Bloom - Moving to the East Valley

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MOVINGTOTHE EASTVALLEY

MOTHER KNOWS BEST! East Valley Moms and the Amy Jones Group have the information you need to get to know your new neighborhood, and how to get your family plugged into the community quickly.

A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF CURATOR

welcome to the east valley!

Motherhood is challenging enough in your hometown where you’re comfortable and have a great support system. Add in moving across the country, and it’s a whole new daunting challenge

We’re here for you, mama!

First, welcome to the East Valley we hope you fall in love with the lifestyle here that’s familyfocused Whether you’re from the Pacific Northwest, the East coast, or the Bible belt, welcome to your new home, our home state, Arizona.

We hope this serves as a starting point to help you navigate the East Valley whether you’re still considering a move here, or if you’ve just unloaded the moving van and are already tired of being told about our “dry heat.”

xo,

Amy J McConnell, APR East Valley Moms chief curator

photo credit: Kate Mae Photography

Our writing team of 20 local moms has put together this resource to help you find all the comforts of community that make parenting in a new community a little easier

Contributor Jackie, mom of 2, lives in Gilbert, AZ

Contributor Tiffany, mom of 4, lives in Florence, AZ

Contributor Maile, mom of 3, lives in Gilbert, AZ

photo credit: Kate Mae Photography

this issue's writing team

Cara Lespron

Cara is a thirty-something, second-generation Arizona Native. She grew up in NE Mesa and has raised her kids across the state from Tucson to Apache Junction before settling in Scottsdale.

Megan Lankford

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

Megan just left her job as an accountant to stay home with her boys. She serves on the Steering Committee for a local MOPS group and leads a small group Bible study at her house.

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.

G R E E N L I V I N G

COMPOSTING WITH KIDS

WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1 LIVES IN MESA

If you’ve eaten the scraps, crusts and leftovers off your child’s plate recently, congratulations, you’ve saved some food from the landfill But, there’s a better way to deal with food waste without us moms downing the literal table scraps off our kids half eaten lunch

Mill is a new to the area full circle compost service that not only provides an odor-free, bluetooth enabled bin to your home, but also provides pickup service monthly to deliver your grounds to R City, a local farm in south Phoenix

Over one third of food produced in the US is never eaten. As moms, this statistic probably doesn’t shock you--but there’s an easy way to help get food scraps out of the trash bin and into a compost bin that’s easy, and fun for my four-year-old

How Mill works

If you’ve ever tried composting at home, you know it takes a lot of effort Mill takes no effort at all Seriously, as a busy mom and business owner, the idea of composting, especially involving a toddler, was something I doubted I could take on, but Mill seriously takes no extra effort on our part.

Mill works while we sleep to shrink our food scraps by 80 percent so the bin takes weeks to fill up We can put almost anything in it even chicken bones and salmon skin and it dries and grinds it all into nutrient-rich grounds

Thanks to state-of-the-art odor filtration, Mill never smells (not even the salmon skin) and won’t attract fruit flies, and the 6 5L capacity means you only have to empty it about once a month But the best part? It keeps food out of the landfill. R.City picks up our scraps and uses them on their farm to grow produce and nourish our community

My four-year-old named our bin, and gets so excited to check on the scraps every morning--it’s become a fun way to involve him in making our home a bit more sustainable.

“Doing life together

Three couples decided they wanted to do life together; so they built three neighboring homes together

WRITTEN BY MEGAN LANKFORD, MOM OF 3 LIVES IN MESA

I’m here to tell you about this ridiculously wild and crazy thing that me and 2 of my friends and our families did almost 5 years ago! It still feels like a dream sometimes, but I wake up every morning and can’t believe we actually pulled it off! Here’s how our realtor described it:

My clients, Tim & Holly approached me last Spring with the idea of trying to figure out how to live directly next door to their two best friends.

These 3 families spend so much time together at church, socializing, working out taking care of their kids and enjoying holidays together, that it just made sense to live closer together!

We explored the idea of them buying land and building 3 houses on it, but we quickly realized that was too expensive and quite a hassle. Their goal was much more easily realized by finding a production builder that had floorplans that everyone liked and 3 available lots next door to each other After doing some exploring they agreed that the gorgeous new community was a great fit for their design styles, budgets and lifestyles Then the challenge was to get 3 lots next door to each other at a community that had a line of people waiting to buy on opening weekend!

I watched these lovely couples made sound financial decisions for their families while still keeping the dream alive as a group. I watched them make fair decisions with the flip of a coin and share tidbits of information to make others' decisions easier I watched them take care of each other's children for long appointments or packing up the house These couples truly epitomize what it means to be friends and I am fortunate to know them all

EAST VALLEY MOMS

I always get one of two types of feedback when I tell this story: s no one in my life that I’d want to permanently live ose to, LOL”

I had friends that I felt close enough with to do hing like this, must be nice!”

t camp, I get it! It’s not for everybody!

ond, I get it In seasons of parenthood–especially in f early parenthood–it can feel so isolating We’ve all me and time again.

village…”

ood is best lived in community Don’t go it alone ” is this village?! How do you get this community?!

Megan and her husband and firstborn soon after they moved into ‘the compound’

When my husband and I got married, we were attending a church that had a small community ministry of other newlywed/young married couples We joined this group less than a month after our wedding because we wanted to make friends with people in h e stage of life ASAP

or sure did not make friends instantly This group was kind of established and there were cliques and friend hat had already began to form So, coming in brand new, itely felt like outsiders

r, we kept showing up. Week in and week out, we went to s every Sunday morning and kept introducing ourselves people. As a woman, I craved that close community y more than my husband did, so I dragged him to every is group hosted Every game night, dinner night, er opportunity wkward? 100% YES! Did I walk away from every encounter ew number in my phone and a blossoming new bestie ship? NOT EVEN CLOSE!

And we persisted We kept showing up, kept inviting couples to do stuff together Weeks turned into months that turned into years Those double dates turned into events together that turned into weekend getaways that turned into some of us working out together 3-5 mornings per week that eventually turned into 3 of us couples creating “The Compound ”

But I really want to put this in perspective for you. Our small group was formed in early 2013. We moved into the Compound in 2019 That’s SIX years later, it didn’t happen overnight, but consistency and investing in people paid off!

The original group from 2018; all living next door to each other five years later

But we for sure did not make friends instantly

HOME IMPROVEMENT RECOS FROM SOMEONE WHO

LIVED IN RENOS FO 2 YEARS

Greengard Legal

Greengard Law Firm focuses on tax, business and estate planning law. We create custom trusts, wills and estate plans that fit your family's needs. while protecting your assets, minimizing taxes and taking care of those you love the most.

We provide comprehensive documents to handle any situation that might arise, and we guide you through t process, making sure that you understand what an es plan is and how it works to protect you and your fami

greengardlegal com

Arizona Painting Company

rizona Painting Company offers both xterior and interior painting services, cluding cabinet refinishing, epoxy ooring and more If you’re curious bout a 2024 facelift for your home, equest a free estimate on their website

They offer a 10 year warranty and free color consultation as part of their client services.

evm.arizonapaintingcompany.com for 15% off, or tell them East Valley Moms sent you

One Home Solution

You're stepping into your new home and life in the vibrant East Valley, but the stress home maintenance and ocating trustworthy contractors when you don't know anyone is overwhelming We've got you covered with our home maintenance membership

Our comprehensive plans not only simplify your life but also save you from the hassle of hunting down service providers & negotiating pricing.

No more juggling contractors or worrying about rising costs –just peace of mind and a beautifully maintained home. Join today and we'll make your home maintenance a breeze.

Visit: onehomesolution.com

Use code “xoxoevm” for half off an annual membership

Three and Me Designs

Three & Me Designs provides a full range of customized interior design services to clients in the East Valley Our services include whole home redesign, single room redesign, and furnishings (ie custom window treatments, upholstered items)

Our goal is to create aesthetically pleasing spaces that contribute to happier homes threeandme.decoratingden.com

A TWO YEAR RENO ON MY CHILDHOOD HOME IN MESA

WRITTEN

BY AMY

MCCONNELL

MOM OF 1, LIVES IN MESA

We’ve been gutting the house I grew up in: a 1960s ranch home in Mesa for the last two years to make into our forever home.

Soon, my son will have the same bedroom I did, and there’s something incredibly special about that legacy that feels significant

It’s been 15 years since I called this plot of property home between going away to college, having my own starter home four miles away and seeing my parents move out to downsize nearby

As I embark on this move it feels like a homecoming.

These old home quirks I’m all-to-familiar with, the daily rituals I grew up watching my own mother do, I will now do, like dishes looking out of the same window, in the same spot, with the same sink (but a new faucet).

I said a fond farewell to my starter home of 10+ years, but truly, it was a hurried, rushed parting word to that house, as I can’t wait to finally be home again and share the magic of the grove house with my son.

photo credit: Kate Mae Photography

family directory

Most Recommended

East Valley Moms is a resource for local moms; and our family directory helps point moms in the right direction for a variety of goods and services every mom seeks recommendations for.

These are some of the most commonly asked for recommendations from moms.

Recommendation for...swim lessons

Swimhaus serves the Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler areas as the premier swim school for kids 3 months to 12 years. They use a proven, confidence-building curriculum to promote a love of swimming and teach your children to be safer in and around the water.

Three of our contributors currently swim at Swimhaus.

Best part: their headache free policies provide the best experience for parents, from their absence policy to zero fees (EVER), they’re a dream for keeping things simple for parents.

Recommendation for...setting up a family will/trust

If you don’t want the government directing your family’s future–especially in regards to whose care your children would be permanently placed in–estate planning is the only way to make sure your family and property are taken care of exactly as you want them to be. One of our contributors is a former estate attorney, and truly a will/trust for your family is something she reminds every family settling into a new home needs.

Greengard Law Firm focuses on tax, business and estate planning law. We create custom trusts, wills and estate plans that fit your family's needs. while protecting your assets, minimizing taxes and taking care of those you love the most. We provide comprehensive documents to handle any situation that might arise, and we guide you through the process, making sure that you understand what an estate plan is and how it works to protect you and your family.

From all the places kids eat free, to sensory friendly hours for kids attractions, to postpartum support services and moms groups, our family directory provides recommendations you’ll need as you settle into a new community.

Or, join our neighborhood group on Facebook where moms ask for local recommendations from local moms!

Mindy Jones meet the mom

how she’s created community in the East Valley as a mom, local business owner, and founder of a nonprofit

The case for community has never been stronger and for the hundreds of families we have helped make big moves right here in the Valley, it is still one of the top reasons that people cite for loving or leaving their neighborhood.

Community means something different for everyone and as seasons change, so does what we’re looking for in our community from recreation to shared values, fun to faith, and everything in between. Growing up in Phoenix and making my move to the East Valley nearly a decade ago, I had fallen in love with the green spaces that I

was missing from my upbringing in the city so that’s where I started to seek out community first.

I remember taking long walks along the Paseo Trail listening to music and pulling off my headphones to chat with neighbors as they passed by about the best place to grab a bite, what they loved most about the area, and who had a referral for a handyman that I could snag.

After I had my son, those trail walks turned into stroller sessions and later into park escapades but those green spaces continue to be a community building epicenter for me - meeting people that are quite literally on the same path.

Meet Your Neighbors: Hosting a gathering in your driveway on the weekend or a meet up in the park is a fun way to get people together

Find out what neighbors are talking about on your neighborhood Facebook page or start the conversation on a new platform and see where it goes!

Everyone is looking for someone who can do something, start a referral group in your neighborhood and post signs on your community mailbox to see who wants to be a part of it!

Have kids? Plan holiday events, bike rides, neighborhood scavenger hunts, food drives, or even a movie night in the parkdo something that your family loves to do outside and see who wants to join you! There are so many ways to meet your neighbors - knowing who is in your neighborhood and how you can help each other starts to build community roots right at home.

Volunteer or Give Back: One of my go to strategies for finding my people is to volunteer! We are so lucky to have so many amazing nonprofits right here in the East Valley including the House of Refuge, Jacob’s Mission, the Clothes Cabin, ICAN and so many more helping the people who need it most!

There are tons of opportunities to volunteer throughout the year for families and kids and lots of needs that we can help fill. Starting a drive, sharing a volunteer sign up page on your social media, and meeting new friends in the process can be just the boost you need to kickstart your community journey.

Finding a shared passion with new people opens doors to other activities you can do together and even more ways to make giving back fun Everyone loves to give back - try supporting a new organization with your time or talents and see who you meet!

Support Local: When I first moved to the East Valley, I was on a mission to find all of the local business owners in the area and get on a first name basis with as many of them as I could so that I could share them with my neighbors and business buddies and so that I could really sound like I knew what I was talking about

Stopping into a new shop by my house or a brand new restaurant in the area and making a conscious effort to know the businesses in the neighborhood helped me start to feel like I really belonged. The library, the coffee shop on the corner, the seamstress - not only did I get the insider scoop on my new neighborhood but I also started to get the best recommendations for everything from where to go to who to call

Follow Mindy Jones at @Mindyejones

Get to know her non-profit at @communityonpurposeaz

Follow her real estate group at @amyjonesgroup

Mindy and her son, Nico

SELF CARE RESOURCES

Cycle Bar East Mesa

Whether you are an indoor cycling pro or entirely new to the experience, CycleBar® offers energizing rides tailored to all fitness levels. CycleBar® will inspire, motivate and invigorate you so that you can face your day

It is a fun and challenging workout that can be done by people of all fitness levels

CycleBar is worth it because YOU are worth it Don't believe us? (we get it) Grab your free ride and see for yourself!

@cyclebareastmesa

Sunshine Healing

Healing is within reach, and happiness is possible We all experience moments in our lives where answers to our problems seem out of reach, or impossible to find

My goal is to help people learn to silence the inner voice and allow their instincts, or subconscious, to take over. Sometimes that means distracting it; sometimes it’s about exploring the ‘worst case scenario’ and removing the fear.

@sunshinehealingaz

Bouldering Project

We’re so much more than just a climbing gym, and when you walk through our doors, you’ll feel it The Bouldering Projects are places where people gather, ush themselves, and build purpose What we started back in Seattle in 2011 has now grown to Austin, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Brooklyn, Boston, DC, and Tempe We continue to grow because we believe Bouldering Project makes places better and lives fuller

@arizonaboulderingproject

SELF CARE IS MORE THAN A SHOWER

Self care is more than going to the grocery store alone, or getting a shower.

It’s filling your own cup so you can pour into your family. We’re firm believers that self care is best when it’s focused on mamas feeling their best: physically, mentally and emotionally

Some of us are looking to say yes to less

Some of us are looking to gain muscle mass

Some of us are looking to recover from past traumas in a healthy way

Some of us are looking to feel more confident without makeup

If you’re looking to make changes to invest more in yourself, because mama, you’re worth it, keep reading.

Once you’ve settled into your home after a move, if you’re looking to make changes to your health, both physical, mental and emotional, We’ve scoured the East Valley for the most supportive gyms, coaches and businesses for moms.

Scan this QR code to get the rest of our self care recommendations

photo credit: ReConnect Mind Body

WRITTEN BY AMY MCCONNELL MOM OF 1,

Things to Buy

Summer car essentials for extreme heat with kids

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.

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.

beach towels & water toys bathing suits

I like to have a small lighter weight one 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 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.

10 Moving and Packing Tips from a Mom Who’s Moved 5

Times in 5 Years

My family just moved into our fifth home in five years. My husband’s job took us from our home we loved in Phoenix to Tucson. While we were there, we moved from a small condo to a house after my second child was born. A year after that, my husband got a great job back home in Phoenix and we quickly moved in with family.

WRITTEN BY CARA LESPRON MOM OF 2, LIVES IN SCOTTSDALE

Most recently, we finally found a home we love and will be at for a while…because mama isn’t moving again for a long time. While I wouldn’t call my self a professional, I have picked up quite a few tricks along the way to make the process a little less of a hassle and more organized.

Purge BEFORE you go. This one is hard, but the less you pack, the less you have to unpack. Over the last 5 years I’ve learned to let go of a lot and it feels really good to have less 1.

Get a notebook just for moving. You will use this to make lists, take notes and keep all of the important information in one place. I start out the first page by writing our old address and new address, the miles between and move in and out dates If you’re hiring movers, they’ll want that information and this is a great spot to put the moving company information if you’re using one. I like the traditional composition notebooks because they fit in my purse and are super cheap

Scan this QR code to get the rest of the tips!

3 Make a list. In your notebook, make a list of who you need to contact for change of address, utility accounts that need to be transferred, canceled or open Think banks, USPS for mail forwarding, insurance companies, your employer, the DMV, grandma who still keeps a written address book. Also, note dates of when accounts will be transferred or turned on at the new place so you’re not left in the dark!

4 Number. Your. Boxes. I can’t stress this enough In your notebook, you can write exactly what’s in each box so when you are searching for the silverware, you just have to look in your notebook to see which number box it’s in and then find the box Also, with this, label what room each box goes in and instruct those moving you to put the boxes in the corresponding rooms. This keeps the writing on each box down to just a number and a room, no mess of Sharpie all over I think after all of my moves, this has been the most helpful tip I get pretty detailed with what’s in each box and it has come in handy so many times

5. Invest in some plastic tubs. Pack bathroom essentials, cleaning supplies and other potentially messy items in plastic tubs This way there are no leaks into surrounding boxes if something spills Also, it makes these usually essential items easy to spot when you first move in.

6 Subscribe to One Home Solution

One Home Solution offers an app-enabled subscription service designed to take the hassle out of home maintenance and repairs With their membership, you get a whole bunch of fantastic benefits:

Built-in preventative maintenance

Customizable repair hours

Easy appointment scheduling

Access to their network of licensed & vetted trade professionals This is especially helpful when you’re new to a city and don’t have a word-of-mouth network for trade referrals and you just need a job done!

Raising backyard chickens in Arizona

funding a coop

coop

Gilbert-based Chick Inn Coops (www.ChickInnCoops.com) offers custom chicken coops; the owner realized that the coops available in stores are expensive and very poorly produced and are way too small and very difficult to maintain and clean

Not only are their coops designed thoughtfully (and aesthetically pleasing), but they are delivered and assembled for busy families just excited to get their chickens settled

Did you know Arizona ESA funding can go towards a coop?

Chick Inn Coops has had several customers who use the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program for their chicken coop purchase as many homeschooling families make agriculture and livestock production as part of their lesson plans.

Financing options also available (18 months, 0 interest) through Chick Inn Coops.

chicken raising tips

Join local Facebook groups for backyard chickens. I’ve joined a few, and they’re welcoming and supportive to share knowledge for those forging their backyard chicken journey

Alex, owner of Chick Inn Coops, is also passionate about supporting his clients navigate learning about raising chickens. There’s a helpful portion of the website with tips, tricks and insights into the essential knowledge that’s helpful as you begin your chicken journey

teaching kids about chickens

Kids can contribute so much to caring for chickens–get some inspiration from searching online for chicken chore chart for kids.

There are also many mini studies and full fledged studies for every age for homeschooling curriculums surrounding chickens, raising chickens, etc that you can find with a quick online search, like a lifecycle of a chicken nature study mini plan

For older kids, egg incubating and even designing a new coop are fun lessons to keep kids learning surrounding their backyard chickens

PARENTS WON’T HATE

One of things my husband and I miss most about pre-kid life is nice dinners over delicious food that you actually enjoy with engaging conversation Sounds like a pipe dream with kids right?!

Actually not; it is possible!

I’ve made it my motherhood mission to crack the code on getting my toddler to decently dine out, and here’s my best tips for getting back to enjoying restaurant dining with your kids.

The Perch | This Chandler brewery boasts a collection of rescue birds on the patio, making for great entertainment for kids

Uncle Bear’s Brewery | Dog-friendly + patio dining= best toddler experience

Postino Gilbert | Great outdoor space and the kids meals are on par with Pita Jungle’s

Culinary Dropout | Yard games and a kid-friendly outdoor seating spaces

OHSO Gilbert | Space for kids to run, huge booths for kids to spread out, and there’s usually a few dogs on the patio

Oregano’s | Italians are loud, kids are loud, and toddlers love pasta

Flower Child| Now with Chandler and Gilbert locations, Flower Child offers healthy, delicious kids meals that offer rich nutrients and quick preparation in an environment that feels more like a buzzing farmers’ market than a fast-casual restaurant

Red, White & Brew | This family-owned restaurant in East Mesa has the most patient staff, they have great kids entertainment and the food is 10/10

Isabel’s Amor | This is the cooler, big sister restaurant to SomeBurro’s and they have live music frequently, which is great entertainment for toddlers

Streets of New York | We recently went here and it’s very family friendly, spread out tables (so you don’t feel like your kids are taking over the date table next to you), affordable kids menu (starting at $3 50) and patient staff

deals + steals

Is a POGO Phoenix Pass Worth It?

Our Review

WRITTEN BY MEGAN LANKFORD, MOM OF 3 LIVES IN MESA

Today we’re reviewing the POGO Phoenix pass, and sharing a few tips and hacks we’ve learned after having it for about a year

If you’re anything like me as a mom, you try to get out of the house with your kids as much as possible to break up the monotony and save your sanity

This is easy to do when the weather is nice and you can take advantage of all the free outdoor fun Arizona has to offer like parks and hikes/trails. But it can add up to hundreds of dollars a month to take kids to any kind of specialty attraction or activity

This is especially true if you have multiple children Earlier this year, I made the transition to stay at home, so our finances definitely have gotten tighter. However, I have found the BEST budget hack for getting my kids into different activities around town without breaking the bank!

Enter, the POGO PASS! Keep reading for all my tips and hacks for maximizing (and getting the BEST PRICE) for these passes

What is a POGO Pass?

Great question! A POGO Pass is a unique onetime ticket purchase that gets you at least one admission into a ton of local family attractions around town. POGO Pass is only offered in 6 territory markets, and we are SO lucky that Phoenix is one of them!

The POGO pass is also great because it helps you explore places that you maybe didn’t even know about Some of the attractions available on the POGO Pass are:

The Phoenix Zoo

KTR Chandler and Scottsdale Uptown Jungle (most locations)

FatCats Gilbert and Mesa

Phoenix Rock Gym

Pangea: Land of the Dinosaurs Arizona Diamondbacks games

Select ASU sports games

Golfland AND MORE!

Where to get the lowest price for a POGO Pass?

The usual price of the POGO Pass is $120, but they have sales often (up to 50% off!) and you can usually find deals on Groupon or other coupon sites.

And the best news exclusively for our readers is that if you use code “EASTVALLEYMOMS” you will always get the lowest price no matter what deal or offer is currently available!

Even if you paid full price for your POGO pass, you would get your money’s worth after visiting just a few of these fun places The regular admissions prices can really add up Here’s an easy cheat sheet of how quickly it can pay for itself:

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

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.

We also get one for my mother who lives locally so she can take them places, as well

I’ve even gotten one for my mother-in-law who was going to be visiting us for 3 weeks following the birth of our second son so that she could have fun things to do with our oldest while she was here.

How long is a POGO Pass good for?

The Passes are valid for 12 months from purchase, so make sure not to wait to start using yours or don’t purchase until you are ready to start visiting places. Also, always wait for a 50% off sale or use our code EASTVALLEYMOMS for the best pricing always! The savings are super compounded if you can get each pass for around $60

Kate Mae Photography

Where to Bike, Scooter, Skate, and Stroller Run

With Kids

Right now, Mesa boasts nearly 15 miles of maintained, separated pathways that provide a safe alternative for families looking to practice biking (or riding scooters, skating or even stroller running) and it feels like they’re still a little bit of a best kept secret

Scan this QR code to see our favorite parks for infants photo credit: Kate Mae Photography

Pathways Paired with Parks

When we’re bored of traditional park play, these off-road, protected pathways are a fun change of pace while still getting fresh air and movement with our kids

These pathways are 100 percent away from any road traffic, making them ideal for kids still learning wheely sports

Read on for our go-to pathways across Mesa, and a few hacks for the first time you pack up for the pathways.

Our Favorite Path in Mesa

One of our favorites is the Rio Salado Pathway, it starts at the Mesa Riverview Park where riders enter through a tunnel painted with a stunning mural painted by a local Mesa-born artist

Once you pedal through the tunnel, you can bike east into Mesa or west into Tempe (Mesa coordinated with the City of Tempe to connect the cities together through this pathway)

Pathway playdate: Ride up the pathway about a mile to Tempe Marketplace for ice cream or frozen yogurt before heading back down the pathway.

If you’re making the pathways a driving destination for your family, we suggest either the Porter Pathway or the Rio Salado Pathway.

These pathways give kids a double-header outing by hitting up the playgrounds that are at both pathways as well.

Porter Park boasts a wood chip play area (no sand!), shaded ramadas and all the usual park play amenities.

Similarly, the Rio Salado Pathway is across the street from Riverview Park (and splash pad), giving access to the 50-foot climbing tower, two playgrounds and more (Plus there’s bathrooms here!)

Pathway playdate: We like to pack a picnic, leave it in the car while we ride the pathways and then picnic in the ramadas and play at the park to round out the outing

Stroller Running on the Pathways

If you’ve got a baby still in a stroller, the pathways are a wonderful option for stroller runs. They’re paved, flat and provide an active outing to get out of the house.

Plan stroller runs around nap time/feeding times. If your baby is small you’ll want to make sure they are fed and happy to hit the road in the stroller (or ready to nap on the ride).

With tots still in strollers pack a snack, water and a toy or a book to keep them entertained on the run.

The City of Mesa also has two additional pathways under construction to make their network of off-road biking options more convenient for all Mesa families.

If you’ve got a tot on training wheels or a confident big kid wanting to log miles biking, these protected bike pathways are an incredible resource for local families to enjoy this fall weather and take advantage of another amenity from the City.

photo credit: Kate Mae

Photography

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4 Ways To Spot an Authentic Montessori Education

Recently on an instagram poll we did, so many of you agreed that researching education options are really overwhelming, and you’re unsure where to start, or where to look. Like 85% of you guys said that! If you’re new to an area, it’s even more of a challenge!

School choice feels like one of the largest decisions we make for our children.

WRITTEN BY MEGAN LANKFORD MOM OF 2, LIVES IN MESA

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the options out there–from types of education philosophies to size of classes to how much to emphasize music, or other focused areas of study.

Today, we’re sharing with you a few helpful tips on researching Montessori schools, as a lot of our readers have expressed interest in this education philosophy.

What’s the difference between mainstream and Montessori education?

In a nutshell, Montessori principles of teaching focus on multimodal learning in a mixed age, community classroom (typically 3 year age groups per classroom, such as 3-6 year olds) with certified teachers to guide children through learning at their own pace.

Typically the set-up of Montessori classrooms make them easy to spot, but we’ll talk you through some of the sure signs to evaluate as you tour schools and narrow down the school that’s the best option for your child.

What type of curriculum should I look for at a Montessori school?

Montessori schools teach the same basic skills as traditional schools, and offer a rigorous academic program. Most of the subject areas are familiar—such as math, science, history, geography, and language— but they are presented through an integrated approach that brings separate strands of learning together.

What do school schedules look like?

At Wonderland Montessori, we follow a traditional Monday through Friday, five-day/week schedule. As an authentic Montessori school, Wonderland’s classrooms include multi-age groupings; students engage in uninterrupted work periods using specially designed Montessori learning materials. These are all components to look for when evaluating Montessori schools.

Uninterrupted periods of study is a crux of a Montessori education; ask for each classroom’s timeslots of focused work time during your tour.

what does a classroom look like?

An authentic Montessori classroom will::

Feature a mixed, three-year age group in each class

Have an appropriate number of children to ensure social development

Be driven by a three-hour uninterrupted work period in the morning and at least two hours in the afternoon

Have a complete set of approved materials for each class

How to enroll in a Montessori school

At Wonderland Montessori, it’s three steps: First schedule a tour

1. Complete an application 2

3

Book a pre-enrollment meeting with a guide

Wonderland Montessori serves children from 8 weeks to 6 years in our Montessori programs

Each lead guide is certified or seeking certification through the Association Montessori Internationale The peaceful Montessori environments allow the child freedom of movement, as well as the confidence to learn, based on their freedom of choice

135 S Val Vista Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85296 (Elliot & Val Vista)

EAST VALLEY MOMS

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 10 years.

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photo credit: Kate Mae Photography