arizonamoms.com
May. 19 2008 11:06 am
Find 12 fun things to do close to home:
3 West Valley family activities
An Evening at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Ages 12-18 meet and discuss Eclipse, by Stephenie Meyer. Presented by the Northwest Regional Library. Registration required. 7:30 p.m. Thursday. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, 14071 W. Bell Road, Suite 101, Surprise. Free. 602-652-3000 or www.mcldaz.org. coffeebean.com.
Summer Reading Program Kickoff
Kid 11 and younger play a "Catch the Reading Bug" trivia game full of prizes, information, and materials on how to join the 2008 Summer Reading Program. Meanwhile, older kids 12-18 enjoy the "metamorphosis" to summer reading with activities that celebrate the program's theme of gaining knowledge and bettering one's self. 2 p.m. May 28. Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale. FREE. 602-652-3000. www.mcldaz.org.
Wildlife World Zoo
Take a stroll with the kids and see more than 2,000 animals on 50 acres. Check out the white tigers, giraffe feeding station, train rides, boat rides and a petting zoo. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays through Saturdays. Wildlife World Zoo, 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park. $16.99; $8.99 for kids 3-12; credit cards not accepted. 623-935-9453. www.wildlifeworld.com.
3 Phoenix area family events
Fit Kids Festival
Fitness games, activities and summer-camp information for kids. noon-5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1134 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. FREE. 602-534-2406. www.championschools.org.
'Cinderella - A Ragtime Musical'
A timeless story of a long-suffering stepsister, a choosy prince and a glass slipper. Set in New York City during the height of immigration. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through June 21. Additional shows 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre, 4720 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. $12 in advance; $15 day of show. 480-483-1664. www.desertstages.com.
'The Big Bug Circus'
A carnival of circus acts starring marionette insects. 10 a.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Runs May 28-June 8. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $8; $6 for children. 602-262-2050. www.azpuppets.org.
3 Southeast Valley family activities
"Exploring Dreams: Images From the Permanent Collection"
The family-oriented exhibition examines the science of dreams and features hands-on activities. 1-5 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays until Aug. 30. ASU Art Museum, Nelson Fine Arts Center 10th Street and Mill Avenue, Tempe. Free. 480-965-2787. asuartmuseum.asu.edu.
Superhero Night
Kids can dress as their favorite superhero and watch Spiderman 3. Also includes a parade for ages 5-8. 6 p.m. May 30. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. 480-855-3539. www.downtownchandler.org.
Family Bounce nightBurn some energy by jumping around. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult and wear socks. 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Reservations are recommended. Bounce U, 1166 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. $9 for first child; $8 for siblings. 480-632-9663. www.bounceu.com.
3 Scottsdale area family events
Gaming Day
Teens play Xbox, PlayStation 2 and GameCube. Bring remotes, consoles and games. Games must be rated E or T. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.Fountain Hills Branch Library, 12901 N. La Montana Drive, Fountain Hills. Free. 602-652-3000. www.mcldaz.org.
Sunday concert at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
This railroad-theme park includes a carousel, museum, shops, arboretum, picnic areas and special events. May through mid July, the park offers live music 7:30-9 p.m.Sunday nights. Catch Mogollon's high energy country May 25, The Hamptons' rock hits June 1, and Rock Lobster's retro 80s music June 8. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays through Saturdays. 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale. Free admission; $2 for train rides; $1 for carousel. 480-312-2312. www.therailroadpark.com.
Cooking With Dad
Register now to take a class with dad or learn to prepare dishes to serve him on Father's Day. Meals prepared include beef stroganoff with egg noodles and flank-steak quesadillas with homemade salsa. For ages 8 and older. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. June 7. Sweet Basil Gourmetware and Cooking School, 10749 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 101, Scottsdale. $50. 480-596-5628. www.sweetbasilgourmet.com.
