Photo by Ryder Trkula
HAPPY NEW YEAR, EPIC FRIENDS!
January is a clean slate—a chance to dream big, set new goals, and step into the year with fresh energy. In this issue, we’re focusing on possibilities. You’ll meet kids who are chasing their dreams, whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a business, or committing to a cause. We’ll also share tips for setting goals you can
actually stick with (yes, even when life gets busy).
Here’s a challenge: choose a word for your year. Maybe it’s “courage,” “kindness,” “adventure,” or “focus.” Let it guide your choices in 2026.
Want to have even more fun with it? Have Mom or Dad help you put your word on a
sign and take a picture with you holding it. Then, if it’s ok with them, email that picture to hello@epickidsaz.com and I will publish your picture in next month’s paper!
The year is yours to make, so let’s make it EPIC!
Brian Beal Publisher
Get In Touch:
9635 N. 7th St. #9039 Phoenix, AZ 85020
Submissions and suggestions: Submit press releases or event listings to hello@epickidsaz.com. The deadline for the February/ March issue is February 1.
Advertising:
Contact the sales department by email at hello@epickidsaz.com.
Where to Find Us:
Epic Kids is distributed each month directly into the backpacks of children in K-6 charter and private schools. You can also find us placed in racks where kids and their families are out and about. To see a full list of locations, visit our website.
Stay Connected: facebook.com/EpicKidsAZ @epickidsaz
Staff:
Brian Beal
Publisher
Shannon Carrillo
Production & Design
Notes:
Every e ort is made to avoid errors, misspellings and omissions. If, however, an error comes to your attention, please accept our sincere apologies and notify us.
Ballet Arizona is turning 40 years old, and they are celebrating with a very special show inspired by the famous story Alice in Wonderland!
Get ready to tumble down the rabbit hole and enter a world full of surprises when ALICE (in Wonderland) comes to Symphony Hall from February 12–15, 2026. This time, the dancers will be joined by live music from The Phoenix Symphony, making the adventure even more exciting!
A Magical Adventure is Coming to Town!
You’ll feel like you’re inside the story as Alice
You’ll feel like you’re inside the story as Alice explores Wonderland. This magical ballet, created by choreographer Septime Webre, mixes ballet and fun, modern dance to tell the story in a playful and imaginative way that kids and grown-ups will both love.
Watch as the stage fills with bright colors, amazing costumes, and beautiful music. You’ll see silly tea parties, glowing Cheshire Cat smiles, and dancers who leap and spin like superheroes. In Wonderland, anything can happen—and it does!
Two dancers, Isabella Seo and Madison Penney, take turns playing Alice, the curious girl who starts the whole adventure. The fast and funny White Rabbit is played by Serafin Castro and Ricardo Santos. They are joined by 50 talented young dancers from The School of Ballet Arizona, adding even more magic to the show.
Ballet Arizona’s artistic director, Daniela Cardim, says Alice’s story is all about being curious, using your imagination, and discovering new things. This ballet shows that dancing can be fun, brave, and full of surprises—and that dreaming big is always a good idea!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching Alice and all your favorite Wonderland characters in a show that is magical, exciting, and unforgettable.
Want an extra special peek behind the scenes? On January 30 at 7 p.m., Ballet Arizona is hosting a one-time studio event at Dorrance Theatre. You’ll get to watch dancers rehearse, ask questions, and learn cool secrets about how the show is made!
To learn more and get tickets, visit balletarizona.com. Get ready to dream, dance, and believe in the impossible!
Headliners
Kiwanis Preschool Pioneers Present
“The Night the Grandfathers Danced” at Cave Creek Museum
Have you ever visited the Cave Creek Museum?
Here is your chance to not only visit the museum but enjoy the Kiwanis Pioneers performance of “The Night The Grandfathers Danced”.
A tender tale, gentle in pacing and tone, “The Night the Grandfathers Danced” revolves around a Ute Indian traditional springtime dance. In the story, a young girl, Autumn Eyetoo, proudly dresses in a pink fringed shawl for her first Bear Dance. Children will reenact the Bear Dance, make a pinch pot, try working an upright weaving loom and taste a sample of fry bread. The Preschool Pioneers performers participate in a
program sponsored by the Kiwanis of Carefree for children and an accompanying adult who will lead their little one(s) along with museum volunteers. Age-appropriate books set the stage for follow-up activities that include movement and music, trying a craft process, like grinding corn, exploring museum artifacts or acting out part of the story. Preregistration is required at cavecreekmuseuem.org.
This event is free thanks to the generous support of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree.
The Cave Creek Museum is a 55-year-old foundation whose mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory,
Dream. Draw. Win.
AZ529 Future Career Art Contest
See how your child pictures their future career. They could win $529 towards an AZ529 Education Savings Plan. Open to all K-6th grade students in Arizona!
To enter and for full contest rules, visit AZ529.gov/2026ArtContest.
history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree
foothills area through education, research, and interpretive exhibits.
Hurry! All entries must be received by February 8, 2026.
ARIZONA TREASURER KIMBERLY YEE
VALENTINE HEART SPINNER CARD arts & Crafts
Valentine’s Day cards are a great way to show appreciation. Here is a fun one that you can make at home with the help of your parents.
Materials:
• Cardstock paper
• Scrapbook paper or construction paper
• Red construction paper or scrapbook paper for
• A glass that is roughly 3” round
• Scissors
• Glue
• Yarn or thread
• Clear tape
• Pencil or pen
Steps:
• Start by making the card base by cutting a sheet of letter sized or 8.5” x 11” sized construction paper in half and
then folding that smaller paper in half.
• Trace the closed card onto the scrapbook paper.
• Open up the card and align the scrapbook paper with the right side (do not glue! You can however use a paper clip to hold it in place).
• With the glass, trace the hole on both the card and the scrapbook paper.
• With the scissors, follow the traced circle and cut out a hole.
• Set the scrapbook paper aside.
• For the perfect sizing, trace and cut two red circles.
• Fold the circles in half (together) and draw a half heart shape.
• Follow the pattern and cut out the 2 hearts.
• Apply glue on one of the hearts and lay thread in the middle.
• Stick the other heart on top.
• Wait a little for the glue to dry.
• Place the heart into the hole on the card, position it in the center and secure the thread with some clear tape.
• Apply glue across the whole surface of the card. Then place the scrapbook paper on top.
• Wait for the glue to dry.
• Once dry, open the card and spin the heart a few times (wind the string).
• Write a fun message to someone special.
• Wind the heart again and while holding the heart in place, carefully close the card, not letting the heart spin.
• When the person you have given the card to opens it, the heart will start spinning!
Making Memories All Year Long: Your Guide to Fun and Savings
The number one New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with friends and family, but with all the great attractions around our valley all that fun can quickly break the number two resolution - stay on budget. Luckily there are some great companies in Arizona that have year round deals to keep
the entertainment rolling and extra dollars in your pocket.
Below, we compare the Pogo Pass, GetOut Pass, Community Perk Pass, Act One Cultural Pass, Visit Phoenix Attractions Pass, and the Explorer Pass so you can choose the best one for your family and piggybank.
BEEPICIN2026
Pogo Pass — Best All-Around Value for Year-Round Fun
What it is: An annual entertainment membership that gives free admission to dozens of participating attractions across Phoenix and Tucson — from zoos and water parks to sporting events and indoor play parks.
thekids#1familywebsite
Don’tlet2026gobywithoutvisitingthe#1sitefor familiesinArizona.EpicKidsAZ.comisyourspotfor allofthebestthingstodoaroundtown,at-home activities,funstoriesandtheinsidetrackonwhat yourfriendsaredoing!
Price & potential savings: $55–$65 per person.
Dozens of venues including the zoo, waterparks, play parks and more. Just a couple of visits can equal the cost of the pass.
Ease of use: Digital pass available through an app or online account.
Continued on page 8
Giveaways
StoriesAboutKids
Activities
Contests
One pass per person, so everyone will need their own.
Reviews: Very strong overall reviews. Families comment repeatedly that it “pays for itself quickly” and has “tons of fun options that all ages enjoy.”
Best for: Families who want flexibility and a lot of included experiences over the course of a year.
Visit pogopass.com and use EPICKIDS to receive a discount o the purchase price.
GetOut Pass — Great for Broad Attraction Access
What it is: A year-long pass that unlocks access discounts and freebies to 70+ attractions in Arizona.
Price & potential savings: $99.95, often discounted. Includes a large number of attractions. Currently quoting over 70 attractions.
Ease of use: Digital pass presented on phone at venue entry.
Valid 12 months after activation.
Reviews: High review volume (over 1,200 reviews with positive overall scores).
Best for: Families who love a wide variety of fun options and want straightforward yearlong access with lots of venues included.
Visit getoutpass.com and use EPICKIDS to receive a discount o the purchase price.
Community Perk Pass — Best Value for Local Daily Activities
What it is: A local Phoenix pass o ering free or discounted entry to various fun spots like LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Sea Life Aquarium, indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks, and more.
Price & potential savings: $30–$50
Advertises over $1,400 in total value if all o ers are fully used.
Ease of use: Buy one pass per person.
Browse o ers on your phone and redeem at venues.
Reviews: Not as reviewed as some of the others, but local feedback suggests it pays for itself in just one or two visits.
Best for: Families with younger kids who can hit multiple smaller attractions and deals throughout the year.
Visit communityperkspass.com and use EPICKIDS to receive a discount o the purchase price.
Act One Culture Pass — Best Free Arts & Museum Access
What it is: A free library-based program through Act One that lets Arizona families check out passes to arts and culture sites like the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, and more — free or deeply discounted.
Price & potential savings: Free with your library card if your library participates.
Admission is typically 2 people per pass — great when combined with low-cost sibling tickets.
Ease of use: Must check out the pass in person at your library.
Limited checkout time (often ~7 days).
Reviews: Locally loved for bringing cultural experiences within reach — especially for school-age kids and arts-curious families.
Best for: Families on a budget who want cultural enrichment and museum days without ticket fees.
Visit act1az.org to find out more and to purchase your pass.
Visit Phoenix Attractions Pass — Best for Short Vacations
What it is: A curated ticket pass for visiting several top Phoenix attractions at a discounted bundle price.
Price & potential savings: $60–$85, with child prices typically lower.
Includes premium attractions like Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Science
Center, Phoenix Art Museum, Medieval Times, etc.
Ease of use: Mobile pass with no separate app required.
Activated upon first use and valid for 5 days — perfect for vacationstyle visits.
Reviews: Families say it’s simple and convenient for short trips, especially when trying to see key Phoenix spots quickly.
Best for: Touring families or “staycation” visitors who want a handful of the top sights in just a few days.
Explorer Pass — Best Daily Everyday Discounts
What it is: A more recent savings pass o ering discounts (not always free admission) at a variety of local family venues — from play parks and jump spots to shops and experiences.
Price & potential savings: Can be monthly $5/month or 6-month pass $30.
Discounts can be used frequently — often multiple times per week. Ease of use: Simple: pass goes into your phone wallet — no app login.
Reviews: Local families report it pays o quickly, especially if kids are young and you use the discounts often.
Best for: Families who go on lots of small outings — discounts add up fast. It’s especially good if you want more than just occasional big attractions.
Visit explorer-pass.com and use EPICKIDS to receive a discount o the purchase price.
Tips
for Families Planning With Passes
Do the math: Add up what your family would normally spend on tickets and compare to pass cost.
Check usage limits: Some passes let you use discounts/ entries repeatedly, others only once per venue.
Plan ahead: Especially for summer or school breaks — attractions can fill up quickly.
Cover story
Behind the Lens PVUSD student Ryder Trkula caputures magic moments
By Naya Seth, Epic Kids Junior Reporter
Since the beginning of high school, Ryder Trkula has been capturing important moments in time. What started with just a couple photos on vacation quickly became a passion of his. He fell in love with not just taking photos, but the whole process, from shooting to editing, photography soon became a major part of his life.
In school, Trkula dove deep into photography. Taking classes to further his knowledge, then later volunteering to shoot basketball and football games. He continued finding ways to improve, having success in Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where he competed in Commercial Photography and Photo Gallery Walk placing third in both. In his sophomore year, Trkula began to reach out for bigger opportunities, particularly in golf. Taking the initiative, he emailed a coordinator at the LPGA tour and earned the chance to shoot the Ford Championship, one of his favorite events to date. He is always looking for ways to challenge himself, from finding new opportunities to
experimenting with his camera. “Whether it’s grabbing a new lens or changing a camera setting,” he says, “there is so much that you could do to give your photos a di erent dynamic.”
Trkula was fortunate to gain hands-on experience through a week of live action coverage with the LPGA media team and then expanding that knowledge at local golf tournaments. Later, he reconnected with his contact from the LPGA tour and secured himself a spot to shoot the PGA tour. Not only was he able to take stunning photographs, but he also met mentors that have helped shape his photography. In addition to his photography teacher in school, Ms. Tomlin, some of the people who have been the most influential to his work are Je Marsh, the LPGA photographer, and Joel Newberry, the social media manager at his school.
Trkula’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Photography is growing and finding his own unique perspective to stand out is important. At times, he has
had to learn that being too comfortable with his work can take the fun out of it. Spotting his mistakes and working to improve them is what keeps photography interesting. Even with the occasional obstacle, there is so much that Trkula loves about it. Meeting new people has been one of his favorite parts of photography. Since he started shooting photos he has even had the opportunity to connect with photographers who have shot events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics. Unforgettable experiences for him that will last a lifetime.
Looking ahead, Ryder would like to continue to capture more sports events, especially golf tournaments. He is 16 years old and currently goes to Pinnacle High School, and his journey is just getting started. You can check out his work at his website, rydertrkula.com.
Naya Seth, 14, loves to read and write. She is a member of the National Charity League and enjoys participating in various philanthropy activities.
FOREST DEER SCENE color your own
are technically berries, and they have more potassium than bananas.
snacks Five After-School Snacks for Every Day of the Week
The school day is packed with learning, moving, and thinking. By the time you walk through the front door, your brain feels fried and your stomach is growling. That’s where after-school snacks come in! A good snack can refuel your body, boost your mood, and give you the energy to finish homework or head to practice. Instead of reaching for the same old chips or cookies, try mixing it up. Here are five tasty, kidapproved snacks—one for each day of the week—to keep your afternoons fun and delicious.
Monday: Apple Nachos
Start the week on a sweet but healthy note. Slice up a crisp apple and arrange the pieces on a plate like nacho chips. Drizzle peanut butter or almond butter across the slices, then sprinkle with a handful of granola, raisins, or even a few chocolate chips. Why it works: Apples give you fiber and crunch, nut butter keeps you full, and toppings make it fun. It looks like a plate of nachos but tastes like dessert— so you won’t even miss the junk food.
Tuesday: Veggie Roll-Ups
Tuesdays can feel tough, so keep things colorful. Take a wholewheat tortilla, spread on cream cheese or hummus, and pile on your favorite crunchy veggies— carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, or even spinach. Roll it up tightly, then slice into bite-size pinwheels.
Why it works: These roll-ups are easy to hold, packed with
vitamins, and way more fun than eating veggies on their own. Plus, you can swap in whatever you have in the fridge, so it never gets boring.
Wednesday: Yogurt Parfait
Halfway through the week means you deserve something special. Spoon your favorite yogurt into a clear cup, add a layer of berries, then sprinkle granola on top. Repeat the layers until the cup is full.
Why it works: Parfaits taste like a treat but give you protein, calcium, and energy. Using a clear cup shows o the pretty layers, and you can customize it with di erent fruit every week. Try bananas, peaches, or even frozen berries if that’s what you’ve got.
Thursday: Trail Mix Cups
By Thursday, you’re racing to the weekend, so grab a snack that’s quick and portable. Mix together a handful of pretzels, popcorn, dried fruit, and a few chocolate candies or mini marshmallows. Portion the mix into small cups or bags so it’s ready when hunger strikes.
Why it works: Trail mix has a little bit of everything—sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy. The best part is how easy it is to make your own blend. Don’t like raisins? Swap them for banana chips. Love sunflower seeds? Toss them in!
Friday: Mini Pizzas Fridays call for celebration. Use half of an English mu in, a tortilla, or even a bagel as your pizza base. Spread on some pizza sauce, sprinkle shredded cheese,
and add fun toppings like olives, mushrooms, or mini pepperoni. Microwave for a quick melt or bake in the oven until bubbly. Why it works: Mini pizzas feel like a party but are simple enough for kids to assemble themselves. You can make them classic with cheese, or adventurous with veggie toppings. Either way, they’re the perfect kicko to the weekend.
Wrap-Up
After-school snacks don’t have to be boring, and they don’t have to come out of a bag. So the next time your stomach growls after school, head to the kitchen and whip up one of these easy treats. You’ll fuel your body, satisfy your taste buds, and maybe even discover a new favorite snack to share with your family!
Science lab
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE VOLCANO
In honor of Arizona Science Center’s latest exhibition, POMPEII: The Exhibition, try this handson experiment that transforms living rooms into mini laboratories and sparks curiosity about the science behind volcanic eruptions.
Grab an adult and get ready to get messy! The hydrogen peroxide volcano demonstrates how a catalyst works in chemistry. Hydrogen peroxide naturally wants to break down into water and oxygen (2H2O2 --› 2H2O + O2). This process usually happens too slowly to be easily perceived and this is where our catalyst comes in.
A catalyst is a substance that increases how fast a chemical reaction happens without undergoing any permanent chemical change. In this case, our catalyst is the yeast, which will help to speed up the decomposition process.
This volcano is more reactive than a standard vinegar and baking soda volcano; proper protective gear and parental supervision are necessary.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
• Three(3) Tablespoons of warm water (approximately 95 degrees) in a bowl
• One (1) Packet dry yeast
• One (1) Recycled water or soda bottle
• One (1) Tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap
• One (1) Funnel
• One (1) Stir stick (popsicle stick works fine)
• One (1) Safety goggles per person participating
• One (1) Pair of rubber gloves per person participating
• Half (1/2) Cup 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
• Optional: Food coloring
HOW TO:
• Rinse bottle thoroughly, and place it upright in the sink
• Use the funnel to add hydrogen peroxide to the bottle
• If you would like, you can add 5-8 drops of food coloring to the bottle
• Add dishwashing liquid and gently agitate the mixture by swirling and not forming bubbles
• Add yeast to the bowl of room temperature
water, mix with the stir stick for 30 seconds (it should become the consistency of melted ice cream)
• Use the funnel to add the yeast mixture to the hydrogen peroxide mixture
• Remove the funnel and watch the reaction!
WHAT DID YOU OBSERVE?
This reaction is exothermic which means it produces heat. Do you see steam? How big was the reaction? What did the experiment sound like? Could you hear the gasses reacting? Did you smell anything? How long did the reaction last? If you added food coloring, how did the color change over the course of the experiment? Try the experiment again in a different container. Does the size of the container make a difference?
READY FOR MORE?
Relive the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the rediscovery of the Roman city of Pompeii with nearly 150 authentic artifacts and engaging interactives only at Arizona Science Center’s latest exhibition: POMPEII: The Exhibition on display through April 12, 2026.
inspiring stories
Inspiring Story from Right Here at Home: Star Gymnast Sails Through Big Competitions
Who says kids can’t fly? Eleven-year-old Mikal
Soto is proof that they can and do!
Mikal is just starting his first season as a Level 7 gymnast, a sport he’s been involved in almost since he started walking. In fact, he took his first gymnastics class when he was only 18 months old.
Today, he’s the nation’s Level 5 champion in rings, pommel horse and parallel bars. Earning perfect scores on rings and parallel bars during the National Gymnastics Association finals meet in Virginia Beach last summer. He has been so successful and his skill continue to improve so fast that Mikal actually skipped Level 6 and will now be the youngest member of the Level 7 team at USA Youth Fitness Center in his home town, Queen Creek.
It’s a big jump doing something he loves.
“I love how you can make
new friends and do cool skills,” he said. “They can be a bit challenging, but with a lot of practice, you can make those cool skills happen. And it’s really fun to feel like you’re flying in the air.”
That explains why floor is his favorite event. He gets some big air with long tumbling sequences!
As he moves up the levels and gets more competitive, Mikal spends more and more time in the gym. He practices three hours a day, four days a week, and he attends big meets –often in other states – at least a couple of times each month.
All of that makes it hard to keep up with school, but like many of his teammates, Mikal goes to ASU Prep Digital, an online school that lets him get his assignments done on his own time. Usually, he does his schoolwork in the mornings.
“I love how you don’t have to sit in a chair for eight hours straight,” Mikal said. He’s a
master of time management, so he has a system for getting the work done e iciently when he knows he’ll be competing or visiting family in Texas.
Aside from the flexibility, Mikal really likes his teachers. “They really try their best to make learning fun.”
That’s good news, since he hopes to finish high school early and attend college on a gymnastics scholarship. When it comes to his future, Mikal has other big plans, too. “My goal is trying to get to the Olympics,” he said.
For now, though, he’s gearing up for a busy start to the new year with competitions in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Houston.
“I’m feeling confident but I’m feeling a bit of a challenge,” Mikal said. Fortunately, he’s prepared to face those challenges.
“If I’m ever stressed out in a meet, I just take a deep breath and that immediately makes me better.”
What's Happening
WORLD-RECORD BREAKING EVENT
When: Through Jan. 31
Where: Revel Surf Park, 4503 S. Power Rd., Mesa
What: Be part of history to see multiple certified world-record attempts, including: Colby Raha jumping over Revel’s surf lagoon on his e-bike. Alan Ampudia and his SCORE Trophy Truck Champion attempting the longest Trophy Truck jump. Worlds-first BMX feats from Andrew Topa and Dennis Enarson. And custom mega ramps built exclusively for the event. The day doesn’t end there, The All-American Rejects turns the surf park into an electrifying concert venue. Info: recordbreakers.co
SUPERHERO SATURDAY
When: Jan. 17
Where: Metro District, 9610 N. Metro Parkway West, Phoenix
What: Arizona’s biggest pop-culture festival is gearing up for a blockbuster event, bringing new stunts, celebrities, comics, cars and entertainment. Enjoy costume contests, BMX stunt riders, exhibitions, photo ops, NASCAR shows and more. Info: superherosaturday.org
SCOTTSDALE BOOK FESTIVAL
When: Jan. 24
Where: Scottsdale Civic Center, 7380 E. 2nd St., Scottsdale
What: Be part of a one-day, citywide celebration of books, literacy and storytelling. Featuring more than 200 authors, publishers and exhibitors, along with food, vendors and live entertainment. A free festival for families, educators and book lovers of all ages. Info: scottsdalebookfestival.com
THE BOULDERS AT THE BOULDERS AREN’T REALLY BOULDERS
When: Jan. 31
Where: Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr., Cave Creek
What: Learn all about the geology of the Desert Hills. If the boulders at The Boulders aren’t really boulders, what are they? Why is Black Mountain black? Why do saguaros mostly grow on the west slope? What kind of precious minerals lurk under the earth that brought prospectors to Arizona? Guest speaker, Stephanie Bradley brings ancient geology to life.
Info: cavecreekmuseum.org
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
When: Jan. 31 through Mar. 29
Where: 12601 E. US Highway 60, Gold Canyon
What: A medieval outdoor amusement park including a 16-stage theatre, a 50-acre circus, an arts and crafts fair, Jousting Tournament and a grand feast hall and more all rolled up into one amazing event. All ages are welcome. Dressing up for the event is not required, but is highly recommended. Info: arizona.renfestinfo.com
On Deck: February
ARCHEOLOGY EXPO
When: Feb. 7
Where: Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Dr., Cave Creek
What: Learn how people survived in the desert before modern times. What they ate, how they built their houses and what they did. Children of all ages will get to etch petroglyphs, make a small pot and more. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Carefree
Info: cavecreekmuseum.org
MONSTER ENERGY SUPERCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
When: Feb. 7
Where: State Farm Stadium, 1 Cardinals Dr., Glendale
What: Supercross FanFest is the ultimate access pass for an insider’s look as teams prepare, practice and qualify for the Main Event! Score autographs, photos, with your favorite riders, enjoy special exhibitions, giveaways and exclusive partner activations from participating sponsors. Info: supercrosslive.com
MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL
When: Feb. 7
Where: Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 178 E Commonwealth Ave., Chandler
What: Be part of the inaugural festival brought to you by valley favorite, Angry Crab Shack. Taking over the historic park from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., the family friendly event brings the flavor and festivities of New Orleans to Arizona. Featuring live brass, zydeco, blues and rock bands. Cajun fare, like jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish and beignets. Enjoy carnival rides, bounce houses, lawn games, bounce houses and more. Bring your pets or adopt a new member of the family from local rescue groups. For the truly adventurous, compete in eating contests and ra les for a chance to win $5,000 in cash and prizes.
Info: angrycrabshack.com
CONCOURS IN THE HILLS
When: Feb. 14
Where: Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills
What: This Valentine’s Day, celebrate a day of heart and horsepower at what has become known as the “Greatest Show on Grass”. Showcasing the world’s most stunning cars, motorcycles, helicopters, and military vehicles. Explore exotic vehicles including Ferrari, Lamborghini,m Prosche, Mclaren, Corvette, Viper, Ford GT, Audi, BMW, Lotus and more. Since 2014 the show has been a benefit supporting the Phoenix Children’s Foundation.
Info: phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/signature/ concours/
find the hidden images!
are technically berries, and they have more potassium than bananas.
Arizona Broadway Theatre makes youth programming a priority because:
• The arts foster creativity
• The arts improve communication skills
• The arts encourage empathy
Allow ABT to open the doors to the magic of live storytelling with carefully curated performances for young imaginations.
Don’t miss the VIP Pinkalicious Tea Party Experience! Register online or call
Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe—a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. Alas, Pinkalicious needs a way out of her pink predicament, and joined by her family, they find unity and appreciation in the quirks that define us all. A staple of our TYA collection, this best-selling show continues to pack the houses with pink-tutu’d fans of the irrepressible title character.
MAY 16-24, 2026
Get ready for a musical experience, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved, awardwinning, best-selling children’s books, that will leave audiences doing the “Flippy Floppy Floory” dance all night long! In Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”, Gerald and Piggie take to the stage in a rollicking adventure that is perfect for young audiences.
WINTER WONDERLAND!color your own
One bright day, a group of friendly architects from a team called SPS+ came to visit Biltmore Preparatory Academy. But they didn’t come with big blueprints or long speeches. Instead, they came with open ears and curious minds, ready to listen to the most important experts of all— the students!
The architects met with the Creighton Kids Congress, a group of thoughtful and creative kids who were excited to share their ideas. Together, they talked about what their dream school could look like. The architects wanted to make sure the new school would be a place where kids felt happy, safe, and proud to learn. Soon, it was time for a fun challenge! The students worked together on a handson building activity. They used their imaginations, shared ideas, and helped one another—just like real designers and builders. Laughter filled the room as ideas grew bigger and better.
The students dreamed up amazing things for their new school. Some imagined zip lines zooming across the playground.
Others pictured an amphitheater where students could perform, sing, and tell stories. They talked about playgrounds where all kids could play, including children with disabilities, so no one would ever feel left out.
There were ideas for more club spaces where students could explore hobbies, and even a two-story cafeteria with a balcony where friends could eat and chat. Some students suggested welcoming service animals to help classmates feel calm, safe, and supported.
But the biggest idea of all wasn’t about buildings or playgrounds. The students wanted their school to be a place that younger kids would look up to—a middle school that felt exciting, welcoming, and full of possibilities.
As the architects listened and smiled, they knew something special was happening. These students weren’t just sharing ideas—they were showing leadership, teamwork, and love for their school.
And with voices like theirs helping to shape the future, the new Biltmore Preparatory Academy was already o to an amazing start.
Now Enrolling!
CreightonNeighborhood Schoolsinspire adventurousthinkers, collaborativelearners andkind-heartedleaders
Jointheadventuretoday!
2702 E Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85016
602-381-6000 www.CreightonSchools.org
