Boring (Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale: ski resorts, rent, schools)

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by foma

I only read the first two pages so perhaps this has been mentioned but there is NOTHING out in Buckeye. Anytime we want to "do something" (other than going to the movies or hanging out at B&N reading magz - which can get cumbersome) we have to go to the east side! There's a delightful place called "The G-Spot" ("g" for gelato) around downtown Scottsdale. We don't drink, go clubbing or like watching sports so our activities are usually limited. We have taken up hiking recently though so it's nice that the weather is finally cooling off! If anybody can share what you do living out on the (farrrrrrr) west side, please share!

I don't live on the west side, but my ex used to live in Peoria, so I was out there quite often for years.

There's the Challenger Center a drive up the 101, which I still haven't visited, but I want to!

There's LA. Lol.

You could always go for a hike in the Estrellas or the White Tanks, though I haven't been there in a while, so I don't know if it's as serene as it used to be, with all the development. There's the World Wildlife Zoo not too far, which is smaller than the Phoenix Zoo, but I like it better because it's more interactive (you can feed the tropical birds) You could always do a little urban spelunking if you're into adventurous barely illegal stuff (but don't go during a storm!) There's Lake Pleasant a bit farther north. Oh, and which highway is it out there that goes south? 80 something. I took that to Yuma once, instead of the major freeways, and it was a gorgeous drive There was a steel bridge and an old rusty car that looked like it was from the 30s. They were among some of the greenest desert I've seen.

Anyway, those are some things I like to do on the west side, but I have no idea what interests you.

[foma]

Thanks! Yes, we frequent Estrella and it's a little "developed" but still pretty serene. Most of the things mentioned sound like "day trips" or something along those lines. I guess I was curious of activities to do on a typical Friday/Saturday night or something. I guess it just sucks that everything is like a 45 minute drive! I'll definitely look into Lake Pleasent but umm ... sperlunking? heehee, i only learned that word after watching Batman (Christian Bale). I don't think I'll be doing that any time soon! Thanks for your helpfulness ... and yes, L.A. has been done ... several times already!

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by McWife2005

What is here to do with kids on Halloween? And are there soccer teams? You mentioned sports!!

I just saw where a Halloween scare place called "The Nest" is 10th in the hauntiest places in America by Americas Best Haunts (whatever that is). Anyhow, this place is at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. Finally, QC is convenient to something!

[Arizona Annie]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I just saw where a Halloween scare place called "The Nest" is 10th in the hauntiest places in America by Americas Best Haunts (whatever that is). Anyhow, this place is at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. Finally, QC is convenient to something!

Unless I'm mistaken, Schnepf Farms is one of the places that advertises it has a pumpkin patch. It seems to me there was a little story on it last year on one of the news stations too.

Oh, speaking of scary places.....I wanted to share the URL to the place I mentioned earlier, "Fear Farm"......
Fear Farm Haunted Attraction in Phoenix, Arizona

It looks really scary to me.
Happy Haunting.

[twiggy]

Originally Posted by Arizona Annie

LOL. It's a good thing you don't go to the Chandler Ostrich festival! Or do you?

Speaking of seasonal activities, have you tried Glendale Glitters? IMO, it's a very fun family activity around Christmas time. LOTS of lights (of course), craft, souvenir and food/drink booths and activities for the children. There is a big area of man made snow to play in (for a nominal fee), rock climbing (for a not so nominal fee) and other activites for children. I have to warn you though, I brought two kids and in my opinion it was expensive if you let them do all the activities, we didn't. I don't know how many of your family are kids, (with a family of 6, I could assume 4 or 5, but that would be an assumption.) but our 2 really added up quickly even doing just some of the activities. We went last year for the first time and really enjoyed it. If we go again this year we will have to plan and save, but I definitely recommend it. Like you said, family activities in the Phoenix Metro area can be very expensive.

Wow, thanks Annie. That sounds like my speed. I have a hubby, 3 children (2 girls and 1 boy), a grandma, and a grandpa with Alzhimers. The family keeps growing with the stroke of my mother who was already caring for my father with Alz, we brought them home with us instead of the nursing home route. Grandpa doesn't travel well, so it's usually just the 6 of us. This sounds like something fun for the kids and grandma! You see why I don't go hiking, or boating. I would loose half my family for sure. Someone would fall off that boat, or we would be on the news getting rescued of South Mountain. lol With all these suburbs and family living I hope more family activities start to arise. It seems this year is already better than last. One reason I always want to move back to Cape Cod, MA, you can just open your door and say shew. lol

[Arizona Annie]

Originally Posted by twiggy

Wow, thanks Annie. That sounds like my speed. I have a hubby, 3 children (2 girls and 1 boy), a grandma, and a grandpa with Alzhimers. The family keeps growing with the stroke of my mother who was already caring for my father with Alz, we brought them home with us instead of the nursing home route. Grandpa doesn't travel well, so it's usually just the 6 of us. This sounds like something fun for the kids and grandma! You see why I don't go hiking, or boating. I would loose half my family for sure. Someone would fall off that boat, or we would be on the news getting rescued of South Mountain. lol With all these suburbs and family living I hope more family activities start to arise. It seems this year is already better than last. One reason I always want to move back to Cape Cod, MA, you can just open your door and say shew. lol

Great! I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! There is limited parking close to the event, but you wouldn't have any trouble if you have a handicapped plate (for Grandpa?), and take him as well. Don't know if that is an option if they are set up appropriately, but I thought I'd mention it because they have done a great job accommodating special needs IMO. They have a whole parking lot (at least they did last year) adjacent to where all the action is for those who can't walk the distances from the other parking available. If the parking is full around the event, they have additional parking in a church parking lot quite a distance down the road and constant bus shuttles. At the event itself, there are tables set up right in the middle where those who aren't very mobile can sit and enjoy all the excitement going on around them and it makes a nice gathering point for those wandering around to all that is offered.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. I hope she is improving. I know how devastating a stroke can be. I think it's wonderful you were able to take your parents in after your mother's stroke. What a wonderful thing for your children to have so many of their extended family around them. I learned a lot from my Grandmother when she lived with us for years. I imagine it is a lot of work for you to care for so many. You must be a very special caring lady.

Yes, I can see why hiking and boating aren't an option for the whole family. Not worth the worry. I know what you are saying about opening the door and saying "shew" I miss that option as well. I don't know if it is all just about location or if some of it has to do with the change of times. I have quite a few years behind me and when I was growing up we would be out all day playing all over the community, without a worry.

My best to you!
AA

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I just saw where a Halloween scare place called "The Nest" is 10th in the hauntiest places in America by Americas Best Haunts (whatever that is). Anyhow, this place is at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek. Finally, QC is convenient to something!

I want to go there, but I don't think it's for little kids. It's done by the same production company that puts together Alice Cooper's Nightmare.

Oh, but I think there are other things, besides The Nest at Schnepf Farms. That place is traditionally family friendly.

[Artliquide]

Originally Posted by twiggy

Wow, thanks Annie. That sounds like my speed. I have a hubby, 3 children (2 girls and 1 boy), a grandma, and a grandpa with Alzhimers. The family keeps growing with the stroke of my mother who was already caring for my father with Alz, we brought them home with us instead of the nursing home route. Grandpa doesn't travel well, so it's usually just the 6 of us. This sounds like something fun for the kids and grandma! You see why I don't go hiking, or boating. I would loose half my family for sure. Someone would fall off that boat, or we would be on the news getting rescued of South Mountain. lol With all these suburbs and family living I hope more family activities start to arise. It seems this year is already better than last. One reason I always want to move back to Cape Cod, MA, you can just open your door and say shew. lol

I think it's admirable that you took in family rather than put them in a nursing home. My aunt and uncle built an addition to their house so that my grandparents could live there instead of being in assisted living. I think that's how people should treat family, even though it's more work

[Arizona Annie]

Originally Posted by Artliquide

I think it's admirable that you took in family rather than put them in a nursing home. My aunt and uncle built an addition to their house so that my grandparents could live there instead of being in assisted living. I think that's how people should treat family, even though it's more work

I agree. My parents took my Grandma in when she could no longer take care of herself. It was just normal for us to do so. When my husband and I bought our most recent home, we made sure we have room in our home for my parents, if need be. They know they have a place to go. If we could have afforded it, we would have bought a house with a seperate in-law suite so they could have their privacy when need be.

[Arizona Annie]

Originally Posted by Artliquide

I want to go there, but I don't think it's for little kids. It's done by the same production company that puts together Alice Cooper's Nightmare.

Oh, but I think there are other things, besides The Nest at Schnepf Farms. That place is traditionally family friendly.

I don't think you would like "Fear Farm" Artliquide. That's the place whose link I shared. From what I hear it is definitely not for little kids, and why we haven't been there yet. Mine isn't so little anymore, but I think she's still too young to go there, but it depends on the child I think. But for the teenagers and young adults, I think it is very popular. It's why I shared the link, so people could see what is there and make an informed decision.