Submissions and suggestions: Submit press releases or event listings to hello@epickidsaz.com. The deadline for the April/May issue is April 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.
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.
Brian MARCH LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
FEBRUARY
Hi Epic Friends!
Hi Everybody!
Spring is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to explore. This month is all about curiosity—asking questions, trying new things, and discovering something you didn’t know before.
In these pages, you’ll meet kids who turned their interests into incredible adventures, from science projects to art showcases. You’ll also find activities to spark your imagination and keep you learning outside the classroom.
February is a great time to talk about friendship and kindness. In this issue you will find stories about kids who are just like you and are changing the thier world through just that. You can do the same with even a small act of kindness. Try helping a friend with their homework for example.
Challenge yourself to discover something new this month. It might just lead to your next big passion.
Ask your parents if you can send us a picture of you doing something adventurous. Maybe eating a crazy unique meal or finishing a hike at the top of Camelback or scuba diving or… you tell us!
Here’s to curiosity and always having fun!
Just for fun, I hid a Leprechaun holding a four-leaf clover in the paper. See if you can find it. HAVE FUN!
epickidsaz.com
epickidsaz.com
MEET JOE BOUDRIE Event Planner for Phoenix Fan Fusion
Joe Boudrie
Profession: Event Planner for Phoenix Fan Fusion
Age: 54 years old
What do you do for a living?
Event Planning
What type of training do you need for your job?
Project Management, Leadership, Communication
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Seeing people enjoy the events I've helped organize!
What did you want to be when you grow up?
I wasn't sure.
What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
Learn as much as possible, pursue educational opportunities and take on volunteer roles.
What do you like to do when you are not at work?
Exercise and watch Anime
Give us one fun fact about you that is NOT about your job?
I appear in a comic book movie with Mark Hamill!
BOOK CLUB Brain Play
Girls of the Resistance:
By Amy C., Maricopa County Library District
If you are in Grades 3-6, there is a good chance you have read or heard of “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry. Based on actual events, this classic award-winning novel is set in Denmark in 1943. When the Nazis begin occupying the country, 10-yearold Annemarie and her family take in her Jewish best friend, Ellen, to keep her safe. Annemarie plays a critical role in helping Ellen, her family and other Jewish people escape to safety in Sweden. If you like “Number the Stars,” check out these books for other stories about courageous girls during World War II:
“SAFIYYAH’S WAR”
BY HIBA NOOR KHAN
This book, like “Number the Stars,” features a brave young protagonist involved in the Resistance movement. The protagonist, Safiyyah, is a Muslim tween living in Paris when the Nazis begin occupying the city in 1940. When she learns that her father, the director of the Grand Mosque, has been hiding Jewish people in the mosque basement and helping them to safety through the catacombs of Paris, Safiyyah joins in the effort as well. This book is also inspired by actual events during World War II.
“CATHERINE’S WAR”
BY JULIA BILLET
This graphic novel, like Safiyyah’s War,
takes place in 1940s Paris. Rachel Cohen, a Jewish teenager, must leave Paris due to the Nazi occupation. Rachel attends a school outside Paris but soon the school isn’t safe either. Rachel must take on a new name, Catherine Colin, and with the help of French Resistance groups she flees to several locations in France before returning to a liberated Paris. This graphic novel is based on the experiences of the author’s mother.
“WHEN WE FLEW AWAY: A NOVEL OF ANNE FRANK, BEFORE THE DIARY”
BY ALICE HOFFMAN
When the Nazis take over Germany, Anne and her family move to the Netherlands where they live a happy
World War II Stories Like “Number the Stars”
life in their new country. However, when Nazis begin occupying the Netherlands, despite its neutrality, life for Anne and her family changes and becomes increasingly complicated. Anne Frank is most well-known for the diary she kept beginning in 1942 while she and her family were in hiding from the Nazis. This carefully researched novel imagines what her life was like before the diary was written.
Amy is a librarian with Maricopa County Library District.
Growing up, some of her favorite books were the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary and the picture book, “May I bring a Friend?” by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers.
KID BOOK REVIEWER - MANU BOOK CLUB Brain Play
“NANCY DREW AND THE HIDDEN STAIRCASE”
GENRE: Fiction
SUMMARY: Nancy begins another mystery when she receives a call from her friend Helen, asking her to investigate her aunt and grandmother’s supposedly “haunted” house. After the call, an unpleasant man named Nathan Gomber tells Nancy to watch out, warning her that her father has a railroad project about to begin. Meanwhile, Willie Wharton and his friends are demanding the property back. As Nancy investigates Twin Elms— the haunted mansion—she uncovers a variety of strange clues and finds herself solving two cases at once: the mystery of the haunted house and the railroad
project. Will Nancy be able to solve the case and catch the ghost? Or will Twin Elms remain haunted forever?
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: It is the second book in the Nancy Drew mystery series. Nancy Drew books are mystery books, & when you start reading them, it’s going to be hard to stop! The chapters end with a lot of suspense, and are very thrilling and fun to read. I recommend reading the books in the series in order.
“THE GLAND FACTORY”
GENRE: Non-fiction
SUMMARY: Did you know that you have the hardest-working factory inside your body? Welcome to the gland factory! Glands are body parts that perform a function or provide a substance to your body. There are two main types of glands: goop glands & messenger glands. Glands can be
anything from your brain, to a tiny red blood cell. This book gives you a “tour” of your gland factory & is very informative. I definitely recommend it.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: It is very visually and verbally appealing. It has amazing illustrations, & the word choice is fantastic. To make the reader want to keep reading, there are some germs hidden on every page! This book teaches kids about the human body in a very fun way & is definitely worth checking out.
“MY SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN”
GENRE: Fiction
SUMMARY: This book is about a boy named Sam Gribley who, sick of living in NYC, runs away. With limited resources, Sam builds a house inside a tree, rescues a falcon, & learns a lot
during the year he lives in the wild. Sam braves blizzards and much more; his life is changed by this year.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: Sam doesn’t give up while surviving in the wild, & creates a better life for himself. Even though he has limited resources, he stays strong and has the life he wanted, even if it’s only for a year. This book is perfect for. adventurous kids. I am currently reading this book, & I have a feeling I will enjoy this book.
Nine-year-old Manu is the proud owner of her very own book club, where stories come alive. Curious by nature, she explores both the world of books and the wonders of nature with equal zeal. Manu's empathy and kindness shine brightly, lighting up the lives of everyone she meets. Check more of her book recommendations on Instagram at @alwaysastorybook and book club at @md.book.club.
ChooseYourJourney!
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange has special rewards programs just for kids and teens!
Kids Club (Birth–12 years)
Young readers and entertainment lovers get 10% o everything in the store — including books, movies, music, games, and more. Plus, Kids Club members receive a $10 birthday gift certificate each year to pick out something special!
13-17 Rewards (13–17 years)
Teens get an even bigger perk — 15% o everything in the store, from video games and electronics to books, movies, and music. Members also receive a $15 birthday gift certificate as a fun birthday surprise! Parents can sign kids up at bookmans.com.
inspiring stories
The 4-Year-Old Who Started a Hunger-Fighting Team!
Have you ever wondered if a kid could help change the world? Joshua Williams did—when he was only four years old! His big idea grew into an organization called Joshua’s Heart Foundation, which now helps thousands of families get the food they need.
Let’s learn the amazing story of how one kid decided to make the world a better place.
A Small Act of Kindness That Started Something Big
When Joshua Williams was four years old, he saw a man who didn’t have food or a home. Joshua wanted to help, so he gave the man $20 that his grandmother had given him. But Joshua kept thinking about the man and wondered, “What about all the other people who are hungry?”
That moment inspired Joshua to start Joshua’s Heart Foundation all the way back in 2005!
The mission of the foundation is simple: “Stomp Out World Hunger!” (which means working hard to end hunger everywhere).
Helping Families Every Week
Joshua’s Heart Foundation is based in North Miami Beach, Florida.
Every week, volunteers work together to give food to families who need help. Many of the volunteers are kids and teenagers, just like you.
The organization helps families get groceries so they can cook healthy meals at home.
An Amazing Impact
Joshua’s idea grew into something much bigger than he imagined.
Today, Joshua’s Heart Foundation has:
• Distributed more than 4.8 million pounds of food
• Served over 4.9 million meals
• Helped more than 600,000 people
• Raised over $3 million to fight hunger
• Inspired thousands of volunteers to help others
That’s a lot of kindness!
Kids Can Be Leaders Too
One special thing about Joshua’s Heart Foundation is that kids help lead the work. Young volunteers join programs like the Junior Advisory Board, where they share ideas and help plan ways to help the community.
Joshua believes kids can make the biggest changes in the world—and his story proves it!
Awards and Recognition
Joshua’s amazing work has earned him special honors.
One of the biggest was the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017. This award celebrates people who spend many hours helping their communities. But for Joshua, the best reward is knowing families have food to eat.
Cool Facts About Joshua Williams
• Joshua started helping people when he was only four years old.
• His organization is run with the help of many young volunteers.
• The foundation gives food to hundreds of families every week.
• Joshua travels and speaks to inspire other kids to help their communities.
Did You Know?
Hunger means not having enough food to eat regularly.
Millions of kids around the world help their communities through volunteering. Even small acts of kindness—like sharing food or helping at a food drive—can make a big di erence.
Think About This:
Imagine if every kid helped one person in their community. How many people could we help together?
Remember, the first step is always the hardest, but also the most rewarding. Maybe your idea could change the world too!
Spring Paper Plate Rainbow Garden arts & Crafts
What You'll Make
• A bright rainbow with flowers and butterflies popping out of a paper plate that can hang on a wall or window.
Materials
• 1 paper plate
• Construction paper (various colors)
• Cotton balls
• Glue or glue stick
• Child-safe scissors
• Markers or crayons
• String or yarn (optional for hanging)
• Stickers or glitter (optional)
Steps
1. Make the rainbow
• Cut the paper plate in half.
• Color or glue strips of construction paper to make a rainbow across the curved edge.
2. Add flu y clouds
• Glue cotton balls at the ends of the rainbow to make clouds.
3. Create spring decorations, cut out and decorate:
• Flowers
• Butterflies
• Grass
• Ladybugs
• Older kids can draw details like patterns on wings or petals.
4. Build the garden
• Glue the flowers and grass along the bottom of the rainbow.
• Attach butterflies above the rainbow so they look like they’re flying.
5. Make it pop (optional)
• Fold a small tab on the flowers or butterflies before gluing to make them stick out in 3D.
6. Hang it up
• Punch a small hole at the top and tie string to hang it in a window or on a wall.
Fun Variations
• Add a sun with a smiling face in the corner.
• Use real pressed flowers or leaves.
• Turn it into a “name rainbow” by writing your name across it.
Skills Kids Practice
• Fine motor skills (cutting and gluing)
• Creativity and color recognition
• Basic composition/design
Science lab
It’sMarch Already! Are you ready to have a slice of Pi? No, not the kind of pie you eat, but a kind of Pi that even the youngest mathematician can participate in. March 14 is recognized in several countries around the world as Pi Day. It’s a celebration of the most famous transcendental number, π (pronounced pie), in which 3.14 are the first digits. Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to the diameter.
In this activity, different colored paper strips are paired with numbers. The strips are then linked in the order of π (3.1415…). The chain can be as long or as short as time and interest allow.
Here are some fun facts about Pi you may want to know!
• In the United States, the designation of Pi Day started in 2009.
• Ten years later, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed March 14 as the International Day of Mathematics.
• Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Babylonians not only knew about the existence of pi, but also found its approximate values. We’re talking about 2000 B.C. here!
• Archimedes created an algorithm to approximate π in 250 B.C.
Materials:
• Construction paper of 10 different colors
• Stapler, tape or glue
How To:
• Decide which color will represent which number.
• Create your paper chain by taking
a strip of paper in the color you have chosen to represent the number 3 and making it into a loop. Close the loop with a stapler or piece of tape.
• Take a strip that represents the number 1 and thread it through your loop. Close the loop.
• Repeat with the strips that match the numbers in π so that you have a visual representation of π.
How long can you make it?
Here are the first 200 decimal places to get you started:
This activity represents the numbers in Pi. How would you want to display this when you’re done? Would you be able to explain to a friend? What did you learn about the meaning of Pi after this activity?
Ready for more?
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime in Outbreak Alert! Become a STEM Sleuth during April 3 & 6 holiday camp.
Register today at azscience.org/ camps
We invite our homeschool families to register for our upcoming Homeschool Unit Study: Into the Deep sessions taking place each Tuesday in the month of April. Register today at azscience.org
Cover story
CHANDLER CHAMBER Ostrich Festival: The Biggest Bird Party in Arizona!
ave you ever been to a festival where giant birds race, carnival rides spin, music plays, and delicious smells fill the air? That’s exactly what happens at the Chandler Ostrich
Every March, thousands of people come together for this giant celebration. It lasts two whole weekends and is packed with rides, games, concerts, shows, food, and—of course—ostriches!
The Main Event: Ostrich Races!
The stars of the festival are the ostriches, the biggest birds in the world.
Imagine stepping into a place that feels like a carnival, zoo, and concert all at once.
At the festival, these tall birds race across a track while people cheer from the stands. Some races have riders, some are pulling carts and some even look like chariot races from back in Roman times. Sometimes the races are silly because ostriches are very fast but also a little
Carnival Rides and Games
Amazing Shows and Entertainment has Festival! unpredictable! prizes.
Imagine watching a bird taller than you zoom across the field like a feathery rocket.
If you love amusement parks, you’ll love the carnival midway at the festival. There are more than 50 rides and games to try.
Some rides spin high into the sky, while others are perfect for younger kids. Popular rides include:
• The Zipper – a fast spinning ride that flips riders around
ostriches you the a
• Wave Swinger – chairs that fly through the air like you’re soaring
• Turbo Ride – a thrilling spinning ride
• Kids’ Zone rides for younger visitors
• Wave Swinger – chairs that fly through the air like you’re soaring where
Amazing Shows and Entertainment
The festival has lots of fun shows happening all day long.
You might see:
• Live music concerts from famous bands and singers
• Lumberjack shows with people chopping wood super fast
• Pig races where little pigs run a race track
There are also carnival games where you can try to win stu ed animals, toys, or
• Reptile shows where you can learn about snakes and lizards
• Stunt shows with exciting tricks and flips
• Petting zoos where kids can meet friendly animals
Have you ever watched a pig race or a stunt rider jump through the air? At this festival, you can!
Yummy Festival Foods
Walking through the festival feels like stepping into a giant outdoor food party.
You can smell sweet treats and sizzling snacks everywhere!
Some our favorites are:
• Corn dogs
• Funnel cakes with powdered sugar
• Tacos and Southwestern foods
• Elote (Mexican street corn)
• Fry bread tacos
• Even ostrich burgers for adventurous eaters
• Churros and cotton candy for dessert
Imagine eating a warm funnel cake while watching an ostrich race!
Shops and Cool Souvenirs
The festival also has vendor booths and marketplace stalls where people sell fun things.
You might get to take home a:
• Handmade ostrich feather craft
• Colorful and crazy toys
• T-shirts and hats
• and of course, they have Ostrich Festival souvenirs
It’s the perfect place to find a special memory to take home.
Why People Love the Ostrich Festival
The Chandler Ostrich Festival started many years ago to celebrate the city’s history of raising ostriches. Today, it has grown into one of the largest family fun festivals in Arizona and the Southwest!
People come for the rides, music, food, and animals—but most of all for the fun and excitement of being together.
Did You Know?
• Ostriches are the largest birds in the world.
• They can run up to 40 miles per hour!
• The festival has more than 50 rides and games.
• Big music concerts happen every night of the festival.
• The festival started after a fun ostrich race event in 1989 became very popular.
Imagine this:
You’re walking through the festival with music playing, lights spinning on carnival rides, and the smell of popcorn in the air…
Suddenly the crowd starts cheering—because a giant ostrich is racing past!
Would you cheer for the fastest bird?
Join the fun March 13-22. Visit ostrichfestival.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
JUNGLE ANIMAL SCENE! color your own
Science You Can Eat! Glow-in-the-Dark Jell-O fun food
Have you ever wished your snack could glow like a firefly? Go get your Mom or Dad and get ready to do a little kitchen science! Tonight you will be feasting on glowin-the-dark Jell-O! A tasty treat that also teaches you about light, chemistry, and nutrition.
What You’ll Learn
Cool new words that you can get to know while experimenting:
• Fluorescence – when something absorbs light and glows.
• Quinine – a natural compound in tonic water that glows under special light.
• Nutrition facts – how to understand what’s in the foods you eat.
Like any good experiment, you are going to need some tools:
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or whisk
• Measuring cup
• Jell-O molds or small cups
• Refrigerator
• Black light (UV light)
Its Mad Science Time!
Heat the Water
• Ask a parent to help heat 1 cup of water until it is boiling.
Boiling water helps the gelatin powder dissolve completely.
Dissolve the Jell-O
• Pour the gelatin powder into a bowl.
• Add the boiling water and stir until the powder is fully dissolved.
Science Fact: Gelatin is made from proteins that form tiny networks when cooled. That network traps water and turns the liquid into a wiggly gel.
Add the Secret Ingredient
• Stir in 1 cup of cold tonic water. (Optional: add 1 tablespoon sugar if you want it sweeter.)
• Science Fact: Tonic water contains a natural substance called quinine. When quinine is exposed to UV light (black light), it absorbs the invisible light and gives o visible blue-white light. This is called fluorescence.
Pour Into Molds
• Carefully pour the mixture into molds or cups.
Chill and Wait (THIS IS THE HARD PART)
• Place the molds in the refrigerator for 1–4 hours, until the Jell-O becomes firm.
• Now for the fun, its time for the Glow!
• Turn o the lights and shine a black light (UV light) on the Jell-O.
• Watch it glow blue-white!
• Without the black light, the Jell-O looks normal. The glowing happens because UV light activates the quinine.
Science + Snacks = Fun!
You just made a glowing dessert using real science. The same glowing e ect used here is also used by scientists to study chemicals, minerals, and even animals in nature. Next time you enjoy your glowing treat, remember: Science is everywhere—even in your kitchen!
Bonus Question: Can you think of other foods that might glow under a black light?
sports A Weekend with My Dad and Our Favorite Sport… BASEBALL
Written by Joey S.
Last weekend was probably the best baseball weekend of my entire life. My dad and I went to Spring Training games all over Phoenix, and it felt like baseball was everywhere. Every day we woke up early, got in the car, and drove to another stadium. It was so cool that all the stadiums are really close together, so you can see different teams and parks all in the same weekend!
I’m only 12, but after this weekend I feel like a Spring Training expert. Maybe the Cactus League will give me a job?
The First Game
On Friday after school we drove to our first game (or maybe my Dad picked me up a little early… don’t tell my Mom). I remember the second we got close to the stadium because suddenly there were people wearing jerseys everywhere. Dodgers fans, Cubs fans, Giants fans… basically every team you can think of.
The first thing I noticed was how close everything feels compared to a regular game. The stadiums are smaller, so even if you sit way up high, you can still see the players really well. Before the game we walked around and I smelled hot dogs, popcorn, and grilled sausages all at
once. My dad let me get a giant helmet of nachos, which might have been bigger than my head. When the game started, everyone cheered like it was the World Series! I found out that players were still competing for spots, so every hit and strikeout felt important.
And the coolest part? Some players stopped to sign autographs along the railings after warmups. That almost never happens during the regular season.
Two Stadiums in One Day Saturday was insane.
My dad said, “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it right,” so we went to two games in one day!
First we drove to a park across town, but the drive was only like 30 minutes. That’s one of the reasons Spring Training here is so awesome — all 15 teams play within less than 50 miles from each other. This stadium had a big grassy berm in the outfield where kids could sit or roll down the hill. Some people brought blankets and lawn chairs like it was a picnic.
I sat on the grass with a giant lemonade watching batting practice. Every time a ball came near us, kids sprinted across the grass trying to catch it. One kid actually caught a home run ball during
warmups and the entire berm cheered like he had just won the lottery.
Next, we jumped back in the car and went to another stadium for a night game. By then the crowd felt even bigger. There were fans from all over the country because people travel here to see all the Spring Training games.
Some teams are especially popular. I saw tons of Dodgers gear and Cubs hats everywhere.
For dinner we had: a giant pretzel, garlic fries, and the best churro I’ve ever eaten
Not sure Mom would have approved but, it was really good. Ballpark food just tastes better. I don’t know why.
The Final Game
By Sunday morning I was tired but also kind of sad because it was our last game.
The stadium we visited had mountains in the background behind the outfield. It looked like a video game.
This game felt different because it was more relaxed. Families were everywhere, and lots of kids had baseball gloves hoping to catch foul balls. I even got one! Well… technically it bounced off the railing and rolled toward me, but I still caught it. Best moment ever.
Later in the game a player hit a big home run and everyone stood up cheering. Even though the games don’t count in the regular season, everyone still gets really excited.
What I Learned
So Mom and Dad said that I should have a “What I Learned” portion to this so here goes. After three days of baseball, four stadiums, and way too many hot dogs, my official conclusions are:
1. Spring Training is baseball heaven. You can see tons of teams and players without traveling far.
2. The stadiums are awesome. They’re smaller, so you feel way closer to the action.
3. The crowds are super fun. Everyone is happy because baseball is back after the winter.
4. Ballpark food is undefeated. Nachos, pretzels, hot dogs, churros… I ate like a champion.
5. Kids actually have a chance to get autographs or baseballs. Which might be the best part.
My Favorite Moment
Catching that baseball on Sunday.
I put it on my desk when I got home. Every time I look at it, I remember the whole weekend.
If I could do it again next weekend, I totally would. Actually…
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a super-fast race car drove through the middle of your city? Imagine hearing a loud VROOOOM! echo between tall buildings! That’s exactly what is happening in Phoenix when a special event called the Red Bull Showrun brings a real Formula 1 (F1) race car to downtown streets.
But here’s the twist: it’s not a race—it’s an exciting show where drivers perform cool tricks and demonstrate how incredibly fast and powerful these cars are!
A Race Car Visits the City!
On March 14, 2026, East Jefferson Street in downtown Phoenix will turn into a temporary racing stage.
Drivers from Red Bull’s Formula 1 teams will drive powerful cars back and forth while thousands of people watch and cheer.
Instead of traffic and buses, the street will be filled with cars designed for the fastest racing sport in the world!
Imagine standing on the sidewalk and seeing a car zoom by faster than a roller coaster!
What Is Formula 1?
Formula 1 is the top level of car racing in the world. These cars are specially built to go extremely fast—often over 200 miles per hour on real race tracks!
They are made from super-strong materials like carbon fiber (a very strong and lightweight material).
The drivers are like athletes and engineers at the same time. They must think fast and drive even faster!
What Will People See at the Showrun?
Even though it isn’t a race, the drivers will still perform amazing moves.
Spectators may see:
• Burnouts (when tires spin and make lots of smoke)
• Drifting (sliding the car sideways in a controlled way)
• High-speed driving demonstrations
• Fan zones with games, activities, and racing displays
Some drivers expected to drive in the show include Nikola Tsolov and Scott Speed.
Best of all, the event is free for everyone to attend!
A Big Moment for Phoenix
Did you know that Formula 1 used to race in downtown Phoenix long ago?
The last real Formula 1 race there happened in 1991—more than 30 years ago!
This showrun brings the sound and excitement of those famous race cars back to the city again.
Did You Know?
• Steering wheels have over 25 buttons and switches.
• Each car is built with thousands of special parts designed by engineers.
• Formula 1 races happen all around the world—from Las Vegas to Japan.
• Pit crews can change all four tires in under 2 seconds.
Imagine if you could build your own race car. What color would it be? And how fast would you make it go?
One Arizona Boy’s Wish Changed the World did you know...
Have you ever made a wish before?
Maybe you wished for a puppy, a superhero cape, or the chance to fly in a rocket ship.
One very special wish from a boy in Arizona helped start something amazing that now brings joy to kids all over the world!
Meet Chris, the Boy With a Big Wish Back in 1980, a 7-year-old boy named Chris lived in Arizona. Chris was very sick, but he had a big dream.
He wished he could become a police o icer—one of the brave heroes who protect people and keep communities safe.
People who heard about Chris wanted to help make his wish come true.
A Day as a Real Police Hero
The Arizona Department of Public Safety worked together with a group of caring adults to give Chris the adventure of a lifetime.
Chris felt strong, brave, and full of joy.
His mom, Linda, said it was one of the happiest days she had ever seen.
How One Wish Started Something Huge
After Chris’s wish came true, the people who helped him had an important question.
“How can we help more kids feel this happy?”
• Police o icers
• SWAT team members (special police teams that help during dangerous situations)
These wishes are inspired by the brave people who protect and serve our communities every day.
A Wish That Spread Around the World
Chris didn’t just pretend to be a police o icer… he became an honorary o icer (a special title given to someone as a sign of respect).
Here’s what Chris got to do:
• Wear a real police uniform
• Help o icers during tra ic stops
• Ride in a helicopter high above the city
• Spend the day with real-life heroes
So they started something new called Make-A-Wish.
And guess what?
They began with only $37.76 in their pockets!
Kids Who Dream of Being Heroes
Today, Make-A-Wish Arizona helps kids who dream of becoming real-life heroes.
Some kids wish to be:
• Firefighters
Chris’s wish happened almost 45 years ago.
Since then, hundreds of thousands of wishes have been granted to children around the world.
All because one little boy dreamed of being a police o icer.
That’s what happens when kindness spreads like ripples in water—one small act can make a very big di erence.
HAPPENING? WHAT'S
SOUNDS OF THE OCEAN
Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington St, Phoenix
Kids of all ages are invited to experience “Sounds of the Ocean.”
An award-winning fusion of live music, ocean soundscapes and stunning, immersive underwater visuals.
March 17 - 18 azscience.org
CHANDLER OSTRICH FESTIVAL
Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler
Enjoy rides, fun food, animals, ostrich racing, and even experience a bit of Chandler’s farming history. Fun for family members of all ages. Make sure to bring your appetite for not only food, but ADVENTURE!
March 20 - 22 ostrichfestival.com
ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Arizona Renaissance Festival, 12601 E US Highway 60, Gold Canyon
Since 1989 the Arizona Renaissance Festival has been a part of Arizona’s history. Taking families back to times of knights, kings, queens, jesters and GIANT TURKEY LEGS.
March 20 - 29 arizona.renfestinfo.com
SPIRITS OF MEXICO FESTIVAL
Heritage Square, 113 N 6th St, Phoenix
This year’s festival will bring the essence of Sonora alive, featuring two days of live music, traditional dance, food trucks, Indigenous arts and crafts, tastings, a giant tortilla, cooking demonstrations and more.
March 21 - 22 spiritsofmexicofestival.com
OMNIUM: A BOLD NEW CIRCUS
Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N 16th St, Phoenix
Omnium: A Bold New Circus is a first-of-its-kind production. Showcasing a cast of extraordinary talent that is multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-abled.
March 22 omniumcircus.org
BOP AND HOP EASTER BUNNY DANCE PARTY
Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler
Join Wendel the Easter Bunny for plenty of style and lots of photo ops. Be prepared for some bunny magic, and for those who want to rock, Wendel and KIDS BOP will be throwing a Bunny dance party!
March 23 chandlerfashioncenter.com
ANNIE
Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N 60th St, Scottsdale
Based upon the popular comic strip and winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Set in New York City during the 1930s, watch Annie use equal parts pluck and positivity as she sets out to find her parents.
March 26 - 29 dftheater.org
PANDA FEST
Salt River Fields, 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale
Explore the culinary delights of over 90 di erent chefs and a curated artisan market all while enjoying theatrical performances inspired by China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond!
April 10 - 12 pandafests.com
DISNEY ON ICE ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES
Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale
Featuring new and classic tales with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and the whole gang. See the world from the rooftops of London to a carnival in the old West.
April 16 - 19 disneyonice.com
SCOTTSDALE CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR
Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix
Young business owners will run their own booths, selling handmade items, crafts, games, and creative products they’ve designed and built themselves.
April 18 childrensbusinessfair.org
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
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.
The Night a Young Superfan Met His Baseball Hero
Who is your favorite real-life sports star?
Haveyou ever had a chance to meet them! That’s exactly what happened to one very excited 8-year-old Diamondbacks fan just a few months ago.
Meet Dalton, a BIG Baseball Fan
Dalton Demicheli is an 8-year-old Diamondbacks superfan who loves baseball. But Dalton’s life hasn’t always been easy. He was born with a rare heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (a problem where the left side of the heart doesn’t grow normally).
Because of this, Dalton has already gone through three open-heart surgeries—and he’s still incredibly strong and brave.
A Dream at the Ballpark
One special night, Dalton went to Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
His favorite player is Corbin Carroll, a
speedy outfielder who hits big home runs and steals bases on the field.
And then something amazing happened…
Dalton got the chance to meet Corbin Carroll in person!
Tears of Joy
When Dalton saw his hero, he couldn’t hold back his feelings.
He started to cry happy tears because he was so excited and surprised.
For that moment, all the hospital visits and surgeries didn’t matter.
It was just a boy meeting the baseball player he admired most.
Why This Moment Was So Special
Meeting his hero meant the world to Dalton.
Moments like this can help kids feel:
• Braver during tough times
• Happy and hopeful
• Inspired to follow their dreams
Sometimes a simple act of kindness—like meeting a fan—can make a huge di erence in someone’s life.
Who Is Corbin Carroll?
Corbin Carroll is one of the star players for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Here are some cool facts about him:
• He plays Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Diamondbacks.
• He won Rookie of the Year in 2023.
• He’s famous for being one of the fastest players in baseball.
Did You Know?
• The Arizona Diamondbacks play their games at Chase Field in Phoenix.
• Baseballs are typically made of cork or rubber and covered in leather.
• Professional athletes often love meeting young fans because it reminds them why they love the game.
Imagine this:
If you could meet any sports hero in the world, who would it be—and what would you ask them?
