 9th Pl., Show Low
• Pioneer Park, 506 1st St. E., Snowflake
(June 8 - 10). Held in the tall ponderosa pines at the Coconino County Fort Tuthill, the rodeo has three evening performances so everyone can enjoy the show under the dark sky of Northern Arizona. Bright lights, excitement and near perfect temperatures grace the rodeo grounds in Flagstaff. Gates open at 5 p.m., performance 7 to 9 p.m. $15-$75. flagstaffrodeo.com
(August 18 - 19). For over 140 years the World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo has never missed a beat. A full rodeo with the following lineup of events: Bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie down roping, team roping, barrel racing, women’s breakaway, Mutton bustin and Jr. steer riding. Gates open at 5 p.m., performance at 6 and 7 p.m. $30, Free ages 7 and younger. paysonprorodeo.com/rodeo
(June 28 - July 4). Since 1888, Prescott Frontier Days Inc. has presented the annual World’s Oldest Rodeo. Come see your favorite events,
including steer wrestling, bareback riding, tie-down roping, women’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, women’s barrel racing, bull riding and other great entertainment! Gates open two hours before performances, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. $15 - $40, Free ages 2 and younger (who do not require a seat). worldsoldestrodeo.com
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX
215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix c hildrensmuseumofphoenix.org
This interactive museum designed for kids 10 and younger features a three-story climber and active play such as fort building, shopping in a mini market, painting a kid-size castle and much more. There’s a separate toddler area, too.
GIGGLES
2988 N. Alma School Road, Chandler 6042 N. 59th Ave Glendale. giggleskidz.com
Designed for children between 9 months and 6 years, Giggles has play houses, a stage, scooter race track, slides and climbing structures. Adults have their own area, too, with free coffee.
GYMBOREE
2160 W. Chandler Blvd., #18, Chandler 7077 E. Bell Rd. #206, Scottsdale gymboreeclasses.com
Specially designed Gymboree Play & Music classes incorporate new technology with classic learning techniques to engage young minds. Choose from a wide range of early childhood classes for ages 0-5 years.
I.D.E.A. MUSEUM
150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa Ideamuseum.org
Artville, the museum’s indoor playground for ages 4 and younger, includes soft fort-making blocks, a dress-up area, an art studio, a garden with Velcro veggies and more.
KIDS EMPIRE
Locations in Gilbert, Phoenix, and Peoria. kidsempire.com
Floor-to-ceiling climbing walls, play structures, and a drop-in ball pit. Special tots section including smaller slides, a mini trampoline, and structures perfect for little crawlers.
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, #135, Tempe legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona
Aimed at families with kids ages 3 to 10, a giant
kids-only play structure with staff supervision, a car-racing area and dozens of building stations. Two small-scale amusement park rides and a 4-D theater. Plus, a parents' lounge and cafe.
LUV2PLAY
3522 W. Peoria Ave, Peoria
15495 W. Bell Rd. Ste. 104, Surprise luv2play.com
Three levels, includes crawl tubes, slides, tunnels, and more. For ages 0-12. Separated toddler area for ages 1-4 with interactive soft play and sensory play panels and toys and a baby crawling area. A full service café. Seating for adults with TVs and nursing areas, plus free WiFi.
MAKUTU’S ISLAND
6919 W. Ray Road, Chandler Makutusisland.com
An enormous tree filled with tunnels, slides, holes and tubes for kids to climb and traverse. Makutu’s play structures feature a child-size zip line, bungee jumper, a 35-foot-snake slide and explorable caves. Separate toddler area. A theater hosts storytelling and craft times, and there’s a cafe plus free WIFI.
PLAYGROUNDS FUN ZONE & CAFÉ
8190 W. Union Hills Drive #110, Glendale Playgroundsfunzone.com
A 3,500-square-foot woods-themed playground where kids age 8 and younger (and parents) can climb, jump, crawl and slide amid the tree-top canopy. Smaller-version for toddlers.
TEENY TOWN PLAYLAND
12958 W. Indian School Rd B-8, Litchfield Park teenytownplayland.com
Filled with 8 different play houses filled with the high-end toy curated to cater to children ages 110 that are ready to play and learn. Cook a meal at the café, fix a car at the service station, be a firefighter or a teacher!
WHIZ KIDZ PLAYLAND
15425 S. 48th St., Suite 100, Phoenix
Coming soon 2 nd Ave & Monroe location whizkidzplayland.com
A variety of play options depending on what parents need. The Stay ‘n Play option allows
parents to stay and work or socialize while kids play nearby. The Drop-in Play lets parents drop off their kids for supervised play for up to four hours. Classes and daycare are also offered.
ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM
PACKRAT PLAYHOUSE
2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson. desertmuseum.org/packratplayhouse
Children can discover the desert through the eyes of a curious packrat. Slide down a Gila monster’s tail, climb through prickly pear cactus pads, slither through an oversized rattlesnake, explore secret tunnels, find hidden objects, scramble in giant rope netting, and much more! Toddlers (Infant to 3 years old) will enjoy their own safe zone separated from bigger kids.
PLAYFORMANCE
119 E. Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 playformancetucson.com
An indoor parkour and play-based fitness program that helps kids build character and strength through play. There are colorful tumbling mats, obstacles and more. Open play, stories, games, and playtime for ages 0-6.
WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM KIDS GYM
4811 E. Grant Rd Suite 141, Tucson werockthespectrumtucson.com
A safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and safe sensory experiences. Open Play is offered daily where children ages 13 and younger can enjoy full use of sensory-safe gym and therapy equipment , an arts and crafts area, a calming room, and more. Parent supervision is required.
WILD KATZ CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE
PLAYGROUND
4629 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson wldktz.com
Little ones can climb to new heights at Bearkat Boulder, test their ninja warrior skills in the BeastBox and get lost in the giant Jaguar Jungle playground! Parents can join in the fun or enjoy the action at one of the many parent seating areas.
Recipes from Scarlett Bendixen
Make 4th of July extra special with some fun red, white, and blue foods that your whole family will love!
Here are some festive recipes from Scarlett Bendixen, Gilbert mom of four and the food blogger and author behind the popular site, Made It Ate It Loved It. madeitateitlovedit.com
If you really want to blow your guests away – make this trifle dessert! This is so easy and the individual portions will really impress your family! A trifle is made with just a few ingredients and adding one little flag on top makes this a patriotic dish that will stand out among the rest! I love trifle because it is light and fluffy with the perfect amount of sweetness.
Ingredients
• 1 container raspberries
• 2 quarts strawberries, washed and sliced
• 1 container blackberries
• 1 container blueberries
• 2-3 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped and sweetened (to your taste)
• 1 angel food cake
Instructions
1. Mix the berries, sugar, and teaspoon of almond extract together and let sit.
2. Cream together in a separate bowl the cream cheese, powdered sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and remaining 1 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract.
3. Fold in heavy whipping cream. Cube angel food cake.
4. Layer in dish starting with angel food cake then the whipping cream mixture then the berry mixture.
5. Then repeat until dish is filled. End with the whipped mixture and garnish with a few berries on top! (You can use just strawberries or a mixture of berries like I prefer)
Fruit salad is a must for 4th of July because it is as pretty as it is delicious! Fruit is the perfect side to any meal and just by adding a few fun shapes and incorporating bright, colorful fruit, you’ll be adding some fun and flare to your menu. I also like to add a side of whipped cream for a sweet treat – bonus if it is homemade! Fruit is a great staple for anyone with dietary restrictions as well. Always a crowd pleaser and is the first empty bowl!
Ingredients
• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
Instructions
1. Prep the fruit.
• Blueberries
• Honey Crisp Apples (cut into stars)
2. Cut the apples into stars right before serving.
3. Serve and enjoy!
The grand finale – 4th of July pancakes! Make breakfast a show with some special candles and food coloring! My kids look forward to this every single year and at this point, it’s tradition! Steal this idea and your kids will talk about it year after year.
Ingredients
• Pancake mix
• Water
• Red food coloring
Blue food coloring
Instructions
• Red, white, and blue sprinkles
• Sparklers
1. Make pancakes according to the back of the pancake mix.
2. Separate into 3 different bowls.
3. Make the pancakes
4. Then arrange in red, white and blue and serve with sprinkles and sparklers.
Local to the Tucson area?
Tanque Verde offers a year-round Kids Day Camp for ages 7 – 12. Summer Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winter Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $90/person per day. For availability of specific dates and the activity schedule email tvgr@cotefamily.com or call 1-520-296-6275.
Anadventurous family getaway awaits at Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson. Whether you’re looking for ways to keep the kids busy this summer, wanting to make lasting family memories, or perhaps are even looking for a little vacation escape as parents, Tanque Verde Ranch has got you covered!
Nestled in the Rincon Mountains and adjacent to Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest in Tucson, you’ll get to experience some of Arizona’s most breathtaking desert scenery while enjoying an all-inclusive stay.
Established in 1868, Tanque Verde Ranch has an old-time nostalgic feel while providing guests with comfy accommodations, a variety of resort amenities, and an array of outdoor activities including horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, and more.
This past spring, my husband and I had the chance to stay at Tanque Verde Ranch and experience it for ourselves and we were blown away by all there was to offer.
Upon arrival, we headed straight to the dining hall for lunch. When you choose an all-inclusive stay, all of your meals are included—meaning you can try a little bit of everything and not worry about paying for it all individually.
At each meal there is both a rotating buffet selection and a menu to order from. We really appreciated being able to mix and match menu items and grab things from the buffet to fill up. The staff was so accommodating to any special requests, too!
They even make sure to include many kid-friendly options such as grilled cheese, hot dogs and hamburgers, chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and quesadillas so you won’t have to spend your vacation worrying about what your picky-eater will like.
After lunch, we attended our first activity: a relaxing yoga class. The instructor led us through some deep stretches and a guided meditation and it felt like we were officially on vacation-mode, getting to unwind and decompress.
The ranch offers a variety of classes and activities—most that are included in the price of your stay! This makes it so easy when planning your trip, not having to worry about what to do each day when it’s all right there. With so many different activities to choose from, it’s suitable for a variety of interests and abilities, too.
When our room was ready, we headed there to drop off our bags and hang out for a bit. We couldn’t believe how unbelievably spacious and grand it was—with a full living room including two queen-sized murphy beds, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, a separate master bedroom with a king-sized bed, and a luxurious bathroom with a large shower and
claw-foot tub. Not to mention, it had stunning views and a patio that overlooked the desert mountains.
It felt like our own little retreat and we spent a lot of our time cozying up by the fireplace reading, playing card games, or basking in the fresh air and enjoying the breathtaking scenery on the patio.
That evening, after a delicious dinner (and taking our desserts to-go for later), we explored the ranch premises, went to the Monday night movie showing of “Tombstone”—a perfect Arizona-themed movie, and then ended by relaxing in the hot tub.
Tanque Verde Ranch has both indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs (perfect to enjoy even when the weather is a bit unpredictable) and a kid’s size pool outside, too.
The next day, we were all geared up for a full line-up of activities including a tennis lesson, mountain biking, horseback riding, and meditation. And while we didn’t bring our son with us (at one year old he’s still a little too young to enjoy the experience), there is plenty to do for families vacationing there together.
The ranch offers a Daily Kids Program full of fun activities for kids ages 4 through 12. Once there, kids will join a group based on their age – Buckaroos (4-6), Wranglers (7-9), and Outlaws (10-12). During the day, kids are led through their own schedule of activities that rotate daily. These include crafts, trail rides, fishing, outdoor games, pizza making, swimming, and more!
“We want parents to enjoy being on vacation as much as their kids,” said Isaiah Ortega, the Kids Program Supervisor at Tanque Verde. “While their kids are occupied and being led through a variety of activities, parents can be enjoying their own adventurous excursions and leisure time.”
While the kids are busy, make the stay a little romantic like we did and unwind with some relaxing spa treatments at the Tanque Verde Spa.
Choose from a variety of massages and body treatments that are sure to feel all the more satisfying after a long day of horseback riding, hiking, or mountain biking. Or treat yourself to a custom facial that uses organically grown herbs, fruits, berries and flowers to exfoliate, heal and hydrate your skin.
If you’re ready to partake in an unforgettable trip as a family, Tanque Verde Ranch makes it easy to keep everyone entertained, active, and happy. We will definitely be back—next time when our son is a bit older. I just know he’s going to love all the endeavors and we look forward to making some fun family memories with him!
For more information on Tanque Verde Ranch or to book your staycation visit tanqueverderanch.com
When the temps rise and outside feels hot, dry, and crispy, there’s a place in Arizona you can go where the temperature stays a cool 72 degrees and 99 percent humidity year-round. It’s not a fairytale! We’re talking about Kartchner Caverns State Park in Benson, Arizona.
There may not be piles of gold, a magic carpet, or a genie inside, but your family will undoubtedly see this destination as a cave of wonders! Formations inside the cave are actively growing as they have been for tens of thousands of years, thanks to the moisture and minerals inside the caverns.
Book a tour and arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time to explore the outdoor hummingbird garden or indoor Discovery Center. Learn about echo-location with an interactive giant bat-ear display, let the kids crawl through a replica cave tunnel, and see an example of a prehistoric ground sloth.
When it’s time for your tour, join a park ranger on the tram ride to the entrance of the cave. You’ll hear about how the cave is protected, then hear the “ka-chunk” of the large metal doors instantly setting the tone: you’ve just stepped foot into a very special place.
Paved and softly lit pathways wind through the cavern, allowing you to marvel at stalactites, columns, soda straws, bacon draperies, and other formations as the park ranger teaches you about the cave’s discovery, geology, and ecosystem. The low lighting prevents damage to the cave’s formations.
Make tour reservations in advance at azstateparks.com/ kartchner or over the phone at 877-MY-PARKS. Tours are $23 for ages 14+, $13 for youth 7-13, and $5 for children under 7 years of age (age restrictions apply for some tours). Personal items including cell phones, cameras, toys, water bottles, strollers, and backpacks are not permitted inside the caverns to protect its pristine condition. Junior Ranger activity booklets are available in the Discovery Center so your child can receive their badge and be “sworn in” as a protector of the park.You can book a campsite or reserve a rustic camping cabin and make a trip of it.The Discovery Center, tram ride, and cave tour pathways are all wheelchair accessible. A photo booth and gift shop in the Discovery Center lets you take a token of your visit home, but regardless, the unique experience will be remembered by your family forever.
Only a few short hours from the Metro-Phoenix area, the White Mountains is a summer destination offering cooler temperatures, plenty of outdoor activities, and that charming smalltown feel. Check out all there is to do in the area including the best restaurants to visit, summer festivals, and the family-friendly fun that awaits as you plan your getaway to the White Mountains.
White Mountains Nature Center: The White Mountain Nature Center connects people to the natural beauty of the White Mountains by providing information, close-up and personal wildlife experiences, and encouraging visitors to explore and enjoy nature. wmnature.org
Raptors Flight Show: This world-class free-flight Raptor Show features Simon and Garfunkel, Eurasian Eagle Owls, and other amazing species trained by Certified Professional Trainers to perform natural behaviors on cue. Daily training exhibitions are free to the public. An infrastructure to house more animals and a viewing patio and 250-seat amphitheater are under construction now.
Greer, Arizona: Less than an hour away from the Show Low/ Pinetop-Lakeside area is a quaint little town nestled in the pines where the Little Colorado River runs right through. Come for the day, or rent a cabin for a longer stay! You’ll find creeks for splashing, lakes for fishing, and trails for hiking! Plus, you can take a trip on the longest zip line in Arizona! greerlodgeaz.com/activities
Lake Day: Grab your fishing poles, sunscreen, and some sandwiches for a lazy day on the water. Big Lake, Show Low Lake, Woods Canyon Lake, Hawley Lake, and Fools Hollow Lake are just a few of the many lakes in the White Mountains. Just make sure to get a fishing license and a reservation permit if needed. pinetoplakesideaz. gov/224/lakes
Mountain Biking: Prefer wheels over feet? The White Mountains Trail System is made up of more than 200 miles of non-motorized, multi-use trails-mountain bikers of all skill levels can come here and enjoy the beautiful pines! A local volunteer organization, TRACKS, maintains these trails and offers downloadable, topographical maps of the entire trail system, which can help you pick the trail best for your family’s skill level. Don’t have a bike? Consider renting one for your trip! visitarizona.com/places/parks-monuments/white-mountain-trail-system
Boating: Whether you’re an experienced water enthusiast or wanting to test the waters, the White Mountains will be your new favorite
summer destination! Bring your boat or consider renting a boat, canoe, kayak, paddleboard and enjoy one of the 50+ lakes, streams, and small rivers.
White Mountain Fun Park: Featured on our cover, this family owned fun park offers an arcade, mini golf, go karts, and a laser maze! If you’re all tuckered out on outdoor adventures on your summer trip to the White Mountains, consider this for an easy day of fun! Open year round. whitemountainfamilyfunpark.com
Horseback Riding: Get the full “western experience” when you saddle up at Porter Mountain Stables in Lakeside or the Pinetop Lakes Activity Center and Stables. Gallop through streams, ride through blooming meadows, or enjoy a sunset ride and watch the wildlife come to life. You’ll experience some of the most breathtaking scenic trails up close and personal in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world.
Show Low 660: For all the racing enthusiasts, come out for the monthly drag races. Races take place the last Saturday of every month. Entrance is free for spectators but donations are requested for the charity of the month.
Farmers Markets: If you love purchasing fresh foods and locally made gifts then these markets will be a fun activity for you! Grab locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, just-baked breads and treats, and handmade gifts. Pick up something special for a loved one or yourself! Visit the White Mountains Market in Pinetop-Lakeside or the Farmers Market & Art Walk in Show Low for Saturday events all summer long! showlowmainstreet.org
Pinetop Brewing Company: “Small town, big beers”— that’s the motto of Pinetop Brewing Company. Featuring wood fired pizzas, delicious burgers, and local craft beers brewed at 7000 feet, it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner! Sit inside or enjoy the beautiful weather on the outdoor patio with generous portions, refreshing drinks, and friendly staff. pinetopbeer.com
The House: With a large grass area, cornhole, picnic tables, swings, and an outdoor bar–this is a must-visit restaurant this summer! Their summer menu features street taco bars, burgers of the week, BYO mac n’ cheese, live music on the weekends, and brunch on Sundays! Plus, you can bring your furry friend along for the fun. Don’t skip the delicious handmade ice cream before you leave! thehouseshowlow.com
Charlie Clark’s: Reportedly the 5th oldest steakhouse in Arizona, and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the White Mountains, this unique dining experience has to be in your itinerary this summer! The 2½ acre orchard features picnic tables, heavy shade trees, and an apple orchard on the historic homestead. You’ll love ordering your favorite drink from the bar converted from an old barn, busting a move on the dance floor, and playing horseshoe pits. After a long day of exploring, this is a perfect spot to let the kids run around! charlieclarks.com
Show Low Days: June 9-10. This event features activities like battle of the badge, live music, vendor booths, delicious food, and more. Children will enjoy games, rides, and lots of fun! Show Low Days is a fun and festive event that brings together locals and tourists alike to celebrate the town’s community spirit and heritage. showlowchamber.com
White Mountain Balloon Festival: June 23-25. Take your White Mountains adventure to new heights this year and see beautiful hot air balloons up close and personal! The skies will come to life while you enjoy live music, local food vendors, and fun activities for the whole family. wmbfaz.com
Heber-Overgaard 4th of July Festival: July 1-2. Come out and celebrate Independence Day with cooler weather, vendors, foodtrucks, live music, activities, games, a hometown parade, and the largest hand-lit fireworks display in Arizona! heberovergaard.org
Hummingbird Festival: July 29, 8 a.m. to noon. A free, familyfriendly festival which will include a variety of activities such as a live wildlife exhibit, a critter photo booth, hummingbird banding, kids crafts, an on-site food truck, and more! springervilleeagarchamber.com
Baseball. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ air-conditioned, domed stadium offers relief from the heat with kid-friendly amenities, starting with the D-backs Kids Club. The free program, open for kids 15 and younger, offers kids access to free tickets, exclusive events, and prizes for attending games such as a puzzle cube, sunglasses, sidewalk chalk, color-changing tumbler, a fanny pack, and more. Times and ticket prices vary. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-462-6500 or dbacks.com
Basketball. The championship WNBA Phoenix Mercury team plays all summer in the air-conditioned Phoenix Suns Arena.This summer, take your child (ages 12 and under) to see a Mercury game on Sundays for only $5 with the purchase of a full price adult ticket. phoenixmercury.com
Cheap Movies. Even when it’s 115 degrees outside, it’s always cool in the movie theater! From June 5-July 28, The Harkins Summer Movie Fun is back showing eight movies for eight weeks for only $8. And at FatCats
movie theaters in Gilbert, Mesa and Queen Creek (fatcatsfun.com), movies are only $5 for everyone on Tuesdays!
Crayons. Visit the Crayola Experience at Chandler Fashion Center May 18 through June 18 for a limited time oceanic experience. Build an ocean landscape at the interactive 3D sand table, take an “underwater” photo in a Crayola OceanX Sub, visit the black light coral cove, measure up to the largest hammerhead in the sea at a 20 foot photo-op, and play ocean-themed games on the interactive floor. The Crayola Store offers a huge array of Crayola products and souvenirs, including plush toys and apparel. General admission is $24.99; annual passes start at $38.99. Visit crayolaexperience.com/chandler
Flashlight Nights. On Saturdays all summer — June 3 through September 2 (except for July 1) — shine your own flashlight along the Desert Botanical Garden’s trails to discover night-blooming plants
and animals that only appear in the desert after dark. Plus, enjoy live performances, cool treats, and hands-on activities. Tickets start at $16.95. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org
Free Concerts. Rock and roll at the Railroad Park is back on track! Enjoy free concerts every Sunday evening through June 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. With Motown, Disco, Rhythm and Blues and Retro 90’s, there’s a little something for everyone. 7301 E Indian Bend Rd, Scottsdale. therailroadpark.com
Free Museums. Summer is the perfect time to explore air-conditioned museums around the Valley, and many offer free or pay-what-you-wish admission days in the summer. The Phoenix Art Museum (phxart.org) offers voluntary donation days every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. The Chandler Museum (chandlermuseum.org) offers free admission TuesdaySunday (closed Mondays). The Blue Star Museums program (arts.gov/ bluestarmuseums) provides free summer museum admission to America’s active-duty military personnel and their families through Labor Day. More than a dozen Arizona museums participate, including the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum in Mesa and the Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler.
Maricopa County Reads. Ages 11 and younger can sign up for the free summer reading program intended to promote literacy and help stop the summer slide. Participants earn points, unlock badges and win prizes for minutes added to a personal reading log. Prizes include a free personal pan pizza from Peter Piper Pizza, a free drink from Raising Cane’s, AZ State Parks pass, Phoenix Mercury tickets, and even a free book! This year’s theme is “All Together Now.” The program officially runs from June 1 to August 1. Visit maricopacountyreads.org
Summer Bridge Activities. Kidstop Toys and Books in Scottsdale loves to help stop the summer slide in learning with its Summer Bridge Activities book program. Buy an age-appropriate Summer Bridge book for $14.99, and when your child finishes every page of the book, he or she will get to redeem it for 40 percent off a toy at Kidstop.
Summer Fridays at The Quad. Scottsdale Quarter outdoor shopping center hosts free family-friendly Summer Fridays from June 2 through July 28th at its scenic splash pad. Starting at 10 a.m., enjoy a DJ, fun water toys, inflatables and swag from your favorite retailers. The first 100 kids will also get free toys to take home!
Tie Dye. Tie-dye clothing is a fun, easy summer project for all ages. Buy a kit — such as the Tulip One-Step Tie-Dye kits — from any craft store, and grab white shirts, socks, pillowcases, towels or anything that needs some new life. Pinterest.com offers lots of tutorials, from spiral techniques to heart-shaped patterns.
Youth on Course. Ages 18 and younger can join the nonprofit Youth on Course for just $5 or less at more than 2,000 participating golf courses nationwide.The national nonprofit also offers a caddie program, paid high school internships and college scholarships. Participation includes a membership to the Arizona Golf Association, which offers additional access to local golf events and opportunities to connect with other young golfers. Visit youthoncourse.org
Grown-ups should ALWAYS WATCH children around water, KEEPING THEM IN SIGHT AT ALL TIMES WITH no distractions.
Dave and Buster's. Children can never get enough video game entertainment, especially at the arcade! Challenge your children to play some of the largest Pac-Man machines ever made or let them sit behind the wheel at one of the many race car games! Dave and Buster's can offer your family a fun-filled summer full of games, prizes and delicious food! Take advantage of their "All-Day-Plays" on Mondays!
Round 1 Arcade. Looking for a great place to sit down after wandering the Park Place mall? Head over to Round 1 Arcade! They offer two stories of entertainment perfectly suited for every family member! Want to go bowling? Feel like singing karaoke? Wish to sit at the indoor bar and watch the game on TV? Round 1 has you covered! It's located right inside of the mall and is one of the best places to take your family in Tucson!
Golf n Stuff. One of the longest-running Tucson venues for family entertainment, Golf 'n' Stuff still offers memorable and affordable family experiences for all ages! This castle has been home to the most innovative arcade machines for years. Even on hot days, you can still be cool riding bumper boats or playing miniature golf under the shady trees of the property! It's a visit your kids will never forget!
Funtasticks. Just east of the Tucson Mall lies the home of one of the largest indoor laser-tag venues in Southern Arizona! Your kids will have fun chasing each other around under the neon lights and cinematic smoke effects! Funtasticks Family Fun Park is an experience that any child and adult will enjoy! It also offers miniature golf, batting cages, and more!
Kansei RC Dojo. Located within the Tucson Mall, radio-controlled (RC) car enthusiasts embrace their need for speed on Tucson's ONLY indoor RC drift track! They are open seven days a week and welcome anybody to join the fun! RC vehicles are also available for rentals
with a drift track and a crawler course that are ever changing. If your child is interested in RC racing, this is definitely for them!
Gamer's Warehouse. For anybody who wishes to show their children the simpler times of video games, Gamer's Warehouse is the perfect portal to an 80s and 90s arcade experience. Spaced Invaders, Galaxian, NBA Jam and other veteran arcade machines are tucked away in a room inside of the store, giving you the feeling of discovering the ultimate digital treasure chest. Games and accessories are available for purchase if you wish to take the retro gaming experience back home for all to enjoy!
Tucson Games and Gadgets. For children who enjoy role-playing, board-games, and cardgames such as Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars, Pokemon or Mechwarrior, Tucson Games and Gadgets is the perfect spot to take on an adventure with other enthusiasts of all ages! This is a full-service tabletop game store with over 700 board games! Reserve a table at one of three Tucson locations and test your might! tucsongamesandgadgets.com
KidCo. Offers recreational sports, arts and crafts, contests and activities for the children of Tucson for decades! They are still going strong during the summertime with programs to occupy the youth! Their "Double Digits Program" is perfect for kids between the ages of 10-14! With the purchase of a one-time $18 pass, your child will be set for three months building lasting friendships with those who may not attend the same school. There's even a table-tennis club! They also offer summer programs for children with disabilities.
Pima County Library. The Pima County Library offers some of the best free activities for your children during the summer months. Help your child develop a love for reading! Each library branch has its own weekly programs for
children as well as adults! The Pima County Library has a "Summer Learning Program" this year with free book giveaways from May 30July 15. Make sure you take your children to the MegaMania book event July 15! ZERO fines for late books this year, as well!
Pinnacle Peak. In Tucson, the wild west is still alive and Pinnacle Peak is a small piece of the 1800s brought back to life for kids to experience! There are live staged gunfighting shows thrilling spectators everyday, a magic shop that teaches tricks to children, a water wheel that allows you to pan for gold and even a small train that takes guests around for a tour! For dinner, dine at one of Tucson's best steakhouses in town, but don't wear a tie... you'll regret it.
Skate Country. Make sure you enjoy one of the lost recreations from the past... roller skating! Much like drive-in theaters, roller skating rinks have disappeared across the country, but Tucson keeps this family-fun tradition alive for adults and children. Skating lessons, birthday parties and dance-themed functions are always offered at Skate Country. Don't miss out on this one and be sure to wear your knee pads!
Defy Tucson (Amusement Center).
Summer 2023 will be bouncing with excitement for active children! Defy Tucson offers the "Camp Defy" program which offers weekly sessions from May 30 - Aug 4, Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They combine extreme air sports, a trampoline park, an indoor foam playground and weekly activities such as horseback riding, petting zoos, laser tag and even NERF wars!
Ages 5-12 are encouraged to come have fun! Waiver and tuition are required.
The Loft Cinema. Take the kids to see some of the best family-friendly films of all time every Saturday and Sunday morning from June 24-July 16 at the Loft Kids Fest! There are games,
activities, giveaways and prizes accompanied by the movie of the day! They even add in the popcorn along with a brand-new animated short film. The best part? It's entirely FREE!
Cuisine Classique Cooking School. If you have children who watch cooking shows and often beg you to create tasty homemade treats, give them the gift of learning how to cook! At the Cuisine Classique Cooking School, children between the ages of 5-12 and teens 13 and older can learn how to cook full meals and desserts. Each kid also receives a chef's hat to wear while creating their own recipe book filled with every dish they make during their 8-session course.
Barbea Williams Performing Company. Looking to deliver dance and culture into your child's world this summer? Barbea Williams Performing Company has been providing West African Dance, culture and arts to the Tucson community for over 10 years! They provide a 5-week camp designed for children ages 7-15 with an emphasis on Afrikan and Afrikan-Latino dance, choreography, story dance, cultural folklore, face painting, body-art and music classes for all skill levels. --bwpcarizona.com
School of Rock. For the future rock star in your family, give them the platform to become the performer they've always wanted to be. The School of Rock offers music camps for kids and teens. If your child is passionate about singing, songwriting, playing an instrument or performing in a singing group, there is a workshop for them.
Toscana Studio and Fine Art Gallery. Toscana Studio offers your children the opportunity to learn and create complex arts and crafts in a highly creative and fun environment! Kids will AMAZE their parents by their own works of art. Their Summer Camps allow children to oil paint, sculpt with clay and plasters, create glass mosaics and even sew their own stuffed toys AND outfits! Your children are going to love their creations and continue to produce a magnitude of their own designs from these courses!
Tucson Clay Co-op. There's nothing like the refreshingly cool and squishy feeling of clay between your fingers! Tucson Clay Co-op allows kids ages 6 and up to build and sculpt their very own works of art out of clay. Bowls, mugs, plates, vases...you name it. Children will have an opportunity to learn how to use a pottery wheel and paint their creations. A guaranteed fun time
for all! Summer Kids Camps are available with 2-week sessions.
Color Me Mine. Color Me Mine Tucson is located in the Park Place Mall, open seven days a week and invites children to learn and experience the arts. Your child will work in clay, pottery and paints with different weekly themes like Outer Space, Farm Animals and Underwater Worlds to choose from! Also, the first Sunday of the month is their special event day usually reserved for children with special needs to paint ceramics with their family. It's a relaxing, pressure-free forum for kids to express their creativity.
The Troubadour Theatre. If your child has the acting bug, Troubadour Theatre Tucson offers a Performing Arts Summer Camp. Your child can learn acting, musical theatre, scene design, directing, improv and comedic timing while wearing costumes and performing on stage! This is your child's chance to let their creativity shine! The program concludes with a full production in a professional theater with lights, sound, sets and costumes. Multiple camps to choose from for ages 5 and up.troubadourtheatre.com
Code Ninjas. For children with a love for watching their creations come to life or building objects from scratch, Code Ninjas has just the trick to help your child's creativity flourish! Kids will have a chance to learn complex computer coding, such as Javascript and C#, to help them 3D print, build video games, program robots and even develop their own apps! codeninjas.com
Cactus Springs. One of the largest, kidfriendly water parks in Tucson, Cactus Springs (at Funtastics) will give your children a wet and wild experience they will love! There are bumper boats available and even lounge chairs for parents in need of a tan while watching their children play! Nothing beats the heat like a day at Cactus Springs! Be sure to bring your sunglasses, sunscreen and bathing suit! funtasticks.com
Tucson Parks and Recreation Pools. Located throughout Tucson, there are several pools provided by Parks and Recreation which are available to the public! One of the favorite pools to visit is at Quincie Douglas! Recreational swim starts at noon and they offer 4 session swimming lessons for $15 a session! Programs are available and there’s even a giant water slide to keep your
children excited! When they’re done swimming, you can always walk over to the Quincie Douglas Library to unwind and check out a book! A perfect way to spend the day! ezeereg.com
Children's Museum Tucson. A museum dedicated to teaching children all the wonders of science and technology! Daily and weekly programs engage your children’s interest and encourage them to discover more about their world! Sing-alongs, reading activities, scavenger hunts, live demonstrations and science experiments are just the tip of the iceberg! The Tucson Children’s Museum has been a town staple entertaining kids AND their parents for many generations! It’s a MUST that you visit here! childrensmuseumtucson.org
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures. Children are always obsessed with miniature worlds. Action figures, dollhouses, train sets, race cars… kids just love small things! At the Mini Time Museum of Miniatures, your child’s imagination will go bonkers seeing displays and dioramas of tiny worlds made with such tremendous detail!! Even parents will be astounded by the craftsmanship dedicated to bringing these exhibits true to life! It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand your children’s creativity this summer! theminitimemachine.org
Pima Air and Space Museum. Remember discussing how children love miniatures? Now you can blow their minds with the actual giant structures! The Pima Air and Space museum has a plethora of historic planes and space exhibits to bring your child face to face with vehicles they’ve only seen on TV or in books! What child wouldn’t want to see into the cockpit of an actual Thunderbird fighter jet or stand next to an SR-71 Blackbird… one of the fastest planes ever? Your future pilot or astronaut will always remember this museum! pimaair.org
Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium. Space exploration is always an interest of children. “How big is our planet in comparison to Jupiter?””What does Saturn’s rings look like through a telescope?” “What does a moon rock look like?” The answers are at the Flandrau Planetarium. They have daily shows and exhibits for children to explore and learn about other worlds! Located on the University of Arizona campus, it’s a great place to encourage your youths to always reach for the stars! flandrau.org
