One of our favorite parks is the Riverview Park in Mesa. We finally visited with the kids' swim suits so that they could have fun in the huge splash pad. Even if you visit without the wet gear there is so much to do, you can fish, take a walk around the huge pond, visit the many playground climbers...it is a gem - a public park paid for by the taxpayer of Mesa for your enjoyment. Also, this is not the only amazing park in Mesa - Pioneer Park is also pretty cool - and I am told there are others!
The City of Tempe, like most municipalities, offers quite a few classes through their Parks and Recreation department. Sister started a four week gymnastics class today. I was pretty impressed with the gymnastics gym the city partnered with - they knew their business and how to get busy 3-year-olds coordinated, climbing, balancing, jumping, and tumbling! The cost for the class was $49 for four sessions. I felt it was reasonable for what they did during the first session - they are a well-oiled machine. You do not have to be a resident of Tempe to sign up for classes.
There is an awesome second-run movie theater in Tempe. Pollack Tempe Cinema offers all movies for $3.50/seat and this, my friends, is the way to take a family to the movies! I can't believe how expensive it is to go to a new release. We've visited this theater twice, both times to see an amazing movie which I hope you have already heard of...
Yes, Coco - it is such a beautiful movie both visually and emotionally. I am no expert on Mexican culture, but it seemed the story captured the beauty and sentiment of Dia de los Muertos in a very respectful and culturally sensitive way. I was moved to tears both times, maybe worse the second time, but it is not a tragic tale. I don't want to spoil it for you...if you haven't seen it you should check it out. Also, even a three-year-old found it entertaining - twice. There are few movies that will keep a whole family of four with diverse tastes entertained - twice. Also it inspired Brother to make some music, which is always good - it is not a musical, but music is central to the story.
Finally, I our final cheap family activity is so simple - a soccer ball and a basketball......we kick the soccer ball to the basketball court and then take turns kicking the soccer ball and making baskets. It's simple and we do this in our "back yard" - the green space in our new community. We also have been using the playground & pool at Seyenna Vistas. This past year we have lived outdoors and I really enjoy it. As the weather is turning to hell in this desert, I am very excited about leaving the heat and finding some new nature next month.
No comments:
Post a Comment