Flagstaff with Kids

Flagstaff City/Coconino County Public Library

Baby, Toddler and Preschooler Storytimes run throughout the week year-round at both the Main Library and East Flagstaff Community Library. Check the library's website for days and times, and seasonal changes (e.g. August-May may differ from June/July.) Main Library 300 West Aspen Ave (928) 213-2330. East Flagstaff Community Library. 3000 N. Fourth Street, Suite 5 (928) 213-2348
http://www.flagstaffpubliclibrary.org

Photo Credit: gettyimages.com

Flagstaff City/Coconino County Public Library
Lego Club, geared toward elementary school kids, is on the second Monday afternoon of every month at East Flagstaff Community Library. 3000 N. Fourth Street, Suite 5 (928) 213-2348
http://www.flagstaffpubliclibrary.org

Summit Gymnastics Open Gym

Kids can run and jump and climb to their hearts' content. $5 for first child, $3 for additional children. Monday & Thursdays 10am-11:30am, ages 5 and under. 1926 N. 4th St, Suite 7 (928) 526-0644
http://www.summitgymnasticsacademy.com

Flagstaff Nordic Center

Learn to ride mountain bikes — even in the winter! Snow biking on fat tire bikes is the newest trend in mountain biking and Flagstaff Nordic Center has a robust fleet of them, in sizes to fit adults and kids, and over 15 km of trails on which to ride. You can also take a skiing or snowshoeing lesson in the winter, or a mountain biking lesson in the summer. Rentals, passes and packages range from $10 to $60. Open daily at 8:00 am. Highway 180 at Mile Marker 232. (928) 220-0550
http://www.flagstaffnordiccenter.com

Flagstaff Movies on the Square

Starts June 1st. Family-friendly movies are shown outside on Heritage Square each Saturday evening through the summer for FREE. Each event begins at 5pm with entertainment from the community, music, and then movies start at dusk (about 7:30pm) Heritage Square is downtown on Aspen Street between Leroux and San Francisco Streets.
http://flagdba.com/movies-on-the-square

Harkins Summer Movie Fun

Starts June 10. $5 for 10 kid-friendly movies (or pay individually $2/person); kids under 3 are free. Movies start at 9:45 am, and no one cares if there's crying or you have to get up and walk around. See Harkins' website for more info. 1959 S Woodlands Village Blvd (928) 774-4700
http://www.harkinstheatres.com/summerMovieFun.aspx

Flagstaff Aquaplex

$3/child (under 3 are free with a paid adult), $5/adult. Make a day of fun at the Aquaplex with swimming in the play pool (complete with slides and fountains), relax in the lazy river, race down the fast water slides, sit in the hot tub, or climb the rock wall and play air hockey. Usually less crowded in the morning or evening, but in the summer, it is often closed in the morning due to swim lessons. Childcare is available for $2/hour/child. 1702 N. 4th St (928) 213-2300
http://www.flagstaffaquaplex.org/

Wing Mountain Snow Play Area

Northern Arizona's organized snow play area with plowed and managed parking, hot beverages, sleds and other concessions. Activities include sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and playing in the snow. $12 per vehicle, cash or check only. Open daily 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (when there's snow!) Highway 180 and Forest Service Road 222B. For information and snow conditions (602)-923-3555
http://www.snowplayaz.com

Arizona Snowbowl

Located on the majestic San Francisco Peaks, the Arizona Snowbowl lies 14 miles outside of Flagstaff. Skiing and snowboarding at Sunset Terrain Park in winter; Scenic SkyRide, disc golf and hiking in the summer. Lift passes for ages 7 and younger are FREE; ages 8-12 $35; ages 13-18 $45-$55. Open 9:00 am - 4:00 daily. Highway 180 and Snowbowl Road. For information and snow conditions (928) 779-1951
http://www.arizonasnowbowl.com

Frances Short Pond aka "The Duck Pond" at Thorpe Park

Located just west of the downtown Flagstaff area at the end of Aztec street, this is a great place to get out and enjoy Flagstaff's stellar summer weather. Children love the duck pond, and the greater park offers two playgrounds and all-important portable and permanent restrooms. 191 N. Thorpe Road
http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=91

Photo Credit: azdailysun.com

Bushmaster Park

When you want to go outdoors, but need respite from the sun, the best shaded park is Bushmaster Park. Two playgrounds for the younger ones, and a bitchin' skate park for the tweens and teens. 3150 N Alta Vista Drive
http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=91

Home Depot

Get hands-on at The Home Depot. The Home Depot offers free workshops for do-it-yourselfers of all ages and experience levels. FREE hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 - 12 offered the 1st Saturday of every month between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Register online. Two locations: 1325 W Rte 66 (928) 556-1529 and 5005 E Marketplace Dr (928) 526-1692
http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/?pn=HT_WS_WeeklyWorkshops

After School Special $1.25 ice cream cones from 2:30-4pm on schooldays. 1104 S Milton Rd (928) 779-1012
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Baskin-Robbins-of-Flagstaff/163135337074984

Little America Travel Center

$0.50 soft serve ice cream cones in the Little America Grill. 2515 East Butler Ave (928) 779-7900
http://flagstaff.littleamerica.com/travel-center/Little_America_Grill

Mike & Ronda's The Place

Mike & Ronda's is widely regarded as Flagstaff's best breakfast experience, and the kiddos like pretending to serve up their own biscuits and gravy in the play kitchen and miniature tables. 21 S Milton Rd (928) 774-7008
http://www.mikeandrondas.com

Big Foot BBQ

Located in the Basement Marketplace, Old Town Shops in downtown Flagstaff, this joint is a favorite of locals and visitors large and small because their Kids Corral and chalkboard keep the little piglets busy while you enjoy some serious pulled pork. 120 N Leroux Street Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (928) 226-1677
http://bigfootbbq.com

Crown Railroad Cafe

One word: Trains! A model train runs around the ceiling to delight the kids, and adults won't be disappointed by the yummy diner food or heralded service. Two locations: West Flagstaff 2700 S Woodlands Village Blvd (Wal-Mart shopping center) and East Flagstaff 3300 East Rte 66 (in front of Howard Johnson) (928) 522-9237
http://thecrownrailroadcafes.com/

Sandy's Canyon

Located off of Lake Mary Road, the trail leads you along the rim of Sandy’s Canyon with great views of a large lava field with Mount Elden in the distance. The first 1.5 miles is mostly shaded and takes hikers down into Sandy’s Canyon where the trail joins the Arizona Trail, which is a good turn-around point when hiking with kids.
http://goo.gl/UJ5HM

Photo Credit: astral.org

Buffalo Park Trails

Buffalo Park is part of the the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS, pronounced “foots”) as a non-motorized hike-bike-run-accessible recreation area. Its two short loop trails are flat, wide and ringed with Ponderosa pines and mountain views. Suitable for strollers. Take Fort Valley Road (US 180) to Forest Ave; turn right and go to the turnoff for the park at Gemini Drive; turn left and follow the signs to the park entrance.

Griffith's Spring

Griffith’s Spring is a shaded and peaceful one-mile loop trail that's wide and flat, and terminates at its namesake spring, with small exploratory trails leading to greenery, wildflowers and (watch out) poison ivy.
http://goo.gl/xviRa

Wet Beaver Creek

This clear, cool brook remains pleasantly secluded in the deep red rock canyon it has cut into the southern rim of the Colorado Plateau. The stream's pools and riffles are a popular place to fish, hike, swim, and birdwatch. The waters of the stream are stocked with trout. 45 miles south of Flagstaff on graveled Forest Roads. Drive south from Flagstaff on I-17 and exit onto AZ Highway 179; drive 2 miles east on Forest Road 618 to the campground.
http://goo.gl/5OSks

Slide Rock State Park

Likely the most popular spot in Oak Creek Canyon (between Flagstaff and Sedona), Slide Rock State Park is an extremely busy picnicking spot and swimming hole. The littlest children will enjoy playing "Pooh sticks" under footbridges, doing some shallow wading or dipping their feet into the cold mountain run-off, while older children can try out the natural water slides and swimming. On US 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, drive 21 miles south from Flagstaff, or 6 miles north from Sedona. You can't miss it. $20.00 Daily Entrance From the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of Labor Day: Per Vehicle (1-4 Adults) Off Season: $10.00 per day (1-4 Adults) (This is a STATE PARK and does not honor the Federal Recreation Pass or the Red Rock Pass.)
http://goo.gl/FD0lH

Grasshopper Point

A large cliff side swimming hole, this day use site is popular with swimmers and picnickers alike. The swimming hole is shaded and cool, a good respite from the summer heat. You can also access the Allens Bend trailhead from the Grasshopper Point parking lot. Drive south from Flagstaff about 26 miles or north from Sedona for about 2 miles on US 89A. Grasshopper Point will be approximately 2 miles south of Encinoso Picnic Area on the east side of US 89A. $8 per vehicle per day (up to 5 people) in addition to the required Red Rock Pass.
http://goo.gl/jmRJO

Allens Bend Trail

This short, half-mile walk is one of the best easy day hikes in the Sedona area because it's one of the only paths along the banks of Oak Creek. A Red Rock Pass is required (available at many outlets and online found here: http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/where-to-purchase.shtml).
http://goo.gl/O8WXi