RAK Magazine April 2019

raisingarizonakids.com APRIL 2019

A+ DESIGN:

MODERN KIDS SPACES EXPLORING NATIONAL PARKS Family conversation starters GOING FROM ONE TO TWO (OR MORE) KIDS 100+ family events, performances and fun runs Kya Sophia Kidd (4) of Goodyear.

Bath time.

Sleepy time.

College saving time.

The first step to helping their dreams come true is to make saving part of your routine.

The Fidelity Arizona College Savings Plan account offers tax-deferred growth, a state income tax deduction for residents, and no minimum to open an account.1 There’s also the Fidelity Investments 529 College Rewards® Visa Signature® Card, which lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back2 on everyday purchases. Rewards are deposited directly into your 529 account, making saving as routine as wash, rinse, repeat.

To learn more, or to open an account, visit

Fidelity.com/arizona

Managed by:

or call 800.544.1262.

Please carefully consider the plan’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing. For this and other information on any 529 college savings plan managed by Fidelity, contact Fidelity for a free Fact Kit, or view one online. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

The Fidelity Arizona College Savings Plan is offered by the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education and managed by Fidelity Investments. If you or the designated beneficiary is not an Arizona resident, you may want to consider, before investing, whether your state or the beneficiary’s home state offers its residents a plan with alternate state tax advantages or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.

Units of the portfolios are municipal securities and may be subject to market volatility and fluctuation.

The Fidelity Arizona College Savings Plan is not insured by the state of Arizona or Fidelity Investments, and neither the principal deposited nor the investment return is guaranteed by the state of Arizona or Fidelity Investments.

1 Zero account minimums apply to self-directed brokerage accounts only. Account minimums may apply to certain account types (e.g., managed accounts) and/or the purchase of some Fidelity mutual funds that have a minimum investment requirement. See https://www.fidelity.com/commissions and/or the fund’s prospectus for details.

2 You will earn 2 Points per dollar in eligible net purchases (net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns) that you charge. Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. Upon approval, refer to your Program Rules for additional information. You may not redeem Reward Points, and you will immediately lose all of your Reward Points, if your Account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, due to Program misuse, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). Reward Points will not expire as long as your Account remains open. Certain transactions are not eligible for Reward Points, including Advances (as defined in the Agreement, including wire transfers, travelers checks, money orders, foreign cash transactions, betting transactions, lottery tickets, and ATM disbursements), Annual Fee, convenience checks, balance transfers, unauthorized or fraudulent charges, overdraft advances, interest charges, fees, credit insurance charges, transactions to fund certain prepaid card products, U.S. Mint purchases, or transactions to purchase cash convertible items. The 2% cash back rewards value applies only to Points redeemed for a deposit into an eligible Fidelity account. The redemption value is different if you choose to redeem your Points for other rewards such as travel options, merchandise, gift cards, and/or statement credit. Other restrictions apply. Full details appear in the Program Rules new card customers receive with their card. Establishment or ownership of a Fidelity account or other relationship with Fidelity Investments is not required to obtain a card or to be eligible to use Points to obtain any rewards offered under the program other than Fidelity Rewards.

The creditor and issuer of the Fidelity Investments 529 College Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is Elan Financial Services, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. The Fidelity Investments and pyramid design logo is a registered service mark of FMR LLC. Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917. © 2018 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 790731.4.0

contents

April 2019 FEATURES 14

A+ Kids Design

Chandler interior designer Jo Gick loves creating cool, modern kids spaces. A finalist on NBC’s recent crafting show “Making It,” Gick shares 10 tips for well-designed kids rooms filled with creativity, color and fun.

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Exploring national parks National Park Week is April 20-28. Lisa Van Loo shares why her family loves exploring the beauty of national parks in the Southwest and beyond.

DEPARTMENTS 2

14

dialogue

Spring cleaning

4

ages & stages

• Preschool expulsion • Tooth Fairy’s payout plunges, poll says • Scottsdale student wins Walk On! cooking challenge • National Infant Immunization Week

6

az grown

• Meow Wolf hotel and exhibition coming to Phoenix • 5 ways to celebrate Earth Day • Going from one to two kids • Family conversation starters • Sari on Science: Eggceptional egg tricks

20

family time!

• Top April events • Around Arizona • Onstage • On Exhibit • Easter events • Fun runs and walks

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18 COVER PHOTO: The Kidd family of Goodyear: Jonathan, Kya and Kelly.

first person

Find joy in little moments

COMING NEXT MONTH:

Essays on motherhood

PHOTOS BY ALLEN PATROU

RaisingARIZONAKids.com APRIL 2019

1

dialogue April 2019 | Vol 30 | No 2 Publisher Karen Davis Barr Editor Kara G. Morrison

Jo Gick designed this “Star Wars” inspired kids room.

Photo by John Woodcock.

Calendar Editor Carrie Wheeler Copy Editor Debra Citron Contributors Amy Carney, Sari Custer, Lisa Van Loo, Maggie Zehring Art Director Michèlle-Renée Adams Cover Photography Allen Patrou

Spring cleaning IN A FORMER LIFE, I edited the Home & Garden section at the Arizona Republic. Every so often, I’d dial up Jo Gick, co-owner of J & J Design Group in Phoenix, to pick her brain about good interior design and trends like Pantone’s Color of the Year. She always had great insights.

I wasn’t surprised to learn she’d been cast on NBC’s competitive crafting show “Making It,” hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, and I wasn’t surprised when she became a finalist.

Remembering how much fun Gick had designing kids rooms, I thought it was the perfect time — spring cleaning and refreshing season — to pop in and get some tips on creating modern kids rooms with more than a dose of color and whimsy. She reminded me of a couple things: First, good design ensures everything (necessary) has a dedicated space, and second, when kids are truly proud of and feel at home in their space, they often keep it clean, too! We hope you glean some inspiration from her tips and photos.

This month, Lisa Van Loo of Raising Outdoor Kids writes about child-appropriate ways to explore national parks in the Southwest.

It’s a good month to do so, because National Park Week is April 20-28. To celebrate, every national park offers free admission on April 20, which is also Junior Ranger Day. Van Loo reminds parents of fourth graders that every day during the school year can be a free admission day thanks to the Every Kid in a Park initiative

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that offers free admission to all fourth graders and their family members (all children ages 16 and younger and up to three adults). Start planning those trips now!

What parent hasn’t gotten the brush-off when asking a child, “How was your day?”

Amy Carney shares family conversation starters created by local entrepreneurs on a mission to make kids and families set aside smartphones and actually communicate. And Maggie Zehring shares parenting lessons she has learned — from hacks that make life easier when parenting more than one child to letting go of mom guilt when you miss witnessing a child’s early milestone.

Plus, we have a huge mix of spring family events in our Family Time pages. Fun runs, fairs and festivals across the state will keep you more than busy throughout the month.

Hopefully, April also will bring perfect weather after our colder-than-usual March.

Next up, we’re celebrating our Mother’s Day issue with essays on motherhood and some Q&As with local women in pretty big leadership roles. Then, it’s on to our Summer Survival Guide!

Operations Manager Tina Gerami-Bynum Sales & Media Consultants Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed

Contact Us: editorial@RAKmagazine.com familytime@RAKmagazine.com advertising@RAKmagazine.com subscriptions@RAKmagazine.com 5229 N. Seventh Ave. #102 Phoenix, AZ 85013-1974 P: 480–991–KIDS (5437) F: 480–991–5460 raisingarizonakids.com

in partnership with

Follow us! @RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine RAKmagazine

R aising Arizona Kids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share real-life stories about the challenges and joys of raising children. Copy­right © 2019 by R aising A rizona K ids, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

Subscription price is $12 for one year or $18 for two years. Back issues are $6 per copy. The Post Office will not automatically forward in the event of a move. Make address changes on our website or

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

mail changes to our office. Original, locally generated articles, illustrations and photographs are welcome.

Guide­lines are avail­able at raisingarizonakids.com.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com APRIL 2019

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ages & stages

Preschool expulsion:

THE BAD NEWS: Children are kicked out of preschool at three to 13 times the rate that kids get expelled from grades K-12, according to Walter Gilliam, director of The Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy at Yale University, who has been researching the trend for years.

The good news: States including Arizona are now tracking the trend and have put in place help for parents and training for daycare providers to help fix the problem.

Gilliam is working with Southwest Human Development in Phoenix to help lower expulsion rates and is concerned about the short- and long-term implications for both children and their parents. Race was also a factor in the national study, where preschool expulsion rates for minorities were significantly higher than for their white classmates.

“Children are very passionate beings. They need support of an adult to help them negotiate big emotions,” says Alison Steier, clinical director of mental health services at Southwest Human Development, adding expulsion flies in the face of what a quality preschool experience should be — a supportive environment. “ ‘You’re

ISTOCK

It’s a real problem.

But now there’s help

not on your own’ is the message (we should be giving) kids,” she explains. “If you expel a child, that reinforces a different message: ‘I’m not good enough, I don’t belong.’ ” Teachers surveyed nationally have given reasons for expulsion that include biting or aggressive behavior to zero-tolerance policies for things found in a child’s backpack, such bringing a toy water gun to school.

Steier and Southwest Human Development have worked with the State of Arizona to help

develop a statewide expulsion policy to better protect kids and families in need of childcare.

Parents whose children are facing expulsion from childcare can call the nonprofit’s Birth to Five Helpline for advice, resources and support at 877-705-5437.

Childcare professionals can also call the Helpline or visit birthtofivehelpline.org to request expulsion-prevention training, mental health consultation services and other resources.

Tooth Fairy’s payout for lost teeth dips this year, poll says THE TOOTH FAIRY got a little stingier this year, according to Delta Dental’s Original Tooth Fairy Poll, released every year in February.

The Tooth Fairy’s average cash gift declined by 10

APRIL 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Every December, Delta Dental conducts an email and online survey of more than 1,000 parents of children ages 6-12 (including those

percent to $3.70 for a lost tooth in the U.S., marking

without dental insurance). The survey, conducted

the second year of declining value for lost teeth. In last

since 1998, shows the value of a lost tooth is

year’s poll, the average gift from the Tooth Fairy was

closely related to the U.S. economy. For 14 of

$4.13, which was down from an all-time high of $4.66

the past 17 years, the trend in average giving

the year before, according to the poll.

has tracked with the movement of the S&P 500.

First teeth still pull in more than the average,

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with payout for a first lost tooth at nearly $5!

theoriginaltoothfairypoll.com

9-year-old Scottsdale student wins

NATIONAL INFANT IMMUNIZATION WEEK

WALK ON! KIDS COOKING CHALLENGE

DAVID HUMMERT, a 9-year-old from Sonoran Sky Elementary School in Scottsdale, won Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s 2019 Walk On! Kids Cooking Challenge with his “Broccolini Pasta” dish.

“I entered the Walk On! Kids Cooking Challenge because I have a really good pasta, and I wanted to win a new bike,” says Hummert, who did win a bike and safety gear.

“My Broccolini Pasta is filled with lots of good veggies, and it still tastes good! I can’t wait for everyone to try it.”

Every January, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona invites Arizona kids ages 9-12 to submit original healthy side-dish recipes. Recipes must include at least one fruit or vegetable, and be easy enough to prepare in 20 minutes or less.

“This year’s recipe submissions were so diverse and creative --- from deviled eggs stuffed with guacamole to carrots sautéed with dill and thyme --- we just couldn’t get over them,” said Myrna Collins, health promotion executive at BCBSAZ. “What I really like about David’s Broccolini Pasta is that when it is made with whole-grain pasta, this is a yummy and nutrition-dense dish comprised of low-

glycemic veggies and whole grain.”

The 14th annual Walk On! Kids Cooking Challenge is part of a free month-long health and fitness challenge for schools held each February. Kids who participate pledge to reach a goal of eating five fruits and veggies, getting an hour of physical activity with no more than two hours of screen time, and drinking water instead of sugary drinks every day. BCBSAZ designed the program to help fourth- and fifth-grade students adopt healthy habits to combat rising childhood obesity rates. Learn more and download all the finalists’ recipes at walkonaz.com

Broccolini Pasta

By David Hummert, Age 9

Ingredients: • 12 ozs whole-grain spaghetti • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 small heads broccolini, the tree part cut into large pieces and the stems diced

• 1/2 onion diced • 1 zucchini diced • 4 ozs sundried tomatoes in olive oil • 4 tbsps shredded parmesan cheese

Directions: 1. Prepare spaghetti following instructions on package. Add a little olive oil so that the pasta doesn’t stick and salt the water a little.

2. When the pasta is ready, drain in a colander and cover with a paper towel to keep warm.

3. While the pasta is cooking, saute the zucchini, onion and broccolini stems on medium-low heat in a large pan.

4. Stir while they brown for about 5-7 minutes.

5. Then, add the broccolini “trees” and saute for 4 minutes until cooked, then add the sundried tomatoes to the large saute pan. Stir all together.

6. Add the pasta into the large saute pan and stir together with the vegetable mixture.

7. Top with parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serves: 4

THIS YEAR MARKS the 25th anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week, which is celebrated April 27-May 4. The week — celebrated as part of World Immunization Week ­— is meant to highlight the progress vaccines have made in the United States and around the world reducing infant death and disability caused by preventable diseases.

The anniversary comes as several states, including Arizona, have considered legislation making it easier to opt out of immunizations, even as the incidence of measles — a disease that was considered eradicated in the United States in 2000 — has risen.

So far in 2019, more than 220 cases of measles have been confirmed in 13 states, including one in Arizona, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2015, Arizona was affected by a large (147 cases), multi-state measles outbreak linked to Disneyland. Among those who became sick with measles in that outbreak were babies too young to be vaccinated. Health officials are increasingly concerned about what a big outbreak would do in Phoenix, America’s fifth largest city.

Immunizations protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age 2. According to the CDC, routine childhood immunization in one birth cohort (a group of people born during a particular period or year) prevents an estimated 381 million illnesses, 24.5 million hospitalizations and 855,000 early deaths.

Parents and caregivers can call 800232-4636 to locate a facility that offers immunizations through the Vaccines for Children program, a federally funded program that provides vaccinations at no cost to children whose parents cannot afford to pay for them. Parents can also locate local clinics via the Arizona Partnership for Immunization at 602288-7568. Visit cdc.gov/vaccines or whyimmunize.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com APRIL 2019

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az grown good to know

Immersive

MEOW WOLF HOTEL and EXHIBITION

THE SANTA FE-BASED MEOW WOLF art collective recently announced a project that will bring a Meow Wolf exhibition and hotel concept to downtown Phoenix in a few years.

Launched in March 2016 with support from “Game of Thrones” creator George R.R. Martin, the Meow Wolf House of Eternal Return in Santa Fe is an interactive, immersive art project where guests discover a multidimensional mystery house with secret passages, portals to magical worlds, climbing apparatus and surreal, maximalist and mesmerizing art exhibits — along with a children’s learning center, music venue and cafe. (Through April 21, Meow Wolf and Santa Fe tourism venues are offering deals to entice families to the city during a Kids Free Spring Break promotion.)

Meow Wolf is expanding into Las Vegas this year and plans to open in Denver in 2020 and in Washington, D.C., in 2022. There’s no set opening date for the Phoenix hotel, which has been described as a “multi-year project.”

The hotel will be in partnership with True North Studio, a development firm with offices in Phoenix and Chicago.

The 400-room hotel — to be located at 817 N. Third St. in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in downtown Phoenix — will have a 75,000-square-foot exhibition area and a 10,000-square-foot music and performance venue. Hotel rooms will be designed by local artists and will explore all forms of overnight experiences, including “faux glamping, capsule rooms, communal hostel environments, absurd luxury suites, as well as lodging inside of the art exhibition itself” according to a press release.

“Guests are always asking about staying overnight inside of our House of Eternal Return project in Santa Fe, so doing an intertwined exhibition and hotel just made sense to us,” Meow Wolf CEO and co-founder Vince Kadlubek said in a statement. “Our partnership with True North Studio in Phoenix is a perfect opportunity to explore this wild concept. Our intention for this venture is to collaborate with the creative community in greater Phoenix to produce an authentic, local statement of expression which will bring further excitement and creative energy to the Roosevelt Row Arts District.” Learn more at meowwolf.com

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APRIL 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

COURTESY OF MEOW WOLF

coming to Phoenix

RAWPIXEL

5EARTH DAY ways to celebrate

APRIL 22 MARKS THE 49TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY — a day to honor the environment that was first organized in response to a massive oil spill near Santa Barbara, California. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about recycling, new energy-saving technology and more. There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate, with fun and educational events across the Valley.

1. EARTH DAY AT THE PHOENIX ZOO (APRIL 13). “Party for the Planet” with earth-friendly games, activities and entertainment, plus a Hug-A-Tree station, bubble making, sheep shearing and face painting.

455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800 or phoenixzoo.org 2. READ “THE LORAX” with your kids. This Dr. Seuss classic is a cautionary tale with a strong environmental message that remains timely. Follow it up with the 2012 Universal Pictures animated movie — one that embraces but embellishes Seuss’s story and explores why greed continues to trump conscience.

Sleep right for a good night.

3. PLANT SOMETHING. Sign up for a gardening class at the Desert Botanical Garden or through Maricopa County’s Master Gardener program. dbg.org or extension.arizona.edu 4. EARTH DAY PHOENIX (APRIL 22). Light Rail/biking/walking are encouraged to attend this annual zero-waste event, which typically features exhibitors, mini eco-classes and more. Details TBA. 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. earthdayphoenix.org 5. I RECYCLE PHOENIX FESTIVAL (APRIL 6). Join Keep Phoenix Beautiful and the City of Phoenix at Desert Ridge Marketplace for this semi-annual event, where you can recycle cell phones, computers, housewares, clothing, rechargeable batteries and light bulbs. 7 a.m. to noon behind the AMC Theaters. shopdesertridge.com

Always follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep.

ALONE. ON THEIR BACK. IN A CRIB. Learn more: dcs.az.gov/services/safe-sleep

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AZDCS-381682s-SafeSleep_RaisingAZKids.indd RaisingARIZONAKids.com 1 3/15/19 APRIL 2019 12:55 PM

az grown parenting

Going from one to two (or more) kids The challenges, parenting hacks and let-it-gos

By Maggie Zehring OUR HOUSEHOLD BOASTS three cribs, two bunk beds and dressers filled with at least $100 in diapers every month. We own two pack-and-plays, two bouncers and four car seats. There are no twins in our home — just three toddlers and another babe on the way.

We didn’t get here overnight, and with each additional child, we learned more fully how to manage our household, keep our sanity and love our children better. Nick and I welcomed our first child in March 2016, and a year and 10 days later, we became foster parents to a 4-month-old. The transition from one child to two happened by design, but it was not easy.

We expected our second child to fit smoothly into the schedule we’d perfected with our firstborn, and we were sadly disappointed to learn how unrealistic that assumption was. Becoming parents of two was a huge lesson in logistics and juggling. It took about six or eight weeks of drudgery to get a handle on managing adult conversations, tagteaming dinner and knowing who was better fit to give someone a bath.

My husband and I both underestimated the regular demands of our household and our jobs. Between dropping kids off at daycare, grocery shopping, extra appointments — and in our case, foster care obligations — life felt like one of those machines at the gym where you’re perpetually climbing uphill.

If you’re growing your family, here are a few ways to lighten your load and learn from our mistakes: Communicate and be kind. Being efficient, kind communicators becomes even more important. There’s something about the added stress of a new human that makes whispering

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APRIL 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

under your breath and rolling your eyes easier to do — and much worse for your relationship. We got a crash course in how badly it brought us down as husband and wife when we (mostly me!) didn’t speak with patience and kindness. Giving each other a heads up on our moods, the day’s challenges and our expectations for one another was and is crucial.

Do anything you can in advance.

Preparation for any part of our day or plans became a necessity for us to function well as a family. Breakfast, coffee, clothes and bags are all set out the night before. Anything and everything that can be done in advance is done.

Call me crazy, but sometimes I set the dinner table the night before just to take one more task off my hands at the dreaded 5 p.m. hour.

Coordinate to-do lists. Emailing one another our to-dos for the week or weekend helps us as parents and partners better anticipate each other’s needs and give each other the freedom to do what we need to do.

Baby wearing literally saved us from many challenging moments of overwhelm. Whether it was our toddler or 4-month-old, there was rarely a moment when someone didn’t want to be held close in those first few weeks of transitioning from one to two kids. Being able to wear one of our kids was a saving grace, especially during the witching hour of dinner time.

Learn to let go. We quickly learned attending every social event could no longer be a priority.

We now pick and choose the events that mean the most to us as a family and individuals.

I also let go of the need to document every milestone. I stopped posting cute photos of my eldest at each month of his life after the second month, and I let go of the same pressure with our second and third.

At the end of the day, yes, the transition to parenting more than one child is hard. And yes — it will be worth it.

Maggie Zehring of Scottsdale juggles her writing and social media skills with being a mom to rambunctious young boys.

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az grown parenting

FAMILY CONVERSATION STARTERS

DRIVEALOGUE

Local entrepreneurs deliver ways for parents to start meaningful conversations with kids

By Amy Carney TOO OFTEN, BUSY schedules keep us from gathering around the family dinner table, and our beloved technology keeps our eyes focused on smartphone screens rather than communicating face-to-face with one another.

Thankfully, two Arizona entrepreneurs realized families could use some help when it comes to talking and connecting.

DRIVE-A-LOGUE Adam Brooks created Drive-A-Logue cards after noticing a rise in Arizona’s teen suicide rate. A Phoenix educator and motivational speaker, Brooks knew he needed to do something, and he believes talking about difficult issues before they happen is key.

Brooks created a deck of cards called Drive-A-Logue: Driving Family Conversations. They support parents’ efforts to communicate about real-life issues that a child might face or be experiencing. Kids answer hypothetical questions, like what they would do if an older kid were teasing them, and parents also have to answer questions about their childhood memories and choices.

Brooks says the cards give parents a way to speak proactively about tough issues kids may face with their peers.

“We need to teach kids how to have brave conversations, and the only way we can do that is if we start having brave conversations with them,” Brooks explains. “My cards were designed to [initiate] meaningful, tough conversations that we may not even want

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to have with our kids, but that we really desperately need to have if we’re going to keep kids safe today.”

Car rides inspired the product’s name.

“I’d heard that kids will talk longer and stronger if they don’t have to make direct eye contact,” he says. “So if they’re able to look out the window while talking, there is less pressure. It’s why these kids are so brave on devices and social media — because they can say whatever they want without making eye contact. Why don’t we use that strategy for the positive?”

Drive-A-Logue cards are designed to be kept in the car, so parents and kids can pull them out on the way to or from practice or school. The 50-piece sets are available for three different age groups: elementary school children in grades 2-5, middle school kids in grades 6-8 or high school teens in grades 9-12.

Sets cost $20 at drivealogue.com.

FOOD WITH THOUGHT Shannon Banker noticed that her two daughters, who were chatterboxes when they were young, began to get quieter and more reserved as they entered the tween years. So the Chandler mom of two designed Food With Thought as a way to help her own family talk around the dinner table.

“As kids get older the lines of communication become harder and harder to keep open, for both the parent and the child,” says Banker. “Things get awkward,

uncomfortable, too serious, sometimes scary, personal and private. As our oldest started withdrawing from dinner conversations, I realized that all of us were pretty tired of the usual dinner talk, like the dreaded ‘How was school?’ So one night after a quiet and reserved dinner, I set out to find something that would mix things up.”

Banker typed up some questions, cut the paper into about 30 little strips, folded them up and placed them in an old box. “I brought the box out the next night during dinner, and my kids absolutely loved it, and so did my husband,” Banker says.

When she saw how much her simple invention helped her family communicate, she set out to help other families. Food With Thought conversation sets pose questions such as “In what ways are you generous?” and “Would you rather be able to read minds or know the future?”

Food With Thought sets are also $20 and can be purchased at Banker’s online Etsy shop: DukesNDoodles.

Amy Carney, of Paradise Valley, is the author of “Parent on Purpose: A Courageous Approach to Raising Children in a Complicated World.” The mother of five children ages 12 to 17, she is married to retired pro hockey defenseman Keith Carney of the Phoenix Coyotes. Learn more at amycarney.com.

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az grown education

ELEMENTARY

Sari on Science:

AN EGGCEPTIONAL APRIL PHYSICS PARTY TRICK

By Sari Custer

APRIL IS AN EGGCELLENT time to try this fun physics party trick. If you’re ready to get cracking, here’s the challenge: Do you think you can drop an egg into a glass of water without touching the egg or breaking it? Don’t be chicken — it can be done!

I’m not yolking around.

Supplies: • 1 tall drink glass • Water (enough to almost fill the glass) • 1 cardboard toilet paper tube • 1 metal pie pan • 1 egg Directions: 1. Find a clean, clear workspace — like a kitchen island or dining table — and banish any breakables.

2. Fill the glass about three-quarters full of water and set the glass on the workspace.

3. Center the pie pan on top of the glass, rim side up.

4. Set the toilet paper tube vertically on top of the pie pan, centered over the glass.

5. Balance an egg on its side on top of the toilet paper tube.

6. Hold your dominant hand about eight inches from the side of the pie pan, with your palm facing the set-up materials.

7. Quickly and forcefully smack the edge of the pie pan and pull your hand away. The pie pan will

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APRIL 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

travel, so be sure no one is standing in the way!

What’s happening?

Make your observations first. What happened to the egg?

When you use your hand to apply force to the pan, energy transfers to the pan, making it move.

As the pan travels across the rim of the glass, the pan catches the edge of the paper roll, pulling it out from under the egg. There is very little friction between the shell of the egg and the paper roll, so the only force that really acts on the egg is gravity, causing the egg to fall straight down — safely into the glass of water. This is a demonstration of inertia.

What would happen if there was no water in the glass to slow down the egg? Consider what would happen if you used a taller paper tube, such as a paper towel roll. Try it to find out! Or, take the super egg challenge: Try using a cookie sheet or lunch tray instead of a pie pan and place multiple glasses underneath. How many eggs can you get safely into their glasses at once?

Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Curiosity Officer at Arizona Science Center and mom to daughter Carson (4).

Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.

Registration is now open!

Powered by New Way Academy, Ignite offers something for everyone: academic programs, sports, fine arts, hands-on learning and more. Our camp is designed for students in grades K–12 with any learning or ability level. Our flexible program options make us the ideal choice for families with children who could benefit from academic support, recreational opportunities, or BOTH during the summer months!

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A Kids Design Jo Gick offers tips on

creating organized, fun and fanciful kids spaces and bedrooms

By Kara G. Morrison • Photos by John Woodcock

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E

arly in her career, Jo Gick dreaded designing children’s rooms for builders’ model homes. Now the Chandler interior designer, with a national following from her appearance on NBC’s recent crafting show “Making It,” says designing for kids is her favorite thing to do.

In fact, on April 15, NBCUniversal’s Bluprint — a streaming service for crafters — is airing six episodes of a new show, “Rooming Up!” starring Gick, who helps tweens and teens turn their little-kid rooms into polished, big-kid spaces.

When she was growing up, Gick admits, she obsessed over designing her own room. She really fell in love with kids design when she was dreaming up nurseries and bedrooms for her own creative son and daughter — 6-year-old Doran and 9-year-old Marin. Gick says she gets to indulge her love of bold color and whimsy when designing for kids.

“Kids are so much more open to ideas. They don’t have preconceived notions” of what a designer should do, explains Gick, who has created feature walls covered in old LPs and cassette tapes, hung swinging chairs from ceilings and created climbing walls and life-sized

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murals in stylish, modern bedrooms kids adore.

“I can be a lot more colorful. I can do more offthe-wall stuff that I couldn’t do in a living room or a dining room.”

In her experience, families often spend the fewest resources on designing bedrooms. But the spaces are so important, she says. Make a space kids love, where there’s a place for all their cherished stuff, and they will retreat to it and even keep it neat. After all, good design helps kids get and stay organized. “You have to give them places to put their stuff away,” Gick explains. “No one wants to live in all that clutter.”

Families often have trouble transitioning from baby and toddler years to bigger-kid rooms. Done right, Gick says, it’s possible to keep the same basic elements and update a room as a child grows.

“I try to design (a nursery) so you can plop in a twin bed and it’s not babyish — it’s still cool,” says Gick, who still works with lots of local clients on home design, and recently finished designing Civic Market — a hip coffee shop/restaurant, retail space and salon in downtown Chandler.

Gick also fell in love with TV during her “Making It” stint, in which she was a finalist.

Because of the show, a few things have changed, including the Bluprint gig, having her own publicist and an upcoming feature on her house and design style in HGTV magazine. A maker at heart, Gick is full of ideas — from a crafting show she does on YouTube with her daughter (Marin has an enviable crafting space of her own) to championing creative spaces for kids.

“My goal would be to have my own show designing kids spaces — nurseries, play rooms, kids bedrooms — and my own line of kids decor,” she says.

Kara G. Morrison is the editor of Raising Arizona Kids and the mother of Sofia (6). Reach her at kara@ rakmagazine.com.

GICK’S DESIGNS: Page 14: This kids room can grow with its occupant. Gick used classic furniture, removeable wall decals and framed art she made using Perler beads. 1. Gick infuses color and ample storage (baskets and built-in shelving) into family rooms. 2.

Marin’s bedroom boasts an artful, organized crafting space. 3. Gick’s “Making It” skills came in handy for this hand-painted, backlit moon. 4. Artful toy displays

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APRIL 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

and cozy seating are a must; inset: LPs and a record player make a fun feature wall. 5. Wallpaper and colorful touches make for a sophisticated/whimsical girls room.

Top right: Gick with her kids Doran (6) and Marin (9).

➊ Start with a color scheme. Gick typically

when designing kids rooms:

➋ Use grounding colors. Working with lots

Don’t spend a fortune on kid-size furniture children quickly outgrow. Look for classic pieces anywhere, including modern dressers and whimsical nightstands that can grow with the child.

of color can turn into a mess if you don’t know what you’re doing, Gick concedes. Grounding colors — navy, gray, black or lots of white — will help balance the space and help bold colors pop in a good way.

➌ Bring the child’s interests into the

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Shopping in the kids section.

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starts a design once she’s identified the color palette. It can stem from a favorite color, a fun wallpaper design or a rug that fits a kid’s style.

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for well-designed kids spaces:

Common mistakes

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Jo Gick’s tips

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Painting the whole room one color.

Painting an entire room in lavender will look tired in a few years. Try a feature wall or walls and use grounding colors to make them pop.

room. “I love to showcase their toys,” says

Gick, who uses toys as decor. Decorative pillows, artwork and accessories — which can be easily updated — are another way to pay tribute to a child’s current obsessions.

➍ Utilize baskets. Gick likes large floor

baskets from Homegoods or Ikea for loose items like stuffed animals.

➎ Give every item a place. Good design is about helping kids get organized. “You have to give them places to put their stuff away,” Gick explains.

➏ Commit to letting go. Staying organized means committing to purging junk, forgotten toys and clothes kids have outgrown. Gick recommends doing this with your children about every three months so the space stays welcoming and they learn from the process.

➐ Create cozy spaces. Gick likes to design

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places where kids can read and hang out in their room beyond sitting on their bed. Bedrooms should be comforting retreats.

➑ Get creative. Gick loves feature walls.

She sometimes uses sophisticated wallpaper, creative paint or removable decals so the room can grow with the child.

➒ Cool closets. Organized closets help

kids keep their rooms clean. Gick makes them appealing with brightly painted closet doors (her son’s room features a custom slider) or by creating storage space with freestanding Ikea cabinets with pretty hardware (Marin has gloss white cabinets with matte gold handles).

➓ Visit JoGick.com for more design

inspiration and to see pieces she creates in her Etsy store. You can stream her show “Rooming Up!” starting April 15 at mybluprint.com

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RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS

Exploring the beauty of our

NATIONAL PARKS Story by Lisa Van Loo and photos by Ron Abelar

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hen we finally arrived at Grand Canyon National Park, I remember just being happy to get out of the car. We had been driving forever.

And now we had arrived at a massive collection of cracks in the ground.

That’s what it felt like to my elementaryschool-kid self. I was more interested in the squirrels, and flipping over a horizontal bar with my cousin, than the insanely beautiful scenery in front of me. My parents must have been exasperated.

But I remember the trip. And that’s the point, I’m learning, as a parent trying to make sure that our digitally influenced kids are equally influenced by the world around them.

That effort includes introducing them to as many national parks as we can, pointing out differences among them, displaying photos around the house of those we visit and talking about the push and pull between public and private lands.

Our hope is that experiencing these protected spaces will encourage our children to advocate for their protection in the future.

They’ve only been to a few national parks so far, but the visits already have sparked interest at home in political debates about public access and funding, which is a really cool outflow.

It’s the experience that sticks. Kids won’t understand the magnitude of what they’re seeing, but if adults can help them connect to it on some level, it fosters a positive memory.

When we visited Utah’s Zion National Park during National Parks Week last April, we ate lunch on the cliffs above the Emerald Pools — near a couple of misty waterfalls that provided a perch unlike anything our kids had ever seen. They didn’t dissect the layers of rock. They didn’t take notes on the ancient natives who lived in the area years ago. They just had a fun lunch, in a beautiful place, with a squirrel and a gecko. They still talk about it.

When we visited Arches National Park this past winter, they didn’t marvel at the area’s origin story that began 65 million years ago. They didn’t want to engage in a lesson on erosion. They simply explored, crawled up to lookouts and stood under arched sandstone that from the ground didn’t appear nearly as big as it felt while standing under it.

They just experienced it. And from that experience, they’ll draw tangible context when they learn about it in a classroom.

That’s clearly the goal behind the national parks Every Kid in a Park program offering free annual passes to every fourth grader in the country — a pass that extends to the entire family as long as the student is there, too.

Experience is absolutely a teacher, and national parks act as one heck of an instructor.

National parks FAQs National Park Week is April 20-28.

To celebrate, every national park offers free admission on April 20, which is also Junior Ranger Day. Other Free Entrance Days in the national parks this year are: Aug. 25 (National Park Service Birthday), Sept. 28 (National Public Lands Day) and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day).

Every Kid in a Park. This program offers free admission to national parks for fourth graders and their families. Parents and educators can print passes at everykidinapark. gov. (Passes must be printed rather than digital.) The pass admits all children ages 16 and younger and up to three adults for free. It is good for the duration of the fourth grader’s school year, expiring Aug. 31.

Junior Ranger Program. The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program is conducted in almost all national parks. Young visitors (typically ages 5-13, although anyone can participate) complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger and receive an official Junior Ranger patch or certificate. nps.gov/kids

National parks to explore in the Southwest Grand Canyon National Park. The park celebrates its 100 birthday this year, and it’s only a four-hour drive from Phoenix. Camp, find a backcountry trail or just go take a look. Grand Canyon National Park celebrates Earth Day on Free Entrance Day, April 20, with free demonstrations, games, information on environmental initiatives and more. Find more events marking the park’s birthday year at nps.gov/grca

Petrified Forest National Park.

Discover the park’s otherworldly landscape and learn all about fossils found in the area. This

park, in northeastern Arizona, is also no more than four hours from Phoenix. nps.gov/pefo

Joshua Tree National Park. Wander through the cholla, search for the iconic trees and learn about colliding ecosystems between the Mojave and Colorado deserts. If you can camp, this southern California spot is perfect for stargazing. Before traveling inquire about any road closures from snow/rain. nps.gov/jotr

Zion National Park. Hitting a few trails at Zion in southwest Utah is totally doable during a one-day visit, and driving through the tunnel on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a must. Some trails have suffered weather-related damage lately, so check with rangers to see what is open. nps.gov/zion

Photos of Arches National Park. Far left: (L-R) Lisa Van Loo, Riley Abelar (10) and Nolan Abelar (6) show their excitement at having Wilson Arch all to themselves. Above: Riley and Nolan catch their first glimpse of Delicate Arch from a peek-aboo arch along the trail.

Tips for families: ❱ GET A MAP. Park maps at the ranger stations show where the trails are, how long they are and how difficult they are. ❱ HYDRATE. Make sure everyone has plenty of water, and keep extra water in the car, no matter the season. ❱ PACK A PICNIC. National Parks offer

Arches National Park. It’s a longer drive to reach Arches, north of Moab, Utah, but it’s worth it. You can explore quite a bit in one day, but those who decide to camp will benefit from fewer people, the park’s sunsets and its dreamy night skies. It’s also not far from Canyonlands National Park, for those who want to fit two parks into one trip. nps.gov/arch

some pretty spectacular backdrops for unforgettable lunch dates. ❱ BE PATIENT. Kids simply won’t absorb it all the same way adults will. Let them get it on their level, and foster whatever curiosity they have. They’ll understand it all in time. ❱ PLAN AHEAD. Whether you’re trying

Lisa Van Loo is a Gilbert freelance journalist. Ron Abelar is an avid outdoorsman and photographer.

Together, they are parenting five children. Follow them on Instagram @RaisingOutdoorKids

to score a campsite or just scout a few trails to tackle, research on the front-end pays off. And many of the campsites book up six months in advance.

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family time!

Arizona Diamondbacks Opening Day (April 5) at Chase Field.

TOP APRIL EVENTS

By Carrie Wheeler

Get outside while you still can! April is a month of parks, patios and (hopefully) sub-100-degree weather before the oppressive summer heat takes hold. Take advantage with some of the Valley’s numerous outdoor events: cultural festivals, outdoor concerts, sporting events and more. The great outdoors isn’t your thing? There are also loads of classes, exhibits and shows.

NOTE: Find extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar. Be aware that last-minute scheduling changes can occur. It’s always best to confirm times and dates by phone or online before attending.

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APRIL 5: Arizona Diamondbacks Opening Day. The Arizona Diamondbacks host a pre-game fiesta, then take the field in their home opener against the Boston Red Sox at 4:10 p.m. Prices vary. Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. dbacks.com

APRIL 5-6: Chandler Jazz Festival. Enjoy free performances and visit downtown Chandler’s galleries, restaurants and shops. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and hear musicians Bob Fahey, Dizzy Gillespie Bands and Jon Faddis.

5-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Ave., Chandler. chandleraz.gov

APRIL 6:

APRIL 6-7:

CycloMesa. Celebrate all things bicycle at Mesa’s eighth annual CycloMesa. Enjoy a zip line, rock wall, BMX freestyle show, an Extreme Sports Zone, a kids zone and the Mesa Adventure Challenge, a family-friendly Amazing Race-type event that takes cyclists on a scavenger hunt around Downtown Mesa. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. cyclomesa.com

Phoenix Pride Festival. Last year more than 40,000 people visited this LGBTQ cultural celebration, which includes six stages and more than 300 exhibitors with food, shopping and community resources. Plus: a kids space, dance pavilion, food vendors and more. 12-9 p.m. $25-$90; discounts for ages 13-17; free for ages 12 and younger. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. phoenixpride.org

Exclusively Little Expo. The train park transforms into a resource center for families with young children. Find information on summer camps, schools, attractions, sports organizations and more. Kids can participate in hands-on activities. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free admission; $2 train and carousel rides. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. therailroadpark.com Gilbert Global Village Festival. A multicultural festival for all ages with visual and performance art, arts and crafts, children’s activities and ethnic foods. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free. Gilbert Civic Center, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert. 480-503-6000 or gilbertaz.gov

Kids Day at the Phoenix Film Festival. Free activities include coloring, acting and creating short films. Kids can compose a musical soundtrack or write a “Mad Lib”-style script. Age-appropriate stations run the full gamut of filmmaking. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Harkins Scottsdale 101, 7000 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. 602-955-6444 or phoenixfilmfestival.com

A Hard Day’s Night. The Beatles’ first feature film is a little mock-documentary and a lot of comedy as they take viewers through a “typical” day for John, Paul, George and Ringo during their rise to fame. The film has a fully restored negative and digitally restored soundtrack. 1:30 p.m. $8. FilmBar, 815 N. Second St., Phoenix. thefilmbarphx.com

APRIL 10-14: Maricopa County Fair. Indulge in fair food (including Steve’s Flaming Hot Turkey Legs, Deep Fried Coffee and the Mac Doggie Dog), stop by the shopping pavilion or get adventurous with more than 35 carnival rides. $10; free for ages 7 and younger; free admission from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Hours vary.

State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. maricopacountyfair.org

Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment (April 11-14) at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Lake Pleasant Paddlefest. Listen to live music and try out different forms of paddle craft: kayaks, touring kayaks, sea kayaks, Hobie pedal kayaks, outriggers, rafts, whitewater kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. Bring your own paddle craft (for a $2 fee) or demo some of the options at the event (half-hour limit on trying each paddle craft). 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All ages are welcome, and life vests will be provided. $7 per vehicle park entrance fee. Located off Highway 74 (Carefree Highway) at MP 19. maricopacountyparks.net FELD ENTERTAINMENT

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

KidFest. A free family event hosted by the City of Avondale with a focus on literacy, education, healthy lifestyles and water safety for ages 5 and younger. All ages will enjoy hands-on activities and entertainment. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale. avondalekidfest.com

APRIL 7:

Carnivorous Plant Class. Interested in crazy botany? Learn how to grow and care for carnivorous plants like sundews, butterworts, pitcher plants and the Venus fly trap right here in Arizona. Afterward, Copper State Carnivores will be on site selling their carnivorous plants. $10. 11:30 a.m. Curious Nature, 5032 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-314-4346 or curiousnatureshop.com Lanterns at the Lake. Set your personal thoughts, wishes and goals on fire and release them into the world during this traditional event at Lake Pleasant. The lighting of (biodegradable) lanterns especially developed for the lake area is a way of marking milestones and offering up wishes and goals while celebrating in a festive atmosphere.

Plus: live music, food trucks, kids events and some of the most amazing views greater Phoenix has to offer. 4-9:30 p.m. $30 per lantern. Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria. 623-203-5173 or pleasantharbor.com

APRIL 11-14: Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment. Join Lightning McQueen and Mater in “Cars,” dive under the waves with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid,” watch as Buzz and Woody from “Toy Story” make their way home, and learn lessons about love from “Frozen” sisters Anna and Elsa. 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 11 a.m., 3 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday; noon and 4 p.m. Sunday. $20-$100. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 800-745-3000 or disneyonice.com

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TOP APRIL EVENTS continued SandFest (April 13-14) at Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

APRIL 20: French Fry & Music Festival. For those times you denied your cravings and passed up drive-through french fries, here’s your reward! The inaugural French Fry & Music Festival promises more than 20 fry vendors offering the salty creations for $2-$3 a pop. Plus musicians, bands, DJs, and beer and wine. $15 in advance; free for ages 5 and younger.

2-10 p.m. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. friedfestival.com

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX

National Park Free Days. Five days throughout the year, National Park Service sites offer free admission to anyone visiting one of more than 400 national parks throughout the country. In Arizona, that includes Casa Grande Ruins, Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon, Montezuma’s Castle and more. nps.gov Preschool Saturday Science Classes 3, 2, 1 Blast Off (April 20). Join the Arizona Science Center one Saturday a month and introduce your preschooler to the world of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Kids will learn skills such as problem-solving, communication and persistence. This month, they will design, build and launch rockets using a specially engineered launch pad. 10 a.m. $20; buy a special TakeOut Science Kit to learn more about everyday science at home for an additional $5. Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org

APRIL 13: Earth Day at the Phoenix Zoo. “Party for the Planet” with earth-friendly games, activities and entertainment, plus a Hug-A-Tree station, bubble making, sheep shearing and face painting. American Textile Recycling Service will be curbside to accept used clothing, bedding, shoes and books to raise money for endangered species. $24.95; $16.95 ages 3-13; free for ages 2 and younger; online discounts. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800 or phoenixzoo.org Celebrate Mesa. This family event brings the community together to enjoy games, carnival rides and live entertainment. Plus: Living Green Village, KidZone with bounce houses, superhero and princess appearances, a petting zoo, food trucks and music by Freddie Duran. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free admission; $5 wristbands for unlimited carnival rides. Pioneer Park, 526 E. Main St., Mesa. mesaparks.com

Pinewood Derby Classic. The Pinewood Derby races aren’t just for Cub Scouts anymore.

Short Leash Hot Dogs is hosting its 6th annual derby with kids races in the morning and adult races in the afternoon. $15-$50 online kits include car-building basics and race entry. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Short Leash Hot Dogs, 4221 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-7952193 or shortleashhotdogs.com Southwest Cajun Fest. For one day, visit the Big Easy in the heart of downtown Chandler to celebrate Cajun culture, cuisine and beer. Enjoy live jazz, blues and contemporary swing revival bands along with themed zones, lawn games, eating competitions, a kids zone and more. Noon to 9 p.m. $8. southwestcajunfest.com

Make It at the Phoenix Art Museum (April 24).

APRIL 13-14:

Scottsdale Culinary Festival. Sample tastes from some of Arizona’s best restaurants while enjoying culinary demos and live music from 1980s group Berlin on the Civic Center lawn. A family fun area has games, crafts and prizes.

12-9 p.m. Saturday; 12-6 p.m. Sunday. $12-$125; free for ages 12 and younger.

Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdalefest. org/scfweekend

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PHOENIX ART MUSEUM

Sandfest. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix brings the beach to the desert.

Enjoy free outdoor fun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. There will be food trucks, live music, interactive games and the Sand Guys from Travel Channel’s “Sand Masters,” who will create one-of-a-kind sand sculptures and share basic sandsculpting techniques. Museum admission is $8. Then it’s Sand-parents Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Grandparents with their grandchildren get free museum admission. Take advantage of sandcastle photo opps and all sorts of special activities. Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix.

602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

APRIL 24: Make It at the Phoenix Art Museum. A monthly hands-on art making space explores different materials and techniques each month. It’s on pay-what-you-wish Wednesday.

Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. phxart.org

APRIL 26-28: Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. Celebrate everything vintage, antique and handmade at WestWorld in Scottsdale. More than 150 vendors from around the country participate in this market. Plus, live music, food, drinks and photo ops. $8; free for ages 12 and younger; $5 parking. $50-$65 VIP event 5-9 p.m. Friday; $20-$25 early-bird entry Saturday. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com

Día del Niño at the Phoenix Zoo. The zoo celebrates children, animals and Hispanic culture with Folklorico dancers, mariachis, cultural crafts, storytelling, puppet shows, face painting and piñatas. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $24.95; $16.95 ages 3-13; free for ages 2 and younger; online discounts. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-286-3800 or phoenixzoo.org Día del Niño at the Heard Museum. The Heard Museum celebrates youth with a day-long program featuring music in the courtyard, storytelling, food, family activities, Folklorico performances and free admission for ages 12 and younger along with up to two accompanying parents or guardians. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.

602-252-8840 or heard.org

MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK

FESTIVAL OF TALES

Festival of Tales (April 27) at Paradise Valley Community College.

APRIL 28:

APRIL 27: Festival of Tales. Enjoy a fun day of reading, literacy and cultural activities for children — including storytelling, arts and crafts, games, face painting, live music and food trucks. The event brings books to life and provides nearly 5,000 free books to children. The free-to-the-public event is staffed and funded by Paradise Valley Community College students, staff and volunteers and the nonprofit Southwest Human Development. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE. Kranitz Student Center, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. festivaloftales.com The Art of Story. Changing Hands Bookstore in Phoenix kicks off a month-long exhibit spotlighting artwork from picture books with a free reception. Molly Idle, Juana Martinez-Neal, Mikela Prevost, Stevie Lewis and Lynne Avril will read stories, do illustration demonstrations, and sign picture books. 10 a.m. 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-274-0067 or changinghands.com Water Lantern Festival. Participate in a magical night as people set their wishes and dreams afloat in the form of hundreds of lanterns. Plus food trucks, live music and other entertainment. 3:30-9 p.m. $35-$40; $12 for ages 8-14; free for ages 7 and younger. Adult tickets include entrance to the event and a lantern. Kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. waterlanternfestival.com

Summer Concert Series (April 28- June 30) at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

APRIL 28-JUNE 30: Summer Concert Series. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park hosts free concerts under the stars every Sunday through June. Local bands perform classic rock, retro ’80s and ’90s, country and rhythm and blues at this annual summer concert series, which kicks off with The Piano Man, an Billy Joel/Elton John tribute band. Bring a blanket or chairs. Food is available for purchase. 7:30-9 p.m. Free; $2 train and carousel rides; free rides for ages 2 and younger with a paying adult. 480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com Calendar Editor Carrie Wheeler is the mother of Wilson (8).

Send calendar info to Carrie@RAKmagazine.com.

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family time! around arizona This show tells the story of a clown who passes away and the celebration and mourning that follows. Times vary. $45$110. Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave., Tucson. cirquedusoleil.com

CHALK IT UP PRESCOTT

Tucson Folk Fest (April 6-7). One of the oldest folk festivals in the country, six stages of acoustic and folk music will feature musicians Red Molly, Heather Hardy and Mr. Nature’s Music Garden in historic Tucson. Noon to 9 p.m. Free. tkma.org

Chalk It Up! (April 13-14) in Prescott.

CAREFREE Town of Carefree Community Block Party (April 6). Say hello to spring with live music, great food and fun activities for kids of all ages. 2-7 p.m. Free.

Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St., Carefree. Carefree.org

CLARKDALE Easter Bunny Express (April 20).

This is the hoppiest celebration at Verde Canyon Railroad. The experience begins with face painting and photos with and treats from the Easter Bunny.

Onboard fun continues with a winnertakes-all jelly bean counting contest.

Train departs at 1 p.m. $45-$90. 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale. 800-582-7245 or verdecanyonrr.com

FLAGSTAFF Flagstaff Youth Climate Summit (April 16). For kids grades 4-12 who are involved in sustainability projects in their neighborhoods, schools or community groups, here is a chance to get involved with organizations working to make a difference. During this second annual conference, small teams will face the Climate Action Challenge, the KidWind Challenge or the Solar Structure Challenge. The Arboretum of Flagstaff, 4001 S. Woody Mountain Road, Flagstaff. 928-774-1442 or thearb.org

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Earth Day 2019 (April 20). This annual event starts off with a morning service project where volunteers can help clean up trash and recyclables. In the afternoon vendors and food trucks will convene at Bushmaster Park for live music performances and workshops covering a variety of sustainable practices. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bushmaster Park, 3150 N. Alta Vista Drive, Flagstaff. flagstaff.az.gov

FLORENCE

EGGstravaganza (April 21). Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary hosts its annual Easter event with egg hunts, Easter treats for the animals, a scavenger hunt, concessions, raffles and more. Don’t forget Easter baskets to collect eggs. 10 a.m. $10; $6 for ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger. 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott. 928-7784242 or heritageparkzoo.org

TOMBSTONE

Country Thunder (April 11-14).

Florence will rock with four days of Thunder this April. Country favorites Tim McGraw, Brett Eldredge and Dierks Bentley are just a few of the performers hitting the stage in this multi-day country music/camp fest. 2-10 p.m. daily. $75$600. countrythunder.com/az

Rose Tree Parade and Festival (April 13-14). Celebrate the world’s largest rose tree with a pancake breakfast, dancing, rose parade, gunfight skits, live music, a round-table discussion with members of Tombstone’s pioneer families and high tea.

Times vary. Free. Rose Tree Museum, 118 S. Fourth St., Tombstone. 520-457-3326 or tombstonechamber.com

PRESCOTT

TUCSON

Chalk It Up! (April 13-14). This free, annual family event cultivates creativity in people of all ages and abilities while raising awareness and funds for mental health, crisis intervention and substanceabuse treatment services. Chalk is free.

Interact with artists and help create a temporary museum of pavement chalk art. 10 a.m. to 4 p .m. Saturday-Sunday.

National Bank of Arizona’s parking lot, 201 N. Montezuma St., Prescott. prescottchalkart.com

Paw Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure (April 2-3). This musical performance by the popular pups from Nick, Jr. shares lessons in citizenship, social skills and problem solving. 6 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday. $40-$70. Centennial Hall, 1020 E. University Blvd., Tucson. centhall.org

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Cirque du Soleil Corteo (April 3-7).

A surreal tale of life, death and the celebration of a life gloriously lived.

Spring Fling (April 12-14). Visit Tucson’s student-run carnival with more than 40 rides and games, 20 original food booths and entertainment for both the University of Arizona and Tucson communities. Times vary. Free admission; prices for rides and games vary. University of Arizona, 1303 E. University Blvd., Tucson. springfling. arizona.edu Great Paper Airplane Fly-Off (April 13). Ages 6-14 learn how to fold paper airplanes, get pilot “training” and enjoy an inflatable obstacle course. Lunch, snacks and a prize wheel sponsored

by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. Prizes include a tablet and a Double Eagle Aviation introductory flight above Tucson. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Pima Air & Space Museum, 6000 E. Valencia Road, Tucson.

520-574-0462 or greatpaperairplane.org Pima County Fair (April 18-28).

Traditional games, carnival rides, arena events, concerts and entertainment, livestock and exhibits, food and more.

Times vary. $9; $5 for ages 6-10; free for ages 5 and younger; $5 parking.

Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road, Tucson. 520-762-9100 or pimacountyfair.com

YUMA Yuma County Fair (April 2-7). The city celebrates “Yuma’s Pride, County Wide” with exhibits, carnival rides, livestock shows, food, music and entertainment.

Times vary. $6; $4 ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and younger; $2 admission on Tuesday. Yuma County Fair Grounds, 2520 E. 32nd St., Yuma. 928-726-4420 or yumafair.com

Day and Residential Summer Workshops for Teens and Kids ages 5-18

THE

SLEEPING BEAUTY In this two-act ballet, Princess Aurora, condemned at her christening by the evil fairy Carabosse to prick her nger and die on her 16th birthday, is saved by the magical gift of the good Lilac Fairy, who declares the Princess will only sleep until awakened by true love’s kiss.

VISUAL ARTS • CREATIVE WRITING FILM, DIGITAL MEDIA & SOUND DANCE • THEATRE • MUSIC FASHION DESIGN • AND MORE! Plus FAMILY WEEK – 7 days and 6 nights of art and adventure for the whole family!

Offering various sessions from June 23-August 4, 2019

Register Now! idyllwildarts.org/summer 951-468-7265

Presented by

Chandler Center for the Arts April 27 at 2pm and 7pm | April 28 at 3pm Tickets: $16, $22

For tickets, call (480) 782-2680 or visit balletetudes.net

Information & Registration at 623.815.7930

theaterworks.org/summer-works-camp

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family time! onstage Ballet Etudes’ Sleeping Beauty (April 27-28) at Chandler Center for the Arts.

activities and free docent-led tours of park sculptures. Noon to 4 p.m.

Free. 7380 E. Second St., Scottsdale. scottsdaleperformingarts.org Sunday Concerts in the Garden (April 7 and 14). Visit the Desert Botanical Garden for a live all-ages concert series against the backdrop of the butte at Ullman Terrace. The outdoor shows feature some of Arizona’s best musicians in a variety of genres. 3:305:30 p.m. $30-$40. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. dbg.org Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert (April 26-28). Enjoy Harry Potter...in stereo! Watch the fourth installment of the Harry Potter movie series with the accompaniment of the entire Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.

7:30 p.m. Friday; 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $25-$93.

Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

BALLET ETUDES

Goodyear Lakeside Music Festival (April 27). This year’s music festival features Smash Mouth, food trucks, beer and wine tents and a kids zone. 4-9 p.m.

Free. Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, 10300 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. westvalleyarts.org/glmfest

PUPPETS

Note: Events are listed by category, then in chronological order by date.

DANCE Alice in Wonderland (April 12-14).

Convergence Ballet presents the story of Alice’s journey through the looking glass. Times vary. $15-$25. Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St., Phoenix. 602-957-3364 ext. 2 or themadison.org Ballet Etudes’ Sleeping Beauty (April 27-28). This two-act ballet tells the classic tale of Princess Aurora, condemned to die on her 16th birthday,

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then saved by the magical gift of the good Lilac Fairy, who proclaims the Princess will only sleep until awakened by true love’s kiss. 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday. $16-$22.

Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-782-2680 or balletetudes.net

MUSIC

ailing mother, Lucha yearns to break her monotonous routine. She decides to start an all-girl mariachi band. But it’s the 1970s, and girls don’t do that. Or do they? The play explores music’s power to heal and connect, and the freedom to dream big. Bonus: live mariachi music.

Times vary. $25-$60. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. arizonatheatre.org

American Mariachi (April 4-21).

Arizona Theatre Company performs this new comedy for all ages from the mind of former Childsplay playwrightin-residence José Cruz González. As she spends her days caring for her

Sunday A’Fair (April 7). Grab your picnic basket and enjoy free outdoor concerts by Arizona musicians in Scottsdale Civic Center Park. Plus an arts-and-crafts market, kids

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Tale of Peter Rabbit (April 3-21).

A retelling of Beatrix Potter’s classic tale about a naughty bunny who has some close calls at Mr. McGregor’s farm. This version of the story is told to music with almost no dialogue. 10 a.m.

Wednesday-Saturday; 2 p.m. SaturdaySunday. $8-$12; free for ages 1 and younger with the purchase of a child’s ticket. Reservations recommended.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org Goldilocks (April 24-May 5). An adorable retelling of the classic three bears tale using hand puppets. 10 a.m.

Wednesday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday-

Wicked (April 2-May 5) at ASU Gammage.

THEATER The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (March 17-April 21). Childsplay stages this play based on the classic Eric Carle picture book, which is celebrating its 50th birthday. 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m.

Sunday. $12-$30. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 480921-5700 or childsplayaz.org James and the Giant Peach (March 29-April 14). Based on the book by Roald Dahl. James, an orphan, finds himself living with his two ignorant and cruel aunts, but escapes inside a giant peach rolling toward the ocean. 7 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $12.

Fountain Hills Youth Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480-8379661 or fhtaz.org Cirque du Soleil: Amaluna (March 15-April 14). Watch Cirque du Soleil acrobats and contortionists push their bodies to the brink via aerial straps, teeter boards and uneven bars while telling a mother/daughter story about coming of age and love.

Showtimes vary. $55-$245. State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale. cirquedusoleil.com Wicked (April 2-May 5). The “Wizard of Oz” story with a twist.

Told from the Wicked Witch’s point of view, this hit Broadway musical explores a misunderstood green girl, her unlikely friendship with Glinda and a misunderstanding that changes everything. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $39-$199. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe.

480-965-3434 or asugammage.com Bibbity Bobbity Baaaam (April 4-7).

Who was the fairy godmother before

she started granting wishes to fairytale princesses? Petal is a pre-teen pixie striving to earn her wings, when a string of mishaps gets her expelled from fairy school and her magical powers are revoked. 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m Sunday. $15.

Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. mesartscenter.com Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (April 4-May 11).

This musical combines cajun, gospel, folk, country and blues to tell the story of Huck Finn as he helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom. Parents take note: The script follows Mark Twain’s dialogue from “Huckleberry Finn,” and there are a few instances of the “n” word. Times vary. $22-$38. Hale Center Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. 480497-1181 or haletheatrearizona.com Beat Bugs: Saving Strawberry Fields Forever (April 5-14). Musical adaptation of the hit Netflix show Beat Bugs follows five friends learning life lessons with the help of Beatles’ songs like, “All You Need Is Love,” “Come Together,” “Strawberry Fields Forever” and more. 7 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $15. Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-843-8318 or spotlightyouththeatre.org The Toxic Avenger (April 5-21).

Winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical in 2009, this rock musical follows Melvin Ferd the Third, an aspiring earth scientist who vows to clean up the state, but instead gets dumped in a vat of toxic waste. He gains superhuman strength and incurs the wrath of the town’s corrupt mayor.

Note: This show is rated PG-13 for adult language. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $25-$28.

Mesa Arts Center’s Farnsworth Studio, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. mesartscenter.com Tuck Everlasting (April 5-21). Valley Youth Theatre stages this classic tale based on the novel by Natalie Babbitt.

ASU GAMMAGE

Sunday. $8-$12; free for ages 1 and younger with the purchase of a child’s ticket. Reservations recommended.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org

Winnie Foster discovers an amazing, life-changing secret and must decide what to do about it. 7 p.m. Friday; noon and 3:30 p.m. Saturday; 12:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday. $20. Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St., Phoenix. 602-253-8188 or vyt.com Oliver! (April 5-May 5). In this musical rendition, the orphan in Victorian England escapes a workhouse and heads to London where he meets up with Mr. Fagin and his band of pickpockets. Bad circumstances and actors threaten Oliver’s ability to find a happy home. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $17. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre at Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 480-483-1664 or desertstages.org Disney’s The Little Mermaid (April 10-14). Disney’s classic musical tale about a young mermaid, Ariel, who longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. This Limelight Performing Arts show includes musical favorites “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.” 6:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 7 p.m.

Friday; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $18; free for ages 2 and younger. Mesa Arts Center’s Nesbitt/ Elliott Playhouse, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. mesartscenter.com

American Girl Live (April 16-20).

This all-new musical celebrating several of American Girl’s iconic characters and stories comes to Mesa on its nationwide tour. 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 6 p.m.

Friday; 11 a.m., 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday. $35-$100. Mesa Arts Center’s Piper Theatre, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-6446500 or americangirllive.com The Miracle Worker (April 26-May 5). Spotlight Youth Theatre performs the beloved story of deaf and blind Helen Keller and her ingenious, determined teacher, Annie Sullivan. Trapped in a silent world, and unable to communicate, Helen is violent and spoiled. Her family treats her as something almost subhuman. Only Annie recognizes the mind and spirit waiting to be rescued. Best appreciated by ages 12 and up, but ages 5 and up are welcome to attend. 7 p.m.

Friday; 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m.

Sunday. $15. Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-8438318 or spotlightyouththeatre.org Schoolhouse Rock Live (April 28-May 6). Retro hit “Schoolhouse Rock” makes learning fun with memorable hits like, “I’m Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction.” Childplay’s rendition is updated for a new audience.

1 and 4 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. Sunday; backstage tours after some shows. $12$30. The Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. childsplayaz.org

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family time! on exhibit Bugs. Big Bugs! (through April 28).

It’s the final month to see the Phoenix Zoo’s animatronic exhibit where visitors interact with 21 gigantic bugs made from steel, fiberglass and a special weatherproof “skin.” Watch and learn about the superpowers of the black ant, emperor scorpion, grasshopper and Mexican redknee tarantula. $5 plus zoo admission: $24.95; $16.95 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-2863800 or phoenixzoo.org

IDEA MUSEUM

Flora at Phoenix Art Museum (April 13-Aug. 18). Discover how flowers have inspired fashions through the ages. See designs by Marc Jacobs, Comme des Garçons, Charles James, Slava Zaitsev and more and explore the evolution of botanical-inspired designs from the 18th century to the present. While there, don’t miss the fireflies exhibit or the black moths, which are hard to miss. $14-$23; hours vary. Pay-what-you-wish hours: 3-9 p.m. each Wednesday, 6-10 p.m. on the first Friday of each month, and noon to 5 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.

602-666-7104 or phxart.org

Junkyard Jungle (through May 26) at i.d.e.a. Museum.

Away From Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories (ongoing).

This newly updated exhibit examines an overlooked period of American history when, beginning in the 1870s, the U.S. government aimed to assimilate American Indians into “civilized” society.

Children were taken from families and transported to far-away government boarding schools, where all signs of “Indian-ness” were stripped away. See new works of art, archival material, first-person interviews and interactive displays. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondaySaturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. $18; $7.50 for ages 6-17; free for ages 5 and younger. Free admission 6-10 p.m. on

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the first Friday of each month. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.

602-252-8840 or heard.org Bodies Revealed (through April 21).

This eye-opening exhibit by Atlantabased Premier Exhibitions wraps up this month. It gives visitors an unprecedented way to view beneath the surface of the human body. See more than 200 whole and partial human specimens preserved by polymer preservation. $14.95-$19.95; free for ages 2 and younger. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday-Saturday. OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480291-8000 or bodiesaz.com

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Electric Desert (through May 12).

Desert Botanical Garden hosts a lightand-sound experience by Klip Collective.

Cacti and desert trees and plants become a living canvas in this nighttime experience of projected lights and original music. 6-8 p.m. daily. $24.95; $12.95 for ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-941-1225 or dbg.org Gaman: Enduring Japanese American Internment at Gila River (through April 18, 2020). During World War II more than 16,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from the west coast to the Gila River Internment Camp near Chandler. This exhibit explores how gaman, the Japanese value of enduring the seemingly impossible with patience and dignity, helped these American citizens survive loss and incarceration in the Arizona desert. See the photos, hear the stories, read the names of incarcerees and view community-contributed paper

cranes. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. TuesdaySaturday; 1- 5 p.m. Sunday. Chandler Museum, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive, Chandler. 480-782-2000 or chandlermuseum.org Junkyard Jungle (through May 26).

Trash becomes treasured artwork at the i.d.e.a. Museum. Art and hands-on activities teach about the environment, recycling and conservation of natural resources. Kids can make collages of wild beasts and butterflies. They can pretend to be biologists, entomologists, zoologists and ecologists and explore a black-light rainforest or make videos about recycled artwork. $9; free for babies younger than 1. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.

150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. 480-6442468 or ideamuseum.org Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants (through May 5). Dive beneath the surface of the world’s rivers at OdySea Aquarium. Enormous in size and rapidly dwindling in number, these ancient fish play critical roles in their freshwater habitats. The interactive exhibit — in conjunction with National Geographic — includes life-size sculptures, videos and activities and games for all ages to learn how monster fish grow, how scientists study them and how anglers and others can help them survive. $27.95-$37.95. Open daily; hours vary. OdySea Aquarium 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-2918000 or odyseaaquarium.com Mummies of the World (through Sept.

2). Arizona Science Center hosts this blockbuster exhibit of 40 human and animal mummies and 85 rare artifacts.

Multimedia stations take visitors on a 4,500-year journey offering a look at life in ancient Egypt, South America and Europe. $7.95-$11.95 plus general admission: $18; $13 for ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org/mummies Photographs by Barry Goldwater (through June 23). Barry Goldwater was

best known for his politics, but he was also a photographer whose photos of the Grand Canyon and native Arizonans were regularly seen in Arizona Highways magazine. The largest collection of his photographs is on display at the Western Spirit Museum. $8-$15; free for ages 5 and younger. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday and FridaySaturday; 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Western Spirit Museum, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale. 480-686-9539 or scottsdalemuseumwest.org

Easter events for kids in metro Phoenix family time!

CHANDLER Easter Eggstravaganza and Buffet (April 21). Celebrate Easter in the Old West with more than 15,000 eggs. Hunt is free. Buffet is $25.95; $9.95 for ages 4-12. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler.

480-502-5600 or rawhide.com

LITCHFIELD PARK Spring Butterfly Exhibit (March 2-May 12). Explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and see the Desert Botanical Garden’s annual butterfly exhibit. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Included with admission: $24.95; $12.95 for ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger and active military personnel. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480941-1225 or dbg.org

Easter Egg Stravaganza (April 20). Celebrate Easter with egg-roll races, an Easter egg hunt train ride and live entertainment. Free.

Optional breakfast buffet with the Easter Bunny for $15-$25 per person. 9 a.m. to noon. Wigwam Golf Resort, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. 623-935-3811 or wigwamarizona.com

The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon (through Sept. 15).

Learn about the history of the electric guitar --- from its invention to its role in changing American music --- and see more than 80 of the world’s rarest electric guitars and amplifiers. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $7-$10. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix.

480-478-6000 or mim.org

MESA

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s 50th Birthday (through Aug. 31). Butterfly Wonderland partnered with Penguin Publishing and author Eric Carle to celebrate the 50th birthday of the classic children’s book. Activities include seeing live caterpillars and other creatures from Eric Carle’s books, larger-than-life storybook pages from “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” in the conservatory, photo opportunities with character backdrops, caterpillar trading cards, meet and greets with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” character, face painting, story times and movies on select dates. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $23.95; $15.95 for ages 2-12; free for ages 1 and younger. Butterfly Wonderland, 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale. butterflywonderland.com

Dino Egg Hunt (April 12 and 19). Enjoy a prehistoric egg hunt at the Arizona Museum of Natural History, plus crafts and activities.

5:30-8 p.m. $12; $7 for ages 3-12; Free for ages 2 and younger. 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa. 480-644-2230 or arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org Easter Egg-Sperience (April 20). Celebrate spring with a day at Vertuccio Farms. Enjoy all the favorite farm-play structures, an egg hunt, furry farm animals and photos with the Easter Bunny. Breakfast favorites available from the farm griddle. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $11 online.

4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. 480650-6066 or vertucciofarms.com Easter Sunday Musical Lunch (April 21). Spend Easter Sunday at Organ Stop Pizza from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The all-you-can-eat pizza buffet includes salad and soft drinks for $12; $10 for ages 9 and younger. Advanced tickets required; this event typically sells out early.

1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. organstoppizza.com

PEORIA Dolly Sanchez Easter Egg Hunt (April 20). This 43rd annual event offers something for everyone. There are candy hunts for eight age groups (ages 1-10) and one for individuals with disabilities. Plus pony rides, crafts, inflatables, carnival rides and games. Free admission and parking with a canned food donation Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. peoriaaz.gov

PHOENIX Easter Bunny Fest (April 6). Hop over to the District Stage and meet the Easter Bunny, who will be hosting spring games, face painting and free photos. Plus, a balloon drop with prizes. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free. Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. shopdesertridge.com Easter Egg Hunt (April 20-21).

Enchanted Island Amusement Park hosts two days of egg hunts. Bring your own basket and arrive early.

The Easter Bunny will be available for photos. 10 a.m. Free. Enchanted Island Amusement Park, 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. 602-2541200 or enchantedisland.com

QUEEN CREEK Easter Egg-Citement (April 20).

The Easter Bunny will be at Schnepf Farms. Kids can hunt for eggs and enjoy swings, jumping pillows, carousel rides and the petting zoo.

Register online; spaces are limited.

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. $20-$25 for children; $3 for parents. 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek.

480-987-3100 or schnepffarms.com

SCOTTSDALE Easter Bunny Breakfast (April 20). Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at

Montelucia hosts a kid-friendly brunch with cookie decorating, Easter-themed arts and crafts, an egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. 9 a.m. to noon. $60; $35 for ages 3-12. 4949 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale. (480) 627-3200 or omnihotels.com/hotels/ scottsdale-montelucia Easter Bunny Meet, Greet & Treat at American Girl (April 7 and 14). Celebrate spring with your American Girl doll for special breakfast treats and a meet, greet and photo op with the Easter Bunny!

10:30-11:30 a.m. $22. American Girl in Scottsdale Quarter, 15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. 877247-5223 or americangirl.com

STANFIELD Roxie’s Easter Egg Hunt (April 13-14). Take the family to Shamrock Farms for loads of Easter activities.

Start off with a one-hour guided tour and get up-close-and-personal with 10,000 cows. View the cow nursery and learn how milk gets from the farm to the table. The tour is followed by an Easter egg hunt, visits with Roxie and the Easter Bunny, face painting, balloon artistry and crafts. Tours start at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. $10; free for ages 2 and under. Shamrock Farms, 40034 W. Clayton, Stanfield. 602477-2462 or shamrockfarms.net

TEMPE Easter Egg Hunt (April 20). The Kiwanis Club of Tempe, along with Tempe High School Key Club and ASU’s Circle K International, host this free event for kids ages 10 and younger. More than 8,000 plastic prize-filled Easter eggs, pictures with the Easter Bunny, face painting, games and arts and crafts. Bring your own basket. 8 a.m. Free.

Kiwanis Park (soccer field), 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe. kcot.org

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family time! fun runs and walks Note: Events are listed in date order, then alphabetically.

Healthy Kids Running Series (April 6-May 11). A five-week running program designed to get kids from pre-K through eighth grade moving. Each Saturday morning is another race with age-appropriate events from a 50-yard dash to a mile. 9:30 a.m. $35. Founder Park, 22407 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek. healthykidsrunningseries.org

Laura’s Run (April 6). Join the 10K, 5K, 1-mile fun run/walk, Doggie Trot or Kids Dash benefiting the Laura Burdick Foundation, which helps families of transplant recipients at the Norton Thoracic Institute at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.

Groove to live music, enter raffle prizes and enjoy family festivities. 8 a.m. $20-$40. Kiwanis Park, 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe. 480-220-2019 or laurahartburdickfoundation.com Run the Runway (April 6). Take in the view from the Scottsdale Airport runway with a 15K, 10K, 5K or Kids 1-Mile Mascot Dash. Then, land an afternoon of fun and entertainment at the postrace festival. Money raised benefits Playworks Arizona, an organization dedicated to ending playground bullying. 6-10 a.m. $15-$60.

Scottsdale Airpark, 15000 N. Airport Drive, Scottsdale. runtherunwayaz.com Terrain Race (April 6). Ages 14 and over can run the 5K race, which starts with a dunking, then continues through obstacles that include walls, ropes and monkey bars. The half-mile Mini Monkey course for ages 2-10 (parents are encouraged to run it with their kids) is a mini version of the adult course with walls and desert crawls. 7:30

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RICHMAN COMMUNICATIONS

JDRF One Walk (April 6). This 3-mile walk for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Desert Southwest Chapter is raising funds and awareness for Type 1 diabetes. Donations accepted.

9 a.m. Sloan Park, 2330 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa. jdrf.org

Healthy Kids Running Series (April 6- May 11) at Founder Park.

a.m. to 3 p.m. $35-$60. Old Tucson Studios, 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson. terrainrace.com The Hope Run (April 6). Walk or run 5K or 1 mile in honor of all domestic violence survivors. Bring a gift card to donate and get a chance to win a prize.

8 a.m. $5-$35. Freestone Park, 1045 E. Juniper Road, Gilbert. thehoperun.com 5K for Healthy Kidneys (April 7).

This family-friendly annual run/walk is held every spring to celebrate life and promote awareness of Alport syndrome as well as the risks of chronic kidney disease. Entertainment includes a live DJ, free refreshments and prizes for top racers. 8 a.m. $15-$30. Kiwanis Park, 6111 S. All America Way, Tempe. asf5k. everydayhero.do Arcadia Family Fun Run (April 7). Founded in the memory of Taylor Cosmas and other infants who have died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), this annual 5K raises money for SIDS research at Boston Children’s Hospital and safe-sleep education programs around Arizona. 8 a.m. $40.

Registration in the OHSO parking lot.

Race begins at 48th Street and the canal in Phoenix. teamtayloraz.com Be My Hero 5K (April 7). All proceeds from this 5K run/walk support local

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firefighters. There’s a free Mustache Dash for ages 8 and younger, fire trucks and kids activities. 8 a.m. $25-$35.

Camelback Ranch, 10710 W. Camelback Road, Glendale. raceroster.com Race To Alleviate Homelessness (April 13). Proceeds from this 5K and 1-mile fun run help Tempe Community Action Agency provide safety, resources and support for men and women to find a pathway out of homelessness. 7:30 a.m. $20-$35; free for ages 5 and younger.

Kiwanis Park (north end), 101 W. Baseline Road, Tempe. raceroster.com Take Steps Walk for Crohn’s and Colitis (April 13). This is the largest fundraiser for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, benefiting patient programs and research for cures to digestive diseases. 9 a.m. Free. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. 480-858-2188 or cctakesteps.org Stride for Sight (April 14). This 5K and 1-mile walk is a unique event for all ages and abilities, with blind and sighted runners competing together. The event helps fund the comprehensive programs at the Foundation for Blind Children. Compete in “The Blindfold Challenge” with a sighted guide of your choice. 8 a.m. $35. OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Vía

de Ventura, Scottsdale. seeitourway.org Hippity Hop Half Marathon (April 20). This half marathon, 10K and 5K starts and ends in Peoria’s Rio Vista Park. Kids will love the Cottontail Dash, an untimed half-mile fun run with an egg hunt along the route. Proceeds benefit Arizona Children’s Association, one of the state’s oldest and largest comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health not-for-profits. 7 a.m. $25-$75. 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria. raceroster.com Pat’s Run (April 27). This is the Pat Tillman Foundation’s main event to support military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships. Honor Tillman’s legacy by running in the 4.2-mile run or the .42mile run/walk for ages 12 and younger.

Finish inside Sun Devil Stadium for a post-race party and expo. The Kids Corner offers inflatables, an obstacle course and crafts. 6-11 a.m. $10-$60.

ASU Campus, 219 S. Packard Drive, Tempe. pattillmanfoundation.org Adult & Youth Water Slide Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon (April 28). Sign up for a variety of options, which all include swimming, biking and running — or create a relay team. $59-$95.

Sunrise Pool, 21321 N. 86th Drive, Peoria. trifamilyracing.com

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Looking for fun summer activities for your animal-loving kid? AHS has a variety of weeklong day camps for kids interested in learning more about animals and animal careers.

June - August Ages 6-17 azhumane.org/camps eduction@azhumane.org

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APRIL 2019 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Milestones

Missed that first step?

It’s OK! Find joy in little moments…

By Maggie Zehring CALL ME CRAZY, put me in the category of cold-hearted mothers and judge me all you want. I have relieved myself of one of the biggest pressures of modern motherhood, and I am here to invite you to do the same.

When our eldest was born three years ago, I talked to countless moms about what they looked for and liked about their childcare.

As I toured a few sites and talked to program directors, I came upon a particularly interesting characteristic. It wasn’t related to safety practices, pick-up times or extra amenities like apps that allow parents to watch their child’s classroom during the day.

What made me sit back and wonder was a little piece of paper that asked parents whether they would like to know if their baby crawled for the first time or took those first momentous steps while at daycare — or would they prefer the provider say nothing about it?

On its face, this is a generous option to include in a list of intentional questions about a child’s care. It’s thoughtful, considerate and kind. It made me wonder if the question was triggered by a particular incident with a distraught parent or a response to a more habitual complaint from working parents upset over missing their kids’ first milestones.

I think there is a strong desire in the hearts of all parents to be present for every “first” in their children’s lives. Who doesn’t want to see her offspring wobble on chubby legs and take his or her first steps? It’s a miraculous thing to behold — but in my case, not something I’ve witnessed

with my own eyes for all three of my kids.

I think this desire can reach beyond the origins of love and become an issue of control.

The older they get, children will experience more and more firsts without our shadows in the background, and that is appropriate if they are to grow and thrive as individuals.

I do not have the capacity to control every aspect of my children’s lives. Whether I work out of the home, stay at home with my kids, have more kids, or stop growing our family, it is a simple, hard truth. I cannot, in any way, be present for everything they do that is new to them. It. Is. Impossible. And that is OK. What I can do is relish the moments I do get to enjoy and soak them up.

I can create memories and give them new experiences — no matter how small. It could be as simple as seeing their joy while baking cookies after dinner, letting them catch marshmallows in their mouths in the backyard, discovering a new park on a Saturday morning or tasting drops of rain on a stormy night.

I don’t want to waste time or energy being anxious about missing my children’s first steps or words. I prefer to enjoy and experience fully any moment I can get watching them do something new. I am OK missing out on the firsts, because I’ve learned to find joy whenever possible.

Maggie Zehring of Scottsdale juggles her writing and social media skills with being a mom to three young children.

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