Free Activities

Happy New Year!  We're so excited to share our events for 2011 and to keep you up-to-date about events, activities and opportunities to experience the best in the Valley.  Thank you for your ongoing support and for spreading the...

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...

I realize that it is no mystery that Scottsdale has a public library (five in fact) but could you tell me five activities that the library has for children?  Stumped?  Okay name two.  Yeah, I couldn't either. Imagine my surprise and joy (hehe)...

I have never bought shoes with laces for any of my children. Velcro and slip-ons are just so much easier. Plus, with three small children, I have visions of being on the ground tying shoes all day. This is...

Do you have a fourth grader? Did you know that if you do, you can get your whole family into a ton of National Parks for free? This includes National Historic Sites and Waters too! Thanks to the Every Kid in...

Wow, it’s back to school time already!  Hope you had a fun summer break with the kids and are prepared for a wonderful school year.  For those of you with very young children, now is the ideal time to...

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...

Growing up in the Midwest, I loathed fall. The glory days of summer were waning and the dark days of winter encroaching. Now that I’m a desert dweller, I have a new love affair with Autumn. It’s a hiatus...

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...

SMB's Kids Eat Free Guide If you are visiting from out of town or are a local and looking for new restaurant choices, this list is for YOU. Be sure to bookmark it now for those days you don't want...

Get out your dancing shoes and turn on the radio!  It's time for a DANCE PARTY! What you need: The Internet (check) Reckless Abandon (if you can't find this go outside, take off your shoes and wiggle your toes in the grass...

My husband and I woke up one morning with no plans for the day.  We (correction, I) was giddy with the anticipation of doing something new and adventurous.  After throwing out a number of ideas, we decided we'd drive...

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...

For those of you momma's who joined us for our Moms Night Out a couple weeks back - you probably remember that unbelievable cupcake in your swag bag :) - right?!!!  I've heard from moms who ate it on...

Scottsdale Moms Blog presents a new series: "Pinterest Tried & True!" Join us this week as our contributors share which great ideas from Pinterest really worked for them. We'll be talking about food, fashion, home decor, crafts, and boredom...

Summer is HERE, kids are out for the summer and regular visits to the pool are in full swing. As much as we enjoy the break from the every day routine of school, the summer brain drain is a...

About six weeks into maternity leave with my firstborn, I decided to return to work part-time instead of full-time as we had planned. I was fortunate to have the support of my husband, my family and my employer to...

If you are a local or you are planning a spring break visit to AZ, there are a ton of great things to do in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas. Here is our list of THE BEST activities for you...

This is my favorite time of year in Arizona.  The weather is perfect and the flowers are just starting to show their color.  With the wet "winter" we had, I'm hoping that the desert will have colorful flowers. A great way...

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...

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 those of you who slept in this morning.  Here's what you are missing.  This is the Shea/40th Street hike at 6:15am today. And that, kids, is why I live in Scottsdale! XOXO Boon Inc is still looking for baby models.  Preferably...

I believe that the magic of childhood is wrapped up in the simple.  One way we've created some lasting memories in our house is by making everyday moments special.  Some days are special just because they are Tuesday.  {Or...

You have to come up with all kinds of inventive ways to try to stay cool here in the Valley. Best local find is the splash pads! These glorious spots provided the perfect place to chat with a girlfriend,...

Five years ago when the OBGYN said it’s twins and then proceeded to tell me and my husband about PVMOM, a local multiples club, I had no idea how great of a resource the club would turn out to...

  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...

I have a confession. I have to ask you to not judge me or picture me in too-tight jeans and ropers when I tell you.  And please, pretty please DON'T think of me in a tan Stetson and a pony...

With December in full swing we thought it was time to poll YOU, our incredible readers, and see what some of your favorite Valley area Holiday Activities are. The list below is a compilation of all of your Facebook comments...

The MOPS Group at Valley Presbyterian Church is hosting their BIG indoor play date event this week! The event is free, and and they want you to come! Mama's Cold Brew will be there selling their coffee (yum!!). There will be a gym full of...

I don't know about you ladies but I LOVE Fresh & Easy!  I was introduced to this small supermarket about a year ago and have been shopping there ever since!  I was even more pleased with this company when...