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Animal rescues, Valley businesses offer deals for kids missing class over walkout

Posted at 2:29 PM, Apr 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-30 08:56:58-04

Valley businesses are stepping up to help parents who will need to find something for their kids to do when the teacher walkout begins on Thursday. 

See below for a roundup of all of the businesses that we have found offering deals. Have one to add? Send us an email.

SPECIAL SECTION: Latest updates on teacher walkouts 

Wet n' Wild

Wet n Wild Phoenix has chose to open a day early to accommodate parents who need something for their kids to do Thursday! The park will open be open April 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with half price general admission. Not all of their rides will be open, but there will still be plenty to do! Regular hours, ticket pricing and full attractions begin on Friday as previously scheduled.

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Animal rescues:

The Arizona Humane Society and Animal Welfare League are both holding camps for kids that don’t have school beginning Thursday due to the planned teacher walkout.

Both camps are pretty similar, with kids getting the chance to participate in hands-on presentations with animals, games, arts and crafts activities, and guest speakers that will talk about animals and career opportunities working in the field.

Arizona Animal Welfare League

All kids between first and eighth grades.

When: April 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 15 N. 40th Place, Phoenix (Washington and 40th St)
Cost: $55 for camp ($10 for before and after-care available from 7:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.)
Food: Parents are asked to provide a bagged lunch and snacks for their kids
To register: Call 602-273-6852 x122 or Click HERE.

To help out the community, Arizona Animal Welfare League is also opening an #AnimalsForEd day camp starting Thursday. The group runs other camps during summer and school breaks where kids learn about animals and veterinary science, and make crafts. 

"I know what it's like to be stuck; I think all of us parents know what its like to be stuck," said the League's Susan Logan. 

Arizona Humane Society Campus for Compassion

All kids between the ages of 6 and 12.

Where: 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix (15th Ave and Dobbins)
When: 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($10 for after-care until 5:30 p.m.) *Before care will not be provided* 
Cost: $50 for camp
Food: Parents are asked to bring their own bagged lunch and snacks for their kids
To register: Register online, here.

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Arizona Science Center

The Arizona Science Center is offering a full-day camp starting April 26 and continuing on every weekday until the walkout ends. Campers will investigate concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics while building their problem-solving and communication skills.

Where: 600 E Washington St., Phoenix
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekday of walkout, starting April 26
Cost: $40 per day per child (Early/late pickup available for $15 per child per day from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Food: Parents should pack a non refrigerated lunch and beverage
To register: Space is limited. Click HERE to register. 

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Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix

Boys & Girls Club locations will open their doors to families every day during the teacher walkout to hold a "Day Camp." They'll operate in the same fashion as they do during their summer day camp. Spacing will be limited, so call your local branch for more information or BGCMP Program Services Center at 602-954-8182.

Where: All Valley Boys & Girls Club Metro Phoenix locations. Find a club near you.
When: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost: Free for current members, $20 for non-members
Food: Every club will serve lunch and snacks. Breakfast will not be served.

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Boys & Girls Club of Scottsdale

Boys & Girls Club locations will open their doors to families every day during the teacher walkout to hold a "Day Camp." They'll operate in the same fashion as they do during their summer day camp. Spacing will be limited, so call your local branch for more information.

Where: All Valley Boys & Girls Club of Scottsdale locations
When: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE for existing Boys & Girls Club members, $35 a day for non-members
Food: Parents are asked to bring their own bagged lunch and snacks for their kids
(Spacing will be limited, so call your local branch for more information.)

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AZ on the Rocks

AZ on the Rocks will hold "pop-up camps" for kids starting on April 26, and will continue as long as the walkout continues. Kids will learn to rock climb in addition to participating in arts & crafts and other creative activities.

Where: 16447 N 91st St. Suite 105, Scottsdale (Loop 101 and Bell)
When: 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Cost: $50 per child. Parents must sign a waiver.
Food: Parents are asked to bring their own bagged lunch and snacks for their kids
To Register: Space is limited. You can register, here.

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Engineering for Kids

EFK is offering STEM day camps Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27. EFK says they'll "keep the learning going" as your child gets their hands on some cool STEM activities while learning in a creative and open-ended environment.

Where: KTR Mesa (McKellips & Gilbert), Sky Zone Peoria, & Urban Air Ahwatukee
When: April 27 and 27 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Between $65-$75 a day
Food: Bring your own food, or buy a Firehouse sub at the camp for $6
Registration: Register online by clicking HERE

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Arizona All-Stars

Arizona All-Stars is hosting a sports and activity walkout day camp. There will be sports and other interactive games being played all day, so drop in anytime!

Where: Arizona All-Stars 1746 W Ruby Dr. Suite 102, Tempe
When: April 27 and 28, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: $30 per day per child
Food: Bring your own food, or buy a Firehouse sub at the camp for $6
Registration: You can register online by clicking HERE. 

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Maricopa County Home and Garden Show

The Maricopa County Home and Garden Show is offering free admission the weekend of April 27-29 for any teachers that bring a school ID. Children 2 and under are also free, and kids between 3 and 12 years old are only $3. There will be lots of DIY crafts and classes to attend.

Where: Arizona State Fair Grounds
When: April 27 and 28 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 29 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Cost: Teachers with an ID are free. Children 2 and younger are free. Children 3-12 are $3.

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Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is offering care for children ages 5-12, up to 100 kids a day.

Where: KROC Center 1375 E Broadway Rd, Phoenix
When: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Cost: $25 per child per day
Food: Includes two meals and one snack
Register: Call 602-425-5000 for reservations, as space is limited

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CO+HOOTS

CO+HOOTS is hosting free co-working for parents and teachers affected by Thursday's walkout and will provide care for kids. 

Where: 221 E Indianola Ave, Phoenix
When: Thursday, April 26 from 8 a.m to 6 p.m

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Skateland Chandler, Mesa and Great Skate Glendale

Skateland in Chandler will host a kid's camp for children affected by Thursday's teacher walkout.

Where: 1101 W. Ray Road, Chandler, 7 E Southern Ave, Mesa, 10054 N. 53rd Avenue, Glendale
Cost: $25
When: Thursday, April 26 from 8 a.m to 4 p.m; an extended stay option will be available from 4 p.m to 6 p.m for an additional $10.
Amenities: Breakfast, lunch, snacks, skating, games, crafts, and activities. 
Register: Call 480-917- 9444

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Children's Museum of Phoenix

The Children's Museum of Phoenix will reduce its daily entrance fee during the teacher walkout, as well as offer day camps for kids 5-8 years old.

Where: 215 N. 7th Street, Phoenix
Cost: $9 for daily museum entrance (normally $12) and $50 for day camp; $20 additional before or after-care option available.
When: Thursday, April 26 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m; could be extended depending on the length of the walkout
Register: ChildrensMuseumofPhoenix.org. 

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City of Peoria

The City of Peoria is opening three sites to help parents with childcare. For students on free or reduced lunch, Peoria Community Center will have lunch service. 

Where: Peoria Sports Complex (16101 N. 83rd Ave.), Rio Vista Recreation Center (8866 W. Thunderbird Rd.), and Community Center (8335 W. Jefferson St.)
Cost: $25 per day
When: Thursday and Friday, April 26 and 27 from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. with additional days available if walkout continues
Register: Registration is required. Limited space, priority given to students already registered with AM/PM program. Contact Community Services Department at 623-773-7137 for info on availability. 

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City of Tempe Kids Zone Day Camps

Kid Zone will offer day camps at schools and centers in Tempe starting Thursday, Apr. 26 because of the teacher walkout. Camps will run 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. and are on a first come, first served basis. Camps will be limited to 200 students.

Where: Broadmor Elementary (311 E. Aepli Drive), Rover Elementary (1300 E. Watson Drive), Fuller Elementary (1975 E. Cornell Drive) and Waggoner Elementary (1050 E. Carver Road).
Cost: $25 per child per day
When: Thursday and Friday, April 26-27, 6 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., could go longer depending on walkout
Register: Those already enrolled in KidZone can register online, www.kidzonelogin.com. Those who do not have a Kid Zone account, must register in person at Edna Vihel Arts Center (3340 S. Rural Road) by Wednesday, April 25. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Broadmor, Rover and Fuller will provide breakfast and lunch. Waggoner Elementary will provide morning and afternoon snacks. Children must bring their own lunch.

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City of Tempe North Tempe Multi-Generational Center

The center will be open on Thursday and Friday for drop-in programming. Parents will have to create a free membership. The center will be limited to 60 participants.

When: Thursday and Friday, April 26-27, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: 1555 N Bridalwreath St, Tempe, AZ 85281
To register, 480-858-6500

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City of Tempe Escalante Community Center

The center will be open on Thursday and Friday for drop-in programming for children 6-17 years old. Parents will have to create a free membership.

When: Thursday and Friday, April 26-27, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Where: 2150 E Orange St, Tempe, AZ 85281
To register, 408-350-5800

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KidsPark - Scottsdale and Peoria

KidsPark has two entertainment centers in the Valley: Scottsdale and Peoria. Teachers can register their children for free. They are also offering a 50-percent discount to those affected by the walkout on Thursday, April 26.

Children can register and enroll their children for an hour or two or for the day. Regular rates vary between $8 - $9 an hour. Daily rates are $56 - $63. Sibling discounts are available.

Meals can be purchased. To receive the discount, parents need to register their kids by Wednesday, April 25.

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Free child watch at four City of Mesa community centers

Four community centers in Mesa will have free supervised childcare on Thursday, April 26 for children in kindergarten through 6th grade as a result of the planned teacher walkout. The centers will provide breakfast and lunch. Availability is first come, first served.

Where: Webster Recreation Center (202 N Sycamore  Mesa, AZ 85201), Jefferson Recreation Center (120 S Jefferson  Mesa, AZ 85207), Eagles Community Center (828 E Broadway  Mesa, AZ 85204), Broadway Recreation Center (59 E Broadway  Mesa, AZ 85210).
Time: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Food: Breakfast and lunch will be provided
Cost: Free
To register, fill out the registration form and bring it with you.

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Precision Martial Arts

Where: 5757 East McKellips Road #101, Mesa
Cost: $15 per day
When: Thursday April 26th and continue until the strike ends, 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Register: Call 480-833-5537

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Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park

The Wildlife World Zoo is offering one free child admission (with paid adult admission) on Thursday and Friday, April 26-27, 2018 as a result of the looming teacher walkouts. Adult admission is $40, plus tax, and child admission is normally $20, plus tax.

Where: 16501 W Northern Ave, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340
Cost: $20 - $40
When: April 26-27, 2018, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Last entrance at 4:30 p.m.

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Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics and Dance Center

Arizona Sunrays Arcadia and Phoenix centers will host half-day and full-day camps on Thursday, April 26. Teachers can enroll their children for free, according to a news release. Camp prices for everyone else are $57-$78 per child. Space is limited.

Where: 3923 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018, and 15801 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Cost: Free for teachers' children; $57-$78 per child depending on half- or full-day camp
Time: Half-day camp is 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; full-day camp is 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To register, 602-992-5790 or arizonasunrays.com.

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AZ Air Time

The trampoline park does not have a day camp, but is offering a buy one, get one on jump time on Thursday, April 26. Those who purchase an hour of jumping will receive a second hour for free.

The cost is $9.99 for children six and under, and $14.99 for children 7 and up. Socks are required.

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Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden is offering free admission for school-age children on Thursday, April 26, as a result of the teacher walkout. Paid adult admission required. The promo is valid only on weekdays.

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South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church

The South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church with Arizona Parents and Allies United is offering breakfast to south Phoenix children on Thursday, April 26. Food will be served from 7 to 9 a.m. RSVP online, offer donations and get more information here. 

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Southwest Gymnastics 

Southwest Gymnastics says they will be offering day camp on Thursday, April 26, and possibly Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It costs $25 per student and includes activities, games, gymnastics, open gym time, lunch, snacks and a movie. You can register and pay through parent portal or at drop-off. 

Where: 4930 S. Ash, Avenue Ste. 105, Tempe, AZ 85282

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KTR Family Action Sports Center

KTR Family Action Sports Center in Chandler is opening at 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 26, for "all day" fun for individuals and families. On Facebook, they list prices as $30 for individuals and $75 for families. The center offers tumbling, trampoline, cheerleading, parkour/ninja warrior, dodgeball, skateboarding, scootering, dance, beginning gymnastics, fitness. For more information, click here. 

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Westside Multi-Generational Center Day Camp

The Boys & Girls Club will offer day camp for $20 a day. Parents can register any time during operating hours. Students must bring their own lunch. 
Where: 715 W. 5th St., Tempe, 480-858-2400
When: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

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Tempe Public Library

Tempe Public Library will open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, and Friday, April 27, for drop-in programming for children 12-17 years of age. There is no cost to utilize Tempe Public Library, however, students do need a library card to utilize computers.
Where: 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe, 480-350-5500
Library hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

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Kiwanis Recreation Center

The Kiwanis Recreation Center is open from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 26, and 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Friday, April 27.  All of the following activities would be available during specified times at the drop in rate for each activity. Any participant 7 years of age or younger must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult. 
Where: 6111 S. All America Way, 408-350-5201

Thursday:

  • Lap Swim: 7 a.m. – 10 a.m., Ages 2-12: $3, Ages 13+: $4
  • Family / Lap Swim: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Ages 2-12: $3, Ages 13+: $4
  • Open Gym: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Ages 2-12: $2.50, Ages 13+: $4
  • Tennis Courts Prime Time: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m., All ages: $12 / 90 minutes residents, All ages: $14 / 90 minutes non-residents
  • Tennis Courts Non Prime Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., All ages: $9 / 90 minutes residents, All ages: $11 / 90 minutes non-residents

Friday:

  •  Lap Swim: 7 a.m. – 10 a.m., Ages 2-12: $3, Ages 13+: $4
  •  Open Gym: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Ages 2-12: $2.50, Ages 13+: $4
  • Tennis Courts Prime Time: 7 a.m. – 11 a.m., All ages: $12 / 90 minutes residents, All ages: $14 / 90 minutes non-residents
  • Tennis Courts Non Prime Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., All ages: $9 / 90 minutes residents, All ages: $11 / 90 minutes non-residents

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iFLY

iFLY indoor skydiving is offering 20 percent off flight packages with the promo code: SPRING2018. (This promo code deal is good for 2, 3, 4 or 5 flight packages, Monday through Thursday, through June 14.) To make reservations, call 480-712-4359 or go online. 

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United Methodist Church

Various United Methodist Church locations are providing free childcare for school-age children and youth. Contact a location near you to see what options are available for your child. They are also accepting monetary donations to cover food and staffing. 

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Phoenix Recreation Centers 

The City of Phoenix will have extended hours at recreation facilities across the city to feed and care for students. Extended hours will be held on Thursday, April 26, and Friday, April 27. Those facilities will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., to provide a safe option for families with children ages 6 to 17 who are affected by the closures. Pre-registration is encouraged as a limited number of lunches can be provided at some locations. For those who do not pre-register, participants are requested to bring a non-perishable lunch.

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Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is offering daily child care on Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for up to 200 kids, ages 5-12. Care will include two meals and a snack. Get more information here. 

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Wilson Elementary School

The Salvation Army Phoenix Family Services Office has made a commitment to St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance to be a pick-up site for subsidized meal access for 30 to 60 students from nearby Wilson Elementary School.

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Community Centers in Maricopa and Pinal counties

Fry’s is providing The Salvation Army with a limited supply of basic food items. This food will be available for those in need, while supplies last, between 10 a.m. and noon on Thursday, April 26, and Friday, April 27  – even if a walkout does not occur – at each of the following corps community centers and service centers in Maricopa and Pinal Counties, and in Tucson. It’s estimated this supply could accommodate close to 100 families per day at each location on Thursday and Friday:

  • Apache Junction – Apache Junction Corps, 605 E. Broadway Rd.
  • Avondale – Estrella Mountain Corps, 11 N. Third Ave.
  • Casa Grande – Casa Grande Corps, 1333 N. Center St.
  • Chandler – Chandler Corps, 85 E. Saragosa St.
  • Glendale – Glendale Corps, 6010 W. Northern Ave., Valley of the Sun Korean Corps, 7238 N. 61st Ave.
  • Green Valley – Green Valley Service Center, 555 N. La Cañada Dr., Suite 101
  • Mesa – Mesa Corps, 241 E. Sixth St.
  • Phoenix - Phoenix Central Corps, 4343 N. 16th St., Phoenix Citadel Corps, 628 N. Third Ave., Phoenix Maryvale Corps, 4318 W. Clarendon Ave., Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Phoenix South Mountain, 1375 E. Broadway Rd.
  • Surprise – Sun Cities West Valley Corps, 17420 N. Avenue of the Arts Blvd.
  • Tempe – Tempe Corps, 40 E. University Dr.
  • Tucson – Tucson Amphi Corps, 218 E. Prince Rd., Tucson South Corps, 1625 S. Third Av., Tucson Temple/Korean Corps, 1001 N. Richey Blvd.

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Phoenix Center for the Arts

The Phoenix Center for the Arts will hold Art 'N Play day-camps on Thursday and Friday, April 26-27, 2018 for kids 6-12 years old. Parents need to register their kids and pack them a lunch, snacks and water bottle. Space is limited.

Where: 1202 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $20 per child per day
Register: Here

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AZ Ice Gilbert 

AZ Ice Gilbert is offering hockey days for kids out of school on Thursday and Friday. Staff will be running a fun two days of skills, small area games, power skating and individual instruction. Register at the door from 7-7:30 a.m. Kids will need to bring a lunch. The schedule says drop-off/registration begins at 7 a.m. and pick-up is from 1:50 to 3 p.m. 

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Synergy Gymnastics Academy 

Synergy Gymnastics Academy, located at 5814 W Peoria Ave. is offering a day camp for kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. They're offering the camp Thursday, April 26 until school resumes. The camp runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes gymnastics, open gym, games and more. Pre-registration (by noon the day prior) will be $40 a day per student. Drop-in prices will be $50 per student. Extended care must be booked in advance (7-8 a.m. or 3-4 p.m., $10 per hour). Students should wear comfortable clothes and bring a sack lunch and water. Space is limited. Call 623-792-5738 for more information and to book. 

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Life Time Fitness Goodyear-Palm Valley 

All members and non-members can take kids 3-12 to the Life Time Fitness Goodyear-Palm Valley on Monday, April 30 for "School Break Camp". The camp will continue each day until schools reopen. Camp goes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes swimming, rock climbing, STEAM activities and more. Call Emma at 623-547-3151 or email EKnox@lt.life for more info.