According to the 2000 census, over 225,000 children under the age of 9 live in the Phoenix area. With that many youngsters around, the area offers a variety of educational and entertaining activities. If you’re the parent of a school age child and searching for enriching activities, the following ideas might help you! Your child may never say, “Mom, I’m bored.” again!
1. Watch a Puppet Show at Great Arizona Puppet Theater
www.azpuppets.org
302 West Latham Street
(602) 262 -2050
Who needs TV when you can watch a funny and entertaining puppet show? Phoenix is home to some of the most talented puppeteers at the Great Arizona Puppet Theater! They offer many engaging shows throughout the year. Some of their productions include “Goldilocks”, “The Three Billy Goats Gruff”, and “The Little Red Hen.” They are an award winning theater and hold a fantastic reputation for children’s entertainment! Tickets are $6 for children (ages 2 and above) and $8 for adults. They offer a discount if you have a membership. If you’re looking for some out-of-the-ordinary entertainment, a visit to the Great Arizona Puppet Theater may be your choice!
2. Visit the Arizona Science Center
http://www.azscience.org/
600 E. Washington Street
(602) 716-2099
The Arizona Science Center is one of Phoenix’s most educational resources for kids. They are a children’s museum with numerous interactive activities. Children can see and participate in a variety of spots to learn about biology, physics, animals and more. One fun part is the “Many Hands Make a Home” exhibit where children get a close-up view of how a house is put together. The center also offers classes. Children can dissect a squid, grasshopper, and crawfish! Talk about a learning experience! Museum admission is $7 for children and $9 for adults. You can also attend an exhilarating IMAX show (see web-site) for more. A trip to the Arizona Science Center will brighten your child’s day!
3. Paint and Personalize Pottery
Paint on Pottery
http://www.paintonpotteryaz.com/
3629 E. Indian School
(602) 954 – 3883
-OR-
Glazin’ in the Sun
http://www.glazininthesun.com/
7545 West Bell Rd. (Peoria)
(623) 878 -5354
If your child likes to paint or just express themselves, a visit to a paint-your-own pottery studio would be a fun trip! Children can decorate a bowl, plate, mug, ornament, figurine etc. They’ll have a great item to save or give as a gift. (It’s a great idea for a gift for the grandparents.) Children will love to decorate the pottery, and you’ll feel better knowing you’ve stimulated their artistic side. It’s a great activity for a rainy day, or just any day!
4. Tour Cerreta Candy Company
http://www.cerreta.com/
5345 W. Glendale Avenue (Glendale)
(623) 930 -1000
Okay, this isn’t exactly the healthiest choice but it’s fun! In Glendale, just about 20 minutes from Phoenix, you can tour the Cerreta Candy Company. FREE 30-minute guided tours are offered Monday – Friday from 10 am to 1 pm. (You can also take a self guided tour Monday – Saturday from 8 am – 6 pm.) A trip to the Cerreta Candy Company is sure to make your day a little sweeter!
5. Visit Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N.Galvin Parkway
(480) 941 -1225
An outing to the Botanical Gardens will be educational and something a little different. The kids can tour 50 acres of pretty and unique plants. It has 139 endangered plants from around the world. In addition, they offer children’s programs. They also have a Summer Eco Camp where children participate in adventurous field trips and more.
6. Enroll in Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts
Boy Scouts (Grand Canyon Council)
www.grandcanyonbsa.org
2969 N Greenfield Rd.
(602) 955-7747
Girl Scouts (Arizona Cactus-Pine Council)
http://www.girlscoutsaz.org
119 E. Coronado Rd.
(602) 452-7000
Boy Scouts is much more than just camping and Girl Scouts is more than just selling cookies. Participating in scouts will teach your children service, responsibility, and lifelong skills. He/she will gain a sense of belonging and enjoy building friendships. And if they stay in it long enough, it will look great on their resume and college applications – especially if your son achieves the Eagle Scout Honor. For more information on Scouts, click on the links above.
7. Visit Enchanted Island
http://www.enchantedisland.com
1202 W. Encanto Blvd
(602) 254-1200
Enchanted Island is an amusement park that is sure to entertain everyone. There are several rides your child can enjoy including a carousel, train, parachute tower, red baron (airplane), small roller coasters and much more. They can also play games. It’s not quite Disney World, but it’s still a great place to visit. You will not be disappointed in a a trip to Enchanted Island.
8. Attend Sunday School/ Vacation Bible School
Various Churches
Church isn’t solely a place to worship God and grow spiritually, it’s also a spot to build friendships and find support. Your child will enjoy being part of a Bible Class and/or attending Vacation Bible School. Phoenix has numerous churches to select from. Here are two to try:
Northwest Church of Christ
http://nwest.org
18424 N 51st Street (Glendale)
(623) 915 -4443
Tonto Church of Christ
http://www.tontochurchofchrist.org
1101 West Tonto Street
(602) 252-7852
Uneasy about attending church for the first time? Perhaps call the church office to let them know you are visiting. Hopefully someone will meet you on your first visit and show you around. Don’t hesitate to ask for a one-on-one Bible study too. If you have a bad experience at a church, don’t give up, there are plenty of other churches to choose from in the Phoenix area.
9. Volunteer as a Family
Various Agencies
Volunteering can promote family bonding, teach children about service, and give them valuable experience. There are many agencies in the Phoenix area that would be thrilled to have your family’s time and help. Here are a couple of places to consider:
Sojourner Center
http://www.sojournercenter.org
1639 E. McDowell Rd
(602) 244-0997
The Sojourner Center is a shelter for people who have been the victim of domestic violence. They serve 244 women and children. They need volunteers – families and kids welcome – to help in organizing the donation center, sorting clothing, and helping keep the center clean.
Welcome to America Project
http://www.wtap.org/
PO Box 21
(602) 820 -3224
Volunteers are needed to help refugee families. They will accept volunteers as young as 7 years old to help with a variety of tasks.
10. Take Cooking Classes at Young Chefs Academy
http://www.youngchefsacademy.com
16597 N. 92nd Street (Scottsdale)
(480) 502 -0303
Young Chefs Academy offers an excellent “Junior Chefs” program. Children ages 6 – 11 will learn new recipes, geography, math/measuring skills, cleaning tips and much more in cooking classes. Parents can join in on the fun if they want, but are not required to stay. It’s an engaging activity and that most children will enjoy.
11. Visit the Arizona Doll & Toy Museum
(No web-site)
602 E. Adams Square
(602) 253-9336
This small, but enlightening museum would be a great outing for little ones and adults. Visitors can glance at a variety of antique and vintage dolls and toys. (Some modern toys are also on display.) They have one unique exhibit with dolls on display in an old one-room classroom. A trip to this museum would be an unique experience for everyone!
12. Take Ice Skating Lessons
http://www.arcadiaice.com/
3853 E. Thomas Rd.
(602) 957-9966
Yes, even in the middle of Arizona you can go ice skating! Arcadia Ice Arena offers both private and group lessons. Group lessons run for 8 weeks on Saturdays. Children will learn the basics and fundamentals of ice skating. It’s also great exercise and children will build confidence in themselves. It is top-notch quality instruction by experienced teachers. If you think your child might enjoy ice skating, Arcadia Ice Arena is the perfect place to go!
13. Go Hiking / Spend Time at Echo Canyon Recreation Area
http://phoenix.gov/PARKS/hikcmgud.html
5700 North Echo Canyon Parkway
(602) 261 -8318
The one’s more for older children. If they love to explore the outdoors, hiking would be a great family activity! Bobby’s Rock Trail and Ramada Loop Trail are the two best ones for families. It’s a perfect way to burn some calories, and see nature at it’s finest. They’re open sunrise to sunset – perhaps go for an early morning hike and watch the sunrise? Don’t forget to bring lots of water, snacks, and wear good shoes. It’s also an excellent photo moment!
14. Go Swimming at a City Pool (Summer)
http://phoenix.gov/SPORTS/pools.html
Various Locations
(602) 534 – SWIM
Swimming is a great way to cool off in the Arizona heat! With 29 city sponsored pools in the area, there’s bound to be one close to you. It’s a very family friendly activity! Pecos pool has tumbling buckets – a fun way to cool off! A season pass is only $15 per child- what a great deal! Swimming is wonderful exercise. You can also enroll the kids in swimming lessons, water sports, safety classes and more. Your little one’s summer is not complete if they haven’t been swimming!
15. Play Miniature Golf
http://www.minigolfparadise.com/
15230 N. 32nd St.
(602) 274 – 4653
Phoenix is home to Mini Golf Paradise, a fabulous indoor miniature golf facility. It has a safari theme with cute figures of animals such as a hippo, zebra, and giraffe, The web-site has coupons – so check it out to get a great deal. Even younger children will enjoy this family activity. Everyone should be thrilled with a trip to Mini Golf Paradise!
Phoenix is such a family-friendly city – take advantage of it! If none of these ideas appeal to you, don’t forget you can always take a trip to your nearby playground. Visit http://phoenix.gov/parks/parks.html for more details. Don’t really want to get out but need some ideas? Perhaps try a new craft or activity. Some to consider are Scratch ‘n Sniff Watercolor Paints, Kool-Aid Playdough, Frosting Playdough, Jello Playdough, and Homemade Fingerpaint.
Happy Playing!
