The holiday decorations are coming down, the kids are back in school and your social calendar is finally free from holiday plans, but not for long! Before you know it, this month’s happenings around town will quickly fill up your weekend agenda. With endless opportunities everywhere you look, we’ve complied our list of top ten things to do around town.
Read and Paint at As You Wish
Children are invited to As You Wish for a morning storytime event followed by painting! The day begins with the reading of the book, “Put Me In The Zoo.”
Following the reading, instructors will show the children how to paint the puppy from the book and then they get to paint their own to take home! Reservations are encouraged. Visit their website for more information.
Where: As You Wish (Desert Ridge Marketplace)
When: Saturday, January 9th
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Tickets: $15
Last chance to see Dinosaurs in Motion at the Arizona Science Center
The Science Center provides children with hours of exploration and discovery and their special exhibits are always worth visiting! Dinosaurs in Motion engages guests through by showcasing “14 magnificent, fully interactive, recycled life-size metal dinosaur sculptures inspired by actual fossils.” – Arizona Science Center. The exhibit will end on January 10th, so be sure to visit before it’s too late! Click here for more details.
Where: Arizona Science Center
When: Ends January 10th
Time: Opens at 10 AM
Disney On Ice Presents Frozen
Watch Frozen come alive during a special Disney On Ice performance of the popular movie. Professional ice skaters will take to the ice to tell the tale of Princess Anna and Elsa. Show details and ticket info can be found here.
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena
When: January 13th – January 18th
Time: Showtimes and pricing vary
The Science of Trains
The Idea Museum is a creative space that allows kids to engage their imagination through different projects and experiments. Children can spend the day making houses and face masks, having a mad hatter tea party in a glow-in-the-dark room or spend hours exploring the other activities that the museum. On January 16th, learn about the science of trains with hands-on experiments. Visit their website for more details.
Where: Idea Museum
When: Saturday, January 16th
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Tickets: $13 (members: $5)
Cinderella’s Ball
If you have a prince or princess in your life who loves to dream about far off lands, fairy godmothers and happily ever after, then Cinderella’s Ball will delight them. The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is home to daily shows,but on January 17th, they will host a special ball in honor of Cinderella. The event will include the Cinderella puppet show followed by games, snacks, activities and prizes! Tickets are $15. Click here for more information.
Where: Great Arizona Puppet Theater
When: Sunday, January 17th
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Tickets: $7 for children and $10 for adults (children under 2 are free)
ASU Gammage Presents If/Then
If you have a Frozen fan in your household, then here’s your chance to be a hero! Voice of Frozen, Idina Menzel, will be coming to ASU Gammage in January to perform in If/Then. This musical was specifically written for Idina and shares a story about a woman faced with two paths she can take in life. Tickets are still available and details can be found here.
Where: ASU Gammage
When: January 12th – 17th
Time: Showtimes and ticket prices vary
Walk With the Wildlife
Speaking of animals, did you know that North Scottsdale is home to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center? They provide a home to wild animals who have lost their homes and invites the public to visit the center and learn about the animals in their care. On Saturday January 23rd, they will host a “Walk With The Wildlife” tour throughout the day. Tours are scheduled by appointment only, so visit their website and call to reserve your space before they fill up!
Where: Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center
When: Saturday, January 23rd
Times: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
Barrett Jackson
Teach your kiddo history of cars by taking them to explore motor vehicles from every decade at the annual Barrett Jackson Car Auction. This event will take place at Westword at the end of the month and will include daily car auctions, exhibits, various vendors and plenty of family fun! A full schedule of events can be found here.
Where: Westworld of Scottsdale
When: January 23rd – January 31st
Tickets prices vary
Walk In The Wild
Tame your own little wild animals with a day of play at the zoo during the Phoenix Zoo’s Walk in the Wild. Participants are invited to sport their favorite animal attire while they partake in a one mile or 5K run or walk around the zoo. The race entry includes all-day Zoo admission, a commemorative t-shirt and entry into the lakeside after-party!
Where: Phoenix Zoo
When: Saturday, January 30th
Time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Entry: $15-$30 (member pricing available, children 2 and under are free)
Street Eats
Eat your way through the day at the annual Street Eats Food Truck Festival happening at Salt River Fields at the end of January. This two day festival brings together the most popular food trucks in the Valley, along with live bands, cooking classes, eating contests, a fun kid’s zone and more. Children under 12 are free and tickets for everyone else over 12 are $12. Click here for more details.
Where: Salt River Fields
When: Saturday, January 30th – Sunday, January 31st
Time: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tickets: $12 (kids under 12 are free)
