Free Activities

It's summer and it's hot which makes it a perfect time to go indoors and read! Here are some great summer reading programs to keep your kiddos busy and reading! Public Libraries The Scottsdale Public Library has a great summer program...

One of the things that I love most about Scottsdale is that people here love the outdoors. And to encourage that love (or as a result of it), our great city has created a wonderful maze of trails for us to enjoy.

We are so thankful for our readers and for our continued growth.  Thank you for your support and for continuing to spread the word about Mom Index. This month, take time to be thankful for your friends and family and...

Santa Claus is coming to Scottsdale early this year! Mark your calendars On Saturday, December 3 and the following Saturday, December 10, the Promenade Shopping Center (located on the corner of Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd) will spread Christmas cheer by giving children the...

In honor of my brother’s wedding in a few weeks, I am writing a blog post about something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue . . .and of course they are all things to do in and...

  Welcome to our SMB Playdate Series! This series focuses on various locales throughout the city that are enjoyable for a playdate and a writer's opinion on a particular location. Today we profile Gateway Trailhead, an outdoor trail in Scottsdale. Kate and Renee share personal...

It’s Christmas Eve and this fantastic post from last Christmas Eve was just too great NOT to share again. Get your i-phones ready! It's time to start tracking Santa! When you have little ones, this can quite literally be the...

So, it's still hot out. (That's the jist of how I start every blog post for SMB. You're welcome.) Some of us have preschoolers who don't begin school for a few more weeks... The bigger siblings who might be marginally helpful at...

For this month's "Contributor Corner" question, we are asking our contributors: where is your favorite place to enjoy this cooler fall weather outdoors? Schnepf Farms! While it's a drive, it's so worth it!   -Monika         Queen Creek Olivemill. The olives are harvested...

Soon after having Nora I got a copy of The Rookie Mom's Handbook: 250 Activities to do with (and without!) your baby.  It's been a great resource for ideas and information. And a great gift for a new-momma! One of...

Genius idea, worth re-visiting! If I just had more hours in the day, I would craft and play in the local hobby store all the time! But I don't, so I have to choose my favorite crafts and incorporate...

Urban Wax is hosting a grand opening event at their newest store at Kierland Village and you are invited! Join Urban Wax, Mae & Marie and Scottsdale Moms Blog for a fun opening night. October 8, 2015 from 5:30-8:30pm There will be...

Just about two months ago, Reagan and I started volunteering together.  You may think that 8 months old is too young to start volunteering, but I say we are never too young to learn "selfforgetfulness." I have dedicated one lunchtime...

This post is was originally published in 2011 and is well-worth a revisit - it was actually being guest-blogged by a Scottsdale DAD!  Not that moms can't enjoy hiking with their kids, but it sure is a great way...

Did those words just make you sit up a little straighter in your chair? Does the thought of going out to eat (and hence, NOT cooking tonight) make you sing a little song inside, only to have it silenced...

Summers are hard. We all have grand plans in the beginning, but we're now halfway through and it's time to get real. Embrace what's working so far, drop anything that's not, and take a glance at these tips to...

Think of it, a secret world of hidden treasures in all the common locations you frequent: the grocery store parking lot, the flowerbed outside your gym, in the playground equipment your kids play on all the time, in some...

1. STORYTIME! (AKA Children’s Programs) From Toddlertime at the Phoenix Public Libraries to Shake, Rattle & Roll at the Scottsdale library Branches, to a number of interesting sounding programs for older children that my little guys are still to young...

If you are looking for something to do on Sunday that is sure to delight your children (and is practically FREE), you have to check out Maricopa Live Steamers’ Adobe Western Railroad in North Phoenix. Every Sunday from Labor...

Hello Scottsdale Moms! I can't believe I am one now too! I grew up here in Scottsdale but craved the city life so I am just moving back here with my husband and two little boys after living in...

It’s summertime. Kids are out of school and that usually means that at least one parent now has little companions ALL DAY LONG. What do you do if your kids are driving you nuts by, well, being kids? Here...

Thinking about going to the Phoenix Open? I say go for it, and don't let bringing your little ones stand in your way. I've been taking my kiddos for the past three years by myself and had a total...

Remember back in the Fall, when we were all sweating from the heat and were completely over the 3-digit temperatures? Remember when we were dying to wear riding boots and scarfs and various shades of brown and orange? Remember when Sarah Powers wrote...

This year, my daughter’s birthday falls on Easter. I started looking for something to make her day extra-special, but was soon overwhelmed by how many wonderful Easter events the Valley has to offer. I decided to round them all...

Here in Scottsdale, we may be far from the ocean, but that doesn’t mean its not important to our families. Teach your kids about the ocean while we're all spending extra time at home. Just like rainforests, the oceans are...

This is a sponsored post for Scottsdale Promenade Drive-In movies. Looking for a fun family outing this Spring? Moonlit Drive-In movies are back at the Scottsdale Promenade and they will take place each Saturday night in April! The Promenade is located...

One of my favorite things about living in Scottsdale is all of the local and accessible hiking trails. I love hiking and I want my children to love hiking too. Bringing children along can sometimes sound intimidating, so here...

We’re still in triple digits, but that does not mean we have to stay indoors and miss out on fall fun. Check-out our Arizona Fall Festivals, Farms, Food & Fun guide in the “Phoenix Guides” category of our...

Last month we started a series on the best playgrounds in Scottsdale (and the surrounding areas). Follow along with our contributors as they share their playground picks in various parts of town. This time, Sara Frederick takes on Northeast...

In this series we'll tell you about the top 3 new things we're loving in AZ. New places and activities are popping up around town all the time. Follow along for new restaurants, recipes, experiences and other things you're...