Once the sun goes down, take the family out the weekend of May 18-20 to enjoy live music, a movie under the stars, a model search for kids or head out to an inaugural festive that is full of color, activities and more.
Friday:
Splash-in Movies at The Quarter: The Jungle Book
Don’t miss movie features on the big screen at Scottsdale Quarter at the Splash-in Movies at The Quarter. Free to attend, this family-friendly series will show double features of favorites old and new. The splash pad will be on during both movie showings for kiddos to splash and play as they’re entertained. On May 18, enjoy the 1967 version of “The Jungle Book” at 3 p.m. following by the 2016 version at 6 p.m.
Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.”
Scottsdale’s Desert Stages Theatre debuts the opening of Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” to the Valley on Friday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at its new location in Scottsdale Fashion Square. Disney’s “Aladdin Jr.” is based off of the Disney classic movie “Aladdin” and will be performed by talented youth actors in the Valley, ages 3 to 19. To purchase tickets, visit desertstages.org or call the box office at 480.483.1664.
CinePark May Movie Series: Despicable Me 3
CinePark is a free three-week movie series in May that will show recently released family-friendly flicks under the stars at Chandler’s Tumbleweed Park. On May 18, “Despicable Me 3” will be the featured film. Movie-related activities will be available for kids to enjoy from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the movie starting at 8 p.m. This is a free event.
Dino Explorer
Through the end of 2018, Legoland Discovery Center at Arizona Mills in Tempe hosts a Jurassic-sized adventure, Dino Explorer, with a wide range of dino activities (like building Lego dinosaurs and snapping a pic with a Lego T-Rex!) and playful learning.
Saturday:
AZ Foothills Face of Foothills Model Search
If your kiddo or teen has always dreamed of camera lights you need to be at Scottsdale Quarter from 1p – 3p AZ Foothills representatives will be scouting for the next Junior, Teen and Adult Face of Foothills (so mom & dad can try out too). No previous modeling experience is necessary to attend, applicants only need to be age 6 or older. All looks, shapes and sizes will be accepted. The Face of Foothills winner receives a killer prize package including their face in Arizona Foothills Magazine, VIP event appearances,opportunity at a modeling contract if unsigned and thousands in cash and prizes! For more info visit bit.ly/FoFAudition.
Flower Bomb Festival
Westgate Entertainment District and Tempe Marketplace will kick off the new pop-up art series this summer and transform into an interactive garden where thousands of vibrant, handmade paper flowers will fill the walkways, pathways and skyways during the inaugural Flower Bomb Festival on Saturday, May 19. Guests will be immersed in color with intricate paper flowers of all shapes and sizes and striking sculptures at this free, one-day festival held from noon to 2 p.m. The installation will be on display through May 27, weather permitting.
Lunch and a Lesson at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools
Aqua-Tots Swim Schools’ locations in Surprise and Peoria will host Lunch and a Lesson to make an impact during National Water Safety Month in May. This free water safety event is open to all families and kids in Surprise, Peoria and neighboring communities. The event offers an interactive lesson where children have the opportunity to learn and experience four different water safety stations, and then enjoy lunch—on Aqua-Tots Swim Schools. Registration is highly encouraged, as space is limited. Call Aqua-Tots Surprise or Aqua-Tots Peoria to register.
Kierland Concert Series: Nineball
Enjoy the Kierland Concert Series, presented by J. Jill every Saturday at 6 to 8 p.m., from April 21 through May 19 in the Center Plaza. Frost Gelato Cart & Crepe Club will be present at every concert offering delicious home-made gelato and crepes. On May 12, enjoy classic rock and new tunes from Nineball.
Teen/Tween Night at AZ Air Time
From 8 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, all tweens and teens, ages 12 and up, are invited to AZ Air Time trampoline park to enjoy exciting dodgeball tournaments, dancing contests, and jumping on the indoor trampolines and into foam pits. This supervised nighttime play is perfect for parents who are looking for a safe, indoor place for their older kids to spend time on the weekend evenings. Cost is $15 for three hours.
Sunday:
Arizona Restaurant Week
Treat the family to dinner at a new-to-you restaurant during Arizona Restaurant Association's Arizona Restaurant Week. From May 18 to 27, local chefs show off creative culinary chops with three-course, prix-fixe menus for just $33 or $44 per person. Diners can also view a complete list of restaurants participating in Spring Restaurant Week at www.arizonarestaurantweek.com.
Sonoran Safari at i.d.e.a. Museum
Head to i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa to explore the artistic landscape of the world’s 11th largest desert—the only place where the famous saguaro cactus grows in the wild—during the limited-time exhibit, Sonoran Safari. Through art and hands-on activities, guests learn about the desert’s native plants, animals, reptiles and birds. On view through May 27.
