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

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

by Kara B

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.

Newsletters That are Worth Signing up For

by Kara B

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.

Weekend Ideas for the Whole Summer

by Kara B

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.

Tucson 4th of July

by Kara B

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

by Kara B

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!

Big Sale for Moms This Weekend

by Kara B

June 19, 2009

Summer is the traditional time of year to find great yard sales. However, here in Tucson you will find more after Labor day and before Memorial Day or only in the very ealry mornings during the summer.

This weekend one of the local mom's meetup groups is bringing the yard sale indoors. If you are looking for a bargain for your kids this will be the place to shop.

Event: Mom 2 Mom Sale -- Brought to you by Eastside Desert Moms & Hilton Tucson East
Location: Hilton Tucson East – 7600 E. Broadway, Rooms: Salon A & B
When: Saturday June 20th, 2009
Time: 7:30am-11:30am
Admission: FREE!

What is a Mom 2 Mom Sale??

A Mom 2 Mom sale is a great way to buy resale Baby/Kids items
at discount prices. Think Garage Sale meets Flea Market! Come
see tables full of bargain items including Baby/Toddler/Kid
clothes, Baby Gear, Strollers, Toys/Books, Outdoor Toys,
Bedding & MORE!

Have a great Father's Day weekend and I will see you back here on Monday.

Weekend Round-up 5/15- 5/17

by Kara B

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: Summer (Only) Fun

by Kara B.

May 05, 2009

If you are wondering what you can do to break up the monotony of the hot summer months, here is your list. These activities will keep you cool indoors and out. Read more...

Weekend Round-up 4/16 - 4/20

by Kara B.

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

by Kara B.

April 09, 2009

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

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...

Weekend Round-up 4/3-4/5

by Kara B

April 02, 2009

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

Weekend Round-up 3/13 - 3/15

by Kara B

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!

Tuesday List: Best Places to Take Pictures of Flowers

by Kara B

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.

Weekend Round-up 3/6-3/8

by Kara B

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.)

Weekend Round-Up 2/27 - 3/1

by Kara B

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

Tuesday List: Parenting Wi-Fi Spots

by Kara B

February 24, 2009

I've been having some problems with my Internet and computer at home lately. Usually I try and hop on an unsecured network in the area to get some quick work done, but they aren't always available. This got me thinking about a list of great places to get some WiFi. Often I see a sign outside of a business and think, "that would be a great place to take my computer and get some quiet" or "that would be a great place to surf the web while the kids play." Read more...

Catching Their Reflections

by Kara

January 13, 2009

After our children start to notice their familiar family members they begin to notice themselves. I have always loved those moments when they child I am holding as we walk by the bathroom mirror realizes that the mommy in the mirror holding that baby is us. Awwww . Today's Tuesday List is the best places for them to catch a glimpse of themselves. 1.) Start at home. The bathroom mirror Read more...

A Savvy Holiday Guide

by Kara

December 08, 2008

Savvy Source has gone above and beyond to make your holiday season bright. Beginning December 9th, new posts will arrive on the Holiday Guide. Follow that day's directions (leave a comment, send an email, etc.) and you will be entered for some really fun prizes. You can also win a grand prize "Capture the Moments" package by simply adding one of three badges promoting the 12 days of Read more...

Beyond the Library Story time

by Kara

November 11, 2008

It's Tuesday List Day around here at Being Savvy Local. The theme is best local story times. But since I've written in the recent past about some great story time places here in Pima County, I thought I'd give you some options that are off the beaten path. W.A.L.K. Events - Join your favorite book character every first Saturday of each month, 10:30am at your official UA BookStores Read more...

Giveaways galore

by Kara

November 10, 2008

If you like to travel, you'll want another mom's opinion on places to go and things to see. Check out your new best friends, they may make you decide to take a trip you werent even planning, it's the other city editors on Savvy Source. When you are here on my blog, look up to the left for the drop down box that says "visit another being savvy city." There you will find moms just like me Read more...

Top 5 Things to do Outside when the Sun Shines

by Kara

September 24, 2008

We get a lot of sunshine here in Tucson . So maybe the title should be "Top five things to do when the sun shines and it won't melt you like hot lava." Use your best judgment when heading out into the sun. In the summer, you probably won't want to be outside past 9am. 1) Go to the pool. Tucson Parks and Recreation offers more than 25 public pools . The cost is very Read more...

How to Cultivate a Green (and very tiny) Tucson Thumb

by Kara

September 17, 2008

My kids are very easy to please. While they love flowers and nature and being outdoors, they are also content to take a shopping cart stroll through the floral section of our local craft store. In Tucson we have a hidden gem (and it's free to look too!) Civano Nursery is tucked away on Houghton Rd just south of Golf Links Rd. This isn't your run of the mill nursery. Yes Read more...