10 Things to do This Weekend in Phoenix: Family Edition

Summer may be quickly drawing to a close, but the Valley events calendar is as packed as ever with musicals, ice skating, Harry Potter parties and more. This weekend of July 26 to July 28 offers plenty of opportunities to spark creativity, cool off and learn something new.

Friday:

Vestar’s Back-to-School Splash Bash

With the first day of school looming on the horizon, treat your kids to one last fun-filled day of play at Vestar’s Back-to-School Splash Bash. The festivities will take place at three Valley locations: Queen Creek Marketplace on Friday and Crossroads Towne Center on Saturday. At all locations, visit from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to enjoy a water-filled fire truck with spraying hoses, water cannons, squirt guns, live entertainment, games and more. 

Ice Fantasy: Where Cirque Meets Ice

Experience world-class gymnastics, acrobatics and figure skating all at one extraordinary performance: Ice Fantasy. The show is choreographed by Pasquale Camerlengo, a two-time National Dance Champion and Olympic team member, who has also choreographed for over two dozen National, World and Olympic medalists. Friday night’s show begins at 7 p.m. at the Mesa Arts Center.

Fun Friday at Ice Den Scottsdale

Whether you have dreams of Olympic medals or struggle to venture beyond the railing, Fun Fridays at Ice Den Scottsdale give skaters of all levels the opportunity to hit the ice. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., admission costs only $6 and includes skate rental, music from a DJ and extreme lighting.

Scoop-a-Palooza

End your Friday the cool way with a Scoop-a-Palooza hosted by Gilbert Feastival. An assortment of the Valley’s best gourmet ice cream trucks will set up shop next to Sam’s Club at 1225 N. Gilbert Road from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Bring some lawn chairs and save room for dessert.

Saturday: 

Mini Music Makers Class at MIM

Do you have an active toddler who loves to move and groove? Try channeling all that energy into a Mini Music Makers class at the Musical Instrument Museum. Each session explores a new global culture through singing, dancing and playing instruments, developing each child’s motor, pre-language and musical skills. Classes cost $12 or $40 for four, and a complete schedule can be found here. 

STEM Saturdays at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix

Make learning into playtime with STEM Saturdays at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix. From 1 to 1:30 p.m., the museum conducts a fun learning activity focused on science and technology. Hang around after to explore the remaining 48,000 square feet of imagination and creativity.

Harry Potter Party at Changing Hands Bookstore

Aspiring witches and wizards will revel in an afternoon of butterbeer, tea-leaf readings, dragon crafts and a flash Yule Ball at Changing Hands’ Triwizard Tournament of activities. The wizarding world will be in full-swing at the Central Phoenix location from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission costs $12 per child and includes a commemorative color-changing butterbeer cup. 

Sunday:

“The Addams Family” at Herberger Theater Center

If you have an angsty teen on your hands, the whole family will relate to this darkly funny production of “The Addams Family.” This weekend is your last chance to catch the classic musical at Herberger Theater Center, with a Sunday showtime at 1 p.m. Purchase tickets here.

TopGolf

With eight different games suited to all skill levels, TopGolf offers a fun and family-friendly take on the usual 18-hole sport. Sip on refreshing drinks and munch on selections from a full menu while you channel your inner golf pro. Valley locations are in Scottsdale, Gilbert and Glendale, and you can make reservations online.

Free Summer Sunday at the Heard Museum

Enjoy free admission, hands-on activities and special performances at the Heard Museum this Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the Crossroads Gallery, watch a weaving demonstration, participate in a printmaking activity and listen to live music. This summer’s series is inspired by the “Color Riot!” exhibition on display until Sept. 2.