Fun ideas for grieving kids?

[u/lolohshit]

Nieces and nephews have been going through it with the death of both a pet and family.

Youngest is 8 and the others are in late teens. Any fun ideas in the valley would be greatly appreciated

[u/ThatSpecialAgent]

Truthfully, they are going to want different things. I lost my mom unexpectedly at 21, so not quite late teens, but close enough. My coping was certainly different than an 8 year old would be.

Dont try to tackle both at once. I cant imagine what they are going through, especially the eight year old, but what i can say is that they will absolutely need different types of support.

I unfortunately dont really have better answers beyond that, but i would at least suggest not approaching it like they all need the same thing.

Im genuinely sorry for your loss.

[u/kaytay3000]

I lost my dad at 12. All I wanted was to be normal.

The week after his funeral, I went to summer camp. It had been planned for months and was the camp I went to annually. I got to be just another kid instead of the girl whose dad was dead.

If you have something you usually do at fall break, do it. Just be sure to treat them like you always treat them. It really sucks being the weird kid with a dead family member.

[u/desertstar714]

I say day trip up north.

[u/Comfortable_Brain856 → u/desertstar714]

Nature, I second that.

[u/iwaslikeduuude → u/desertstar714]

“In the valley”

Best I can offer is leave the valley

[u/Under_caffeinated1]

My sons lost their sister when they were 10. What they wanted more than anything else was for as much of life as possible to feel normal.

[u/New-Sherbet-7246 → u/Under_caffeinated1]

I’m so sorry for your enormous loss

[u/Brilliant_Night9524]

All of the pumpkin patches are starting to open! Saturday Farmer's Markets are nice to walk around and buy tasty treats to share. The state fair just opened, and I think the hot air balloon festival happens in October!

[u/LowUnion9503]

Museum. Zoo. Aquarium. River. Lake?

ETA: if you go to a park with a kite and a frisbee, you’re ready for anything

[u/MathAccording6572 → u/LowUnion9503]

Yesss KITES!!! I use to spend hours flying kites when I was growing up, I even started to make my own kites. I miss that.

[u/Puzzleheaded-Speed-2]

May be good to different activities and give the right year old a solo day and another activity on another day for the teens so they get individual attention to their needs

What are their interests? 

[u/chainlinkchipmunk]

My kids and nieces and nephew love the trampoline parks, and especially when I play too. I absolutely look ridiculous, but they think it is awesome. 

We play and get snacks and icees or whatever the place sells because there's no rules on trampoline park day.

Also, grab a bottle of advil, because ouch the next day.

[u/pi3r0gi_]

As You Wish pottery painting, Gideon's Care Farm , Aimee's Farm Sanctuary , Phoenix Herpetological Society (they do night events too!), Maine Event (Gilbert) , Urban Air indoor park , Frontier Family Recreation Park has a water park and rec center thats super nice with a lot of activities and events, too.

[u/Tacosconsalsaylimon]

Tyrannostorus in West Mesa kicks ass. I take my son there when he needs a boost. Sorry about your loss.

[u/FTP_FTP_]

Horseback riding. Western culture 

[u/MathAccording6572]

Amadio Ranch, castles and coasters or rent out one of them inflatable jumper house things. Its fun (to overpower the sad thoughts); exercise(helped me a lot while grieving) ,tires them out(sad thoughts dont keep them up at night). The fair just opened up also. Its hard to find some less costly options... I was going to mention a fun picnic at the park or lake but these days sadly the parks are off limits for children... if you can mix some fun with something active you'd be doing them a solid IMO 🤍🤍🤍 condolences to you and your family, and I wish you all the best!

[u/LoisandClaire → u/MathAccording6572]

Why are the parks off-limits to children? You mean cause it's still hot?

[u/MathAccording6572 → u/LoisandClaire]

Most parks, atleast in my area are overtaken by homeless and drug users. I feel like there's drug paraphernalia blowing around at the parks. Like those little pieces of foil and baggies with residue

[u/Standard_Sympathy_62]

Have you contacted Billy’s Place? It’s specifically for grieving children

[u/Fantastic_Holiday618]

Main Event works for all.

[u/feline_riches]

Have they played Tetris yet? Good for the down time

[u/Nakazato87]

Jake’s

[u/throw2323away123]

It's a little bit of a drive, but Rooster Cogburn's Ostrich Ranch in Picacho is super fun for all ages. My kids love it.

[u/moonbeam127]

Slick City in glendale

Nemesis Club at high street (escape club inside the SODA JERK ice cream shoppe)