My MIL has rented a condo for January 2014 in Gilbert. She has asked us about bring the kids there for a week. We're not thrilled about taking the kids out of school, but would consider going for a long weekend (4-5 days). I'm not having much luck finding things for the kids (ages 8 and 6) to do there. Hate to pass up a vacation with free lodging, but also hate to pay for plane tickets and not have much to do. Any suggestions of things that might be fun for the kids?

In November or December check this website for events.
http://www.arizonaguide.com/things-t...ter-phoenix-az
The Science Center and the Phoenix Zoo seem to be good options.
Your kids school may give credit if they do a good trip report.
Where are you coming in from? You might check on a flight to Las Vegas and renting a car there and seeing Hoover Dam on the way to Phoenix.

Botanical Gardens, Zoo, Children's Museum...there's more of course, just like any major city there will be plenty of stuff to do with kids.

If she has it the whole month of January, then MLK weekend would probably be the best time to go as they probably don't have school on Monday anyway. That would make it easy enough to take a longer weekend and only miss 1-2 days of school. And truthfully, at those ages they can miss a couple days and replace it with a decent travel experience.

The Phoenix zoo is very good!
Make sure you pay the extra few dollars to fed the giraffes. The guides/ volunteers are very helpful and knowledgeable. they will take a great photo of your family group with several giraffes craning over your heads!
You can also feed the rays

I'd plan to spend at least 3 hours here but you easily spend more. The food on site is the typical poor quality fast food stuff so if I'd recommend packing a picnic (unless you or the kids like that kind of thing).

Our son moved from Rochester NY to Gilbert three years ago and loves it.
We have visited four times and have enjoyed it very much.
Our grandchildren usually choose what to do when we are there but they are now 11 and 13.
If you can get a tour book from the AAA they have great suggestions.
If there is anything specific you would like to know I can ask my son to find out for you.
Christine