Your Ultimate Guide to Entertaining Your Kids This Summer: Classes and Activities

Are you wondering what you are going to do with your kids this summer in Arizona? We have compiled so much to do that we had to separate the goods into numerous posts for you. Today we are featuring activities that you can do throughout the summer, most of them available one day each week. 


Sports Camps at High Schools (Statewide)
This is a great way to get your child involved in learning or improving a sport for a very reasonable price. Some camps are for elementary-aged kids and others for high schoolers. I wish I had found this website that lists Mesa Public Schools sports camps years ago! I also found one for Paradise Valley schools, and with a quick search hopefully you can find a list of sports camps at high schools in your area as well.

Summer Concerts at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park (Scottsdale)
From May 4 - July 6 from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM. Come enjoy live music every Sunday night through July 6. Ride the train or carousel for $2 each, play at the playground, or enjoy a bite to eat. 

Westgate Wednesdays hosted by Radio Disney (Glendale)
This event is at Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale every Wednesday from June 4 - Auguest 6 from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Every week there is a fun theme. Families can enjoy free activities, play in the splash pad, and visit shops and restaurants. More info here. A similar event is held at Desert Ridge on Tuesdays.

Flashlight Tours at Desert Botanical Gardens (Phoenix)
Every Thursday and Saturday night through August 24 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Bring a flashlight and tour the desert at night. Flashlight tours are included in the price of admission which is $22 for adults and $10 - $12 for children under 18.

$10 Tuesdays at the Phoenix Zoo (Phoenix)
Save at the zoo every Tuesday from May through August.

Bass Pro (Mesa)
Free kids' activities every Tuesday night from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. There are several activities such as coloring, laser arcade, fish feeding and archery practice.

Kids Summer Movies (Statewide)

As far as I know, most of the Harkins Summer Movie Fun summer passes have already been sold out in the Valley. You can, however, still go to a showing and buy tickets for one movie at a time for $2 each. Check their website for details.  Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is also going on once a week, with tickets at $1 each or $5 for all 10 shows.

Peter Piper Pizza Summer Kids Days(Statewide)
Every Tuesday, times vary by location. The program includes a craft and activity, two slices of pizza, a drink, and 5 tokens for $5.49. Check the location nearest you for details and times.

Michael's Passport to Imagination (Statewide)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM June through August. $2 for two hours of fun crafting at your nearest Michael's store. 

Free Summer Bowling Games at AMF (Statewide)
Register your kids online for 3 free games of bowling every day this summer from open til 6:00 PM. Shoe rental not included. For $39.95, an adult can get a pass for the summer to bowl with the kids. 

Free Youthspark Summer Camps hosted by Microsoft (Scottsdale)
The Microsoft store is hosting free programming and design summer camps for kids ages 8-13. Camps are two hours a day for four days. Hurry, some sessions are full but there are still a few spots open in others.

A few more ideas:

Vacation Bible Schools
Check your local church for information. Many churches offer Vacation Bible School for free or for a low cost. 

Check your local arts center for classes offered.

Read Design Mom's list of Fun Online Summer School Classes for Kids

Open Gym
Many gymnastics locations have open gym times where kids can drop in for a fee to play on the gym equipment. Check one out near you. 

Or how about a Do-It-Yourself Summer Camp for your kids?


And don't miss out! Mesa Public Pools season pass is available half off til the end of the day today!

Finally, maybe you want to splurge and purchase a summer pass to either Sunsplash ($69.99) or Amazing Jakes ($49.99) for three hours of unlimited food, rides, games, and bowling.

What else is there to do with kids this summer? Share with us in the comments or on our I Heart AZ Friends Facebook page.

Check back tomorrow for more ideas!