Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Tucson, AZ

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Weekend Round-up 7/31-8/2

July 30, 2009

Our summer is winding down. School has already started for some and will be starting very soon for others. In Tucson it can sometimes seem like our summer weather stretches into October but some of the most fun activities are happening now.  Read more...

Weekend Round - Up 7/24-726

July 23, 2009

This is a fun filled weekend. Spend some time indoors or out as a family enjoy some popular events the city has to offer.

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Newsletters That are Worth Signing up For

July 21, 2009

There are many great places in town that offer coupons and freebies. The catch is that you have to sign up for their weekly or monthly newsletters or email lists. Most of them are very good about sending minimal emails. The rest have clear subject lines so you can hit delete if it isn't interesting.

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Weekend Ideas for the Whole Summer

July 09, 2009

 

Summer is a time for play, fun, relaxing and vacations.  With "Stay-cations" becoming more popular, here are some steals and deals to enjoy this summer.

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Tucson 4th of July

July 02, 2009

Independence Day is a fun holiday for the whole family.  Grocery sales abound for the family cook out and fireworks displays are enjoyed by most.  Here's where you can find your fun this weekend:  Read more...

Creatures, Canines and Kids

June 25, 2009

This weekend you have some unique choices to enjoy with your family.
In the morning you are invited to the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute's community day.  They open their doors and offer free admission to all on the 4th Saturday of every month. Enjoy nature walks, live and pinned exhibits and workshops.  For more information http://www.sasionline.org/  This month you can take home silkworms, their habitat and food to get you started.
In the evening join the Foundation for Animals at Risk (FAIR) at the Tucson Canine Classic. There will be 50+ exhibitors, food, music, and Doggy fun including a fashion show and a talent show. Take your kids for the Kids' and Puppies 100 yard dash. A microchip is part of the registration if you choose to take your dog for the 5K or 1mile walk. The Vaccination Station will also be there offering free and low cost vaccines. If you don't have a dog to bring you can "rent" a pet from the FAIR booth before the start of the walk.
The event will be at Brandi Fenton Park so you can also take advantage of the splash pad available for the kids.  More information is available at http://tucsoncanineclassic.org/index.html
If you would like more info on becoming a pet foster or adoptive home you can learn more on the FAIR website.
Enjoy your weekend!
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Weekend Round-up 5/15- 5/17

May 14, 2009

Are you hot yet?  Me too.  We've been spending nearly every afternoon in the pool or inside in the air.  Of course the evening temps, while still warm, are bearable especially if you are doing something fun.  Here are some of your options for this weekend...  Read more...

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.
 

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March of Dimes - March for Babies

April 20, 2009

A few weeks back I posted a list of some family friendly walks for charity.  This week I would like to spotlight the March of Dimes - Tucson March for Babies coming up this weekend.  The March of Dimes is an organization that touches many lives.  Their mission is for every baby to be born healthy.  When they aren't born healthy, they support the parents in many ways.  I'd like to introduce you to my friend Amber Perry who has experienced the comfort that March of Dimes provides. Please consider supporting her team or signing up as a walker yourself.  This year the number of participants is down nationwide and theu need your help to continue their programs.  Read more...

Weekend Round-up 4/16 - 4/20

April 16, 2009

You are pretty lucky this weekend to have family friendly events in all parts of town.  Don't spread yourself too thin trying to make it to everything.  There is something to fit every age and budget.  Read more...

Weekend Round-up 4/10 - 4/12

April 09, 2009

Here's the scoop for the weekend:  Read more...

Tuesday List: Spring Themed Activities

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...

Weekend Round-up 4/3-4/5

April 02, 2009

Lots of exciting opportunities for you and your family this weekend.  Read more...

Tuesday List: Run/Walk FUNdraising Events for Charity

March 24, 2009

How are your resolutions coming for being healthier, exercising more, losing weight etc etc etc?  We are 1/4 through the year and this is some of the best weather to be had in Tucson.  March, April, and October are all very big months for charity fundraising walks.  These walks raise money from your registration fees and any friends and family you can get to support you.  Many of them are family friendly and offer pre and post activities for kids.  Please consider picking one or more of the following events to join in and support.  You can have a healthy walk and support a great cause at the same time.  Read more...

Weekend Round-Up 3/20 - 3/22

March 19, 2009

This is going to be a great weekend for getting out and enjoying the weather.  Low to mid 80s with lots of sun are expected.  No need to do something fancy, just head to the park, zoo, or year round pool for some family fun.  If you ARE looking for something a little different, here are my picks for this weekend.  Read more...

Weekend Round-up 3/13 - 3/15

March 12, 2009

Another big weekend here in Tucson.  The one event I am most excited about is the Tucson Festival of Books.  Check their website for all the wonderful info on the 300 authors, 200 exhibitors and 15 stage areas.  You will find the listing of character appearances here.  The Festival runs on both Saturday and Sunday.  If you can get your hands on a February issue of Bear Essential News for Kids, there is a little quiz to fill out for kids to receive a free book.  

Here are some more activities:  

If you have access to Davis Monthan AFB check out the DM-50 picnic for free food and activities.  Festivities will be held at Bama Park Saturday from 11am - 4pm.  

Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Festival - Saturday and Sunday at Pima Community College Northwest Campus.  Art exhibits, live music, many cultural food experiences, kid's activities and the largest inflatable play land.  Free Admission  

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival - The festival will be at Armory Park on Sunday starting at 10am.  Check the website for the parade route beginning at 11am. Free Admission  

For moms, head over to the Just Between Friends spring sale to find everything you need for infants to teens.  Be sure to bring your own tote or laundry basket since there will not be shopping carts.  

For couples take in a classic movie at the Fox Theater.  Rocky Horror Picture Show is showing on Friday at 8pm.

Looking ahead, if you have a Thoms the Train enthusiast, get your tickets now for Thomas and Friends Live on stage coming to town on March 17th at 7pm.    

Have a great weekend!

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Tuesday List: Best Places to Take Pictures of Flowers

March 10, 2009

Tucson is a thriving desert with unusual plants.  Now begins the time when they are blooming.  How about seeing them from your child's perspective?  If you don't trust them with your camera, there are many kid friendly as well as disposable varieties available.  You might be surprised by what they decide to capture.

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Weekend Round-up 3/6-3/8

March 05, 2009

A Jungle Safari at Cottonwood Elementary - Friday 4-7pm. $5 all games and one small inflatable, $10 all games and all large inflatables.  Besides games and inflatables they will also have a silent auction, prizes, entertainment, dunk tank, pony rides, and food (for additional purchase.)

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Weekend Round-Up 2/27 - 3/1

February 26, 2009

The weather has really warmed up around here.  It is perfect for heading to the parks or going to one of the year round pools.  This next month is the best time to go to the Zoo or the Desert Museum before it gets too warm.   If you are looking for something special to do this weekend, here are my picks:  

Irish Storytelling & Live Music - The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival folks are bringing Irish Story Telling and Celtic music to Old Town's Courtyard. A $5 donation will help this year's parade activities. Full bar & food available. Saturday 5-7pm Old Town Artisans
201 N. Court Ave.
Tucson, Arizona  85701

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Guest Post: Julie Irwin Zimmerman Author of "A Spiritual Companion to Infertility"

February 09, 2009

I want to welcome Julie Irwin Zimmerman as our Guest Blogger today!
Julie is a jounalist and regular contributor to Cincinnati Magazine.
She has also worked as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune and the
Cincinnati En
quirer.  Today, she has graciously prepared this post to
introduce you to her book, "
A Spiritual Companion to Infertility".
Now, if you yourself have (thankfully) not suffered with infertility,
I'm sure you're like me and you know someone who has.  Below, Julie
offers her thoughts about the the Octuplets' mom and her struggles with infertility.

Please comment below about your experiences with infertility - you, your sister, your friends...  Your comment will enter you to win a copy of Julie's book!  I'll pick a winner on Friday!  See you then!

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Guest Post: How to Keep The Romance Alive

February 02, 2009

As parents of little ones, it is often hard to carve out time for ourselves let alone our spouse. Eventually those kids grow up and we are left to twiddle our thumbs with our spouse. With all the hearts and cupids in the stores this month, I thought I would bring in a cupid expert. Michelle Rhea has been a Passion Parties Independent Consultant since June of 2007. She has been married to her  Read more...

99 Things to do With Your Little One Before kindergarten (or Maybe Just the First 9)

January 27, 2009

Oh how fast they grow. In 5 short years they grow old enough to go to leave home and go to school 5 days a week. For some kids they will only be gone half a day but for the majority of the school districts, it is a whole day affair. While you may be looking ahead to your freedom, slow down and enjoy your precious few years with them. Let's start a list of things to do with our kids  Read more...

The Things That Matter Most To Them

January 06, 2009

Being kids, there is so much they lose control over. We as parents take away many of their choices, not a bad thing in itself, we do it for their best interest. However, they are always looking for ways to be in charge of themselves and this creates a power struggle. In the grand scheme of things, it is probably the smallest things (to us) that matter the most (to them). Freedom to move.  Read more...

Intro: A season of rituals

December 01, 2008

Ritual is the way you carry the presence of the sacred. Ritual is the spark that must not go out. Christina Baldwin The days between Thanksgiving and New Years are filled with rituals. We all have traditions passed down from our families and new ones formed in our own family. These traditions and rituals are the memories our children will carry on into adulthood and mix into their  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in tucson

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy tucson:
Kara

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