Family events in Maricopa, AZ

A family-friendly film night spotlights two hour-long specials from the PBS KIDS series Molly of Denali, with each title shown twice to allow families to enjoy activities and screenings at a relaxed pace. Molly and the Great One follows Molly as she discovers her Grandpa Nat’s dream to reach the summit of Denali in tribute to Walter Harper, the first person to make the climb, and she encourages both her grandfather and her wilderness guide father to take on North America’s highest peak. Wise Raven & Old Crow features a river journey to a traditional Gwich’in village to honor Grandma Catherine, where careful attention to the land and strong cultural ties help guide the family safely. Crafts and creative activities inspired by the show’s characters, landscapes, and themes add to the experience for kids and adults. Admission is included with First Friday free entry at the Heard Museum. An optional add-on, Molly of Denali: An Alaskan Adventure in Steele Auditorium, requires a separate fee payable at the door, priced at 10 dollars for adults, 7 dollars for seniors 65 and older, 7 dollars for military, 5 dollars for students with ID, and 5 dollars for children ages 6 to 17.

This free enrollment fair at Classic Image Dance welcomes children ages 2 to 18 to sample short classes, explore different dance styles, meet the teaching team, and find a class that matches their goals. It is a fit for brand new dancers as well as those hoping to expand their training, offering a chance to get a feel for the studio before signing up. Families who complete pre-registration receive a special welcome gift at the event. Enrollment for Season 35 is underway, and space is limited.

Start the day on a cool note with your canine companion as the Garden welcomes leashed dogs to wander its desert paths alongside their humans. Expect convenient water and refill stations, shaded places to pause, and plenty of opportunities for memorable photos along the way. Dogs are not allowed in Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s, The RAF Gallery, Butterfly Pavilion, or Cactus Clubhouse. For everyone’s well-being, keep pets leashed, licensed, and current on vaccinations, and maintain control at all times. Stay hydrated using the fountains and refill stations throughout the Garden. Please clean up after your dog and place bagged waste in trash receptacles. Watch for cactus pieces and other debris on the trails, keep to designated paths, and be mindful of hot surfaces. Know your dog’s limits and look out for signs of heat stress. Dogs that display aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs will be asked to leave.

Learn & Play Discovery Days is a no cost monthly gathering for families to get to know Learn & Play. Explore the preschool and play café, meet the staff, and experience the welcoming environment created for children and families. Visitors can check out the play areas, learn about the preschool program, and connect with the team in a relaxed, no pressure setting focused on play and exploration. Whether you are considering enrollment or simply looking for a fun place to play and connect, this is an easy way to discover what Learn & Play offers.

Black Magic Animal Rescue presents a Summerween themed adoption event at the Promenade Indoor Market, blending sunny, beachy fun with a whimsical witchy twist. In this indoor setting, visitors can meet adoptable cats and kittens, learn about programs such as trap neuter return and a food pantry, and explore ways to foster, volunteer, or adopt. Local vendors contribute to the market atmosphere, and the rescue’s sweet familiars, including black cats, are on hand to steal hearts. It offers a cool break from the heat while supporting local rescue efforts and might even lead to a new best friend.

Organized by the Bangladesh Association of Phoenix, this indoor community Olympics brings people together for a day of lively challenges and playful games. The atmosphere centers on friendly competition and shared energy, welcoming participants of every age. It is a spirited gathering that highlights teamwork, connection, and community pride.

Free food boxes are available to anyone through Pentecostals of Phoenix, a mobile pantry partnering with Saint Mary’s Food Bank. Drive-through and walk-up service are offered, and cones and signs will guide you on-site. Distribution continues until supplies run out. To receive food, be prepared to provide your full name, zip code, and the number of individuals in your household.

This hands-on class centers on adopting a 5 inch mystery Squishmallow, with extra plushies available for trading. Participants receive guided instruction to sketch and paint their new friend on an 8x10 inch stretched canvas, then can use a variety of craft supplies to design and decorate a home to carry it in. It is a creative, playful experience. All materials are provided, and smocks are available. Wearing paint-friendly clothing is recommended.

This family yoga class weaves movement, breath, and imagination into a playful practice. Designed for children ages 4 to 12 and their grown-ups, it places less emphasis on asana (yoga poses) and centers on an approach suited to young participants.

Light up the night with a neon-themed, after-hours sliding experience set to fun music and a distinctly different vibe from daytime sessions. A glow-in-the-dark shirt is included.

Local author and illustrator Kathryn Rammell leads a storytime centered on her picture book, Bandage Buddies. The tale follows a team of helpful bandages who spring into action for everyday needs like craft mishaps, a quest for the right accessory, and those moments when big feelings take over. When a child falls on the playground, the crew that usually soothes emotions, not actual bumps and bruises, must figure out what helping looks like. This reading shares a humorous, heartfelt look at empathy and support that welcomes listeners of all ages, including devoted bandage fans.

Bark & Luv offers walk-in only grooming with Tessa, focused on quick essentials for pets. Services include nail trims, ear cleanings, and anal gland expressions. Each service is $15, or all three can be bundled for $40. No appointment is required. For a first visit, please bring proof of current rabies vaccination or rabies titers.

Summer brings $20 admission to the Phoenix Zoo on special $20 Tuesdays. Each of these days features a lively foam party at Lakeside, guided by an emcee with upbeat games and family friendly music. Expect head to toe bubbles, so attendees should bring a swimsuit, a towel, and a change of clothes to dry off afterward. Cooling fun continues throughout the park. Make a splash at Leapin’ Lagoon and Yakulla Caverns, then find shade at Stingray Bay and dip a hand into the 15,000 gallon pool that is home to a group of cownose stingrays. Watch Bornean orangutans from an indoor shelter, and cool off under misters placed around the grounds. Each $20 Tuesday also includes a special moment with the African painted dogs receiving bones and food, offering a chance to see the pack active during the day.

Chicago: Teen Edition invites ages 12 to 18 to take part in a youth-friendly adaptation of the Broadway classic that captures the jazz age spirit with memorable songs, lively choreography, humor, and dramatic twists. Participants will grow their skills in acting, singing, and dance while collaborating with other dedicated teens in a supportive, high-energy rehearsal setting. Registration is required to audition, and every auditioning student will be cast. Tuition is $199 per month.

A budget-friendly clinic offers pet vaccinations and microchipping in North Phoenix. Dogs and cats are welcome, with vaccine options starting at $22. The SNiP Vet team provides quick, affordable, and low-stress care. Priority appointments help keep wait times short, and walk-ins are accepted as space allows, though scheduling ahead is encouraged. For safety, only friendly, easily handled animals are seen, and feral cats or unhandleable pets are not accepted.

Dive beneath the waves for a stage adaptation of Ariel’s journey as a determined mermaid who longs to live on land. After striking a risky bargain that trades her voice for legs, she sets out in search of true love. Beloved songs like Under the Sea, Part of Your World, and Kiss the Girl are part of the score, creating a musical experience for all ages. The production takes place at Hale Centre Theatre - Arizona, a professional 350-seat theater-in-the-round in downtown Gilbert. The theater has presented family-friendly Broadway plays and musicals for more than two decades, ranging from laugh-filled comedies to large-scale musical favorites, and also hosts tribute concerts in the Hale Concert Hall with performers from across the country honoring well-known artists. Over 30 local restaurants are within walking distance, and parking is free.