Kids' Stuff >>

• BEST PLACE TO DITCH THE PARENTS
  Teen Central
  The 5,000-square-foot refuge sectioned off on the fourth floor of the Phoenix Public Library's main branch is revered by the community as a safe haven for teens, and loved by teens because someone has actually been able to create a safe setting that's not too dorky to attract the kids. Staffed... More >>
• BEST RESTAURANT FOR KIDS
  Sabuddy's Israeli Restaurant
  One too many Happy Meals making you grumpy? Take the tots to Sabuddy's Israeli Restaurant in Tempe. You won't find toys or crayons here, although you're welcome to bring your own, but you will find a genuinely friendly, locally owned restaurant with a varied, reasonably priced menu. Kid... More >>
• BEST WAY TO KILL TWO HOURS WITH THE KIDS
  Kiddieland/Enchanted Island Amusement Park
  There's nothing Mickey Mouse about this little amusement park, but be warned that it's only open on weekends (with a few exceptions). The place looks smaller than we remember it from our youth, but to our kids, it's huge. Either way, Kiddieland has all the prerequisites for a morning of fun:... More >>
• BEST WAY TO KILL TWO HOURS WITH THE KIDS IN THE SUMMER
  Summer Movie Fun for Kids
  Summer in Phoenix can be hard on kids -- and even harder on mom and dad. Here's a bargain you can't beat, that'll let you beat the heat, at least for a little while. Harkins Theatres sponsors a summer movie series of 10 "family films," one a week, for a total of $7 per person. We couldn't... More >>
• BEST COFFEE HOUSE FOR KIDS
  Mama Java's Coffee House
  There's a ridiculously catchy children's song that goes, "M-O-M-M-Y needs C-O-F-F-E-E, D-A-D-D-Y needs C-O-F-F-E-E," and once you've heard it, you will find yourself singing it -- especially on those mornings when you have stayed up too late the night before working (or drinking) and your kid... More >>
• BEST PC GAMING ROOM
  eJoy Internet Cafe
  Half wired coffee house and half gaming center, the eJoy Cafe, housed in what used to be a Bank of America branch just off Mill Avenue, is far from the most serious fragging spot in town. The twentysomething ASU students serving up espresso and scones in the front room are often clueless about... More >>
• BEST CULTURE CLUB FOR KIDS
  The Phoenix Symphony's Family Concerts Series
  Hook some new kids on the Bach. Through its series of concerts for children ages 6 to 12, the Phoenix Symphony reels in little listeners with familiar music, dynamic guest artists and interactive learning. An hour of free preconcert activities -- including the "instrument petting zoo" -- sets... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO BUY BOOTLEG TOYS
  American Park 'N Swap at Phoenix Greyhound Park
  We'll do almost anything for a dollar -- or to save one. Like recently, our relentless pursuit for bargains galore brought us to this weekly commercialism commotion sprawled across the parking lot of the Phoenix Greyhound Park for -- among other things -- toiletries and socks offered at cut-rate... More >>
• BEST SMALL WORLD, AFTER ALL
  "ArtVille" at the Arizona Museum for Youth
  Curious kids can go to town at the Arizona Museum for Youth, where ArtVille -- "Arizona's newest planned community" -- was founded this spring. Built on a "town philosophy of artistic exploration," the permanent exhibition is among the few spaces in the U.S. aiming to introduce babies and... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO BUY A BABY GIFT
  Stephanie's Little Luxuries
  This little shop -- which also features a design center -- is a treasure trove for the new mom, particularly if someone else is buying. We fell in love with a feather boa-ed pig and a perfect pink ballet costume, and the selection for boys is just as precious. In case anyone is wondering, our... More >>
• BEST PLACE TO BUY KIDS' CLOTHES
  Small Change
  If you're still buying brand-new clothes for your kid, you've gotta be a brand-new parent. Early in the game, we learned that it's pointless to dress up little Sophie in that $75 Baby Lulu dress with matching hat and diaper cover. Five minutes later, the dress is drenched -- either from the top... More >>
• BEST WAY TO KEEP THE KIDS HAPPY DURING DINNER
  Wikki Stix
  Some people have nightmares that they're back in school, naked, about to fail a test. We have nightmares that we're out to dinner with our kids. Let's face it: Fine dining isn't big among the toddler set. And so when we do venture out, we bring along a suitcase-size bag stuffed with art supplies... More >>