Kids’ Corner

KIDS AND BASEBALL: TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!

By Jill “MamaBug” Frier

Baseball season has arrived! Our family loves to go to baseball games. Not only does this activity let you get your kids out of the house, it also allows your family to see nature and science in action. Fresh air and bird watching abound, not to mention baseball statistics, field geometry and the aerodynamics of baseballs in action! Ladybug is a baseball kid and roots for the Arizona Diamondbacks like a pro. She is also learning more and more about America’s Greatest Pastime and the teams that play with each game we attend.

Baseball is a very kid-friendly sport. Most teams go out of their way to make sure that the whole family can enjoy a game together by providing activities and special extras just for kids. Take the time to find out what is available at your local ballpark before you go. Knowledge is power and can make your baseball adventure much more enjoyable.

One really cool aspect of baseball is how it can relate directly to science and mathematics. The Arizona Diamondbacks partnered with Chase and Insight in 2013 to develop and launch a program that promotes the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for kids in the Arizona education system. The Arizona Diamondbacks Science of Baseball, presented by Chase and Insight each season, has reached over 6000 students in 100 schools - just one more reason to love going to a baseball game in Phoenix.

To get the most fun out of taking your kid to a baseball game, consider the following before you go:

• Buy your

tickets in advance: Various prices and levels of tickets are available if you buy your tickets at the ballpark, but it’s a better idea to buy your tickets in advance so you know exactly what you’re getting. You can go online to pick your seat locations, stay within your price range, and make sure all of your seats are located together. The fewer surprises, the more fun for your family.

• Plan your parking strategy:

There are usually many different parking options for a ballpark, but they vary in price and distance. It’s a good idea to know where you plan to park before you go, so you know how early you need to get there before the game and how much you need to spend on parking. • Get there early: The parking, walking, waiting in lines and maneuvering your family into their seats takes time. There’s no way around it, so make it a point to get to the game early. Take a look at the ballpark information before you go, as the time they open the gates can vary from game to game. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat (especially if you are in Arizona), in the event you have to wait in line for the gates to open. • Plan your meals: Eating is one of the main activities we do at a baseball game. Chase Field has so many options, it can be hard to choose. It’s a good idea to think about your snacking or mealtime strategy before you go.

•Take time to explain the game:

One of the most important, and entertaining, aspects of going to a game with your kid is teaching them about the game itself. Explain scoring, hitting, running bases and teams. Older kids can get into stats and seasons.

• Bring a dose of patience:

Whenever you are having a fun adventure with your kids, be sure to bring your patience with you. Make time for bathroom breaks, sightseeing, snacks, activities and gift shop trips. Enjoy seeing your kids have fun and realize that they need breaks and rest to make this activity a memorable one.

Last but not least - have fun! Baseball is a game, and games are all about having fun. This should be a fun adventure with your kids - make it one of the lifetime memories for your whole family.

Be sure to check out Ladybug’s Blog for more articles and recommendations for fun things to do outside with kids everywhere in Arizona!

Milestones Charter School & Preschool

• Serving Northeast Phoenix families since 1999 • Tuition Free K - 8th Grade Charter School • Free Full Day Kindergarten • Experienced, Certified Teachers • Licensed Preschool Programs - Toddlers - KPrep • D.E.S. Childcare Certified • National School Lunch Program • Extended Day Programs • Summer Program

The primary mission of Milestones is to provide an educational experience of the highest quality, while offering a safe and unique environment. The Milestones education program features small classes taught by involved, caring teachers who are responsive to the growing and changing needs of students. The program is committed to challenging academic standards and strong character development.

www.milestonescharterschools.com 4707 E Robert E Lee Street • Phoenix, AZ 85032 (near Tatum & Union Hills) 602-404-1009

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CRAFT NIGHTS OFFERS HANDS ON FUN

Local entrepreneur, Heidi friends getting together for a night We have several templates for noon. All crafts are $15 for kids Koffman, and working of wine, a potluck, and crafting, String Art in addition to the state - it’s so fun to see them create! mom, Jen Racer, are excited became much more when Heidi of Arizona; like butterflies, hum- We also love birthday parties for to announce the launch of Craft and Jen realized they needed a mingbirds, pineapple (love this kids! Stay tuned for our upcoming Nights by The Hippie Hobby. With dedicated studio capable of hosting one!), a giant heart, cacti and so calendars as we add events such as a love of all things hippie, modern, more crafters than their homes. many others. We also have several “Family Day”, “Daddy/Kid Date retro, and crafting, Craft Nights templates for our Wood Sign Mak- Night” and “Mommy and Me” encourages creativity for people of “As our subscription box grew, Jen ing - our favorite (because we are nights. These will start in May! all ages. First born from a love of and I discussed looking for a studio dog lovers) is “Always be pawsithe 70’s when they launched their space. We decided we wanted to tive”, which you can turn into a DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE subscription box in 2015– they are really embrace how we began our leash holder! Or,because we live PARTIES? going back to their roots on how journey almost three years ago, on coffee “ But First Coffee” that Yup! We love them, and have they first started – ladies’ nights getting people together for wine we turn into a mug holder! There’s hosted quite a few already! You and wine! The BYOB (beer and and crafting. We found the perfect too many to choose from. And, of will want to email us to save your wine), DIY arts and crafts studio, space.” said Heidi Koffman, Co- course we have Paint Nights! space! We offer all types of private focuses on event-based craft nights Founder of The Hippie Hobby and parties from ladies’ night to team while bringing people together. Craft Nights by The Hippie Hobby. ARE YOU BYOB? building experiences! Get creative With a soft launch in late February, You know it! Not only are we dog with us! their doors are now open, with a WHAT KIND OF CRAFTS lovers and coffee fanatics - but we full calendar in April 2018. DO YOU HAVE AT YOUR STU- LOVE wine! Our studio is BYOB I’M A BEGINNER, AND DON’T DIO? on all classes or events after 4pm KNOW HOW TO CRAFT OR HOW DID CRAFT NIGHTS Some of the popular Craft Nights for beer and wine only! So come DO ANYTHING ARTISTIC...IS START? offered are String Art, Wood Sign on and have a glass with us! THAT OKAY? Craft Nights was created out of the Making, and Paint Nights. String Of course! We are instructor led for want and need for a little time to art is all the craze right now. Our ARE YOU KID FRIENDLY? all of our classes. There is absounwind for individuals needing to state of Arizona with a heart and Of course! We love kids! The third lutely no artistic ability needed for relax and get together with friends. a cactus is popular throughout Monday of every month from you to have fun and to learn. We What began as a small group of the state. All about Arizona love. 3pm--7pm is our Kidz Krafter- have great instructors who can’t

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wait to help you and guide you throughout your creative process.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

We are located at 10832 N 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85028 in the Shea Villiage Plaza - off 32nd street and Shea - in the same plaza as Bosa Donuts and Federico’s...next to Empower Wellness and Molly Maid.

HOW CAN WE CONTACT YOU?

Feel free to visit our calendar online - use code OPEN15 to get $15 off your next craft night! If you have specific questions, please email us at hello@thehippiehobby. com

Craft Nights by The Hippie Hobby is available for corporate team building on top of their BYOB craft nights for adults and friendshipbuilding summer camp for kids.

About Craft Nights by The Hippie Hobby

Craft Nights The Hippie Hobby was co-founded in 2018 by Heidi Koffman and Jen Racer as an extension to their thriving subscription box business, founded in 2015. Craft Nights encourages people of all ages to support their

creativity through crafting. An instructor guides all classes with no prior crafting experience necessary. With a full calendar available online at www.craftnights. com, you can choose your class and purchase tickets online. Open studio occurs the second Thursday of every month from 6pm-9pm, where they are open to the public with crafts starting at $25 and ranging up to $50. Kidz Krafternoon occurs the thirdMonday of every month from 3pm-6pm on a drop in basis with crafts starting at $15 for kids. Ladies’ Night is a pop up event, typically the last Wednesday of the month from 6pm-8pm for $25 (tickets are required).