Big Dig for Kids 2026: Claw Machines with Mountain Crane
What do you add to an event where kids get to drive real excavators? A claw machine, apparently. Mountain Crane booked two of our claw machines for their spot at Big Dig for Kids 2026, and every kid who walked up got to play for free.
Event snapshot
- Event: Big Dig for Kids 2026, a fundraiser for Phoenix Children's
- Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Location: Big Dig for Kids construction site, Phoenix, AZ
- Booked by: Mountain Crane, for their equipment area
- Machines: Our space-themed Mini EXTREME claw and our pink claw machine
- Play: Free play all day, prizes included
How it went
Big Dig for Kids takes over a real construction site and turns it into a playground. Kids climb into excavators, ride scissor lifts and get up close to the biggest machines in the Valley. Mountain Crane parked a full-size crane right next to our setup, so our two claws were playing under the biggest claw on the lot.
Kids showed up in hard hats and safety vests, and the line stayed busy all morning. Free play meant no tokens, no tap to pay and no waiting on a parent's wallet. Kids walked up, grabbed the joystick and went for the prize. Plenty of dads jumped in to coach, too.
Shoutout to Mountain Crane
Huge thanks to Mountain Crane for bringing us out. Mountain is a family-owned crane company that started in 2004 with just a few cranes and has grown into one of the largest crane companies in North America, with a fleet of over 100 cranes. They handle crane rental, heavy transport and rigging for construction, industrial and wind energy projects across the country.
What we loved: they did not just show up with a crane. They showed up with a crane, a candy table piled high with treats and free claw machine play for every kid who came by. That is a company that knows how to make a family event feel special. If you need serious lifting done, check out Mountain Crane.
Shoutout to Big Dig for Kids and Phoenix Children's
Big Dig for Kids is a signature event of Phoenix Children's Foundation, presented by Sundt Construction. Since it started in 2016, the Arizona construction community has used it to raise money for pediatric cancer care at Phoenix Children's. The 2025 event alone raised more than $1.2 million.
The best part is who it is for. Phoenix Children's patients and their families get a day on a construction site doing things most kids only dream about. We were proud to add a little extra fun to that day.
Ideas to steal for your company booth or fundraiser
- Go free play. For a sponsor booth, free play is the move. Kids line up, parents stop and chat, and your brand is right there the whole time.
- Bring two machines. Two claws keep the line moving at busy events.
- Pair it with treats. A claw machine next to a candy table turns a booth into the place everyone wants to be.
- Match the prizes to the crowd. We can fill the machine with themed or branded prizes for your event.
FAQ
Can I book a free-play claw machine for a company booth or charity event?
Yes. We set our machines to free play for sponsor booths, fundraisers and community events, so guests never need cash or a card.
Do you rent claw machines for fundraisers in Phoenix?
Yes. We deliver, set up, stock the prizes and pick up anywhere in the Phoenix metro. See our fundraiser and corporate event claw machine rental page.
How many claw machines can I book for one event?
You can book one or both of our event claw machines. Two machines work best for big crowds.
Are prizes included?
Yes. Prizes are included, or you can supply your own branded prizes.
Book a claw machine for your event
We deliver, set up, stock the prizes and pick up anywhere in the Phoenix metro. See our fundraiser and corporate event claw machine rental or check your date. Planning a birthday instead? See our party claw machine rental.
