When many people think of Arizona, they might think of things to do in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, or the Grand Canyon National Park. However, if you’re looking to get off the beaten path, you might want to consider heading up north to Flagstaff.
Just 80 miles away from the Grand Canyon lies Flagstaff and there are plenty of things to enjoy there! Come with us as we take you through 15 of the best things to do in Flagstaff with the kids
Lowell Observatory
Why You Should Go
This 125+-year-old observatory is an absolute must-visit for anyone who wants to stargaze and learn more about space. Enjoy a museum experience during the day and walk throughout the wooded campus. At night, return to check out the stars using the powerful telescopes.
Take A Segway Tour
Why You Should Go
Segways are always a fun way to explore any city and the Arizona Segway and Pedal Tour is a ton of fun! Go along with a skillful guide on a guided tour through the NAU campus and historic Downtown Flagstaff Arizona. We highly recommend this tour for older kids. Make sure to book early to make sure the tour is available!
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course
The Extreme Adventure Course is a wonderful activity for both adults and kids. With a total of 30 ziplines, wobbly bridges, hanging nets, and three courses 20 feet in the air, it’s an absolute thrill ride. Kids as young as seven years old are able to enjoy the course!
Head To The Arboretum
Why You Should Go
The Arboretum is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic and explore nature. Pack your own lunch to bring or head down to the nearby Woody’s Sandwich Shop for one of the best takeout lunches in town. If you go during the summer, you can head into the Butterfly House!
Enjoy some Frisbee Golf at Thorpe Park
Thorpe park is a popular destination for locals to kick back and enjoy the day. Just west of the city center is Thorpe Park. There are various recreational activities available, including playgrounds, FUTS trails, picnic areas, basketball, sand volleyball, and eve racquetball court.
In addition this is northern Arizona’s top disc golf course and illuminated tennis courts. Dogs can also enjoy socialization in their own gated bark park. It’s a great spot for the whole family.
Hike The Lava Tubes
The entire mountain range of Flagstaff was formed by volcanoes, giving visitors tons of neat landscapes to explore. The Lava River Cave allows visitors to hike through. The hike is pretty easy for kids, though you’ll definitely need to bring jackets and flashlights, as the cave is dark and cold throughout the year.
Swim At The Flagstaff Aquaplex
Why You Should Go
There are a ton of family friendly activities in Flagstaff and in the summer there are even more. If you go to Flagstaff during the summer, it might get a bit hot.
If so, you might consider heading out to the Flagstaff Aquaplex. This multi-generational rec center is for kids and adults of all ages. Your kids will no doubt enjoy the climbing wall and indoor pool. There’s even an indoor gym for adults!
Visit the Colorado Plateau
The majority of the country’s national parks and monuments are located in the Colorado Plateau. There are eight parks and ten national monuments spread across four states in the Four Corners area.
Explore The Wupatki National Monument
Why You Should Go
Once you’ve explored lava caves, drive on down to the Wupatki National Monument to explore Native American ruins. Once you’re there, make sure to stop by the visitor center to talk to one of the guides, who can tell you and the kids more about the ruins.
Grab a Junior Ranger Packet and trail map to guide you through the National Monument.
Visit the Pioneer Museum
Why You Should Go
The Pioneer Museum is housed inside of a historical building from 1908. There are plenty of kid-friendly exhibits outdoors, as well as a train, some farm equipment, and antique cars, which they can climb on. The kids’ room has tons of touchable artifacts and dress-up rooms for a more interactive experience.
Take Route 66 Through Downtown Flagstaff
Why You Should Go
Visit the downtown historic district in Flagstaff to enjoy nostalgic vibes on Route 66. There are plenty of little restaurants and shops along the road to enjoy.
If you head through the road all the way to the Northern Arizona University campus, you can see the lumberjack mascot. At one point in time, he welcomed road-tripping diners to the Lumberjack Cafe.
Ski At The Arizona Snowbowl
Why You Should Go
If you decide to go to Flagstaff during the winter, make sure to head to Arizona Snowbowl. There are plenty of equipment rentals for skiing and snowboarding, as well as runs and lessons for all ages.
The largest beginner terrain in the United States is here at the San Francisco Peaks run, perfect for the little ones! This is also a great place for some cross country skiing.
Enjoy The North Pole Experience
Another great winter experience for kids and adults is the North Pole Experience. The North Pole Experience shuttles you from the Little America Hotel to Santa’s Workshop.
Your kids will love the exclusive tour led by elves, which ends with a private visit with Santa Claus himself. You can check out our review here
Go To Bearizona
Why You Should Go
Bearizona is a very unique wildlife park with real wild bears, bison, mountain sheep, wolves, and goats. You can drive around locked in your car while seeing animals in their natural habitat on the outside. You can also head to the smaller animal section, with native Arizona animals like foxes, beavers, porcupines, and many more.
Laser Tag at FlagTag AZ
Why You Should Go
From Laser Tag to arcade games to ax throwing, FlagTag AZ has it all. It’s a great place to head to for an afternoon and is recommended for kids 10 or older. It’s also a great place to go after a long few days of outdoor activities.
Drive Out To Sunset Crater Volcano
About 15 miles from Flagstaff is Sunset Crater Volcano, which erupted 1,000 years ago. You can walk very close to the volcano with a pretty small and moderate 1-mile hike. For little ones, the paved and ultra-accessible trail allows you to check out the lava beds and volcano from a bit of a distance.
See a Meteor Crater
If you’re willing to travel just outside of Flagstaff, check out the Meteor Crater in Winslow. This massive hole in the Earth was created by a meteorite that hit the surface 50,000 years ago. You don’t want to miss out on seeing this!
Map of Things to do in Flagstaff with Kids
FAQ about things to do in Flagstaff with Kids
What can you do for free in Flagstaff?
Buffalo Park
Old Town Shops
Concerts in the Park
Northern Arizona University
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
The Great Pinecone Drop
Flagstaff Urban Trail System
Flagstaff Community Market
What is there to do in Flagstaff?
Historic Downtown and Railroad District
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Lowell Observatory
Flagstaff Extreme
Wupatki National Monument
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park
Museum of Northern Arizona
How far is the Grand Canyon from Flagstaff?
Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim, which is open year-round, is located 60 miles north of Williams, Arizona and 80 miles northwest of Flagstaff!
Pin for Later: 15 Exciting Things to do in Flagstaff with kids
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