"There can be no education without leisure, and without leisure education is worthless." ~Sarah Josepha Hale
FIELD TRIPS & ACTIVITIES:
Fun and Games
Arizona State Fair
The Arizona State Fair is held annually in October. They have a Read & Ride Program which allows children to earn free ride passes by reading 2 - 4 books and
writing a brief book report about each. Go to www.azstatefair.com and see what's new at the state fair this year. To learn more about the Read & Ride Program and download book report forms, go to www.phoenix360.com/readride.
Bake-a-Party
6949 E. Shea Blvd. #200, Scottsdale AZ 85254
(480) 367-1186
Boys and Girls of any age are "Real Bakers" in this authentic bakery-style kitchen built for kids!
Castles n' Coasters
If you don't go to the Arizona State Fair, you can visit this amusement park at Metro Center Mall anytime all year round. From the thrilling sky high roller coasters and exciting water rides, to the exotic countries of the world class miniature golf course and enchantment of an old fashioned carrousel, there's magic and new adventures waiting for you and your family at Castles N' Coasters.
Changing Hands Bookstore
6428 S. McClintock, Tempe (McClintock and Southern)
480-730-0205
Homeschool groups can play chess, checkers, Scrabble, etc. on Saturday nights from 6:30 - 9:00 pm, for free.
Dolly Steamboat
Experience a "Mark Twain" Voyage aboard The Dolly Steamboat, a replica of a Double-decked Sternwheeler. Cruise the secluded inner waterways of the "Junior Grand Canyon" on Canyon Lake. Relax while you admire the breathtaking flora and fauna of the lower Sonoran desert and listen to the captain recount some legends and lore about the Superstition Mountains. Bring your camera and binoculars; you may fortunate enough to spot some Bighorn Sheep.
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
One of the Valley’s best places to take the family is conveniently located just west of 7th Avenue on Encanto Blvd, right in the heart of Phoenix’s picturesque Encanto Park. Enchanted Island is filled with charm and magic, offering nine fanciful rides and a variety of popular attractions geared especially toward children aged 2 to 10.
The Game Depot
McClintock and Guadalupe in Tempe
Homeschool groups can play chess on Mondays or Tuesdays during normal business hours, for free.
Golfland Sunsplash/Waterworld/Big Surf
Fun for the whole family or plan a special event for your group at Mesa SunSplash, Phoenix Waterworld, and Tempe Big Surf. Pick a destination and click on its name to find out more. You can also join the Fun Zone program to get news, special offers, invitations, and find out all about the latest additions to their parks.
IMAX Theatre
Treat your senses to the most powerful and involving movie experience yet created, on the larger-than-life screen in the IMAX Theatre at Arizona Mills Mall, Tempe.
Jillian's
Jillian's in Desert Ridge Marketplace at Tatum Blvd. and Loop 101 in Phoenix has two theme days - one for ages 3 to 7, the other for 8 to 14. During the afternoons, a big-screen television plays children shows. $10 admission includes a buffet lunch and a card to play video games. The smaller kids can hang out in an arts and crafts area while the older ones sing karaoke. Every Wednesday during the summer, kids can get a $10 game card for $5 or they can receive a $5 game card, bowling and more for their $5 paid admission. For more information, call (480) 538-8956.
Kiwanis Recreation Center
The Kiwanis Recreation Center is owned and operated by the City of Tempe. This multi-purpose facility includes an indoor wave pool with spiral slide, full service snack bar, full size multi-use gymnasium, fifteen lighted tennis courts, outdoor sand volleyball courts, classrooms, and outdoor picnic areas. The center offers numerous activities for the community including instructional classes, sport camps and leagues, birthday parties and much more.
Oceanside Ice Arena
Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe is the East Valley's original destination for hockey, figure and public skating activities. Conveniently located near Loops 101 and 202 in Tempe, their 200 x 90 ice surface is maintained year-round.
Polar Ice Entertainment
After four years of planning, presentations, meetings, public hearings and reviews, on January 24, 2006, the City Council of Gilbert, Arizona approved an exciting new development that includes the construction of the state’s newest ice skating facility - Polar Ice Gilbert.
Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass
Take an exciting trip back in time to an 1880's Wild West town in Chandler, AZ.
Rollerplex
16083 North 75th Avenue
Peoria, AZ 85382
Homeschool afternoon skate sessions starting January 28th, 2005! RollerPlex will host a skate session just for
homeschool groups the last Friday of each month (through April) from
1:00 - 3:00 pm. The cost is only $3.50/person which will include skate
rental (or you can bring your own skates).
Telephone Pioneers of America Park This park opened in 1988 and is the nation's first barrier-free park for physically challenged individuals. It features two beep baseball fields, a therapeutic heated pool, wheelchair accessible playground equipment, handball, volleyball, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard. There also are ramadas, grills and picnic facilities. Adaptive Recreation Services is housed out of the park and they offer a variety of outdoor recreation programs and special events for people with disabilities.
Tempe Town Lake Take a journey to Tempe Town Lake, one of Arizona's most popular outdoor destinations. Click on the photos to find information about a variety of Town Lake subjects including its history, flora and fauna, boating and fishing, parks and playgrounds, special events, and volunteering.
www.tucsonkids.com Tucson’s best online source of events and activities for children, with calendar pages full of fun, interesting, and educational events for kids who live in Tucson, AZ.