Playdates are great way to get the kids out of the house for some much needed friend time.
And, they can provide some even more needed mom (or dad) time, either with existing friends or other parents that happen to be there.
However, playdates can be a pain to organize. So, we've put together a few ideas to get you and the kids out of the house.
Bring your friends. Or, maybe you'll meet some new ones.
Maddy Bosshardt, 7, appears happy with the way her costume cutouts are coming, while her twin brother, Joseph, right, watches during a meeting of the Magic Tree House Book Club at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W Naranja Drive. The book the group talked about was “Ghost Town at Sundown.”
Playdate Picnic
Drop by the Oro Valley Public Library, which is located at 1305 W. Naranja Drive, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursdays through July 14 for a free playgroup and a BYOL (bring your own lunch) picnic.
There will be books, games and play that promotes intellectual growth, language acquisition and social, motor and emotional skills.
Play and lunch with other mommas and their kids? Yes, please.
Asher Chaison, 4, middle, gets a close look at the skull of a javelina along with other children during Summer Storytime at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, 5900 N. Sabino Canyon Road.
Summer Story Time
Story time as a social activity? Yes. If you've never been, it is not like quiet time at the library. It's fun, social and engaging — for kids and parents. We've met a few people who have become longtime friends at story time.
Try it out at Summer Story Time at the Sabino Canyon Visitor Center, located at 5700 N. Sabino Canyon Road, at 9 a.m. July 7, 14 and 21. Stories will be on lots of different topics and is geared for preschoolers accompanied by an adult. Siblings are welcome. Admission is free.
Pima County Public Library has several story time options, as well. Click here to find one that interests you.
Dirty Cellar is a wall mounted box by John Goldstern, 1998. This is a portion of the piece which is about 2 feet wide overall at The Mini Time Machine Museum, 4455 E. Camp Lowell in Tucson, AZ. Photo taken Thursday, July 3, 2014.
Mini Time Machine clubHOUSE
The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, which is at 4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive, is hosting daily afternoon summer camp programs, where kids ages 5-12 make miniature arts and crafts, play games, practice yoga and do gymnastics. It's from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday now through July 22. It's $20 per child.
So, pick a day. Grab your bestie and drop the kids off at the museum and have a leisurely late lunch at Vero Amore, which is nearby at 2920 N. Swan Road. It's an Italian place with a nice patio, beer and pizza.
The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's Minions begins at the dawn of time. In the comedy adventure, the Minions try to save all Minionkind...from annihilation. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment
Minion Madness
The Bookmans at 1930 E. Grant Road is holding Minion Madness at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 30. You'll get to watch the Minions movie, do a related craft and have a snack. And! There will be face painting.
Click here for more Bookmans events.
