THANK YOU FOR MAKING PLAYFEST 2026 AMAZING!

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Here’s an A-to-Z Snapshot of the Day

  • A – Amazing Volunteers
    Our day began strong with dedicated volunteers from within Southwest Human Development and the community at large, who were supported by the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith & Family and fueled with beverages from Starbucks and pizza from Spinato’s.
  • B – Bubbles and Bubble Wands
    Always a crowd favorite! Thank you to the Head Start Eagles team and CopperPoint Insurance for making bubble magic happen.
  • C – Community Resources
    Our community partners filled “Main Street” with valuable information and connections for families thanks to support from Lockton.
  • D – Dental Hygiene
    Thank you, Delta Dental, for providing healthy snacks and for bringing your friends from The Smile Zone to offer dental screenings and fluoride.
  • E – Explore, Read, Make & Imagine Zone
    Children selected one free book, and decorated masks, crowns, and more thanks to our Literacy and Training teams, along with Mountain America Credit Union and Libraries Ltd.
  • F – Dance Parties
    Just Energy Entertainment set the stage for the day by welcoming community performers like the Sunnyslope High School Dance team and Ray from the Valley Suns, to inviting children to a dance party on the stage featuring superheroes Spider Man, Spider Gwen and Wonder Woman. Thanks again to Mountain America Credit Union for being our Stage & Page Sponsor and Lakeshore Learning for supporting the superheroes.
  • G – Gardening for Tots
    Our Family Support Services helped guests enjoy hands-on gardening fun while they scooped, poured and dropped fruit and veggie seeds in a composable soil cups to take home and watch grow. Thank you, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, for the seed support.
  • H – Helpline
    Our Helpline team supported parents all day with answers to parenting questions and resources to strengthen their families.
  • I – In the Spotlight
    Count von Count made his debut on the Playfest stage and the Arizona PBS Kids crew helped them see how fun counting can be.
  • J – Jumping and Tossing
    PNC Bank kept the party going with their Yard Games station that included inflatable games, cardboard box forts, ring toss and more.
  • K – Keeping Track
    Thanks to reflective backpacks provided by SRP, everyone was able to keep track of their goodies and crafts throughout the day.
  • L – Laughter
    We loved watching the event spark spontaneous bursts of laughter that connected children, parents, and volunteers alike. 
  • M – Maps and more 
    ARC Document Solutions helped us keep everyone updated on the day’s activities by printing signage, handouts and all the necessary materials for this amazing event. 
  • N – No Charge for Parking
    That’s right, parking was free for all guests thanks to the support of Northern Trust.
  • O – Origami & Stickers
    Thank you to the Japanese Friendship Garden for sharing beautiful origami activities with families and teaching us Sōran Bushi, a traditional Japanese folk dance.
  • P – Phoenix Fire Bike Rodeo
    We’re grateful to the Phoenix Fire Department for safety tips and skill‑building on wheels.
  • Q – Quick Smiles
    Every family had the opportunity to take home a printed photos thanks to Sonora Quest Laboratories and some sat for their caricatures created by Kerrtoon.
  • R – Ramp & Riders
    The StuntMasters wowed audiences with BMX performances from the main stage.
  • S – Sensory Play
    Our quiet sensory nook—supported by our Health & Developmental Services and Mental Health teams—offered a calm, engaging space for little explorers. In addition to making their own playdough and practicing calming ‘belly breathing’ techniques, children visited with Boz the therapy dog and heard some soothing stories from Mesa’s Let’s Play Drama Storytime. Thank you, LISC Phoenix and Discount School Supply, for supporting this space.
  • T – Touch‑A‑Truck
    Lots of honking horns and exploring of large and two-wheeled vehicles took place as American Furniture Warehousemade it possible for Bikers Against Child Abuse, K2 Electric, The Garbage Guy, United Rentals, Sunstate Equipment, and the Mission BBQ to showcase their vehicles. 
  • U – Unearthing Fun
    Mad Science helped families dig into fossils and discover composting worms, while the Maricopa County Fair brought a reading challenge to inspire early literacy.
  • V – Very Special Storytime Guests
    Arizona authors Lauren Zimmerman, Claudia Sloan, Brittney Pomales, Molly McNamara Carter, and Deb Novotnylit up the stage with live readings of their children’s books.
  • W – Water and Refreshers from Starbucks
    On a day that was unseasonably warm, we were thankful for Starbucks setting up a community beverage stop on Main Street, providing ongoing refreshments to event attendees.
  • X – Xuberant
    The vibe for the day displayed by young and old alike.
  • Y – Young at Art
    Our Head Start and Early Head Start team, led beautiful art activities throughout the day from creating a Rainbow Fish painting, adding to a chalk art display by Frankie Henderson, and adding a personal touch to Little Free Libraries to go out in the community to expand the joy of reading.
  • Z – Zillions of Thanks
    Thank you for being part of an incredible community celebration of learning, play, and childhood joy.