BEST SPLASH PAD
>>SCOTTSDALE QUARTER
This shopping destination in the heart of Scottsdale is an oasis in the desert, with luxury boutiques and restaurants lining the avenues and beautiful architecture highlighting the area. Appropriately named “the Quad,” Scottsdale Quarter’s public park-like gathering place has the largest splash pad in the region, perfect for bringing the little ones on a warm day. With frozen yogurt and cafes just around the corner, families can enjoy a cool drink and pop-jet fountains in a luxury setting. scottsdalequarter.com.
2014 WINNER
BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY SPOT AND BEST KIDS' ENTERTAINMENT: INDOORS
>>GREAT PLAY CHILDREN’S GYM
Designed to make fitness fun and effective for kids, Great Play offers a variety of activities including birthday parties, camps and fitness classes, and changes its play arena constantly to offer new, exciting ways for play. Great Play is hosting a special for children’s classes at $49 per month per child and gives significant discounts for sibling enrollment. Great Play has been the recipient of this award four years in a row and is a definite favorite for families in the Valley. greatplay.com/chandler.
BEST SUMMER DAY CAMP
>>AZ ON THE ROCKS
Constructed in 2003, AZ on the Rocks has quickly become the Valley’s go-to indoor rock-climbing gym not only due to its size but for its varied and exciting classes and events. With 14,000 square feet of textured terrain, your little ones will never tire of rappelling down ropes and scaling the treadwall, as trained staff monitor their safety constantly. Adults can take yoga classes in the upstairs studio while the children play. azontherocks.com.
2014 WINNER
BEST TOY STORE
>>TOYS & PLAYTIME OASIS
Toys & Playtime Oasis (formerly known as The Doll House & Toy Store) is proud of its title as the oldest family- owned toy store in North America, offering an extensive line of educational toys and games, puzzles and miniatures for every type of dollhouse. Staff members carefully select the wide selection of furniture styles and designs, including Southwestern, handcrafted artist furniture and lighting, and one-of-a-kind accessories. Story time is every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., and fun events like princess tea parties and live theater are always on the schedule. azdollhouse.com.
2014 WINNER
BEST CHILDREN’S HAIR STYLIST
>>TARA FARNSWORTH, COMB-A-CABANA
Comb-A-Cabana in Scottsdale exudes a kid-friendly atmosphere, with car-shaped chairs for children, video games to play, and books and movies to watch so that every kid has a great experience during their haircut. Led by head stylist Tara Farnsworth, the entire team focuses solely on providing great service that is fast, fun and tailored to every child’s needs. Comb-A-Cabana is excited to offer the full line of Hot Tot hair care products in their salon. combacabana.com.
BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING STORE
>>BABYLUX BOUTIQUE
This luxury boutique offers one-of-a- kind items for every child from infancy to age 7, with the promise that owner Melissa Teegarden would only ever sell what they she would adorn her own children in. In addition to its specialized clothing choices, BabyLux offers accessories, nursery furniture, strollers, bedding, as well as educational classes, gender reveal parties and nursery organization and design services. babyluxonline.com.
BEST KID-FRIENDLY HOTEL
>>THE WIGWAM
This historic hotel in Litchfield Park was originally built in 1918 and opened in 1929 and has grown to offer guests a plentitude of amenities. Take the children to one of the four swimming pools, nine tennis courts, or out on the Wigwam’s fun bocce courts for some friendly competition. After recreational time, bring the kids to Red’s Bar & Grill for burgers or Litchfield’s for an upscale meal. wigwamarizona.com.
