Oh summertime…
The joy and struggles are real. I love not having to take my daughter to school every day and then picking her up while having to work my son’s nap around that schedule. I love having her home to try to continue to train her up in the ways of our family and help her learn ways to lend a hand around the house. I love watching both my kids play together and adore watching their relationship grow. But ….I don’t like the constant fights and what seems like an endless day of correcting. The constant questioning of “what’s next” or “what are we gonna do” coupled with the feeling that I can never get anything done.
So I buckled down and tried to find a few free and affordable places and things to do in Phoenix with toddlers, so I have pre-researched, go-to spots to head when the going gets tough.
Phoenix Public Libraries – They have an amazing calendar of events this summer for kids scheduled through July! Pick up a print out at your local branch, or simply search online. Magician, Juggler and Reptiles are a few of the fun events they have going on.
The Teapot – If you haven’t been, you need to go! $2 fee for kids to play, and I’m telling you,it’s worth it. To be able to enjoy your cup of coffee and delicious pastries while your kids play in the most beautiful backyard set up is amazing. And they open at 7am, so this Mama is there early since my kids wake up by 6:30.
Phoenix Parks and Rec Classes – This is my first year singing my daughter up for ballet here. We are especially excited because the price is under $20. They have a wide range of classes for a large age range.
Local MOPS summer hangouts – Check out the MOPS international website to search and find a group near you. They usually plan playdates during the summer since the regular meetings are cancelled until August. It may just be a nice way to meet other moms in a completely casual unstructured way.
Harkins Summer Pass – All ages. 9:45am showing. 10 movies for $7. Multiple locations. It’s a bit late in the game for buying the pack, but it’s still a great deal for $1 movie when you can go.
Baby Splash Swim Classes – A 30-minute class in a heated indoor pool for babies 6 months and under (with adult) Free. Preregister.
Splash Pads – I’m linking to one of our blog posts with a great list of splash pads around the Phoenix area with all the details and location info.
Children’s Summer Series – This is another theater offering discounted movies. All ages. 11am Showings. $1 movies. Studio Movie Grill, 15515 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale.
Great Arizona Puppet Theater – 10am Wed-Fri, 10am & 2pm Sat, 2pm Sun. $10; $7 ages 12 & under. 302 W Latham St, Phoenix.
Activity Time – Babies-preschoolers (with an adult). 30 minutes of unstructured playtime, then 30 minutes of finger-play songs, playing with puppets, musical instruments, story time, nursery rhymes and dancing. 9:30-10:30am. Tuesday and Wednesday. $6/child. Toys & Playtime Oasis, 13802 N Scottsdale Rd #116, Scottsdale.
Summer Splash Tuesdays – 11am-12:30pm every Tuesday starting June 7th – July 26th at the AMC fountain. Each week is a different theme along with games and characters. Don’t forget your suit and towels to enjoy the splash pad nearby before, during, and after the event. Desert Ridge Marketplace.
I hope this list gives you a great list of summertime activities and things to do with the kids in Phoenix without breaking the bank. Please share any other activities or events you enjoy doing during the summer with your kids! We’d also love to see any photos of you and your kiddos; use #nphxmoms on Instagram!
This is fantastic!! I really need to check out the teapot and the other ideas are great.
LOVE this list! Can’t wait to try the Teapot, and love that it opens early-I have an early riser too!