Flagstaff, Arizona, is known for being a great place to enjoy nature, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s home to one of the world’s premier observatories.
But there are plenty of fun things to do here that don’t involve telescopes.
Here are some of our favorite spots for families to explore.
- Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
Known as FLG X, the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course offers an extreme adventure course for the whole family.
Why Your Family Should Go
There are many places where families can spend quality time together.
Flagstaff has a great variety of restaurants serving food from around the world.
You can eat Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, American…you name it.
If you like sports, Flagstaff has plenty of options for you too.
Whether you enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, golfing, swimming, boating, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, or just relaxing, you’ll find something to suit your interests.
What to Do with Kids
Children’s museums, children’s parks, playgrounds, and waterparks are just a few of the options.
You can also use photos taken when you were younger to help remind you of who you used to be.
Recommended Ages
FLG X’s High Wire Adventure is a great way to introduce kids to the wonders of climbing structures.
This course features five different courses designed specifically for children ages 5 to 11 years old.
- The Arboretum at Flagstaff
The Arboretum at Flagship is one of the largest collections of native Arizona trees and shrubs in North America.
Located just west of downtown Flagstaff, it offers visitors a chance to see over 2,500 specimens representing every major species of tree and shrub found in Arizona.
Why Your Family Should Go
For those interested in nature, there are many different exhibits featuring native plants and animals.
There are also several trails where you can see desert wildlife, such as snakes, lizards, birds, and butterflies.
If you love butterflies, the Butterfly Home will allow you to observe them up close.
What to Do with Kids
The arb’s Butterfly Home offers educational opportunities for children.
There are exhibits about native plants and animals, including butterflies, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Kids learn how to identify different types of insects, watch a video about monarch migration, and even see live caterpillars hatch into beautiful butterflies.
Recommended Ages
The property welcomes visitors of all ages.
- Flagstaff Aquaplex
The Flagstaff Aquaplex opened in May 2016.
This facility offers aquatic exercise classes such as aqua Zumba, kickboxing, water aerobics, yoga, spinning, and others.
There are also programs designed specifically for children.
Why Your Family Should Go
Flagstaff Aquaplex is great for families looking for fun things to do in Flagtown.
With plenty of indoor activities for kids and adults alike, there really isn’t anything better than spending some quality time at the Flagstaff Aquapplex.
What to Do with Kids
You are probably wondering what you should do with children while you work out.
You want to make sure that they don’t disturb you, but you also want to give them something fun to do.
Some of the brilliant ideas include making up stories, having fun games, and watching movies.
Recommended Ages
Only visitors 12 years old and above are allowed unsupervised access to the facility’s amenities.
- Museum of North Arizona
The Museum of North Arizona acts as a depot for the Colorado plateau’s natural history artifacts as well as all its indigenous materials.
In addition to being a repository for the region’s cultural heritage, the museum hosts traveling exhibits and educational programs about the area’s wildlife, plants, geology, and history.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Museum of Northern Arizona offers visitors a chance to learn about our region’s rich heritage.
From prehistoric Native American cultures to the modern day, the museum features exhibits that explore the area’s geological, cultural and historic significance.
Visitors can discover how the region’s unique environment shaped early inhabitants and settlers and what it took to make the land suitable for farming.
What to Do with Kids
Parents are encouraged to bring along a child-friendly activity, such as coloring sheets, crayons,
stickers, paper dolls, etc., to keep them occupied during their visit.
Recommended Ages
This museum is open to all ages.
Kids under five don’t need to pay admission; however, those aged 3–5 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 2 and younger do not require tickets but must be held by a grown-up.
- Predator Zip Lines
Predator Zip Lines is an extreme activity outfit that runs zip-lining tours over the Out Of Africa Wildlife Park.
They offer three different tour packages, each designed around the different levels of experience, age groups, and physical abilities of guests.
All of their zip lines are located within the park; the highest one is 75 feet off the ground.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Arizona Game & Fish Department says this is the only zip-lining operation in the state that offers visitors the opportunity to fly over protected wildlife.
There are three different courses that take riders over the Kaibab National Forest, the Coconino National Forest, and the San Francisco Peaks.
Riders must be ten years old or older to ride.
What to Do with Kids
As you drive through the park, encourage your kids to watch the animals below as they fly by.
If they want to try all five zip line rides, let them.
Recommended Ages
Predator Zip Lines does not allow kids under eight years old to ride any zip lines.
They are too young to understand how to hold onto the safety bars and how to properly use the equipment.
- Pioneer Museum
The Pioneer Museum opened in 2008 and houses artifacts from the area’s history.
The museum is located in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. Its mission is to collect, preserve and exhibit the history of Northern Arizona.
Why Your Family Should Go
This museum is a great place to bring children to learn more about Flagstaff’s rich history.
They can enjoy learning about nature and history while playing fun games and watching videos.
You’ll find educational kid’s activities here, such as train rides, balloon making, and much more.
What to Do with Kids
The Pioneer museum houses a main section of the exhibit. Here, children can see what it looked like inside a typical passenger car from the 1910s and 1920s.
They learn about the different classes of passengers, such as Pullman porters, conductors, and ticket agents.
Children can even ride along the train tracks themselves in a small model train.
Recommended Ages
It’s a very family-friendly place where everybody from zero to the oldest visitors is welcome.
Even better, visitors under six years old enter the museum premises for FREE.
- Flag Tag AZ
The Flag Tag AZ is a unique laser tag center located in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona.
The facility features four different game environments, including: futuristic cityscape, a desert wasteland, a post-apocalyptic world, and a medieval castle.
Each environment contains a variety of weapons ranging from machine guns to rocket launchers.
Why Your Family Should Go
The indoor attraction features over 40 laser tag matches with corresponding lasers, each with a unique design.
There are also modern arcade games like Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, Super Smash Bros., and others.
What to Do with Kids
There are many ways to help children learn about nature, but one of the most effective approaches is to take them into the wild.
This approach helps kids develop empathy for wildlife while giving them a chance to connect to the natural world around them.
There are even apps that allow you to capture photos and videos of your child interacting with animals.
Recommended Ages
The minimum age for axe throwing in Arizona is 13 years old, although younger axe throwers can participate provided they are granted permission from parents.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument
The name Walnut Canyon National Monument refers to three different areas within Flagstaff, Arizona.
One of those areas is the well-preserved Hohokam village site, home to over 2,000 years of history.
This particular location was inhabited by the Hohokams, one of several Pima groups who lived in the region.
Why Your Family Should Go
You can enjoy nature without having to worry about crowds.
You can hike the trails, go fishing, kayak along the river, or just relax in one of the many picnic areas.
There are even some great places to camp out under the stars.
And there’s plenty to see and do here. This place offers something for everyone.
What to Do with Kids
Allow your kid to choose something he wants to learn about.
Perhaps he sees a butterfly fluttering by and asks why it doesn’t fly away.
What does it eat? How long does it live? Where did it come from? Why don’t all butterflies look alike?
These questions will lead him down a path of discovery, and eventually, he’ll ask where else he can find wildlife.
Recommended Ages
Walnut Canyon National Monument accepts people of all ages.
Visitors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children aged 15 and younger are allowed into the park without paying admission fees.
There are no age restrictions for the Grand Canyon West Rim Visitor Center.
- Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument lies near Flagstaff, Arizona.
It is home to ancient Cliffside dwellings that are some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites in North America.
The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Why Your Family Should Go
Your family can enjoy hiking trails, camping areas, picnic tables, and restrooms.
They can even take advantage of a ranger program where kids can participate in activities like painting rocks, digging holes, and learning how to use tools.
What to Do with Kids
Kids will have a day at Wupatki National Monument as there’s plenty to see here.
There are ancient ruins, petroglyphs, and even a small museum.
You’ll find lots of things to keep them entertained — including some great views of the surrounding landscape.
Recommended Ages
Visitors must be at least ten years old to enter the monument.
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano is located near Flagstaff, Arizona. In about 925 AD, the volcano erupted, sending volcanic ash 50 miles into the air.
Ash-covered farms and settlements. Many people died. Some survivors moved to find shelter in nearby caves.
Why Your Family Should Go
The Sunset Crater Volcano National monument protects not just one but two dormant volcanos. One of the most impressive features of the park is Sunset Crater itself.
You can hike up to it on five different trails.
There are also plenty of signs pointing out where the lava flows are located.
But the best way to see the volcano is to watch it erupt. This happens every few months, usually during the summer.
Recommended Ages
The Grand Canyon National Parks is open to everyone.
You can visit the park any time of year. However, if you’re younger than 16, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee.
Children under 5 are not permitted inside the park. We’ve put together a list of fun activities for families with kids.
- Buffalo Park
Buffalo Park was established in 1963 and is located in Flagstaff, Arizona.
It is a 215-acre theme park that looks like it came straight out of the Wild West era. There are rides, games, food, live entertainment, and even a petting zoo.
Why Your Family Should Go
You can see amazing sunsets.
Every sunset seems to cast different shadows against the canyon walls. Some look like giant hands reaching out to touch you, while others resemble a starry sky.
What to Do with Kids
The San Francisco Bay Area offers plenty of things to do with children — whether it’s learning about nature, exploring the city, or just taking a break from work.
Here are some ideas to help parents enjoy the outdoors while keeping their little ones happy and safe.
Recommended Ages
The theme parks are designed for families and children. There are rides and attractions for kids of all ages.
- Lava River Cave
The Lava River Cave, located near Flagstaff, Arizona, is one of the unique attractions in the state.
This enormous cave system was discovered in 1915, making it one of the oldest caves in North America.
The cave provides a remarkable look into the mountain formation of Northern Arizona while offering a natural history experience that is second to none.
Why Your Family Should Go
The best way to experience Iceland’s lava caves is to take a tour with a guide.
There are several companies offering tours to the region, and each offers different itineraries depending on what interests you.
Tours typically include transportation from Reykjavik, entrance fees, lunch, snacks, and a stop at a geothermal spa.
You can also opt for a self-guided walking tour, which allows you to explore the caves without having to rely on a guide.
What to Do with Kids
Kids under five aren’t allowed inside because there are no railings or handrails.
- Arizona Snow bowl
Arizona Snow bowl is a mountain resort located near Flagstaff, Arizona, United States.
The resort features alpine skiing, snowboarding, tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, snowmobiling, horseback riding, ice skating, and sleigh rides.
It is owned and operated by the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, and offers lodging, food, beverages, rentals, lessons, clinics, and equipment.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you’re looking for something different than what you normally do on vacation, consider taking your entire family out into nature for some fun in the snow.
Whether you’re planning a ski trip, hiking adventure, or just heading up the mountain for a little peace and quiet, there are plenty of reasons to take your whole family away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
What to Do with Kids
Consider taking the kids for some ski lessons. Ski schools offer instruction for beginners and intermediate skiers alike.
Lessons include everything from learning how to use the equipment to safety tips.
Recommended Ages
The views and flowers can be appreciated by everyone of all ages. However, children must be at least 3 years old before taking ski lessons.
- Thorpe Park Disc Golf
Thorpe Park Disc Golf began back in the early 90s and has become a local favorite for those looking to play some quick rounds.
With over 400 acres of parkland to explore, there are plenty of places to tee off whether you’re hitting up the course for the first time or just looking to practice.
Why Your Family Should Go
Disc golf is ideal for families because it requires minimal equipment, and there are plenty of places to play.
According to the National Association of Disc Golf Leagues, there are over 4,500 public disc golf courses around the United States.
Most of those courses are open to anyone, regardless of age or skill level. So, why don’t you go out and find a local course today?
What to Do with Kids
There are many activities you can do there, including hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, playing sports, bird watching, and much more.
Recommended Ages
This course best suits children ages two years old and up
- Red Mountain
Red Mountain Trail is one of Arizona’s most popular hiking trails. Located just north of Flagstaff, it offers stunning views of the San Francisco Peaks and the Verde Valley.
Why Your Family Should Go
A family trip to Arizona is like no other.
There are places you just don’t want to miss. You could spend weeks planning a vacation, but sometimes it’s best to let fate take over.
Hiking, scenic views, and great food are some of the reasons to show up with your family.
What to Do with Kids
Children will enjoy exploring the different minerals and rocks that poke out of the amphitheater and looking up at the hoodoo formations.
Recommended Ages
It’s best if children between the ages of four and eight years old go hiking during the summer months.
- Meteor Crater
The Meteor Crater National Monument is located near Flagstaff, Arizona. This site contains the largest known impact structure within North America.
Why Your Family Should Go
This is a fun spot with numerous indoor and outdoor activities your group can enjoy while exploring the stunning phenomenon of a meteor crashing into Earth thousands of years ago.
Your family can see firsthand how scientists are piecing together clues about what happened here.
You’ll even find out why it’s important to protect our planet.
What to Do with Kids
The Museum of Flight offers fun for everyone – including kids.
From exhibits and activities that spark imagination to hands-on experiences that encourage exploration, there are plenty of things to do here.
Recommended Ages
It’s an excellent activity for babies, children, teenagers, and adults of all shapes and ages.
- Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory was established in 1894 by Percival Lowell, a wealthy businessman, and amateur astronomer.
He believed that there could be life beyond Earth and wanted to find it.
Why Your Family Should Go
Visit the Plutonian Planetarium to discover more about this distant world’s amazing discoveries.
While the guided nature walks are fun, you might want to explore the forest on your own by taking advantage of its spatial treks, which show the distance between planets and the solar system.
What to Do with Kids
Get kids on spatial walks to help them to simulate the distance between the solar system and the various planets.
.Recommended Ages
It’s suitable for everyone, from babies to teenagers and adults.
- Coconino National Forest
The Coconino National Forest stretches across Arizona’s Navajo County.
This area, known as the Grand Canyon state, offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities.
From camping to fishing, hiking to horseback riding, there are many ways to enjoy nature here.
Why Your Family Should Go
The forest offers families a variety of experiences, including hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and skiing.
There are over 2,000 miles of trails throughout the forest, making it easy to find just what you’re looking for.
What to Do with Kids
Plenty of activities to spend time with, including hiking, biking, camping, boating, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, bird watching, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and much more.
Recommended Ages
There’s something for everyone.
- Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The Riordan Mansion is one of Flagstaff’s most recognized landmarks.
Situated on a hill overlooking downtown, it stands as a testament to the wealth and power of the Riordan family.
Why Your Family Should Go
If you want to learn more about the history of the United States, check out the museum’s interactive timeline.
Then take a look at the impressive collection of artifacts that are displayed throughout the building.
Don’t miss the gift shop, where you’ll find books, toys, games, clothing, and souvenirs.
What to Do with Kids
Spend quality time with kids as they get to learn about history.
Recommended Ages
This site is open to all ages, but kids need to have guidance from adults.
- Flagstaff Snow Park
At 7,000 feet above sea level, Flagstaff is one of the snowiest towns in the United States. And Flagstaff Snow Park is committed to offering visitors to northern Arizona outstanding snow play options.
Why Your Family Should Go
There’s something for everyone at Snow Valley Resort, whether you want to go tubing, ski, snowboard, or just relax by the fire pit.
Make a snowman, or go outside and enjoy the fresh air by watching the children playing in the snow. It’s completely up to you.
What to Do with Kids
With kids in Flagstaff, snow plays are a fun way to spend time outdoors when the weather gets colder.
Flagstaff Snow Park offers groomed slopes for sliders, as well as areas where kids can play snowball fights, create their own snowman, and go downhill skiing.
Recommended Ages
This spot is perfect for all ages.
