Families are invited to spend a weekend improving and enhancing public lands as part of National Public Lands Day. From Sept. 24-26, the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department offers a hands-on volunteer effort in the Coconino National Forest, based out of Camp Colley, the department’s camp on the Mogollon Rim. There also will be time for many other family fun camp activities.

    Looking for a more relaxing stay? Come for the “Fall Colors” Family Hiking Weekend, Oct. 1-3 in the  canyon areas of the Mogollon Rim.

    The cost for each trip is $75 per adult and $25 for children 17 and under. All youth participants must be accompanied by an adult. Cost includes several meals, all program materials and camping equipment.

    Campers need to be able to transport themselves to the camp and activities. Register online at www.phoenix.gov/ parks using course code 69084 for the NPLD weekend, and 69085 for the Fall Colors weekend. For more information, contact Jeff Spellman at 602-495-5507 or via e-mail at jeff.spellman@ phoenix.gov.

 

Join Hubbard Family Swim School and Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics & Dance Center for the Second Annual Swim & Gym Fall Festival, 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at 13832 N. 32nd St. The event includes free open family swim, gymnastics and dance classes and karate clinics. There will be face painting, bounce houses, raffles, snow cones, smoothies, live music and gymnastics, dance and karate demonstrations.

    Bring your change for a special Change Drive. A local bank is matching up to $1,000 of change donations to benefit Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Be a part of all the festivities and help raise money for PCH.

    For more information, call 602-992-5790 or visit www.arizonasunrays.com, www.hubbardswim.com.

 

Got kids? Then North Central Parent Group is here to help! NCPG offers bi-weekly parenting classes led by child development experts. An open discussion format provides an opportunity to exchange ideas, explore parenting techniques and promote friendships through play groups.

    Classes are divided according to the child’s age, from pregnancy to pre-kindergarten. The next classes are scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8 and 22, at Church of the Beatitudes, 555 W. Glendale Ave. The first class is free for newcomers.

    For more information, visit http://www.ncpgaz.org or e-mail membership@ncpgaz.org.

 

 

Music Together is a music and movement approach to early childhood that develops every child’s opportunity for basic music competence by encouraging music experience rather than the learning of information about music. The fall session begins Sept. 13 and runs through Nov. 20.

    Classes include up to 12 children with their parents or caregivers that meet for 45 minutes weekly for 10 weeks to experience songs, chants, movement activities and instrumental jam sessions. Tuition ranges from $180 to $275. Siblings under 8 months who attend the first day of class are free. Tuition cost includes class materials.

    For more information, contact Kathy Rowe at Music Together in Phoenix at 602-363-8202 or visit www.musictogetherinphx.com.