Monday, February 20, 2012

Road-Trip Entertainment For Kids

Never worry again about fighting, fidgety kids in the backseat when you are traveling. Just visit Rad Roadtrips first! You can download free activity books for kids especially designed to keep them entertained in the car! RadRoadtrips.com

Baby's First Circus

Free Ticket for Baby’s First Circus® from Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey!

Parenthood brings many wonderful firsts - your baby’s first tooth, your baby’s first steps... and of course, your Baby’s First Circus!

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Baby’s First Circus program is for parents of newborns (up to 12 months old and living in the continental United States).

Meals For Kids



Search kids meal deals and kids eat free restaurants in your area using their dynamic search tool. Just enter your zip code or city and state to get started.

KidsMealDeals.com

Friday, February 10, 2012

24th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival

24th Annual Arizona's Annual Renaissance Festival

A 30-acre medieval playground where history is the theme, 12 stages of continuous live entertainment, royalty, jousting tournaments, an artisan marketplace and the Pleasure Feast, a day of 16th Century play for the whole family.

The Arizona Renaissance Festival is an outdoor event that combines entertainment and shopping reminiscent of what may have been found in a village market. More than 2,000 costumed characters strive to make you feel as if you have stepped into a village festival during the European Renaissance.

Shop for historical crafts; eat a giant roasted turkey leg; take part in games of chance and skill (think carnival games but with archery instead of air guns.) There are 12 different stages where various types of entertainment can be enjoyed: sword fighting, comedy, magic, music, maybe a duel of wits or jousting knights.

Possibly the most unique experience at the Renaissance Festival is the interaction with actors on the street who make everyone a part of the VILLAGE AT PLAY.  Those washer wenches don’t just act silly on the stage, they make sure their audience members make fools of themselves too. The King is not just  some guy in a crown; when you meet royalty at the Festival, it is hard not to bow with everyone else. Maybe you will be asked to carry a secret message for the Lord  Sheriff, or you may find yourself the object of a poet's admiration or scorn. Don’t shy away from these encounters…you’ll have so much more fun if you jump right in!

The only real way to find out what the Arizona Renaissance Festival is all about is to visit and experience the fun for yourself.  There are different ways to save – so come and play at the Arizona Renaissance Festival.

February 11 - April 1st 2012
12601 E. Highway 60
Apache Junction, AZ 85118
$12 children, $22 adults, under 5 are free,
Weekends, 10 am - 6 pm

520-463-2700 or http://www.renfestinfo.com

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Chocolate Covered Strawberries


Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Ingredients:
8 oz semi sweet chocolate squares or 1 pkg semi sweet chocolate chips
1 container of strawberries (or apples or bananas)

Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail

Camelback Mountain Cholla Trail
North Invergordon Road and East Cholla Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85253
http://www.phoenix.gov/parks/hikecmlb.html

Camelback Mountain is one of the city's largest peaks, and it has a reputation of being quite a hairy climb. But its eastern-side trail, Cholla, offers a way to blow off some steam without having to call in the rescue helicopters. Younger children can easily climb up to the “saddle” of the camel — the halfway point to the summit — and older ones can venture on. Great views of the city and clear pathways make this a great way to spend a couple of hours outdoors with the kids. (Parking is a little further offsite so be prepared to start hiking right out of the car!)

Info: Free

Hours: October 1 to April 30, daily 7am to 5:30pm; May 1 to September 30, daily 5:30am to 7:30pm


It’s A Dog-Gone Rescue in Downtown Glendale

See rescue dogs in action in downtown Glendale for a fundraiser that that allows participants to be part of real rescue demonstrations.

"It's a Bear Hunt" on Feb. 25 will benefit fallen Glendale police Officer Brad Jones' family. It is on 58th Drive between Myrtle and Palmaire avenues in downtown Glendale. Arizona Search Dogs will be conducting a live search for people.

The work done by these dogs involves reward and play-type incentives so each person will receive a bear and then the victims will reward the dogs with a bear once they are found. The bears have been donated by Bears & More, a downtown Glendale shop.

Participants will need to register, sign a waiver and pay a $10 registration fee. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with the first hunt beginning at 8:30 . Each person will have about 10 to 15 minutes to hide along the street and alleys before the dogs are released to find them.

In addition to the live search, raffle prizes will be offered. PetSmart has donated a $100 gift card.

Details: 623-930-4500 or visit www.visitglendale.com.

4th Annual Walk in the Wild at the Phoenix Zoo

4th Annual Walk in the Wild at the Phoenix Zoo
Saturday, February, 18, 2012

Click here to purchase registration online.

Grab your sneakers and head to the Phoenix Zoo for the Fourth Annual Walk in the Wild as we honor the endangered Sumatran tiger. Strut, run or prowl your way through the 5K route inside the Zoo all while you learn about the Sumatran tiger. Participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, goodie bag and admission into the Zoo for the day. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Phoenix Zoo.

Walk as a team or as an individual . . . either way you are in for a ROARING GOOD TIME!

(Please note that this is not a competitive or timed walk/run)

Colossal Cave Mountain Park

Colossal Cave Mountain Park
16721 East Old Spanish Trail
Vail, AZ 85641
(520) 647-7275
http://www.colossalcave.com/

Take a guided tour through these lesser-known caves just outside of Tucson (Vail is about two hours from Phoenix), where you will walk down six and a half stories into the amazing caverns. The trek is easy for children, and they will love to play archaeologist while walking through all the stalactites and stalagmites, and learn about how caves form. A few ghost stories and tall tales from the guides add to the fun, and trail rides are available in the park as well.

Info: Cave Tour: Adults $8.50, children 6 to 12 $5, 5 and younger free

Hours: March 16 to September 15: Daily 8am to 5pm; September 16 to March 15: Daily 9am to 5pm

Arizona Falls

Arizona Falls
5700 East Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ
http://www.srpnet.com/water/canals/azfalls.aspx

Formed by a natural 20-foot drop along the Arizona canal, the Falls reopened recently as a restored hydroelectric plant and fun spot to hang out with your children. A viewing platform, dance floor and lit waterfalls can be enjoyed 24 hours a day at no charge. The gears operating the plant can be seen, allowing you to watch it all work beneath a shaded structure. [Photo credit: Cogdogblog]

Info: Free
Hours: Daily

Amazing Jake's Food & Fun


Amazing Jake's Food & Fun
1830 East Baseline Road
Mesa, AZ 85204
(480) 926-7499
http://www.amazingjakes.com/

This is sensory overload for kids — in a good way. Go carts, rides, black light bowling, laser tag, rock climbing wall, and tons of video games in an indoor play land. An absolutely huge buffet is part of the entry price, and surprisingly, the food is pretty darn good. A bar area is available for parents and grandparents, which might take the edge off the noise of kids gone wild.

Info: 3 hours unlimited fun and buffet: Adults $21.99, children 4 to 10 $18.99
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday 11am to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 9pm

Valentine's Coloring Pages

Cupid, draw back your bow, and let your arrow flow, straight to my lovers heart for me... hey, there's a song in there somewhere!

It's almost Valentines day! Check out these coloring pages for Valentine's Day from Grandparents.com:

Coloring Pages:



I Love You Card


Hearts


Love


Cupid



Find more Valentines Day Fun at: Grandparents.com

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Complimentary Subscription to Better Homes & Gardens.


Sign up here for a complimentary 24 issue subscription to Better Homes & Gardens.

Enjoy 24 issues! No strings attached. You'll never receive a bill.

Better Homes and Gardens magazine delivers ideas and improvement projects for your home and garden plus recipes and entertaining ideas. Some features include: decorating, repair, food recipes, gift ideas, health tips, gardening, travel, entertainment and product news.

Get it Free.

Free Cookie at Quiznos on Valentine's Day


Print out the voucher and bring it to a Quiznos on Valentines day for a free cookie. No purchase required.

Get it Free.

Food During Baby's First Years - A Guide

Good nutrition is very important to your baby's proper growth and development.  This guide will help you make healthy choices about feeding your baby from birth to 12 years of age.

Age Developmental Skills Appropriate Skills
Birth to 6 Months Baby can suck and swallow but tongue thrust reflex pushes out solid food. Breast Milk or iron-fortified formula
6-7 Months Baby can sit unsupported, and tongue thrust reflex is lessened. Breast Milk or iron-fortified formula, rice cereal, applesauce, strained and pureed bananas and pears.
7-9 Months Baby can munch food, and use thumb and index finger to pick up foods. Breast Milk or iron-fortified formula, teething biscuits, mashed potatoes and avocados, strained and pureed peaches, carrots and squash.
9-12 Months Baby can grind food, hold a cup and self feeding skills improve. Breast Milk or iron-fortified formula, rice cakes, bite-sized cheese cubes, soft tortillas, egg yolks, oatmeal, yogurt, tofu, noodles, peas, strained and pureed chicken.


Phone Friend AZ


Phone Friend is a free, bilingual “warm line” for children ages 5-18. Children can "dial up a smile" to receive homework help, play a game, hear a story, or just talk to someone during after school hours. Phone Friend helps children build self-confidence and problem-solving skills and encourages activities that promote self-sufficiency within parents’ boundaries.

Monday - Friday 1pm - 6:30pm
602-253-9099
1-800-308-2000
www.phonefriendaz.org

Birth To Five Helpline - Phoenix

Arizona's only helpline for parents with questions or concerns about children ages birth to five.

The call and services are FREE

Child development specialists are available 
Monday - Friday 8am - 8pm

Topics include : Sleep, Discipline, Parenting, Feeding/Nutrition, Child Development, Fussiness/Colic and Health

1-800-705-KIDS (5437)

2850 N. 24th Street * Phoenix, AZ 85008
www.birthtofivehelpline.org

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

National Youth Sports


National Youth Sports Arizona (NYSA) offer kids a variety of sports options including baseball, basketball, flag football, girl’s cheerleading, girl’s softball, volleyball, golf, and outdoor soccer. They have several locations including Northwest Phoenix, Northeast Phoenix, Surprise, and Tucson.

The NYSA Center in Peoria, conveniently located on 75th Avenue (south of Bell Rd.) offers youth inline hockey, adult inline hockey, adult basketball, adult volleyball, indoor youth soccer, indoor youth basketball, indoor youth girls volleyball, and much more! You also can rent the facility for practices. For more information about

NYSA or for registration information visit www.nysonline.org

Camp Fair AZ 2012

Come check out the summer camp possibilities for your kids this summer. Meet with camp representatives from all over Arizona!

Where: Tesseract School - Shea Campus, 3939 E Shea Blvd, Phoenix
When: Saturday, February 25, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: FREE
More info: www.campfairaz.com or call 480-991-5437

Arizona Best Fest


Enjoy the FREE Arizona Centennial festival that brings the state's "BEST" to you! Watch the Centennial Ride make history as thousands of motorcyclists parade to the Best Fest. Enjoy entertainment, food, music, cultural villages, family fun zone, beer & wine gardens, arts & crafts and education pavilions.

Where: Arizona State Capitol Mall and surrounding area along Centennial Way
When: Saturday, February 11 through Sunday, February 12, 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Ends at 6 pm on Sunday
Cost: FREE
More info: www.az100years.org

D-Backs Fan Fest 2012

The Arizona Diamondbacks will host the 8th annual SUBWAY D-backs FanFest on Feb 11th. Fans will have unprecedented access to current players, coaches, alumni and broadcasters, including a photo session on the field.

Where: Chase Field - downtown Phoenix
When: Saturday, February 11, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Cost: FREE
More info: http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/ari/fan_forum/fanfest.jsp

Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic Feb 25, 2012

Your child will not want to miss this Jimmy Johnson #48 race car! This kit comes with stickers and rumblin' race car sound effects!

Where: Lowe's (Various Locations)
When: Saturday Feb 25, 2012 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
More Info: Register Here

Lowe's Build & Grow Clinic Feb 11 2012


Valentines Day is right around the corner!  Your child will love making their own personalized cards and storage box!

Where: Certain Lowe's locations (check website)
When: Saturday, February 11, 2012, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
How: Register on-line
Cost: FREE
For more info: Register here

Circus Vargas at Metro Center


This exciting edition of Circus Vargas takes the audience on an artistic journey, encompassing the cultures of the world, elegantly achieved through a series of circus vignettes depicting the experiences, memories and vision of a traveling circus performer. Join us on a captivating jaunt across the globe, as seen through the eyes of the talented aerialists and acrobats featured in this magnificent presentation, who bring with them, their interpretation of the art of circus, needing no translation, transcending all language, age and cultural barriers, and making Circus Vargas the magnificent circus it is today!

Where: Metro Center Mall (I-17 and Peoria)
When: Thursday, February 9 through Monday, February 13 7:00 PM Weekend Matinee Times Available
Who: All ages
How: Buy tickets here
Cost: $15 - $50
For more info: http://www.circusvargas.com/index.html

Monday, February 6, 2012

Wing It! Things That Fly at Arizona Museum For Youth


Exhibition Art Interactives!

Man-Made Flying Objects
Airplane Cockpit Simulator
Rockets and Paper Plane Launcher

Black-Light Room - Camp Out
Bat Origami, Art-Making
Fantasy Winged Creatures

Butterfly Puppet Theater
Winged Animals and Insects Found In Nature
Atrium Outdoor Fun



The Wiz at Valley Youth Theatre



This totally hip musical favorite takes the stage at the Herberger Theater Center in a funky and fun R&B twist to L. Frank Baum’s well-loved tale The Wizard of Oz. Dazzling and fanciful, this high-energy 70’s musical follows the adventures of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion as they hip hop down the yellow brick road in search of a brain, a heart, courage and most importantly, a way home. Enjoy fun and funky musical numbers like “He’s The Wiz”, “No Bad News” and “Ease On Down The Road”.

June 8th - 24th, 2012

Tickets range from $16.50 to $34.50 and are available online or by calling the Herberger Box Office at 602-252-8497. Discounts are available for groups of 20+.

http://vyt.com

Freckleface Strawberry at Valley Youth Theatre


Get ready to meet the newest, most lovable character to come from Broadway! Making its Arizona debut, Freckleface Strawberry: The Musicalis based on the popular children's book by actress Julianne Moore and starred VYT alumna Kimiko Glenn off-Broadway! Seven-year-old Strawberry hates her freckles. She is teased by her classmates and feels like she doesn't fit in because of them. As she looks for a way to remove them (scrub them with soap! cover them with a ski mask!) she discovers that all people are different and ultimately learns to accept herself for whoshe is, freckles and all.

Performances take place at Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First Street, Phoenix.

April 6th - 22nd, 2012.

For Tickets call the Valley Youth Theatre Box Office at 602-253-8188 x2 or purchase them ONLINE HERE! Tickets are $20.00 for all seats. Discounts are available for groups of 20+.

http://vyt.com

Charlotte's Web at Valley Youth Theatre

Charlotte’s Web – Valley Youth Theatre, There's something special about Wilbur, the new pig on the Arable farm, but only young daughter Fern can see it. That is until Wilbur meets Charlotte - a just-as-special spider. When Wilbur's fate starts looking bleak, clever web- spinning Charlotte devises a plan to save her curly-tailed companion - with a little help from their opinionated barnyard friends. 'Some Pig' indeed! Treat your family to this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing on into time as Charlotte's Web reminds us to open our eyes to the wonder and miracle often found in the simplest of things.

Performances take place at Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First Street, Phoenix.

February 3rd - 19th, 2012.

For Tickets call the Valley Youth Theatre Box Office at 602-253-8188 x2 or purchase them ONLINE HERE! Tickets are $20.00 for all seats. Discounts are available for groups of 20+.

http://vyt.com/

Home Made Simple - Free Coupon Booklet



Get over $35 in savings on your favorite brands, plus fresh ideas for creating stylish, clutter-free spaces in the free Home Made Simple coupon booklet.

FamilyFun Magazine Free Offer

Sign up for a complimentary 20 issue subscription to FamilyFun. Enjoy a 20 issue subscription. No strings attached. You'll never receive a bill. FamilyFun is the magazine for parents with children ages three to twelve.

Family Fun is an ideabook for all the exciting things families can do together. FamilyFun is the essential information source, offering creative activities, party plans, family travel, learning projects and all clever ideas that busy mothers and fathers need to have at their fingertips.

Get it free!

Become a Cheapskate!

Subscribe to Cheapskate Family Newsletter!
You'll get access to the best family fun resource in the Phoenix AZ metro area for just $26/year.

We can make your life easier by providing you:
  • Jam-packed Weekly Newsletter:
    Listing of all the best events happening in town for the current week & weekend. It's like having your own personal family concierge.
  • Giveaways & Contests::
    A chance to win movie tickets, DVDs, tickets to plays, and much more.
You pay $24 for an entire year's worth of benefits!
How little is $24/year? Consider that the average family pays the following:
  • About $38 for one movie outing for a family of four
  • About $15/week for a daily Starbucks specialty beverage ($3/cup per day)
  • At least $30 for dinner out for a family of four




Welcome!

Welcome to the Cheapskate Family website! We are here to provide resources for families on a limited budget who want to enjoy a fun filled calendar while doing everything on the cheap!

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