15 February events that will delight kids, parents

February brings several fun attractions and events for kids and parents. From games created by local artists to a 'Goodnight Moon' performance and a summer camp fair, here are several family-friendly things to do this month:

2/3-28: 'Puppylocks and the Three Bears'

If you haven't explored the Great Arizona Puppet Theater, this is a good month to do so. Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 3-7, guest artists Magical Moonshine Theatre puts a new spin on an old tale, where Goldilocks is an impish puppy, and the three bears are off to the Teddy Bear Circus. This show uses marionettes and is recommended for ages 3 and up. Starting Wednesday, Feb. 10, catch "Hotel Saguaro." Grandpa Saguaro tells little Sammy Saguaro the importance of the cactus to the desert and the many animals that live there. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Details: Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 3-7 and 10-28. 10 a.m. Wednesday-Friday; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Great Arizona Puppet Theater, 302 W. Latham St., Phoenix. $10, $7 for ages 13 and younger. 602-262-2050, azpuppets.org.

2/4-7: Classic Rock Gymnastics Invitational

The largest gymnastics competition in the Southwest comes to Phoenix this month when the Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics and Dance Center hosts Classic Rock Gymnastics Invitational at the Phoenix Convention Center. The meet draws hundreds of female gymnasts from across the nation and features live bands, entertainment and shopping. Admission includes one 60-minute "Tumble Time" session per child at the Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics Center (with ticket stub).

Details: Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 4-7. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. Third St., Phoenix. $22 per day; $42 for an all-weekend pass; $17 per day for ages 12 and younger, seniors and members of the military; $37 for an all-weekend pass. classicrockinvitational.com.

2/5-6: Father-Daughter Dance

Chandler hosts its annual Daddy and Daughter Valentine’s Dance the first weekend of February. The event is for fathers and their daughters, ages 4-10. If dad is unavailable, moms or guardians are welcome. The cost is $25 for residents, $34 for non-residents, and each additional daughter is $10 (residents) or $14 (non-residents). The event includes dinner, music, dancing, contests and crafts plus a keepsake photograph. Space is limited; register early online or at the Chandler Community Center, Snedigar Recreation Center or Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler.

Details: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at the Snedigar Recreation Center, 4500 S. Basha Road, Chandler. Or 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave. $25-$34 per father-daughter duo, $10-$14 admission for each additional daughter. 480-782-2641, chandleraz.gov/registration.

2/6: Artist Games

The Arizona State University Art Museum hosts First Saturday for Families with a hands-on project each month based on one of the museum's current exhibits. On Saturday, Feb. 6, the theme is Artist Games. Children ages 4-12 are invited to play games, earn points and win prizes designed by local artists. No registration is required. All materials are provided, and families can take home their artwork.

Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6. ASU Art Museum, 10th Street and Mill Avenue, Tempe. Free. 480-965-2873, asuartmuseum.asu.edu/familyfun.

2/7 through 5/15: 'Popnology'

The Arizona Science Center's newest exhibit makes the connection between pop culture and the latest advancements in science and technology. Opening Sunday, Feb. 7, "Popnology" explores 3-D printing, robotics, virtual gaming and transportation. Phoenix is the world premiere of this 9,000-square-foot traveling exhibit that will include the Mars Rover, hands-on robotics, virtual projection games, futuristic musical instrument technology, a jet pack from Disney’s "The Rocketeer," and an Autopia car from its "Tomorrowland," plus futuristic renderings from the movies "Blade Runner," "Star Wars," and "Alien." If that's not enough, you'll also see Marty McFly’s hoverboard from "Back to the Future," the first 3-D printed car by Local Motors and artistic sketches of flying cars from Hyundai and the high-speed transportation system, the Hyperloop.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Sunday, Feb. 7 through Sunday, May 15. Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington St., Phoenix. $30; $23 for ages 3-17; free for ages 2 and younger; $8-$10 for members. 602-716-2000, azscience.org.

2/10: National Geographic Live

German/Moroccan paleontologist Nizar Ibrahim was obsessed with the giant predator Spinosaurus, larger than T. rex. The Spinosaurus was one of the great mysteries in paleontology since its fossil remains were lost in the Allied bombing of Germany during World War II. In "Spinosaurus: Lost Giant of the Cretaceous," Ibrahim tells his story about the findings of an international team of scientists that were featured in a cover story for National Geographic magazine.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. $24-$38. 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com.

2/13: Parada del Sol Parade and Trails End Festival

Scottsdale celebrates the Old West with this day of free family-friendly entertainment in Old Town Scottsdale. After the 10 a.m. parade with 100 entrants, explore the Trails End Festival featuring a Western Village, Native American Village, Hispanic Village and Cowboy Kids Zone. Live entertainment includes bands, folklorico dancing and an Old West shooting gallery. There will be road closures in Old Town and along Scottsdale Road from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for this event. The parade includes Arabian horses and riders, a U.S. Marshals Posse and marching bands.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13. Free. 602-320-1483, scottsdaleparade.com.

2/12 through 5/29: Underwater FantaSea

The i.d.e.a. Museum’s new exhibit celebrates the importance of the oceans and all its creatures. The show features 60 artworks by 14 artists, live underwater webcams in the Atlantic Ocean and stations for kids to create works of art, "swim" underwater, become a jellyfish or marine biologist and more.

Details: Friday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, May 29. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; noon-4 p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays. 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. $8; free for members and children younger than 1. 480-644-2468, ideamuseum.org.

2/13-14: World Championship Hoop Dance Contest

The Hoop Dance Contest at the Heard Museum showcases a unique sport. The audience will see stunning performances of the men and women who are vying to call themselves World Champion Hoop Dancer. The event combines artistry, sheer athleticism and cultural traditions to create an exciting, colorful and suspenseful competition. Lawn seating only; bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on.

Details: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 13-14. Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. $7.50-$18; free for age 3 and younger. 602-252-8840, heard.org.

2/14: Free Family Second Sundays

The Phoenix Art Museum hosts Free Family Second Sundays, sponsored by Discount Tire. Families get free admission and special kid-friendly activities. Activities have included a kids' room-sized mural, scavenger hunts, music and interactive storytime sessions. Current exhibitions at the museum include "Michelangelo: Sacred and Profane" exploring 26 rare drawings from the renowned collection of the Casa Buonarroti in Florence, Italy. Opening Wednesday, Feb. 27 is "Super Indian: Fritz Scholder, 1967-1980" featuring more than 40 works by one of the first Native Americans to be recognized for his significant contributions as a contemporary artist.

Details: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14. 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. 602-257-1880, phxart.org.

2/14-4/10: 'Goodnight Moon'

Childsplay theater company brings this beloved bedtime story to life. Bunny isn't ready to sleep, but with the help of his friends and a few magic moments, he will say goodnight to the kittens and mittens, bears and chairs, the red balloon and, yes, the moon. The musical performance is recommended for ages 3 and up. Tickets are on sale at childsplayaz.org or at the Tempe Center for the Arts Box Office.

Details: 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays, Feb. 14 through April 10. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway. $12-$26. 480-350-2822, childsplayaz.org.

2/20: Kids Business Fair

Back for a second year, the AZ Children's Business Fair features little entrepreneurs in grades 1-8 who will set up their businesses at booths in the Arizona Center. About 150 booths are expected. Customers can shop, and cash prizes will be awarded to the best pint-sized startups. Last year, kids (who can work alone or in teams of two or three) sold treats, lemonade, artwork and more. Kids who participate learn to create a product or service, develop and market a brand and experience running their own business.

Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. 400 E Van Buren St, Phoenix. azchildrensbusinessfair.com.

2/23: Sportball Grand Opening

Scottsdale's new Sportball gym was specially designed to teach kids — ages 15 months to 12 years — nine different sports: soccer, flag football, basketball, baseball, tennis, volleyball, ball hockey, golf and dodgeball. Sportball's coaches not only focus on teaching the fundamentals, they work on developing children’s social skills, confidence, gross motor skills, strength, timing and coordination. Complimentary refreshments will be served at this event that features free 30-minute, multi-sport classes for different age groups throughout the day. From 9-11 a.m. parents and children, ages 16 months to 3 years old, are invited to take a “Parent & Child” class. From 11 a.m.-5 p.m. there will be “Coach & Kids Fundamentals” classes for ages 3 to 6.  From 5-7 p.m. “Coach & Kids Skills & Team Play” classes will be offered for ages 7 to 12. Advanced registration is not required.

Details: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. 13802 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 115, Scottsdale. Free. 480-245-6818, sportball.us.

2/27: Camp Fair AZ

Get your summer planning done early! Raising Arizona Kids is hosting its 13th annual free Camp Fair AZ at Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale this month. Parents and children can meet staff from almost 100 day and overnight camps from around Arizona, the Southwest and beyond. All ages are welcome, and families are encouraged to ask questions, pick up registration information and take advantage of discounts, activities and giveaways.

Details: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27. 9180 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. raisingarizonakids.com.

2/28: Celebrate Dr. Seuss

Scottsdale's Toys & Playtime Oasis is celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday a tad early. Theodore Geisel was born March 2 and passed away in 1991. But his work lives on, and a forgotten manuscript, "What Pet Should I Get?" was just published last year. On Saturday, Feb. 28, see Storybook Entertainment's live performance of one of Seuss's most-loved books at this toy store and play center. Children will create a bow-tie, have their faces painted and take photos with the Cat and the other characters.

Details: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.13802 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 116, Scottsdale. $15 per child; free admission for adults. 480-948-4630, azdollhouse.com.

2/28: Party Safari

Kids and adults will enjoy exclusive animal encounters, family-friendly food and beverage sampling, live music and entertainment, green activities and much more. The event helps to support the animals at the Phoenix Zoo.

Details: 4-7:30 p.m. Feb. 28. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. $20-$70, depending on age; free for age 2 or younger. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org.

Kara Morrison covers the Kids and Families beat. Reach her at kara.morrison@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her: twitter.com/karagmorrison.

Alison Stanton contributed to this story.