Flagstaff, Arizona is the perfect escape for families any time of year.
Whether for a cool reprieve from the Valley summer sun, a chance to spot changing leaves in the fall, or to hit the slopes as a family in the winter. Keep reading to discover the best things to do in Flagstaff with kids!
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10 Things to Do in Flagstaff With Kids
Table of Contents
- Test Your Skills at Flagstaff Extreme
- Visit Historic Downtown Flagstaff
- Take a Star Tour at Lowell Observatory
- Visit the Wupatki Ruins and Sunset Crater
- Ride Mountain Bikes at Fort Tuthill
- Spend the Day at Snowbowl
- Go Tubing at Flagstaff Snow Park
- Visit the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
- Stay at Village Camp
- Discover Cliffside Indian Ruins at Walnut Canyon National Monument
- Explore Old Lava Tubes
Test Your Skills at Flagstaff Extreme
Flagstaff Extreme offers zipline and adventure courses that are perfect for the adrenaline junkie in your family!
The Adventure Courses include a Kids Course that is geared for kids ages 7-11 years old and an Adult Adventure Course for ages 12 years and older.
We did the Adult Adventure Course with our boys ages 12 and 15 and they absolutely loved it!
The course has 5 different large circuits that start out easy then become more challenging the further up you go.
Everyone starts out on the Green Level, but only about 20% are able to complete the entire course all the way to the Black Level.
You are free to exit the course at any point if you decide not to go on.
Each circuit includes a combination of obstacles and ziplines high in the treetops.
You’ll encounter rope bridges, swinging boards, climbing walls, ziplines, and so much more. It will test you both physically and mentally.
My boys were able to complete the entire course in just under 3 hours.
My husband and I made it through to the Red level which is just below the Black before we were too exhausted to go on.
It really was such a fun family activity and one of the best things to do in Flagstaff!
Visit Historic Downtown Flagstaff
According to legend, Flagstaff was named in 1881 when the original settlers attached the American flag to the top of a towering ponderosa pine. They then called the settlement Flagstaff.
A few decades after its humble beginnings, Flagstaff claimed fame during the nostalgic 1920s era as a popular stop for motorists along the historic Route 66.
Route 66 is the most famous road in America, it starts in Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica Pier. It just so happens to cut right through the heart of Flagstaff.
Evidence of the roaring 20s can still be found in the quaint roadside motor inns, blinking neon signs, and numerous haunted hotels.
I would recommend starting your downtown visit at the visitor center. Here you’ll learn some history and pick up different walking maps of the town.
I would highly recommend taking the free haunted walking tour, my kids loved it!
And if you’re looking for more historic stops along Route 66, see our guide 12 Must-see Stops on Route 66 in Arizona.
Take a Star Tour at Lowell Observatory
In 2001, Flagstaff became the world’s first “International Dark Sky City”.
And Lowell Observatory just so happens to be one of the best places to observe that marvelous night sky.
Lowell Observatory was founded in 1894, making it one of the oldest observatories in the southwest.
Lowell Observatory’s other claim to fame is that this is the location where the dwarf planet, Pluto, was first discovered!
In 1902 Percival Lowell noticed some unusual behavior of some of the planets and began to theorize that there might be a ninth planet. A few years later he began to search for the elusive planet.
Unfortunately, he passed away in 1916 but the staff at Lowell Observatory continued his quest.
On March 13, 1930, which just so happened to be Percival’s birthday, the staff announced the discovery of a new planet.
There was a worldwide contest to pick the name of the planet.
The winning submission came from a young girl in England who suggested that the cold distant planet be named “Pluto”, after the god of the Underworld.
Visitors today can even stop by to see the telescope that was used to discover Pluto.
In 1965, Lowell Observatory became a National Historic Landmark and in 2011 it was named one of “The World’s 100 Most Important Places” by TIME magazine.
Day and evening telescope viewing programs are available, as well as a junior astronomy program and rotunda museum.
The observatory closes at 5 pm on Sundays so there is no evening telescope viewing.
The cost for admission to the Lowell Observatory is a little on the higher end, but discount tickets can often be obtained through the front desk at select partner hotels, or check Groupon.
It is also worth looking into a membership.
An annual family membership includes admission to other science centers and museums, such as the Arizona Science Center, that are part of the Passport Program.
Visit the Wupatki Ruins and Sunset Crater
As you drive through the sparsely vegetated landscape where rocks are plentiful and cell phone towers are few, you’ll find ancient ruins dotting the horizon of Box Canyon.
Take a short walk to the remnants of the Lomaki Pueblo, a two-story adobe brick structure that translates to “beautiful house”.
Stop for a picnic at the Doney Picnic Area where you’ll find a short nature trail that offers views of the Wupatki basin and the distant Painted Desert.
Be sure to make time to visit the crowning jewel, the Wupatki Pueblo.
This 4-story structure was built about 900 years ago and housed a small community within its 100 rooms.
Within the complex, visitors can also view the remains of a large gathering room, a preserved ball court, and a blowhole.
The blowhole is a natural phenomenon located at the end of the walkway that constantly blows cool air out of the earth.
For more ruins that are worth a visit, check out our guide 5 of the Most Accessible Indian Ruins in Arizona.
Admission to Wupatki National Monument is good for 7 days and also includes admission to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Just hang on to your receipt for verification.
Sunset Crater is the extinct cinder cone remains of a volcanic eruption in 1085. This was the last eruption from the San Francisco Peak volcanic field.
The crater gets its name from the oxidized lava that was spewed across the rim. It left behind a red hue that resembled the color of the vibrant setting sun.
Start your visit at the visitor center where you can learn the history through exhibits and hands-on displays. You can also pick up maps and information about the various trails.
The crater itself can’t be climbed anymore due to the loose cinders and fragile geological features, but the Lava Flow Trail is the closest you can get.
The 1-mile roundtrip trail is great for kids and takes you along the base of the volcano with views of the Bonito Lava Flow and various volcanic features.
The Bonita Vista Trail is also a great one for kids. The short 0.3-mile roundtrip trail takes you across a field of cinders that resembles a black moonscape.
The short 0.2-mile A’a Trail also provides views of the jagged a’a basaltic lava and is easy for kids.
You can also drive the scenic 36 miles along the paved road throughout the park for views of the crater and surrounding volcanic fields.
If you’re looking for more roadside stops, be sure to check out our guide Arizona Road Trip: 8 Things to Do from Flagstaff to Monument Valley!
Ride Mountain Bikes at Fort Tuthill
Fort Tuthill Bike Park is a mountain bike skills course with trails for beginners all the way to advanced.
It is located right next to Flagstaff Extreme.
The course includes flow trails and tech flow trails where you can practice turning and jumping. There are also two pump tracks with one being geared for kids.
The drop zone includes 3 progressively taller drops for more advanced riders. You’ll also find a skills area where riders can improve their technical skills through different obstacles.
The Cyclocross Feature is where more advanced riders can really put their technical skills to the test.
The best part is that the course is open to the public and free to visit. You will need to bring your own bike, or rent one in town and transport it to the course.
The course is open daily from sun up to sun down, although it is closed during inclement weather. It is an unsupervised course, so wear a helmet and ride safely.
Spend the Day at Snowbowl
Spending a day at Snowbowl is one of the best things to do in Flagstaff any time of the year.
Visitors can ski in the winter, take the scenic lift ride above the pines in the summer, or hike through the golden aspens in the Fall.
If you plan to visit in the winter, be sure to check out our AZ Snowbowl Guide. We’ve got some tips to pass along for the best runs to take, the best places to eat on the slopes, and how to get the best deals.
In the winter you may also want to consider visiting Flagstaff Snow Park. It is located in Flagstaff, not Snowbowl, but this tubing hill is the perfect spot to spend the day playing in a winter wonderland.
Tickets must be purchased online and are released 2-5 days in advance. Half-day tickets and full-day tickets are available.
If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to check out our guide for the AZ Snowbowl Summer Activities.
They offer a variety of fun activities to do as a family. These include a summer tubing hill, bungee trampoline, treasure panning, a scenic lift ride, hiking, and more.
In the fall, you’ll discover some beautiful nearby hiking trails.
The Aspen Nature Loop Trail is a 1.5-mile trail that winds through meadows, ponderosa pines, and aspen groves decorated with shimmering golden leaves.
The Veit Springs Trail is a 2.4-mile loop. The heavily wooded trail traverses through the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world.
This ponderosa pine forest stretches uninterrupted from New Mexico all the way up to the Grand Canyon.
Along the trail, you’ll also find an old historic homestead. The cabin was built in 1892 by Ludwig Veit, whom the trail was named after.
You can also take the pleasant 7-mile drive up Snowbowl Road to enjoy the mountain scenery.
Be sure to stop at Aspen Corner, a photographer’s paradise in the autumn. It is located about 6.5 miles up Snowbowl Road.
For more beautiful fall hikes, see our guide 8 Places to See Fall Leaves in Arizona.
Go Tubing at Flagstaff Snow Park
Flagstaff Snow Park is a fun way to enjoy the winter snow. The large tubing park has 6 groomed tubing runs and a kiddie hill.
The runs are categorized by levels from beginner to advanced. However, even the most challenging level isn’t too long or too fast.
Snow machines help keep the runs covered if needed, so the park is open all winter long even if there hasn’t been much snowfall.
Snow tubes are provided and guests are not allowed to bring their own tubes or sleds. Unlike other tubing parks, there is not a conveyor belt, you’ll need to carry your tube up the hill.
There are also open-play areas where kids can build snowmen, make snow angels, and have a snowball fight.
Parents will enjoy hanging out at the food truck park where you’ll find picnic tables, fire pits, music, and several different food truck options.
Tickets are limited and you will need to make reservations in advance, no walk-up tickets are available. Tickets are released 5 days in advance and they sell out quickly.
The wait time can be quite long, up to about 30 minutes per run during peak times. To avoid the crowds, I would visit during the week if possible.
I would recommend the snow park for kids ages 12 and under, my 15 year old was a bit bored and wished that the hills were bigger and faster. However, my 12 year old had a great time.
Visit the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
The main highlight of the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park is a historic 13,000 square-foot 40-room mansion tucked into the pine trees just outside of town.
The mansion was built in 1904, and unlike the popular Victorian-style homes of the era, this was designed in the new American Arts & Crafts style.
As you tour the home, it feels as if it is frozen in time as 90% of the artifacts are original.
This home was ahead of its time and was equipped with hot and cold running water, central heat, electric lights, and a telephone.
The home is actually a duplex with identical (but flipped) floor plans on each side. Two brothers married two sisters and both families lived here, kind of fun!
Not only is the mansion interesting to tour, but I loved hearing the stories about the Riordan family who lived here. They loved to travel and you can see souvenirs and photos from their world travels displayed around the home.
On the top floor, there is an oil painting of one of the daughters that was painted in Rome in the same style as the Mona Lisa. If you walk around the room, her eyes will follow you. It creeped my boys out!
The only way to see the interior of the home is with a guided tour. The tours run daily every hour from 10 am to 4 pm. Space is limited so I would recommend calling ahead to reserve your tickets.
If you aren’t able to take a tour, the grounds and visitor center are free to visit. The visitor center is located in the home’s former 6 car garage. It has some old-fashioned toys that our kids liked playing with.
Videos aren’t allowed inside of the home, but you can take photos. We thought that the tour was insightful and worth a stop!
Stay at Village Camp
If you’re looking for the perfect base camp for your family’s Flagstaff adventures, Village Camp is a luxury outdoor resort nestled in the pines.
Village Camp offers Adventure Cabin stays and RV sites.
The cozy Adventure Cabins are tastefully decorated with all the comforts of home, including a full bathroom, and a kitchen or kitchenette.
The tiny home cabins are perfect for families as they sleep between 6-7 guests.
My kids especially loved the loft. They said that it felt like they were sleeping and hanging out in a treehouse.
Each unit also has a porch with a table where you can enjoy a sunrise breakfast or afternoon card game.
My kids especially loved that each cabin had a firepit to roast s’mores in the evening.
Gourmet S’mores kits are available to purchase at the General Store, but you’ll want to bring your own roasting sticks.
The amenities at Village Camp are also great for families.
The Bistro at The Clubhouse serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Fuel up on some delicious pizza, flatbread, or sandwiches before heading out on your adventures.
On the weekends, you can often enjoy dinner with live music and a cozy indoor fireplace.
Your kids will also love the heated outdoor pool and hot tub that is warm enough to swim in year round.
Lawn games are also found outside the clubhouse.
More activities and amenities are planned for the future, including pickleball courts, a playground, and an amphitheater.
Village Camp is located on the way to Williams where you’ll find the Grand Canyon Deer Farm, Canyon Coaster Adventure Park, Route 66 cafes, the Grand Canyon Railway, and more.
See our guide 7 Things to Do in William, AZ for more recommendations.
Discover Cliffside Indian Ruins at Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon is a pretty remarkable place where the steep cliff sides are pocketed with ancient pueblos.
It is hard to imagine how so many people could not only live, but thrive, in these cliffside dwellings.
You’ll start your visit at the visitor center where you can see displays and exhibits chronicling the history of the canyon and the Sinagua people that inhabited the canyon over 700 years ago.
From the visitor center, embark on the 1-mile roundtrip Island Trail. The trail leads past 25 cliff dwellings that visitors can explore.
It also offers breathtaking views across the canyon where you can see many more dwellings camouflaged into the Kaibab Limestone cliffs.
Although the trail is relatively short, do not underestimate the difficulty. The trail descends 185 feet into the canyon through a series of stone steps.
Hiking back up those steps on the return trip is not for the faint of heart. Especially considering that you are climbing at an elevation of 7,000 feet.
The trail is mostly paved and is doable with kids. Just take your time and use caution, especially as there are some drop-offs with no guard rails.
Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, and do your part to preserve the park and ruins.
The rim trail is also a great alternative if you have young kids. The easy 0.7-mile trail leads to scenic canyon overlooks and the remains of a pithouse and pueblo.
Entrance to Walnut Canyon National Monument is free for kids 15 years and younger.
*Related post: If Monument Valley is part of your Southwest road trip, then be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Visiting Monument Valley!
Explore Old Lava Tubes
The Lava River Caves are a series of old lava tubes that were formed by a mile-long river of lava roughly 700,000 years ago.
The caves are a bit of a hidden gem located in the middle of the juniper and pinion forest off a dusty Forest Service Road. You’ll find a small dirt parking lot and a short trail leading to the underground entrance.
You’ll need to scale down some volcanic rocks to enter the cave where your adventure begins. The caves stay a cool 42 degrees even in the summer, so dress warmly. You’ll also need to wear sturdy closed-toed shoes as you’ll be navigating over slippery and sometimes sharp rocks.
Be sure that everyone in your party has a flashlight as it gets quite dark in the cave. There are also portions of the cave with low-hanging rocks so watch your head.
I would not advise visiting the cave with young children or if you are susceptible to claustrophobia. Keep in mind that the forest road is often closed in the winter, so the best time to visit is in the summer.
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More Things to Do in Flagstaff With Kids:
- Lockett Meadow Inner Basin Trail: This is one of the best fall hikes in Arizona! The trail leads through a forest of golden aspens and it is truly magical. See our Lockett Meadow guide for more details, or our guide 8 Places to See Fall Leaves in Arizona for more recommendations.
- Red Mountain Trail: This 2.7-mile roundtrip trail begins at the forest and then leads through the fractured cinder volcano spires at Red Mountain. Your kids will love exploring through the maze of towering hoodoos!
- Buffalo Park Trail: This 215-acre city park was once a private wildlife park. Visitors can still see a few remains of the former wildlife park such as the entrance building with a buffalo statue. The park sits atop the McMillan Mesa, an ancient lava flow. It is surrounded by native grassland and panoramic views of the San Francisco Peaks. Take the Nate Avery Trail, one of the most popular urban trails in Flagstaff. The easy paved 2-mile loop trail leads through the park, around the seasonal pond, and into a wooded ravine.
- Museum of Northern Arizona: This museum was founded in 1928 as a collection of Indigenous artifacts and specimens discovered on the Colorado Plateau. There are a variety of exhibits and displays, as well as gardens and walking trails surrounding the museum.
- Pioneer Museum: The Pioneer Museum was once the old Coconino County Hospital and has since been converted into a museum. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Flagstaff’s early beginnings. Guests can tour an exhibit of the old hospital, including an operating room. Other exhibits include the Decade Rooms and a vintage locomotive and caboose on display outdoors. This museum is partnered with the Riordan Mansion and discount tickets are available if visiting both.
- The Arboretum: A mix of wild and cultivated lands sprawled across 200 acres where you can enjoy nature walks, the butterfly house, bug displays, historic buildings, curated gardens, and colorful greenhouses. The Arboretum also holds summer events and programs such as a concert series, a raptor program, and gardening workshops.
- Arizona Nordic Village: For a unique winter adventure, try cross-country skiing or spending the night in a yurt at Flagstaff’s Arizona Nordic Village!
- Upper Lake Mary: This lake is located 12 miles southeast of Flagstaff and is popular for fishing, camping, and water skiing. There are two paved boat ramps, walking trails, and picnic facilities with ramadas and grills. The scenic lake is surrounded by forest and wildflowers and is a beautiful spot to spend a summer day.
- And while in the area, consider spending One Day at the Grand Canyon!
We hope this guide has helped you discover some fun things to do in Flagstaff with kids!
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