Indoor Play Centers
Imagination Avenue
From their website: "An innovative parent supervised children's play and activity center with more than 3000 square feet of space for children to explore. (Infant - 6 years).
10610 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(602) 765-3192
Way 2 Play Cafe
Our 5,250 sq ft indoor play & learning center is designed to offer a fun, safe, secure, and stimulating environment for both kids and their parents. Our focus is from crawlers to 8 years old. Parents are encouraged to interact with their children, or they can take a break in the lounge while the children interact with each other. At Way 2 Play, kids can be kids while parents can enjoy a gourmet cup of coffee, flat screen TVs, wi-fi and best of all have a chance to chat with a friend! Make sure to bring socks for all children. 940 E. Riggs Road, Chandler, AZ 85249 Phone: 480-313-7828
Fun Time 4 Kids
From their website: "We have created a child's atmosphere of play and activity where parents and kids can interact and spend quality, fun time together!" There are tons of activities in this 5,500 sq ft facility...check out their website for more info. 3202 E. Greenway Rd., Suite 1255 (NE Corner of 32nd Street & Greenway Rd.) Phoenix, AZ 85032 Phone: (602) 485-KIDS (5437).
Kids Town Play Center
From their website: "Kids Town Play Center is an exciting parent-supervised play center for children. It is a place where children can use their imagination to play in 10 child-sized play houses. Each of the houses has themed dress-up clothes and toys."
1700 E Elliot Rd., Suite 7 & 8, Tempe, AZ 85284
480-456-KIDS (5437)
Minitown
Coming Soon to the Northwest Valley!!
This indoor play area for small children will be opening by year-end in the Peoria/Glendale area. Check their website for updates.
Toy Town Playcenter
From their website: "Toy Town is a 2,000 square foot, indoor play center located in Ahwatukee (East Valley), where kids can dress up, have a tea party, play with a train set, ride little cars, imagine and get lost in the joys of childhood!" 12020 S. Warner-Elliot Loop,
Suite 105, Phoenix, AZ 85044 (480)-496-4393
BounceU ---Indoor, climate controlled indoor inflatables bounce houses at 2 locations. They host birthday parties, open bounces and family bounce nights.
1166 South Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ., 85296 Phone: (480) 632-9663
540 N. Bullard Ave., Suite B24, Goodyear, AZ., 85338 Phone: (623) 925-0055
Pump it Up
5 Locations around Phoenix:
9378 E. Bahia Dr., Scottsdale , Arizona , 85260 (480)-425-7867
19209 N 83rd Ave., Arrowhead , Arizona , 85382 (623-572-0090
22515 N 18th Drive, Phoenix , Arizona , 85027 (623)-434-7867
1325 W. Auto Dr. Suite 101, Tempe , Arizona , 85284 (480)-940-7867
8550 N. 91st Avenue, Bldg A, Ste 7, Peoria, AZ, 85345 (623) 872-0748
Jump-N-Play---Ultimate indoor playground or backyard inflatable deliveries. (623)-551-9915
Game On---Large inflatable playland, over 60 arcade games with prize redemption, PC gaming, batting cages, Phazer Zone (paintless paintball system), food and more. Located in Phoenix at:
15633 S. 32nd St. (480)-706-2700
Makutu's Island
Makutu's Island is a 20,000 square foot, multi-level indoor playground. Made for children and adults (yes, you can play too). Our family fun center will more than impress you. 6919 W. Ray Road, Chandler, Arizona 85226
Phone: (480)-893-0106
Mall Play Areas
The play areas, all featuring soft foam structures, are great because they allow your young kids to burn off some energy sand then you can check out the sales at a store or two. The play areas are aimed at smaller children.
Fiesta Mall
This desert-themed play area, open during mall hours, is on the lower level near Sears. It features many places to climb, including a colorful snake that sits atop a smiling turtle. Kids also will enjoy the desert rock slide. The seating area features ceramic tiles with handprints and autographs of about 1,000 area children who participated in the "Have a Hand" program benefiting the Children's Miracle Network. Children up to 42 inches tall can play so long as a parent or guardian accompanies them. The mall is at 1445 W. Southern Ave., Mesa (off of Alma School Road). Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Details: (480) 610-0842 or shopfiesta.com.
Superstition Springs Center
This play area, called Dewper's Playbox, is all about sports and games. It features a baseball glove, a game-board spinner and spaces. Kiddies also will find a dog slide and structures of a train, dominoes and dolls. It's on the lower level near Sears. The shopping center is at U.S. 60 and Power Road in Mesa. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Details: (480) 832-0212 or superstitionsprings.com.
Chandler Fashion Center
This education/health themed play area features a ruler slide, milk box, book and more. It's on the upper level near Barnes & Noble The mall is on the southwest corner of Chandler Boulevard and Price Road Expressway. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Details: (480) 812-8488 or chandlermall.com.
Scottsdale Fashion Square
The enchanted medieval kingdom features a castle and a bridge over a pretend stream. It's on the top level, near Nordstrom (in a store space). The mall is on the northwest corner of Camelback and Scottsdale roads. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Details: (480) 941-2140 or fashionsquare.com.
Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale
Called the Peoria Nissan Towne Center play area and features cars meandering through a 'towne' with bridges, flowers, fire truck and overhead hot air balloons, F18 jets and a smiling sun. It's on the lower level near JCPenney.
Desert Sky Mall, Phoenix
The Qwest's Reading Adventure Play Area features a book slide, blocks, and crayons. It's on the west end of the mall near La Curacao.
Metrocenter, Phoenix
The Skypark play area, on the lower level near JCPenney, has a space theme. It features an interactive rocket ship and control module.
Paradise Valley Mall, Phoenix
This health-themed play area features a giant jump rope, athletic shoe, cereal bowl and tree. It's near the Southwest entrance by JCPenney and Starbucks.
Parks with Trains
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park---This awesome park features a huge locomotive as you approach, a carousel and the wonderful McCormick Stillman train. The train takes you past the large playground and swings, loops around to Scottsdale Rd. and then back past the Old Western Jail and carriage back to the station. Rides are only $1.
Scottsdale: 7301 E. Indian Bend Rd. (480)-312-8501
Daisy Mountain Railroad at Anthem---This incredible park in Anthem, AZ has a wonderful train that takes you on a loop around the park, past the lake and circling the playground.
Desert Breeze Railroad---A Train and carousel ride at the park. Be sure to visit their website for directions and a printable coupon.
660 North Desert Breeze Blvd., East Chandler, AZ 85226 (480)-893-6652
Freestone Railroad---Other rides at this park include the waterless wave runner, carousel ride and the mini ferris wheel. Visit their website for directions and a coupon for $2 off a book of tickets.
1021 E. Juniper Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85234 Phone: 480-632-2702
Enchanted Island Amusement Park
Located at Encanto Park this Phoenix amusement park has 9 children's rides and pedal boats and canoes for rent.
1202 W. Encanto Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: (602)-254-1200
Maricopa Live Steamers---Free rides on four different 30-minute routes are offered every Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. Although the rides are free, your generous donations help keep our railroad running. Located on 43rd Avenue across the street from WaterWorld just south of Pinnacle Peak Road in north Phoenix. It is about 2 miles west of I-17 and a mile north of Loop 101.
Story Times
Barnes and Noble---The stores have a wonderful children's area and feature story times that vary from location to location.
Borders---The stores have a wonderful children's area and feature story times that vary from location to location.
Desert Foothills Library (Cave Creek)---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events and appearances by special guests. This wonderful library is currently remodeling and expanding to 3 times the current size.
38443 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Cave Creek, AZ 85327
Phoenix Public Library---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events, speakers and appearances by special guests. Various locations around Phoenix.
Bookmans
Bookman's Entertainment Exchange has 2 locations in the Phoenix area, one in central Phoenix and another in Mesa. They feature tons of children's events including story times, musical guests, crafts, special guests and more. Check out my calendar of events or go to their website to see their weekly schedules.
Chandler Public Library---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events, speakers and appearances by special guests.
Gilbert Public Library---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events, speakers and appearances by special guests.
Glendale Public Library---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events, speakers and appearances by special guests.
Mesa Public Library---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events, speakers and appearances by special guests.
North Valley/Anthem Public Library---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events, speakers and appearances by special guests.
Queen Creek Public Library---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events, speakers and appearances by special guests.
Surprise Public Library---Regularly scheduled story times and frequent special events, speakers and appearances by special guests
Indoor Swimming Pools/Lessons
Aqua Tots Swim School---Enjoy wim lessons or parties at this indoor swim center. Located at 1927 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 107, Mesa, AZ 85213 (480)-649-8687
AquaSafe Swim School---indoor swim classes and programs for infants to 12 year olds. Our facility is located in North Scottsdale, in the Family Zone at McDowell Mountain, at the 101 Loop and Bell by the Alltel Ice Den. (480)-425-SWIM
Hubbard Family Swim School---Indoor, heated swim facility with big green water slide, pool games and more. 13823 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ
(602)-971-4044
SWIMkids USA---Our swimming lessons and birthday parties are centrally located next to the 101 freeway, only minutes from Chandler , Gilbert, Queen Creek, Mesa , Tempe, Ahwatukee and South Scottsdale. 2725 W. Guadalupe Rd., Mesa, AZ 85202 Phone: 480.820.9109
Kiwanis Recreation Center and Wave Pool---Party dates available during public swim or once a month for private parties. Various packages available. (480) 350-5751 6111 S All America Way, Tempe, AZ 85283
The Valley of the Sun YMCA
With 10 locations serving the Phoenix Metro area, the YMCA offers a variety of sporting birthday party options and pool parties.
Gold Medal Swim School
The Gold Medal Swim School was created to provide a fun, nurturing environment where children and adults alike learn to swim and excel in their individual skill levels.
6909 W. Ray Rd. #27 Chandler, AZ 85226 (480) 961-7946
Summer Splash
We teach your child basic swimming and water safety skills. Summer Splash specializes in and services the following areas: South of Highway 60, North of Hunt Highway, East of Price Road, to Power Road. Phone: (480)-786-0703
Location: 14749 E. Pecos Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Waterworks on Wheels, Inc.
Waterworks is proud to offer indoor, year-round swim lessons in the 4 locations:
Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert and Tempe. From May - September, Waterworks will come to your backyard, a neighbor or family member's pool, or community pool for a group or private lesson. It's your choice. Visit us online today at:
La Camarilla Racquet, Fitness & Swim Club
La Camarilla is host to Lori's Swim School with swim instruction held throughout the year. 5320 E. Shea Boulevard Scottsdale, AZ 85254-4799 Phone: (480)-998-3388
Toddler Gymnastics & Tumbling
The Little Gym---3 Locations around the Phoenix area.
Anthem: (623)-551-5191
Arrowhead: (623)-878-3900
Tatum Ranch: (480)-575-5911
Busy Bodies Planned Play---Classes and parties with song, music and movement. 2 Locations:
20221 N. 67th Ave., Glendale, AZ (623)-847-4090
6808 N. Dysart Rd., Glendale, AZ (623)-547-2750
My Gym---2 locations Ahwatukee: (480)-940-4967 and
Scottsdale: (480)-483-5936
Scottsdale Gymnastics & Cheer
9321 N 94th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Phone (480) 951-0496
Gymboree Play and Music---With colorful parachutes, tunnels and bridges and an enthusiastic teacher to lead your group in play and song and activities geared specifically for babies through 5 years. 3 Locations:
Scottsdale: 7000 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 1910 (Scottsdale Rd and Shea)
Mesa/Gilbert: 1959 S. Val Vista, Suite 101 (Val Vista and Baseline)
Chander: 2160 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 18 (Chandler Blvd and Dobson)
Call: (480)-596-6909
Oasis Gym---8643 W. Kelton Lane #110; Peoria, AZ 85382 We are located on 87th Avenue just 2 blocks south of Bell Road, (623)-977-6399
(right down the street from Arrowhead mall)
The Valley of the Sun YMCA
With 10 locations serving the Phoenix Metro area, the YMCA offers a variety of youth sports birthday parties.
Zoos
The Phoenix Zoo
Voted one of the nation's top 5 zoos for kids. Enjoy viewing over 1200 animals, ride the new zoo carousel, take a tour on the safari train, or play in the water at the leapin lagoon sprayground.
(602)-273-1341 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Wildlife World Zoo
Visit Arizona's largest exotic animal collection. Be sure to enjoy the playground, ride the African Train, take a pontoon boat ride through the Australian Outback, get off the ground on the Wildlife sky ride and hand feed the turaco and lory birds! (There's an Entertainment Book coupon).
623-935-WILD (9453) 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Located in Camp Verde, it's like finding Africa in the heart of AZ! Come check out the lions, tigers, bears, hyena's, snakes, wolves and much more on your very own Serengeti Safari. Enjoy the giant snake show, predetor feed, wildlife preserve trolley ride, and the soon to return Tiger Splash! It's a must see in AZ!
928.567.2840 4020 N. Cherry Rd., Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Splash Pads
Anthem Outlets (The park and splash pad is all new and remodeled...not shown on the site, but you can get directions.)
Local Mom's Clubs
Desert Ridge Parents Group---Organized in 1997, the not-for-profit Desert Ridge® Parents' Group (DRPG) works to foster a sense of community, develop long-lasting relationships and create a support network among the families of Desert Ridge®. Through a variety of programs, events and activities, the DRPG can enhance the lives of all Desert Ridge® parents, whether working as full-time parents or employed outside the home, married or single, one child or several. We service those parents living in the 85050 and 85054 zip codes (primarily the Desert Ridge area).
East Valley Positive Parenting---EVPP is an educational based 501(c)3 non-profit, volunteer organization that is expecially suited for stay-at-home parents, families new to the East Valley, and anyone interested in honing their overall skill set as a parent. In addition to the classes, workshops, and seminars that we sponsor, we also hold many social events and organized playgroups so that children and parents can get to know each other and form lasting relationships.
North Central Parenting Group---(NCPG) is a non-profit, nondenominational organization that provides parents a forum for the exchange of ideas about effective child rearing.
Scottsdale Parenting Group---non-profit, non-denominational organization that provides a supportive environment to learn new parenting skills and share ideas and concerns in a classroom setting, under the guidance of qualified instructors.
Parenting Resource Websites:
ProActive Parenting---New ways to discipline preschoolers without going straight to punishment.
Punishment doesn't work well for preschoolers - However Discipline Does! Let us help you expand your vision of what's possible.
MomsMiniVan.com---MomsMinivan.com has over 101 ideas for fun things for kids to do in the car, kids travel games, printable car games and activities, and road-trip tips. They are organized by age group, so have a look around - there's something for everyone!
BabyJellyBeans.com---Fun, personalized baby websites that you build yourself in minutes. No programming experience necessary. Loved ones around the world will enjoy access to your latest photos, videos, news and more.
Parents Helping Parents---PHP provides education and skills training, information, guidance, and peer support for families with the unexpected diagnosis of and ongoing impact of childhood disabilities, including but not limited to intellectual, learning or physical disabilities and special health care needs.
BabyMilk.com---Infant food information center helping to improve the nutrition of infants and young children worldwide.
DadsandDaughters.org---Dads & Daughters’ mission is to make the world safe and fair for our daughters.
