VKZ Magazine June 2024

Contents

5

Editor’sNote

Welcome to VKZ Magazine! Find out our why and what we have planned to help you find everything you need for your family to succeed!

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VKZCommunity

We’ve got a LOT going on! Check out our community celebrations, honor roll celebrating local kids and what our VKZ Kidpreneurs are up to!

18

HomeschoolinLasVegas

Get access to local homeschool events, meetups, classes, co-ops and resources!

34

CityHappenings

Learn about hidden gems, the latest additions and events to your neighborhood and around the valley!

42 Home

Summer pet care, best dog parks and why hiring a professional can help you in more ways than one.

Check out the VKZ Shop

We have free games and resources for kids and parents!

VISIT US ONLINE

Catch the newest tips and deals.

Updated daily

Read anytime, anywhere

Enjoy huge savings. Learn about local events

Get access to homeschool resources.

FREE INDOOR

OBSTACLE COURSE KIT

Page 45

OurStaff

Editor’s Note

Looking for the inside scoop on what’s happening in our community? Look no further than our online publication Sure, we've got the information you need, but more than that, we're all about building a community

I'm in touch with parents daily, and guess what? I'm like your genie in a bottle, granting your wishes for classes, meetups, events, and quarterly resource fairs. Just say the word, and I'll make it happen!

But wait, there's more! Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest deals plus a freebie for kids every Friday! It's the cherry on top of your week

Let me know how I can help! Email anytime! kim@VegasKidsZone

Kimberley

KIMBERLEY MCGEE Publisher

Check the awesome submissions from local children who joined the very first VKZ Writer Digest!

Our next VKZ Writing Contest kicks off June 3rd! Go here for the latest VKZ Events, Contests, & Giveaways!

KIDPRENEUR MARKET 1ST ANNIVERSARY

Get Featured in the VKZ Magazine!

Do you have a funny story, original poem, drawing, or essay about your pet or family?

Send us your creative work and get published in the VKZ magazine! Every entry is entered for a chance to win 1 of 3 $25 gift cards! Every published entry receives a certificate of publication. Send your original creative work to Kim@vegaskidszone.com for consideration!

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VKZDeals

Check out our Birthday Celebration and POGO Pass deals!

KidpreneurClub

Join us for a fun and educational summer program designed just for kids!

15

Out&About

We love getting out into the community and learning about local businesses & organizations

The esteemed National Young Business Kids organization is hosting a local event July 20.

C o m m u n iyt

VKZCelebration Deals

SIMPLY KIMBERLY CONFECTIONARY

15% Off

From luscious cupcakes to charming cake pops, delectable cookie, and custom cakes for all occasions, our confectionary creations are made with love and care, just for you. Mention VKZ and get 15% off!

COMPLETE BIRTHDAY KIT

Get ready to celebrate in style with everything you need for a fantastic party all in one convenient kit! Our kit includes a colorful banner, fun games, festive decorations,

FREE themed invitations, charming bag toppers, delightful cupcake toppers, and much more! Don’t miss out on this amazing offer to make your birthday celebration unforgettable. (click here) (click here)

GETTHE MOST OutofyourPOGOPass

The POGO Pass is one of the best deals in town to get into a host of places (that don’t usually offer discounts) for a steal! Use discount code VKZ to get 50% off!

VKZKIDPRENEUR MAGAZINE

*Terms apply

Out & About VEGAS KIDS ZONE

We love getting out into the community and learning about local businesses & organizations.

1

TEEN WRITING CLUB

Teen Writing Club is so much fun for teens ages 13-18 who have a passion for writing and want to enhance their skills. They meet every other Tuesday all summer at Paintdrops Studio at the Meadowns Mall

LITTLES OF LAS VEGAS 2

Families had a blast with all there is to do at The Ranch last month at the Littles of Las Vegas family fun event to support Ladies of Las Vegas ! USOA Miss Nevada stopped by to the delight of the Littles who took time from grooming horses to try on the crown!

SIN CITY ANIME

Sin City Anime has fantastic events throughout the year. They are gearing up for their Nov. 1-3 big convention.

VKZ SHOP & SWAP

We had a GREAT time at our VKZ Shop & Swap at Flex Learning Studio with curriculum, clothes, games, toys and more. We are looking forward to our next one July 27 at the VKZ Family Fun Fair!

Our Walking Wednesdays were a blast this spring! We got to see all kinds of things! See you in the fall!

HOW 2KIDS INFLUENCEDTHEWORLD

The esteemed National Young Biz Kids organization is hosting a local event July 20 under the direction of two young entrepreneurs.

Sponosored by local and world-traveling entrepreneur Justyn Boumah, 8, and his co-sponsor Rico Cruse, 13, the local YBK features a variety of workshops, hands-on activities, and motivational speeches.

"The Young Biz Kids Marketplace is a great way for kids to try out running a business for a day,” Rico said. “Entrepreneurship isn't for everyone. You can find out if it's for you at YBK Day."

YBK Day is a national celebration of youth entrepreneurship.

The boys' local YBK event fosters the entrepreneurial spirit in children with the aim of equipping promising young business owners with the necessary tools and the knowledge to prosper.

A Passion for Helping Others

Local teen Rico Cruse’s original idea for a young entrepreneur business has popped into the big time. He started Rico’s Rockin’ Pop, his brand of candied corn puffs, in December of 2018. His many community projects and awards have been featured on local news and publications.

YBK will help local kids learn how to pursue their dreams.

Nowapproachinghis6thanniversary, theLasVegasyoungentrepreneuris readytotakehisburgeoningbusinessto thenextlevelwithYBKdayJuly27.

Justyn’s Kind Words

YBK features inspiring talks by successful young entrepreneurs like Justyn Boumah, the brains behind Heroes & Hearts. Justyn’s story of starting his own business at the tender age of four and exploring the world resonates with the audience, exemplifying what passion and persistence can achieve.

Stories like these inspire the young participants, demonstrating that their dreams are within reach.

By introducing children to entrepreneurship early on, the organization helps nurture critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of responsibility – key life skills that are applicable to any pursuit.

The event also emphasizes the importance of community support and kindness in all forms, something central to Justyn’s overall business plan.

“It does not matter where you are from, what race you are or what country you live in, you can always be kind because kindness is like a fire,” Justyn said, “when you share it, it grows and grows.”

The true value of the local Young Biz Kids event lies in the opportunities it provides for kids to build on throughout the year at local kidpreneur markets.

Local businesses and leaders contribute to the event's success through sponsorships, volunteering, and sharing their expertise. This collective effort highlights the important role the community plays in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The public can support young entrepreneurs through donating YBK Bucks. YBK Bucks will be distributed to families to spend with vendors at YBK Vegas. This enables all families to participate in the fun without a financial barrier.

The National Young Biz Kids event is more than just a day of activities; it's a step towards a brighter future for our aspiring entrepreneurs.

Let's inspire our children to dream big and achieve even bigger! Become a sponsor here or sign up here.

Read more about local kids and teens in the VKZ Spotlight series here! Want to be featured? Sign up here!

19

FinancialLiteracy

Check out this Small Business Budgeting Course designed with kids in mind.

21 HonorRoll

Celebrate local kids and their accomplishments with a shout out in the VKZ Honor Roll!

23 SummerCamps

There is a summer camp in Las Vegas that will spark your child’s interest.

29

WritingContest

Do you have a child or teen who loves to write? Enter their work into our fiction writing contest!

H o m e s c h o o l

Financial Literacy for Kids

Budgeting is a FUNDAMENTAL skill.

It can help kids learn early how to save, invest and grow their funds. Budgeting is especially essential for kids wanting to start their own business. It can give them the tools they need to not only understand how to manage their personal finances, but also track their business revenues and expenses.

Check out this Small Business Budgeting Course designed with kids in mind It’s an excellent tool for teaching middle schoolers and teens financial literacy.

We liked how easy it is to use and apply for an allowance or a young entrepreneurs growing business. The lessons can be done at once or in more manageable, 15 minute chunks.

Kids can immediately apply the concepts they learn to their own potential or existing small businesses, making the learning experience more relevant and engaging. Teens can learn how to track income and expenses, prioritize spending, and plan for the future.

Budgeting teaches teens how to identify potential risks to their business and how to mitigate them. This small business budgeting course provides kids and teens with valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit them both personally and professionally.

The full financial course is less than $50 with the VKZ Deal. It takes just a few hours, is easy to use for kids and parents to create financial success in the future.

Celebrate local kids and their accomplishments with a shout out in the VKZ Honor Roll!

Faith graduated kindergarten after her family settled in Las Vegas following two big moves! After her mom had a stroke, she made the move from homeschool to a public school kinder. “She prays for me. She gives her little brother toys when he cries and is so sweet and helpful. She helps mom make dinner, too.”

CADENCE

FAITH

Our son Cadence recently graduated from 5th grade at Rhodes Elementary. He received the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement, Honor Roll, Outstanding Citizenship, Outstanding Performance, and Outstanding Attendance. He received a third place medal in the Regional Elementary Chess tournament, of which Rhodes Noble Knights also placed third as a team. He has been accepted to the International Baccalaureate MYP at Martin Jr. High.

We are beyond blessed, amazed, and thrilled with his sheer dedication to his studies, his commitment to set the bar high, his continued growth and success and his genuine love of life. He loves to play basketball and of course video games, and we are all looking forward to see what this young man does.

ROCCO

Meet Rocco, an English bulldog celebrating his first birthday June 5th.

Rocco is a cuddle bug and loves to chase his family, the Hernandez. He's also a foodie like the rest of the family and enjoys his treats.

Send us your good news, pet pics & celebrations for a chance to win a gift card!

$25Gift Card

SUMMERCAMPS

QUESTIONS TO ASK

BEFORE CHOOSING A SUMMER CAMP

When looking at a summer camp or week-long class, ask a few questions. A good camp wants to hear from the parents, so ask these questions:

What kind of child would thrive at this camp? Shy or active? Is there a sibling discount?

What is the staffto-camper ratio? What kind of training is required of your staff? CPR certification? May parents observe their child at the camp? How many kids leave before camp ends and why?

4 TIPS

TO APPLY FOR SUMMER CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

When to Start Applying

Get going! It’s never to early. Start the process as soon as possible. Camperships are limited and are often offered on a first-come, firstserve basis. Feel like you have a late start? Reach out to area summer camps you’ve researched and find out if they have any camperships available or other opportunities to reduce the cost of summer camp tuition. Be flexible. Once you get the scholarship, you may not get the exact dates or times you wanted.

rst Priority is Your Child

mp should be an enriching perience that engages your ld. Before you invest time in earch and fork over some rd-earned cash, take time to k to your child and what their pectations are for summer mp.

idea of summer camp is a week-long overnight, bonding with new friends, building campfires, the whole classic camp picture. That doesn’t work for us. My twins are polar opposites, but want to be together at this point. My daughter would love an overnight or two-day stay while her brother is more of a day camp kind of guy.

Camperships Paperwork to Prepare

Most summer camp scholarships will require some form of financial info. This can be a pay stub, unemployment paperwork or tax return. Have your 1040 or 1099 from last year along with a utility bill or other proof of residence. Do your research and explore options.

Respond in Kind

Yeah! You got a response! Now don’t let that slide. The more responsive you are to the scholarship requests that camp staff make, the better your chances of securing the funds. Be flexible. Once you get the scholarship, you may not get the exact dates or times you wanted.

DEBBIE WITMER KARI WALTER RHONDA-KAY

Do you have a child or teen who loves to write?

Kids ages 8-18 have the opportunity to submit a short story (for FREE) and have it read, critiqued, and judged by local authors in Las Vegas!

ALL ENTRIES will be included on the Vegas Kids Zone website and in the next volume of VKZ Writer Digest! Our 1st place winners in each division will be spotlighted in an upcoming edition of VKZ Magazine!!

SUBMISSIONS OPEN JUNE 3-JULY 26!

Submit Entries Here

It may seem daunting at first, but it’s not that difficult if you know what you need to do.

There are as many reasons why a family chooses to homeschool as there are ways to do it.

Each state has its own rules. In Nevada, the parent or guardian is responsible for the student’s curriculum. No testing is required and you may change your curriculum as you wish without informing the school district.

We encourage parents to enroll their child in an accredited program for an easier transition to a comprehensive public school, should the need arise.

To be in compliance you will need:

A “Notice of Intent to Homeschool” form An Educational Plan

Curious about graduation requirements? Learn more here!

BOULDER CITY

FREE ADMISSION

ThroughSept.2,freeadmissionto active-dutyU.S.militarypersonneland theirfamiliesatNevadaStateRailroad Museum.Intotrains?VKZhasalistof localactivitiesandeventshere.

EAGLES HONORED

City crews affixed an artful eagle by local artist Lynne Jordan, to the $75,000 sign that greets visitors. The sculpture is a nod to the Boulder City High School Eagles, NV state champs in many sports!

HISTORY ON FOOT

Did you know you can do a selfguided walking tour of Boulder City? Many of the buildings date to the 1930s, such as the The Boulder Dam Hotel. Go here to get the tour.

Photo Credit: Ron Eland, editor, Boulder City Review

PAHRUMP

For free family events in Pahrump, type “Pahrump” into the search bar of the events calendar or go here.

HIDDEN GEM

Just 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas is Discovery Park and it’s a fabulous spot for families.

Discovery Park features several trails that wind through its scenic landscape and it's specifically designed to keep children entertained and active, parents happy and pets entertained

Kids Rave About: The slides! Discovery Park includes a wellmaintained playground with various play structures, swings, and slides.

Moms Rave About: The bathrooms! Clean and accessible restroom facilities are available onsite.

Families Rave About: Picnicking and fishing! The park has a pond that is stocked with fish, offering a relaxing fishing experience for both adults and children. It's a popular spot for family fishing trips.

HENDERSON

For free family events, type “Henderson” into the search bar of the VKZ events calendar or go here.

FREE FAMILY FUN

All summer long, the City of Henderson has free pool parties, festivals and more family-friendly events. New to the area? The City of Henderson is consistently honored as one of the top 50 cities to live in. It has a list of amenities with bike trails through its extensive park systems.

Henderson is a mix of historic ranch homes, newer gated communities that make up a close-knit network of diverse neighborhoods.

It caters to a wide variety of lifestyles, from growing families to prosperous retirees and single professionals. Whether you homeschool, prefer charters or public school, there is an abundance of options for families with more than 20 top-tier private schools.

For more info about Henderson, go here.

CITY OF NLV

ART IN THE PARK

Fromvibrantcolorstoimaginative creations,there'ssomethingforevery childandteentoexplore.,Wednesday from9-11a.m.startingJune5th.Free!

HIKING DAYS

A Free Epic Explorers Hiking Series, for ages 10-17 through August 29 Transportation will be provided. Connect with nature and fellow enthusiasts. Secure your place by pre-registering early.

POOL PARTIES

Six free themed pool parties with free food, refreshments, a live DJ, raffles, and games. The first one kicks off June 8 with councilman Issac Barron.

CITY OF LAS VEGAS

KICK OFF SUMMER

Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at the Durango Hills YMCA Pool! With games prizes, and refreshments, there's something for everyone to enjoy. For more information, please contact 702.229.2524.

MOVIE IN THE PARK

Comeout,makefriends,enjoythe atmosphereandthefunwith CouncilpersonsFrancisAllen-Palenske andNancyBrune.Afossildigand dinosauregg(geode)whilesupplieslast.

Longtime local fave, Code Ninjas

Centennial Hills is offering $50 off 1st month its Create' Program and $25 off for its Create Lite OR Junior programs! Use code VKZ at checkout!

VOTEDVKZFAVE

HAMBURGER

@VEGASKIDSZONE

43

45 DayTrips

Get your adventure on with quick day trips like the Lost City Museum.

IndoorObstacle Course

Las Vegas has a good 9 months of incredible weather, which makes this obstacle course a fun indoor alternative.

47 PetCare

Where are the best dog parks in Las Vegas? Plus discounts on pet care!

DAY TRIP

LOST CITY MUSEUM

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT THIS SUMMER IS A BREEZE WHEN YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO.

The Lost City Museum is about a 45-minute drive outside of Las Vegas, a great day trip for the adventurous or just curious. This is a gem for history and archaeology buffs and ideal for kids of all ages. Turn it into a teachable moment with this handy study guide from the Lost City Museum!

45-Min Drive Outside Las Vegas

The museum is built on the site of an ancient Ancestral Puebloan (Anasazi) village,

providing a direct connection to the area's rich prehistoric past. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts from the Ancestral Puebloans, including pottery, tools, and other cultural items that offer insights into their daily life and craftsmanship

Visitors can explore reconstructed Puebloan structures, which provide a tangible sense of what life was like for the original inhabitants. These reconstructions are based on archaeological findings from the area.

SUMMERHOMECARE

Treat yourself this summer and hire a professional to swipe the dust from those blinds and do all the dirty work while you chill! Professional cleaners free up your time, allowing you to focus on work, family, hobbies, or simply relaxing without the stress of cleaning. They also do it better! Maid services employ trained professionals who know the best techniques and products to use, ensuring a thorough and efficient clean.

Picky Performance Cleaning is offering 4 hours of maid service for $150 when you mention VKZ!

(click here)

WHAT TO DO INDOORSWITHKIDS

Las Vegas has a good 9 months of incredible weather, which makes the weekly nature classes and outdoor sports and meetup days easy and fun.

But when the days or too hot, for the entire month, having a list of things to do around town, or at home, can make those indoor days a delight.

POGO Pass will get you into many indoor activities, events and shows throughout the year. Not sure if POGO Pass is for you? For less than $50 you get into 20+ places, including a pass to Cowabunga Bay, which covers the entire cost right there.

What To Do in Las Vegas

When It’s Hot

Indoor Rock Climbing

Shopping with a Twist

Bowling for Big Fun

Crafts & Creative Endeavors

Trampoline Park

Indoor Playgrounds for Littles & Bigs

At Home Activities

Escape Rooms for Anyone

Ice Skating Indoors All Year

LEARN MORE

Best Dog Parks

Where are the best dog parks in Las Vegas?

Finding the perfect dog park can be a gamechanger for both you and your furry friend. After some thorough exploration, we've identified the best dog parks in the area that offer a delightful mix of amenities, safety, and community. Each of these parks has earned high marks from dog owners and their fourlegged companions alike.

Barkin’ Basin Park Desert Breeze Dog Park

Located at 7350 W. Alexander, this park features a large off-leash area with separate sections for small and large dogs, water fountains, and shaded seating for pet owners.

Sunset Dog Park

Found within Sunset Park at 2601 E. Sunset Road, this park has spacious off-leash areas for dogs of all sizes, complete with water fountains, benches, and trees for shade. 1 2 4 3

Situated at 8275 Spring Mountain Road, this popular dog park offers separate areas for small and large dogs, agility equipment, water stations, and plenty of shade.

Woofter Dog Park

Located at 1600 Rock Springs Drive, Woofter Dog Park provides a clean and wellmaintained space with separate sections for small and large dogs, shaded areas, and water fountains.

Remember to care for your pets in the summer heat.

Centennial Hills Dog Park

At 7101 N. Buffalo Drive, this dog park offers large, fenced-in areas for dogs to run freely, water stations, and shaded seating areas for pet owners.

Charlie Frias Park 7

All American Dog Park

Situated at 1551 S. Buffalo Drive, this park features separate areas for small and large dogs, agility equipment, water fountains, and shaded benches.

Located at 4801 S. Decatur Blvd, this park offers a designated off-leash area for dogs, water fountains, and shaded spots for pet owners to relax.

If you have a busy schedule, long work hours, or physical limitations, knowing that a reliable and trustworthy individual is taking care of your dog's exercise needs can be incredibly reassuring. Additionally, regular walks help prevent obesity, reduce behavioral problems, and provide essential socialization opportunities with other dogs and people Mention VKZ for $20 off your next service.

BACKYARDPETCARE

Using a pet waste removal service offers several significant benefits that can greatly enhance the quality of life for both pet owners and their communities. Firstly, it saves time and effort. Managing pet waste can be a tedious and unpleasant task, especially for busy individuals or families. A professional service ensures that your yard is consistently clean and safe without requiring you to spend your valuable time on this chore.

ClickhereforTIPSon

summerpetcare

This 12-page kit includes a banner, posters, price list, cards to price individual treats, cupcake toppers and more!