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Friday, July 6, 2012



Things to do 
Indoor play
·      Bounce U
1166 S. Gilbert Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296
Cost: $8.95/child
Description: Indoor inflatable playground, arcade, party rooms.
More Info: (480) 632-9663 or  http://www.bounceu.com/

·      Imagination Avenue
10614 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix AZ 85028
Cost: $9/person; Under 1 free
Description: This 3,500 square foot indoor play center contains a child sized town / 
More Info: 602-765-3192 or  http://www.imaginationavenue.us

·      Jump Street
455 E. Warner Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225
5665 W. Bell Rd., Glendale, AZ 85308
Cost: $8-10/person
Description: The valley’s first and only indoor trampoline parks and family sports fun centers
More Info: http://www.gotjump.com/

·      Makutu’s Island
6919 W Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226
Cost: $8.50/kids; $3.50/adults; Under 1 free
Description: Makutu’s Island is a 20,000 square foot, multi-level indoor playground in Chandler, AZ. Made for children and adults
More Info: (480) 344-3741 or http://www.makutusisland.com/

·      Play Factory
4180 S. Arizona Avenue - Suite 3 - Chandler Arizona 85248
21001 N. Tatum Blvd. Phoenix, Arizona 85050 (Located inside "The District" at Desert Ridge Marketplace)
Cost: $4.50 - $9/person
Description:  Indoor open play and party experience with slides, bounce houses and more.
More Info: http://www.playfactoryparty.com/

·      Pump It Up
1325 West Auto Drive , Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85284
9378 East Bahia Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Cost: $7.50/child
Description: Private indoor arenas, filled with gigantic inflatable slides, bounce houses, obstacle courses and more.
More Info: http://www.pumpitupparty.com

·      Jeepers! Amusement Paradise
2726 S. Alma School Road, Mesa
480-820-8300
Hours: Daily (closed Thursdays) 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Admission: $8.99 all-day unlimited rides; $6.99 for toddlers (under 36"), all-day unlimited rides; $20 for all-month unlimited rides. Parents ride free with a paid child admission.
A children's "entertainment center" offers several amusement park-style rides, including a mini roller coaster and bumper cars. It also has dozens of non-violent video games and a soft play area. Check the Web site for coupons, too. Birthday party packages are available.

·      Amazing Jake's Food & Fun
1830 E. Baseline Road, Mesa
480-926-7499
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday.
Admission: Varies, but a la carte prices run $5.99 to $9.99, A "Fun Card," which permits you to take part in most activities, can range from $10 to $50; many attractions, without a Fun Card, run about $3.50 to $4.25 otherwise (kiddie rides are less expensive).
This indoor "fun factory" has just about everything: a rock wall, go-karts, laser tag, bowling, mini golf and kiddie rides, just to name some highlights. Call or go online for more details, as there are height and weight restrictions and varied pricing. Bring your appetite, too, as a buffet purchase is required for entry.

·      Laser Quest
Two Valley locations
Phoenix locations: 3335 W. Peoria Ave., 602-548-0005
Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4-11 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday; available Monday for private events.
Mesa location: 2035 S. Alma School Road, 480-752-0005
Hours: 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 4-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; 1-7 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday for private events.
Think of this sport as paintball without the paint. Players go on "missions," use code names and attempt to score as many points as possible in this high-tech update of hide-and-seek. Recommended for children at least 7 years of age and older, and teens really dig this stuff (as do many of their parents). Birthday party packages are available.

·      Mini Golf Paradise
15230 N. 32nd St.
Phoenix, AZ 85032
602-274-4653
Hours: Daily (closed Tuesdays) 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: $6 for one round (18 holes); $8 for unlimited rounds. Children under 3 admitted free with
a paid adult admission.
Happy Hour from 4 to 6:30pm. Admission is $5 per person and you receive one round of golf, food, and drinks. This indoor miniature golf course, featuring a safari-themed setting, was voted "Best Miniature Golf Course in Phoenix 2006" by the Phoenix New Times. Be sure to check the web site for coupons, too. Birthday party packages are available.






WATER PARKS / THEME PARKS

·      Big Surf Waterpark
1500 N. McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281
Cost: $19.50/ 3+; $26/adults; $3/under 3
Description: Wave pools, waterslides and more
More Info: 480-994-2297 or http://www.bigsurffun.com/
·      Castles ‘N Coasters
9445 Metro Parkway East, Phoenix, AZ 85051
Cost: $8-32/person
Description: Roller coasters, water rides, mini golf, theme park adventures.
More Info: 602-997-7575 or  http://www.castlesncoasters.com/ 
Golfland Sunsplash Mesa
155 W. Hampton Ave., Mesa, AZ 85210
Cost:$10 - $30/person
Description: Water slides, wave pool, toddler pool, mini golf, laser tag, bumper boats and more
More Info: http://www.golfland.com/mesa/
McDowell Mountain Ranch Park
15525 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Cost: $4-9/per person
Description: A 35-acre park that has a skatepark, 4 soccer fields, 2 ball fields and restroom; some fields have lights.  This facility offers swimming to the general public, high schools teams, competitive teams, water exercise, recreational teams, swim lessons, aerobics classes, and fitness classes.
More Info:  http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/mmr
Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center
 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr, Chandler, AZ
Cost: $1/children; $2.25/adults
Description: Water playground, lazy river, lap pool, diving pool, toddler pool, splash pad and water slides.
More Info: http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=733
Tempe Town Lake, Splash Playground
Located at the south bank of Tempe Town Lake at Tempe Beach Park near the entrance to the park at Rio Salado Parkway and Mill Avenue
Cost: Free
Description: One-acre playground for children
More info: (480) 350-8625 or  http://www.tempetownlake.com
Wet ‘N’ Wild
4243 W. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Glendale, AZ 85310
Cost: $27.99/child; $34.99/adults; under 2 free
Description: Wave pools, waterslides and more
More Info:  http://www.wetnwildphoenix.com/





INDOOR SKATING / ACTIVITIES
Great Skate
10054 N. 43rd Ave, Glendale, AZ 85302
Cost: $6/children; $7 adults
Description: Roller skating and inline skating for all ages
More Info: 623-842-1181 or http://www.greatskateglendale.com

Ice Den
9375 East Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Cost: $5/children; $7/adults + skate rental
Description: Bundle up and enjoy crisp 53° ice rinks during one of the Ice Den’s great public skating sessions
More Info:  http://www.coyotesice.com/

Arcadia Ice Arena
3853 E. Thomas Road
Phoenix, AZ 85018
602-957-9966
Hours: Public skate sessions are held daily, but check the online calendar, which is updated every day or call for more information. Some night sessions are also available.
Admission: Public skate time is $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for youths 12 and younger, $3.50 for seniors 55 and older, children 3 and younger admitted free (with a paid adult admission); skate rental is $2.50 per person.
There's public skate sessions, skating and hockey lessons and even day camps that run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, include lunch and a snack and skate rental and cost just $165 for the week.

Oceanside Ice Arena
1520 N. McClintock Drive
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-941-0944
Hours: Public skating hours vary, but typically are 7:30-10:30 p.m. Friday and 4:50-7:20 p.m. Saturday. Check the Web site or call to see if additional public skate sessions are available.
Admission: $7 for adults, $5 for children; skate rental for all is $3 per person.
Summer activities in the desert don't get much cooler than ice skating. Dress for the 50-degree environment, lace up those boots and join one of the public skating sessions. Or, try a lesson or two.

     


MUSEUMS & ZOOS
Arizona Museum for Youth
35 N. Robson, Mesa, Arizona 85201 
Cost: $7/person; under 2 free
Description: Hand-on art, learning and music exhibits
More Info: 480-644-2467 or http://www.arizonamuseumforyouth.com/
Arizona Natural History Museum
53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201
Cost: $6/ children; $9/adults; under 2 free
Description: Dinosaur water exhibit, art projects, walk-through jail, etc.
More Info: 480-644-2230 or  http://www.azmnh.org
Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Cost: $10/child; $12/adult
Description: Participate in interactive exhibits, watch 5-story tall movies, or take a trip through the stars at the planetarium
More Info: (602) 716-2000 or  http://www.azscience.org
Challenger Space Center
21170 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria,  AZ  85382
Cost: $5/children; $8/adults
Description: Stargazing, interactive exhibits and more
More Info: 623-322-2001 or http://www.azchallenger.com
Children’s Museum of Phoenix
215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, AZ  85034
Cost: $11/person; Under 1 free
Description: Dozens of hands-on, interactive exhibits designed for children ages birth to 10, the Museum focuses on learning through play, with emphasis on early childhood education and school-readiness
More Info: 602-253-0501 or http://www.childrensmuseumofphoenix.org/  
Phoenix Zoo
455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Cost: $9/child; $18/adult; Under 2 free
Description: Animals, rides, splash pads, etc.
More Info: 602.273.1341 or http://www.phoenixzoo.org
Sea Life Arizona
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Ste. 145 Tempe, AZ 85282 (located at the northeast corner of Arizona Mills Mall)
Cost: $11/children & $18/adults
Description: Providing close encounters with a vast array of creatures including seahorses, sharks, rays, tropical fish and more
More Info: http://www.visitsealife.com/Arizona/
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 
Cost: $14.25/child; $27.50/adult; under 2 free
Description: Some 75 indoor exhibits featuring fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles located in three buildings
More Info: 623-935-9453 or http://www.wildlifeworld.com/
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
6101 E. Van Buren St.
Phoenix, AZ 85
602-275-3473


Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Admission: $6 for adults, $4 for students (6-17), $1.50 for children ages 3-5 and $5 for seniors over 62.
You and your little future firefighter are sure to be awestruck at this almost one-acre exhibit of firefighting history. There are some 130 wheeled pieces, from hand- and horse-drawn apparatus to more modern-day engines, to marvel at as well as myriad other objects (like thousands arm patches from around the world). There's also a hands-on children's exhibit.

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archeological Park

4619 E. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85034
602-495-0901
Summer Hours (May through September): 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. During the rest of the year (October through April), the museum is open 9 a.m-4:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 4:45 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission: $6 for adults (18-54), $5 for seniors 55 and older, and $3 for children (ages 6-17: children 5 and younger are admitted for free. From October through April, admission is free on Sundays.
OK, so quite a bit of this National Historic Landmark is located outside, but there's also an indoor component as well! Learn more about the ancient Hohokam people and see a little bit of what they left behind here so long ago - part of a prehistoric platform mound and a ball court.

Petersen House Museum
1414 W. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-350-5151 or 480-350-5100
Hours: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday. Closed Aug. 3 through Sept. 1 for cleaning.
Admission: Free, but donations accepted
Built in 1892, this Queen Anne Victorian-style house was once home to successful area businessman and prominent Tempe resident Niels Petersen, a Danish immigrant. Many of the original features are still intact, including a couple stained glass windows and some wallpaper. The house is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Chandler Museum
178 E. Commonwealth Ave.
Chandler, AZ 85225
480-782-2717
Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Admission: Free
Learn more about the history of Chandler, from the impact that the ancient Hohokam people had on this region to the city's founding father and how the early pioneers lived. The museum also offers several summer workshops for children ages 5 to 11. Advance registration is required and a $2 donation is suggested. Call or go online for more details.
Arizona Capitol Museum
1700 W. Washington St.
Phoenix. AZ
602-542-4675
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Tours lasting 45 minutes are offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays.
Admission: Free, and 45-minute tours are offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays.
Bet there's stuff you don't know about Arizona, and here's the place you can learn it - and view a portion of the battleship USS Arizona.
The Tempe Historical Museum
809 E. Southern Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-350-5100
Hours: 1-5 p.m. Sunday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday; closed Friday and major holidays.
Admission: Free, donations accepted.
The museum's going to undergo a major, year-long renovation project starting around the end of August, so be sure to get your visit in this summer or you'll have to wait another 365 days or so to see the place. Wild Wednesdays, held June 18 through July 23, will keep youngsters and their families entertained. No preregistration is needed for family groups, although groups of 10 or more should call first for a reservation. This year's themes are: Go, Sun Devils! (June 18); Our Desert Home (June 25); Patriot's Day (July 2); Got Culture? (July 9); Building Tempe (July 16); and To Protect and Serve (July 23).
Mesa Historical Museum
2345 N. Horne St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
480-835-7358
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors over 65, $3 for youths (3-12), children under 3 and members admitted free.
Everything you wanted to know about Mesa - plus some - is here. Come see "Thanks for Tuning In: The Wallace and Ladmo Show" exhibit, which runs through Aug. 31, or check out the replica of a one-room schoolhouse.

MISC COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Ceretta Candy Company
5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301
Cost: Free
Description: Tour Phoenix’s 70-year-old family owned and operated candy company and see how their products are made.
More Info: (623) 930-1000 or http://www.cerreta.com
Stuffington Bear Factory
2302 East Thomas Road Phoenix, Arizona 85016 
Cost: $4-12/person
Description: Visit one of the last remaining stuffed animal factories in the United States and make your own stuffed animal
More Info: (602) 225-9513 or http://www.stuffington.com
Puppets



Splash pads

Glendale
Western Area Regional Park
83rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road
Glendale, Arizona 85303
Click here for Google map
Open: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Western Area Regional Park, when completed, will be an 81-acre park featuring a variety of amenities.

Peoria

Rio Vista Recreation Center

Surprise

The Hollyhock Community Pool includes a water spray pad with play features. The spray pad is located at 15808 N. Hollyhock Street in Surprise. There is a nominal entry fee to the facility; people who don't show proof of Surprise residency will pay a bit more. Call for information: 623-222-2530.
There is a small splash pad at Heritage (Marley) Park. It is located at 15073 W. Sweetwater Ave. It is free. Call for information: 623-222-2000.

El Mirage

The splash pad in El Mirage is located at Gateway Park, 10100 N. El Mirage Rd. on the far west side of the park, adjacent to the playground. This is a pop-jet fountain area with jets that pop the water at different intervals. In the daytime you'll find shaded seating here. After sunset this water features lights up with multi-colors given the water the illusion of colorful water. Call for information to 623-876-2977.

Goodyear

The splash pad at Goodyear Community Park is located at 3151 N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear, Arizona and is open from April 15 through October 15. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Children under 6 years old must be accompanied by an adult or responsible person who is at least 13 years old. No glass, beverages or food of any kind are permitted in within 10’ of walkways of play area. No pets allowed in play area. Periodic maintenance may cause the splash pad to be closed.

Westgate

Fountain Park is open daily from 10am-10pm. Closed first Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of the month!



Tuesday, April 3, 2012

My Happiness


Connor is two months old! He is my happiness!


Photo Challenge Submission
This photo was submitted to the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The grandmas are excited!





I called my mom today! The first thing she asked "Is it time? Don't worry I am ready!" She is ready and show off her grandson's picture to everyone today! She thinks he has her nose! She is going to love him to death and she needs to set up the webcam. To see him or she meant me. haha!



I called grandma Pease! She was telling all but Christmas! The kiddos got i-pods and a kindle. I told her how much I loved the recorded book. tear!

I then called Clarke's mom. She is torn between the thought of selling her home and meeting her grandson!