Family events in East Valley, AZ

Open Studio DIY at Pinot's Palette is a relaxed, freestyle painting and craft experience where you can drop in and work at your own pace. You’ll be able to choose a self-guided painting or DIY project with no prior art experience needed. It’s a fun, budget-friendly activity for individuals, friends, and families, with project availability and age requirements varying by location.

Fitness Stars is a fun, action-packed early childhood fitness class designed for preschoolers, helping kids build strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and healthy habits. Through guided physical activity, kids also practice focus and self-control while working toward school and sports readiness. This session runs on Fridays at the Eagles Community Center for ages 2 to 6 (co-ed).

A free enrollment fair at Classic Image Dance welcomes children and teens ages 2 to 18 to sample short classes, explore a variety of dance styles, and get to know the teaching staff. It offers a friendly way to experience the studio before committing to a program, whether your dancer is brand new or looking to broaden their training. Families who pre-register receive a special welcome gift at the event. Enrollment for Season 35 is filling, so this is a timely chance to discover the right class and take the next step.

Get ready for a glow-filled skating session with neon lights, lively music, and plenty of rolling fun. Wear your favorite glow gear and make the most of the vibrant atmosphere on the rink. Admission is $14, skate rental is $5, and non-skating adults are $5. Wrist guards are required for all skaters and are provided at no cost. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Discounted group rates are available for parties of 10 or more, and there are options for birthday celebrations and group fundraisers. This is a recurring session, and when a special event falls at the same time, the special event schedule will take priority.

At HeatSync Labs, this free-form workshop night welcomes passionate kids with their parents to explore ideas and build real projects. It centers on hands-on discovery and creation, with an emphasis on empowering young people to bring their ideas to life while parents stay engaged. This is not a drop-off program, and there are no formal lectures... just open-ended making and learning together. Questions can be sent to youngmakermentors [at] heatsynclabs [dot] org.

A community cruise-in from East Valley Cruisers is set at Sunny Dea Sweet Treats, a shop with coffee, candy, and gifts. This neighborhood sweets and gift spot provides the backdrop for the meetup.

Learn & Play Discovery Days is a free monthly opportunity for families to discover the preschool and play café in a welcoming, low pressure atmosphere. Attendees can explore the play areas, learn about the preschool program, meet the staff, and experience the environment firsthand. Whether considering enrollment or simply seeking a fun place for kids to play and for adults to connect, this event offers an easy way to get to know the community. Admission is free with a focus on open exploration and play.

This parent and child swim class helps babies and toddlers get comfortable in the water while learning water safety skills. Parents or guardians are taught techniques to help their child learn how to float, submerge, move in the water, and roll over to breathe, using songs and activities. The class is for ages 6 to 36 months, parents/guardians must accompany their child in the water, and children are required to wear swim diapers under their swimsuits.

Presented by the Bangladesh Association of Phoenix, this indoor community Olympics offers a full day of friendly competition, lively games, and a warm sense of togetherness for participants of all ages. The atmosphere is upbeat, with activities suited to kids, teens, and adults in a comfortable indoor setting. The event will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

This semi-private swim and stroke school helps kids ages 2 through 13 build swimming and water safety skills. Classes are taught with a 1 to 3 instructor to participant ratio, and kids are grouped after a swim evaluation on the first day. Swim school focuses on self-rescue and foundational safety, while stroke school is for more advanced swimmers and works on technique and endurance for freestyle, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke. Parents or guardians are not in the water.

Enjoy a hands-on art class centered on adopting a Squishmallow. Each participant receives a 5 inch mystery Squishmallow, with extras available for trading. Everyone is guided through drawing and painting their new Squishmallow on an 8x10 inch stretched canvas, then can dive into a wide selection of crafting materials to design and decorate a special home to take it in. All materials are included, and smocks are provided. Wear clothing that can handle a bit of paint.

Kids get to flex their creativity in this hands-on jewelry-making mini camp. Children ages 6-10 will learn basic design techniques and make their own bracelets, necklaces, and earrings using beads, wire, and colorful craft supplies. They’ll explore patterns, color combinations, and personal style, and they’ll leave with unique, handmade accessories they can wear or share. Each session runs 11:15 AM to 1:00 PM.

A family yoga class at Arizona Bouldering Project welcomes children ages 4 to 12 and their grown-ups to blend movement, breathing, and imagination. Rather than centering on traditional asana, the experience uses playful exploration to support emotional awareness, connection, and the mind body link. Participants will learn simple poses and short sequences with creative prompts, along with easy ways to fold mindful movement, feelings check-ins, and social-emotional learning into everyday routines. Activities will be provided to continue the practice at home. Nicole leads the class as a certified yoga teacher, pediatric speech-language pathologist, and mom. She shares practical tools for mindfulness and emotional regulation that work best when practiced together during calm moments before challenges arise. Nicole and her husband, a youth programs manager at BP, met at a local climbing gym and enjoy building community through climbing, photography, and parenthood. She recently attended the Wild Life Yoga Nature-Based Kids and Family Yoga Training led by Jessica Schirmer to deepen her connection with play, nature, and her inner child.

Enjoy a neon night filled with upbeat music and a fresh take on daytime sliding. The price includes a glow in the dark shirt.

Roll into a classic skate session at USA’s Skateland Mesa, where the floor is set for jam and shuffle moves to vintage freestyle favorites and popular hits. Admission is $14, skate rental is $5, and entry for non-skating adults is $4. Guests 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult who is 23 or older. Wristguards are required and provided at no charge. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. Groups of 10 or more can receive discounted rates, and options are available for birthday celebrations and fundraising events.

Superstition Shadows Aquatic Center hosts a Dive In Movie featuring Dolphin Tale. Bring a beach blanket or a lawn chair for comfortable seating. This screening is presented by SRP. Admission is $3 per person at the gate with no pre-registration. Children 7 and under must remain within arm’s reach of an adult. Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices are permitted, and glass is not allowed. If bad weather occurs beforehand, the program may move to the Multi-Generational Center. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 480-983-2181.

Doors open early for individuals with special needs and their families, welcoming everyone and celebrating all abilities. This sensory-friendly session offers skating, dancing, and play in a calm environment with no loud music and no flashing or strobe lights. Skate mates are available for added support. Admission is $5, with skate rental for an additional $5. Please note that outside food and beverages are not allowed. Wristguards are mandatory and supplied at no charge. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more, and options for birthday celebrations and fundraising events are offered.

Explore a recurring craft gathering at DirtWater Springs, where participants learn to make creative, eye-catching projects. The activity changes each week, with some sessions tailored for kids and others focused on adults. You can browse what is coming up, vote on new ideas, and sign up to participate. RSVPs help the organizers plan materials so there is enough for everyone, and extras will be available.

Author and illustrator Kathryn Rammell leads a storytime featuring her picture book Bandage Buddies. The bandage team springs into action for everyday dilemmas, from the STEAM Club running out of glue and tape to a fashion fan seeking the perfect accessory to a child managing big feelings. When a tumble on the playground causes a real injury, the buddies who usually soothe emotions are suddenly unsure how to help. The tale follows a brave bandage facing that challenge and explores many ways people can support one another. This picture book is for readers of all ages, including bandage lovers.

A casual pickleball session takes place in the activity center at First United Methodist Church of Gilbert. It is suitable for all ages and abilities, with on-site guidance for newcomers and loaner paddles available. The environment emphasizes friendly play and fellowship.

Enjoy a family friendly roller skating session set to a mix of hip hop and R&B, blending classic favorites with current hits. The atmosphere features low lights and a high energy soundtrack that keeps the rink moving for skaters of all ages. Admission is $12 per person. Skate rentals are available for $5, and non-skating adults pay $4. Wristguards are required for all skaters and are provided at no cost. Outside food and drinks are not allowed. Discounted rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Birthday party packages are offered, and organizations can host a fundraiser during this session with a dedicated package.

Weekly walk-in grooming at Bark & Luv features quick services with Tessa. Pets can receive nail trims, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression. Each service costs $15, or bundle all three for $40. No appointment is required. For a first visit, proof of current rabies vaccination or rabies titers is needed.

Drop in for Open Studio DIY at Pinot’s Palette, where you can choose a self-guided painting or DIY project and create at your own pace. No reservation is required during open studio hours, and there’s no artistic experience needed. It’s a laid-back option for all kinds of hangouts, family time, or a bit of creative self-care.