What to Do? - Phoenix, AZ

Some ideas: Joyful Yoga Studio has Baby & Me Yoga, the libraries all have "mommy and me" type storytimes, the Westcor Kids Clubs are for all ages, Music Together has free introductory classes for 5 & under and My-Gym - good luck!

Check out the Children's Museum in Phoenix. It's hours of entertainment for that age.

I'm not quite sure where you live, but there is a church north of Deer Valley off of 67th Ave. that has "Tot Time" every Monday morning, I believe. I went once about a year ago, so it is hard to remember. Anyway, they just have a bunch of toys, bikes, etc. in a gymnasium, and kids can play for a couple hours (9-12?) while parents are watching. You can email me if you can't find it online, and I'll tell you the name of the church - it's next to horse boarding stables on the left side of 67th Ave., if you're coming from the south. The gymnasium is in the back of the church, across from where the horse riding area is next store.

In this same area is also Thunderbird Park, where there are hiking trails (for when it cools down!) - it's across from Mountain Ridge High School off 67th Ave. (second stop light of the school).

Also, there's a splash pad at Rio Vista Park off of 83rd Ave. and the 101 freeway (just east of the 101 - turn right at the first light). I guess there's also one in Litchfield and Desert Ridge, if those are closer to you (but you'd have to look those up).

I think the libraries might have story times. We go to a storytime at Berean Christian book store on Fridays at 10:30 (sometimes starts a little later). The kids get to sing songs, hear a story, eat a snack, and color.

Then, of course, there's the zoo, children's museums, various parks, etc.

Finally, I know there are mom's support/Bible study groups at churches, and they usually have childcare. We have one starting at our church this Fall on Wednesday mornings.

That's all I can think of for now except for also making friends and having "playdates" with other kids.

Hope some of these look appealing to you. Feel free to email me if you need any more info. on any of them!

Oh, one more thing - if you want to spend money, I hear Busy Bodies off of 59th Ave. and Union Hills is a good place for organized play for kids. Then, there's Gymboree as well, which might be just a little more expensive.

The Phoenix Children's Museum at 7th Street and Van Buren is great! They have various different areas for the children to play in and it's the best place I can think of for the Phoenix summer :)

Get a membership to the Phoenix Children's Museum. My son turned 2 in June and loves it (we're on our way there this morning)! It's $100 for the year membership for a child and adult but it's inside :-) We are also zoo members and while this time of year isn't ideal, there is a great playground and splashpad there that he has enjoyed for the past year.

We are farily new to the area also, and I have a 16 month old daughter. At first I thought it was difficult, especcially with the heat to find indoor things, but here are a few that my daughter loves. I don't know what area you live in, but this is what is near to me.

The children's museum - I cannot say enough good things about this place. They have thier free night tomorrow. We have found it really crowded, but if you want to check it out for free, go early to avoid waiting. They have a season pass for around $100 for the both of you, so if you live close enough it would be worth it.

The scottsdale library system has great librarys and story times. They also have great kiddie corner areas for the kids.

There are splash parks everywhere. Our favorite is the one in the desert ridge shopping center.

Have fun!

Libraries and bookstores have story time for babies, toddlers and families, for free. You can find the schedules on-line. Also, I have had my kids at Aquatots (swimming) and The Little Gym (Gymnastics) since 9 months old. Lots of bonding time, lots of fun, very good developmentally for them. Not cheap, but if you can do it, I think it's worth every penny. Pottery places are awesome to put their little hands in paint and create a lifetime memory for yourself and family. I liked to do it once a year for the first few years - as they grow. Arizona Parenting (magazine found in many places for free (i.e. pediatricians office, some libraries,) has all kinds of activities, and recommended ages are usually listd.) Have fun!

What part of the valley are you in? You can look up Busy Bodies if you're up north. They are at 59th Ave south of Beardsley. They have great programs for kids 4 months to 5 yrs old. My kids both participate in classes there and we love it. Otherwise, Little Gym and My Gym (I think) are also located throughout the valley. If you're looking for free stuff, all local libraries offer baby and toddler storytimes and have play areas for little ones. You can also join a Mom's Club. Google Mom's Clubs of Arizona to find one in your area. Good luck!