Sheila S.

Apple Store

The Apple Store at Chandler Fashion Square is OK. In general they're pretty helpful. There are computers for the kids to play with while you shop. I expected the store to be nicer for what you pay for their products. Plus, some of the iPod accessories are overpriced (but, there's a large selection).

At one visit to the store, we were purchasing a laptop with a student discount & were to receive a free Nano iPod. They had none in stock, and refused to order us one or give us the new model. We ended up ordering through the toll-free #, and not only was the service over the phone great, but they sent us a new Nano model instead of the old one. Too cool!

Excluded from Horseshoe Trails fundraiser because chain store reviews are ineligible.

Lakeshore Learning Store

Lakeshore has everything you're looking for. From educational games to art supplies to classroom supplies. They have a BINGO game for every subject you can think of!

Clean, bright store has area for kids to play while you shop.

Some items seem pricey, but in my opinion, it's worth it.

Lakeshore Learning Store

Located in the Walmart plaza on the SW corner of Tatum & Bell.

Great educational items. If you want it, you can probably find it here. What I like about their products is that they take many subjects, and make games for them. There's a BINGO game for just about everything.

Also offers art supplies, classroom decorations, books, music, you name it.

Prices are high for some items, but you probably won't be able to find a lot of it anywhere else.

Maggie Moo's

Maggie Moo's has lots of great flavors, especially for the kids. Bright colors make kids want them even more. Bright yellow marshmallow is one of our faves. The atmosphere is great for the kids.

Clean.

Excluded from Horseshoe Trails fundraiser because chain store reviews are ineligible.

Maggie Moo's Ice Cream & Treatery

Maggie Moo's is a fun place for families. The flavors are kid-inspired, and have won awards. Althought the kids like marshmallow & cotton candy flavors, they're chocolate is awesome.

The place is clean, and very bright, lots to look at. Even keeps little one's interest.

Located in Val Vista Town Center.

Maggie Moo's

Maggie Moo's is so fun for the kids. Great atmosphere. Maggie Moo's has really good ice cream, and has won several awards for their flavors. Lots of toppings that he kids like: marshmallows, gummie bears...

Counts toward Horseshoe Trails fundraiser!

Arizona Museum For Youth

A cute place. Short hours on the weekends. Definitely check the hours before going, and plan with another activity in Mesa.

Overall, the kids had fun, which was the point of going. Won't take long to see the entire place.

Counts toward Horseshoe Trails fundraiser!

Museum Of Natural History

The Mesa Southwest Museum is a great place to take your family. It looks small on the outside, but wait until you get in.

Not only are there a ton of dinosaur bones/models to look at, there's also an animatronic dinosaur scene with a flood every 20 minutes.

The exhibits go beyond dinosaurs. They have a turtle exhibit with live turtles, a special exhibit area that changes continuously, and the lower level has rooms that are set up to show southwest history. Really great. Worth the ride.

Counts toward Horseshoe Trails fundraiser!

Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium is a nice place to go on a rainy (or sunny!) day in the San Diego area. It won't take the entire day to go through, but it's a great stop to make while you're driving along the coast.

There's a lot to see, and has a great view of the ocean. There's a really great octopus. It was my kids' favorite.

Counts toward Horseshoe Trails fundraiser!

Gluten Free Creations

Gluten Free Creations is the only GF certified bakery in the Phoenix area. LynnRae is a great baker. Their products range from pizza to cake to brownies...

This bakery accommodates other allergies as well, such as dairy & eggs.

The staff is friendly & helpful. Definitely worth the trip. Check their website for products & hours, as well as local restaurants and stores that carry their products. You won't be disappointed.

Counts toward Horseshoe Trails fundraiser!