This week, ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo ends its annual run. But we don't say goodbye to wintry fun as Desert Ridge Marketplace is readying to host its annual Snow Day, which attracts about 4,000 people who want to frolic in up to 40 tons of snow.
The snow day is free, as is a screening this week of the "Secret Life of Pets" at Scottsdale's OdySea in the Desert and a Dino Party hosted by the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
If you like free, go to our listing of free January kids events or check out our full listing of January things to do for kids and families at azcentral.com/things-to-do/kids.
1/13: 'Secret Life of Pets' movie
OdySea in the Desert invites the public to a free, outdoor screening of "Secret Life of Pets." Before the movie, meet and greet characters from the movie, learn to draw Snowball from the movie, spin a prize wheel and do some crafts. https://odyseainthedesert.com/events/.
1/13: Coffee and Kindness
Join Ben's Bells for the latest event in their Coffee and Kindness series. Families can paint Ben's Bells beads and Kindness Coins while enjoying a coffee from Cartel. The event will have a selection of handmade ceramic merchandise for sale. The proceeds help support the organization's kindness education programs.
Details: 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Cartel Coffee Lab, 7124 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. Free. bensbells.org/phoenix/events.
1/13-14: Free family weekend at Phoenix Art Museum
Through the generosity of Discount Tire Company, the Phoenix Art Museum offers free admission on Saturday and Sunday with free crafts, tours, story time and live performances. January's theme is "scale."
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 and noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14. Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave. Free. phxart.org.
1/13-15: ACE Comic Con Arizona
Chris Evans, star of the “Captain America” movie franchise and Tom Holland, star of “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Captain America: Civil War” will headline this three-day event in Glendale. Other guests will include actors Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie and Laura Harrier. Check the site for more guests, including WWE stars.
Details: Jan. 13-15. Noon Saturday; 10 a.m. Sunday; 11 a.m. Monday. Gila River Arena, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave., Glendale. $55 for a 1-day pass, $95 for 3-day pass. 623-772-3800, gilariverarena.com.
Through 1/15: ZooLights
Through 1/15: ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo features millions of lights, hundreds of light displays, Music-in-Motion displays by the lake, a lighted tree, carousel rides and more.
Details: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, through Monday, Jan. 15. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. 602-286-3800, phoenixzoo.org.
1/15: Kids Photo Scavenger Hunt
Do your kids like to take photos? Bring them on this walk in Usery Mountain Regional Park to photograph cool-looking things in the desert. Afterward, see your photos projected on a large screen in the nature center. This program involves a short walk and is designed for ages 7-12. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring water and wear closed-toe shoes. Cameras will be provided. Meet at the Nature Center.
Details: 10:30 a.m.-noon Monday, Jan. 15. Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa. $6 per vehicle. 480-984-0032, maricopacountyparks.net/events.
1/18: Spring Out to Lunch Concert at Mesa Arts Center
Enjoy free afternoon concerts in the Wells Fargo Garden performance area at the Mesa Arts Center. Brown bag lunches are welcome, and food and drink are available on site for purchase. Enjoy captivating live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Seating is limited so attendees are encouraged to bring comfortable folding chairs, cushions or blankets. Concerts begin at 12:30 p.m.
Details: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18 and 25. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Free. mesaartscenter.com/index.php/events.
1/20: Dino Preschool Party! Arizona Museum of Natural History
The Arizona Museum of Natural History is throwing a Free Dino Party just for preschoolers. Children under 5 are invited to enjoy games, crafts, hands-on activities and a family scavenger hunt! Games and activities are focused on building early literacy and healthy living.
Details: 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Arizona Museum of Natural History
53 N. Macdonald, Mesa. Free. 480-644-3553, arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org.
1/20: STEM Saturday at Tumbleweed Ranch
The Museum of Science and Sustainability at Tumbleweed Ranch hosts STEM Saturday with its program, "Wonderous Waves." The museum is open to families on a drop-in basis where you'll have a chance to perform experiments, "see" a noise, yep you read that right, and hear faster than the speed of sound.
Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Tumbleweed Ranch at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler. Free. chandleraz.gov.
1/20: Doggie Street Festival
The Doggie Street Festival is dedicated to increase pet adoption through its yearly Festival. This Festival is designed to be an informative experience that promotes public awareness, education and information focused on the solutions of pet homelessness.
Details: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. Free. doggiestreetfestival.org/phoenix.
1/20: Snow day at Desert Ridge Marketplace
About 4,000 people are expected the annual day of snow play with 40 tons of now, face painting, swag bags from retailers, cookie decorating, giveaways and live entertainment.
Details: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20. Desert Ridge Marketplace in the Sandbar Mexican Grill parking lot, 21001 N. Tatum Blvd, Phoenix. Free. http://www.shopdesertridge.com/
Ongoing:
Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs
OdySea in the Desert opens a new indoor dinosaur attraction and interactive educational center. The attraction takes guests back in time to the age of dinosaurs with educational exhibits featuring more than 50 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Kids can excavate fossils and enjoy face painting, sluicing activities, balloon art and more.
Details: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sundays. Guests must reserve tickets in advance of their visit to guarantee entry. OdySea in the Desert, 9500 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale. General admission $19.95 for adults, $18.95 for ages 12-17, $15.95 for ages 3-11; other interactive activities available for additional cost. pangaealandofthedinosaurs.com.
MORE FAMILY NEWS:
After 16 years, Phoenix Comicon changes name to Phoenix Comic Fest
Exclusive: U.S. Olympic swimmer Misty Hyman on life as a new mom
Caught on video: Walt Disney World monorail traveling with door open
Contributing: Sophie Blaylock, Weldon B. Johnson and Alison Stanton.
Reach the reporter at sonja.haller@arizonarepublic.com. Follow on Twitter at @sonjahaller.
Join the Conversation
To find out more about Facebook commenting please read the Conversation Guidelines and FAQs