By: Mom Index

 

Attention aviation enthusiasts and parents of curious kids.  Did you know that Scottsdale Airport offers free “Kid Tours” October 15 – May 15 for kids and adults of all ages?   Tours are conducted Monday through Friday at 9:30a.m. during tour season.  Coordinate a tour for your child’s scout group or sports team or schedule a tour to kick-off an aviation themed birthday party.  These tours are also offered for more mature kids such as high school students considering aviation related careers.

 

Tours are conducted by airport personnel and generally last for one hour.  Participants will walk through the terminal to listen to a safety briefing, visit the ramp, walk around privately owned jets and interact with the on-site fire truck.   At the conclusion of the tour, children will receive fun takeaways such as crayons, coloring books and balsa wood planes.  The fire department may also bring hats and gifts for attendees.

 

On average, tours are conducted for groups of six to fifteen people.  Each tour is personalized based on attendee ages and interests.  Since the sites and sounds of the airport can be intimidating for young children, tours are recommended for children ages five and older.  However, younger siblings and young children are welcome too.  Adult supervision is required and the recommended ratio is one adult per four to five children.

 

For additional details and to schedule a tour, email Ken Goucher, Scottsdale Airport Operations Supervisor.
 

By: Mom Index

 

One of the best educational resources in the Valley is the public library system.  Each city system sponsors programs for parents and children and hosts events that are designed to foster an appreciation for books and learning.  As a member of your local library, you are entitled to borrow books, music and films and to attend rewarding events such as story time, infant and toddler music and art classes and special guest appearances.   A key privilege of membership is that most events and member benefits can be enjoyed for free.

 

While the public library system is appropriate for children of all ages, it is especially worthwhile for moms and parents with infants and toddlers.  As a parent with a young child, you can accompany your child to classes, meet other moms and have fun in a creative and valuable environment.  As your child matures, you can transition into more advanced programs and events and incorporate library offerings into your ongoing routine.  

 

Other than the financial and educational benefits of membership, membership or affiliation with libraries offers access to on-site book shops, tutoring services, book sales and book exchanges and computer and Internet services.  You can support your local branch or system through a tax deductible donation.

 

To stay connected and informed about library activities, visit city library websites and register for monthly newsletters and events.  Many libraries offer online event registration, which ensures access to events and provides a means for library staff to contact you in the event of a cancellation or event change.  Electronic library newsletters will inform you about classes, on-site exhibits and other facility happenings. 

 

The Maricopa Library District website is a valuable source of information regarding county libraries.  In addition to serving cities, towns and school districts with running their libraries, it offers digital downloads, book recommendations and other valuable ancillary services.  Access the website for a list of valley libraries with links to their main websites.  Each library website includes details such as library hours, locations, events, interlibrary loan programs and more.