Flagstaff is a beautiful mountain town located high in northern Arizona. With its proximity to the San Francisco Peaks, Flagstaff offers incredible natural scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
There is no shortage of things for families to do in and around Flagstaff regardless of the season. From exploring nature to visiting museums, here are 10 of the top things families can enjoy together in Flagstaff.
1. Hike in Northern Arizona
Flagstaff sits at the base of the majestic San Francisco Peaks and is surrounded by ponderosa pine forests, making it a prime location for hiking. Families can enjoy easy to strenuous trails throughout Flagstaff and in nearby national forests.
A few top hiking destinations include Humphreys Peak Trail, which offers stunning panoramic views from Arizona’s highest point, and Flagstaff Urban Trails, which has over 30 miles of multi-use paths perfect for walking or biking. For a more leisurely hike, try Mount Elden Trail or Dodd Creek Trail, both of which have beautiful scenery and are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks to fuel up after working up an appetite on the trails.
2. Visit Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory, located just west of Flagstaff, is one of the most historically significant astronomical observatories in the world. Founded in 1894, it was here that astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered the planet Pluto in 1930. Families can tour the grounds and buildings, see various telescopes up close, and learn about the history of astronomical research and discovery.
Interactive exhibits focus on current research topics and provide educational opportunities for kids. Lowell Observatory also offers regular planetarium shows that transport audiences across the universe. For a truly impressive experience, check the observatory website for dates and times of their weekly public nightly star parties, where professional astronomers guide visitors through the night sky with large research-grade telescopes.
3. Explore Museum of Northern Arizona
Located on the campus of Northern Arizona University, the Museum of Northern Arizona provides a fascinating glimpse into the culture and natural history of the Colorado Plateau region. Permanent exhibits showcase Native American artwork, artifacts, and dwellings representing tribes indigenous to northern Arizona. Families can also see dinosaur fossils and learn about the area’s geology, environment, and wildlife.
Interactive activities make the museum highly engaging for kids. Art demonstrations and guided tours occur regularly as well. Plan to spend at least a couple hours here to fully appreciate everything this museum has to offer. Combining a visit with a picnic in the surrounding forested areas makes for a memorable educational outing.
4. Check Out the Arboretum
The Flagstaff Arboretum, managed by Northern Arizona University, is a beautiful 86-acre botanical garden situated along the Rio de Flag riverwalk. Wander the several themed gardens and trails showcasing over 1,500 species of high-altitude adapted plants from around the world. Children especially love seeing the koi and trout swimming in the ponds.
Popular gardens at the arboretum include the Native American ethnobotanical garden, xeric garden featuring cacti and succulents, and children’s garden with a kid-sized hiking trail. Enjoy the scenery while having a picnic before exploring more of downtown Flagstaff. Arboretum admission is by voluntary donation, making this a worthwhile and budget-friendly family activity.
5. Splash Around at Rio de Flag Waterpark
On hot summer days, cool off at Rio de Flag Waterpark right along the river in downtown Flagstaff. This waterpark has slides, spraying fountains, a large splash pad, and a lazy river perfect for floating around on inner tubes. The zero-depth entry pool and small slides cater well to younger swimmers. Picnic facilities, shaded areas, and concessions keep families comfortable all day long.
Seasonal operating hours run from mid-May through September. Combining waterpark fun with exploring nearby trails, shops, and restaurants downtown makes for an enjoyable full-day family outing. Admission fees are nominal, and occasional special events add extra excitement.
6. Check Out the Arboretum
For excellent zoo experiences just outside of Flagstaff, head to either Bearizona or Highlands Center for Natural History. Bearizona, located 30 minutes west of town, offers opportunities to see black and grizzly bears in large natural habitats. Walk-through areas allow families to get surprisingly close.
The drive-through wildlife park area provides chances to spot bison, elk, foxes, and more in a more open setting. Highlands Center, about 20 minutes north of Flagstaff, focuses exclusively on wildlife native to northern Arizona through indoor and outdoor exhibits. See bobcats, coyotes, bald eagles, tortoises and other species up-close in naturalistic habitats. Both facilities offer educational programming ideal for kids to learn more about local flora and fauna.
7. Check Out Historic Downtown
Take a stroll through downtown Flagstaff’s charming historic district lined with shops, restaurants, performing art venues, and mountain views. Colorful murals dot many buildings. Stop into the Visitor Center at the Route 66 Experience for exhibits on the Mother Road. Browse through independent stores like Blue Aspen Gallery for unique local arts, crafts, and souvenirs.
Fuel up on family-friendly fare like pizza, burgers, or Southwest cuisine at casual downtown eateries. Musical or theatrical performances frequently occur on weekends at venues like the Orpheum Theater or Flagstaff Cultural Partners. Wandering downtown allows discovering Flagstaff’s culture and character together as a family.
8. Experience a Sunset at Observatory Mesa
For truly impressive sunsets, drive or bike up to Observatory Mesa on the western outskirts of town. This flat-topped butte rises dramatically above Flagstaff and offers unobstructed 360-degree views all the way to the San Francisco Peaks, Humphreys Peak, and beyond.
Plan to arrive around sunset hour to watch the sky transform through brilliant orange and pink hues as night falls. Enjoy an evening picnic while taking in the scenery. With dark skies and few light sources, this is also a premier spot for casual stargazing once dusk fully sets in. Bring a blanket or chairs for a memorable family-time activity under the stars.
9. Explore Walnut Canyon National Monument
A short 20-minute drive southeast of Flagstaff lies the fascinating Walnut Canyon National Monument. Hike down into a series of cliffs containing ancient Sinagua Indian ruins that are over 700 years old. Guided walking tours, about 1 mile round trip, lead past several cliff dwellings once home to these Native American people.
Children especially enjoy spotting details in the well-preserved rooms and structures. A small visitor center provides more context through exhibits. Admission is low and trails are paved and barrier-free, making this a suitable outing for most abilities. Combine a visit here with lunch nearby in the tiny mountain community of Flagstaff Estates.
10. Ski or Snowboard at Arizona Snowbowl
Nestled high at an elevation of 9,200 feet just outside Flagstaff lies Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. From early December through mid-April (weather dependent), families can enjoy downhill skiing, tubing, snowboarding and more. Beginner slopes and lessons are perfect for younger or less experienced skiers and boarders. Three double chairlifts and one surface lift provide easy access to 25+ runs of all difficulties.
A Lodge and other facilities offer rentals, lessons, dining, and warm-up amenities. Season ski passes, group rates, and multi-day tickets provide good value. Spending wintery days on the slopes together makes for lasting family ski trip memories in northern Arizona’s White Mountains.
Flagstaff provides an abundance of activities immersed in the beauty of Northern Arizona’s landscapes and culture. From hiking and exploring nature to visiting area attractions, there are countless ways for families of all ages to enjoy quality time together discovering new adventures in and around this picturesque mountain town. With its proximity to outdoor recreation, cultural sites, and more, Flagstaff makes for an ideal family-friendly destination any time of year.