Using Our America The Beautiful Pass In The Tonto National Forest

January 17, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Last week we ordered our America the Beautiful Pass from the Tonto National Forest. Right now because of COVID you can’t buy your pass in person but you can order over the phone. I spoke with Kyle who was super helpful from the Mesa Ranger District. I ordered our pass and he had it in the mail to us that day and it arrived the next morning.

If you are unfamiliar with the America The Beautiful Pass it is a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands pass that allows the public to access some fee areas without additional charge. This is a very cost effective way to see multiple sites across the United States.

We purchased our pass mainly for use in the Tonto National Forest when we go paddle boarding. In hindsight we should have bought a yearly pass over the summer because we spent $8 on a day pass each time we went to the river and lake. Had we bought one at that time it would have well over already paid for itself.

Tonto National Forest only allows you to use this pass at the picnicking areas. So if you are a hiker this might not be the best pass for you but for our family’s needs it works perfectly.

We made a trip to the lake last week to have a picnic after our pass arrived and spent two hours eating and playing. It was so relaxing and I can’t wait to explore more areas on land and paddle board this year with my family in the Tonto National Forest and hopefully around Arizona.

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Boyce Thompson Arboretum

October 24, 2018 by Leave a Comment

We ventured to Boyce Thompson Arboretum for the first time this month. When we left I was already trying to figure out when we could visit again. I loved it and can’t believe I have never visited this gem before. And I wish I would have taken more pictures. This place was so pretty.

We saw a few other people meandering about but for most of the two hours we felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. We brought our double jogging stroller for the two little ones and the older two walked with us. There are two parts on the main trail that narrow and our stroller wouldn’t fit but we still felt like we were able to see a good majority of the arboretum. If you are going with toddlers I would recommend a stroller. It was helpful to be able to contain Jesse at times, especially by the Cactus Garden. He walked a good portion of the time we were there but it was nice to have the stroller.

The day we went we had just finished a week of study in Genesis 1:1 learning about what God created and who God is. The kids were walking about saying “wow, God created lots of plants”. It was neat to see them connect what we were doing as a family to what we had learned about this week in our bible lesson.

You can bring outside snacks and drinks into the park and there is a large picnic area available by the butterfly garden. I loved the butterfly garden. It was so awesome and I  loved watching my kids watch the butterflies. They were so still and quiet standing among the wildflowers soaking in the fun of having butterflies surround them.

If you are local and have never been I highly recommend it. And if you are visiting from out of town this would be a fun place to see.

I would love to know any other hidden gems I might be missing out on seeing in Arizona. Let me know.

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2018 East Valley Family Fun Summer Guide (That Won’t Break The Bank)

May 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment

Local blog readers, last year I did a post that contained free or inexpensive activities around the East Valley. It was one of the more popular posts on the blog last year and I thought I would bring it back for 2018.  I have lived in this area for 27 years and I feel I have a pretty good idea of the local spots that are fun, free/inexpensive, or air conditioned to hit up during the summer months.

This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but this is a list of things that our kids enjoy or we think they will enjoy this summer, we enjoy doing with them, and also do not cost much money. Without further delay here is the updated list for 2018!

EAST VALLEY SPLASH PARKS

Our community has so many splash parks! Many master planned neighborhoods are featuring these in the parks surrounding new homes. I know there are probably many more that I could have included in this list.

CHANDLER

Spray pads operated by the city run 9am-7pm May through August and 10am-6pm September through October. In case you haven’t been to Desert Breeze in awhile be sure to stop by this summer to visit the newly remodeled spray pad! It is so nice!

  • Chuparosa Park spray pad has a ground spray, spray rings and a candy cane-shaped shower. 2400 S. Dobson Road. (480) 782-2750.
  • Desert Breeze Park spray pad 1 Buttercup, 1 misty mountain, 1 ground spray, 3 ants, 1 corn poppy, 1 flutter, 1 morning cross and 3 surf stones.. 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd. (480) 893-6652.
  • Espee Park spray pad has a water tower, candy-cane-shaped showers, spray rings and ground sprays. 450 E. Knox Road. (480) 782-272.

Chandler Mall also has a splash pad that is located in the outdoor Village. It is open daily April thru September from 9am-4pm. 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler. (480) 812-8488

GILBERT

Water Tower Park’s splash pad is among other water features, including a floating granite kugel ball and a water wall. 6am-10pm daily, year round. 45 W. Page Ave. (480) 503-6200

Santan Village Mall has a splash pad that opened for the season on May 6th and it will close in October. It is located in the Children’s Play Area between Build-A-Bear and Gymboree. 2218 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert. (480) 282-9500

MESA

The newly updated Pioneer Park has a splash pad featuring a 15-foot water wall and is located next to the public restrooms. 10am – 10pm daily, year round. 526 E. Main St, Mesa, AZ 85203

The Eastmark Community’s Great Park has a public splash pad operated by the city of Mesa. 7am-10pm daily, year round. 5100 S. Eastmark Parkway. (480) 644-2352

The city’s Riverview Park also has a splash pad with multiple water features. 9am-10pm daily, year round. 2100 W. Rio Salado Parkway. (480) 644-2352

TEMPE

City of Tempe has four parks with splash pads. There used to be a splash park at Tempe Town Lake but it is permanently closed. The brand new splash playground at Kiwanis Park is scheduled to be open this summer! For more information call (480) 350-5200.

  • Kiwanis Park. Opening this summer! 5500 S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ 85283
  • Jaycee Park. Open April 29-October 29. 10am-7pm daily. 817 W. Fifth St.
  • Hudson Park. Open April 29-October 29. 10am-7pm daily. 1430 S. Cedar St.
  • Esquer Park. Open April 29-October 29. 10am-7pm daily. 2407 E. McArthur Drive

KIDS CLUB @ SUPERSTITION SPRINGS MALL

Free, fun & educational games and activities for kids! The Superstition Springs Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting. National Geographic Kids creates activities and games that focus on discovery through play.

Details: Kids Club is hosted by Persephone (she is a singing clown) and Dewper the Prairie Dog every Thursday from 10-11am through October 26, 2017 in JCPenney Court. 6555 E Southern Ave, Mesa. (480) 832-0212

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Many churches offer Vacation Bible School in the summer months! Our church included. Ages 4+ will become scientists researching THINGS THAT MATTER. They will complete experiments, examine God’s Word, explore creation, and observe God’s work in our world.! Compass Christian Church is offering VBS in the evenings from June 3-June 6.

Details: Cost is $5. VBS is 6:30pm-8:30pm on June 3-June 6. Register HERE. 1825 S Alma School Rd, Chandler. (480) 963-3997

FREE SWIM @ CITY OF CHANDLER POOLS

I love public pools. I know that sounds weird but I took swim lessons at Kiwanis Wave Pool during the summer months I was in elementary school and eventually became a lifeguard at this same pool. That is how Josh and I met.

My degree is Recreation Management with an emphasis on community and urban recreation. I previously worked as a Recreation Coordinator for the City of Chandler and I absolutely love all the amazing programs Chandler offers to the community!

Every summer Chandler Aquatics has free swim hours at each of it’s pools. Here is a list of this years schedule. To my knowledge they are the only city in the east valley that offers this. Be sure to check out free swim this summer during the months of June and July.

  • Arrowhead Pool: Saturdays 11am-1pm. 1475 W. Erie St. (480) 732-1064
  • Desert Oasis Aquatic Center: Wednesdays 3-5pm. 1400 W. Summit Place. (480) 732-1062
  • Folley Pool: Fridays 3-5pm. 600 E. Fairview. (480) 732-1063
  • Hamilton Aquatic Center: Tuesdays 6-8pm. 3838 S. Arizona Ave. (480) 782-2630
  • Nozomi Aquatic Center: Sundays 4-6pm. 250 S. Kyrene Rd. (480) 783-8261
  • Mesquite Groves Aquatic Center: Fridays 6-8pm. 5901 S. Hillcrest Dr. (480) 782-2635

ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 

Explore the history of the Southwest, from dinosaurs to explorers, at the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Pan for gold, search for dinosaur bones, and much more! If you go in the morning be sure to head down to the basement level to see if the activity center is open for your little ones to color, read books, work on puzzles and play games.

This is one of the most expensive places on this list but if you purchase a year membership it is so much cheaper! Last year we visited at least twice each month and it paid for itself in two visits.

It is the perfect size museum for little kids and the new dinosaur play area with slide and tunnel makes it even more perfect for the hot summer months! We enjoy this place over the IDEA Museum which is right down the street.

Details: Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for ages 3-12, and is free for children 2 and under. 53 N. MacDonald. (480) 644-2230

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

We love going to the library! I have since I was little. Does anyone else remember  Book It? Loved earning pizza by reading books :).

Sign your kids up for the reading program at the library this summer. They may not earn pizza but establishing the love of literature in your child is a gift that will last forever. Here are several of our favorite libraries in the east valley:

SWEETIES

Located in Chandler Sweeties is what little kids dreams are made of! Aisles and aisles of candy. So much candy! You can buy it prepackaged or make your own little bag of all your favorites. Sozo Coffee and the .99 cent store is in the same shopping center if you want to make a full morning or afternoon adventure of it!

Details: 1986 North Alma School Road. (480) 899-4245

BRUNSWICK BOWLING (FOR FREE)

Kids 15 and under can score 3 FREE games of bowling this summer at Brunswick through September.  Shoe rental is not included. Simply register HERE and coupons will arrive via email.

BASS PRO

The Mesa Bass Pro Shops has fun things planned for kids on Tuesdays!  Every Tuesday participate in their Kids Night event where they will have crafts, games, archery, and food for everyone! Events run from 5-8 p.m. (602) 606-5600

WIGGLE WORM ADVENTURES, GILBERT

Located at the McQueen Park Activity Center, take your kids 5 and under (max of 4) for play. Come play indoors with mats, hoops, balls, tunnels, ride on toys, music, and more!

Details: Cost is $1.50 for Gilbert Residents and $2 for Non-Gilbert Residents. Adults are FREE! Drop in between 9-11am on M,W,F from May 1 – August 11, 2017. 510 N. Horne St., Gilbert. (480) 503-6294

STORY TIME ADVENTURE WITH BEAR, GILBERT

Located at the McQueen Park Activity Center,grab your best stuffed friend and come for a classic children’s story. Each month set out on a new adventure through the pages of our books and create a story inspired craft!

Details: FREE. Held 2nd Friday of every month at 10am or 10:30am. No registration needed. 510 N. Horne St., Gilbert. (480) 503-6294

TUMBLEWEED TOTS, CHANDLER

Much like Wiggle Worm Adventures this is also a community sponsored preschool playtime held at Tumbleweed Recreation Center. Drop in and play in the air-conditioned gymnasium. This is a fun, safe, and clean area with plenty of toys and equipment to keep the kids entertained.

Details: Cost is $2 for Chandler Residents and $3 for Non-Chandler Residents. Drop in between 12:30pm-2:30pm on M,W,F. 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. (480) 782-2900

TEMPE HISTORY MUSEUM

If you are heading to Tempe Public Library at all this summer you might want to make a stop here as well. The museum is within walking distance of the library and while it isn’t geared towards children specifically it does have an area called Kids’ Place where children can play in a miniature Sun Devil Stadium, climb on a police motorcycle and hear music from bygone eras. There is no cost to enter.

Details: Free. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. 809 E. Southern Avenue. Free admission, donations accepted. (480) 350-5100, tempe.gov/museum.

READY, SET, PLAY – INDOOR PLAYGROUND, GILBERT

I recently took the kids here for a playdate. It was fun, safe, entertaining, and beyond clean for an indoor playground. Adults must stay while their children play. You can even bring snacks from home to eat. They offer complimentary coffee, magazines and free WiFi access.

Details: Kids 1- 6 years $10, Siblings $8, 6 months – 12 months $8, Adults FREE. 10am – 7:30pm Monday – Friday. Call on the weekends before coming to check on open play hours. 2270 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert. (480) 855-7998, readysetplayaz.com

POLLACK TEMPE CINEMAS SUMMER MOVIE CLUB, TEMPE

For $5, you can get a season ticket that is good for all ten movies. Limit to one show per person. Each movie shows Monday through Friday at 10am! Tickets on sale now at the box office!

Details: pollacktempecinemas.com

KIDS EAT FREE

Here is a small list of several restaurants that your kids can eat at FREE!

RUSTLERS ROOSTE STEAKHOUSE

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, kids eat free everyday. Kids menu includes burgers, ribs, top sirloin and chicken fingers. Restrictions: Ages 10 & younger. rustlersrooste.com

 JASONS DELI, CHANDLER

On Tuesday nights this location off of Ray and I-10 offer two free kids meals with every adult meal purchased. Restrictions: Tuesday nights only between 5pm-8pm. jasonsdeli.com

IKEA, TEMPE

Get up to two kids meals with purchase of one adult entree. Kids 12 and under. Restrictions: Tuesday’s only. ikea.com

GRUBSTAK, GILBERT

One free kids meal for every adult meal purchased. Good on Tuesday’s only. Restrictions: Tuesday’s only. grubstak.com 

DILLY’S DELI (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

One free kids meal for each adult meal purchased for $6 or more. Good on Saturday and Sunday only. Cannot be combined with any other offer. This sandwich shop offers one free kids meal for with each adult meal purchased on Saturdays and Sundays. Kids menu features half grill cheese or pbj sandwiches, chips, cookie and a small drink. Restrictions: Saturday and Sunday only. dillysdeli.com

CHOMPIES (MULTIPLE LOCATIONS)

Kids, 10 and under, choose from 18 items on their award-winning kids menu, FREE! Restrictions: Tuesday’s only. chompies.com

There you have it! I am sure I am forgetting something and I am sure there are many amazing things in our local community I don’t know about but should. Let me know what I can add to this list? Would love to hear from other locals!

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