summer-fun-photos Summer means quality family time, but it also means stretching your creativity to avoid the "I'm booooored!" exclamations. Well, we've done the work for you and found tons of great ideas for kids - and the whole family - all in the West Valley! ☼ Paseo Racquet Center has all sorts of clinics to perfect your swing and avoid tennis elbow. They also have short session summer camps and "drop-in" deals all summer long. Check out their July newsletter for all the details. ☼ Bring your own flashlight and light up your stroll through the Desert Botanical Garden at night! Flashlight tours run throughout the summer and are a great new way to experience the desert with your kids. ☼ The West Valley is home to many, many community pools. Check out Glendale's, as well as Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear and Litchfield Park! ☼ While we're talking about splashing good times, don't forget Arizona's "Biggest 'N' Best" water park, Wet 'N' Wild. Every Friday night you can enjoy dive in movies, while floating under the stars (or from a deck chair). ☼ Mark your calendar for August 3rd and bring Spot and Fido to downtown Glendale for the celebration that is Dog Days of Summer! With pet massages, raffles and more, you and your pooch will have a great time socializing and shopping for great deals. ☼ Let's head inside! Challenger Space Center offers indoor fun all summer long. From the end-of summer Cosmic Kids Camp, to their regularly scheduled missions each day, you and your kid will have some out-of-this-world fun, while staying the A/C! ☼ Do you have kids that are more interested in the culinary arts? Tickle their tastebuds making chocolate pizzas at Cerreta Candy, or taste unique ice cream flavors (from a local creamery!) at Papa Ed's Ice Cream! ☼ For a deep freeze, head to the public skate at Polar Ice Peoria. ☼ Uptown Alley Surprise has one of the largest arrays of family-friendly fun in the West Valley! Give the kids some free time in the arcade while you head to the lounge, then meet up later for family bowling - a perfect indoor summer day. ☼ The Arrowhead Towne Center Kids Club is a great opportunity for your child to learn in a fun, interactive setting. Teaming up with National Geographic Kids, they have created activities and games that focus on discovery through play! This month is all about Big Cats. With so many choices, you will run out of summer before you run out of things to do!