Summer activities abundant for kids, families

School is out, and summer is in full swing.

Whether you’re looking for some fun-filled activities for your children or for events the whole family can enjoy, here are some places to go and things to do this summer:

July 3
Free craft: Patriotic Drum
Location: Lakeshore Learning, 4819 E. Ray Road, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 480-940-7700

July 5-9
Summer Edu-Camp:  Backyard Bugs
Young children are naturally curious about critters. We’ll explore common insects through interactive stories, games, songs, crafts and science experiments. Even our snacks are buggy! Ages 3-7. Drop off is acceptable. If minimum of four kids is not met by the Thursday prior to start date, camp will be cancelled. Cost is $125 for the week.
Location: Brilliant Sky Toy & Books, 4929 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix
Time:  10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Information: 480-785-8697

July 8-August 21
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s colorful musical masterpiece. Based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, this delightful musical is fun for all ages! Features the songs One More Angel In Heaven, Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.
Location:  Broadway Palm Children’s Theater, 5247 E Brown Rd, Mesa
Ticket prices and times vary
Information:  480-325-6700

July 10
Free craft: Summer Memory Keeper
Location: Lakeshore Learning, 4819 E. Ray Road, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 480-940-7700

July 10
Prowl and Play at the Phoenix Zoo
Ever wonder what really goes on at the zoo at night? Prowl & Play lets you experience the zoo in a whole new light…or dark!
The zoo’s new summer evening event has something fun and unique for everyone in the family. Sign up for a guided night hike along the darkened trails of the zoo, hear what park ranger and keeper staff do in the park after dark, or catch a ride on the Sneak a Peek Safari Train and find out what sort of silly antics the “animals” are up to when no one is around! 
Location:  Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Time:  6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost:  $5 members, $6 non-members, children 2 and under are free
Information:  602-273-1341

July 17
Free craft: Sandy Beach Scene
Location: Lakeshore Learning, 4819 E. Ray Road, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 480-940-7700

June 21-25
Summer Edu-Camp:  Plan a Party
What child doesn’t love a birthday party? Your child may bring a stuffed bear or other favorite stuffed friend. Each day we’ll be actively engaged in planning a party for our cuddly guests of honor. Your child will have ownership of all the important creative decisions from creating decorations to planning games. We’ll have a lot of fun along the way with stories, crafts and songs. We’ll culminate with a Birthday Bash on Friday. Ages 3-7. Drop off is acceptable. Cost is $125 per week. Minimum of four kids in the camp. If minimum is not met by the Thursday prior to start date, camp will be cancelled.
Location: Brilliant Sky Toy & Books, 4929 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix
Time:  10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Information: 480-785-8697

July 22-24
Grease the Musical
Maricopa Community Theater
Information:  Maricopa Community Theater on Facebook

July 24
Free craft: Summertime Fan
Location: Lakeshore Learning, 4819 E. Ray Road, Phoenix
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Information: 480-940-7700

July 31
Free craft: What’s My Mood? Door Hanger
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; cookies are served afterward.
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 less than 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 Stagestop 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

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

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