Plenty of kids’ activities in May

Kids driving you stir-crazy? Need to get out and do something fun? Check out all the activites going on in May.

May 1-May 23
The Big Friendly Giant
Kids big and small delight in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s modern fairy tale in which the orphan Sophie and her newfound friend, The BFG, demonstrate that heroes come in all sizes. Recommended for ages five and older.
Location: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
Time: 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Cost: $12 per ticket
Information: 480-350-2822

May 1-8
Pet Week at Brilliant Sky Toy & Books
(Special Guests to be confirmed: Carter’s Farm, Big Dog Day, Humane Society, AZ Chihuahua Rescue, Marley Farms)
Location: Brilliant Sky Toy & Books, 4929 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix
Information: 480-785-8697

May 6-8
“Seussical the Musical”
Moezart Productions
Thursday, May 6 at 7 p.m., Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday, May 8 at 2 pm. 
Location: Chandler Bible Church, 1200 N. Price Road, Chandler, AZ 85226
Cost: In advance $5; $8 at the door
Information: 480-786-3124

May 8
Free craft: Mother’s Day Jewelry Holder
Location: Lakeshore Learning, 4819 E. Ray Road, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 480-940-7700

May 9
Mother’s Day Brunch
Make Mother’s Day a unique and memorable experience with an elegant brunch including breads, cakes, pastries, delicious fruit and tasty main dishes. On site chair masseurs will work out those knots and kinks and make mom feel like new! Raffle prizes include gift certificates and gift baskets from local bakeries, hair studios and photography sessions. Mom receives all day access to the zoo where she can relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of more than 1,300 magnificent animals.
Location: Phoenix Zoo, 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Adults $35, Children 3 to12 years old, $15, Children 2 and under are free
Information: 602-914-4333

May 14
“Cinderella”
The classic story of a modest girl, her wicked stepfamily, and a heroic prince is brought to life by Ballet Etudes through Prokofiev’s enchanting score.
Location: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 North Arizona Ave., Chandler
Time: Friday, May 14, 7 p.m., Saturday, May 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday, May 16 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets $10 and $15
Information: 480-782-2680

May 15
Free craft: Mini Megaphone
Location: Lakeshore Learning, 4819 E. Ray Road, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 480-940-7700

May 21
“Shrek” Movie Release Party
Location: Brilliant Sky Toy & Books, 4929 E. Chandler, Blvd., Phoenix
Information: 480-785-8697

May 22
Free craft: Tear-Art Tambourine
Location: Lakeshore Learning, 4819 E. Ray Road, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 480-940-7700

May 23
Llama Llama Costume Event
Location: Brilliant Sky Toy & Books, 4929 E. Chandler, Blvd., Phoenix
Information: 480-785-8697

May 29
Free craft: Let’s Play Tic-Tac-Toe
Location: Lakeshore Learning, 4819 E. Ray Road, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 480-940-7700

ONGOING ACTIVITIES

Mondays:
Free Try it cooking classes for new students (only ages 3 to 18)
Location: Young Chef’s Academy 2350 E. Germann Road, #33, Chandler
www.youngchefsacademy.com/chandler
Time: noon, 4 and 6 p.m.
Information: 480-726-2433 (Reservation required)

Tuesdays:
Mommy/Daddy Mornings – Tuesdays and Thursdays
Join us every Tuesday and Thursday morning for story time and art fun. This is a great time to meet other moms and dads while relaxing in a safe, fun environment. Note projects may change based on the age and interest of the child at Brilliant Sky.
Location: Brilliant Sky Toy & Books, 4929 E. Chandler, Blvd., Phoenix
Time: 10 a.m. to noon
Information: 480-785-8697

Family Ice Skating.
Enjoy a fun afternoon of ice skating
Location: Polar Ice Den, 7225 W. Harrison St., Chandler
Time: 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Cost: $7 for kids, 3 and under are free
Information: 480-598-9400

Free Kids dinner at Denny’s.
One free kids entrée with purchase of adult entrée
Location: Denny’s, 1750 W. Chandler Blvd, Chandler
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Information: 480-782-7594

Wednesdays:
Kids eat free at RigaTony’s.
One free kids entrée with purchase of adult entrée
Location: RigaTony’s 1374 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.
Information: 480-899-1111

Free Family Swim
Location: Desert Oasis Aquatic Center,1400 W Summit Place, Chandler
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Information: 480-732-1061

Free Cookies and Crafts.
Bring the kids out to make crafts and cookies are served afterwards.
Location: Wildflower Bread Company 3111 W Chandler Blvd Chandler
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Information: 480-821-8200

Thursdays:
Free kids activity at IKEA. Children play supervised in Smalland and enjoy a free activity while parents shop. Kids must be under 54” tall and potty trained.
Location: IKEA, 2110 W Ikea Way Tempe
Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Information: 480-496-5658

Fridays:
Open Gym
Enjoy trampoline, balance beam, and fun equipment.
Location: Desert Star Gymnastics Stage Stop Marketplace, Maricopa
Time: Friday 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: $4 members or $6 for non-members.
Information: 520-414-4991

Desert Breeze Spray Park plus Train and Carousel Rides
Location: Desert Breeze Park, 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd., Chandler
Time: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: The train and carousel rides are only Friday through Sunday; there is a cost depending on how many tickets you want.
Information: 480-782-2750

Free Barnes & Noble Story time
Location: Barnes & Noble at Chandler Mall, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd. Chandler
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Information: 480-792-1312

Free Friday Game Nights
Stop by for a night of excitement and entertainment
Location: Brilliant Sky Toy & Books, 4929 E. Chandler, Blvd., Phoenix
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Information: 480-785-8697

Free Chess and Scrabble Club
Kids learn to play or test their chess skills for all ages.
Location: Sunset Library, 4930 W, Ray Road, Chandler
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Information: 480-782-2842

Free Friday at Children’s Museum of Phoenix
Have the whole family enjoy hands-on exhibits
Location: Children’s Museum of Phoenix, 215 N. 7th St., Phoenix
Time: 6 to 10 p.m.
Information: 602-253-0501

(Julie Stanfill is happily married with two beautiful children. She is an active member of Church of Celebration moms’ group.  She loves to dance and teaches tap classes at Desert Sun Performing Arts. Her passion in life is being a mom and loves sharing local events and activities with other families.)

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