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Saturdays are busy for my family. Soccer games for the girls and a flag football game for my son seem to fill-up the entire day. Therefore, I always grab a few craft items or small toys to keep my kids entertained as we move from activity to activity.

Last weekend, I was watching my son’s flag football game and keeping my youngest daughter entertained with one of our three Boogie Board™ LCD Writing Tablets. All of a sudden, another mom approached me and asked about this unique gadget. Her questions were immediately followed by a group of moms who were intrigued by our “doodle pad” and wanted to know all about it. Given that our children live in an electronic world, I was shocked to learn that this was the coolest invention they had seen in a long time.

Since this gadget was turning heads, I wanted to share it with you so you can check-it-out for your family. My father-in-law discovered the Boogie Board™ last year and we have been having on-the-go fun ever since. The writing tablets are great for practicing letters and numbers, for homework scratch work and for drawing. Preorders are currently available for models that save drawings, notes and more. What a great option for families on-the-go!

Keep a tablet in your car, your diaper bag or your purse for grocery lists, things-to-do lists and schedule updates. The price point for these boards is quite reasonable with tablets starting at $39.95 per board. Models are available in different sizes, styles and colors.

Major League Baseball (MLB) is coming to town for the All-Star game and there will be plenty of activities to celebrate the big event. The MLB All-Star FanFest begins on Thursday and runs through July 12, 2011.

MomIndex is partnering with Shop to Be Green, an Arizona based business, for a gift card giveaway. Visit the MomIndex homepage for details.

Have you read my interview with Katie Cazorla? She is the star of Nail Files, the new TV Guide Network reality show. Although it was quite hot at Tempe Marketplace last week, I had fun with my daughter as we were treated to mini-manicures and received goody bags. Katie is adorable and friendly. I felt like I was chatting with a girlfriend and kept forgetting I was there for an interview. Click here to read the article.

The MomIndex calendar is updated daily and is a great resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities that are free or nearly free. You can also follow MomIndex on Twitter and Facebook for daily news, event information, findings and fun. Remember, if you are a business owner, list your business for free on MomIndex and you could win a free banner ad on the MomIndex homepage! Visit MomIndex for contest details.

I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with Twitter followers. Follow me @allison_small and I’ll share my experiences as a busy mother of three young children as well as finds, food, fun, tips, events & more.

Below are my picks for this week:
MONDAY
Tempe 4th at Tempe Beach Park: Gates open at 4pm – Afternoon & Evening Celebration at Tempe Town Lake. CBS 5 Tempe Town Lake Festival Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe. Items Permitted: 1 gallon of sealed water/person. Blankets, portable chairs, personal cameras & personal umbrellas – up to 48” are permitted. No food or coolers. No skates, bicycles or skateboards. No pets (service animals are permitted). Entry is free for anyone showing a current military ID. $6.00/person, Children 12 and under are free. On-site ticket sales will stop when the park reaches capacity.

TUESDAY
Summer Kids days at Peter Piper Pizza: 10am-12pm. $4.99/child includes 2 slices of pizza, 12 oz. drink, 5 tokens & make-and-take craft. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Contact your local store manager for reservation. July 5th – Happy Birthday America, July 12th – Earth Explorer Day, July 19th – Summer Carnival, July 26th – Super Hero Day.

WEDNESDAY
Kids Club at Arrowhead Towne Center: 10am. First Wednesday of every month at 10am JCPenney Court. Arrowhead Towne Center 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center Glendale, AZ 85308-8612, (623) 979-7777.

THURSDAY
Lululemon Free Hotasana at Biltmore Fashion Park: 7pm at the Center Lawn – Every Thursday through July 14, 2011. Hotasana (hot-ahs-anna) – hot = 90 degrees F asana = pose sustainable summer yoga series. Sponsored by Lululemon 2502 Camelback Road, Ste. 133, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

FRIDAY
MLB All-Star FanFest: The world’s largest interactive baseball fan event will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center. Event features an exhibit from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, batting cages, clinics from MLB players, autograph sessions, memorabilia & more. Adults $30, Children 12 and under, Seniors & military personnel $25, Children under age 2 are admitted free. Phoenix Convention Center 100 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, Arizona.

SATURDAY
Kierland Commons Summer Concert Series: 7pm-9pm – Every Saturday through July 30, 2011. Presented by Schumacher Mercedes-Benz and 99.9 KEZ. July 9 – Otis & the Beat: Hits from the 70′s – 90′s, July 16 – The Rave: Variety Covers, July 23 – Raun Alosi: Classic Rock Hits, July 30 – Cold Shott & the Hurricane Horns: Jazz, Rock & Blues with Horns. *fountain/splash pad will be off on Saturdays during the Summer Concert Series. Kierland Commons 15205 N Kierland Blvd Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, (480) 348-1577.

SUNDAY
ASU Art Museum Annual Family Fun Day: 10am-2pm – Free Event. Art making projects, performances and a visit from a PBS character from Eight/KAET. ASU Art Museum Northeast corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street.

Mom Index has just partnered with Shop to Be Green, an Arizona based business, for a gift card giveaway. Visit the Mom Index homepage for details.

I had so much fun at the Splendid Store Grand Opening event on Saturday. My kids made a variety of unique crafts and snacked on cookies and milk. Visit Mom Index on Facebook to browse photos from the event.

The Mom Index calendar is updated daily and is a great resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities that are free or nearly free. You can also follow Mom Index on Twitter and Facebook for daily news, event information, findings and fun. Remember, if you are a business owner, list your business for free on Mom Index and you could win a free banner ad on the Mom Index homepage! Visit Mom Index for contest details.

I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with Twitter followers. Follow me @allison_small and I’ll share my experiences as a busy mother of three young children as well as finds, food, fun, tips, events & more.

Below are my picks for this week:
MONDAY
Kids Summer Series at UltraStar Cinemas: Doors open 9am, Movie begins 9:30am. This week’s movie is Despicable Me. Cost is $5/person. Children under the age of 3 are free. The $5 covers ALL MOVIES in the Series (Must purchase tickets at the box office). Available at Surprise Pointe and Scottsdale Pavilions (Mon- Fri – must select 1 day). Series runs through July 29, 2011.

TUESDAY
North Valley Family Night at the Shops at Norterra: 6pm-7pm – 4th Tuesday of the Month Thru August. Join the Radio Disney Road Crew for family fun. Games & prizes, Radio Disney music, dancing, craft project and more.

WEDNESDAY
One Mile One Meal with Stephanie Quilao at Whole Foods Scottsdale-Raintree: 6pm-7pm – Free Event. One Mile One Meal is about inspiring you and others to up your healthiness through tiny actions – exercising one mile & eating one healthier meal each day. Learn how making tiny changes can change your life.

THURSDAY
Scottsdale Artwalk: 7pm-9pm – Free Event Every Thursday. “America’s Original Art Walk” is in its 36th year and features art galleries, free parking and free trolley service to all corners of the Arts District. Scottsdale Arts District, just west of Scottsdale Road along Main Street and on Marshall Way north of Indian School to 5th Ave.

FRIDAY
Target Free First Friday Nights at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix: On the first Friday of every month, from 6pm to10pm, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix will be open to the public free of charge. The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is located at 215 N. 7th Street, downtown Phoenix, at the SE corner of 7th Street and Van Buren in the historic Monroe School Building.

SATURDAY
Bank of America’s Museums on Us and the Musical Instrument Museum: On the first full weekend of every month, when a Bank of America customer shows their Bank of America ATM, credit or check card and a photo ID at the Museum’s Admission booth they will receive one free general admission ticket.

SUNDAY
Heard Museum Summer Sundays: 11am-5pm – Free Admission Sundays in July. Hands-on activities – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, Performances – Noon & 2 p.m., Story Readings – 1 & 3 p.m. (limit 30 children per reading) & Scavenger Hunts – Throughout the day. The Café will offer special kids and family lunch options.

Are you a busy parent and need a (cleaning) break? Mom Index has partnered with House Cleaning Matchmakers (HCM) for the Parents: You Deserve a Break Contest through June 25, 2011. One lucky winner will receive a complimentary house cleaning. Click here for details.

I’m excited to be a host for the upcoming Splendid Store Grand Opening event. Join us for a Free event on June 25th at Scottsdale Fashion Square and you’ll enjoy crafts, activities, sips & snacks. Click here to learn more.

Mom Index is partnering with My Baby Pajama’s for a fantastic gift card giveaway. Also, if you’re a business owner, list your business for free on Mom Index and you could win a free banner ad on the Mom Index homepage! Visit Mom Index for contest details.

The Mom Index calendar is updated daily and is a great resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities that are free or nearly free. You can also follow Mom Index on Twitter and Facebook for daily news, event information, findings and fun.

I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with Twitter followers. Follow me @allison_small and I’ll share my experiences as a busy mother of three young children as well as finds, food, fun, tips, events & more.

Below are my picks for this week:
MONDAY
Biltmore lululemon Run Club: 6pm – Every Monday Night. Led by Jordan Levine. Meet at the store and run 1.5 miles up to the canal, then flow through a short yoga sequence, and run 1.5 miles back. Bring you friends, family & pets. Lululemon 2502 Camelback Road, Ste. 133, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

TUESDAY
Kids Summer Series at UltraStar Cinemas: Doors open 9am, Movie begins 9:30am. How to Train Your Dragon. $5/person. Children under the age of 3 are free. $5 covers all movies in the series. Series runs through July 29, 2011. Ultrastar Cinema at Scottsdale Pavilions 9090 E. Indian Bend Rd.Scottsdale AZ, 85250, 480-278-7324 & guest services 480.302.6055 & Surprise Pointe 13649 North Litchfield Road, Surprise AZ, 85374, 623.584.3838 & guest services 623.584.3884.

WEDNESDAY
The Shops at Norterra Kids Club: 10am-11am at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit – Free Event. Kids will enjoy a great event presented by the Arizona Puppet Theater while enjoying a Build-Your-Own-Sundae Bar. RSVP 623.582.9599. The Shops at Norterra is located at the northeast corner of I-17 and Happy Valley Road.

THURSDAY
Thursdays on Mill: 5pm-10pm – Thursday evenings September through June. Mill Avenue in Tempe, AZ. Live music, market, and movies. Each week singer/songwriters perform free of charge to passersby as part of Music on Mill. At the end of Mill at 7th Street, is Thursday Night Market, a community based market that has vendors selling arts, food, crafts, and jewelry. Also, check out MADCAP Theaters for movie showings, poetry slams, and classes about sustainability.

FRIDAY
SMoCA Summer Opening Celebration: 7pm-9pm – Free & open to the public. SMoCA will unveil two exhibits. Museum is adjacent to Los Olivos Mexican restaurant on 2nd St., 480-874-4666.

SATURDAY
Splendid Store Grand Opening Event: 11:30am-2:30pm. You’re invited to the Splendid Store Grand Opening Event: Crafting Community for Splendid. Crafts, activities, sips & snacks hosted by Kai Richards, Allison Small, Shira Nicks and Cassandra Coblentz. FREE Event & fun for all ages! RSVP scottsdale@splendid.com. Macy’s Court Lower Level 7014 East Camelback Rd. Scottsdale, AZ.

SUNDAY
Great American Backyard Campout: 3pm 6/25-12pm on 6/26. REI is partnering with Lake Pleasant to host a FREE, fun & easy family camping night. Full line up of activities & food. Registration opens May 6th. Limited to 50 people. campers will need to attend a 6:30pm Pre-Camp Meet and Greet Info Sessions; June 13th at REI Paradise Valley or June 14th at REI Tempe. REI rentals will be available free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis. Dinner Saturday night & breakfast Sunday morning, park entry, campsite fees, and activities are also included for free.

I’m excited to be a host for the upcoming Splendid Store Grand Opening event. Join us for a Free event on June 25th at Scottsdale Fashion Square and you’ll enjoy crafts, activities, sips & snacks. Click here to learn more.

Mom Index is partnering with My Baby Pajama’s for a fantastic gift card giveaway. Also, if you’re a business owner, list your business for free on Mom Index and you could win a free banner ad on the Mom Index homepage! Visit Mom Index for contest details.

The Mom Index calendar is updated daily and is a great resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities that are free or nearly free. You can also follow Mom Index on Twitter and Facebook for daily news, event information, findings and fun.

I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with Twitter followers. Follow me @allison_small and I’ll share my experiences as a busy mother of three young children as well as finds, food, fun, tips, events & more.

Below are my picks for this week:
MONDAY
Cabela’s Free Kid’s Kamp: 7pm-7:45pm – Monday Nights June – August. Require no previous skills or experience. For kids ages 9 – 14. June 13: Gun Safety, June 20: Dangerous Animals, Insects, Spiders, June 27: Intro to Camping/Backpacking Food, July 11: Hiking & Trail Safety 202, July 18: Kids Geology, July 25: Wilderness Survival, August 1: Casting for Kiddos (including Fly Casting), August 8: Intro to Shotguns/Skeet, August 15: Gun Safety, August 22: Metal Detectors/Gold Panning, August 29: Dutch Oven Cooking. Cabela’s 9380 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305, (623)872-6700.

TUESDAY
Summer Kids days at Peter Piper Pizza: 10am-12pm. $4.99/child includes 2 slices of pizza, 12 oz. drink, 5 tokens & make-and-take craft. Registration is recommended as space is limited. Contact your local store manager for reservation. June 14 – Meet Your Local Heroes, June 21 – Ahoy Matey!, June 28 – I Am a Rock Star, July 5th – Happy Birthday America, July 12th – Earth Explorer Day, July 19th – Summer Carnival, July 26th – Super Hero Day.

WEDNESDAY
Registry Night at giggle Scottsdale Quarter: 7pm Every Wednesday Night. Get the run of the store and find help at this special registry event. Learn what you’ll need and pick which products will work best for you based on your family’s lifestyle. giggle 15147 North Scottsdale Road, #H-170 (Scottsdale Quarter Shopping Center) Scottsdale, AZ 85254, 480-922-4928.

THURSDAY
Mesa Parks & Recreation 75 Years of Service Celebration: 6pm – Free Event for the Entire Family. Radio Disney will be on site with songs, games and activities. Carnival and Community booths will be in the park too. Rides and raffle prizes all night. Event ends with a Movie In The Park. Pioneer Park, 526 E Main St., Mesa, AZ.

FRIDAY
Montelucia Free Summer Concert Series: 6:30pm – every Friday night until July 8th in Cortijo Plaza. Valley’s most popular cover bands take the stage and perform live in Cortijo Plaza. June 17th Easton Ashe, June 24th Elvis Before Noon, July 1st RAKATA, July 8th Vinyl Station. Montelucia 4949 E. Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, AZ 85253, 480-627-3200.

SATURDAY
Father’s Day LEGO DUPLO Workshop at Pottery Barn Kids: Ages 4+. Parents and children will discover ways to play while listening to music designed to complement building with DUPLO bricks. Participants will take home a special memento. RSVP to your local Pottery Barn Kids Store: Scottsdale Fashion Square 7014 E Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251, (480) 423-3813 or Chandler Fashion Center 3111 West Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226, (480) 899-7155.

SUNDAY
Wigwam Farmer’s Market: 7am-11am – Sundays through September. Held on the Front Lawn of the resort featuring fresh fruits, vegetables and delicacies such as cheese, preserves, bread and wine. Breakfast prepared by Wigwam chefs also available for purchase. Wigwam 300 East Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, Arizona 85340, 623.935.3811.

This month, Mom Index is partnering with My Baby Pajama’s for a fantastic gift card giveaway. Also, if you’re a business owner, list your business for free on Mom Index and you could win a free banner ad on the Mom Index homepage! Visit Mom Index for contest details.

The Mom Index calendar is updated daily and is a great resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities that are free or nearly free. You can also follow Mom Index on Twitter and Facebook for daily news, event information, findings and fun.

I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with Twitter followers. Follow me @allison_small and I’ll share my experiences as a busy mother of three young children as well as finds, food, fun, tips, events & more.

Below are my picks for this week:
MONDAY
SMÅLAND Crafts at IKEA Tempe: 2pm-4pm. Children who visit SMÅLAND can participate in a free activity while their parents shop. Events are scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Monday & the 2nd and 4th Thursday inside the supervised play area. IKEA Tempe 2110 W. IKEA Way Tempe, AZ 85284 480-496-5658.

TUESDAY
LEGO® Monthly Mini Model Build: 5pm. Free Monthly Mini Model Build 5pm at your local LEGO® Store for children ages 6-14. Visit your local LEGO Store on the first Tuesday of every month & learn how to build a cool mini model, and take it home. Quantities are limited and offer good while supplies last. urchased. One free per child. The LEGO® Store 3111 W. Chandler Blvd Chandler, AZ 85226, (480) 899-0228. The LEGO® Store 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center Glendale, AZ 85308, (623) 776-3350.

WEDNESDAY
National Geographic Little Explorers Club at Pottery Barn Kids: 2pm-2:45pm. Theme for session is World Oceans Day. Kids ages 3+. Learn about ocean creatures through hands-on activities, quizzes, songs & more. Children receive a badge for each event they attend. Scottsdale Fashion Square 7014 E Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251, (480) 423-3813 & Chandler Fashion Center 3111 West Chandler Blvd. Chandler, AZ 85226, (480) 899-7155.

THURSDAY
Gilbert Concerts in the Park: 7pm-9pm – Free Event. Category 5, a fun-loving, energetic and entertaining group. Second Thursday of the month at the Freestone Park Amphitheater, located by the lake in Freestone Park (Lindsay and Juniper Roads). Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the evening under the stars. Food and beverages are available to purchase.

FRIDAY
CIGNA Summer Itty Bitty Beach Party: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. – Free event for children ages 0-6. For parents, toddlers and preschoolers ages 6 and under, including puppet show, safety lessons, health tips from CIGNA and Cigna Medical Group CareToday, dance contests, swimsuit contests, Hawaiian leis, refreshments & more. Paradise Valley Pool, 17648 N. 40th St., Phoenix 85032, 602-534-5161.

SATURDAY
Hot Summer Nights Concert Series at CityCenter of CityNorth: 6:30pm-9:30pm – Free event open to the public. June 11, June 25, July 9 & July 23. Receive special restaurant and shop discounts and come for face painting, balloon artists, cotton candy & more. 5515 E. Deer Valley Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85054.

SUNDAY
Silent Sundays at North Mountain Park: Park’s roadways can be used by bicyclists, tots in strollers, in-line skaters and wheelchairs. Starting at 5 a.m. the park’s roadways past the Central Avenue gate will be reserved for non-motorized use. 6/12, 7/10, 8/14, 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, 12/11, (602) 495-5506.

Don’t forget to enter to win a spa service from Dolce Salon & Spa and a week of Severson Sisters camp for your daughter. If you’re a business owner, list your business for free on Mom Index and you could win a free banner ad on the Mom Index homepage! Visit Mom Index for contest details.

The Mom Index calendar is updated daily and is a great resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities that are free or nearly free. You can also follow Mom Index on Twitter and Facebook for daily news, event information, findings and fun.

I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with Twitter followers. Follow me @allison_small and I’ll share my experiences as a busy mother of three young children as well as finds, food, fun, tips, events & more.

Below are my picks for this week:
MONDAY
Harkins Summer Movie Fun: Today marks the first day of this inexpensive and fun 10 week activity. 9:45am – Monday – Friday. 1 movie per week for 10 weeks for less than $1 per movie. This summer enjoy Yogi Bear, Shrek Forever After, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Ramona and Beezus, How to Train your Dragon, Despicable Me, Clifford’s Really Big Movie, Megamind, Alpha and Omega, Cats & Dogs The Revenge of Kitty Galore.

TUESDAY
Complimentary Crossfit at Biltmore Fashion Park: 7:30pm Every Tuesday on the lawn at Biltmore Fashion Park. Sponsored by Lululemon 2502 Camelback Road, Ste. 133, Phoenix, AZ 85016.

WEDNESDAY
Cox Customer Appreciation Day: On Wednesday, June 1, Cox customers who bring a copy of their latest Cox bill to the Phoenix Zoo (7 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Big Surf Waterpark in Tempe (10 a.m.to 6 p.m.) will receive FREE admission for one with one paid adult! For more information, visit http://www.Cox7.com/CoxThankYouDay.

THURSDAY
Scoops of Love Concert: 5pm-8pm – Free admission, open to the public. The Gin Blossoms will perform a FREE acoustic show at 6pm to benefit Scottsdale Healthcare’s Shea Medical Center Neonatal ICU. Band members will then serve ice cream and auction an autographed guitar. Cold Stone Creamery is donating 50 percent of the day’s proceeds to the NICU. Kierland Commons 15034 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, AZ (near the intersection of Greenway Parkway and Scottsdale Rd.) For more info call (480) 882-4517.

FRIDAY
First Friday at the Phoenix Art Museum: 6pm-10pm. The Phoenix Art Museum offers FREE general admission on the first Friday of each month 6pm-10pm as part of First Fridays, a program initiated by Artlink Phoenix. First Friday participants have access to all of the Museum’s galleries, special exhibitions and collections. Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004-1685, (602) 257-1222.

SATURDAY
Tolmachoff Farms Family Farm Day: 8am-2pm. U-pick garden, train ride, picture on a pony, Watermelon Eating and Corn Husking Contest and more. $5/person ages 2+. Visit website for $1.00 coupon. Tolmachoff Farms 5726 N. 75th Ave. Glendale, AZ. 85303, 1/4 mile south of Bethany Home Road on the west side of 75th Ave, 623-386-1301.

SUNDAY
Sunday Market at Gainey Village: Sunday Market at the SHOPS Gainey Village the first Sunday of every month. 9am-1pm. Locally grown organic produce, gourmet specialty items, hand-crafted goods and live music amidst the beautiful outdoor setting. The SHOPS Gainey Village is located on the Southeast Corner of Scottsdale Road and Doubletree Ranch Road in Scottsdale.

Don’t forget to enter to win a spa service from Dolce Salon & Spa and a week of Severson Sisters camp for your daughter. Finally, if you are a business owner, list your business for free on Mom Index and you could win a free banner ad on the Mom Index homepage! Visit Mom Index for contest details.

The Mom Index calendar is updated daily and is a great resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities that are primarily free or nearly free. You can also follow Mom Index on Twitter and Facebook for daily news, event information, findings and fun.

I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with Twitter followers. Follow me @allison_small and I’ll share my experiences as a busy mother of three young children as well as finds, food, fun, tips, events & more.

Below are my picks for this week:
MONDAY
ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero Exhibit at Civic Center Library: Open During Library Hours: Monday – Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 1pm-5pm. Exhibit features a drawing studio, a news stand with comic books and a comic book nook. Children can dress-up as Super Heroes at interactive stations or transform with a costume change in a telephone booth. Scottsdale Civic Center Library 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ, 480.312.READ (7323).

TUESDAY
Solar Technologies 101 at REI Paradise Valley: 6:30pm-8:30pm – Free Event (register online). Felix from Max Solar will discuss all aspects of residential solar systems and cover everything from how the utility rebates and tax credits work to what to look for in a good contractor. Paradise Valley REI 12634 N Paradise Village Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85032, (602) 996-5400.

WEDNESDAY
Citadelle Plaza Twilight Farmers Market: 4pm-7pm. Each Wednesday night, 10-20 vendors will offer fresh locally grown seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers & plants, artisan baked goods, natural pork, beef and fish, food products, and food-related products for purchase during Market hours. Citadelle Plaza, 19420 North 59th Ave. (59th Ave & Union Hills) , (623) 848-1234.

THURSDAY
Summer Seafood Cooking Class at Whole Foods Paradise Valley: 6pm – Free Event. Chef Nathan Hirsch will go over the basics of cooking seafood and incorporating seasonal items. Attendees will sample all dishes prepared. RSVP with Marketing at christine.lockwood@wholefoods.com or 602-569-7600. Whole Foods Paradise Valley 10810 N Tatum Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85028, 602.569.7600.

FRIDAY
Don’t Fry Day at Desert Ridge Marketplace: 11am-9pm – Free event next to the AMC Fountain. Don’t Fry Day – Suit Up Kids, provider of UPF 50+ swimwear, wants to help prevent sunburns this summer. Take the “Don’t Fry Day” sun safety pledge and be entered to win prizes. Desert Ridge Marketplace is located at the 101 & Tatum Boulevard.

SATURDAY
Arizona Ponies of the Americas Southwest Regionals at WestWorld: 8am-6pm – Free Event. Gentle, intelligent, child-size equines are used for pleasure and trail riding, driving, jumping, dressage and gymkhana. Prizes to be awarded. Learn more at http://www.azpoac.com/. WestWorld of Scottsdale 16601 North Pima Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

SUNDAY
Free Spring Kid Crafts at IKEA Tempe: 11am-1pm. Free crafts each day in the Children’s IKEA department. Children will create a make & take art project with their parents’ supervision. IKEA Tempe 2110 W. IKEA Way, Tempe, AZ 85284 480-496-5658.

A few other interesting items to note this week. Did you know it’s Arizona Spring Restaurant Week? Schedule a girl’s night out or a date night to dine at popular destinations for $30 or $40 per person. Since it’s National Small Business Week, I encourage you to demonstrate your support for your favorite local businesses. Also, don’t forget to enter to win a spa service from Dolce Salon & Spa and a week of Severson Sisters camp for your daughter. Finally, if you are a business owner, list your business for free on Mom Index and you could win a free banner ad on the Mom Index homepage! Visit Mom Index for contest details.

The Mom Index calendar is updated daily and is a great resource to stay up-to-date about events and activities that are primarily free or nearly free. You can also follow Mom Index on Twitter and Facebook for daily news, event information, findings and fun.

I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with Twitter followers. Follow me @allison_small and I’ll share my experiences as a busy mother of three young children as well as finds, food, fun, tips, events & more.

Below are my picks for this week:
MONDAY
SMÅLAND Crafts at IKEA Tempe: 2pm-4pm. Children who visit SMÅLAND can participate in a free activity while their parents shop. Events are scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Monday & the 2nd and 4th Thursday inside the supervised play area. IKEA Tempe 2110 W. IKEA Way Tempe, AZ 85284 480-496-5658.

TUESDAY
Family Night at Chick-fil-A Scottsdale 101: Family Night: 5pm-8pm. Balloons by Rick on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month. 7000 E. Mayo Blvd. Bldg 2, Phoenix, AZ 85054, (480) 419-6039.

WEDNESDAY
Norterra Farmers’ Market: 3:30pm – 7:30pm. 1st & 3rd Wednesdays through May between Paradise Bakery and P.F. Chang’s. Live music, fresh produce, tamales, Alaskan salmon, beef jerky, salsas, gifts and much more. Located just off I-17 at Happy Valley Road.

THURSDAY
Third Thursday Kid’s Club at CityCenter of CityNorth: 4pm-5pm – Free event every third Thursday of the Month. Terrific selection of enriching activities including craft projects, fitness, music & more. Kids receive 20% off at Mojo Yogurt. Check website for artist & event details http://colorme.weebly.com/city-north-artists—free-art.html. Kid’s Club is held at: CityCenter of CityNorth 5415 East High Street Suite 101Phoenix AZ 85054.

FRIDAY
Downtown Chandler Art Walk: 5pm-9pm – Free Event. 3rd Friday of each month, the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership presents the Downtown Chandler Art Walk in Historic Downtown Chandler, Arizona Ave. south of Chandler Blvd. 85225.

SATURDAY
Frontier Town Days-Scottsdale 60th Birthday Celebration: 11am-4pm. The courtyard (next to Saba’s) will be hustling and bustling with live entertainment, face painting, caricature drawings, cooking demonstrations, and a thieves market/sidewalk sale plus discounted pricing at all shops. Shops include: The Cider Mill, Del Sol, Outrageous Olive Oils, Classy Jazzy, Art-n-Gift, and Sun Valley Jewelry. Frontier Town shops located in Old Town Scottsdale at 7240 E. Main St. (Main st. and Brown).

SUNDAY
Silent Sunday in South Mountain Park: 4th Sunday of each month excluding Holidays. South Mountain Park 10919 South Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85042. Park at the Activity Complex. Park’s roadways can be used by bicyclists, tots in strollers, in-line skaters and wheelchairs. Bikes will be available for loan at the South Mountain Environmental Education Center located just inside the entrance to the park. 5/22, 6/26, 7/24, 8/28, 9/25, 10/23, 11/27.