RAK magazine December2019/January2020

raisingarizonakids.com DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020

SNOW DAYS & ICE PLAY

5

AFFORDABLE

Christmas traditions

75 WINTER HOLIDAY EVENTS BUY LOCAL!

GIFT IDEAS Why are

RAGE ROOMS popping up in the Valley?

Jordyn McNeill (10) of Phoenix at Ice Den Scottsdale.

S c o t t s d a le P

ublic L ibrar

y’s

Saturday, December 7 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Located on the lawn outside Scottsdale’s Civic Center Library (3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ)

Enjoy a free, play-filled day of interactive art, science, sports and building activities for children ages 0 - 8.

It’s the perfect place for you and your little ones to play and learn together.

For more information, visit:

ScottsdaleLibrary.org/UltimatePlayDate

THANK YOU TO OUR ULTIMATE PL AY DATE SPONSORS!

LIB-UPD 2019-marketing-RAK magazine.indd 1

10/25/2019 10:54:23 AM

EDUCATION CAN LEAD TO

A BETTER LIFE Ivy InvestEd℠ 529 Plan is a simple way to start preparing for future education costs.

Plan rankings by Savingforcollege.com

(As of June 30, 2019 — Performance rankings among national advisor-sold plans including maximum sales charges)

1-Year

2

#

OUT OF 28 PLANS

3-Year

1

#

5-Year

5

#

OUT OF 25 PLANS

OUT OF 25 PLANS

10-Year: #8 out of 17 plans. Savingforcollege.com helps individuals and financial advisors understand how to meet the challenge of paying for higher education. It tracks the universe of 529 plans and ranks those plans each quarter.¹

Contact your financial advisor or visit IVYINVESTMENTS.COM/529 to check out this top-ranked plan.

¹Source: Quarterly 529 plan performance review – Each quarter Savingforcollege.com analyzes the investment performance figures for thousands of 529 portfolios and ranks the 529 savings plans from best to worst.

This analysis describes the movement among plan rankings during the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods. Savingforcollege.com, 06/30/2019. Rankings include maximum sales load. The Savingforcollege.com Plan Composite Rankings are derived using the plan’s relevant portfolio performance in seven unique asset allocation categories. The asset allocation categories used are 100% Equity, 80% Equity, 60% Equity, 40% Equity, 20% Equity, 100% Fixed, and 100% Short Term. The plan composite ranking is determined by the average of its performance score in the seven categories. Plans sold directly to consumers are ranked separately.

Risk factors: Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. An investment in the Ivy InvestEd 529 Plan is subject to risk. Your investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and your investment, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than your original cost. investments under the Program. lt your tax advisor regarding your personal tax situation.

Accounts are not insured by the State of Arizona, the Family College Savings Program Trust Fund (“the Trust”), the Arizona Commission for Postsecondary Education, or any other governmental entity, Waddell & Reed, Inc.,

Before investing, investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the IVY InvestEd℠ 529 PLAN. This and other important information is contained in the IVY InvestEd℠ 529 PLAN Program Overview, IVY InvestEd℠ 529 PLAN Account Application, and the prospectuses, or if available, summary prospectuses, all of which may be obtained at ivyinvestments.com or from a financial advisor. Read them carefully before investing.

IVY FUNDS® mutual funds are managed by Ivy Investment Management Company and are distributed by Ivy Distributors, Inc. InvestEd℠ Portfolios are managed by Ivy Investment Management Company and are distributed by Waddell & Reed, Inc. Ivy Distributors, Inc. and Waddell & Reed, Inc. -

NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NO BANK GUARANTEE NOT A DEPOSIT | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

WADDELL & REED, INC. 43929 (10/19) RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

1

CONTENTS

December 2019/January 2020 FEATURES

22

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

26

RAGE ROOMS

Need ideas for kids gifts and stocking stuffers? We searched local shops for fun finds. Also: Local holiday markets and Sari on Science’s recipe for DIY bath bombs that make great holiday gifts!

New businesses across the Valley will give you a baseball bat and let you smash stuff in the name of stress relief.

Kris Vera-Philips explores the trend that’s starting to attract families.

22

DEPARTMENTS

4

DIALOGUE

6

AZ GROWN

30

48

Holiday joy and stress

• CPR in Schools offers affordable training kits • Nominations sought for JA’s 18 Under 18 • Save now for college with a 529 savings plan • How to run for your local school board • Cynch launches propane home-delivery service • Go With the Flow delivers menstrual supplies to schools • 5 affordable Christmas traditions • 3 free family treasure hunts • Managing teen stress during the holidays • Raising Outdoor Kids: The joys of minimalism • NCL: Mother-daughter bonding over volunteering • Using Common Sense: Kids are obsessed with YouTube

26

FAMILY TIME! • Top December/January events • Holiday lights • Snow days and ice play • Around Arizona • Fun runs and walks • Onstage family performances

COVER PHOTO: Jordyn McNeil of Phoenix at Ice Den Scottedale.

FIRST PERSON My toddler is doing all the things I used to judge other parents for

COMING NEXT MONTH: 2 December 2019/January 2020

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

36 PHOTOS BY ALLEN PATROU

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. © 2019 FMR LLC. All rights reserved. 790731.5.0 RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

3

dialogue

December 2019/January 2020 | Vol 30 | No 9 PUBLISHER Karen Davis Barr ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Lisa Morrell EDITOR Kara G. Morrison CALENDAR EDITOR Carrie Wheeler COPY EDITOR Debra Citron

HOLIDAY JOY and STRESS I THOUGHT I WAS the only one — the only mom who has ever thrown out her unsent holiday cards in about March — well after it’s appropriate to wish friends and family a Happy New Year. A friend of mine who truly has it all together admitted she’s done the same (and with the expensive Instagram-worthy cards, not my Costco stack). I felt less of a mess or at least in good company.

It all goes to say, the holidays fly by. We parents put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make it all magical and memorable — to get dressed up for special events, take lovely family photos, buy the perfect presents and make it to gatherings with a worthy host or hostess gift. And before we can blink, it’s a new year, with new hopes and new challenges.

This combined December/January issue of R aising A rizona K ids magazine addresses many of the stresses and the joys that are the holiday season. Jessica Runberg assures us with all the festive high-priced tickets in town, there are many magical, affordable or free holiday traditions to help celebrate Christmas. Lisa Van Loo of Raising Outdoor Kids explains “The joys of minimalism” and takes away some of that pressure to give kids all the toys on their wish lists. Krista Morrell, a teenage

4 December 2019/January 2020

peer counselor at Teen Lifeline, explains why teens also experience stress during the holiday season and offers ways to cope that are good reminders for adults, too.

Kris Vera-Phillips explores why Rage Rooms are popping up in the Valley, the fact that they’re starting to cater to stressedout kids and families, and whether this is healthy. Who knows — they may be the hottest new holiday party destination!

We didn’t forget the fun, with local gift and stocking stuffer ideas for kids and holiday markets to get your shopping out of the way early. Sari Custer from the Arizona Science Center (which features a cool new “Victoria T. rex” exhibit) shares her recipe for making DIY bath bombs as holiday gifts. In all, we list more than 75 holiday family events, from light shows and onstage performances to places where kids can see Santa or play in the snow and ice.

And there’s so much more in this issue!

We hope it helps you have a less stressful, more joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year in 2020.

Kara G. Morrison, Editor kara@RAKmagazine.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

CONTRIBUTORS Amy Carney, Sari Custer, Ilana Lowery, Krista Morrell, Jessica Runberg, McKenzie Sadeghi, Lisa Van Loo, Kris Vera-Phillips, Elaina Verhoff, Maggie Zehring ART DIRECTOR Michèlle-Renée Adams COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Allen Patrou OPERATIONS MANAGER Tina Gerami-Bynum MARKETING CONSULTANTS Shannon Cornall, Kate Reed, Mary Vandenberg IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

R aising A rizona K ids magazine (ISSN 1051-4295) was created to connect Valley families to local resources and share reallife stories about the challenges and joys of raising children.

Copy­r ight © 2019 by R a i s i n g A r i zon a K i d s , Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Subscription price is $20 for one year or $35 for two years. Back issues are $6 per copy. Make address changes on our website or mail changes to our office.

Content guide­lines are avail­a ble at raisingarizonakids.com.

@RAKmagazine on Twitter; RAKmagazine on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Pinterest.

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

OdySeaAquarium.com | 480.291.8000 | 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256

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5

az grown good to know

NOMINATIONS sought for JA’s 18 UNDER 18 JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT of Arizona’s annual 18 Under 18 awards program honors 18 outstanding young people in Arizona — up-and-comers who show exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, community service and an overall extraordinary skill set. If you know an impressive individual under age 18, nominate him or her at 18under18.org. Finalists will be notified in mid-February, and honorees will be recognized at a special awards breakfast at JA BizTown on April 11. For more information contact 480-377-8500 or 18Under18@jaaz.org

SAVE NOW FOR COLLEGE WITH A

529 SAVINGS PLAN

CPR in Schools program offers affordable kits for mandatory training MORE THAN 70 PERCENT of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in a residence, and if CPR is performed, a person’s chances of survival can double or triple, according to the American Heart Association. That’s why learning hands-only CPR is now a high school graduation requirement in Arizona. Senate Bill 1137, passed in 2016, stating every Arizona public or charter high school student must learn hands-only CPR at least once during high school, effective this school year.

More than 150 Arizona schools now use AHA’s CPR in Schools training kit, which takes less than an hour and does not require a certified instructor. Students can even conduct the trainings with the economical kit that facilitates training for 10 to 20 students at once and includes 10 Mini Anne Plus inflatable manikins and replacement parts, five training DVDs, testing materials and more. The kits last three-plus years in an average school setting and cost $649 at schoolhealth.com. AHA’s Community CPR Manager Mike Deitch can help advise schools about CPR in Schools resources and class training and can help host a CPR event: mike.deitch@heart.org

6 December 2019/January 2020

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

STUDENT LOAN DEBT is a continuing problem for young people today, but here’s help: Parents, grandparents and even aunts, uncles or friends can lower a loved one’s college expenses by starting a 529 savings plan. Anyone can open a 529 account and name a beneficiary for an initial investment of $20 or less.

What’s a 529? The federal government helps make college more affordable by allowing states to offer taxadvantaged 529 investment programs for which returns are generally not taxed when used for appropriate college expenses — including tuition, room and board and even computers. Each state offers a different plan with different rules. For each dollar saved each year with an AZ 529 plan, Arizona residents are eligible for a tax deduction of up to $4,000 for married couples filing jointly, or $2,000 for a single tax filer.

“Thinking about the future and planning for college is extremely vital,” says Deena Lager, director of the Arizona Family College Savings Program. “By starting small and setting aside even $10 a week in a 529 plan, it could add up to nearly $15,000 over the span of 18 years.”

AZ 529 plan funds can be used at accredited institutions anywhere in the country, including twoand four-year public or private colleges, universities, community colleges or technical training schools. Also: Anyone can open a plan, and there are no income restrictions. Money saved in an AZ 529 account will not impact eligibility for Arizona state financial aid awards. Visit az529.gov or sec.gov/investor/pubs/intro529.htm

RESOLVE TO BE INVOLVED IN 2020: HOW RUN FOR YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD

THE BEST WAY to improve Arizona’s schools is to make sure every public school has a well-functioning school board. That’s according to the nonprofit Arizona School Boards Association, which provides training, leadership and essential services to public school governing boards statewide.

ASBA is urging parents and community members to consider running to become a local school board member. Those interested should start planning now and collecting signatures by early spring. Signatures must be submitted to county superintendent offices by August for the November 2020 election.

Nikkie Whaley, a member of the Washington Elementary School District Governing Board, says she has always been passionate about education and drawn to public service, but she admits she was intimidated about running for local office: “I didn’t think that was something I could do. I thought politics wasn’t really for me. I just wanted to help kids,” says Whaley, who is 38 and has two children in Arizona’s largest K-8 district.

To run for the office, a candidate must: 1. Get an information packet from the county superintendent of schools. 2. Collect signatures on a nominating petition. 3. File a political committee statement of organization with the county elections department or superintendent of schools upon reaching a combined

total of $1,100 in contributions and expenses. 4. File signatures with the county superintendent of schools within the filing deadline. 5. Run a campaign.

Whaley eased into the process with an appointed seat, then an uncontested election, and says the process isn’t as intimidating as it sounds.

She’s says inadequate funding remains the biggest challenge for Arizona’s public schools, and she’s passionate about students’ social-emotional health and wellbeing.

“You shouldn’t [run for school board] because you want to help just your kid … or further your political career,” says Whaley, who spends about 8 hours a month at meetings, reading materials and at events. “You should really have a desire to improve the school system for all students.”

Visit azsba.org/becoming-a-board-member for details about the process and instructive videos for would-be school board candidates.

PROPANE HOMEDELIVERY SERVICE

brings cylinder to your doorstep HAVE YOU EVER FIRED UP THE GRILL — or the backyard fire pit — only to realize you’re out of propane? AmeriGas has just launched Cynch, a new propane home-delivery service in greater Phoenix that will pick up your empty propane grill tank and deliver a new one to your doorstep.

Cynch propane tank home delivery is now available in select areas of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale and Tempe. Visit cynch.com, type in your delivery address, pick your delivery date and note where your old tank will be located. A Cynch driver can exchange your old tank for a new one or simply drop off a tank. (For a limited time, the code RAISING offers an initial tank exchange for $10).

“We wanted to alleviate something many view as a hassle,” says Chris Cook, who is overseeing the Cynch launch in Phoenix. “Cynch is a service that can make life simpler.”

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

7

az grown community ASU students at a packing party event. Inset: Go with the Flow Executive Director Demetra Presley dropping off boxes of period packs for the Phoenix Union High School District.

Go With the Flow:

Lack of feminine products should never be a hurdle to attending school. Period.

By McKenzie Sadeghi ONE EVENING, DEMETRA PRESLEY came across a Facebook post — a video of a teacher making “period packs” for female students who didn’t have access to such supplies at home.

Presley — who works as a federal probation officer in Phoenix — remembers having a moment of self-realization. She had never given much thought to the fact that many school-age girls cannot afford pads or tampons, or what that would mean.

“I grew up really privileged, where I never had to worry about these things,” says Presley, noting she’s long been an advocate of women’s rights and women’s healthcare. “This is one of those issues that impacts students being able to attend school. [It] impacts people’s mental and emotional health.”

Presley started talking to friends, family and coworkers about the problem, and grew even more frustrated by what she was learning.

While many schools receive a small budget for menstrual products, they often can’t meet the needs of students for an entire year, she says.

“Some of the schools here don’t even provide period products,” says Presley. “Your best-case scenario is to locate a friend, or if you’re fortunate enough [to have one you can approach about it], your teacher.”

Presley learned some young women create pads and tampons with socks, newspapers or toilet paper, or use expired products, which can expose them to health risks such as toxic shock syndrome. A survey by the period

8 December 2019/January 2020

products brand Always found nearly one in five girls in the United States have either left school early or missed school entirely because they did not have access to pads or tampons.

In January 2018, Presley started Go with the Flow, a nonprofit that delivers menstruation products to Title I and other schools — elementary (since girls are getting their periods as young as age 8) all the way to community colleges — where these products are needed. So far, Go With the Flow has distributed more than 13,000 period packs to schools from Peoria to Tucson.

Presley knows talking about periods is still taboo, which she tried to address with the nonprofit’s name. “I wanted Go with the Flow to be something that was light enough so that people wouldn’t feel intimidated. There is still a stigma that surrounds the issue, so it was important for me to make it fun and positive, so people wouldn’t feel intimidated or uncomfortable.”

On that point, Presley has her work cut out for her. When the Arizona Legislature addressed a bill about a need for more pads and tampons in jails last year, male legislators complained about even having to discuss the subject.

“One of the representatives commented on how he would have never allowed the bill to be brought up if he knew it was going to be a discussion about periods,” Presley admits.

Other bills — dubbed tampon tax legislation — that would make tampons, sanitary napkins and menstrual cups tax exempt

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

have yet to pass in Arizona. “People have tried passing a bill to remove the sales tax, because one of the barriers to people having access to these [products is] the price,” Presley explains.

Go With the Flow is funded through donation drives and partnerships with other nonprofits, plus help from companies including Kotex. Last spring, U by Kotex donated six pallets of pads to Go With the Flow through the National Alliance for Period Supplies.

Ultimately, in addition to making sure young women have access to period supplies, Presley wants to help reduce the stigma young women feel about the biological fact of periods.

“My hope is that we are fostering an environment or a society where young girls and women don’t feel any shame about this,” she explains. “When we become more comfortable, we will be in a space where we can have open dialogue, realize the impact that it has, and start implementing policy and education.”

To get involved, Presley accepts donations and volunteers for making and transporting period packs. You can also request period packs at a specific school at gowiththeflowaz.org Editorial Intern McKenzie Sadeghi is a junior at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT | LEADERSHIP | MAKING THE COMMUNITY BETTER | EXTRAORDINARY SKILLSET

DO YOU KNOW ONE OF ARIZONA’S 18 UNDER 18?

Who are the 18 most extraordinary young people in Arizona? We are looking for young people that represent future leaders, change makers and innovators in our community.

These students are making our state a better place. Their skills and accomplishments are matched by few. We are looking for the academic achievers, driven athletes, young artists, cooks, photographers, dancers, public speakers and anyone else that has already achieved some level of success in youth.

If you know an impressive young role model on the path to a successful future, we want to hear about them!

NOMINATIONS OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2020.

NOMINATE ONLINE AT WWW.18UNDER18.ORG RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

9

5 AFFORDABLE

FAMILY TRADITIONS

to help celebrate Christmas

By Jessica Runberg

‘TIS THE SEASON OF EXCESS. Whether it be glitz, gifts or experiences, it’s easy to feel the pressure to open up your wallet in the name of creating a holiday season the whole family will remember. And the stakes are never higher than at Christmas.

You can’t put a price tag on magic, and yet, like the other 11 months of the year, some of the best family activities in December are free or surprisingly inexpensive. Here are five of my family’s favorite ways to celebrate that are high on tradition, but low on cost.

Cut down your own Christmas tree. This is by far my favorite December activity. Forget U-cut farms. In the Wild West, you have to bring your own saw and lace up your hiking boots to claim a tree of your own. Before parenthood, my husband and I would spend hours scouring the cutting areas for a perfect fir or spruce. Now our little helper keeps us on the move. Permits are $15 and can be obtained from the Tonto, Apache-Sitgreaves, Kaibab, Coconino and Prescott National Forests. Find more information by searching “Christmas tree permit” for the specific forest at fs.usda.gov Winter Wonderland. The first time we took our daughter to Winter Wonderland, she asked, “Is this Disneyland?” Chris Birkett’s dazzling home display of 25,000 lights and nightly “snowfalls” officially makes him the Clark Griswold of south Scottsdale — and also the winner of ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Fight.” Stroll through the western Christmas-themed side yard and over the mine shaft’s swaying bridge to catch a glimpse of the Island of Misfit Toys in the backyard. Beware of Abominable! Displays run nightly from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 7-31 and are free to the public with a suggested donation of $5. winterwonderlandaz.com

10 December 2019/January 2020

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

Municipal fun. One of the things I love most about the Valley is that each suburb has its own flavor — and this is never truer than at Christmas.

Chandler has its iconic Tumblewood Tree. Glendale illuminates 16 blocks of its charming downtown with 1.6 million LED lights. Mesa hosts Merry Main Street with an ice skating rink. And Scottsdale celebrates with a series of holiday events during Scottsdazzle — my favorite of which is from 3-7 p.m. on Dec. 7, when Fifth Avenue transforms into Sugar Plum Avenue for a day of crafts, candy land bounce houses, performances and a seated outdoor tea party with the sugar plum fairies ($15 per person). scottsdazzle.com The Phoenix Ballet’s “Nutcracker.” I grew up going to the “Nutcracker,” so I knew I wanted to continue the tradition with my daughter. Having never attended an Arizona performance, we ended up at the Orpheum Theatre when she was 3 years old and haven’t looked back. Not only does the Phoenix Ballet put on a wonderful show Dec. 13-23, but the opulent Orpheum is magical in its own right. While I would categorize Nutcracker tickets as our one holiday splurge, it’s not the most expensive ticket in town. And there are more affordable “Nutcracker” performances by local youth groups and local dance companies. (See the Nutcracker roundup on raisingarizonakids.com). phoenixballet.org McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s Holiday Lights. All aboard! The Valley’s beloved train park lights up the holidays from 6:30-9 p.m. Nov. 29-Jan. 5 with $5 train rides through a kaleidoscope of twinkling lights and displays on the Paradise & Pacific Railroad and $3 carousel rides on the Charros Carousel. Santa also makes appearances in the historic Maricopa Depot on Friday nights through Dec. 23. therailroadpark.com Jessica Runberg is a Scottsdale freelance writer and the mother of a 6-year-old.

FACEBOOK.COM/THERAILROADPARK

az grown holidays

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

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az grown community

3

free family TREASURE HUNTS

By Amy Carney

GEOCACHING. Here’s a family-friendly hobby that’s high on both fun and fresh air. Decide where you want to start this modern treasure hunt. Geocaching offers a surprising number of hidden containers, called caches, and tips and clues for finding them in public spaces such as parks. Instead of using an actual map, your smartphone or other GPS-capable device will help you locate your treasure.

Start by creating a free account on geocaching.com or downloading the app from Apple or Google Play on your smartphone.

Make sure to bring a pen to sign and date the logbook in each geocache you find before placing it back where you found it. Then, record your experience online. Geocache sites range from easy to challenging and list their level of difficulty. If it’s your first time out on the hunt, go after caches that have been logged most recently to ensure there’s still something there to find.

Geocaches come in different shapes and sizes. Some also contain small treasures and trackables, so you never know what you will find. It isn’t always easy to locate the geocaches, which is part of the adventure and will test your child’s problem-solving skills.

LETTERBOXING. Letterboxing is another form of outdoor treasure hunting that uses

12 December 2019/January 2020

LUCI’S AT THE ORCHARD

RAISING KIDS IN ARIZONA affords many opportunities to spend time outdoors, especially during these beautiful winter months. But what outdoor activities help strengthen family relationships and promote values we deem important?

Here are three free technology-assisted treasure hunts that do both. We can set off on these adventures locally, but they also provide family fun when traveling.

A little one checks out the book selection at the Little Free Library at Luci’s at the Orchard.

clues instead of coordinates. Letterboxers hide small, weatherproof boxes in publicly accessible places. Find hints for finding them at letterboxing.org. There are 50,000 letterboxes hidden in North America alone.

To get started, you’ll need a “trail name,” a rubber stamp, pencil or pen, small sketchbook, an ink pad and the online clues.

Individual letterboxes usually contain a logbook and rubber stamp that is meant to remain in the box to record visits. Finders make an imprint of the letterbox’s stamp on their logbook and leave an imprint of their personal stamp on the letterbox’s logbook.

BOOK EXCHANGES. Little Free Libraries are “take one, leave one” book stations, and are located all over the Valley. Visiting Little Free Library locations with your child both encourages a healthy habit of reading and helps kids learn to recycle books they’ve already read. Check out littlefreelibrary.org for a map of libraries in your community, and have your child gather books that they are ready to pass on to another child in exchange for a new read.

Southwest Human Development has supported the local Little Free Library movement by partnering with individuals, neighborhoods, local businesses and nonprofit

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

organizations in Maricopa County to place as many Little Free Libraries as possible for children who need them most. The movement allows any individual to have easy access to books, regardless of their financial situation.

You can even build your own family Little Free Library or donate toward the movement at swhd.org Scottsdale Public Libraries has a Books2Go program with four micro-library locations featuring iconic structures built to reflect the area. They try to stock these libraries with books related to the site, such as the doghousethemed library at Chaparral Dog Park that offers dog-themed books. (I noticed many books for adults at this location as well.) Visit scottsdalelibrary.org/books2go for micro-library locations, and donate books to help keep these little libraries stocked by dropping them off at your local Scottsdale Public Library branch stating that they are for the Books2Go project.

Amy Carney is a Paradise Valley writer, speaker and founder of Parent on Purpose. The mother of five is married to retired pro hockey defenseman Keith Carney of the Phoenix Coyotes. Learn more at amycarney.com.

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13

az grown health

Managing teen stress at the holidays

By Krista Morrell

THE HOLIDAYS CAN bring up feelings of anticipation and apprehension for anyone.

That’s particularly true for tweens and teens, who already are in an emotionally charged stage. While they may count the days until winter break, many find that holiday fervor brings on seasonal stress.

“I look forward to the holidays, but there are some ups and downs,” says Ava Ervanian-Sproul, 14, a ninth-grader at Chaparral High School.

“All the drama over winter break. It can be overwhelming. It was easier when I was younger.”

Calls to the peer-counseling hotline Teen Lifeline pick up starting with pre-break anxiety in early December and again with post-festivity blues through January, says Nikki Kontz, clinical director for Teen Lifeline.

To help teens toward happier holidays, it helps to understand why they may feel angst during the most wonderful time of the year.

Changes in routine, high expectations, family issues and painful associations are often to blame, says Leah Doane, associate professor of psychology and director of the Adolescent Stress

14 December 2019/January 2020

and Emotion Lab at Arizona State University.

“As our children move from younger days with the spark and excitement of the holidays, increasing pressure and expectations can generate feelings of anxiety or stress for adolescents,” Doane explains.

Holiday disruptions start even before winter break, with the rush to finish endof-term schoolwork and exams. During the break, kids lose their regular schedule of classes, activities, sleep and mealtimes. Then comes the roller coaster of holiday dynamics: Relatives’ visits and family conflicts about plans and activities — especially for those juggling divorced households. Teens pick up on family financial strain related to gift giving, travel and other holidayrelated expenses. Then January brings the readjustment back into the school routine.

So what is a proactive parent to do? Experts say planning and communication are key.

Schedule holiday events. Kontz at Teen Lifeline recommends families plan a schedule

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of holiday events to manage expectations for plans with family and friends. That strategy has kept joyful celebrations for the BlandiniBarr family as their daughters— Halston, 16, and Holland, 14 — have grown into busier social lives. They often stick to the same events with family and friends each year, taking care to avoid overload.

“We have always kept our annual holiday schedule and traditions consistent,” said the girls’ mother, Karen Blandini of Scottsdale.

“If your family knows in advance what is happening and when, it sets expectations and makes this time of year something to look forward to rather than to dread. Teenagers like to push boundaries when it comes to their own social calendars, so having a schedule in place can alleviate conflicts, making room for added activities and fun.”

Communicate. Along with having a clear holiday plan, regular communication with teens can work wonders in reducing bah humbugs. Weekly family meetings with their

PR IMAGE FACTORY

teens are part of the holiday recipe for Lisa and Kelly Branch of Phoenix.

“We get everyone on the same page so we agree about what is happening,” says Lisa Branch, mother of 13- and 14-year old girls.

“Throughout the week there are still many spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment issues that come up. But everyone is less likely to freak out because we’ve been communicating all along. They know they can always ask for help or share new insights.”

Those open lines of communications are important, especially when kids appear overwhelmed, Kontz says. “A lot of times teens don’t yet know how to clearly put into words that there is stress.”

How do you know if your teen simply has a common case of the holiday blues, like 64 percent of Americans, or if it’s a bigger problem? Monitor the length and impact of your teen’s mood. The holiday ho-hums tend to last only several hours to days and don’t affect participation in everyday life, according

to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. If your teen’s symptoms go above and beyond and last well into the return of usual January routines, make sure to seek help.

7 tips to help teens cope with holiday stress • Stick to household routines. Observe regular mealtimes and bedtimes whenever possible.

Ease back into the school routine with some light studying the week before school starts.

• Give teens some control over their schedule. Work out time for teens to celebrate with friends and discuss what festivities they can opt out of.

• Make room for down time and exercise.

Include quiet activities such as a movie night.

Encourage teens to exercise every day — anything from ice skating to taking a walk.

• Get teens involved. Assign responsibilities for holiday parties; ask them to help with shopping, decorating or cooking.

Encourage them to volunteer for a good

cause such as a food bank or a toy drive.

• Manage gift expectations. Discuss a realistic gift list for your teen. Set a budget for their gifts for friends and family, and encourage them to make some of their presents.

• Limit social media and screen time. Too much time on social media or with video games can cause sensory overload and encourages temper flareups. Social media in particular can set kids up for unrealistic comparisons with others’ holiday experiences.

• Take care of yourself. If you’re overtaxed as a parent, your kids will sense it. Make time for self care and show holiday spirit with balanced expectations and activity levels.

Krista Morrell is a sophomore at Arcadia High School and a peer counselor at Teen Lifeline.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

15

az grown parenting RAISING OUTDOOR KIDS

The joys of MINIMALISM W

By Lisa Van Loo

hen she saw the $20 bill I had folded and put in front of her, her eyes grew three sizes. She needed a minute to tap her almost-10-year-old vocabulary to be able say what her eyes meant. “That’s too much, Mom. I can’t take that. That’s a lot of money.”

My daughter was headed to sleepaway camp for two nights, and hitting the ATM was the easiest way for me to give her a little cash for snacks and anything else she might need while she was gone. It was not a painful $20.

This was not a financial sacrifice.

But we live minimally. We do and buy what we need, with periodic exceptions. And her reaction to that $20 showed us that our decision to intentionally live minimally had left an imprint.

We talked about the moment later, unpacking the benefits of our choices, especially when it comes to our consumer habits. We gift our kids experiences over toys, and that whole concept has been whole-heartedly embraced to the point that they begin scouting potential adventures months ahead of birthdays and Christmas. We do this knowing that it has both short-term and long-term benefits for them and for us. Here are a few reasons why we choose to embrace minimalism.

It’s just plain cheaper. That is the most obvious, immediate benefit. Every purchase adds up, so it only makes sense to make those purchases count. We have saved an untold amount of money by choosing to take the inexpensive route, even if that route is something less convenient. And, by living minimally, we have a greater opportunity to save for the bigger, longer-term expenses we want to spend our money on.

It fosters self-reliance. Necessity truly is the mother of invention. By living minimally, our kids have an opportunity to create. Think of

what kids can do with an oversized, cardboard box. Absent every gadget and a bottomless budget, kids are forced to feel the freedom of creativity and embrace a general “let’s figure this out” attitude. They also discover, pretty quickly, that they can count on themselves to solve problems that come their way.

It teaches about needs. Kids are inundated with messaging — from every angle, it seems — about things they “need.” Especially this time of year. Toys. Technology. And, as they get older, clothes, shoes, make-up and the entire impulsebuy section at every store. Giving them the confidence to bypass things they don’t need early on will only benefit them in the years ahead, when they start making their own financial decisions. It also helps a parent’s sanity when the kids are young. Try standing firm against buying that “one thing” they think they need, and then try it again the next time they beg for something. It gets easier.

It gives kids lasting memories. Try to remember what you got for Christmas when you were 8. It’s a challenge at best. That’s why we veered away from things, focusing instead on experiences. There is no forgetting skydiving or zip-lining, a horseback ride in the mountains or a first-ever trip on an airplane. Moments are gifts, and the memories from them last longer than anything that requires batteries.

means fewer toys to clean up. Raising little minimalists also simplifies travel, because they know they just need the necessities, which generally fit in a backpack.

It means less clutter. This seems like another obvious benefit, but it’s something you can feel, almost immediately. Allowing kids to appreciate moments, instead of the act of tearing wrapping paper off boxes, is priceless. And fewer toys around the house

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

16 December 2019/Janoary 2019/January 2020 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

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EVERY 15 MINUTES A BABY IS BORN ADDICTED TO DRUGS.

Abuse and neglect are all too real in Arizona. When it happens, children are placed in foster care, which is supposed to be safe and temporary. Too often, it is neither.

Our child protection system is broken.

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Generation Justice works to mend the child protection system and bring a permanent end to innocent children enduring violence. But we need your help. Your donations give us the resources to work tirelessly in courtrooms and legislatures, doing everything we can to protect the most innocent among us.

JUSTICE CAN’T WAIT Donate today at genjustice.org.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

17

az grown giving back

Elaina and her daughter Lily volunteering at ICM Food & Clothing Bank.

National Charity League Mother-daughter bonding via weekend volunteering

By Elaina Verhoff

18 December 2019/January 2020

IF YOUR DAUGHTER isn’t yet rolling her eyes at everything you say and still wants to spend time with you, embrace the moment. All too soon, friends and football games, social media and sleepovers will hold more allure than hanging out with Mom. That said, I’m happy to let you in on a little secret: There is a way to break through the tween and teen issues that often stand in the way of mother-daughter bonding during middle school and high school. Help is here in the form of three little letters.

NCL stands for National Charity League.

It was founded in the 1920s in Los Angeles as a volunteer group for mothers and daughters.

Thankfully, it’s still going strong.

I joined NCL with my daughter when she was starting seventh grade. In metro Phoenix, there are 10 chapters around the Valley for girls in grades 7-12 and their mothers or guardians.

We joined the Camelback NCL chapter, a

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group of more than 300 moms and daughters who last year volunteered a combined total of 5,762 hours.

Nationally, NCL has 270 chapters in 27 states, with 72,000 members and 200,000 alumnae. The national NCL website (nationalcharityleague.org) says it best: “We practice philanthropy — the root of which means, literally, love of humankind.”

Colleen Lomax, current president of the Camelback NCL Chapter, has been involved since her now 18-year-old daughter was in seventh grade. She says the NCL experience has opened her eyes to the scope of the need for volunteers in community service here in Phoenix.

“It has shown me how many wonderful charitable organizations we have here in Phoenix making a difference every day in the quality of lives for people and animals,” says Lomax. “And most importantly, it has helped me to be a better volunteer, mom and leader.”

Girls are divided into groups by grade, and each chapter partners with a number of philanthropies to schedule volunteer opportunities.

NCL makes it so easy to find and sign up for volunteering. There is an NCL app where you can easily browse volunteer activities that include opportunities like making dinner for Girls Hope and Boys Hope students, helping refugee families move into to their new homes with the Welcome to America Project or serving food and helping kids with homework at St. Vincent de Paul.

“St. Vincent de Paul can always count on our NCL volunteer family to jump in whenever and wherever needed,” says Irma Leyendecker, director St. Vincent de Paul’s volunteer services. “On any given day, you can find them in our kitchen, dining rooms, Dream Center or central food bank. We couldn’t do all that we do without these amazing young women.”

The girls, dubbed Ticktockers, are required to fulfill 20 philanthropy hours each year, and moms, or Patronesses, must complete 15 hours.

In addition to community service, there are plenty of cultural experiences, social events and

leadership opportunities throughout the year.

One of my favorite annual NCL events is the senior recognition luncheon, where graduating seniors join their moms onstage to share their thoughts on what NCL has meant to them. Tip: Skip the mascara and bring tissues to this one.

Listening to the senior speeches at the senior luncheon, there seems to be a common thread. The girls acknowledge the motherdaughter strife that often happens through the teen years, then get choked up remembering all of the Saturday mornings when they woke up grumpy, not wanting to roll out of bed to volunteer, but always ended up appreciating the feeling they got after spending a few hours with their moms doing something to help others — then going out for lunch and quality time afterward.

Personally, I would agree that many of our Saturday morning volunteer outings start with the mom-daughter friction that I remember all too well from my own teenage years. Recently, when my daughter and I took our spots on the assembly line to pack emergency food boxes at St. Mary’s Food Bank, we couldn’t quite

get into the groove with our role of bagging canned pears — one can per bag, all bags in a cardboard box, all boxes whizzing by rapidly.

We both had our preferred method, which resulted in us running into each other, putting two cans in one bag and none in another.

Of course, I was doing it all wrong, and my attempts to come up with a system were not appreciated. But by the end of the two hours, we had found our groove and were rocking those pears, while dancing to the awesome ’80s music blasting throughout the warehouse.

(Well, I was dancing, while she pretended not to know me.)

The point is, despite our rough start, we figured things out while doing something good to help others, and there were actual smiles and conversations on the way home.

Elaina Verhoff is a Phoenix freelance writer and the mother of two teenagers.

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RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

19

az grown parenting Using Common Sense

Kids are spending more time than ever

WATCHING YOUTUBE

(and much less time reading!)

By Ilana Lowery

H

ALF OF THE KIDS IN THE U.S. will own smartphones by age 11, and phone use is on the rise for kids as young as 8. And if you’re wondering what kids that young are doing on phones, it most likely involves watching videos.

A new Common Sense Media study reveals kids ages 8 and older prefer watching online videos more than most other forms of entertainment. For families, that signals a shift from four years ago, when network TV and streaming services far outpaced other platforms.

The Common Sense Census: Media Use

by Tweens and Teens 2019, released Oct. 29, is a big-picture look at how young people in the U.S. find entertainment and use devices.

Total screen time for tweens and teens hasn’t changed much since the last survey, but it’s still extremely high: Nearly five hours per day for ages 8-12 and more than seven hours daily

20 December 2019/January 2020

for teens — not including time spent using screens for school or homework.

“The results of the study show that ensuring children’s digital well-being is more important than ever,” says Michael Robb, senior director of research at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that studies children’s digital habits and rates programming for schools and families.

YouTube personalities, online influencers and gaming celebrities have captured young peoples’ attention now that watching videos online tops watching TV, listening to music and even playing video and mobile games among tweens.

Sadly, reading lags way behind screen time. While just over half of teens (51 percent) still read for fun at least once a week, nearly a third of teens (32 percent) say they read for pleasure less than once a month, if at all.

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And enjoyment of reading declines as kids get older, with just 24 percent of teens — compared with 38 percent of tweens — saying they enjoy reading “a lot.”

The study also raises some red flags about the content tweens and teens are exposed to. “Our most vulnerable population — our kids — are spending a lot of time on unregulated, unrated platforms that deliver content that can be inappropriate or even dangerous,” explains Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer. “And the shift from TV to online viewing means kids are often watching content alone, and there are fewer opportunities for shared experiences with family.”

For more details about the survey, visit commonsensemedia.org. In light of the fact that more teens and tweens are spending hours daily on often unmonitored screens,

Parenting with COMMON SENSE in the Digital Age What: Are you considering buying your child a cellphone? Need to decode a YouTube challenge? Got a Fortnite fanatic at home? Common Sense Media is hosting an event to help parents raise healthy, happy kids in the digital age. Hear from experts, connect with other parents and come away with tips and resources to get you through the holidays and beyond.

While free and open to anyone, the program is developed for families with children ages 8 and older. Spanish translation services are available.

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Cost: Free

here are six tips for guiding kids to healthier online experiences: • Think carefully before letting children have smartphones. Though a majority of kids have a phone by 11, base your decision about when (or whether) to get one for your child on your family’s needs and your child’s maturity level. A smartphone gives your child access to the entire internet.

• Watch videos and apps with your children, and discuss what they’re seeing.

Co-viewing and co-playing are bonding experiences, whether they happen on the big screen or a mobile device. Download games you can play against one another, subscribe to YouTube channels to watch together, and listen to audiobooks and podcasts. If you can’t watch together, ask about what they’re using. Most kids love to talk about media.

• Enforce balance. Media use only increases as kids get older, so make sure you’re actively protecting your child’s homework time, downtime and family time. Set up “screenfree” zones — such as the dining table and the bedroom — and “screen-free” times like during homework.

• Model healthy smartphone usage. With some kids getting phones as early as 8, it’s important that you demonstrate the habits you want your kids to mirror. When you

Where: Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

have to use the phone while you’re with your kids, tell them why. Make a show of turning off your phone for family time. Tell kids how you set limits for yourself.

• Explore YouTube. Kids really love YouTube.

The platform has made changes to slightly improve the appropriateness of videos displayed to kids. But parents can utilize tools such as playlists, subscriptions and an ad-free membership to cut down on exposure to iffy stuff. Try making time to watch with your kids and check out YouTube channel reviews at commonsensemedia.org • Encourage creativity. According to the survey, young people devote very little time to creating their own content (just 2 percent of tweens and 3 percent of teens). TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram each have pros and cons, but they do offer sophisticated image-editing tools that allow kids to be creative and let their imaginations run wild.

Consider experimenting with these apps to nudge kids toward writing, coding, 3D modeling and building games.

Ilana Lowery is the Arizona director for Common Sense Media. She can be reached at ilowery@commonsense.org.

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RaisingARIZONAKids.comDecember 2019/Janoary 202019

21

Holiday Gifts & Stocking Stuffers!

Local stores are filled with holiday treasures this time of year. Here’s a sampling of gift ideas for kids of all ages in shops across greater Phoenix.

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b 22 December 2019/January 2020

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H oliday Gifts

k

a Stuffed Cactus Doll ($22). This huggable cactus is handmade locally using recycled sweater material.

Frances Boutique in Phoenix. shopfrancesboutique.com b Build-A-Bear Disney’s Frozen 2 furry friends collection ($29 and up). The sequel is here, and now

you can make your own Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven at Build-A-Bear Workshop and add clothing, sounds, scents and accessories. Build-A-Bear at Scottsdale Fashion Square, Arrowhead Towne Center, Chandler Fashion Center, San Tan Village or buildabear.com c Bright Lights BBop Balls ($79.99). If you’ve ever joked about wrapping your kids in bubble wrap and

sending them out in the world, here’s your chance! These slip-on inflatables light up with activity. Kids love the action and adults love how tired kids get playing in them. KidStop Specialty Toys and Books in Scottsdale. kidstoptoys.com d Art Studio Magnetic Dress Up Doll & Play Set ($15). This portable magnetic play set offers two scenes

and more than 25 pieces in a reusable tin. Phoenix Art Museum gift shop. store.phxart.org

j

e CLAY-DECO DIY 3D Wooden Puzzle and Clay Molding Kit ($15.95). These modeling kits combine puzzle-building with colorful clay molding. Build the skeleton with laser-cut wooden puzzle pieces. Then use the clay packs to fill out shapes, add color or experiment to create a completely original beast. Container Store in Glendale, Phoenix and Scottsdale. containerstore.com or magnote.com f Circuit Blox ($12.99-$29.99). These colorful building blocks have electronic components in them that, when assembled properly, make circuits that light different LEDs and a fiber optic tree and spin a motor and fan.

There are four different projects to build. Arizona Science Center in Phoenix. azscience.org g

Charm-It ($6.99 and up). For your tween, find all their favorite things in charm size with bracelets and necklaces for mixing and matching how they’re worn. Children’s Museum and Luci’s at the Orchard in Phoenix and at KidStop in Scottsdale. shopcharm-it.com

a

h NightBall Volleyball ($19.99) or Basketball ($24.99). Sports equipment is always a hit, and here’s a new twist: light-up LED balls keep the game going past dusk. KidStop in Scottsdale. kidstoptoys.com i

Mission Commander ‘’Lunar Dig’’ Doll ($24.99). This doll comes complete with a space travel outfit, silver zippered pack and a tool to dig for “moonstones.” Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa. shopamnh.org

Stocking Stuffers j Dwarsligger books ($12). No, “dwarsliggers” isn’t Dutch for Santa’s elves, but it is something little and clever and almost as good if you have teen or tween readers in the house. Dwarsliggers are smaller-than-phonesize flip books no thicker than your thumb. The idea sounds crazy until you actually see them. They are really quite wonderful – compact, light, easy-to-read. You read side-to-side and flip the pages up. Penguin Random House has reissued a dozen recent YA bestsellers and tween classics including books by John Green and Marie Lu, as well as “Anne of Green Gables,” “Heidi” and “A Little Princess.” Changing Hands Bookstores in Phoenix and Tempe. changinghands.com

l f

k Smencils ($6.99 for five). These scented pencils are made from recycled newspapers and packaged in a recyclable plastic tube with a collectible character top cap. Scents are guaranteed to last for 2 years. Container Store in Glendale, Phoenix and Scottsdale. containerstore.com l World’s Smallest Lite Brite ($9.95). Create tiny pictures with this classic light box and 200 colorful pegs.

Pieces are small, so this is recommended for ages 5 and up. Paper Source in Phoenix and Scottsdale. m Astronaut Ice Cream Sandwich ($4.99-$5.99). Astronaut Ice Cream was invented for NASA’s Mercury Missions. This freeze-dried vanilla ice cream sandwich is real ice cream, frozen in time, not temperature.

Children’s Museum of Phoenix or Arizona Science Center. childrensmuseumofphoenix.org or azscience.org

Experiences ($10 and up). Experiences are priceless and will be remembered longer than a trendy toy or trinket. Consider giving gift cards for KTR (Kids that Rip), Legoland Discovery Center, OdySea Aquarium, Crayola Experience, CREATE at the Arizona Science Center and other local kids venues.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

23

SARI ON SCIENCE

Give the gift of science with

DIY BATH BOMBS

By Sari Custer

Gifts made at home and from the heart are

extra special. And when my 5-year-old daughter told me she wanted to give everyone “science” as a gift this year, my heart melted. I was all in.

We brainstormed a few options and decided on something fun and useful — DIY bath bombs for the whole family!

What’s more fun than bathtub bubbles? With this activity, you can customize all your scents and colors for custom science gift-giving. Did you know bath bombs have actually been around since 1989 and have recently found a resurgence in popularity? Lush, the original creators of fizzy bath bombs, sold 21 million units in 2017 alone.

Supplies: • Silicone molds (soap/candy molds, muffin tins, or plastic eggs also work well) • Whisk • Mixing spoons • Wax paper • Large bowl • Small bowl • Measuring spoons • Measuring cups • Gloves • Eye protection • ¾ cup baking soda • ½ cup cornstarch • ½ cup powdered citric acid (buy online, at your local craft store, or local grocer with canning supplies) • ½ cup Epsom salt • ½ tablespoon water • 2 ½ tablespoon oil (coconut, olive, or other vegetable oil) • Optional: portable fan • Optional: 4-6 drops food coloring (powdered food coloring works really well) • Optional: 2 teaspoons skin-friendly scented essential oils (lavender, eucalyptus, rose, lemongrass, coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, peppermint … whatever you like! Available online or at your local craft store.)

24 December 2019/January 2020

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Directions: 1. Put on your safety gear, including gloves and eye protection. Powders can be irritating.

2. In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients (baking soda, Epsom salt, citric acid and cornstarch) and mix until combined and clump-free.

3. In a small bowl, combine the wet ingredients (oil, water, scented oil and food coloring). If you use scented oil, stick to about two teaspoons. Roughly 5 drops of food coloring works well, but feel free to mix up different pigments and experiment with the color.

4. Very slowly add the liquid to the dry mixture — about one teaspoon at a time. Use the whisk to mix as you go. Slow down if you start to see the mixture fizz. The final mixture shouldn’t really clump together and should have the texture of damp sand.

5. Spread the mixture into the silicon molds (or plastic eggs) and press firmly until it is fully and evenly packed in each section. Depending on size, this can make about 10 bath bombs.

6. Place the packed molds in front of blowing fan or just set them out to dry. This can take up to a day.

7. When your molds are set, flip them over and very gently press the fizzies out onto a piece of wax paper. If they start to crumble as you do this, flip them back over and let them continue to set in the molds for awhile longer.

8. Once the bath bombs are set, try one out by tossing it into a tub of water. What do you observe?

9. To gift them, gently wrap your bath bombs in decorative bags. If the fizzy does crumble, have no fear! The mixture can be poured into a bath and produce the same great effects.

What’s happening?

The key ingredients here are citric acid (a weak acid) and baking soda (or sodium bicarbonate, a weak base).

When the two ingredients are dry in their powdered form, they don’t react. But when you put the bath bomb into the tub, water causes the two key ingredients to mix, resulting in an acid-base reaction.

The reaction produces carbon dioxide bubbles, which are responsible for the highly-desired fizz in your bath bomb. Observe: Is there any change if you put the bath bomb in cold water vs. hot water? How does the size of your bath bomb affect its fizziness? How does the color of the bath bomb affect the water?

Sari Custer is a lifelong science junkie, Chief Scientist at Arizona Science Center and mom to daughter Carson (5). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SariOnScience.

➊ Melrose Vintage Market (Dec. 1). Local vendors and artists sell handmade goods, upcycled items and edible gifts at this local neighborhood market. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.

700 W. Campbell Ave., Phoenix.

➋ Crafeteria (Dec. 6). Voted best craft festival multiple times since it started over a

decade ago, this annual event brings together more than 30 of the best local artisans for a local holiday shopping experience. 6-10 p.m. Free. Frances Vintage parking lot, 10 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. shopfrancesboutique.com

➌ Tempe Festival of the Arts (Dec. 6-8). Knock out your holiday shopping at one of the nation’s top arts festivals hosting more than 300 artists along and near Mill Avenue.

Kids Block features a hands-on interactive area for young artists and a local youth exhibition. Free. 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive in Tempe. tempefestivalofthearts.com

➍ C hristkindlmarkt (Dec. 7-8). Celebrate the holidays the German and Austrian way with family-friendly entertainment, activities, German and Polish cuisine, vendors and local artisans selling candles to Christmas ornaments. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Frontier Town, 6245 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. ac4gc.org

➎ H oliday Crafting Bazaar (Dec. 8). This event offers crafting stations for kids

ages 8-12 so they can easily make holiday presents for friends and family members. Preregistration required. 1 p.m. $12. Changing Hands, 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix.

602-274-0067 or changinghands.com

➏ Phoestivus 2019 (Dec. 12 & 19). Find locally-made gifts like jewelry, artisan

wares, prepared foods and holiday decorations from more than 200 vendors. Plus local food trucks and live entertainment. 5-10 p.m. Thursdays. Free. Phoenix Public Market, 721 N. Central Ave, Phoenix. phoestivus.com

➐ Phoenix Festival of the Arts (Dec. 13-15). Celebrate the arts, music and

culinary delights with more than 150 vendors and three stages of live music and entertainment. Plus a hands-on community mural, food trucks, beer and wine, family zone activities and more. Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free.

Margaret T. Hance Park, 1202 N. Third St., Phoenix. phoenixfestivalofthearts.org

➑ H ello H andmade Market (Dec. 14). A market of locally-made gifts and one-of-akind items crafted by Phoenix artisans. Noon to 4 p.m. Free. Heritage Square, 113 N. 6th St., Phoenix. hellohandmademarket.myshopify.com

➒ Family Fun H oliday Fair and Marketplace (Dec. 14). Enjoy live holiday

entertainment on center stage while the kids visit with Santa, bounce in bounce houses or get their faces painted. Parents can start their holiday shopping with local vendors.

Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. OdySea in the Desert. odyseainthedesert.com

➓ Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary Indian Market (Dec. 14-15 ). This traditional Indian market boasts handmade jewelry, pottery and live performances. Shop at more than 100 artists booths and enjoy food trucks offering fry bread, Navajo tacos, cactus chili and burgers. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. pueblogrande.org

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Rage Rooms They’re popping up across Arizona; some are even catering to kids and families

By Kris Vera-Phillips

F

OR SOME MOMS, stress relief comes in the form of a great foot massage during a pedicure. Others unwind with retail therapy at an outlet mall boasting their favorite brands or in bed with a laptop surfing Amazon.

Crystal Garcia and Shenta Pietrzak just need a bat, a basket stuffed with beer bottles and glasses, and a room where they can smash it all up. You can find them and their kids at Desert Smash in Chandler, where starting at about $28, “rage rooms” are open to almost anyone who needs to let off some steam.

Inside one gray room, Rammstein’s “Du Hast” rocks out on the speakers. Both moms pull on white suits, headgear with face masks and gloves.

“That feels so good,” Pietrzak says after she knocks down a vase that skids off a wooden table and shatters into pieces. On the walls, menacing skulls, angry faces and crazy eyeballs stare down at the moms. The concrete floor becomes a temporary Jackson Pollock canvas dotted with broken glass and plastic shards. The visceral thrill of smashing stuff gives them both an addictive adrenaline rush and leaves their hearts racing.

“I need to go again,” Pietrzak says as she aims her bat at a broken computer monitor.

Desert Smash opened inside a shopping plaza on West Ray Road in September. It’s among four rage room businesses that have popped up in Phoenix and Tucson since 2017, and the second one to open in Chandler.

“Whatever stress or anxiety or whatever life is happening, I can just go in and release all of it,” says Garcia as her kids make slime at a nearby arts and crafts table. “It’s like I can breathe again.”

K

RYSTEN LEACH is the brains behind Desert Smash — Arizona’s newest rage room. She got the idea from a date night at another local rage room inside Simply Smashing in Tempe.

“We got our basket, picked out a couple other random items, and we beat the holy crap out of all of it,” Leach recalls. “The whole sense of anxiety from life and having

26 December 2019/Janoary 2019/January 2020 2020 RaisingARIZONAKids.com

kids and trying to keep our kids alive — all the stresses were gone.”

That’s what keeps people coming back for more. Leach and other rage room owners have tapped into a desire for a safe space that normalizes breaking stuff. These businesses charge by the clock and offer a cornucopia of breakable goods, from plates to office supplies to glass bottles stuffed with confetti.

“I definitely see this as more entertainment,” Leach says.

“But I do think that there [are] benefits. I don’t think it will cure anger, per se, but I think this will help you have an outlet. Yeah, it’s a safe place.”

What happens after the thrill of stress release dies down? Mental health experts warn against relying on rage rooms for longterm anger or stress management. Dr. Bahar Altaha, a child adolescent psychiatrist with Banner Health, says a rage room allows people to avoid looking at the root problem that is causing them to be angry or stressed out.

“It gives immediate gratification like drugs, alcohol and sex,” Altaha said. “It’s immediate, but it doesn’t address the source of the problem, and that’s a concern. The wrong message can be that this is the correct way to deal with anger instead of learning about where it’s coming from and learning to deal with anger in a more constructive way.”

Ian Franulovich agrees. He opened Breaking Point in Tucson last year. He says his rage room customers range from young kids to senior citizens.

“We do not say that we are trying to replace any sort of mental or medical health [care] that you need,” Franulovich says. “But we do provide a therapeutic space if you wanted to use it that way. So I always tell people to use [a rage room] for what you want to use it for. You can use it as a place to have fun, or you can use it to get out some aggression in a physical manner that’s safe. I mean, you could do that at home, but that’s going to be a mess.”

Franulovich says he’s interested in teaming up with psychology experts to conduct a study on rage rooms. “We want to see if there’s something we can do to make it more beneficial for those using it therapeutically,” he says.

“You can use it as a place to have fun, or you can use it to get out some aggression in a physical manner that’s safe. I mean, you could do that at home, but that’s going to be a mess.”

— Ian Franulovich, owner of Breaking Point in Tucson

Kids and families can get their frustrations out in a rage room at Desert Smash in Chandler.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com RaisingARIZONAKids.comDecember December 2019/Janoary 2019/January 202019 2020

27

ARIZONA’S RAGE ROOMS Purge Love Peace 106 S. Oregon St., Chandler 480-857-0022 purgelovepeaceragerooms.com

Desert Smash 5865 W. Ray Road, Suite 10, Chandler 480-401-6144 facebook.com/desertsmashaz

Simply Smashing 1301 E. University Drive, Suite 101, Tempe 602-909-1996 simplysmashingrageroom.com

Breaking Point 5740 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson 520-286-2189 thebreakingpointtucson.com

“Whatever stress or anxiety or whatever life is happening, I can just go in and release all of it. It’s like I can breathe again.”

— Chandler mom Crystal Garcia (above)

B

ACK AT DESERT SMASH, Crystal Garcia’s 9-year-old daughter Evie suits up next with her friends for a rage room session.

“Butterfly” by Crazy Town plays on the speakers as they take turns thrashing a black monitor.

“I get to go into that room and get all my anger out through smashing stuff, and it makes me more positive when I come home,” Evie explains.

Krysten Leach says her niche is that she wants Desert Smash to be a family destination. Based on her personal experiences, she says rage rooms can be used as team building for families. For parents who think their kids are too young for a rage room, Leach set up an arts and crafts station where her 9-year-old daughter teaches slime-making classes.

She also built a small batting cage and bowling lane where beer bottles replace baseballs and bowling pins.

“Kids need to get out their aggressions,” says Leach. “Our kids don’t know how to react to their feelings. And half the time they end up reacting in a way that is inappropriate. Here, they can react in all of these ways and then go home and not destroy that room.”

Altaha again expresses caution: Even though people are drawn to the immediate release of anger, therapy and mental health education go a long way in helping children deal with challenging emotions and situations.

“There’s no fast fix,” Altaha says. “So there are a lot of components

28 December 2019/January 2020

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

that need to be addressed with children. Like, what are the reasons that kids are acting this way? So it takes time and the education provided by mental health providers is absolutely essential.”

R

AGE ROOMS IN ARIZONA have their own rules for kids and families. Many require parents to stay in their room with their children. Simply Smashing owner Steve Wilk says families use his Tempe rage rooms for what he calls “recreational and therapeutic destruction.”

“I tell people that it’s a safe place to lose control and, you know, they have permission to yell, scream and even cry,” says Wilk, adding rage rooms are more than just fun and games for some families. He recalls a mother who brought her 8-year-old son to Simply Smashing after his father died from cancer.

“The boy was acting out, and he was depressed. He needed an outlet to express his anger,” says Wilk, who was told the boy felt great after one session.

“The little boy came out of the room, tired and with a big smile on his face,” Wilk says. “His mom was kind of emotional because she was so happy to see that. Plus, she got a lot out of it herself.”

Kris Vera-Phillips, a Phoenix freelance writer and recent California transplant, is the mom of Alexander (3). She will teach at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication this spring.

Western Themed Events for the

Entire Family!

Scottsdale Parada del Sol

Parade and Trail’s End Festival Feb 8 | Free | Old Town Scottsdale Horses, Kids Area, Food, Dancing, Bands and Entertainment • Free Family Parade (Save the Date) | 10 am -Noon • Trail’s End Festival | Noon - 4 pm SCOTTSDALE

ScottsdaleParade.com

scottsdaleindependent.com

arizona.newszap.com Connecting & Celebrating Our Community

Western Week Events: ScottsdaleWesternWeek.com Feb. 1 • 11 am - Noon

The American West in Film & Television:

The History of Gunsmoke ScottsdaleMuseumWest.org Feb. 5 • 1 pm - 3 pm Wyatt Earp: A Life on the Frontier ScottsdaleMuseumWest.org Feb 6 • 6:30 pm to 9 pm • FREE Gold Palette ArtWalk Movies, Native American food tasting ScottsdaleGalleries.com Feb 7 • 9:30 am - 5 pm • FREE Admission Museum of the West ScottsdaleMuseumWest.org

February 8 • 8 am - 1 pm Farmers’ Market Feb 8 • 9:30 am - 5 pm • FREE Admission Museum of the West ScottsdaleMuseumWest.org Feb 8 & 9 • 10 am - 4 pm • FREE Arizona Indian Festival 22 Tribes, Inter-tribal culture, arts, crafts and foods ArizonaIndianTourism.org Feb 8 • 6 pm - 9 pm Arizona Native Edible Experience Featuring Native chefs, foods and art ArizonaNativeExperience.com

Mar 5-9 • Times Vary • $5-$45 Feb 7 • 11 am - 1 pm • FREE Rodeo Scottsdale Hashknife Pony Express & Food Truck Cowboys and cowgirls show their skills riding Round-Up broncos, roping, wrestling steers and more HashknifePonyExpress.com ParadaDelSol.net RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

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family time!

Las Noches de las Luminarias (Nov. 29-Dec. 31) at Desert Botanical Garden.

DECEMBER/JANUARY

TOP EVENTS

By Carrie Wheeler

Shopping, skating, hot air balloons and holiday events — there are plenty of options for festive family fun in December and January. Here are the outdoor festivals and indoor exhibits you won’t want to miss during these busy months as we celebrate the holidays and the start of an exciting new year.

NOTE: Because last-minute schedule changes can occur, please confirm dates and times on event websites.

Find more extensive day-by-day event listings at raisingarizonakids.com/calendar

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NOV. 27-JAN. 19 Zoolights. Millions of lights shine throughout the Phoenix Zoo during this annual event featuring a holiday tree, carousel and camel rides, lakeside music-in-motion shows, nightly snowfall, photos with Santa, a 200-foot-long Polar Slide, live reindeer and the new Wildlife Lantern Safari.

5:30-10:30 p.m. nightly (except Christmas). $10.95$19.95. Phoenix Zoo, 455 Galvin Parkway. 602-914-4333 or phoenixzoo.org

NOV. 29-DEC. 31 Las Noches de las Luminarias. Desert Botanical Garden comes to life with more than 8,000 luminarias, thousands of white twinkle lights, the sights and sounds of local entertainment ensembles and the backdrop of the Wild Rising exhibit’s creatures. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 17-23, 26-31. $34.95; $12.95 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger. Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-481-8188 or dbg.org

Candytopia (Dec. 1-29) in Scottsdale.

DEC. 7 Ultimate Play Date. Scottsdale Public Library hosts this annual event on the lawn outside Civic Center Library. Kids can delve into hands-on activities, including art, music, fort building and creative play. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale. scottsdalelibrary.org APS Electric Light Parade. For more than three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has been bringing the Phoenix community together to celebrate the holiday season. This year’s theme is “Walking in a Desert Wonderland.” 7 p.m. Free. Starts at Central and Montebello avenues, heads east on Camelback Road to Seventh Street and ends at Indian School Road. phoenix.gov 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 provides nearly 8,000 free books to children. Staffed and funded by Paradise Valley Community College students and the nonprofit Southwest Human Development. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Kranitz Student Center, 18401 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. festivaloftales.com Holiday Balloon Glow. Kick off the holidays with the ninth annual Balloon Glow featuring more than 70 vendors, food trucks, a kids zone, live entertainment, Santa & Mrs. Claus and more. 1-9

Jingle Bell Hike. This moderate family hike leads to Santa Claus. Children can take part in a hands-on jingle bell craft. Water and a light snack provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your camera for photos with Santa. 9-11 a.m. Thunderbird Conservation Park. Free. 59th Avenue between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads, Glendale. glendaleaz.com

CARRIE WHEELER

DEC. 1-29 Candytopia. A family-friendly interactive art installation celebrating everything candy, Candytopia has more than a dozen curated and crafted rooms, including a pool with 300,000 marshmallows. $28; $20 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger. Candytopia, 15147 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. Candytopia.com

Holiday Magic. This free family-friendly outdoor event offers pictures with Santa, a petting zoo, face painting, free trolley rides, food, music, fun and lots of snow (about 65 tons of it).

3-8 p.m. Free. McCormick Ranch’s Mercado on Hayden, 8140 N. Hayden Road, ​S cottsdale. mrholidaymagic.com

PJs in the Park (Dec. 7) in Civic Space Park.

DEC. 6-8 Tempe Festival of the Arts. Knock out all of your holiday shopping at more than 300 artist booths along and near Mill Avenue. A Kids Block features a hands-on interactive area for young artists and a local youth exhibition. Free.

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mill Avenue between Third Street and University Drive in Tempe. tempefestivalofthearts.com

DEC. 6-14 Costume Storytime with The Grinch. Enjoy a reading of Dr. Seuss’s holiday classic and get photos with the Grinch himself. Tempe: photos only 6-8 p.m. Dec. 6; storytime 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 7. Changing Hands, 6428 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe. Phoenix: Storytime 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14; photos only 6-8 p.m. Free. Changing Hands, 300 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix. changinghands.com

ISTOCK

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

p.m. Free. San Tan Village, 2218 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert. shopsantanvillage.com

PJs in the Park. Put on your pajamas and head downtown for a free movie under the stars.

See “Polar Express” at 5:30 p.m., followed by “Elf” at 7:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and snacks available, plus a visit from Santa. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Free. Civic Space Park, 1 E. Washington St., Phoenix. dtphx.org Sugar Plum Avenue. Fifth Avenue in downtown Scottsdale is transformed into a fairytale village with sugar plum fairies, snow princesses, stilt walkers, aerial performances, candy land bounce houses and a tea party in the street. Free; $15 to attend the Sugar Plum Tea Party. scottsdazzle.com

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family time! DECEMBER/JANUARY TOP EVENTS DEC. 14-15 Live Nativity. Follow the street lined with luminarias leading to a live nativity.

Plus a petting zoo, tractor-pulled hayride, crafts and a photo booth. Enjoy hot dogs and hot chocolate. 6-8:30 p.m.; 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. nativity story presentations. Free. Boulder Mountain Community Church, 9390 E. McLellan Road, Mesa. 480-986-0006 or bmcchurch.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PHOENIX

Disney Junior Holiday Party (Dec. 15) at Comerica Theatre.

Snow Much Fun Day (Dec. 14) at Children’s Museum of Phoenix.

DEC. 7 & 14

DEC. 14 Snow Much Fun Day. Play in 40 tons of snow at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. Have breakfast with Santa or build a gingerbread house for an additional fee (reservations required). Snow play begins at 9 a.m. and is included with museum admission ($14.95). Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. Seventh St. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival. Take a stroll through Old Town and enjoy a crafters market, a visit from Santa, snow, a gingerbread house contest, live entertainment and a kids zone. Food will be available from Best in Show. 5-10 p.m. Free.

Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park, 10510 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. peoriaaz.gov Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. It’s the Valley’s favorite parade that floats as boats light up Tempe Town Lake. (This is also the only time that motorized boats are allowed on the lake). Starting at 4 p.m., 6th Street Market vendors will fill up Tempe Beach Park with hundreds of hand-crafted items for sale. Bring your camera to take free pics with Santa. 7 p.m. boat parade. Free. Tempe Town Lake. downtowntempe.com Free Movie: The Secret Lives of Pets. OdySea in the Desert hosts this free monthly outdoor family event with games, prizes and a free movie screening. 5 p.m. activities; movie begins at sundown. Bring your own blankets or folding chairs. Free. OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-291-8000 or odyseainthedesert.com Santa’s Workshop. Get some holiday shopping done for friends and family and take a picture with St. Nick. There will be a variety of items to choose from, and everything is $2. Free gift wrapping will be provided by Santa’s elves. 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, 5600 W. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix. 623-930-2820 or glendaleaz.com

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DISNEY/ MATT PETIT

Selfies with Santa. Visit this open-air shopping center for some holiday shopping and free photos with Santa Claus. Bring a sweater to uglify at the ugly sweater station (supplies included) or visit the free hot cocoa bar. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free. The Promenade, 16243 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. scottsdalepromenade.com

DEC. 15 Chanukah Storytime with Temple Emanuel. Join Temple Emanuel for stories, songs, and a chance to spin the dreidel at this local Tempe bookstore. A portion from book sales will go toward Temple Emanuel’s libraries. 1 p.m. Free. Changing Hands, 6428 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe. 480-730-0205 or changinghands.com Arizona Fried Chicken and Beer Chimac Festival. Celebrate the pairing of fried chicken and beer with more than a dozen local fried chicken businesses at this Asianinspired food festival. Discover the global popularity of fried chicken cuisine from Korea to Nashville. Noon to 4 p.m. $10; $4 for ages 7-12; free for ages 6 and younger. The Pressroom, 441 W. Madison St., Phoenix. 602-396-7136 or facebook.com/azchimac Disney Junior Holiday Party. At this musical wonderland, kids and their families can sing and dance to their favorite Disney Junior songs, along with other holiday classics and with their favorite Disney friends, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Puppy Dog Pals, Vampirina and even Santa! 3 p.m. $42-$52. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-379-2800 or comericatheatre.com

DEC. 18 24-hour Star Wars Marathon. Celebrate the end of the Star Wars saga at an epic marathon. Watch all nine films back-to-back, concluding with a screening of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.” 6 p.m. $77 ticket includes nine films shown sequentially, a 2020 Harkins loyalty cup, a Star Wars blanket, collector’s pin and commemorative lanyard and unlimited $3 medium popcorn. Harkins Chandler Fashion, 3159 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. 480-732-0110 or harkins.com

"It was EXCELLENT! I learned about SO MANY DIFFERENT CAMPS..."

-Lauri M., Mesa

RaisingARIZONAKids 17Annual th

2020 THE VALLE Y’S BIGGEST AND BEST!

Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center 5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

FREE event for families with children ages 3-18!

Learn more at raisingarizonakids.com/camp-fair SPONSORS

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

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family time! DECEMBER/JANUARY TOP EVENTS Multi-Generational Holiday Tea Party (Dec. 21) at i.d.e.a. Museum.

JAN. 1

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First Day Hikes. Start the New Year off in good health! First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative to encourage families to get outdoors.

Hundreds of free, guided hikes, tours and boat rides are offered across the country on New Year’s Day. Bring plenty of water and pack the camera. americanhiking.org or azstateparks.com/fdh

DEC. 21

Multi-Generational Holiday Tea Party. Enjoy finger sandwiches and candy cane tea while creating gingerbread houses (and lasting memories) with your child or grandchild. For ages 4 and older. $20. Registration required. Noon to 1:30 p.m. i.d.e.a. Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. ideamuseum.org

DEC. 26-29 Zoppé Family Circus. This old-world Italian traditional circus performs in one ring featuring acrobats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowns and audience participation. Times vary. $15-$45. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. 480-782-2680 or chandlercenter.org

DEC. 26-JAN. 1 Snow Week at Arizona Science Center. More than 100 tons of real snow will cover the grassy hill in front of the Arizona Science Center. Enjoy snow play, snow-related science demonstrations and kid-friendly activities. Warm up inside and explore the Science Center’s new world premiere exhibit Victoria T. rex for a glimpse of the Cretaceous period and the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton touring the world. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $13-$19.95; $9.95-$11.95 additional for Victoria T. rex; free for ages 2 and younger. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org

DEC. 28 Fiesta Bowl Parade. Brightly colored floats, giant balloons, equestrian units, specialty and charitable groups, local celebrities and marching bands make their way along the two-mile parade route through Central Phoenix. 9 a.m. Free; $15-$30 for reserved seating. North Central and West Montebello avenues in Phoenix. fiestabowl.org

American Girl’s 2020 Girl of the Year. American Girl releases its newest “Girl of the Year” doll at in-store events with free activities. Hear the newest doll’s story, eat treats, enjoy a craft, and take home a themed giveaway while supplies last at the Scottsdale Quarter store. American Girl, 15059 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. americangirl.com

JAN. 4 Night of the Three Kings at the Phoenix Zoo. Noche de Reyes Magos commemorates the day three wise men who followed the star to Bethlehem arrived bearing gifts for the Baby Jesus. Live mariachi music, Mexican food, games, activities and a chance to meet The Three Kings, who arrive at 6 p.m. on camels. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Included with ZooLights admission; $19.95; free for ages 2 and younger. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-273-1341 or phoenixzoo.org Winter Water Safety Day and Polar Bear Plunge. Take the polar bear plunge at Peoria’s Sunrise Pool — where the (unheated) water temperature should be in the low 40s. Those daring enough to swim across will get a free shirt. This all-ages event is free and includes breakfast! A $25 donation will pay for two weeks of swimming lessons for any child. 8-10 a.m. Sunrise Pool, 21321 N. 86th Drive, Peoria. peoriaaz.gov

JAN. 11 Barrett-Jackson Auction Family Value Day. View all of the cars on display and participate in activities at the world’s greatest collector car auction. Thousands of unique automobiles cross the auction block during this weeklong event. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special family value rates: $21-25; $18-20 seniors, military and students; free for ages 12 and younger. Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. barrett-jackson.com

Noon Year’s Eve. Ring in the New Year at the Phoenix Zoo at the stroke of noon. This bash is frosty fun for the whole family. Enjoy 30 tons of snow (for kids of all ages), a DJ dance party, a noon ball drop with cider or juice toast, and and more. 9 a.m. to noon. Included with zoo admission, $16.95$24.95. Phoenix Zoo, 455 Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-914-4333 or phoenixzoo.org

Itty Bitty Open. The Junior Golf Association of Arizona hosts this annual event that’s free and open to all kids ages 3-5. The open features clinics where juniors and their parents learn the basics of golf taught by qualified PGA and LPGA professionals. Then, kids participate in non-competitive games. An adult “caddie” must accompany each golfer, who will receive a set of plastic golf clubs, balls, a bag and a visor. jgaa.org

Happy Noon Year. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix hosts a kid-friendly New Year’s Eve day celebration, with music and dancing, an apple cider toast and a balloon drop at noon! Tickets are $19.95; $5 for museum members and free for babies under age 1 from 9 a.m. until noon. At noon, admission is $14.95 per person. Free onsite parking; check website for overflow parking options: childrensmuseumofphoenix.org

Glendale Glitter and Glow Block Party. Enjoy more than a million dazzling holiday lights and a dozen hot-air balloons glowing in historic downtown Glendale. Musical performances from local bands, food and the final opportunity to see Glendale’s holiday light display. 4-10 p.m. Murphy Park, 7010 N. 58th St., Glendale. 623-930-2299 or glendaleaz.com

DEC. 31

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JAN. 11-MAY 20 Ansel Adams: Performing the Print. Phoenix Art Museum presents an exhibition of 60 photographic prints by Ansel Adams. The exhibit spans six decades and presents sets of prints grouped in twos and threes to demonstrate how Adams often created multiple prints of varying interpretations from his own negatives. $23; $14 for ages 6-17. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-257-1880 or phxart.org

JAN. 16-19

TIME TO ENROLL

Disney on Ice. This new Disney adventure offers high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts! Mickey’s Search Party follows Captain Hook’s treasure map to find Tinker Bell in immersive, fantastic worlds, including Coco’s spirit realm, Moana’s island, Belle’s enchanted chandelier and Elsa’s Frozen kingdom. Plus appearances by characters from Aladdin, Toy Story and The Little Mermaid! 7 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m., 3 and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, noon and 4 p.m. Sunday. $20 and up. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. disneyonice.com

JAN. 20 MLK Day March and Festival. Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 9 a.m. march begins at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Phoenix, and concludes at Margaret T. Hance Park with a festival that offers food, entertainment and speakers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Connect2STEM. Connect2Stem is a free event meant to inspire ages 4-16 to think about careers in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine. Kids can try more than 150 hands-on activities, including the Wildcat Play Hospital, state-of-theart medical training exercises at the Center for Simulation and Innovation, the da Vinci surgery robot and much more. 10 a.m to 3 p.m. Free. University of Arizona College of Medicine, 435 N. Fifth St., Phoenix. azscitech.com or phoenixmed.arizona.edu

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Arizona Balloon Classic. Arizona’s premier hot-air balloon race and festival. The morning sky will be filled with more than 30 colorful hot-air balloons in Goodyear and the west Valley. In the evening, tethered hot-air balloons glow in time to music. This three-day event also features a family fun zone, tethered rides, entertainment, food and shopping.

Spectators can walk on the field to experience balloon inflation and lift off. $20; free on Sunday; free for active military and ages 12 and younger; $5 parking. Balloon rides and food prices vary. Goodyear Ballpark. 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. abcfest.com

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Calendar Editor Carrie Wheeler is the mother of Wilson (8). Send calendar info to Carrie@RAKmagazine.com.

Mesa • Phoenix • Gilbert • Glendale

Source: Niche.com

Doggie Street Festival. This is one of the largest adopt-a-thons and pet celebrations.

Friendly pets and owners can discover favorite pet products and services and enjoy yummy treats, a kids area and entertainment. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. doggiestreetfestival.org

SelfDevelopmentAcademy.com

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family time! holiday lights

Christmas at the Princess (Nov. 26-Dec. 1) at The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

World of Illumination (Nov. 21 - Jan. 5). The largest animated light show in the world, fully synchronized to your favorite holiday music. Located at Tempe Diablo Stadium and Westgate Shopping Center in Glendale, this 25-minute drive-through event features close to 2 million lights. Special attractions range from a 36-foot-tall animated snowman at the Glendale location to a 500-footlong super tunnel in Tempe. A portion of proceeds benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation. 6-10 p.m. weeknights, 6-11 p.m. weekends. $23 per car. Tempe Diablo Stadium, 2200 W. Alameda Dr. Tempe and Westgate Shopping Center, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. worldofillumination.com Lights of the World (Nov. 21-Jan. 12). This international festival combines the beauty of paper lanterns with modern technology and lights and celebrates cultures and civilizations around the globe with 75 displays and more than 10 million lights.

There are also 30 carnival rides and games, daily performances showcasing puppets and sea lions, 3D light experience and more. $18; $15 ages 3-13; free for ages 2 and younger. Parking is $10. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. lightsoftheworldus.com

36 December 2019/Janoary 2020

Christmas Farm Lights (Nov 22-Jan. 10). Mesa’s Vertuccio Farms hosts Christmas Farm Lights, featuring more than 2 million glimmering lights displayed over 10 acres and synchronized to classic Christmas music. Includes visits from Santa (Dec. 7, 8, 14-23), illuminated trails, a 30-foot Christmas tree, a twinkling barnyard animal display, a 60-foot ice skating rink, festive foods and hot cocoa. $10$12; free for ages 2 and younger. 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday.

Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. 480882-1482 or vertucciofarms.com Christmas at the Princess (Nov. 26-Dec. 1).

The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess transforms into a glistening winter wonderland with ice skating, Lagoon Lights, Princess Express Trains, S’mores Land and Santa’s Secret Headquarters. For the public, self-parking is $55, which includes six attraction wristbands to ride the Princess Express Trains, Polar Glide Ice Slide, Frosty’s Ferris Wheel and the Christmas Carousel. Prices vary for ice skating, photos with Santa and a Build-A-Bear pop-up shop. 5-9 p.m.

7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale. 480-585-4848 or scottsdaleprincess.com

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Christmas at Schnepf Farms (Nov. 20-Dec. 30).

World of Illumination turns Schnepf Farms into a winter wonderland with a train ride, ice skating, ferris wheel, 4D animated show, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, reindeer hayrides, pictures with Santa, glow mini golf and the world’s largest inflatable Christmasthemed obstacle course. 6-10 p.m. $20-$35. Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek.

480-987-3100 or schnepfchristmas.com Zoolights (Nov. 27-Jan. 19). Millions of lights shine throughout the Phoenix Zoo during the annual Zoolights. Enjoy a holiday tree, carousel and camel rides, lakeside music-in-motion shows, nightly snowfall, photos with Santa Claus, a 200-foot-long Polar Slide, live reindeer and the new Wildlife Lantern Safari. 5:30-10:30 p.m. nightly (excluding Christmas). $10.95-$19.95. Phoenix Zoo, 455 Galvin Parkway.

602-914-4333 or phoenixzoo.org Rawhide Snowy Christmas (Nov. 28-Dec. 22).

The Christmas tree will light up, Santa will appear and snow will fall at this Western theme park on the Gila River Reservation west of Chandler. Santa will lead the official tree lighting ceremony and be available for photos. Snow falls nightly on lighted-up Main

Street. Visit with Santa or drop off letters at Rawhide’s Post Office.

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PRINCESS

Holiday Lights at the Railroad Park (Nov. 29-Jan. 5). Ride the Paradise & Pacific Railroad through a winter wonderland of lights this holiday season at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. Families can also take a ride on the historic Charros Carousel and visit with Santa in a train car. 6:30-9 p.m. nightly (except Dec. 24-25 and 31). $5 train and $2 carousel rides; free for ages 2 and younger with paying adult. $15 Holiday Lights Train Ride Fast Pass also available, but quantities are limited. 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale.

480-312-2312 or therailroadpark.com APS Electric Light Parade (Dec. 7). For more than three decades, the APS Electric Light Parade has been bringing Phoenix families, neighborhoods and businesses together to celebrate the holiday season.

This year’s theme is “Walking in a Desert Wonderland.” 7 p.m. Free. Starts at Central and Montebello avenues, heads east on Camelback Road and ends at Seventh Street and Indian School Road. phoenix.gov Winter Wonderland (Dec. 7-31). Chris Birkett’s dazzling home display of 25,000 lights and nightly “snowfalls” officially makes him the Clark Griswold of south Scottsdale.

Stroll through the western Christmas-themed side yard and over the mine shaft’s swaying bridge to catch a glimpse of the Island of Misfit Toys in the backyard. Beware of Abominable! 6-10 p.m. nightly; $5 donation suggested. winterwonderlandaz.com

open CCS house

Tempe Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade (Dec. 14). The Valley’s favorite parade that floats! Tempe Town Lake lights up at the Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade. A unique holiday event that features festively lighted boats of all sizes (This is also the only time that motorized boats are allowed on the lake). Starting at 4 p.m., 6th Street Market vendors will also fill up Tempe Beach Park with hundreds of hand-crafted items for sale.

Bring your camera to take free holiday pics with Santa. Boat parade starts at 7 p.m. Free.

Tempe Town Lake. downtowntempe.com

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family time! Snow days and ice play CitySkate Ice Rink (Nov. 23-Jan. 6). Skaters of all ages will enjoy the ice rink surrounded by holiday lights, a 30-foot Unity Tree, music and hot chocolate for sale. See Santa at the rink from 2-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Christmas. Hours vary daily, and skating is broken into sessions to halt overcrowding. $15 includes skates. First Avenue and First Street at Washington and Jefferson streets, Phoenix. 602-772-3900 or cityskatephx.com

Ice Den in Scottsdale.

Zoolights (Nov. 27-Jan. 19). The Phoenix Zoo shines with millions of lights, a holiday tree, carousel and camel rides, lakeside music-in-motion shows, nightly snowfalls, photos with Santa, a 200-foot-long Polar Slide, live reindeer and the new Wildlife Lantern Safari.

5:30-10:30 p.m. nightly (excluding Christmas). $10.95$19.95. Phoenix Zoo, 455 Galvin Parkway, Phoenix.

602-914-4333 or phoenixzoo.org Nightly Snowfall at Tempe Marketplace (Nov. 27-Dec. 31). Bundle up! Snow will transform Tempe Marketplace into a winter wonderland at 7 and 8 p.m. nightly (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). Snow falls hourly from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Free. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. tempemarketplace.com/holiday Merry Main Street Winter Wonderland Ice Rink (Nov. 29-Jan. 4). Grab your skates and head over to the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink at City Plaza as part of the City of Mesa’s Merry Main Street celebration. All skaters are welcome. $10 includes skates and an hour of skate time. 5-10 p.m. weekdays, noon to 10 p.m. weekends.

Holiday hours vary; closed Christmas. 20 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or merrymainst.com

ALLEN PATROU

Holiday Skating at Tempe Marketplace (Nov. 29-Dec. 1). Ages 5 and older can lace up skates for free holiday skating at Tempe Marketplace near the District Stage and Dave & Busters. Skates provided. Bring socks.

11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday. Free. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway. tempemarketplace.com/holiday

Snow angels are few and far between in Phoenix, but this time of year brings a surprising number of events offering snow by the ton so kids can go sledding, make snowballs and build little snowmen right here in greater Phoenix. Here’s a list of snow play and skating rinks offering wintery fun.

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Ice Den (Scottsdale and Chandler) and AZ Ice (Arcadia, Gilbert and Peoria) offer indoor skating and classes year round for would-be ice hockey players and figure skaters. coyotesice.com and azice.com Skate Westgate (Nov. 8-Jan. 12). Skate into the holiday season at Westgate Entertainment District’s outdoor ice skating rink. Children and adults can glide over 3,300 square feet of real ice near Fountain Park. All skill levels welcome. Hours vary. $13-$16. 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. 623-385-7502 or westgateaz.com

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Merry Copa Holiday Festival (Dec. 6). Let it snow!

Check out Copper Sky Regional Park where there will be 50 tons of snow, ice skating, an interactive DJ, shops, a hot air balloon glow, local talent and caroling, and the Christmas Tree lighting led by the mayor. Plus a fireworks display and food vendors. 6-9 p.m. Copper Sky Regional Park, 44345 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Maricopa. 520-316-6865 or maricopa-az.gov Goodyear Glows (Dec. 7). The City of Goodyear celebrates the holiday season with a tree lighting, kids activities, visits and photos with Santa. Kids can play in 40 tons of snow at the spring training home of the

Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds. 4-8 p.m. Free.

Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear.

623-882-3120 or goodyearbp.com Holiday Magic (Dec. 7). A free family-friendly outdoor event including pictures with Santa, a petting zoo, face painting, free trolley rides, food, music, fun and lots of snow (about 65 tons of it). 3-8 p.m. Free. McCormick Ranch’s Mercado on Hayden, 8140 N. Hayden Road, ​ Scottsdale. mrholidaymagic.com Cyclomesa Winterfest (Dec. 14). The Bike and Pedestrian Program invites families to play in 20 tons of snow, join reindeer games and see an educational demonstration on helmet safety at Alta Mesa Park. Then, take a night bike ride through the neighborhood to see holiday lights and decor. 2:30-5 p.m. Night ride begins at 5:30 p.m. Free. Alta Mesa Park, 1910 N. Alta Mesa Drive. visitmesa.com Snow Much Fun Day (Dec. 14). Join the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to play in 40 tons of snow. Have breakfast with Santa or build a gingerbread house for an additional fee (reservations required). Snow play activities are included with museum admission: $14.95. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children’s Museum of Phoenix,

215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-253-0501 or childrensmuseumofphoenix.org Free Snow Days at OdySea (Dec. 14, 21-22, 26-29 and Jan. 4). Enjoy lots of opportunities in to play in real snow at OdySea in the Desert’s courtyard. About 100 tons of snow will be brought in throughout the event. 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Odysea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-291-8000 or odyseainthedesert.com Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival (Dec. 14). Take a stroll through Old Town and enjoy a crafters market, a visit from Santa, snow, a gingerbread house contest, live entertainment and a kid zone. Food will be available from Best in Show. 5-10 p.m. Free. Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park, 10510 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. peoriaaz.gov Snow Ball (Dec. 21). Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, Buddy the Elf, Snow Queen and The Ice Princess at this free family-friendly Snow Ball. Play in real snow, enjoy face painting, arts & crafts, a magic mirror photobooth, a book creation station for the kids, raffle prizes, giveaways, and more than 40 family and child-friendly vendors. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Odysea in the Desert, 9500 E. Via De Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-291-8000 or odyseainthedesert.com

Winter Wonderland Express (Dec. 21-22). Ride the miniature train to a snow-filled play area (25 tons of snow with sleds!) at Enchanted Island Amusement Park. Take pictures in giant snow globes, visit Santa and enjoy hot cocoa. 10 a.m to 7 p.m. $1.25 ride tickets (most rides take several tickets); $22.50 wristbands. Enchanted Island Amusement Park, 1202 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix. 602254-1200 or enchantedisland.com Snow Week at Arizona Science Center (Dec. 26-Jan. 1). More than 100 tons of real snow will cover the grassy hill near Heritage and Science Park. Enjoy snow play, snow-related science demonstrations and kid-friendly activities. Be sure to warm up inside and explore the Science Center’s “Victoria T. rex” exhibit. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Jan. 1. $13-$19.95; $9.95-$11.95 additional for T. rex exhibit; free for ages 2 and younger. 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. 602-716-2000 or azscience.org Noon Year’s Eve at the Phoenix Zoo (Dec. 31). Ring in the New Year at the Phoenix Zoo at the stroke of noon!

This bash is frosty fun for the whole family with 30 tons of snow (for kids of all ages), a DJ dance party, a noon ball drop with cider or juice toast and more. 9 a.m. to noon. $16.95-$24.95. Phoenix Zoo, 455 Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 602-914-4333 or phoenixzoo.org

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family time! around arizona

Downtown Jazz Festival (Jan. 10-20) in Tucson.

COTTONWOOD Chocolate Walk (Dec. 7). Take a decadent stroll in Historic Old Town Cottonwood for the annual Chocolate Walk. Merchants, shops, tasting rooms and restaurants offer handcrafted chocolates along Main Street. Stick around for holiday music at the Old Town Light Show. 3-7 p.m. $25; only 400 tickets will be sold. Old Town Cottonwood. oldtown.org

DEWEY Santa at the Farm (Dec. 7 & 14). Santa makes an appearance at Mortimer Farms for cookies, hot cocoa, ornament- and memory-making. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. $7. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Mortimer Farms, 12907 E. State Route 169, Dewey. 928-830-1116 or mortimerfarmsaz.com

FLAGSTAFF Holiday Riordan Mansion Tours (Dec. 1-Jan. 6). The mansion is decorated in turn-of-the-century style with wreaths, garlands, greenery and a towering fir trimmed with old-fashioned

40 December 2019/January 2020

ornaments. Hourly tours 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. $12; $6 for ages 7-13; free for ages 6 and younger. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W. Riordan Road, Flagstaff. 928-779-4395 or azstateparks.com Holiday Lights Parade (Dec. 14).

Dozens of floats and marching bands light up the night in the heart of historic downtown Flagstaff. 6-8 p.m.

Free. Parade starts at Beaver Street and Elm Avenue. 928-774-4505 or flagstaffchamber.com North Pole Experience (through Dec. 24). Ride the Candy Cane/ Snowball Express to Santa’s 400-yearold workshop, where you can assist the elves in toy making, tour the factory, get treats from the bakery and take photos with Santa. Fridays-Sundays through Dec. 15; daily Dec. 17-24. Times vary. $33-$55; hotel and meal packages are available. The Little America Hotel, 2515 E. Butler Ave., Flagstaff. 888-679-7268 or northpoleexperience.com

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LAKE HAVASU

PRESCOTT

Polar Bear Day (Jan. 4). Join the Lake Havasu Boat and Ski Club for a leap into chilly Lake Havasu during the 47th annual Polar Bear Day. Participants who succeed will earn a Polar Bear patch; get a “chicken” patch if you immerse any portion of your body in the chilly water. Group plunges at noon, 12:30 and 1 p.m. $5. London Bridge Beach, 1340 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City.

928-453-8686 or golakehavasu.com

Frontier Christmas (Dec. 7).

Celebrate Christmas at the Sharlot Hall Museum as it was back when Prescott was the Territorial Capital of Arizona.

Following the 1 p.m. Christmas parade and 6 p.m. Courthouse lighting ceremony, enjoy fresh-baked cookies and hot cider while admiring handmade decorations and historical re-enactments by Living History volunteers. 6-8:30 p.m. $5; free for ages 17 and younger. Sharlot Hall Museum, 415 W. Gurley St., Prescott. 928-445-3122 or sharlot.org

Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair (Jan. 9-12). Lake Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair is a four-day event that attracts balloonists from all over the world with hot-air balloon mass ascensions, night glows, sky divers, arts and crafts, antique and classic cars, carnival rides, kids activities, balloon rides (tethered and untethered), live entertainment and more. Noon to 10:30 p.m. Thursday; gates open at 6 a.m.

Friday-Sunday. $15; free for ages 10 and younger. Lake Havasu State Park, 171 London Bridge Road, Lake Havasu City. havasuballoonfest.com

Acker Night (Dec. 13). A familyfriendly event for 30 years, Acker Night keeps music alive and thriving in downtown Prescott. Enjoy more than 500 performers — from music to dance — in local businesses as holiday shoppers enjoy the festive atmosphere. The event raises money for scholarships for music lessons, instruments and local youth performing arts programs. 5-8:30 p.m. ackernight.com Wildlights and Animal Sights (through Dec. 29). Holiday

decorations, music, and light displays fill the park for the holiday season. Light concessions including hot cocoa and coffee for purchase. 6-8:30 p.m. every Friday-Saturday Nov. 29-Dec. 29. $8.

Heritage Park Zoological Sanctuary, 1403 Heritage Park Road, Prescott.

928-778-4242 or heritageparkzoo.org

FACEBOOK.COM/REALMACEOPARKER

SEDONA Festival of Lights (Dec. 14). Join the lighting of thousands of luminarias in the courtyards and walkways of Tlaquepaque at Sedona’s annual Festival of Lights. This tradition began 47 years ago and includes a full lineup of entertainers and Santa appearances.

3-8 p.m. Free. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, 336 SR 179, Sedona.

928-282-4838 or tlaq.com

treats. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday. $15; $8 for ages 4-17; free for ages 3 and younger. Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way. 520-326-9686 or tucsonbotanical.org Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair (Dec. 13-15). Fourth Avenue celebrates 50 years of community building with food, local entertainment and fun. The fair runs along Fourth Avenue between University and Eighth Street from 10 a.m. to dusk daily. Free. fourthavenue.org

Come have a

Mammoth good time!

Your place for

Hair of the Dog (Jan. 1). The New Year’s Day Hair of the Dog run/walk includes an 8K or 1-mile walk/run and a doggie dash benefiting the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Post-race party offers live music, treats, swag and races for your baby or pooch. 11 a.m. $40-$45. Morris

DINOSAURS

Sedona Winterfest (Jan. 12).

Chamber Music Sedona presents its seventh annual Winterfest concert, “Romantic Revelation,” including Beethoven’s “Ghost” Trio, Mahler’s auspicious Piano Quartet, and Piano Quartet No. 1, “Gypsy,” by Brahms. 3 p.m. $10-$40. Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona. chambermusicsedona.org

Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson. runtucson.net

MUCH MORE!!

TOMBSTONE

WILLCOX

Christmas Light Parade (Dec. 14). The Town “Too Tough to Die” celebrates the annual Christmas Light Parade. With the sound of caroling in the streets, the historic courthouse lights up and luminarias and floats pass by. 6-8 p.m. Free. Allen Street in downtown Tombstone. 520-457-9317 or tombstonechamber.com

Wings Over Willcox Birding & Nature Festival (Jan. 17-19). A familyfriendly Nature Expo fosters awareness of birds, wildlife and their habitats.

Includes geology activities, live animals, family tours, a visit with Smokey the Bear and more. Times vary. Willcox Community Center, 312 W. Stewart St. 800-200-2272 or wingsoverwillcox.com

TUCSON

WILLIAMS

E.T. the Extra-terrestrial in Concert (Dec. 1). The Tucson Symphony Orchestra accompanies the classic sci-fi movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” at 2 p.m. $31-$87. Tucson Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave., Tucson. tucsonsymphony.org

The Polar Express (Nov. 8-Jan. 4). The Grand Canyon Railway is transformed into the Polar Express, based on the Chris Van Allsburg classic. Families can snack on cookies, sip hot chocolate and sing carols.

5:30 and 7:30 p.m. train departures; 3:30 p.m. on select dates. $33-$82; packages available for meals and hotel stay. Grand Canyon Railway, 233 N. Grand Canyon Blvd., Williams. 800222-6966. thetrain.com

Luminaria Nights (Dec. 6-15). Stroll garden paths lit with more than 3,500 luminarias and celebrate the winter season with holiday music, food and

Downtown Jazz Festival (Jan. 10-20). Enjoy free concerts on multiple stages, indoors and out. On MLK Day, the festival features two outdoor stages and performances at The Fox Tucson Theatre, Club Congress and other downtown venues. tucsonjazzfestival.org

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family time! fun runs and walks

Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon (Jan. 18) in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.

The 12Ks of Christmas (Dec. 14). This familyfriendly festival celebrates its 11th anniversary in Gilbert. The event includes a 12K run, 6K run/walk and a 1.2K Santa Sled Run. 8 a.m. to noon. Entry fees vary; free admission to Santa’s Village and Christmas Bazaar. Freestone District Park, 1045 E. Juniper Road, Gilbert. 480-609-3978 or 12krun.com Ignite Hope for Phoenix Children’s (Dec. 14). This nighttime walk — starting at two locations this year: North High School in Phoenix and Canyon Breeze Elementary School in Avondale — benefits the Hope Fund that provides for the most urgent needs at Phoenix Children’s, including new technology, research initiatives and charitable care. Walkers get battery-operated candles and are greeted by holiday carolers and hospital patients waving candles from their windows. 3 p.m. registration, 5:30 p.m. walk. $40; $10 ages 4-12. phoenixchildrensfoundation.org Hot Chocolate 15K/5K (Dec. 15). Race through downtown Phoenix and celebrate your victory with fellow chocole lovers at a post-race party with hot chocolate and fondue. 7:30 a.m. 5K; 8:15 a.m. 15K. $54-$74. Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix. hotchocolate15k.com/phoenix

42 December 2019/Janoary 2020

Santa Hustle (Dec. 22). Hundreds of Santas hit the streets of Glendale for this festive 5K, half marathon and Kids Dash benefiting Glendale Fire Charities.

Enjoy holiday music, cookies and an after party.

Registration includes a Santa hat, beard and hoodie!

7:30-8:15 a.m. start times. $10-$60. Westgate Entertainment District, 7651 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale. santahustle.com

Resolution Run (Jan. 5). Make your New Year’s health resolution count at this 33rd annual event, which makes a big loop around Papago Park, circling the golf course and passing scenic buttes.

Families and strollers welcome. 7 a.m. check-in. $40. West Buttes Parking Lot at Papago Park, 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. 480-609-3978 or fieldworksevents.com

Hair of the Dog (Jan. 1). The New Year’s Day Hair of the Dog Run/Walk includes an 8K or 1-mile walk/ run and a doggie dash benefiting the Humane Society of Southern Arizona. A post-race party includes live music, treats, swag and races for your baby or pooch.

11 a.m. $40-$45. Morris Udall Park, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road, Tucson. Runtucson.net

Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon (Jan. 18). Visit a Health and Fitness Expo at the Phoenix Convention Center Friday-Saturday. There’s a 5K and Kids Run on Saturday, and the marathon, half marathon and 10K on Sunday. Live bands, cheerleaders and thousands of spectators help motivate runners, who can relax at the finish line and enjoy a post-race concert featuring Arizona’s own Gin Blossoms. $20-$110 registration. Times vary at start and finish lines in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. runrocknroll.com

Cupcake Chase 5K (Jan. 4). The inaugural Cupcake Chase 5K benefits Labor’s Community Service Agency a nonprofit helping union families in need.

Make this new year race your fastest yet and snag cupcakes at the finish line! All ages and abilities are welcome to run or walk this flat course. No pets. 7 a.m. to noon. $25-$50. Arizona Falls Park, 5802 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. racelookup.com/ cupcake-chase-5k-run

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Boxer Luv 5K/10K Run (Jan. 25). Bring out your best four-legged friend for a doggone good time at the annual Boxer Luv Rescue Run in Tempe. This 10K/5K run and fun run/walk benefits Boxer Luv, the nonprofit helping homeless boxers. 9 a.m. $20-$40. Kiwanis Park, 5500 S. Mill Ave., Tempe. boxerluvrun.com

NOV 27 – JAN 19 5:30 – 10:30 P.M. Millions of Sparkling Lights | Live Reindeer Polar Slide TM | And More!

NEW THIS YEAR

Wildlife Lantern Safari ZooLights tickets on sale now at phoenixzoo.org.

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

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family time! onstage MUSIC Home Alone in Concert (Dec. 6-8).

When Kevin McCallister is left home alone by his family, he must defend the house against wily intruders. Enjoy this holiday classic accompanied by the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. SaturdaySunday. $30-$98. Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N. Second St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org

REG MADISON PHOTOGRAPHY

Salonnières’ Concert Series for Youth: “A White Elephant Christmas” (Dec. 14). Salonnières (soprano, violin and piano) presents an interactive Christmas concert. Using rules from the traditional white elephant game, audience members get to pick what music is performed. Experience professional classical music in a setting appropriate for the whole family. Concert lasts about an hour, and there is a “wiggle” room where parents can take restless kids.

3-4 p.m. Free. Hammer and Strings Conservatory, 610 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. 480-687-5518 or salonnieres.org

Sound of Music (Nov. 13-Dec. 29) at Phoenix Theatre.

DANCE The Nutcracker (Nov. 29-Dec. 22).

Ballet Etudes presents its 33rd annual production of this holiday classic with Clara, life-size mice, swirling snowflakes, dancing confections and the Sugar Plum Fairy. The troupe performs at the Chandler Center for the Arts Nov. 29-Dec. 8 and at Mesa Arts Center Dec. 14-22. Times vary. $25-$29. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. balletetudes.net So You Think You Can Dance Live! (Dec. 3). The Emmy-winning show dances its way into Mesa Arts

44 December 2019/January 2020

Center, where some of the show’s best dancers will be performing. 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$69.50. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker (Dec. 5). The Moscow Ballet takes the stage at Comerica Theatre with this holiday classic.

Whimsical and imaginative storytelling combined with Russian classical dance make this a unique performance. 7 p.m. $18-$85. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. comericatheatre.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

The Nutcracker (Dec. 13-23). Phoenix Ballet dances to Tchaikovsky’s famous score. Enjoy dancing mice, a snowfall on stage and the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy inside the Orpheum Theatre.

Times vary. $25-$90. 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. phoenixballet.org The Nutcracker (Dec. 14-15). Student dancers from around the Valley participate in an annual tradition under the artistic direction of Rena Backer. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $5 plus a new, unwrapped toy donation for Military Assistance Mission. Thunderbird High School, 1750 W. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix. 602-485-5000 or backerballet.com

Holidays at the MIM (Dec. 14-15).

Celebrate the most wonderful time of year with musical performances and holiday-themed activities at the Musical Instrument Museum. The MIM will transform into a musical Winter Wonderland with seasonal songs and musical traditions from around the world. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m $10-$20; free for ages 3 and younger. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd. Phoenix.

480-478-6000 or mim.org Cirque Dreams Holidaze (Dec. 20-22). Broadway musical meets Cirque adventure for this holiday-themed family show. Singers perform original music along with favorites-with-a-twist such as “Deck the Halls,” “Winter Wonderland” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” Cirque-style feats are performed by toy soldiers, snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, carolers and Santa. Times vary. $42-$103. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. comericatheatre.com Cirque Cinderella (Jan. 24-26).

Conductor Matthew Kasper leads this family-friendly concert as Troupe Vertigo

and The Phoenix Symphony bring the enchanting fairytale soaring to life on stage … and 40 feet above it! Hear Prokofiev’s jubilant score while aerialists, contortionists, hula hoops, strong men and jugglers tell the classic story of courage and romance. 7:30 p.m. FridaySaturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix. phoenixsymphony.org Arizona Bach Festival (Jan. 26).

The prestigious musicians of “Marion Baroque” open the 11th anniversary Arizona Bach Festival performing works

by Johann Sebastian Bach featuring Adriaan Hoek, renowned organist. 4 p.m. $25 in advance, $30 at the door.

Christ Church of the Ascension, 4015 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley. arizonabachfestival.org

princess, a unicorn and a friendly troll with bad hygiene. This show guarantees laughs. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $8-$12.

Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org Cinderella (Jan. 15-Feb. 1). The timeless tale of kind Cinderella, mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, who is denied a chance to go to the royal ball. With a little help from her mice friends, and a lot of help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella’s dreams can come true. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m.

Saturday-Sunday through January 12. $8-$12. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-2622050 or azpuppets.org

THEATER PUPPETS The Little Red Hen (Nov. 13-Dec. 1).

Who will help the Little Red Hen with all the work it takes to get wheat made into bread? This sing-along invites lots of audience participation and shares a valuable message about helping each other. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $8-$12; free for ages 1 and younger with the purchase of a child’s ticket. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix.

602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org The Elves & The Shoemaker (Dec. 4-22). In this whimsical story about kindness and giving, cobbler Lockhart Cobblestone has only enough leather to make one pair of shoes when secretive elves create an amazing pair. Sunday, Dec. 15 marks the theater’s annual Christmas Party ($15-$20) with puppetmaking, holiday snacks and photos with Santa following the show. 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. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. 602-262-2050 or azpuppets.org The Princess, the Unicorn and the Smelly-Foot Troll (Dec. 26-Jan 12).

Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents the funny original musical about a

The Sound of Music (Nov. 13-Dec. 29). Phoenix Theatre Company presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical that overflows with the spirit of survival — and includes some of the most iconic songs of all time. 7:30 p.m. WednesdaySaturday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $61-$103. 1825 N. Central Ave, Phoenix.

602-254-2151 or phoenixtheatre.com

GET 10% OFF REGULAR TICKET PRICE WITH PROMO CODE “RAK” x Family Tradition hoeni AP

Presented at Valley Youth Theatre

December 6 thru 23, 2019 Sponsored by

DAN & ANN NAHOM For tickets: Call 602.253.8188 x1 or visit www.VYT.com

Silent Sky (Nov. 14-Dec. 1). Based on the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, a headstrong pioneer who struggles for recognition in the man’s world of turn-ofthe-century astronomy. Arizona Theatre Company stages this blend of science, history, family ties, fragile love, and a society determined to keep a woman in her place. Times vary. $25-$65.

Herberger Theater Center. 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. arizonatheatre.org Elf: The Musical (Nov. 22-Dec. 29). Embrace your inner elf! When his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause Buddy to face the fact that’s not an elf, Buddy embarks on a journey from the North Pole to New York City.

He’s determined to win over his biological family and help New Yorkers remember the spirit of Christmas. 5:30 p.m. TuesdaySunday, noon Saturday-Sunday. $38$95. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria. azbroadway.org

RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

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family time! onstage (continued)

A Christmas Story: The Play (Nov. 29-Dec. 22). The classic tale follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case to the consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Times vary. $22-$28.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480483-1664 or desertstages.org A Christmas Carol. The Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale of miser Ebenezer Scrooge and his journeys with ghosts of Christmases past, present and future who lead him to discover the spirit of the holiday season.

• Hale Centre Theatre (Nov. 29 -Dec. 24). Times vary. $34-$40. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. 480497-1181 or haletheatrearizona.com • Fountain Hills Theater (Dec. 6-22). 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. $15-$32.

Fountain Hills Theater, 11445 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills. 480837-9661 or fhtaz.org Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (Dec. 5-15). On Christmas Eve in New York City, 8-year-old Virginia wonders whether or not Santa really exists after a series of unhappy events. Meanwhile, a young newspaper editor also struggles when he is faced with losing his job if he can’t find his writer’s voice by morning.

The spirit of Christmas is about to bring these people together in East Valley

46 December 2019/January 2020

Children’s Theatre’s production. 7 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday, 4 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $15. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa. 480-756-3828 or evtc.org Little Mermaid, Jr. (Dec. 5-15).

Disney’s classic musical tale about a young mermaid, Ariel, who longs to leave her ocean home and makes a bargain with the evil sea witch. This show includes all of the musical favorites like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.” 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 3 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday. $13-$19. Musical Theatre of Anthem, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem. musicaltheatreofanthem.org Mamma Mia (Dec. 6-15). On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her birth father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. Told through the music of ABBA. Greasepaint Youtheatre, 7020 E. Second St., Scottsdale. greasepaint.org Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail (Dec. 6-23). Travel to the snow-covered Hundred Acre Wood for Valley Youth Theatre’s 24th annual holiday musical.

A.A. Milne’s beloved characters — Pooh, Piglet, Kanga and Baby Roo and Owl — organize a search party to help Eeyore find his lost tail. $20. Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First St., Phoenix. 602253-8188 or vyt.com Ella Enchanted (Dec. 7-29). This Childsplay production is based on the 1997 Newbery Honor book. It’s the classic Cinderella story with a twist. $12-$32. Herberger Theater Center, 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. 480-921-5700 or childsplayaz.org Disney Junior Holiday Party On Tour (Dec. 15). Parents and their kids can sing and dance along to their favorite Disney Junior songs and holiday classics with Mickey & Minnie Mouse, the Puppy Dog Pals, Vampirina and many more, plus a special visit from Santa Claus! 3 p.m. $53$63. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. comericatheatre.com

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

TIM TRUMBLE

Annie. This feisty orphan is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the steps of a New York City orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other orphans, Annie escapes, and adventures and hijinks ensue. Will Annie find a new home and family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks?

• Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre (Nov. 22-Dec. 22). 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale. 480483-1664 or desertstages.org • Spotlight Youth Theatre (Dec. 6-22). 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-843-8318 or spotlightyouththeatre.org

Ella Enchanted (Dec. 7-29) at Childsplay.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage (Dec. 26). Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes to life when Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the Peanuts gang produce a Christmas play. 4 p.m. $43-$65. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. acharliebrownchristmaslive.com 101 Dalmatians (Jan. 3, 2020).

Disney’s classic animated tale of villains and courageous puppies is adapted into a raucous musical adventure, produced as part of Spotlight’s Winter Break Camp (Dec. 22-Jan. 3). Spotlight Youth Theatre, 10620 N. 43rd Ave., Glendale. 602-8438318 or spotlightyouththeatre.org Elephant & Piggie’s “We are in a Play” (Jan. 26-March 8, 2020).

Gerald the Elephant is cautious and Piggie is … well, NOT. They are the best of friends and have LOTS of fun together. But sometimes they face tough questions. Should you share your ice cream? Can two friends play with just one toy? Get ready for Childsplay’s hilarious musical experience at Herberger Theater

Center. Times vary. $12-$32. 222 E. Monroe St., Phoenix. Childsplayaz.org Fiddler on the Roof (Jan. 28-Feb. 2, 2020). A heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family. Featuring the Broadway classics “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” this musical introduces a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life! 7:30 p.m. TuesdaySaturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $40-$250. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe.

480-965-3434 or asugammage.com Newsies (Jan. 31-Feb. 16, 2020).

When the titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense in turn-of-the-century New York, Jack Kelley rallies “newsies” from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what’s right. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday. $20. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale.

480-483-1664 or desertstages.org

The Family Holiday Event of the Season! Purchase Early and Save!

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Presented at Valley Youth Theatre

February 7 thru 23, 2020

Discover the power of family music-making.

Find a location near you in the Valley of the Sun: musictogether.com/GreaterPhoenix

For tickets: Call 602.253.8188 x1 or visit www.VYT.com RaisingARIZONAKids.com December 2019/January 2020

47

first person

My toddler is doing all the things I used to judge other parents for

By Maggie Zehring WHEN I HAD A DOG — and it was just Nick, me, and our jobs — I was an incredible parent. My “kids” were respectful, didn’t set me off and never made me question my ability to raise them. Our house was a place of tranquility and calm.

I was a perfect parent … because my sweet crew of boys did not yet exist.

It pains me to admit that I used to judge other parents for longer into my parenthood journey than I should have. And now I don’t.

In March, when I was about 35 weeks pregnant, I potty trained my oldest son. I needed to commit myself to bed rest for the sake of my varicose veins and hip pain, so Nick took care of our youngest while I barricaded myself inside with a naked 3-year-old for three whole days.

We did stickers, sang the Daniel Tiger song, the whole lot.

At 3 p.m. on our second day of training, my husband took our younger son on a walk while I waited for our potty trainee to wake up from his nap. I caught him walking out of his bedroom and pounced on him to use the bathroom before snack time.

He lost his 3-year-old mind and screamed.

“I’M NOT GOING ON THE BIG BOY POTTY.” I was done. I promptly joined him in the meltdown. Between the compression tights and the afternoon heat, coupled with feeling that I hadn’t seen civilization in years (it had

48 December 2019/January 2020

RaisingARIZONAKids.com

been a day and a half), I yelled. I just couldn’t rise to adulthood. I looked and sounded like a toddler — yelling at my son to pee in the potty before some pretzels.

And then, it went next level. He yelled back. “Stop yelling at me, Mom!” It hit me in that moment. All that perfectionism — all that harbored judgment of how I could be the perfect mom, have the perfect kids, raise them up in a perfect environment. It all went down the toilet. Pun intended.

I picked up my massively pregnant self and marched outside. I needed backup, and a nap. I caught my husband’s eye as he talked to our neighbor, and I screamed down the street with my third trimester belly hanging out of my sloppy Saturday attire.

“I’m done. You need to get back here now.

WRAP IT UP!” Every time I remember potty training, I realize that weekend marked my arrival as a parent. Every day since is now a day in the parenthood club of acceptance. Yes, I used to judge other parents. And now, I have kids who give me a million opportunities to give other parents grace and empathy instead.

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

JORDI DELGADO

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LOCATIONS 455 E. 6th St. Ste. 100 Mesa, AZ 85203 (480) 844-4702

10238 E. Hampton Ave. Ste. 301-B Mesa, AZ 85209 (480) 632-2004

1327 S. Higley Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296 (480) 257-2700 1492 S. Mill Ave. Ste. 201 Tempe, AZ 85281 (480) 257-2777