Things -to-do

FunBox Bounce Park

FUNBOX, the World’s Biggest Bounce Park is now open at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale.

This vibrant and interactive multi-zone bounce park will be open through February 2023 and offers kids a chance to go bonkers and adults to feel like a 5-year-old again!

With 25,000 square feet of continuous jumping zones and 10 different play areas including a Dodgeball Court, Battle Beam, Sumo Challenge, Ninja Challenge, Obstacle Course, 23 foot slide, Ice Climbers, Basketball, Ring Toss, Impossible Ladder, Wipeout inspired games, a giant maze, a toddler park, a DJ in a giant octopus, and so much more, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. funbox.com/scottsdale

Tohono Chul Holiday Nights

AN ILLUMINATED DESERT WONDERLAND! Holiday Nights is a timeless tradition, overflowing with holiday cheer, illuminated pathways, live entertainment, and twinkling lights. Relax as you listen to musicians and artists performing throughout the gardens, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy festive treats!

Not finished with your holiday shopping? Peruse the Museum Shops where you can find unique gifts for that special someone or purchase a membership to Tohono Chul in Tucson.

You won’t want to miss this holiday magical event. Open to the public Friday, December 9, Saturday, December 10, Friday December 16 and Saturday, December 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets visit tohonochul.org/holiday-nights

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDEN: Festival of Illumination

TUCSON BOTANICAL GARDENS has been a holiday destination for over 30 years with their famous installation of over 3,000 luminarias. This tradition has evolved and grown, and this year you are invited to join for a new holiday show unlike any other in Tucson!

The Gardens will be transformed into a glittering wonderland of lights featuring more than a million lights, custom-built oversized installations, and pieces created by local artisans. Be dazzled by a 50’ light tunnel, choreographed cypress trees, and experience the golden world of luminarias like never before.

Festivities begin Friday, November 25th running through Sunday, January 15th, 2023 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit tucsonbotanical.org/event/lightsup

The Montauk in Old Town Scottsdale.

DATE NIGHT: COZY PATIO DINING

By Monique Seleen

COZY SEASON IS HERE and what better way to bask in the fresh cool air than to dine al fresco for your next date night.

Here are some local restaurants throughout the Valley with delicious food options and great outdoor patios spaces.

Diego Pops

In the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, you’ll find Diego Pops, a hip retro-style Mexican eatery with bright neon pink and green accents inside and a large outdoor patio with string lights and a cozy fireplace. Come hungry and curb your appetite with one of their tasty starters such as fresh guacamole, grilled street corn, or chicken tortilla soup while sipping on one of their eclectic margaritas such as the guava coconut, prickly pear or watermelon mint.

Choose from a variety of tacos including braised green chili chicken, al pastor, beef machaca, charred skirt steak, braised pineapple pork, or even try one of the vegetarian options such as the grilled plantain or Brussels sprouts tacos. Make it a hearty meal by adding some cilantro rice and your choice of beans or turn any taco into a bowl!

Enjoy Taco Mondays and happy hour seven days a week from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. for half off appetizers and drink specials. diegopops.com

The Montauk

If you’re looking for a cozy place for a romantic date night by the fire, you’ll find it in this East coast meets West coast atmosphere at The Montauk in Old Town Scottsdale.

Feel like you’re just feet away from the ocean with their nautical décor and plenty of fresh seafood options. Start with some crispy rock shrimp or classic clam chowder. For entrees, you’ll have a variety of options for whatever mood you’re in. Try the Warm Lobster Roll with brown butter aioli dusted with chive potato chips or go for a more Mexican-inspired dish such as the Tequila Lime Shrimp bowl with asparagus, onion, avocado, and brown rice. Find some classic options too, including the House Burger, a variety of fresh seasonal salads, or short rib tacos.

With daily live music, all day happy hour on Mondays and weekend brunch, there’s always a reason to grab a spot on the patio. themontaukaz.com

Eat Up Drive In

How about a date night picnic style? Eat Up Drive In is a unique dining option in Arcadia serving up slowed cooked meals in a fastpaced manner.

Here you’ll find home-style meal options with popular dishes such as chili, cheeseburgers, or a BBQ chicken salad.

You’ll surely feel like you’re dining in the backyard while you sit outside in the quaint and shaded patio equipped with a picnic table, perfect to eat and enjoy the cooler temps. eatupdrivein.com

The Queen Creek Olive Mill

Make it a whole day’s date at the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Arizona’s only working and operating olive mill. Take an Olive Oil 101 Tour where you and your date will learn how olive oil is made, how to use it in the kitchen, and its many health benefits.

Follow it up by eating at the del Piero Kitchen where you’ll enjoy fresh, farm-to-table cuisine such as burnt mozzarella and Olive Mill pesto bruschetta, the Queen Creek Chopped salad featuring a Meyer Lemon Olive Oil vinaigrette, a variety of homemade pastas, or Roman-style pizzas. Sip on some house-made sangria, enjoy a spiked prickly pear lemonade, or order some wine by the glass.

With a large outdoor patio, choose a table that’s secluded or in the lively atmosphere. Visit on an evening with live music for some relaxing entertainment, and don’t forget to follow up your night with a sweet treat such as cupcakes and canolis made with olive oil or an assortment of gelatos. queencreekolivemill.com

Snow & Skiing DESTINATIONS

By Monique Seleen

ADVENTURES IN SPACE AND SCIENCE!

Two floors of science exhibits Astronomy star talks Planetarium shows Laser light shows Observatory

FLANDRAU.ORG

GET YOUR SLEDS, snow shoes, and skis ready for some winter fun! The Arizona snow season typically kicks off in mid-December and can last until mid-April, depending on snowfall. Here’s everything you need to know about Arizona ski and snow destinations to check out this year.

ARIZONA NORDIC VILLAGE 16848 U.S. 180, Flagstaff 928-220-0550 • arizonanordicvillage.com Enjoy more than 30 miles of ski and snowshoe trails suited for all skill levels at this Coconino County snow-play destination. Bring your own equipment or rent it for a small fee. Lessons are available and dogs are welcome. You can even rent a cabin or yurt for your stay. Day passes are $8-$20 and children six and under get in free!

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL 9300 N Snowbowl Rd, Flagstaff 928-779-1951 • arizonasnowbowl.com Located just north of Flagstaff at 9,500 feet above sea level, Arizona Snowbowl offers 40 trails across 777 acres for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Lodging, lessons and equipment rentals are available.

MOUNT LEMMON SKI VALLEY 10300 Ski Run Road, Mount Lemmon 520-576-1321 • skithelemmon.com The 22 ski trails scattered across 200 snow-covered acres can accommodate all skill levels. Ski lifts will quickly bring you to the top of Mount Lemmon’s 9,000foot summit for more downhill fun. This site rents skis and snowboards and also offers lessons. OAK HILL SNOW PLAY AREA 10 miles east of Williams on Route 66 928-635-1418 (Williams Visitor Center) Two snow-tubing areas (600 and 400 feet) are featured at this snow playground in Coconino County. The area also features a 900-foot ski run that’s perfect for beginners, but there is no ski lift or tow. The area is equipped with a warming shelter with firepit and picnic tables at the bottom of the hill. Please note: Only rubberized tubes are permitted. Metal, wood and hardplastic sleds are prohibited. Snow play is free.

SUNRISE PARK RESORT WHITE MOUNTAINS 200 Highway 273, Greer 855-735-7669 • sunriseskipark.com Sunrise Park Resort is Arizona’s Ultimate Mountain Adventure, offering the most ski runs and acreage in the state. They offer skiing, snowboarding, ski bikes, and have lessons available for all ages. The tentative opening date for Sunrise Park Resort is Friday, December 2, 2022.