Free Activities

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...

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...

OH MY GOODNESS!!! It is already in the 90's. I know it has actually been a late start to the weather heating up. It is never easy, though, when it starts. It is right about now that I decide...

There's nothing we love more than to hear from YOU - the readers of Scottsdale Moms Blog!  Joy and I love being able to connect with all of you local Phoenix area mama's. Because of this we thought it would...

I watch both Reagan and Nora on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  I've figured out how to wrangle them for small outings like this one.  I grabbed two dresses, a blanket, a stroller and a camera to get these sweet little...

How do farm fresh eggs sound? Or melt-in-your-mouth homemade caramel? I know you want local delicious fresh fruit and vegetables. Oh, and I bet you can't wait for tomato season to be here, like me? Is your mouth-watering yet? I am...

February 14th isn't just Valentine's Day. It's also the day that Arizona, in 1912, became the last of the contiguous states to achieve statehood. Whether you're looking for ways to bring our state's rich history to life for your...

Are you new to the Scottsdale/Phoenix area or visiting from out of state? Welcome! Maybe your wee babe has grown into a busy toddler who is ready to explore our local parks and playgrounds, or your regular park routine needs...

With the weather improving, it's finally time to get outside and play! Here are some of my kids' favorite backyard activities when they were toddlers and preschoolers. Create Animal Habitats: My kids love doing this, even to this day! Each child...

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.

School hunting in Arizona is NOT easy. It can be one of the most difficult choices that you have to make. And there are so MANY choices here in the Valley! Choosing your child’s first (or next) school is a...

Looking for a fun family movie night this Spring? Moonlit Drive-In movies are back at the Scottsdale Promenade and they will take place each and every Saturday night in April! The Promenade is located at the corner of FLW Blvd...

Like most moms, I have always wanted teach my kids the value of kindness and helping those in need. Whether it's a smile or a hug for someone who is having a rough day, volunteering at a local food...

In our corner of the country, sweaters and jeans, crisp air, and the crunch of fallen leaves do not abound. But, there are still ways to Ring In Fall with your kids to get in that cozy, homey mood....

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...

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...

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...

I had the opportunity last week to attend the HERSHEY'S Family Play Day in Peoria.  While this was my first time ever hearing of this event, HERSHEY'S was celebrating their 36th year of engaging kids in healthy activities.  As...

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...

mom·sen·se (mɒm sens) noun 1.  practical motherly intelligence that is sensible or reasonable 2. a mother’s mental discernment, realization, or recognition  – She has momsense.  OR She used her momsense to determine that something was amiss.   I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about...

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,...

Whole Foods Scottsdale treated members of the SMB team to lunch this week and is generously sponsoring this post. Read on for information about how you can get pampered at Whole Foods this week! In the busy-ness of our days,...

Winter break is here and you need to plan some fun with your family. Everyone is going to want to visit the OdySea in the Desert! All of their December events in the courtyard are FREE and so much...

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 the weather as gorgeous as it is, it's time to get you and the kids outdoors. Here is a post from our archives about the best playgrounds in Scottsdale and North Phoenix - click HERE for an...

Kids are back to school and we are finally heading into fall.  It’s so fun to see the Halloween decorations at different stores and to start planning for fall festivals, farm visits and holiday adventures. Although this heat...

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...

  If you’re new and just stopping in… welcome!  We’re so glad you’ve found Scottsdale Moms Blog! Today we’re back with another Mommy SOS topic.  If you missed our other Mommy SOS posts be sure to check them out.  We’ve covered some great...

When I first learned about the Culture Pass, I thought it must be too good to be true! You mean, I can get into museums, the Zoo, Botanical Gardens for FREE??? Yes, yes you can! Here's how it works: 1.  Check the...

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...