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Hi Everybody!
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.
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
Career Day
MEET KARA HAMMAN
Large Carnivore Keeper at Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Kara Hamman
Profession: Large Carnivore
Keeper at Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde, Arizona.
Age: 27 years old
What do you do for a living?
I work at Out of Africa Wildlife Park and Sanctuary in the carnivore department. I provide care for a number of different animals like wolves, bears, tigers and lions. My day as a zookeeper involves cleaning habitats, preparing diets, providing vet care and enrichment for the animals.
What type of training do you need for your job?
Zookeepers have a lot of backgrounds. I personally got a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Conservation Biology. I then went into Environmental Education, where the classroom is outside and I taught kids about different ecosystems. A lot of the lessons involved our ambassador animals like birds of prey, snakes and small mammals. From there, I decided I wanted to be involved in more animal care and most of my training included hands on experience at the different facilities where I have worked.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love many things about my my job
which makes it hard to pick! One of the best times times of the day is when we give the animals enrichment. Enrichment is something that that gives animals a creative outlet for physical activity and mental exercise. One way we do this at Out of Africa is our Tiger Splash show. With the Tiger Splash we are able to provide play, exercise and trigger their natural hunting instincts all in one!
What did you want to be when you grow up?
I’ve had a love for animals since I was a little girl. I have always told people I wanted to take care of lions and monkeys. My favorite channel to
watch was Animal Planet and I was greatly inspired by the legend, Steve Irwin. I always knew I was going to work with animals in some capacity and help conserve the natural world. What advice would you give to a kid who wants to have a similar career?
You can do anything you put your mind to! If you want to work with ani-mals, you can start getting hands on experience now. You can volunteer at your local animal shelters, farms or even start your own dog walking business. I also watched a lot of animal documentaries and read books that gave me a lot of useful information that still use today.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I like to hike and kayak and spend time outdoors. You can always find me lounging by the river in the summertime!
Give us one fun fact about you that is NOT about your job?
I like to thrift shop and have collection of vintage jackets.
ST. PATRICK'S SCENE color your own
Kindness Everywhere!
Imagine if one small idea could help people all over the country.
That’s exactly what happened with a kid named Jahkil Jackson!
Meet Jahkil
Jahkil was just 8 years old when he noticed something important.
He saw people in his community who didn’t have enough food or supplies. Instead of walking by, he asked himself, “How can I help?” That question changed everything.
The Big Idea
Jahkil decided to make “Blessing Bags.” These were simple care packages filled with things people need every day.
Each bag included items like:
• Socks
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Snacks
• Water
Jahkil gave these bags to people who needed help, along with a smile and kind words.
Project I Am Is Born
Soon, Jahkil’s idea grew bigger and bigger! He
inspiring stories The Boy Who Spread Kindness Everywhere!
started a group called Project I Am, which helped many more people. Other kids and adults joined in to help make and share Blessing Bags too.
Jahkil showed everyone that you don’t have to be grown-up to make a di erence.
Why Jahkil Is a Hero Jahkil didn’t need superpowers. His superpower was kindness.
He taught the world that:
• You can help others at any age.
• Small actions can make a big impact.
• Caring about people makes the world better. Did You Know?
• Jahkil’s project has helped thousands of people.
• He started helping others before he was even 10
• He started helping others before he was even 10 years old.
• His story inspires kids around the world to help in their own way.
So… have you ever wondered what YOU could do to help someone today?
Just like Jahkil, your small idea might turn into something amazing!
By Andrea, Maricopa County Library District
Bob Shea has written many deliciously funny picture books like “Dinosaur vs. Bedtime”, “The Scariest Book Ever” and “Ballet Cat.” If you’ve already gobbled up this collection of books, and are hungry for more books that are silly, clever, and sometimes heartwarming, here are a few recommendations from other authors that are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud!
“ECHO” BY ADAM REX
Junior refuses to be friends with anyone who doesn’t acknowledge that he is right about everything all the time. That’s why he and Echo are so tight. But Junior soon learns that a friend who agrees with everything you say may not be the most fun or most interesting kind of friend!
“HOW TO COUNT TO ONE (AND DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT BIGGER NUMBERS!)” BY CASPAR SALMON, ILLUSTRATED BY MATT HUNT
There are lots of fun things to count in this book, but there is just one rule you must follow. You must ONLY ever count to ONE. Think you can follow the rules? The funny illustrations in the book may tempt you to break the rules and count to a bigger number than one (but maybe you’d better not!). Get ready for laughs as you outsmart the author in this silly book!
“I CAN BE ANYTHING” BY SHINSUKE
YOSHITAKE
A little girl eagerly demonstrates her talent for impersonation and insists her mom guess what item or emotion she is portraying. As you
BOOK CLUB Brain Play Guaranteed Giggles!
turn pages to learn the correct answers, the silly illustrations will make you laugh out loud, especially Natsumi imitating a bulldozer and her mom’s overcooked broccoli!
Andrea Bastek is a library paraprofessional at Maricopa County Library District. She believes you are never too old to enjoy picture books! Her work is often interrupted when a beautiful picture book crosses her desk. Some of her favorite illustrators of all time are Kadir Nelson (The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander), Jerry Pinkney (The Lion & the Mouse), Trina Schart Hyman (retelling of Little Red Riding Hood), and Garth Williams (Charlotte’s Web.)
KID BOOK REVIEWER - MANU BOOK CLUB Brain Play
EINSTEIN THE PENGUIN: THE CASE OF THE FISHY DETECTIVE
AUTHOR: Iona Rangeley
ILLUSTRATOR: David Tazzyman
GENRE: Fiction
SUMMARY: Einstein returns in this classic book where Imogen, Arthur, and Einstein begin to try settling things with Bill Hunter. But something seems fishy about this retired detective... or is he? Imogen and Arthur try to crack the case of Einstein and Isaac going missing right in Bill Hunter’s studio. Just two things set them apart from catching the thief. Bill was next to him the whole time, and he forgave them for them tying him up, literally! Will Imogen and Arthur capture the culprit in time? Or is this case too hard for them?
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: This book is the 2nd out of a 3-book series. I like that this book is very suspenseful and keeps you on your toes. Einstein is very special to them and they work very hard to find him and Isaac. This shows that when you love and care about something from the bottom of your heart, you would do anything to find them. Imogen and Arthur show this perfectly when they try to find Einstein because they care about him.
SOUP’S ON AROUND THE WORLD
AUTHOR: Denyse Waissbluth
ILLUSTRATOR: Chelsea O’ Byrne
GENRE: Non-Fiction/Poetry
SUMMARY: This book is about soup’s around the world. It has a very nice rhyming poem which is accompanied by a story that goes with the line. From hot Thai soup to cold Spanish soup, this book will definitely make you hungry for SOUP!!!!! You
will finish this book knowing a lot more about soup. You might even try some of the soups you heard about! It takes readers on a trip around the world and has amazing illustrations.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: This book is very informational and has very good information about soups from different cultures and from all over the world. When I first looked at this book, I didn’t think Its going to my favorite but But when I spent some time with it, I found it very nice. This taught me to never judge a book by its coverliterally! This book also has a very good poem about soups. I think I am going to keep this book on our kitchen counter for inspiration.
KID OLYMPIANS- WINTER- TRUE TALES OF CHILDHOOD FROM CHAMPIONS & GAME CHANGERS
AUTHOR: Robin Stevenson
ILLUSTRATOR: Allison Steinfeld
GENRE: Non-Fiction
SUMMARY: This book is about the game changers and champions of the Olympic games- winter edition! It has stories about figure skaters, hockey players, skiers, ice dancers, snowboarders, and much more. These stories are true and are accompanied by MARVELOUS pictures. These stories usually take 5-15 minutes to read so they can be perfect bedtime stories
or can just be for fun when you are taking a break. I love this book and highly recommend it.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: This book is a very nice book. It teaches the reader amazing skills like hard work and motivation or to never give up. The amazing illustrations accompanied with the marvelous stories with these skills in them make this a really great 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!
Headliners A Trip to Space— Without Leaving School!
Arizona Students Are Exploring the International Space Station
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to float in space like an astronaut? Students at ASU Prep Polytechnic STEM Academy in Mesa are finding out—using virtual reality!
This exciting adventure is part of a year-long project called “Our Year in Orbit.” And it’s helping kids get ready for something amazing: talking live with astronauts in space!
A Virtual Blast-O !
students think of smart and curious questions. Then, they get to talk in real time with astronauts on the ISS using radio signals.
That means kids on Earth will speak directly to people living in space. How cool is that?!
How Is This Possible?
These lucky students in grades K–6 are putting on special VR headsets. In seconds, they are transported to:
• Kennedy Space Center
• Outer space
• The International Space Station (ISS)
It feels like they are really there—even though their feet are still on the ground!
Life on the Space Station
Inside the ISS, students go on a guided scavenger hunt. They explore how astronauts live and work every day.
They learn things like:
• Where astronauts sleep
• How they eat food
• How they float instead of walk
Students can move around freely and even see where their classmates are in the virtual space. It’s teamwork—in orbit!
Getting Ready to Talk to Astronauts
This space tour helps the
This project is part of a program called ARISS (Amateur Radio on the International Space Station). That’s a big name, but it means something simple: helping kids learn science and talk to astronauts using radio waves. The program is supported by:
• NASA
• Science and space organizations
• Amateur radio experts
All working together to bring space closer to kids.
Did You Know?
• The ISS orbits Earth about every 90 minutes
• Astronauts see 16 sunrises and sunsets each day
• Virtual reality lets you explore places you can’t visit in real life
• Kids can ask astronauts questions from their own school!
So imagine putting on a headset and floating through space. Who knows—maybe one day you will be the astronaut answering kids’ questions from orbit!
Science lab PUMP IT UP
It’s February! The month of flowers, candy, and making a special someone smile! Even though this month is all about love, it also marks American Heart Month, an observance to recognize the importance of heart health in people of all ages, and a call to action to implement healthy lifestyle practices for the best outcomes. A healthy heart matters at every age. Building good habits early helps children develop healthy routines that can last a lifetime. With that in mind, there are many ways to learn about the importance of this crucial organ. Here is a fun way to help show the power behind your pump in a minute-to-win-it game called Pump It Up. By using a sponge to represent the heart, and water to represent blood in the body, kids can time themselves to move as much liquid from one container to the other in one minute. This is a fun way to illustrate the amount of blood your heart can pump in 60 seconds.
Here are some fun facts about the hardestworking organ in our body!
• Your heart beats about 115,000 times each day.
• It pumps around 2,000 gallons (or 7,500 litres) of blood every single day.
• The sound of your heartbeat is made by the heart’s valves opening and closing.
• The heart has its own electrical system that tells it when to beat.
MATERIALS:
• Two large mixing bowls
• Water
• A sponge
HOW TO:
• Fill one large mixing bowl halfway with water and leave the other empty.
• Have a 60-second timer on a stopwatch or phone timer ready to go.
• As soon as the player begins, start the timer
• Use the sponge to soak up as much water as possible
• Transfer water from the sponge by squeezing it into the empty bowl.
• You will have to transfer all the liquid to the empty bowl in one minute!
WHAT DID YOU OBSERVE?
This activity represents how the heart pumps blood throughout the body. How is the sponge like a real heart? What did you notice while you were transferring the liquid? How long would you be able to do this if there were no time limit? Would you get tired? Why do you think the heart is made of strong muscle? What would happen if your heart got tired and stopped pumping? Why is it important for blood to keep moving? How do hearts become stronger? What heart-healthy activities can you do at home that would help your heart stay healthy and keep your heart strong? READY
FOR MORE?
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime in Outbreak Alert! Survival Science Spring Break Camp March 9-13. Imagine a world where everything has changed, and it’s up to YOU to use science to stay safe and thrive. Learn how to create your own survival gear, build safe shelters, and discover the science behind infectious diseases. Register today at azscience.org/camps
Building a Giant Brain! How Students Rebuilt the World’s First Computer—80 Years Later
Haveyou ever wondered what computers looked like a long time ago?
Not laptops. Not tablets. But a computer so big it filled an entire room!
At PS Academy Arizona in Gilbert, students did something incredible. They rebuilt the world’s first electronic computer—and they built it full size!
What Was ENIAC?
The computer was called ENIAC (that’s short for a very long name!). It was created in the 1940s and helped start the digital world we live in today.
When ENIAC was first built:
• It filled a whole room
• It weighed as much as six elephants
• It used thousands of glowing tubes to work
• This year—80 years later—students brought ENIAC back to life!
Built by Students, Piece by Piece
Over six months, students at worked together to build a 1:1 replica (that means the same size as the original).
Their ENIAC:
• Covered 500 square feet
• Had 45 large sections
• Included 18,000 pretend vacuum tubes, added one by one
• That’s a LOT of careful work!
A Big Project with a Big Leader
The project was led by Mr. Tom Burick, the school’s technology teacher. He has worked with robots, computers, and big tech companies.
Mr. Burick believed the students could do something amazing—and he was right.
Every student helped by:
• Researching old photos and drawings
• Measuring and building parts
• Cutting, painting, and assembling pieces
• No job was too small. Everyone mattered.
Why This Project Was So Special Many of the students learn differently and sometimes struggle in regular classrooms. But when they
were trusted with a real, important project, something wonderful happened.
• Quiet students spoke up
• Students needing support showed great skill
• Confidence grew bigger every day
• Families were amazed by what their kids could do.
Sharing the Story with the World
Computer experts from museums and universities are excited about the project. Students may even get to present their work to people around the world during ENIAC’s anniversary celebration. Did You Know?
• ENIAC was the first electronic computer ever made
• Today’s phones are way more powerful than ENIAC
• This is the first full ENIAC rebuild in over 70 years
So imagine building something HUGE that helped change history. If these students can rebuild a giant computer from the past…what amazing thing could you build next?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be 10 years old and already changing the world? Well, meet King Moore—a kid with BIG dreams, a BIG voice, and an even BIGGER heart!
King Moore is a talented performer and he has already done amazing things. But now, he’s doing something even more special… he’s helping kids around the world!
A Kid Star with a Big Mission
By age 10, King Moore has already:
• Performed on America’s Got Talent
• Appeared on The Tamron Hall Show
• Sang at the BET Awards
• Spoken at the White House
• Performed the national anthem in a huge arena!
Wow! That’s a lot for someone who’s still in elementary school!
BEEPICIN2026
The Brand-New World Campaign
King started a nonprofit (a group that helps others) called the Kicks 2 Grow Foundation. Now he is launching something called the Brand-New World Campaign.
This campaign brings kids from more than 10 countries together to:
• Make music
• Share cultures
• Work as a team
• Help people in need
Kids will also help deliver:
• Shoes
• Clothes
• Food
• Other important supplies
King’s dad said music is special because it helps kids understand each other— even if they speak di erent languages!
King says: “Kids make up 50% of the population, but we are 100% of the future!”
That means kids are super important, and they can make a di erence right now.
Music, Travel, and Big Dreams
Over the next 8 to 10 months, King and kids from around the world will work
together. They may even make a movie about the project someday!
King has also:
• Toured across the U.S. performing music
• Acted in movies and commercials
• Released an album called History Made
• Started working on a book Did You Know?
• King Moore is only 10 years old
• His campaign has reached places in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America
• He uses music to help kids work together and help others
So… imagine if YOU started a “brandnew world” project at your school. What would YOU create to make the world better?
OWITHZAZA
SPORTS WITHZAZA
My First Time at the WM Phoenix Open
ne of the coolest days ever happened recently when my mom and I played hooky from school and went to the WM Phoenix Open. It was my first time ever, and I was lucky enough to go on the Pro Am day when celebrities play with the pro golfers.
My mom’s friend, Kaley O’Kelley from ABC15 was volunteering that day. She was working with Kevin Sonoda, who helps lead all the volunteers at the Open. We found them walking with Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Trey McBride from the Arizona Cardinals, who were both playing that day along with Jacoby Brissett!
Kevin and Kaley let me walk the green with the guys. I am a huge D-backs fan, so walking next to Merrill Kelly felt unreal. I'm a pitcher just like him.
About an hour later, Kevin told Kaley to text my mom because they had a surprise for me on the 13th hole. When I got there, they somehow had a baseball. How did they find a baseball on the golf course?!!! They arranged this to help me celebrate my birthday, and right there on the 13th green, Merrill Kelly signed it for me.
I showed Merrill my pitching motion, and he told me my follow through was great. That meant a lot to me. After that, I walked with him again, and it felt like we were just hanging out.
What made it even better was how nice Merrill was. He actually talked to me. He even told me he hoped he would see me again later that day. I thought that was awesome!
To top the day o , we got to walk under the tunnel and onto the The 16th hole. There was a DJ, tons of people, and so much noise. It was a huge party! I stood right behind the guys while they took their swings: Trey McBride, Archie Bradley, and Merrill all on the 16th. It was loud, fun, and something I will never forget.
Everyone was so nice. They made the day unforgettable. I wanted to write about it mostly to thank Kevin and Kaley. I will always remember my first time at the WMPO. ProAm day is the best, especially because now I have a new friend in Merrill.
Headliners
Hot Desert Talent on the Ice!
Two Arizona Youth Hockey Teams Head to a Famous International Tournament
Have you ever dreamed of playing your favorite sport on a world stage? This winter, two youth hockey teams from Arizona are doing just that!
The Arizona Bobcats and the Elite Jr. Sun Devils—made up of 11- and 12-year-old players—have been invited to one of the biggest youth hockey events in the world: the Quebec International PeeWee Hockey Tournament in Canada.
A Huge Hockey Adventure
Every year in February this “cool” tournament takes place in Quebec City, Canada. More than 120 teams from over 20 countries will compete.
That means kids from Arizona will play hockey against teams from places like:
• Canada
• Europe
• Other parts of the United States
This tournament has helped launch the careers of many of the most famous hockey stars of all time. Wow!
Why This Invitation Is Special
Not every team gets invited. Being chosen means these Arizona players worked very hard and showed great teamwork and skill.
A hockey coach explained that this tournament is where future hockey stars are born. For Arizona teams to be invited shows that Arizona hockey belongs on the global stage!
A Proud Arizona History
The Arizona Bobcats have a special connection to this tournament. Back in 2015, the Bobcats won the entire championship—something only a few teams outside Canada have ever done!
That big win showed the world what Arizona kids can achieve with dedication and support.
More Than Just Hockey
This trip isn’t only about playing games. Players will stay with French-Canadian host families, called billeting.
They will:
• Experience daily life in Quebec
• Learn about a new culture
• Hear both French and English spoken
• Grow more confident being away from home
• For many players, this will be their first international adventure!
Helping the Teams Get There
Local Arizona Community Groups are helping make this trip possible by supporting travel and tournament costs.
Families, coaches, and supporters are working together so every player can take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Did You Know?
• The Quebec tournament began in 1960
• Over 120,000 fans attend each year
• Many NHL stars played in this tournament as kids
• Hockey is one of the most popular sports in Canada
So imagine skating onto the ice, wearing your team jersey, and representing your state in front of the world. Who knows? One day, you might be the next young player chasing a big hockey dream!
headliners A Team That Changes the Game!
How
One School and One
Have you ever wondered what happens when everyone is given a real chance to shine?
At a school in Gilbert, something very special is happening—and it’s changing sports forever!
Meet The School
PS Academy Arizona is a school in Gilbert made especially to support neurodiverse students. Neurodiverse means kids who learn and think in di erent ways, including students with autism or ADHD. But PS Academy isn’t just about schoolwork. It’s also about sports, confidence, and believing in yourself.
A First-of-Its-Kind Basketball Team
PS Academy made history by becoming the first high school in Arizona for neurodiverse students to have competitive boys’ AND girls’ basketball teams.
Amazing Girl Are Making History in Arizona
These teams don’t just play schools like theirs. They play traditional high school teams—and guess what? They often win!
Meet One of The Star Players
Now let’s meet Maci, a 13-year-old eighth grader who loves basketball.
Maci is on the autism spectrum, and she is an incredible point guard (the player who leads the team). Coaches are so impressed that they call her “Mini Caitlin Clark,” after a famous basketball star!
In her first girls’ game, Maci scored:
• 37 points — wow!
In her first boys’ game, she added:
• 17 points
• 7 assists (passes that help teammates score)
That’s amazing for any player—especially at the high school level!
Playing Her Way
During games, Maci wears ear plugs. They help her block out loud noises so she can stay calm and focused.
Even with ear plugs in, she stays:
• Cool under pressure
• Smart with her plays
• Determined to help her team
That’s true strength!
A School That Helps Kids Thrive
Maci used to struggle in crowded classrooms. At her new school they have smaller classes and extra support help her grow.
Now she:
• Practices basketball every day
• Plays club basketball
• Leads her team with confidence
With family and friends that believe in her and a school that supports her, she
is more than just succeeding –she’s EXTRAORDINARY.
More Than Basketball
PS Academy’s basketball program is supported by the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. But winning games isn’t the main goal.
The teams learn:
• Teamwork
• Confidence
• Resilience (never giving up)
• Life skills for the real world
Did You Know?
• Maci is one of the youngest players on the court
• Inclusion means giving everyone a chance to succeed
So imagine if every kid was supported like Maci. What amazing things can you do with the support of those who believe in you?
sports Lets Play Ball in the Desert!
The Arizona Cactus League Spring Training Adventure Begins!
Haveyou ever wondered where baseball teams get ready for a brand-new season? Imagine sunny skies, green fields in the desert, and baseball stars practicing just a few feet away. Welcome to Arizona Cactus League Spring Training!
Every spring, before the regular season begins, Major League Baseball teams come to Arizona to practice, play games, and have fun. This year the Cactus League celebrates 78 years and is once again bringing the excitement, fans, and lots of baseballs flying through the air!
Why Arizona?
A long time ago, baseball teams practiced in places that were cold and rainy. That made it hard to train! In the 1940s and 1950s, teams started coming to Arizona instead.
• Warm, sunny weather
• Dry air that keeps fields in good shape
• Short travel between stadiums
Because of this, Arizona became the perfect place for spring training. Over time, more and more teams joined in, and the Cactus League was born!
Who Plays in the Cactus League?
In 2026, 15 Major League teams will train in Arizona. That’s almost half of all MLB teams!
Some of the teams you can see include:
• Arizona Diamondbacks
• Los Angeles Dodgers
• Chicago Cubs
• San Francisco Giants
• San Diego Padres
• Oakland Athletics
• Kansas City Royals
• Texas Rangers
Teams practice and play games in cities like Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Surprise, and Peoria. Many stadiums are only about 30 minutes apart, which makes it easy for fans to see more than one game in a day!
What Makes Spring Training Special?
Spring training games are more relaxed and fun. Players practice new skills, and kids can get closer to the action.
You might see:
• Players signing autographs
• Home runs flying into the crowd
• Mascots dancing and making jokes
• It’s baseball mixed with sunshine and smiles!
Fun Baseball Facts!
• A baseball has 108 stitches
• The fastest pitches can go over 100 miles per hour
• Spring training games don’t count in the regular season, so teams can try new things
• Some players you see practicing could become future superstars
Did You Know?
• The Cactus League hosted over 220 games last year alone
• Players often practice in the morning and play games in the afternoon
• Many kids see their first live baseball game at spring training
So next time you see a baseball game on TV, imagine those players warming up under the Arizona sun. Who knows? Maybe one day you will be training in the desert, too—glove on, cap tilted, ready to play ball!
WHAT’S THE WHAT’S THE
POMPEII - THE EXHIBITION
Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington St, Phoenix
Finishing its North American tour in Phoenix, the exhibition takes you into the lives of the residents of Pompeii before and after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D.
ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Ren Fest Fairgrounds, 12601 E US Highway 60, Gold Canyon
Escape the modern world and immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of chivalry, games and feasting. Join Kings, Queens, Knights, Jesters and more for a day of fun and frolic.
PINKALICIOUS
Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W Paradise Ln, Peoria
Based upon the book by Victoria and Elizabeth Kann. Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes. Soon those pink snacks turn her pink from head to toe.
WestWorld
english.
PUFFS
Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N 1 St, Phoenix st
For seven years a certain boy went to a certain wizard school. This is not his story. This is the story of Puffs.. who happened to be there too. A tale for those who are not destined to save the world.
Glendale
Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E Mayo Blvd,
TOUCH-A-TRUCK FOR CAMP PATRICK
N Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N Central Ave, Phoenix
Get up and personal with friends and family for a chance to get hands on with fire trucks, police cars, tractors, race cars and so much more! A day of amazing opportunities!
MEET INDY CAR DRIVER ALEXANDER ROSSI
Dave & Busters, 21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix
Shake hands with a real Indy Car Driver! Indianapolis 500 winner
Alexander Rossi will be appearing for one day to take pictures, talk about racing and inspire young new racers.
DAN DAN THE PUPPET MAN
Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W Latham St, Phoenix
Strings, laughs and a whole lot of puppet magic! Join Marionette Magic with Dan Dan the Puppet Man for a fun for the whole family event.
CACTUS LEAGUE - SPRING TRAINING
Throughout the Valley, Visit online for times & locations
Join the Diamondbacks, Cubs, White Sox, Reds, Cardinals, Rockies, Royals, Angels Dodgers, Breweres, A’s, Padres, Giants, Mariners and Rangers for fun at 10 different ballparks.
LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL
Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix
The 9 Annual Lunar New Year Festival returns to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. Enjoy cultural dances, tai chi demonstrations, art and more.
SCOTTSDALE CAMP FAIR
Chaparral High School, 6935 E Gold Dust Ave, Scottsdale Finding the perfect summer camp just got easier at this unforgettable day of exploration and discovery. Meet the best in-state and out of state camps programs in the country!
LOST DUTCHMAN DAYS RODEO
Rodeo Park, 1590 E Lost Dutchman Blvd, Apache Junction
Be part of this 65 Annual rodeo event. Events include: bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback racing, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, breakaway roping and more!
MELROSE STREET FAIR
Melrose District, 7 Avenue from Camelback to Indian School th
The Melrose 7 Avenue Street Fair covers over half a mile with over 200 amazing local artists, food trucks, live music, farmers market, kids zone and more. Including over 100 classic cars!
Feb 28
th FLASHLIGHT NIGHTS
melrosemerchants.com
Desert Botanical Gardens, 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix
Discover the Sonoran Desert after dark. Bring a flashlight and explore the garden at night. Enjoy hands-on activities that reveal the beauty and mystery of the desert.
Feb 28 - Mar 28
SHEN YUN
Phoenix Symphony Hall, 75 N 2 St, Phoenix nd
dbg.org
The beauty of divine beings dancing. The gong resounds, the curtain opens, and fairies emerge from a sea of billowing clouds. Join the millions who have seen these divine dancers.
Mar 5 - Mar 8
shenyun.com
PHOENIX SUNS VS. CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Mortgage Matchup Center, 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix
Bring your family and friends to celebrate Jewish Heritage Night with the Phoenix Suns as they take on the Charlotte Hornets. Every ticket comes with a limited-edition Jewish Heritage Jersey. suns.com
Mar 8
FIRST FRIDAY
Downtown Phoenix, Roosevelt to Washington 7 St to 19 Ave th th
Whats grown from Roosevelt Row to encompass all of downtown, First Friday includes free admission and special discounts at numerous museums, gardens and retailers.
Mar 6
THE CHANDLER OSTRICH FESTIVAL
visitphoenix.com
Rawhide Western Town, 5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler
A tradition of more than 30 years, the festival not only pays tribute to Chandler’s early ranching history, its a maze of family-friendly fun, entertainment, carnival rides and more.
Mar 13 - Mar 22
shenyun.com
Spring Garden Jar Craft arts & Crafts
What You’ll Make:
• A clear jar filled with paper flowers, cute bugs, and spring decorations—like a mini “spring world” you can display at home!
Supplies Needed:
• 1 clean mason jar or clear plastic container
• Construction paper (green, pink, yellow, blue)
• Scissors
• Glue stick or tape
• Markers or crayons
• Pipe cleaners (optional)
• Cotton balls (optional for clouds)
• Small pebbles, dried beans, or shredded paper (for the bottom)
Cut green paper into a strip and snip the top to look like grass. Place it inside the jar so it wraps around the bottom.
• Add “Soil”
Pour in pebbles, beans, or shredded paper at the bottom. This helps your jar garden look real!
• Create Spring Flowers
Cut out simple flowers from paper. You can glue them to pipe cleaners or tape them to folded paper stems.
• Make Cute Spring Bugs
Draw and cut out:
• ladybugs
• butterflies
• bees
• worms
• Add silly faces if you want!
Build Your Scene
• Put the flowers and bugs into the jar. Parents can help tape or glue pieces so they stay upright.
Decorate the Outside
Write a title like:
• “My Spring Garden”
• “Bloom Time!”
• “Bug City!”
• Add stickers or draw extra decorations on the jar.
Fun Add-On
Ideas:
• Add cotton clouds and a paper sun
• Make a rainbow strip
• Add a tiny paper sign that says “Welcome Spring!”
• Hide a paper Easter egg inside Did You Know?
• Spring o icially begins in March (called the Spring Equinox)
• Butterflies taste with their feet!
• Flowers grow toward sunlight, which is called phototropism (plants turning toward light)
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 623.776.8400.
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.
