Creighton Neighborhood Schools inspire adventurous thinkers, collaborative learners and kind-hearted leaders Join the adventure today!
2702 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-381-6000 www.CreightonSchools.org
Get In Touch:
2550 W. Union Hills Drive, Ste. 350-9433 Phoenix, AZ 85027
888-313-7916
Submissions and suggestions:
Press Releases:
Submit press releases via email to hello@epickidsaz.com.
Events Calendar:
Submit press releases or event listings including all details to hello@epickidsaz. com. The deadline for the September issue is September 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by phone at 888-313-7916 or by email at advertising@egpublishing.com.
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-8 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
Every effort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
Headliners
From Skateboards to Race Cars
Nicholas Bubeck chats with pro skater turned race car driver Mia Lovell.
Mia Lovell’s journey from a pro skateboarder to a race car driver is super inspiring! She’s won tons of local skateboarding competitions and now zooms around the racetrack with the same awesome skills. Mia’s love for racing started when she was really young, and now she’s competing in the GR Cup Series with Toyota. Her big dream? To race in NASCAR! Here’s my interview with this Phoenix-based star.
I heard about the GR Cup Series with Toyota, a spec series using GR86s that Toyota converts into race cars. I applied and got accepted.
How does it feel to race at such a young age?
It’s an extremely mental sport because when you're in the car, there's nothing there except for you, the car, and your mind. My parents are my backbone of support.
series with professional drivers. It was intimidating but made me learn to sink or swim. I had to be safe, get through the race, learn, and have fun... all at the same time.
I have now competed in over 20 races all over the country! My scariest crash was probably my first; the fastest I've gone is 140 mph. So far, my best race was at Sonoma. I got highest finishing female and received a nice check!
Nicholas and Mia.
What got you into skateboarding?
I took lessons, learned tricks, competed, and got sponsored by Vans. I won all the local competitions.
How did your skating career transition into a racing career?
When I was 13, my dad started bringing me to the local track. I was just having a good time until
My goal is to be a professional race car driver with NASCAR. The next step is getting into the Trans Am Series - big boy race cars - a good transition from sports cars.
Tell me about a race. My dad always says nervousness is the same feeling as excitement.
At age 16, I showed up for my first race at Sonoma Raceway, thrown into things among drivers in their 20s and 30s. It’s an official pro
Besides racing, what else makes you happy?
Riding dirt bikes and playing guitar and piano.
To learn more about Mia, visit mialovell.com.
Nicholas Bubeck is an Epic Kids monthly columnist and CEO of creationsbynicholas.com. You can follow his adventures on Instagram, @creationsbynicholas and @mamaandmyboys.
Welcome Back, Epic Kids!
Hey, Epic Kids readers!
We’re thrilled to welcome you back to another exciting school year with our August issue of Epic Kids! Whether you're a returning reader or joining us for the first time, get ready for a season packed with inspiring stories, fun puzzles, amazing experiments, and awesome giveaways. In this issue, we’re showcasing some incredible local kids who are doing fantastic things in their communities. From young
entrepreneurs to creative artists, their stories will surely inspire you to pursue your passions and make a difference.
But that's not all! We've got a whole bunch of fun activities to keep you entertained and engaged. Try out our latest experiment, tackle a tricky word search, and don’t forget to check out the events section for cool things happening around town.
We love hearing about amazing kids like you, so if you know someone doing great
things, tell us! And if you're a budding writer with a story to share, we'd love to hear from you too. Just email us at hello@epickidsaz. com with your ideas and info.
Let's make this school year the best one yet! Get ready for a year full of adventure, learning, and fun. We can't wait to see what amazing things you'll accomplish!
Stay epic, The Epic Kids Team
headliners
Inclusive Music
Phoenix Children’s Chorus launches Tutti program to create opportunities for all.
By Naya Seth
Photo courtesy of Phoenix Children’s Chorus
The Tutti program at Phoenix Children’s Chorus (PCC) is opening doors and creating opportunities for kids of all ages! This program was created for children both with and without disabilities, allowing them to learn at speeds specific to their individual needs.
The idea for this branch of PCC arose a few years ago, but due to COVID-19, it was postponed until recently. The director of Tutti, Anne Coryell, has four children, three of whom participate in the Phoenix Children's Chorus. However, one of her children has Down Syndrome, which left him unable to join PCC’s traditional choir. Anne pitched the idea for Tutti in 2020, and it finally became a reality last year.
The Tutti program is tailored to allow for flexibility and variation for each child's abilities. Depending on the age and needs of the child, Anne has developed
different activities to keep kids engaged and learning, as sitting for long periods can be hard. For example, for younger kids, she has developed a game with beanie babies to help practice a steady beat. She also aims to make transitions direct and simple for the kids, with clear switches from each voice or music activity to the next, which help distinguish these ensembles from a standard choir.
There are two Tutti ensembles, split by age. One includes children in second through sixth grade, while the other includes children in seventh through 12th grade.
During each choir practice, the children are taught a welcome song to help warm up their voices, as well as some music to work on pitch. Another song that the students work on during their time with Tutti is the national anthem, which they will be performing at a Cardinals game in October. Additionally, as winter approaches, they will start to learn some holiday music.
Benefits come for kids of all ages who join this choir, both musically and personally. Not only will Tutti help children gain more musical experience and become better musicians, but the program will also help them grow into more well-rounded people, by creating understanding between kids with and without disabilities.
The main message that Anne wants to send is that Tutti is for everyone; it’s a place to build relationships, meet new people, and form a community. She points out that the word Tutti means “all voices together.”
Tutti is not audition-based, which sets it apart from other choirs.
Meetings are held Wednesday evenings at Madison No. 1 Middle School, located at 5525 N. 16th St., in Phoenix, starting on Sept. 4. To help out, parents can volunteer backstage to assist the kids before performances.
For more information, visit phoenixchildrenschorus.org/tutti.
Naya Seth, 14 years old, loves to read and write. She is a member of the National Charity League and enjoys participating in various philanthropy activities.
DESERT NEURODEVELOPMENT
Kathleen D. Bree, PsyD, ABPdN, ASDCS
Dr. Bree partners with families to help parents develop a deep, meaningful understanding of their child’s unique way of being. Each comprehensive evaluation offers individualized recommendations to help develop a solid plan to move forward and maximize the child’s potential.
Headliners
RISING STAR
Athlete, musician, artist –13-year-old Malakai Nicholas is a champion in the making.
By Marisol Acosta
Photos courtesy of the Nicholas family
At 13 years old, Malakai Nicholas has his sights set on greatness. With a passion for learning new things and embracing athleticism, it's clear Malakai is on the fast track to becoming a champion.
As a middle schooler in Buckeye, the first steps on his journey to greatness began when he was 5 years old. His parents took him to try out the famous Brazilian martial art of Capoeira, and he began to really enjoy it. Being involved in a fighting style that was so interesting made Malakai aspire to improve.
Throughout the years, he leveled up and grew in the discipline. But his penchant for learning something new didn’t stop there. Music called to him, and he soon began a class in percussion. While most think of drums when they hear the word percussion, it also includes the xylophone, an instrument he has become quite skilled at!
Through his school, he learned there was a fencing club. Not being one to shy away from a new experience, he decided to give it a try. Within two short years, Malakai was competing in the sport and recently had a strong showing at the 2024 Fourth Annual Las Vegas Epee Only RYC/RJC in the Youth 14 Men’s Epee division,
demonstrating his dedication and high level of skill in the sport. He hopes to go to the Olympics one day!
At 11 years old, club basketball came into his life. A few of his friends played, so it was really fun being able to spend time with them having this in common. Coach Everett Williams, owner of The Realest Academy Inc., was happy to share how driven, eager to learn, and focused Malakai is. “He’s very meticulous,” he says. “We had two or three months off, and he came back with new moves and footwork!” Being quite tall for his age also comes with an advantage. Playing the position of center and power forward has him blocking shots and making baskets, making him a key player on the team.
When Malakai isn’t shooting hoops, playing music, or playing sports, you can find him volunteering. After hearing of Camp Invention from his secondgrade teacher, he was happy to spend his summers volunteering at the STEM camp.
Throughout all of his incredible endeavors, Malakai is still able to carve out some time for himself. In his free time, he loves to draw and paint, a skill that runs in the family and one he says he learned from his grandmother, an artist.
Malakai hopes one day to get scholarships and go to college.
BUILDING CUSTOM ART Career Day
Brett Eichmann blends creativity and craftsmanship in woodworking.
Brett Eichmann
Profession: Woodworker
Age: 34
What do you do for a living?
I am a professional woodworker and general manager of Indivisible Hardwoods + Creative Customs. Our team of talented woodworkers excels at making a myriad of custom products, including bookcases, dressers, desks, floating shelves, built-in cabinetry, entertainment centers, and more. In addition to working with both interior designers and homeowners themselves to take a vision for a piece and make it a reality, we are a proud dealer of the best
woodworking tools in the region for fellow professionals and hobbyists alike. What type of training do you need to do your job?
There are several paths that lead to this profession, but I recommend taking advantage of wood shop or building classes if offered in middle school or high school as a start. ASU has a woodworking program, so if you take it in secondary school and still love it, then look into that program or a trade program here in town. There are also a myriad chances to apprentice once you get a little training under your belt.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
There is nothing like having a customer come in with a vision – usually from a magazine or something they scribbled on a piece of paper or just something in their mind – for a piece that they want and then sitting with them and together making it come to life. From bouncing ideas off of each other to sharing my expertise as it relates to a cut or type of wood or new technique, the entire creative process is a true joy.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
My dad was a mechanic and amateur handyman, so I was always working with my hands as well. I vividly remember getting hand tools to use at just 10 years old and eventually got into power tools when I got a bit older. In high school, I took wood shop,
where I got to make my first cabinet, and soon wanted to flex my creativity a bit more so taught myself drafting and how to design by hand. After high school, I moved from Illinois to Arizona to attend ASU, where I started in business management, unaware there was a wood sculpture program on campus until walking around one day and hearing the unmistakably sound of a power saw. I ended up studying with the school of art as well as business, eventually collaborating with ASU on its Common Shop, a combination campus wood shop, metals lab, textiles classroom, and screenprinting classroom. So, I’ve truly been focused on wood since elementary school and never stopped!
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
In addition to all I noted above, definitely get a mentor. I was lucky enough to mentor under Professor Tom Eckert at ASU, who helped open my mind that woodworking was as much art as science, allowing me to become a true creator of one-of-a-kind and functional art pieces as an adult.
One fun fact NOT about your job?
My wife and I are building our dream home. And I mean this literally. We bought 40 acres outside Flagstaff and together are physically designing and building the house using our four hands over the next several years. Our only other help is our baby, Millie, who we joke is our foreman.
By Morgan Willis and Ryan Martin, Scouts of the Year at Grand Canyon Council, Scouting America
Scouting is fun! It’s a hands-on adventure that lets kids explore the outdoors, learn new skills, and to get you away from too much screen time your parents are always bugging you about. Through Scouting America, girls and boys are empowered to go on epic adventures, try new activities, and create long-lasting friendships, all while earning unique skills and cool merit badges along the way.
Scouting prepares kids of all ages just like you to be brave, helpful, trustworthy, friendly, and so much more! Whether you’re adventurous or cautious, whether you’re shy or outgoing, Scouting has a spot for you.
IF YOU THINK YOU’D LIKE TO BE A SCOUT, ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS:
Do you like adventures?
Have you ever dreamed of camping under the stars, hiking on mountains with amazing views, or mastering cool outdoor skills? As a Scout in the local Grand Canyon Council of Scouting America, you can do all this and more. The best thing about Scouting is that you get to discover your own path.
During the summer you might visit camp and learn how to shoot a bow and arrow, or how to tie knots, go on horseback rides, fish, and so much more! During the school year, you can also adventure close to home through impactful service projects, campouts, or other fun group activities. One week you might visit
the Phoenix Zoo to learn about environmental conservation efforts, the next you might head to a local charity to drop off food you’ve collected for those in need.
One of our favorite activities that Scouts do is the Pinewood Derby, where you design, build, and race your very own miniature race car on a fast track.
By trying all these activities and more, you might just uncover a new passion or a hidden skill. What is certain is that each day as a Scout is packed with fun adventures.
Do you want to meet other kids and make new friends?
One of the most meaningful parts of joining Scouting are the incredible friendships you'll make along the way. From campfire stories to group projects, teamwork with pack members to overcome challenges and learn new things is an important part of Scouting. As you participate in new and challenging activities, you’ll naturally develop a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood with your pack.
Your pack is part of a supportive community that brings together kids from different schools, neighborhoods, and backgrounds. During summer camp, you’ll also be able to meet and hang out with Scouts from different cities in and outside of Arizona. Many Scouts say the friends they make in Scouting become some of their best friends for life!
Do you want to participate in fun activities all year round?
Scouting with the Grand Canyon Council offers fun activities and chances to earn Merit Badges all year round. Merit Badges are
patches Scouts add to their uniforms after they show they have mastered a skill or area of study. Scouts can earn badges through outdoor skills as well as practical lessons such as first aid and cooking. They are not just symbols of achievement but opportunities to learn and grow in areas you are passionate about. For example, for kids interested in the stars and space, the Astronomy Badge will introduce them to constellations and the mysteries of the night sky. The Wilderness Survival Badge is given to those who master shelter-building and navigation skills in the great outdoors.
High adventure camping takes excitement to the next level with thrilling experiences in the scenic wilderness and exciting activities at any of our four amazing camps in Arizona. Throughout the year, Scouts can go hiking, rock climbing, and participate in shooting sports, as well as winter snow sports and summer water activities. Whether it is embarking on a canoeing expedition or checking out a national park, the Scouts are always up to something new and exciting.
If you're drawn to outdoor exploration, lifelong friendships, or community service, Scouting provides a supportive environment where you can thrive. Explore new skills, earn badges, and create lasting memories while making a positive impact on yourself, your family, and your community! Discover your path through Scouting and embark on a journey filled with fun!
For more information and to start your Scouting journey today, check out ScoutingAZ.com.
WHAT THESE SCOUTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT SCOUTING:
Morgan Willis
“Some of my greatest memories are with my Scouting friends. Through a variety of scouting programs, I have been able to go on a ton of different adventures across the country with incredible people. I love getting to explore and see new things with my Scouting family, and I'm so grateful for all the opportunities Scouting has given me.
Without all the Scouting programs and opportunities that I've had the pleasure of participating in, I would not be the person I am today and I would not have had so many amazing memories to look back on.”
Ryan Martin
“Scouting has allowed me to make lifelong friendships, change hundreds of lives through education, and has pushed me to achieve goals I never thought possible. Cub Scouts taught me how to live my life by the scout oath and law giving me a foundation to build off.
Most importantly, it gave me a sense of belonging. Cub Scouts forced me to come out of my shell and it allowed me to explore passions I still pursue today. A once-a-week meeting is such a small amount of time to pay for memories that will last a lifetime.”
BOOK CLUB Brain Play
THE JOY OF BILINGUAL PICTURE BOOKS
By Amy of Maricopa County Library District
Not only are bilingual picture books a great tool for language learning, but they are also just plain fun to read! “Green is a Chile Pepper” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong is a popular bilingual picture book that takes readers on a tour of a Latino neighborhood introducing colors in both English and Spanish. The cadence and events of the book will make this a must-read at your family story times! If you are looking for something similar, here are a couple of my favorite bilingual picture books:
“GATO GUAPO” BY ANIKA ALDAMUY DENISE
Gato Guapo is a handsome cat stylishly dressed in a top hat, vest, and boots. He has nine siblings but each time he stops to count them, one of them has gone missing along with a piece of his clothing!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
This counting book is a great way to introduce numbers in Spanish, complete with a Spanish word list at the end of the book!
“PALETERO MAN” BY LUCKY DIAZ
A little boy runs through the neighborhood in order to get his favorite paleta (ice pop). He zooms past the Korean barbeque restaurant, the tamale vendor, and the bike shop, following the sound of Paletero José’s ringing bell.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
The rhyming English/Spanish text combined with the bright illustrations make this a wonderful read!
“I’M
HUNGRY! ¡TENGO HAMBRE!” BY ANGELA DOMINGUEZ
This picture book features a conversation between a blue bird and a hungry orange dinosaur. The bird, speaking in English, offers up snack suggestions. The dinosaur, speaking in Spanish, rejects all of the bird’s offers. After a silly misunderstanding, they both agree on a perfect snack!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
Told in easy to follow color-coded dialogue, this is an entertaining story about food and friendship that will keep your kids smiling!
Amy is a librarian with the Maricopa County Library District. Growing up some of her favorite books were the “Ramona” books by Beverly Cleary and the picture book, “May I Bring a Friend?” by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers.
KID BOOK REVIEWER - MANU
“DEAR GIRL,”
AUTHOR: Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
GENRE: Non-fiction
AGES: 3 - 7
SYNOPSIS: This book tells all the wonderful things about you and when you think you need a message you can flip to any random page in the book, and it will probably cheer you up or help you make the right choice to handle a challenge.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: I like that this book is very positive, and you can always look to it for a reminder.
“ALL ABOUT THE BRAIN”
AUTHOR: Dr. Gabriel Dabscheck
GENRE: Non-fiction
AGES: 4 - 8
SYNOPSIS: This book is about the brain and teaches you amazing facts like jellyfish don’t have brains, being with friends and family is good for your brain and health too because what makes you happy makes your brain happy. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: This is the second book in this non-fiction series. I like that this book has fun facts and really cool illustrations, so that it’s not boring for kids wanting to understand the way our amazing bodies work.
“BAILEY’S STORY: A PUPPY TALE”
AUTHOR: W. Bruce Cameron
GENRE: Fiction
AGES: 4 - 6
SYNOPSIS: This book is about a dog named Bailey. He lives with a boy named Ethan. Bailey protects Ethan and keeps him safe. No matter what challenge Ethan goes through, Bailey is there to help and protect him.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: I like that Bailey is so cute and the story is so sweet. This is one of the many books in a series. I want to finish the entire “A Puppy Tale” series. I think that Bailey’s story is interesting and I would recommend it to dog lovers everywhere.
Eight-year-old Manu is the proud owner of her very own book club, where stories come alive. Curious by nature, she explores both the world of books and the wonders of nature with equal zeal. Manu's empathy and kindness shine brightly, lighting up the lives of everyone she meets. Check more of her book recommendations on Instagram at @ alwaysastorybook and book club at @md.book.club.
Harness the Sun Brain Play
TURN AN ORDINARY BOX INTO A SOLAR-POWERED S'MORES MAKER!
Who needs a fancy kitchen when the sun can do the cooking for you? This easy and fun activity lets you harness the power of the sun to create a tasty treat. It's a fantastic way to learn about science while having a blast in your backyard.
WHAT YOU NEED
• A cardboard box (like a pizza box)
• Aluminum foil
• Matte black construction paper
• Cling film (plastic wrap)
• Marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers (or other food, but avoid raw meat)
SOLAR OVEN FUN
1. Prep the Box: Line the inside of the box lid with aluminum foil, shiny side up. This will reflect the sunlight. Cover the bottom of the box with matte black paper, which will absorb the heat.
2. Set Up Your Food: Place graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows (or chosen food) inside the box. You may want to experiment with and without a plate.
3. Catch the Sun: Position the box so it faces the sun. Adjust the lid so it reflects the sunlight directly onto the food.
4. Cover and Cook: You may want to cover the inside base of the box with cling film to keep your food clean. Wait for about 20 minutes, and voilà, your s'mores will be ready.
SOLAR SCIENCE IN ACTION
As your solar oven cooks your food, it’s also teaching you some cool science principles:
• Heat Absorption: The matte black paper absorbs the heat, helping to cook your food.
• Reflection: The aluminum foil reflects sunlight onto the food, increasing the temperature.
• Conduction: The heat is transferred from the foil to the food, just like in a real oven.
EXTRA EXPERIMENTS
Want to take your solar cooking to the next level? Try these fun experiments:
• Crayon Meltdown: Place a crayon on a shiny metal plate and another on a plastic plate. Which one melts faster? Why do you think that is?
• Plate Colors: Does food heat up faster on a black plate or a white plate? Why?
• Design Upgrades: Think about how you could improve your solar oven. Maybe a hinge for the lid or extra insulation?
In the intense sunshine of the Valley summer, your solar oven will work wonders. So, gather your materials and let the sun turn your backyard into a fun and educational cooking adventure. Enjoy your delicious solarcooked creations!
Brain Play just for fun
JOKES
Orangutans are about seven times stronger than an average human, have a bite force about four times as strong, and can run nearly twice as fast.
What did the left eye say to the right eye?
The tongue is made up of eight interlocking, striated muscles, making it extremely flexible and agile.
Starfish have an eye at the end of each arm.
Fruit Salad Trees
Moonquakes are vibrations that arise on the moon’s surface, similar to earthquakes. They can be caused by the tidal pull of Earth on the moon, meteor impacts, or the change in temperature on the surface of the moon.
A “fruit salad tree" might sound like a made-up plant, but it's actually real. Just like a fruit salad mix, these trees pack four or five kinds of fruits onto the same tree, giving it a whimsical look when harvest season nears. Different varieties of related fruits, such as cherries, apricots, plums, and nectarines, are grafted onto a single rootstock, making it practical for those with limited growing space.
GIVEAWAY SWEETEST ADVENTURE GIVEAWAY!
Are you ready for the ultimate candyfilled escapade? Get ready to dive into a world of pure imagination at Candytopia! We’re giving away a fourpack of tickets (two adult tickets and two kid tickets) to this one-of-a-kind sensory adventure at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Explore 11,000 square feet of interactive environments, Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and delectable, sweet treats. Dive into a marshmallow ball pit, admire candy sculptures in the art gallery, and have a blast in the confetti room with confetti-farting pigs! Along the way, collect various free sweets that will make your
taste buds dance with joy. Candytopia runs through the fall, and you can use your tickets whenever you like for an unforgettable adventure.
To enter, email hello@epickidsaz.com with “I WANT TO GO TO CANDYTOPIA” before 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 25. For more information about this fun experience, visit candytopia.com.
CONTEST WINNERS
Over summer break, we gave away two sets of tickets to the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party at Desert Diamond Areana. Congratulations to the Jenkins and Preisner families for winning the tickets!
Brain Play
Solution on page 15.
Jenkins family.
Preisner family.
August 2024 What's Happening
DISNEY “MY SON PINOCCHIO JR.”
When: Aug. 9 – Sept. 1
Where: Theater Works, 10580 N. 83rd Dr., Peoria
What: Disney “My Son Pinocchio Jr..” is a 60-minute YouthWorks musical that retells the classic Disney story of "Pinocchio" from Geppetto’s perspective. The musical features beloved songs like “When You Wish Upon a Star” and "I’ve Got No Strings,” alongside a host of new songs by Oscar winner and Grammy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz. Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli, and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond the toyshop to discover the meaning of family.
Info: theaterworks.org/events/pinocchio
“THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME”
When: Aug. 9 – 25
Where: Herberger Theater, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix
What: Valley Youth Theatre presents “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” based on the
Victor Hugo novel with songs from the Disney animated feature of the same name.
Info: herbergertheater.org
SCIENCE POP-UP LAB
When: Aug. 17
Where: Chaparral Park, 5401 Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
What: Join in for a fun and educational event and explore the wonders of science through hands-on experiments and activities. Get ready to learn and have a blast with instructors Professor Bubbles and Dr. Fizzpoop.
Info: seasonsville.com
FAMILY WORKSHOP: ALL ABOUT BIRD NESTS
When: Aug. 17
Where: Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, 3131 S. Central Ave., Phoenix
What: Uncover the secrets of bird nests and learn how birds build their nests in
different shapes and sizes. Discover the tricks they use to protect themselves from the weather and predators and build your own nest with natural materials.
Info: riosalado.audubon.org
UNICORN WORLD
When: Aug. 17 & 18
Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale
What: The only experience that lets you get up close to life-like and lifesize unicorns, Unicorn World transports guests to a magical world. From meeting unique, animatronic unicorns, to exploring the enchanted forest, to unicorn themed arts and crafts, unicorn stories at the reading corner, dancing in the play area, to capturing memories at picture perfect spots, and visiting Rainbow Acres’ unicorn stables, it’s an enchanting experience.
Info: theunicornworld.com
PHXART FAMILY FUNDAY
When: Aug. 18
Where: Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
What: Four times a year, the Phoenix Art Museum hosts PhxArt Family Fundays, an all-ages, free-access day with complimentary admission to every gallery and exhibition, along with art making, live performances, artist demonstrations, and hands-on experiences suitable for visitors of all ages, interests, and abilities. Info: phxart.org/familyfunday
"OLD MACDONALD"
When: Aug. 22 – Sept. 1
Where: Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
What: That famous farmer and his animal friends are singing their favorite songs and having tons of fun on the farm. This delightful show is performed with rod puppets, features toddler friendly music, and is great sing-along fun. Recommended for ages 2 to 8.
Info: azpuppets.org
FULL STEAM AHEAD: FREE FAMILY SUMMER SATURDAY
When: Aug. 24
Where: Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
What: Join fellow scientists for a day of activities connected to science, technology,
engineering, art, and mathematics. This free day of family-friendly fun includes making STEAM-based art, learning about solar cars, an in-gallery art search, and more. Info: heard.org
FOAM
FRENZY
When: Aug. 31 – Sept. 2
Where: Arizona Boardwalk, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale
What: Labor Day weekend, beat the heat with a free Foam Frenzy party in the Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard. Enjoy endless foam parties, classic fire truck water play, photo ops, a water squirter battle zone, and other fun water activities. Don’t forget your water shoes and sunscreen.
