I'm taking a week off from work next week but with gas prices and all, we're staying put. My 9-year-old and I are mapping out activities - one for each day - like a visit to Changing Hands bookstore in Tempe for lunch and a new book, the Arizona Science Center to see the Narnia exhibit, and AZ on the Rocks to use the gift certificate he got for Christmas.
We'll probably take our bikes to the zoo one day, though he just spent a week there at Zoo Camp. He loves the Arizona Museum of Natural History in Mesa, but we go there a lot.
Anyone have any other ideas for us? My boy is really interested in science, art and animals. I don't mind driving across the Valley since I figure I'm saving money by not taking off to someplace else.
Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.
What about Challenger Space
What about Challenger Space Center, Castles-n-Coasters and/or a waterpark? Enjoy!!
There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one!
We haven't been out to the
We haven't been out to the Challenger Space Center in years! That's a great idea. Plus, my mom lives near there, so if I time it right, maybe she'll make us dinner!
Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.
Aren't moms great!
Aren't moms great!
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
We did the Verde Canyon
We did the Verde Canyon Railroad a few weeks ago. There are open air cars to take in all the views. It might be exciting for him to be on the lookout for some wild life.
The ride is 2 hours up, and 2 hours back...but there is plenty to see. There were 10 of us, and we did the first class car, but I think it was a waste for us ($80/pp) because half of us spent the ride in the open air car anyway. First class includes food (a small buffet) and bottled water. The bar onboard offers cocktails and smoothies to purchase. It's like being in a living room with love seats and coffee tables...very comfortable. I'm not sure what the price is for the other cars...maybe $40-50??
Definitely scenic and peaceful...lots of opportunity to see some wild life.
I took my 5 yr old and 8 yr
I took my 5 yr old and 8 yr old to the World Wildlife Zoo. It is located in Litchfield Park... its a drive... but we had a blast and ended up staying there from open to close. The animals are not spread apart like the Phx zoo. There is a train ride that actually takes you behind the fences so you are with the animals. Very fun time!
-Jess
I like this park because you
I like this park because you can feed the giraffes!!!
Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette
Oh yeah!! Bring quarters so
Oh yeah!! Bring quarters so you can feed the animals :-)
Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette
I just went to the Out of
I just went to the Out of Africa park in Camp Verde. It is a little spendy, and a bit of a drive, but a whole lot of fun. If your son likes animals and you haven't been there, I can definitely recommend it.
My,
My, turning-9-years-old-in-a-few-days, son, LIVES for watching experiment videos on www.stevespanglerscience.com
A trip to The Learning Store on Ray Rd and a Target to gather supplies, and then an afternoon of science experiments sounds like a lot of fun to me!
"Only a life lived for others, is the life worthwhile" - Albert Einstein
How about going to an
How about going to an afternoon movie? If it's during the day it's cheaper!! Sneak in some milk duds and your all set!! Not sure what good movies are out though!! There are also dollar theaters you can go to like at superstition springs mall http://phoenixnewtimes.com/locations/super-saver-superstition-springs-41... drinks and snacks are a bit pricey, but it may be worth it to go!!
Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette
Also maybe Fiddlesticks!!
Also maybe Fiddlesticks!! They have laser tag, go-karts, water rides, batting cages.
Lisa - Mom to her spunky little Scarlette
Do a round of laser
Do a round of laser tag...our son loves it. We went to Golfland to play about a year ago. Plus there are tons of other things to do.
Arizona Moms Editor Yvette Armendariz shares stories about raising her kids and tips for busy parents in her Time-starved (goddess) Mom blog. She and her husband are raising two children, ages 8 and 11.
Moms, you are amazing. These
Moms, you are amazing. These are some amazing ideas. I've always wanted to do the Verde Valley railroad, and I love the idea of some science projects. We haven't been out to the Wildlife World Zoo in years, either. That definitely would be worth the trip. I'm going to print out all the ideas and go over them with my son tonight. Keep them coming!
Karina Bland is raising her 9-year-old son in Tempe with a lot of love, humor and support from her friends and family. A longtime journalist covering child welfare and education issues for The Arizona Republic, she blogs about raising good kids.
Bet he would love Waterworld
Bet he would love Waterworld or Sunsplash or Big Surf. You probably would too! Catch a movie maybe even at a drive in! Indoor rock climbing is a blast for that age and there are places all over the Valley. He will just love one on one time with you. Be sure to order out so it is still a vacation for you. Have fun!
soccermom of a 12 yr old boy and 15 yr old young lady
Free fishing day!! I was
Free fishing day!! I was just on the AZ Game and Fish website and found out that on the 7th this coming saturday as well as the 14th is "Free Fishing Day" in the state of Arizona. http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/edits/aquatic_education.shtml
Here is the link....it lists some of the lakes that provide loaner rods and instructors as well. Enjoy!!