Are you and your family headed to the Magic Kingdom this summer? Then bookmark this handy “Don’t Miss” guide for kids of all ages from  our friend and travel writer Yvette Armendariz.  For children of all ages: Don’t miss the “Better Together: A Pixar Celebration” parade and “Together Forever – A Pixar Nightime Spectacular” fireworks. Both of these aim to delight parents and kids of all ages. Listen to music and experience the amazing dance composition in the parade where they even sign “better together” in their choreography at the Disney California Adventure Park (DCA). Watch the s ..read more

By Yvette Armendariz A Disney vacation is a splurge for most families, but you can do two park days for about $2,000 (possibly less) for four with a strategy. Go during slow times. Best single day, single park ticket prices ($104 adults/$98 kids) are Mondays through Thursday in late August and early September (except Labor Day). Prices also tend to be lowest in late January and early February. Skip the park hopper ticket. It adds $65 to the ticket price. In theory this is great, but focus on one park per day to get the most value and least stress. Stay off property. Good Neighbor hotels can b ..read more

Pixar Pals Take Over Disney Parks This Summer By Julia Carr “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns to Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., with all-new scenes during Pixar Fest from April 26-Aug. 4, 2024, taking guests on an emotional journey of friendship with Pixar pals.(Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)   Kids love Pixar movies? Disney rolled out a special event at its California theme parks this summer to entice your family to visit. While Disney California Adventure Park (DCA) already provides great experiences for fans of Cars, Toy Story, The Incredibles, and ..read more

48 Ways To Family Fun In State 48 By Nora Heston Tarte Exploring Gears at Children’s Museum of Phoenix With spring fever followed by two months of summer vacation knocking at your door, how will you keep a house full of hooligans entertained without losing your mind? Lucky for parents in the Grand Canyon State, there’s plenty to see and do both indoors and out. Read on for our suggestions for staying sane this spring and summer with 48 family friendly activities and attractions throughout Arizona. Attend a live concert at the Musical Instrument Museum. MIM brings a long line-up of talent to ..read more

Chanen Preschool kids enjoying the many recreational opportunities available at The Bandler Family Park and Field at Congregation Beth Israel. Under a cloudless sky, more than 50 people gathered on Sunday, April 14 to dedicate The Bandler Family Park and Field at Congregation Beth Israel (CBI), commemorating the hard work and dedication of CBI staff, board members and volunteers. Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin led the guests in the Shehecheyanu blessing, a common Jewish prayer to celebrate special occasions. It expresses gratitude to G-d for new experiences. According to Steve Bandler, CB ..read more

FAFSA COMPLETION RATES DOWN 33% COMPARED TO LAST YEAR Education Forward Arizona and other Arizona groups offering assistance to boost completion rates and college applications   April 29, 2024 – Submissions for this year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are down 33% over 2023 in Arizona, leaving millions of dollars of federal aid on the table. To get high school students and their families the help they need to complete the vital application, Education Forward Arizona and other groups are offering in-person and online assistance and more. Among other tools, Ed ..read more

  By Mary Ann Blair With summer calendars quickly filling up, it can be hard to try and squeeze in one more thing. But if you have never sent your kids to a summer camp, here are seven reasons why you should consider it! With so many options, it’s easy to find a great fit for your child. From sports camps and art camps to STEM-based camps and more traditional overnight options, summer camps are designed to serve a variety of ages and interests. The length of camp can range from a few mornings for younger kiddos to weeklong sleep-away camps for older kids. Local churches, school districts ..read more

By Janeen Lewis Does your elementary-aged child suddenly get a stomach ache the day of a math test? Maybe your middle schooler constantly declares “I hate math!” or your high schooler doesn’t like Algebra because he or she doesn’t see how it connects to real life. If any of this sounds familiar, there is good news. Recent research shows that despite what they may think, most students can succeed at high levels in math. While it may be hard to disguise a dislike of math, if parents model a positive outlook, children are more likely to feel the same way. Research also shows that students like ..read more

A Parent’s Guide To SciTech Institute and Their Student CSO Program By Brittany Sweeney-Lawson In an era defined by technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs, parents play a crucial role in nurturing their child’s curiosity and passion for learning. SciTech Institute strives to support you in this evolving endeavor by offering innovative programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that not only educate but also inspire young minds. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you as a parent become familiar with the impact of SciTech Institute on potential oppo ..read more

Child Crisis Arizona, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of children and families, is partnering with Salt River Project (SRP) and 493 Firefighter Foundation on the 2024 Pool Fence Safety Program. Now through March 24, 2024, parents or caregivers who are financially unable to afford pool barriers and have young children can apply to receive a pool fence free of cost. “Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old and remains among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9 years old,” said Caitlin Sageng, Senior P ..read more