BLOOM - 2025 Summer Camp Guide

ISSUE 08

bloom

2025

SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR MOMS and summer camp guide

DAY CAMPS THAT OFFER FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES

SUMMER CAMPS FOR TODDLERS

THE BEST INDOOR PLAY SPACES FOR KIDS 0-6 WHEN PARKS ARE TOO HOT

AGES 5-15; 5/20 - 8/1 Big Air, Altitude, ARENA23, Slick City, Prescott Sleepaway Horseback Riding, Petting Zoos, Fire Trucks, Water Slides, Laser Tag, STEM, LEGOS, Animals of Creature Kingdom, Foam Parties, and all the attractions of our entertainment parks!

A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF CURATOR

summer survival guide Have you planned your summer yet?

If you’re the unicorn mom who booked vacation plans and summer camps back in January teach us your ways, we’ve got a lot to learn.

We know researching summer camps can feel like a full-time job, so we’re making it easier with a curated guide to the best local summer options—from budget-friendly indoor adventures to specialty day camps and sleepaway escapes just a short drive away.

Whether your kiddo loves sports, art, theater, or exploring nature, there’s a camp to match their vibe (and burn off all that summer energy!).

We’ve got our FREE beat the heat summer play dates returning this summer too!

Plus, you’ll find insider advice straight from our team of 20+ local moms at East Valley Moms.

With kids of all ages and interests, we’ve got the tips, tricks, and real-life reviews to help you make summer planning a breeze.

XO, Amy McConnell chief curator, East Valley Moms

Intro

EAST VALLEY MOMS

Table of Contents

Our writing team of 12 local moms has put together this resource to help you find all the tools you need to keep your kids happy and engaged this summer.

keep reading 6

Summer Car Essentials

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Summer Park Play: Safety Tips for Outdoor Play

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Meet the Mom: Chelsie Bruggeman, MOMentum for

Contributor Desa Rae mom of 3, lives in Gilbert, AZ

Working Moms

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Family Fun on a Budget: Why We Love The POGO Pass

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Vacation Bible Schools

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Indoor Play Spaces for Kids 0-6 years old

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Your Kid’s Favorite Places are Hosting Summer Break Day Camps

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Sun, Sand, and ABC’s

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Our Favorite Energy Burner Day Camps for Active Kids

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Ultimate East Valley Pools

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First Time Summer Camps for Toddlers

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How To Take A Momcation

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A Working Mom’s Guide to Summer

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Rocky Rim Resort With Kids Review

30

Best Indoor Memberships This Summer For Kids 0-4

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Diamondbacks Games With Kids

Contributor Jenna, mom of 3 (one not pictured), lives in Mesa, AZ

Contributor Ameema, mom of 1, lives in Mesa, AZ

photo credit: Kate Mae Photography

Andrea Cook Andrea is a busy mom of three little boys!

She teaches special education by day and is in grad school at night. She lives in East Mesa, on the Mesa/Gilbert Border, and is an Arizona native, moving around the state a lot.

Andrea is married to her college sweetheart and spends as much time as she can outside.

Lindsey Augeri

photo credit: Kate Mae Photography

Megan Lankford Megan is originally from North Florida, but has called the East Valley her home since 2009.

Having lived multiple career lives before turning SAHM, she has faithfully served in many positions at her local church, and tries to help create community wherever she can. Megan’s interest include finding ways to enjoy the crunchier side of life, nerdy documentaries of all kinds, and binging podcasts.

this issue's writing team

Lindsey is a stay at home mom who occasionally substitute teaches. She and her husband are involved in a small church plant in Mesa and host a small group every week in their home.

She loves playing with her kids, heading to the library, going on walks and chatting with friends over coffee.

East Valley Moms is a hyperlocal, digital media platform to connect local parents with local resources and storytelling to inspire a more connected, joyful parenting journey across Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Apache Junction and Queen Creek.

Things to Buy

Summer car essentials for extreme heat with kids bathing suits

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Popping into a splash pad is the equivalent of stopping by a park the rest of the year. I got back up suits just for this car kit.

My little guy practically lives in swimwear in the summer, but it doesn’t hurt to have one for on the go! I also keep an extra for me just in case I want to jump in, too! I like to have a pair of sandal style shoes for those last minute splash pad trips, too, like the cheap, Old Navy $1 flip flops for all of us in there.

sun safety gear Sunglasses, sunscreen and hats!

I’ve got a cute little bucket hat and a baseball cap for each of my kids and myself, plus cheap sunglasses stashed everywhere, since kids tend to lose them. These have come in handy more than I expected. For sunscreen, watch out for stick sunscreen because they tend to melt in the heat. Store in a Ziplock and under the towels to protect from the heat as much as possible.

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beach towels & water toys

I like to have a small lighter weight towel so it doesn’t take up much room. It can also double as a blanket for the grass. I keep one for each of us! I have a small little set of sand/water toys from the dollar store. Cars, cups, bubbles are also fun little things that are good for impromptu splash pad visits. Goggles and floaties are also good if you end up at a pool (which happens more than you'd think!) An extra swim diaper is also helpful to have stashed, if you're still in the diaper phase of parenthood.

car seat cooler Car seat and booster buckles get so hot and easily burn little ones getting in and out of the car during summer months. Cool Carats car seat coolers are the only grab and go freezable car seat cooler. Simply put cooler in freezer overnight and place it on an empty car seat when you're out running errands.

Scan this QR code to get the rest of our summer car essentials, like snacks that won't melt!

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FREE PLAY DATE SERIES

BEAT THE HEAT SEE YOU THIS SUMMER! See you at Superstition Springs Center on the 3rd Thursday of each month (May - September) for FREE indoor fun for kids 0-7 years old.

Story time, prizes, play time, a stroller walk through the mall, and more will be offered 9 - 11 a.m. with monthly special themes and activities.

May: Hanging with Heroes: First Responder & Superhero Celebration June: A ‘Wicked’ Summer July: Island Oasis: Moana’s Tropical Party August: Train like a Superhero September: Summer Sendoff Party

Summer Park Play: safety tips for outdoor summer play WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA

As we’re staring down the first month of 100+ degree days park play isn’t as easy to default to as it is during cooler months in the East Valley.

But, with a few proactive, easy-toimplement safety tips for keeping kids sun safe, park play doesn’t have to go on a hiatus until the fall.

Read on for practical safety tips for outdoor summer play to help keep you working towards those 1,000 hours outside all summer long.

Pre-hydrate the night before – Field workers know this trick, and it works for kids too! Pump extra water into your routine the night before a big outdoor day to ensure proper hydration.

Serve fruits and veggies with high water content – Sneak hydration into snacks with cucumbers, melons, and pineapples.

Follow the 30/15 rule: 30 minutes of play, 15 minutes to cool down. Rotate through the morning to prevent overheating.

Pay attention to the heat index – High humidity makes heat feel worse. On those days, adjust plans accordingly, especially during monsoon season.

Don’t skimp on shade – Some parks just aren’t summer-friendly. Make a list of shaded parks, pack a stroller fan for walks, and remember wide-brimmed hats for extra protection.

Mornings are the coolest time of day – Even after sunset, heat radiates from sidewalks. Plan outdoor fun for early morning before the heat builds.

Choose clothing wisely – Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing helps the body cool naturally.

EAST VALLEY MOMS Overheating signs to watch for Dr. Meghan Hunter, a pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Pediatrics, offers reminders on the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke – and what parents can do to prevent this in kids.

Signs of overheating include: heavy sweating cool or moist skin dizziness light-headedness fatigue headache high heart rate nausea muscle cramps

Don’t forget about the car seat!

If you see your child experiencing these symptoms, stop the activity, rest, remove excess layers of clothing, and move to a cool shady place. If you can, take a cool shower or bath.

Drink cold water or a sports drink with electrolytes to replace the ones kids are losing through excess sweating.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget the car seat! Car interiors heat up fast, and car seats can be dangerously hot. A car seat cooler helps keep it cool and comfy, so your little one isn’t sweating before you even hit the road!

Our favorite shaded East Valley Parks

SHOP

Red Mountain Park (Mesa) Cosmo Park (Gilbert) Monterey Park (Mesa) Greenfield Park (Mesa) McQueen Park (Gilbert) Frontier Family Park (Queen Creek) Tibshraeny Family Park (Chandler) Disscovery District Park (Gilbert) Sunset Park (Chandler)

CAR SEAT COOLER

COOL

CARATS Keep your kids cool and safe during red-hot Arizona days. Cool Carats is the first-of-its-kind car seat coolers featuring pioneering CoolTech™ technology and stylish, childcentered designs.

FEATURES kid-friendly patterns stays frozen for up to 8 hours $39.99

SHOP

coolcarats.com

meet the mom

Chelsie Bruggeman This mom is the visionary behind MOMentum for Working Moms, a community that provides unwavering support & guidance for working moms

For 15 years, I thrived in a structured and fulfilling career at the ASU Foundation. However, seven years ago, the birth of my first son propelled me into the reality of working motherhood— a transition that came with immense challenges but little formal support.

Despite the overwhelming number of women balancing careers and motherhood, I found that few spaces truly acknowledged or addressed the complexities of this experience.

I’m on a mission to change that.

Tell us a bit more about your current job title and the ins and outs of your day-to-day work.

I’m the CEO and Founder of MOMentum—and also the CEO of raising two energetic, wonderful boys! My days are spent connecting with working moms, deeply understanding their struggles, and building community-driven solutions that help them grow in their careers while balancing the realities of motherhood.

Through coaching, leadership development, and advocacy, I’m working to create a world where women don’t have to choose between ambition and family—they can thrive in both.

And when I’m not doing that? I’m fully immersed in raising my boys to be kind, fulfilled men—something that matters more to me than anything.

Tell us about transitioning to being a working mom. What surprised you? How do you make it work?

Motherhood smacked me in the face. I was so sure that having a child wouldn’t slow me down—that they would be my reason to keep pushing forward in my career, not my excuse.

How little I knew.

What makes it all work now? A structured 8-to-5 daycare that we absolutely adore, plus two very active sets of grandparents who are deeply involved in our lives. Having that kind of support is a complete gamechanger, and I feel endlessly grateful for it.

What are the greatest challenges and rewards of being a working mom?

Challenge? Feeling like you’re constantly being pulled in two directions—never quite giving enough at work or at home. The mental load is real.

Reward? Showing my kids what’s possible. They see me chase my passions, build something meaningful, and still show up for them. I’m not just working for them—I’m working to model what’s possible for them.

At MOMentum, I remind working moms: You’re not failing—you’re leading.

As a working mom, how did you decide what childcare situation was best for you and your family?

I always knew my kids would go to childcare because that’s what my parents chose for me—and I loved it. It was what I knew, and it felt like the right solution.

But when I held my own baby in my arms, it was so much harder than I expected. Letting go, trusting someone else—it’s an emotional decision, no matter how confident you are in your choice.

Childcare is more than just a service—it’s a lifeline for working parents. Every family’s decision looks different, but what matters most is finding care that feels like a true partner in raising your child.

Favorite East Valley date night? Hidden House in Downtown Chandler. Very Fancy, Very Romantic.

Favorite restaurant in the East Valley? Every Thursday evening you can find me with my group of working parent friends at Helluva Brewery in Chandler.

Best mom advice you’ve been given? Don’t accept advice.

Thank you, Chelsie! For more about MOMentum, follow @working_with_momentum on Instagram.

Family Fun on a Budget: Why We Love the POGO Pass WRITTEN BY MEGAN LANKFORD MOM OF 3, LIVES IN MESA

Looking for an affordable way to explore Phoenix with your kids? The Phoenix POGO Pass is a must-have for families wanting to enjoy local attractions without breaking the bank.

The POGO Pass is a one-time purchase that grants admission to over 20 family-friendly venues across the Valley, including The Phoenix Zoo, Uptown Jungle, FatCats, and even Arizona Diamondbacks games. With regular admissions adding up quickly, this pass offers huge savings—especially for families with multiple children.

A full-priced pass is $120, but using our exclusive code EVMBLOOM guarantees the lowest price available—often around $60 per pass during sales. The pass is valid for 12 months, making it the perfect year-round investment for keeping your kids entertained.

Our top tips? Download the POGO Pass app to track visits, check venue restrictions, and gift passes to grandparents or caregivers to help maximize your savings.

If you’re looking to give your family more experiences and less stuff, the Phoenix POGO Pass is the ultimate budget-friendly way to make memories across the East Valley.

Use code EVMBLOOM at checkout to get the best deal today!

Quick mom math on the Pogo Pass: Phoenix Zoo adult ticket: $40 Pangea adult ticket: $16 D-Backs ticket: $22 Fat Cats 1 hour of bowling or Glow Golf: $13 Phoenix Rock Gym adult day pass: $20 Golfland adult ticket: $13 TOTAL: $124 Or a Pogo Pass for around $55 that gets you all this and more through the year!

EVMBLOOM

Do I need to purchase a POGO Pass for everyone in my family?

You have to purchase a POGO Pass for each person seeking venue admission. I always get one for myself and one for all children over the age of 2, since most places offer free admission to children under 2.

MOST RECOMMENDED VBS CAMPS IN THE EAST VALLEY Cornerstone Church in Chandler Cornerstone Church Summer Camps are back this year, with options for every age from 4 years old all the way through to High School students!

From onsite weekly camps for younger kids, to field trips and away camps for Junior High and High School, this is the perfect place for your kids to make friends, learn about Jesus and have SO. MUCH. FUN! Infant-4th KIDS KAMP is for ages 4 years through 4th grade! Family Kickoff is June 1, and camp runs June 2-6 from 9:00AM to Noon. Cost is $50.

Text CAMP to 21999 to register!

Cornerstone also has options for your older kids too!

5th and 6th graders camp is July 10-12 in Prescott, AZ. This unplugged camp will get kids connected with each other and closer to Jesus.

Cost: $290 Junior High students have an opportunity for Summer Camp in Glorieta, NM June 1-5! Cost is $499..

High School students will be at Biola University in La Mirada, CA June 11-15, having fun and learning about Jesus together. Early bird registration cost is $399 until April 1, then $499.

To register for youth camps text CAMP to 21999

Rock Point Church in Queen Creek Located in Queen Creek, camp is June 2-5 p.m. and the theme is “Best Week Ever” for kids in K3rd grade.

It will be 9 a.m. - noon.

Registration is open online.

Central Christian Church in Mesa, Gilbert & QC Central Christian is having VBS on June 1-4 for kids 3 years old through 3rd grade. The theme is “Live it Out.” and hours are in the evening from 6-8 p.m.

Cost is $30. Register with a $10 deposit to save your spot.

Visit centralaz.com/summer to register!

Camps also available for older kids through 12th grade!

One Life in Mesa One Life in Mesa has “Summer Blast” on June 23-27 from 5-8 pm.

This one is FREE but pre-registration is required. Must save your spot by June 18).

Contributor Cara’s children at last summer’s VBS

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLS

FIRST TIME VBS TIPS, AND THE BEST LOCAL CAMPS FOR TOTS TO TEENS WRITTEN BY LINDSEY AUGERI MOM OF 2, LIVES IN MESA Whether you are religious or not, you are welcome to attend VBS! Kids will make new friends, see old ones, and come home with songs stuck in their heads.

Keep reading for the best VBS programs across Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler and Queen Creek!

When is VBS offered in the East Valley?

There are so many churches that offer day or evening camps to elementary age kids that are a few hours long.

There are both morning and evening camps to benefit every family’s schedule needs.

These weeklong events are generally local and hosted at the campus of the church. Some are free to attend, and some have a fee. Be sure to check for a registration date as well.

What should my child expect for their first VBS? You can expect high energy games, loud music with hand motions, water nights, and crafts to take home with you each day.

There is also a general theme for each camp for the week and the kids will learn about different stories in the Bible.

Beat the Heat

Indoor Play Spaces for kids 0-6 years old The Playhouse

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The Playhouse is an incredible soft play space that we love for their varied programming and cleanliness. You won’t find a cleaner play place in the Valley, we promise!

Follow on instagram for fun themed days, bilingual story times, and Friday bounce house fun days bring extra fun without additional costs.

Drop-In Play Prices: $17 for drop in play pass ($10 per sibling). Get 25% off admission when you mention East Valley Moms. Discount day each Tuesday with 20% off.

Play 9 a.m. - 5p.m. Monday - Friday, located at Power & 60 in Mesa.

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Wiggle Worms Play area includes balls, hoops, ride on toys, tunnels, soft play area and more!

Open to children ages 6 years & younger.

Summer hours begin begging of May 1 (M/W/F, 9-11 a.m.)

McQueen Park Activity Center Resident fee $1.50 (with valid Gilbert ID) and Non-Resident fee $2.00.

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Play and Stay This indoor play area for kids 0-6 is different from the rest for one big reason: Supervised Play Sessions. Experienced and friendly staff are here to engage, entertain, and supervise playtime while you take care of your tasks or enjoy a relaxing moment on the sidelines.

Open daily, with extra programming for kids Monday-Friday. Located at the 101 & Indian Bend (worth the drive, we promise!) Open: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. M - TH., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-5:30p.m. Sun. Drop-In Play Prices: $30/session (up to 3 1/2 hours) , memberships available for unlimited monthly play available. Coming this summer: Work & Play, a new concept to support remote-working parents by offering onsite childcare with a structured curriculum, as an alternative to traditional daycare.

Scan this QR code to get a list of our favorite indoor activities for 5-10 year olds for summer!

CAMP PLANNING JUST GOT EASIER

Your Kid’s Favorite Places Are Hosting Summer Break Day Camps WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1 LIVES IN MESA Some of the ultimate kid-friendly newest spots around the East Valley are hosting spring break camps—most offer day or weekly rates.

Arena 23, Slick City, and other amazing play spots offer an incredible day camp experience that’s more than just burning boundless energy.

A few summers ago we stumbled upon an incredible local visionary who is making camp planning a one-stop-shop where parents can shop camp options all on one website, both day camps and sleep away camps.

Why did you start Summer Camp AZ? As parents ourselves, we created something that we wanted for our children that simply did not exist in current fall, winter, spring and summer camps. We wanted active, fun, affordable camps. We wanted them to be smaller, more personal like we remembered as a child. And we wanted to make sure they were in a safe environment.

How are your camps safer for kids? With our experience of running camps for three decades, we know the largest safety issue is in transporting children on field trips. We were fortunate to never have an incident, but we changed our structure to create a safer environment.

No more hot vans or school buses or worry your child will be left behind. All our activities are done on site and the vendors like the horses, zoos, fire trucks, etc., all take a field trip to us!

How can I browse your camp options? On summercampaz.com, you can search all our camps, and we’ve got several options in the East Valley (Chandler & Gilbert).

Where in the East Valley are you offering camps? Our East Valley camp venues are active, fun places your kids want to be--think Arena23 in Chandler or Altitude Trampoline Park in Gilbert, and even Slick City in Queen Creek. Each week has a different theme engaging your kids.

On Animal Week we bring horses, petting zoos, reptiles & more to the parks. On Water Week its fire engines, water slides, & foam parties.

Plan your child’s summer at summercampaz.com

Kate Mae Photography I am a Mesa mom of four that specializes in family, milestone, maternity, natural light studio and lifestyle newborn photography.

Now accepting new clients for 2025 bookings. katemaephoto.com katemaephoto@gmail.com 602-373-0255

read, read & read more In my most loving teacher voice, “If you’re going to pick one, PLEASE let this one be it!” No matter what age your children are, reading is one of the most beneficial things you can do with them through the summer.

Most East Valley libraries offer the county-wide summer reading program where kids can earn pretty good prizes for reading!

Kinderbooster at TotSpot Gilbert For kids going to kindergarten this fall, TotSpot Preschool offers a six week progressive camp built to prepare kids for school.

This course has all the elements of Totspot parents love: small class sizes and low student:teacher ratios.

KinderBooster is offered at the Gilbert location and begins June 2 July 10, Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. 1 p.m. $140/week.

Kindergarten Curriculum includes: Phonics, Sight Words, Handwriting, Math, STEAM

Gilbert location: Val Vista & Queen Creek Chandler location: McQueen & Riggs

School Aged Campers Hands-on art and science, colorful paint and textured mediums will entice TotSpot campers to use their imaginations and be more creative than ever as they think outside of the box using everyday materials in new and exciting ways!

Engineering for Kids STEM + Fun = The Ultimate Experience!

Kids ages 4-15 will explore engineering, robotics, and more at kids favorite entertainment venues including Slick City Chandler, Uptown Jungle Mesa, Main Event Gilbert and more.

Flexible scheduling with single day dropin rates, half day weekly rates and full day weekly rates. engineeringforkids.com/phoenix use code EVM10 for 10% off registration.

SUN, SAND & ABC’S THE COOLEST SUMMER SCHOOL FOR LITTLES!

WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA

Personally, I am getting ready to send off my first born to kindergarten and still trying to process that in itself. In our house we will be doing lots of reading, some trips to the library (hello, summer reading program!) and I searched high and low for a summer day camp that works for our preparation to transition to kindergarten in the fall.

TotSpot Preschool (locations in Gilbert and Chandler) checked all the boxes for our needs: low teacher:student ratios, small class size and flexibility in scheduling week by week.

The camp is held at either campus and has options of Mon - Thurs 9-1 camps each day for 6 weeks of summer for kids ages 2-8.

I appreciated I could build my child's camp schedule around our family's busy summer schedule.

For moms looking to build a summer filled with fun and someplace your kids will really enjoy being at, TotSpot Preschool’s weekly themes keep things exciting for my son, from a ‘camping adventure’ theme week to ‘flowers & insects’ week.

Two timing options offered: 9 - 11:10 a.m. or 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., with two- or four-day weeks offered.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS IN THE PHOENIX AREA

The world’s first indoor slide p a r k

CHANDLER 845 N 54th St, Chandler, AZ 85226 WWW.SLICKCITY.COM/AZ-CHANDLER (602) 641-3888

QUEEN CREEK

7225 S Power Rd Unit A, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 WWW.SLICKCITY.COM/AZ-QUEEN-CREEK (480) 631-9207

SCOTTSDALE

Coming Soon - Spring 2025!

WWW.SLICKCITY.COM/AZ-SCOTTSDALE

Our favorite energy burner day camps for active kids WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA

A well rounded camp: Aspire Chandler, 101 & Chandler Blvd.

At Aspire Kids Sports Center in Chandler, AZ, they aim to to cultivate "Happy, Healthy Kids!"

The expansive 32,000 square foot facility boasts topnotch gymnastics equipment, an indoor swimming pool, dedicated rooms for dance and martial arts, and a preschool gym. There's something here for every child in the family, ensuring a well-rounded experience that promotes physical activity and wellness.

Highlights: From open gym to swimming and different themes every week, Aspire keeps their campers busy with water slides, bounce houses, crafts and so much more!

Ultimate energy burner: HitSquad Ninja Tempe, Elliot & Kyrene Escape the scorching summer sun and dive into a refreshing summer adventure at HitSquad Ninja!

Are you looking for a fun activity for your child to burn off energy? Get ready for an actionpacked journey where your ninja will thrive!

From exhilarating activities to captivating classes and friendly competitions, every day is bursting with excitement. Ninja Camp features professional instruction on ninja obstacles, team building games, arts and crafts, parkour, chase tag, Nerf, floor is lava and more fun.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., weekly sessions offered starting May 26.

Learn a new skill pick: Bouldering Project Tempe, Southern & Mill Summer Camp at Bouldering Project is a full week of activities, discovery, and bouldering fun for kids! Our camps are geared for youth ages 4-12 and whether your child is brand new to climbing or an experienced climber, they'll have a blast!

My 4-year-old did their Spring Break camp and hasn’t stopped asking to come back--these camps are incredible.

Highlights: Brand new facility opened in May 2023, they offer a brave, safe space for healthy movement not only for kids, but adults too!

THESE PUBLIC POOLS MAKE A SPLASH WITH UNIQUE WATER PLAY FEATURES chandler fun float Part of the Swimply pool rentals, this private Chandler pool is rentable by the hour (think of an Airbnb type situation).

We’ve tried a few, and this is the only East Valley pool we keep re-booking.

Get $50 in free credits here to swim.

mesquite groves The facility boasts a lazy river with a bridge waterfall and a family play pool; an interactive water feature with a 6-foot 725-gallon tumble bucket; two waterslides; water vortex; water spray pad; and an eight-lane competition pool.

This is hands down the best public pool in the East Valley, but heads up, it gets packed on the weekends ,so week days are recommended.

stapley pool Our favorite Mesa pool for littles, Stapley Pool’s jungle gym water feature is as close to a park as kids can get during the summer months--they’ll love it! Also at this pool is a three-loop water slide for kids 42'’ or taller.

ULTIMATE EAST VALLEY POOLS JUMP IN TO LOCAL POOLS THAT ARE BIG ON FUN AND LOW ON COST WRITTEN BY ANDREA COOK MOM OF 3, LIVES IN MESA

flow rider at rhodes pool Catch the wave and ride the FlowRider® at Rhodes Aquatic Complex! Both kids and adults can have fun on this simulated wave maker.

A few times over the summer, the City of Mesa offers free ride days; otherwise it’s $10/hour to ride the waves.

swim lessons Swimhaus in Gilbert has been voted ‘best in the Valley’ since 2020 for good reason: they’re making swim lessons easy on parents and fun for kids with their engaging instructors and no headache cancelation policies for parents.

Try a FREE trial lesson.

Even if you’ve got a backyard pool, the scenery of your own home can get boring with daily dips in the pool.

Growing up here, the public pool scene has sure stepped up their offerings of unique, fun play structures for families to play at at a budget that’s doable. Plus fun programming like poolside storytime brings an element of unexpected fun to the pool.

Most public pool admissions are between $2-4/person and open a new realm of play possibilities for kids of all ages. There’s free days, and family passes to make it even more affordable as well.

Plus, it’s nice having the extra peace of mind of lifeguards as a second set of eyes to ensure safety.

If you’re thinking you’re not a ‘public pool person’ I challenge you to think again after you see these pools, and their low price tags for summer fun.

my first day camp

first-time summer camps for toddlers Chandler Gymboree Offering morning sessions (9 a.m. - noon) camps are Monday through Thursday for kids ages 3-5, plus a special LEGO camp offered June 9-12 and 16-19 (from 14 p.m.)

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Each week session has a different themes, like dinosaurs, safari, community helpers, beach and more. $100/session Chandler blvd & Dobson, Chandler

Aspire Summer Camp

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Kids as young as 3 can participate in Aspire Kids Sports Center summer fun.

This facility is full of FUN with 32,000 ft. gymnastics and activity facility in Chandler.

Aspire is home to an 80 ft. trampoline–the largest Tumble Trak in the state of Arizona!

Customizable schedules and pro-rated pricing offered for 1-4 days/week camp attendance .

9 a.m. - noon Chandler Blvd & 101, Chandler

TotSpot Preschool Summer Camp Preschool campers ages 2-4 will discover a “Summer of Fun” at TotSpot Preschool. Camp emphasizes fun and independence for all campers where energetic teachers present exciting themes that feature art, free play, movement and in-house field trips.

June 2 - July 7, registration by the week Twice/week offerings for two-year olds, potty training not required (9-11:30 a.m.), $80 twice/week offering for kids three-years and older (9:30 - 11:30 a.m. OR 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.) $100 Queen Creek Rd & Val Vista, Gilbert

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how to take a momcation WRITTEN BY CARA LESPRON MOM OF 2, LIVES IN SCOTTSDALE

MOMENTUM RETREAT: TIME FOR YOU!

You spend so much time caring for others —now it’s time to care for yourself.

Join us for a weekend of restoration, connection, and true replenishment with a community that gets it. For once, there’s no one to care for but yourself.

Location: Show Low, AZ Dates: May 16–18, 2025 What’s included?

Peaceful accommodations Nourishing meals (we’ll even do the dishes!)

Life Design Workshops Rest, reflection & meaningful connection

Book now & save $100 for East Valley Moms with the code EVM!

Contact Us:

momentumforworkingmoms.com chelsie@momentumforworkingmoms.com

I recently did a solo weekend trip up north and 48 hours of my just own company was rejuvenating, lifegiving and all the things you’d imagine.

I drank coffee while it was still hot; I stayed in bed until 8:30 a.m. (even though my internal alarm clock still woke me up at 5:11 a.m.), and I had slow days that I filled with whatever I wanted to do, whenever I wanted to. No snack times, no nap times, no routines.

Sounds envious (and maybe cliche), right?

Sounds like something another mom could do, but not you?

You can do this; Keep reading to see how local moms recently each gave ourselves time away from family to recharge.

Our hope is by sharing how we all made it work with different situations, you can find inspiration on how to prioritize filling your cup, mama.

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How you combat the ‘mom guilt’: I’m a big believer that I can’t pour from an empty cup, and I’m so lucky to have family that supports my travels. I also find that it keeps both Maverick and I flexible in rhythms and routines–giving us a reminder that it’s okay to mix things up a little bit from time to time. - Amy, mom of 1 Tips for keeping the home fire burning (meal prep for while you’re away/be okay with normal routines being off the rails, etc.) My husband did a great job planning a fun night for the kids – they made pancakes, watched movies and had so much fun together. Knowing I would be away, I used Friday night to do the things I would usually do Sat/Sun so I didn’t feel rushed to come back (some meal prep, laundry etc).

A WORKING MOM’S GUIDE TO SUMMER WRITTEN BY KIRA HENNING MOM OF 4, LIVES IN MESA

The Summer We Dreamed Of vs. The Reality We Live As kids, we spent the entire school year counting down to summer—sleeping in, endless pool days, and the freedom to do whatever we wanted. But as working moms, summer looks a little different.

Instead of carefree days, we juggle entertaining bored kids, enduring long stretches of heat, managing shifting schedules, and creating new (temporary) routines.

We want our kids to experience the magic of summer, but the traditional nine-to-five workday doesn’t always allow for it.

Plan Some Reason-Free Time Off Taking time off just because? It may seem unnecessary, but scheduling a few “vacation” days without a specific reason can be a game-changer. If you don’t block off the time in advance, it becomes harder to step away when you really need it.

Whether it’s a surprise day of fun with the kids or a quiet day at home catching up on laundry, you’ll never regret making time for yourself. Mark those days on your calendar now! Need help justifying that time off? Here are some practical tips to make it happen.

Avoid Over-Scheduling the Weekends This is a trap many of us fall into—not just in summer, but all year round. In an effort to make up for busy workweeks, we often cram weekends with back-to-back activities: birthday parties, pool time, movies, and local events.

Before we know it, Sunday night arrives, and we’re exhausted, staring down another hectic week. Instead of filling every moment, embrace the “less is more” philosophy.

Maximize the Sunlit Evenings Between wrapping up work, navigating traffic, making dinner, and handling bedtime routines, weekday evenings can vanish in a blink. But what if you could reclaim a little of that time?

Consider meal prepping on weekends, skipping bath night once in a while, or using your lunch break to leave work early and avoid rush hour. Even an extra 30 minutes can give you time for a sunset swim, a family walk to the ice cream shop, or an impromptu game night.

Keep It Simple and Savor the Season At the end of the day, summer doesn’t have to be complicated to be enjoyable.

With a little intention and a willingness to slow down, you and your kids can create meaningful memories—no matter how packed your work schedule is. So, go easy on yourself, embrace simplicity, and soak up every little moment. Happy summer, mamas!

EVM10

FAMILY VACATION

Rocky Rim Resort with Kids Review

These $119 mini cabins make summer on a budget a realistic summer vacation WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA

If you’re like me, always on the lookout for budget-friendly ways to create family memories, then I’ve got an ace up your sleeve – Rocky Rim Resort.

Nestled at the top of the Mogollon Rim, Heber-Overgaard is the entry to the White Mountains and is just two hours from the East Valley, but a bit more budget-friendly than some of the other mountain towns.

For families who don’t have a truck or offroad-friendly vehicle, this is an ideal mountain getaway for you–it’s easy to get to with all paved and well maintained gravel roads to get to your cabin.

For families who love off-roading, Rocky Rim Resort has ample parking for trailers and side-by-sides if you want to have a cabin getaway close to trails.

Family-Friendly Amenities at Rocky Rim Resort in the Summer The best attraction here for families: an incredible splash pad!

Open Memorial Day – Labor Day, this splash pad has it all–dumping buckets, spray guns, animal sprinklers and more. Located just steps from the cabins, this is an excellent way to burn off some cabin fever before dinner time each day. There’s also lots of picnic tables near the splash pad for easy dining.

Each cabin comes equipped with the ultimate s’mores kit and firepit as well.

Each cabin has a private patio that’s fenced in. If you’re like us and want to enjoy cooler temperatures, this was a huge amenity to be able to just be outside. We also ate most of our meals on the patio table (steps from a grill as well).

Additionally, there’s an onsite playground for kids--with swings, slides and more fun.

Tips for Your Stay at Rocky Rim Resort Heber-Overgaard is known for their July 4th celebrations; book early for next summer’s holiday weekend here Book for a weekend when Payson has a big event going on–we went during the Northern Gila County Fair and made that a day trip on our way up the hill on Saturday Heber-Overgaard is a good “home base” for making little day trips to Strawberry, Payson or Show Low; they’re each about in hour in various directions from Heber, giving you an affordable overnight location with lots of adventure options

Each cabin is equipped to cook: grill + cooktop for serious cooking, plus a full size fridge, microwave and coffee maker; kitchen also included coffee, creamer, basic spices and oil for cooking meals Read each cabin’s description carefully to determine what fits your family best–some have dishwashers, some have fireplaces, etc. so pick the amenities that you want!

If you plan on eating in the cabin, pack paper plates! Not every cabin has a dishwasher.

If you’re traveling with a crawler or newly walking baby, bring a little baby gate for the patio–there’s a few steps and you’ll have a much more relaxing patio time with one

m p o m m a c

June 27-29

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Best Indoor Memberships this Summer for Kids Ages 0-4

WRITTEN BY MEGAN LANKFORD MOM OF 3, LIVES IN MESA

Art Class Amazing, affordable weekly parent/child art classes taught at the Edna Arts Center in Tempe is a budget-buster weekly class.

The Playhouse The cleanest indoor play place you’ll find in the East Valley, we adore this play space for kids 0-7 years old.

OdySea The floor-to-ceiling windows invite toddlers to engage with the 30,000+ marine animals at their own pace without needing to be lifted to view each exhibit.

The Musik Box A music class that’s focused on early childhood development, these classes empower parents to learn age-appropraite play that’s meaningful developmentally.

idea Museum This Downtown Mesa gem is full of sensory play and development, creative thinking, and educational, hands-on art for even the youngest of tots.

Swimhaus Our favorite swim school, offering mommy and me or child group lessons with the smallest class ratios in the East Valley.

get free D’backs tickets Pogo Pass members get two FREE tickets during regular season. This year’s free game days are: Friday, May 16 vs Rockies at 6:40 p.m.

Friday, May 30 vs Nationals at 6:40 p.m.

Sunday, June 29 at 1:10 p.m.

Wednesday, August 6 vs. Padres 6:40 p.m.

Tuesday, September 2 vs Rangers 6:40 p.m.

Tickets are redeemed through the Pogo Pass app two weeks prior to each game.

What’s the Pogo Pass? One annaul pass that provides families with FREE admission to 70+ local attractions. Use coode EVMOMS for the lowest price.

run the bases after the game Kids Run the Bases after every Sunday home game.

To participate, line up at Gate J started at the top of the 9th inning.

photo credit: Tara Dunn Photography

DIAMONDBACKS GAMES WITH KIDS WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA

It’s exciting to bring our little ones to experience all of the lights, music, and loud cheering (consider bringing noise-canceling headphones for those little ones). Chase Field does a great job of making accommodations for families.

Here are a few things I have learned since this was our 3rd time visiting Chase Field with kids.

Budget hack: Buy a parking pass ahead of time for the garage closest to the right field bleachers (entrance off 7th St and Washington / Phoenix Convention Center East). This parking is $15 instead of the $20-$25 parking advertised on the D-Backs website.

Diaper bags are inspected and tagged at the gate. We packed snacks in a clear bag, a bottle for the baby, and a water bottle for the toddler. All were allowed inside.

If it’s your child’s first game visit Guest Relations near sections 128 or 322 for a commemorative certificate to add their baby book!

For kids: look for the “Value Items” logo at Doubleheaders concessions around the park (corn dogs, hot dogs, soda and popcorn for $2.99/each). It helps keep this outing an affordable one.

Last season, each participant got a free kids meal coupon from Wendy's .

Definitely plan to get in line as early as possible (near the 9th inning) as the line does long, but it’s such a special experience, don’t miss it!

the sandlot for kids The best thing about Chase Field with kids has to be The Sandlot!

It is located on the Upper Concourse in left field. There is a toddler playground, a kids playground, whiffle ball batting practice, and a big-league style batting cage. All have their own height requirements so be sure to check the signs.

Baxter also makes appearances for photos and autographs.

Kids can watch the organist and see other fun games going on that end up on the jumbotron.

D’backs kids club Join the D-Backs Kids Club! It is a free program for kids ages 15 and younger. At sign up kids earn a free prize with a membership card on a lanyard.

The club comes with perks like free Sunday tickets for kids (with the purchase of an adult ticket) and a prize at every game. The DBacks send out other cool events specific to kids.

Tickets can be redeemed on the Thursday before each Sunday home game. Select Monday-Thursday games are also eligible for this benefit and will be shared within the Kids Club Newsletter.

summer camps preschool camps school aged camps kinderboost program small teacher: student ratios art, free play, movement and

summer of

fun

in-house field trips totspotpreschool.com Queen Creek Rd & Val Vista Riggs & McQueen

East Valley Moms has been sharing local resources for families, hosting live playdate events and giving family-friendly activity reviews of attractions across the East Valley for nearly 11 years.

9-11:30 a.m. option 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. option 2 or 4/day week options June 2 - July 10 Register by May 3rd and receive a FREE Summer Camp t-shirt.

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