(Photo: Phoenix Zoo)
1. Winter in July at Phoenix Zoo
Fifty tons of snow will create a playground for kids as well as some the animals, and there will be a cool shower for Ruby, the beloved Asian elephant, courtesy of the Phoenix Fire Department. The authors of “Zoology for Kids” will lead a craft activity.
Details: 7-11 a.m. Saturday, July 16. 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $20; $14 ages 3-13; free for ages 2 and under. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org .
2. “Ice Age” slumber party at Arizona Museum of Natural History
In celebration of the new “Ice Age” movie, the Mesa museum will host a sleepover for kids age 6-12 (with chaperones) that features tours, games and crafts. Participants also receive a ticket to an advance screening of “Ice Age: Collision Course.”
Details: 6 p.m. Friday, July 8, until 9 a.m. Saturday, July 9. 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa. $45; $35 for museum members. 480-644-2230, arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org .
RELATED: 20 kids places for fun indoors where it’s cool | Weird-shaped Cheetos contest
3. Flashlight tours at Desert Botanical Garden
Learn about night-blooming cactus and nocturnal critters such as geckos, snakes, toads and scorpions. The tours are self-guided, but garden volunteers await at “discovery stations” to introduce visitors to the secret life of the Sonoran Desert at nighttime. BYOF — that is, bring your own flashlight.
Details: 7-10 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through Sept. 3. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $22; $20 for age 60 or older; $12 for ages 13-18 and college students with ID; $10 for ages 3-12; free for age 2 or younger. 480-941-1225, dbg.org .
4. MIMkids
The Musical Instrument Museum’s Mini Music Makers classes feature singing, dancing and hands-on access to a variety of musical instruments for ages 0 to 5. For ages 6 to 10, MIMkids Musical Adventures delves into the music of cultures from around the globe and the craft of making instruments.
Details: Check the online calendar for schedules. 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. $12 per class. 480-478-6000, mim.org .
RELATED: Experience France at MIM invites you to become a Francophile
5. Free Family Second Sunday at Phoenix Art Museum
The free day at the state’s premier art museum presents kid-friendly fun such as scavenger hunts, storytelling and art activities led by Valley painters and dancers. Next event: Noon Sunday, July 10. 1625 N. Central Ave. 602-257-1222, phxart.org .
RELATED: Phoenix Art Museum offers bargain summer memberships
6. Free Summer Sunday at Heard Museum
Kevin Connywerdy, 53, of the Oklahoma Fancy Dancers performs a traditional hoop dance at the 58th annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market. Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/The Republic
One of the Valley’s most popular attractions, the Heard spotlights Native American art from prehistory to the cutting edge. Admission is free on the fourth Sunday of each month through September.
Details: On July 24, the Yellowhouse Indian Dancers will perform from 12:30 to 2 p.m. 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-252-8848, heard.org .
RELATED: Ongoing Heard exhibit explores Fred Harvey memorabilia
7. Free First Friday at Children’s Museum of Phoenix
The museum has exhibits and hands-on experiences such as “Building Big,” where kids can design and construct forts without leaving a mess in your living room.
Details: 5 to 9 p.m. every first Friday is when your family can check it all out for free (otherwise, be prepared to pay $11). 215 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-253-0501,childrensmuseumofphoenix.org .
MORE KIDS EVENTS: 8 summer theater options for kids and teens | ASU Art Museum’s Family Fun Day is July 9 | July kids events | Free kids events in July | Top kids events this week
8. Sci-Fi Family Day at i.d.e.a. Museum
Along with admission to the “Sci-Fi: Fantasy to Reality” exhibit, the event features mask making, a photo, costume parade and an exhibition by the Phoenix Lightsaber Academy.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 23. 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. $8. 480-644-4332, ideamuseum.org .
GET SOCIAL WITH AZCENTRAL: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
9. Arizona Science Center
Always a go-to choice for curious young minds. Featured exhibit is “The World of Giant Insects” (through Sept. 5), featuring larger-than-life-size animatronics. Also home to the Dorrance Planetarium, with such shows as “Ice Worlds” and “Back to the Moon for Good.”
Details: 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. $18; $13 for ages 3-17; free for age 2 and under. Planetarium shows $8-$9. 602-716-2000, azscience.org .
RELATED: Giant insects invade Arizona Science Center – in the best way possible
10. Culture Pass
Check this out from Phoenix Public Libraries: It gives free admission for two to cultural attractions throughout the state, including many of those listed above as well as Arcosanti, the Pueblo Grande Museum and the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.
Details: phoenixpubliclibrary.org .
This article originally posted here