By Kimberly Hosey
The predominant look on my son’s face as we walked through the new facilities of Kids That Rip Family Action Sports Centers at 1050 E. Pecos Rd., Chandler, was intimidation—followed closely by excitement. I can’t say I blame him on either count.
With sprawling space and equipment for playing, partying and working out—as well as a huge bowl, huge skating and parkour areas, trampolines, a ninja warrior course and more—the indoor skate park and sports center can be a bit overwhelming at first glance.
After we spent a few minutes there, however, we began to feel excited by the options and welcomed by the community atmosphere.
Kids That Rip just opened its newest center in Chandler this fall, and it’s already drawing crowds. From morning workouts to teen house parties, you’ll find something for everyone in your family.
The welcoming atmosphere, expertise of the staff and world-class facilities attract a wide range of skill levels to KTR—a quality welcomed and fostered by the center, said David Bower (known to many longtime KTR-ers as “Coach Dave”), general manager of the Chandler facility.
Even seating areas feature large benches and stools as well as indoor decor to make the sidelines feel more like a hangout than, well, the sidelines.
“We want people to come together,” Bower said, emphasizing the family approach of the center, both in terms of family friendliness and in building a larger “family” while working out your bodies.
Kids That Rip is an idea and institution founded in 2007 by Geoff Eaton. Kids That Rip Skateboard School in Mesa, a 40,000-square-foot playground and training facility, has already produced eight X Games appearances, two Guinness World Records and more from kids still in grade or middle school. That’s certainly more impressive than my biggest skateboard accomplishment to date: staying on the board for about 20 seconds.
With franchises potentially going global, it’s an idea that’s taken off as successfully as its skaters.
Monthly memberships cost $99 a month for an individual and $199 a month for a family, or you can play till you drop on a day pass for $20 or $40 for a family. Membership includes just about
everything but the cafe’s food (which you can purchase on site and eat in community-style seating designed to foster a community atmosphere). With entrance, guests have access to open play as well as unlimited educational clinics.
Not everyone’s ready to go pro, and that’s fine with KTR.
“What we’ve found is that there’s a small percentage who really want to take it to the next level, but most kids just want to come play,” Bower said.
To accommodate both groups, he said, the center offers both ongoing open gym hours and specialized classes taught by experts. Some kids “graduate” from casual open-gym play to the tougher classes, which are often taught by professionallevel instructors.
If you or your kids are looking for expert training, you can find beginner, intermediate and advanced classes in tumbling, skating and scootering, parkour, cheer, trampoline and Ninja training.
You can also bring a team for a dodge ball tournament on select days, or join a team. (Don’t worry; they use foam balls.) Mini-sports are offered for athletes 6 and younger, with offerings including Mom and Me, Workout and Waffles, Parkour Obstacle Course Adventure, leagues and Parents Night Out. Adults are covered, too, with weightlifting, combine training and boot camp offered several times each week for everyone 14 and older.
The center also offers special nights for BMX riders Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as teen house parties every Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Private birthday parties, complete with a party host, pizzas, sodas and full access, also are available.
After taking in the parkour course (“Geez, Mom, you didn’t know what that was?”), watching some talented tumblers on the largest air floor in the
world, surveying the dodge ball court and marveling as a pint-sized skater nailed a rail slide and headed for the world’s deepest indoor bowl, my son was ready to try the trampolines. He stowed his shoes in a cubby (any valuables such as cellphones can be checked at the front desk), hopped over the protective pads onto one of many individual trampolines and jumped—and I mean jumped. With several trampolines and two professional-quality, superbouncy spots, kids can get extra spring and air in each jump—whether they’re looking to try some tricks, build coordination or just jump.
With bouncing under his belt, my son headed to the edge of the jumping area for some more serious leaping. Here, staffers are ready to spot or supervise kids as they try everything from a simple jump and seat drop to front and back flips, twists and handsprings. My son opted for the former, and ended up with more of a belly/back flop than a seat drop, but hey, he landed in a professional airbag, like stunt performers use. That’s gotta count for some cred, right?
I don’t know if my son will ever be popping an ollie—or even standing confidently on a skateboard—but we still found tons to love here. He’s not sure if he wants to come back to learn scooter tricks, to fly into that airbag a few more hundred times or to train like a Ninja, but he’s definitely sure he’ll be back.
Visit Kids That Rip (KTR Centers) at kidsthatrip.com to find out more, check the schedule for open and special event hours, sign a waiver and register for classes.
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Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Welcome the holiday season at Chandler’s annual Festival of Lights and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Thousands gather for this unique Southwestern festival that includes a beautiful Parade of Lights, live music, numerous vendors and entertainment for the whole family. Watch as Mayor Jay Tibshraeny lights the 35-foot tall Tumbleweed Tree and marks the start of the merriest time of the year. Downtown Chandler and Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. (480) 782-2727, www. chandleraz.gov.
6 Run for Broxton, 9 a.m. The fourth annual Run for Broxton 5K Run/Walk will be held at Freestone Park in honor of those affected by Batten Disease and in loving memory of Broxton Taylor. All proceeds will go to the Batten Disease Support and Research Foundation. Freestone Park, 1045 Juniper Rd., Gilbert, Equestrian Trail. 5K: $25 to$40; 1 mile: $15 to $30. http://runforbroxton.com/
7 After-School Nature Walk, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. End the day with a relaxing walk through the great outdoors at Veterans Oasis Park. Explore the park’s wildlife and the cool winter air during this evening after-school nature walk. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2890, www.chandleraz.gov.
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Holiday Chefs in the Making, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Make a cute holiday apron and then bake delicious holiday treats. Expand your culinary skills with fun, sweet and easy recipes during each class. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 7822900, www.chandleraz.gov.
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“Wrap it up!” 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Master the art of gift wrapping this holiday season. Impress family and friends with vintage decorations, intricate folds and flashy paper ornaments. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov.
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Tumbleweed Tumble Tots, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. young children can enjoy playing in this fun, safe and clean area. Toys, equipment and activities are provided. Parental/guardian supervision is required. Maximum of four children per adult. Ages 5 and younger only. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweed.
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Holiday Desserts with Dad, 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Children can have fun making, then eating, yummy holiday treats with their fathers. Tumbleweed
Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www. chandleraz.gov.
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“Hour of Code” with Minecraft, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join other game enthusiasts, navigate Minecraft’s unique code and learn the makeup of one of the world’s most famous video games. Ages 6 to 18. Hamilton Library, Computer Lab, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2828, http:// chandlerlibrary.org/.
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Santa’s House, various times. Children can visit Santa’s House at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park and get a free picture taken with the jolly old man with rosyred suit. Santa’s House will be open from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 5; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 12, and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 19. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2727, www.chandleraz.gov.
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Monogrammed Notecard Set, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Chandler teens can learn to make personalized, monogrammed notecards. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz. gov.
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Bikes, Bounce and Boogie, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bikes, Bounce and Boogie is sure to brighten a child’s morning. There will be bikes, pedal cars, trikes, pedal push cars, a bounce house and music for children to enjoy. Parental/guardian supervision is required. Maximum of four children per adult. Ages 5 and younger only. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz. gov.
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Arizona Antique Market, times vary. Check out a variety of unique items from the 1800s and 1900s at the Arizona Antique Market. 860 N. 54th St., Chandler. Free. (602) 717-7337, www. azantiqueshow.com.
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12k’s of Christmas and Santa’s Pet Village, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Voted Arizona’s Event of the Year, 12k’s of Christmas and Santa’s Pet Village unites hundreds of animal lovers and rescue groups from around the Valley for one of the largest pet adoption events of the season. There will be live performances by the Campo Verde Jazz Band, Arizona Canine Freestylers and the Cloggers. Attendees can participate in a 1.2k or 6k walk/run, or a 12k run, with Christmas Carolers at every “k.” A portion of the proceeds will go to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control. Gilbert Freestone District Park, 1045 E. Juniper Rd., Free. www.12krun.com
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Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Take pictures with Santa in his sleigh at this
fun event. Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA, 1655 W. Frye Rd., Chandler. Free. (602) 212-6114, www. valleyymca.org/chandlergilbert
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“The Snowcat,” 10 a.m. This original musical production by flugelhornist and composer Dmitri Matheny tells the story of a little girl’s search for her wandering white cat. “The Snowcat” is based on the ancient Asian tale of “The Oxherder” and combines singing, storytelling, live music and visual art. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, $8-$10. (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org/
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Polar Express Storytime 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Enjoy listening to the timeless classic, “The Polar Express,” with Santa Claus himself. Snacks will be provided. Downtown Library, Copper Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, http://chandlerlibrary.org/.
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GameStop Teen Gaming Tournament Minecraft 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Compete against friends and other games at GameStop’s Minecraft tournament. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Ages 12-18. Hamilton Library, Computer Lab, 3700 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2828, http://chandlerlibrary.org/.
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Christmas Gift Card Holder, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Personalized with your own monogrammed initial, we will make a set of notecards that are just for you or use them as a gift for someone special. Chandler teens. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov.
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BHS Choir Presents Classic Holiday Songs, 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Basha High School Choir will sing holiday classics such as “Silent Night,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells” during this 30-minute concert. Open to tweens and up. All ages welcome. Basha Library, Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. (480) 7822800, http://chandlerlibrary.org/.
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Mommy and Me: Personalized Christmas Stocking, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Create fun Christmas stocking with bells, bows, ribbons and sequins. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 7822900, www.chandleraz.gov.
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“Polar Express,” 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Celebrate Christmas during a magical night of storytelling, crafts and hot cocoa as the Tumbleweed Recreation Center. Join other children and parents in their pajamas as Santa Claus distributes the first gifts of the season. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz. gov.
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Explore Your Roots: Genealogy for Kids, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn about your family history and record their genealogy. Children can complete various activities and take home a journal to record family memories. Attendees are encouraged to bring a family photograph or family story with them to add to their journal. Ages 6 to 11. Basha Library, Programming Room, 5990 S. Val Vista Dr., Chandler. Free. (480) 7822800, http://chandlerlibrary.org/.
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Make Your Own Gift Bag, 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Have fun learning how to make a handcrafted gift bag. All materials will be provided. Downtown Library, Cactus Room, 22 S. Delaware St., Chandler. Free. (480) 782-2800, http://chandlerlibrary.org/.
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Play-Well Teknologies: Jedi Engineer Using LEGO, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn the principles of engineering while designing R-2 units, energy catapults and shield generators during this fun “Star Wars” themed event. Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. $7 to $10 registration fee. (480) 782-2640, www.chandleraz. gov.
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“Spirit of Christmas,” 2 p.m. The Spirit of Christmas features a cast of more than 100 dancers, a champion hoop dancer and unforgettable singing performances. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, $20 to $30. (480) 782-2680 http://www. chandlercenter.org/
21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 Sew a Plushie, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Design and hand-sew your very own plushie. Improve your sewing skills while creating an adorable gift to keep or give to a friend. Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2640, www.chandleraz. gov.
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Fun with Frosty, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Create fun crafts based on “Frosty the Snowman” and then watch the movie while enjoying some popcorn. For ages 5 to 10. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler. Nominal registration fee. (480) 782-2900, www.chandleraz.gov/ tumbleweed.
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Zoppe: An Italian Family Circus, times vary. Zoppé Family Circus is a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old World Italian tradition. This unique circus is driven by a central story that features acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and audience participation. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. $15-40. (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org.
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We offer hundreds of opportunities for you and your family to discover hidden talents, develop new skills and have fun through our classes, programs and events. For a complete listing of upcoming activities or for more information on programs highlighted below pick up Break Time magazine at Chandler facilities, visit www.chandleraz.gov/registration or call
Winter INTERSESSION YOUTH CAMPS
DE CEMBER 21 - 31
Don’t let your kids be home alone or bored all break - enroll them in our fun and affordable youth programs! Qualified staff will engage kids in sports, games, arts & crafts, skits, youth development activities and special events. Morning, afternoon, or full day sessions are available at Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Snedigar Recreation Center and the Environmental Education Center.
Tumbleweed Tumble Tots
DECEMBER 17 5:30-7 P.M.
Join us for a evening of creating crafts, making holiday card, cookie decorating and more. Rumor has it Santa Claus will visit, so be good for goodness sake! For more information, please contact Shawn Peoples at 480-782-2746.
Winter S W I M OPPORTUNITIES
EARLY BIRD SWIM AT HAMILTON AQUATIC CENTER
Monday–Thursday from 5:30-7:30 a.m.
NIGHT OWL SWIM AT MESQUITE GROVES AQUATIC CENTER
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
9 - 11 A.M.
This indoor play area at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center is designed for children 5 years of age and under to play under parental/guardian supervision. This fun, safe and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained.
ECEMBER 17 6-7 P.M
Visit the Environmental Education Center at Veterans Oasis Park for this FREE lakeside entertainment series good for the whole family! Patrons are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and food. Snacks and beverages will be available for a small fee.
Monday–Thursday 7-9 p.m.
Visit www.chandleraz. gov/aquatics for more information.
Polar Expresss AT THE TRC
DECEMBER 17 & 18 6-7:30 P.M
Enjoy a night of storytelling, crafts and hot cocoa as the Tumbleweed Recreation Center recreates the North Pole for one night of magic For more information contact the TRC at 4780-782-2900
