phoenix
How far is the grand canyon from phoenix arizona
There’s never been a better time to be a kid, not to mention a parent, in the Phoenix. Fun things do for the whole family are plentiful - even when the Valley’s 100-degree-plus temperatures return in the summer months. Here are some ideas to get you started.
5 ways to appreciate the arts
1. Childsplay
132 E. 6th St., Tempe
(480) 350-8101
Kids who haven’t experienced Childsplay are missing out. This nationally known theater company recently celebrated a quarter-century of staging plays --- innovatively produced pieces done with puppets or live actors --- based on children’s books, fables and independent works. Childsplay performs at the Tempe Performing Arts Center and the Herberger in Phoenix; its annual performance of “The Velveteen Rabbit” is staged at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.
132 E. 6th St., Tempe
(480) 350-8101
Kids who haven’t experienced Childsplay are missing out. This nationally known theater company recently celebrated a quarter-century of staging plays --- innovatively produced pieces done with puppets or live actors --- based on children’s books, fables and independent works. Childsplay performs at the Tempe Performing Arts Center and the Herberger in Phoenix; its annual performance of “The Velveteen Rabbit” is staged at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts.
2. Great Arizona Puppet Theater
302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
(602) 262-2050
Housed in its own theater in a historic downtown building, Great Arizona Puppet Theater has been entertaining families since 1983. The GAPT puts on shows five days a week, year-round, most of which are based on fairy tales or folk tales.
302 W. Latham St., Phoenix
(602) 262-2050
Housed in its own theater in a historic downtown building, Great Arizona Puppet Theater has been entertaining families since 1983. The GAPT puts on shows five days a week, year-round, most of which are based on fairy tales or folk tales.
3. Valley Youth Theatre
525 N. 1st St., Phoenix
(602) 253-8188
VYT is entering its 17th season of staging big Broadway shows such as “Annie,” “Grease” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The professional-quality company, which features child actors and is for audiences of all ages, performs at its own two theaters as well as at the Herberger.
525 N. 1st St., Phoenix
(602) 253-8188
VYT is entering its 17th season of staging big Broadway shows such as “Annie,” “Grease” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The professional-quality company, which features child actors and is for audiences of all ages, performs at its own two theaters as well as at the Herberger.
4. Arizona Museum for Youth
35 N. Robson St., Mesa
(480) 644-2467
An eclectic, ever-changing array of completely hands-on exhibits are the hallmark of the AMFY. Best for kids up to age 12, and suitable even for toddlers. Closed Mondays.
35 N. Robson St., Mesa
(480) 644-2467
An eclectic, ever-changing array of completely hands-on exhibits are the hallmark of the AMFY. Best for kids up to age 12, and suitable even for toddlers. Closed Mondays.
5. Mesa Southwest Museum
53 N. MacDonald, Mesa
(480) 644-2230
Areas of interest from Arizona pre-history to geology to space are explored here, but the real draw is the animatronic dinosaurs, plus real fossils and skeletons. Equally fascinating for all ages, even the grown-ups.
53 N. MacDonald, Mesa
(480) 644-2230
Areas of interest from Arizona pre-history to geology to space are explored here, but the real draw is the animatronic dinosaurs, plus real fossils and skeletons. Equally fascinating for all ages, even the grown-ups.
8 dynamite diversions
1. Hall of Flame Fire Museum
6101 E. Van Buren, Phoenix
(602) 275-3473
In Phoenix since 1974, the Hall of Flame shows off 100 firefighting rigs and features a “Hall of Heroes,” which honors firefighters who have died in the line or duty or been cited for heroism.
6101 E. Van Buren, Phoenix
(602) 275-3473
In Phoenix since 1974, the Hall of Flame shows off 100 firefighting rigs and features a “Hall of Heroes,” which honors firefighters who have died in the line or duty or been cited for heroism.
2. Cerreta Candy Company
5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
(623) 930-1000
Sugar-rush central! Free tours are offered twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Saturday. Call to find out about Chocolate Camp. Has anything ever sounded better than that?
5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
(623) 930-1000
Sugar-rush central! Free tours are offered twice daily, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays and all day on Saturday. Call to find out about Chocolate Camp. Has anything ever sounded better than that?
3. Phoenix Family Museum
(602) 253-0501
Set to open in a permanent location in 2007, the Phoenix Family Museum currently operates as a museum on wheels, bringing its exhibits to schools, parks, arts festivals and events. Check out the website for a calendar of events.
(602) 253-0501
Set to open in a permanent location in 2007, the Phoenix Family Museum currently operates as a museum on wheels, bringing its exhibits to schools, parks, arts festivals and events. Check out the website for a calendar of events.
4. Phoenix Police Museum
101 S. Central Ave. (Southwest Corner of Central Avenue and Jefferson Street)
(602) 534-7278
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the Phoenix Police Museum is fascinating for parents and children. On display are police motorcycles, a vintage police car and memorabilia about famous Valley crimes. Kids can try on police uniforms while their parents read about “Trunk Murderess” Winnie Ruth Judd.
101 S. Central Ave. (Southwest Corner of Central Avenue and Jefferson Street)
(602) 534-7278
Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, the Phoenix Police Museum is fascinating for parents and children. On display are police motorcycles, a vintage police car and memorabilia about famous Valley crimes. Kids can try on police uniforms while their parents read about “Trunk Murderess” Winnie Ruth Judd.
5. Pioneer Village
3901 W. Pioneer Rd., Phoenix
Exit 225 off I-17, 12 miles north of Bell Road
(623) 465-1052
Families can see how turn-of-the-century (that’s the 20th century, not the current one) Phoenicians and rural Arizonans lived at this living-history museum. Set up like a small town, visitors can tour a jail, an old Phoenix home, a one-room schoolhouse and other buildings. Restaurant on-site.
3901 W. Pioneer Rd., Phoenix
Exit 225 off I-17, 12 miles north of Bell Road
(623) 465-1052
Families can see how turn-of-the-century (that’s the 20th century, not the current one) Phoenicians and rural Arizonans lived at this living-history museum. Set up like a small town, visitors can tour a jail, an old Phoenix home, a one-room schoolhouse and other buildings. Restaurant on-site.
6. Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington
(602) 716-2000
Regardless of the current exhibit, there’s never a shortage of things to keep you busy, whether you’re children are 2 or 16. The museum’s motto is “Hands-on, eye-opening fun,” which sums up pretty well the array of educational and entertaining activities here, including a state-of-the-art planetarium and giant-screen theater.
600 E. Washington
(602) 716-2000
Regardless of the current exhibit, there’s never a shortage of things to keep you busy, whether you’re children are 2 or 16. The museum’s motto is “Hands-on, eye-opening fun,” which sums up pretty well the array of educational and entertaining activities here, including a state-of-the-art planetarium and giant-screen theater.
7. Fishing
(602) 942-3000
Arizona’s Urban Fishing program was launched more than two decades ago by the state’s Game and Fish Department. More than a dozen lakes --- including Tempe Town Lake and Kiwanis Lake in Tempe, Red Mountain Lake in Mesa and Chapparal Lake in Scottsdale --- participate in the program, which permits fishermen to take home up to four fish each day. Those over 14 need a license, which runs about $15.
(602) 942-3000
Arizona’s Urban Fishing program was launched more than two decades ago by the state’s Game and Fish Department. More than a dozen lakes --- including Tempe Town Lake and Kiwanis Lake in Tempe, Red Mountain Lake in Mesa and Chapparal Lake in Scottsdale --- participate in the program, which permits fishermen to take home up to four fish each day. Those over 14 need a license, which runs about $15.
8. Farmers Markets
Shop for fresh produce, jams and breads and handi-crafts at these open-air markets. Most are run from November through April; contact the Arizona Community Farmers Market Association (623-848-1234) for specific times.
Shop for fresh produce, jams and breads and handi-crafts at these open-air markets. Most are run from November through April; contact the Arizona Community Farmers Market Association (623-848-1234) for specific times.
Carefree/Cave Creek:
• Carefree Farmers Market, downtown amphitheater
• Cave Creek Farmers Market, 6900 E. Cave Creek Rd. in the Fandango Restaurant parking lot.
• Carefree Farmers Market, downtown amphitheater
• Cave Creek Farmers Market, 6900 E. Cave Creek Rd. in the Fandango Restaurant parking lot.
Chandler:
• Casa Paloma Farmers Market, 56th Street and Ray Road
• Chandler Farmers Market, A.J. Chandler Park
• Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, Commonwealth and San Marcos Streets
• Casa Paloma Farmers Market, 56th Street and Ray Road
• Chandler Farmers Market, A.J. Chandler Park
• Downtown Chandler Farmers Market, Commonwealth and San Marcos Streets
Fountain Hills:
• Plaza Fountainside Market, 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd.
• Plaza Fountainside Market, 12645 N. Saguaro Blvd.
Gilbert:
• Gilbert Heritage District Farmers Market, 10 S. Gilbert Rd., in the museum parking lot.
• Gilbert Heritage Court Market, 207 N. Gilbert Rd.
• Gilbert Heritage District Farmers Market, 10 S. Gilbert Rd., in the museum parking lot.
• Gilbert Heritage Court Market, 207 N. Gilbert Rd.
Glendale:
• The Market at Murphy Park, 7146 N. 57th Ave.
• The Market at Murphy Park, 7146 N. 57th Ave.
Goodyear:
• Estrella Mountain Ranch Lakeside Farmers Market, 10366 E. Estrella Pkwy.
• Estrella Mountain Ranch Lakeside Farmers Market, 10366 E. Estrella Pkwy.
Litchfield Park:
• Litchfield Park Organics Saturday Market, 107 Honeysuckle St., across from the Wigwam Resort
• Litchfield Park Organics Saturday Market, 107 Honeysuckle St., across from the Wigwam Resort
Mesa:
• Market on Main, Main Street between Center and Robson
• Mesa Community Farmers Market, 263 N. Center St.
• Market on Main, Main Street between Center and Robson
• Mesa Community Farmers Market, 263 N. Center St.
Phoenix:
• Biltmore Market in the Park, 24th Street and Camelback Road, at the Biltmore Fashion Park.
• The Farm at South Mountain Farmers Market, 6106 S. 32nd St.
• Harmon Park Farmers Market, 4th Avenue and Yavapai Street
• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 7th Street and Monroe
• Patriots Square Marketplace, between Washington and Central Avenues.
• Phoenix Camelback Market, 3930 E. Camelback Rd., at Vincent’s on Camelback
• Roosevelt Farmers Market, 100 W. Portland St. in Portland Park
• Town & Country Farmers Market, 2021 E. Camelback Rd.
• Washington Park Farmers Market, 2240 W. Citrus Way
• Biltmore Market in the Park, 24th Street and Camelback Road, at the Biltmore Fashion Park.
• The Farm at South Mountain Farmers Market, 6106 S. 32nd St.
• Harmon Park Farmers Market, 4th Avenue and Yavapai Street
• Heritage Square Farmers Market, 7th Street and Monroe
• Patriots Square Marketplace, between Washington and Central Avenues.
• Phoenix Camelback Market, 3930 E. Camelback Rd., at Vincent’s on Camelback
• Roosevelt Farmers Market, 100 W. Portland St. in Portland Park
• Town & Country Farmers Market, 2021 E. Camelback Rd.
• Washington Park Farmers Market, 2240 W. Citrus Way
Scottsdale:
• Borgata Farmers Market, Scottsdale Road and McDonald Drive
• DC Ranch Farmers Market, Thompson Peak Parkway and Pima Road
• McDowell Mountain Ranch Market, 10406 E. McDowell Mountain Rd.
• The Promenade Saturday market, Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
• Borgata Farmers Market, Scottsdale Road and McDonald Drive
• DC Ranch Farmers Market, Thompson Peak Parkway and Pima Road
• McDowell Mountain Ranch Market, 10406 E. McDowell Mountain Rd.
• The Promenade Saturday market, Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard
Tempe:
• Tempe Farmers Market, 6th Street and Mill Avenue
• Tempe Farmers Market, 6th Street and Mill Avenue
7 prime spots for parks ‘n’ picnics
1. Railroad Parks
Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (7301 E. Indian Bend Rd.; 480-312-2312), Freestone Park in Gilbert (1021 E. Juniper Rd. between Guadalupe and Elliot Roads; 480-632-2702) and Desert Breeze Railroad Park (660 Desert Breeze Blvd., near McClintock Road and Chandler Boulevard; 480-940-1685) have wet/dry playgrounds, amusement rides and trains. Adobe Mountain Railroad Museum and Desert Railroad Park in Glendale (23280 N. 43rd Ave.; 623-386-5737) offers free (donations accepted) train rides along its six miles of track.
Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (7301 E. Indian Bend Rd.; 480-312-2312), Freestone Park in Gilbert (1021 E. Juniper Rd. between Guadalupe and Elliot Roads; 480-632-2702) and Desert Breeze Railroad Park (660 Desert Breeze Blvd., near McClintock Road and Chandler Boulevard; 480-940-1685) have wet/dry playgrounds, amusement rides and trains. Adobe Mountain Railroad Museum and Desert Railroad Park in Glendale (23280 N. 43rd Ave.; 623-386-5737) offers free (donations accepted) train rides along its six miles of track.
2. Gilbert Riparian Preserve
2757 E. Guadalupe Rd., just east of Greenfield Road
(480) 503-6744
Fishing and hiking are the draw at this 100-acre park, which, thanks to the abundance of foliage and animal life, feels secluded from the hustle and bustle going on around it. As fast as Gilbert is growing, this area remains a peaceful retreat.
2757 E. Guadalupe Rd., just east of Greenfield Road
(480) 503-6744
Fishing and hiking are the draw at this 100-acre park, which, thanks to the abundance of foliage and animal life, feels secluded from the hustle and bustle going on around it. As fast as Gilbert is growing, this area remains a peaceful retreat.
3. The Farm at South Mountain
6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix
(602) 276-6360
Pick up a gourmet sandwich at the on-site restaurant and grab a table in this shaded pecan grove. The kids will be so enthralled by this little slice of nature that they won’t notice there’s no playground equipment. Closed for summer.
6106 S. 32nd St., Phoenix
(602) 276-6360
Pick up a gourmet sandwich at the on-site restaurant and grab a table in this shaded pecan grove. The kids will be so enthralled by this little slice of nature that they won’t notice there’s no playground equipment. Closed for summer.
4. Margaret Hance Deck Park
67 W. Culver St., Phoenix
(602) 534-2406
This 30-acre park, situated over the tunnel between uptown and downtown Phoenix, is the most picturesque picnic spot in the middle of the city.
67 W. Culver St., Phoenix
(602) 534-2406
This 30-acre park, situated over the tunnel between uptown and downtown Phoenix, is the most picturesque picnic spot in the middle of the city.
5. Chaparral Park
5401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
(480) 312-2353
A dog park, sports courts and fishing/duck-feeding lake help make up this sprawling, 74-acre park.
5401 N. Hayden Rd., Scottsdale
(480) 312-2353
A dog park, sports courts and fishing/duck-feeding lake help make up this sprawling, 74-acre park.
6. Red Mountain Park
7745 E. Brown Rd., Mesa
(480) 644-2351
Big-kid and little-kid playgrounds, a pond and plenty of walking paths are the highlights of this far-east-side park.
7745 E. Brown Rd., Mesa
(480) 644-2351
Big-kid and little-kid playgrounds, a pond and plenty of walking paths are the highlights of this far-east-side park.
7. Saguaro Ranch Park
9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
(623) 930-2820
Peacocks stroll through this 16-acre park, which features fruit orchards, a playground, picnic tables and trails.
9802 N. 59th Ave., Glendale
(623) 930-2820
Peacocks stroll through this 16-acre park, which features fruit orchards, a playground, picnic tables and trails.
3 ways to keep your cool (in summer)
We can’t all spend three months of the year in Flagstaff or San Diego, but we can make the best of our brutal summers with these beat-the-heat destinations:
1. Makutu’s Island
6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler
(480) 893-0106
Housed in the building that used to be Clubhouse Disney, Makutu’s Island has taken the indoor playground concept and cut down on the sensory overload for parents as well as kids. There is a small room with arcade games, but beyond that, the bells and whistles are blessedly few. Kids can climb through tunnels, rappel, slide and run around to their hearts content while parents sit on a bench with a book.
6919 W. Ray Rd., Chandler
(480) 893-0106
Housed in the building that used to be Clubhouse Disney, Makutu’s Island has taken the indoor playground concept and cut down on the sensory overload for parents as well as kids. There is a small room with arcade games, but beyond that, the bells and whistles are blessedly few. Kids can climb through tunnels, rappel, slide and run around to their hearts content while parents sit on a bench with a book.
2. Water Parks
Three of the Valley’s biggest parks are owned by Sunsplash and offer a variety of other amenities, such as arcades and mini-golf:
Three of the Valley’s biggest parks are owned by Sunsplash and offer a variety of other amenities, such as arcades and mini-golf:
Big Surf
1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe
(480) 947-7873
1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe
(480) 947-7873
Golfland-Sunsplash
155 W. Hampton, Mesa
(480) 834-8319
155 W. Hampton, Mesa
(480) 834-8319
Waterworld Safari
4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Glendale
(623) 581-8446
4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Glendale
(623) 581-8446
Kiwanas Wave Pool
6111 S. All-America Way, Tempe
(480) 350-5201
Kids can grab a floatie and ride the waves. It’s usually crowded and noisy, but no more so than any other public pool.
6111 S. All-America Way, Tempe
(480) 350-5201
Kids can grab a floatie and ride the waves. It’s usually crowded and noisy, but no more so than any other public pool.
3. IMAX Theater
5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe
(480) 897-4629
Big screen, high A/C and cinematic offerings you can’t get in a regular theater make IMAX the place to be in the summer months or anytime.
5000 Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe
(480) 897-4629
Big screen, high A/C and cinematic offerings you can’t get in a regular theater make IMAX the place to be in the summer months or anytime.
3 animal attractions
1. Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
(602) 273-1341
Halloween has “Boo at the Zoo,” the winter holidays have “ZooLights” and each month other events are promoted. Even without special occasions, though, the Phoenix Zoo has plenty to see and do, from Zoo Encounters (educational talks by zookeepers) to exploration of its four trails (Arizona, Africa, Tropics and Discovery). Kids especially enjoy the ever-improving Harmony Farm area, complete with petting zoo farm buildings and play areas.
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
(602) 273-1341
Halloween has “Boo at the Zoo,” the winter holidays have “ZooLights” and each month other events are promoted. Even without special occasions, though, the Phoenix Zoo has plenty to see and do, from Zoo Encounters (educational talks by zookeepers) to exploration of its four trails (Arizona, Africa, Tropics and Discovery). Kids especially enjoy the ever-improving Harmony Farm area, complete with petting zoo farm buildings and play areas.
2. Wildlife World Zoo
16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park
(623) 935-9453
An accredited zoo with the largest collection of exotic animals --- including white tigers, giraffes, rhinos, kangaroos and 20 species of primates --- the Wildlife World Zoo is an intimate, 50-acre facility that packs a lot into its 50 acres. Plenty of interactive exhibits are offered, including a petting zoo and giraffe-feeding station.
16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park
(623) 935-9453
An accredited zoo with the largest collection of exotic animals --- including white tigers, giraffes, rhinos, kangaroos and 20 species of primates --- the Wildlife World Zoo is an intimate, 50-acre facility that packs a lot into its 50 acres. Plenty of interactive exhibits are offered, including a petting zoo and giraffe-feeding station.
3. Superstition Reptile Exhibit
Goldfield Ghost Town
4650 N. Mammoth Mine Rd., north of Apache Junction
(480) 983-0333
This little-known feature of Goldfield Ghost Town is a must for reptile-lovers and is an excellent addition to any visit to Goldfield.
Goldfield Ghost Town
4650 N. Mammoth Mine Rd., north of Apache Junction
(480) 983-0333
This little-known feature of Goldfield Ghost Town is a must for reptile-lovers and is an excellent addition to any visit to Goldfield.
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