Kids’ Corner

As parents and caregivers, we are constantly looking for opportunities to help our children grow and learn in creative, innovative ways. This is especially true these days while kids are largely stuck at home during the ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fostering a love of art, creativity, and scientific exploration is a great way to keep your youngsters thinking and growing mentally, socially, intellectually, and emotionally. No matter how you encourage your children to express themselves and their interests, the act of creating and learning will help your child grow and develop.

Fortunately for us, Arizona is home to some of the most unique sights to see and places to visit in the world. Most of the local museums are temporarily closed, but if you want to get the kids out of the house for a while and do something fun and educational, we found a few local venues that are open to the public right now. Be sure to call ahead or check them out online before you go, but these businesses are currently welcoming visitors, so put on your masks and give them your support.

Founded in 1929, the Heard is internationally recognized for the superior quality of its collections, world-class exhibitions, educational programming, and unrivaled festivals. The museum has one of the largest and most outstanding collections of American Indian artwork in the country. It includes historic, cultural, and fine art collections of more than 3,600 pieces, and extensive documentation of the development of the American Indian Fine Art Movement, starting in the 20th century.

The Heard is dedicated to the advancement of American Indian art. The museum presents stories of American Indian people from a first-person perspective and exhibits that showcase the beauty and vitality of traditional and contemporary Native American art. The Heard Museum is a Phoenix treasure that provides visitors with a unique perspective of our cultural heritage in the Southwest. It’s a one-of-a-kind attraction and a must-see museum, welcoming visitors in difficult times to share in its wonders.

Known as “Arizona’s Most Western Museum,” the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg is a state-of-the-art museum open to visitors year-round. The museum is less than an hour from most North Phoenix locations and displays a collection of more than 400 works of art about the American West by artists such as Frederick Remington, Charles Russell, and Joe Beeler. It also showcases historical exhibits depicting turn-of-the-century Wickenburg, and has special features for kids, like the “Out on the Ranch” exhibit. An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, the Desert Caballeros Western Museum is definitely worth visiting and a great day trip to get the family out and about while still keeping cool indoors during the summer.

The state of the art OdySea Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Southwest. It boasts two million gallons of water, 60 exhibits, and over 30,000 sea creatures, not to mention one of the best shark-watching restrooms in the Valley. It is best to buy your tickets online in advance, to check hours, get discounts, and avoid waiting in long lines. OdySea is worth the visit and a great place to get the kids out of the house and escape the heat.

Each of these attractions provides you with an opportunity to have a change of scenery, while staying cool and continuing to encourage your kids’ interest in art, culture, science, and history unique to our area. If you’re low on funds, see if you can check out a Culture Pass at your local library for free admission for two at participating arts and cultural institutions (available first come, first served). Also, be sure to check Ladybug’s Blog at ladybugsblog.com for a more ideas for great places to get your kids out of the house to enjoy world-class arts and culture in the Valley of the Sun.

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When you talk to Sherry Scott about her new venture, Goldfish Swim School – North Scottsdale, you can hear the excitement in her voice. This month, the state-of-the-art swimming facility dedicated to teaching children as young as four months to swim, opens its doors at the Scottsdale 101 Shopping Center (7000 E. Mayo Boulevard). The school is the first Arizona-based franchise of the popular national chain and Scott, its owner and general manager, is excited to bring the concept to the Valley.

“Instilling confidence in children is such a rewarding experience and we are grateful to have the opportunity to bring such an incredible and necessary business like Goldfish Swim School to the Scottsdale community,” Scott says. “Swimming is a lifesaving skill every child deserves to have access to and Goldfish Swim School has found a way to make it fun and memorable for children.” At Goldfish, children ages four months to 12 years old sign up for weekly swim lessons. These lessons take place in an indoor, 90-degree pool, that is 70- by 25-feet and holds 8,700 square feet of water. Lessons are provided seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, and are ongoing throughout the year—meaning you don’t need to worry about your child having to relearn how to swim every summer.

“Each school offers swim lessons and programs using a proprietary philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment,” according to Goldfish Swim Schools. “Each school’s number one focus and main priority is always the same – educating children on water safety while teaching them how to swim and respect the water.”

Scott shares that Goldfish Swim School operates with busy families in mind. For example, she explains, parents and caregivers can download an app and, if they cannot make a class, they can easily let Goldfish know with the click of a button. The school also allows multiple make up classes, doing its best to accommodate its customers.

Another benefit of Goldfish Swim School to parents of little ones are its “Mommy and Me” style classes where caregivers can get in the water with their littlest swimmers. Scott shares that one unique perk is that, if a young swimmer is able to safely be in the water without a caregiver, then mom and dad don’t need to get in.

In addition to highly qualified swim instructors, all of whom are background checked, the pool has a lifeguard on duty at all times whose sole job it is to watch the water. “Added to the lifeguard, every 30 days, our team will do an in-service training to learn how to handle different water emergencies,” Scott says.

With COVID-19 at the top of everyone’s minds, Scott assures that Goldfish Swim School – North Scottsdale is taking all of the precautions necessary. She notes that all swim instructors will have face shields, all swim lanes will be spaced properly apart, and only one parent or caregiver will be allowed in per student. Of course, all high touch surfaces will be sanitized multiple times per day.

Scott’s journey to owning and managing a Goldfish Swim School location here in the Valley began in 2018. Entrepreneurship is nothing new to the long-time Scottsdale resident as she and her husband own Cute Smiles 4 Kids & Orthodontics, with 17 doctors and four locations in Arizona and Texas.

“I’ve helped grow our dental practices from the ground up, so I am passionate about the health of children and the communities we do business in,” she says. “Goldfish Swim School is my ‘baby’ though and I am so excited to be a part of the franchise.”

Scott shares that she is passionate about the brand because “Goldfish is so much more than just a swim school.”

PHOTO BY FLYING ROBOT @FRAERIALS

She says the bright colors, friendly atmosphere, and details—even down to the changing rooms—are geared toward their young swimmers.

The school perhaps puts it best: “You feel it the moment you walk in. Something different. It’s more than vibrant colors chosen to inspire kids. More than a curriculum crafted to not only teach kids to swim but also to build their character through guided play. More than a shiver-free pool heated to 90 degrees. There’s something more. Something unexpected. Something beyond typical. It’s passion. Not just a passion for kids or a passion for swimming; it’s a special passion for changing – even saving – lives by teaching kids to swim and be safer in and around the water.”

Goldfish Swim School plans for the North Scottsdale location to be the first of many Arizona-based franchise locales. With 100 locations open and operating across North America and an additional 129 in development, Goldfish Swim School is continuing its rapid franchise development with eyes on Arizona, according to the company.

“The positive business climate and communityfocused neighborhoods directly align with the supportive atmosphere of our schools – making the region an ideal expansion market for Goldfish Swim School,” says Dan Israel, vice president of franchising at Goldfish Swim School.

In addition to its swim classes, Goldfish also offers special events like birthday parties. “Members and their party will be able to have the entire pool to themselves, with plenty of room to space out and swim safely,” she explains.

As the space grows, it will offer accelerated Jump Start Clinics and Goldfish Swim Force Team, catered to swimmers who have completed the Goldfish Pro Level.

Since Goldfish Swim School – North Scottsdale is new to the area, Scott says she is offering several new member specials. For example, for those who pay a year in advance for a Charter Membership, they will receive credit for a free party and their child’s handprint on the wall. Those who pre-pay six months in advance for the Golden Membership will receive 50 percent off of a party.

Scott invites curious families to come in once they open their doors on August 5 and take a look around the facility. They will also host community open houses; locals can find the event dates and times on Goldfish Swim School – North Scottsdale’s Facebook page @goldfishnorthscottsdale.

“I’m so passionate about this brand and all it represents and brings to the community,” Scott shares. “I’m honored and excited to share Goldfish Swim School with local families.”

To learn more, visit goldfishswimschool.com/northscottsdale or call 480-470-8231.

PHOTO BY FLYING ROBOT @FRAERIALS

Goldfish Swim School is the premier learn-to-swim facility for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. We use our holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. Coming August 2020!

• FREE MAKE-UP LESSONS • 30-MINUTE WEEKLY LESSONS

• SHIVER-FREE, 90-DEGREE POOL • CLIMATE-CONTROLLED INDOOR FACILITY

Visit our website to enroll TODAY!

7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Suite 26 | Phoenix, AZ 85054 goldfishswimschool.com |