Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in tucson, AZ

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Backyard Fun

Tuesday List: Birthdays on a Budget

May 12, 2009

Money is tight for most families these days but we don't want our kids to suffer. If you have a birthday party coming up soon, here are some ideas for less than $10 a child.

1.) Stay home, bake a cake, and play party games. This seems so simple but we often overlook the fun our kids can have in their own homes. Spice the day up with a fun theme and let the kids have fun beating a pinata. You can google just about any theme your child may be interested in and find plenty of ideas for cake decorating, games and activities. One of our favorite sites for party planning is nickjr.com. For summer time, invite everyone to bring their swim suits and set up some wading pools, slip-n-slides, and sprinklers in the yard for some wet and wild fun.

2.) Rent a Ramada at your child's favorite park. The rates are very reasonable for Ramadas or ball fields at Tucson Parks and Rec facilities. Take some hot dogs and burgers to throw on the grill and top the day off with some cake.

3.) Add a bounce house to one of the above suggestions. JumpMaxx and Desert Jumping Castles have standard castles starting at around $70 for 1/2 a day.

4.) Go bowling. Vantage Bowling Centers and Bedroxx have several options. Check online and in the Bear Essentials Newspaper for coupons to lower the price per child.

5.) Brave the madness and go to Chuck E. Cheese. They have party packages starting at $9.99 that include food, drinks, and tokens. Weekday afternoons tend to be a little less hectic that a weekend.

No matter how much money you do or don't spend, you can make your child's birthday special with happy memories.

Tuesday List: Spring Themed Activities

by Kara B.

April 07, 2009

Easter is right around the corner on Sunday April 12th. Whether you celebrate the spiritual side, believe in the Easter Bunny, incorporate both, or do nothing at all, here are my Tuesday picks for fun spring activities. Read more...

Tuesday List: Best Star Gazing Adventures

by Kara B

March 31, 2009

Have you noticed the lack of street lights in Tucson? That's because there are city ordinances against "light pollution." Tucson is known as the "Astronomy Capital of the World." The few and far between dim lights make seeing the stars from your backyard very easy. Grab a blanket, some snacks, and binoculars if you have them and do a little star gazing with your kids. J loves to look out from my parents' balcony and pick out his "favorite star." Read more...

The Littlest Picasso

by Kara

September 19, 2008

Who is a fan of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser? I know I am. My kids think writing on walls and tile floor is much more exciting than using paper or a coloring book. Can you blame them though? A giant empty canvas set before them at eye level? We've made a compromise. I stocked up on giant tubs of side walk chalk during the after summer clearance sales. Now we go outside and Read more...