Southwest Human Development’s annual fundraising event in Tempe will be an outdoor day of play for young children and their families.

The nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development is the host of the event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at the SRP PERA Club, 1 E. Continental Drive, Tempe.

Sponsored by the Arizona Coyotes, the event is free for those up to 18 years of age and $10 for adults.

Registration is required to attend and can be completed online: www.swhd.org/playfest.  

Activities include yard games, interactive literacy experiences with age-appropriate free books for every child, sensory stations, special guest appearances by Howler of the Arizona Coyotes, art projects, stage performances, free community resources and more, according to event organizers.

Launched in 2022, Thrive to 5 Playfest welcomed more than 700 children and families and raised just more than $120,000. 

“Thrive to 5 Playfest is an opportunity for parents and children to engage with their world through rewarding play, creative expression and immersive literacy experiences,” Louann Phillips, Southwest Human Development’s special events manager, said.

“And thanks to the generous contributions of our community partners such as the Arizona Coyotes, Lockton, Fry’s Food Stores, Delta Dental, and many others, we will offer free admission to any family that makes that request. It’s all part of our vision to create positive futures for every child.” 

For more on Southwest Human Development: www.swhd.org.