September 21, 2026

19 years later, Kids Day is still bringing Maricopa families together

By Monica D. Spencer, Associate Editor
Sep 20, 2026

Community, kid-sized

Maricopa has grown a lot in 19 years. But one thing Kids Day Maricopa has kept intact is its focus on bringing families together.

The annual event returned Saturday at Maricopa Wells Middle School, offering children a free day of activities, entertainment, health and safety information, cultural experiences and opportunities to try something new.

Janelle Gomez, who runs Learn with Aloha, said that’s what makes the event stand out.

“We just love how the kids are being educated in so many different aspects of their life,” Gomez said. “I know this year they covered mental health, but you got the physical, you have Legos, you have cultural. It’s just very kid friendly, family friendly.”

Gomez moved to Maricopa from Hawaii and said she sees the same emphasis on community at Kids Day that she grew up with.

“So being here, you know, all gathered together in one place — that’s very family-friendly,” she said.

Learn with Aloha handed out shells to children to reinforce a simple message: Everyone is unique, and everyone matters.

“They’re all so different. They’re all so special and unique, but they’re all important,” Gomez said.

The organization also offered information about hula dancing, Polynesian cultural classes and lei-making.

For families attending Kids Day for the first time, the event offered a chance to discover what’s available in their own community.

Raelisha Gilbert brought her children to the event for the first time and said she was glad they came.

“This is our first year hearing about it, and so we were just interested to see how the community came together, and I’m just so happy we came,” Gilbert said.

She said the combination of activities, vendors and free admission made it an easy family outing.

“I think that with everything that’s here and it’s free, I think that’s really awesome,” she said.

The event also gave local businesses a chance to introduce children to new interests.

Brittany Lee, owner of Desert Studio Art Company, offered free hand-drawn coloring pages and a coloring station. Her studio is expanding into multimedia workshops that include painting, jewelry, resin and beading.

“I love seeing all the kids just be so excited and creative, and it’s been awesome,” Lee said.

Jermaine Clemons of Ranches at Gunsmoke brought his nieces and nephew to enjoy the day.

“I just want to spend time with my nieces and nephew and have fun,” he said. “They love it.”

A collection of painted rocks, paint and rags sit on a vendor table during Kids Day Maricopa on Sept. 19, 2026. [Monica D. Spencer]

Monica D. Spencer, Associate Editor

Monica is InMaricopa's associate editor, covering government, economic development and business for the magazine since 2023. Send news tips to monica@inmaricopa.com.