Museum of Northern Arizona hosting 'Clay Magic' spring break camp for kids

2010 Discovery students, photo by Caitlin Evans © 2010 MNA

Discovery Program has offered hands-on classes that immerse children in their environment for 35 years.
This year starts off with a Discovery spring break class tied to a major exhibit currently at MNA.

“These new Discovery offerings for kids encourage their inherent inclination to explore, to discover, and to ask questions,” stated MNA’s Education Specialist Caitlin Evans. “As we draw out kids’ natural curiosity and create a thirst for knowledge, we’re also teaching them to become lifelong learners, who investigate and interpret their surroundings.”

Inspired by MNA’s current exhibit Jake Brookins—dreams : realizations : contemplations : fantasies, Clay Magic for ages 5–13 will encourage students to discover their inner artist and the playful side of creativity from Monday, March 14 through Friday, March 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Led by local ceramic artist Chandra Robinson, this class will focus on ceramic techniques, painting, and sketching.

MNA Director Dr. Robert Breunig added, “We’re excited to offer a spring break program inspired by the late Jake Brookins’ exhibit. His explorations of ancient communities and imaginary realms lend themselves well to a youth art class. We want students to have fun with art and to invent new ways of interpreting the world around them.”

This week of creativity will conclude with a student art show for friends and family, and a gallery tour of the Jake Brookins exhibit.

Cost for the five-day class is $215 for members and $235 for nonmembers. To register, call 928/774-5213, ext. 222 or e-mail discovery@mna.mus.az.us.

Family Fridays start today at the Arizona Snowbowl

Gather the fam after school and hit the slopes for some discounted fun!
Starting today (February 25), the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff has Family Fridays. From 2-6 pm on Fridays, lift tickets are $10, rentals are $10 and even family lessons are just $10.
For more info, call 928-779-1951x189 and check out arizonasnowbowl.com.

Museum of Northern Arizona launches new 'Discovery' activities for kids

MNAZ's new Discovery Room

The Museum of Northern Arizona has a new fun room for children to get some hands on experience at the museum. The Discovery Room's current theme explores dinosaur life and their evolution through games, puzzles, books, a puppet show, and images to color. The room has kid-sized tables and chairs and encourages children to be a part of the museum. Head to the dinosaur exhibit section of the museum, then to this room with your kids for the most impact!

Dino toys in the Discovery Room

And, starting March 1, children 4–8, older siblings, and families will share a new hands-on, kid-friendly way to explore the Museum’s nine exhibit galleries. Backpackers will be encouraged to look closely at objects with magnifying glasses, share their own knowledge from travels throughout the region, play games, solve puzzles, learn about new people and places, and complete activities together as a group. Discovery Backpacks will be free for paid visitors to check out from MNA’s Front Desk, so be sure to ask!

The Museum is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff on scenic Highway 180. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors (65+), $5 students, and $4 children (7–17).

Flagstaff Birthday Party Spots: Aquaplex

Kids are sure to enjoy a birthday party at the Flagstaff Aquaplex any time of year. You can rent a party room for $20 per hour (with a two hour minimum). Then you pay a per guest fee for a day long admission for each guest on the day of your party. Those per person rates, as of 2/25/11, are:

Child	$ 3.00  - local resident	$ 3.00 - out of town guest
Youth	$ 4.00	$ 5.00
Adult	$ 5.00	$ 7.00
55 Plus	$ 4.00	$ 5.00

The party room is connected to the lounge area. It has 3 kid-sized tables and chairs, mini fridge, sink and direct access to the aquatics area and there's room for up to 24 kids.
Payment is required in full, in person at the time of booking. You make your reservation and check their availability at the front desk. They also require a 25% refundable security/cleaning deposit.
Call the Flagstaff Aquaplex at (928) 213-2300 for more information.

Free fun: Chuck Cheeseman kids' show 'Dancing with no shoes on'

On the first Saturday of every month in 2011 - Chuck Cheeseman is going to be performing his beloved children's music show for free at Bookmans.
The Dancing With No Shoes On show is at 10am. Kids are as always invited to dance along as Chuck sings his classic songs.
More about Chuck's music HERE.
Bookmans is located in the shopping center next to Target.

Flagstaff Birthday Party Spots: Starlite Lanes Bowling

Depending on how many kids you invite and how long your party will be, you can find a great deal on a birthday party for kids at Starlite Lanes bowling alley, located at 3406 E Route 66 (map).
They're open, generally, from 10am to midnight, with league play often from 6-9pm - meaning the lanes aren't open to anyone but leagues during that time.
Games are $2.75 per person per game during the week and $3.25 on weekends, no matter the age of the player. Shoe rentals are $2.
For parties they charge $30 per lane per hour - up to 8 kids in each lane. That comes with one pitcher of soda per lane and use of tables.
You can decorate tables as you like, bring a cake and any other food. No outside drinks are allowed.
For more info, give them a call at 928-526-1138.

Archeology Day with kids' activities at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff on March 5, 2011

Turn back the clock and enter the world of prehistoric people on the Colorado Plateau. On Saturday, March 5 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Flagstaff's Museum of Northern Arizona will celebrate Archaeology Day. This annual event focuses on ancient people from this region and offers an opportunity for budding archaeologists of all ages to get close to professionals in that field.

Archaeology Day features kids’ activities, hands-on ancient artifact analysis, atlatl throwing, and a symposium titled “Hohokam Archaeology Yesterday and Today.”

From 10 a.m.–2 p.m., visitors will enjoy exploring four docent-led kids’ activities: a hunter’s kit, making split twig figurines, mano and metate corn grinding and learning what prehistoric people ate, and rock art. There will also be a scavenger hunt throughout the Museum’s Exhibit Building.
MNA Docent Jerry Bacon will present atlatl throwing. Bacon is rated fourth in Arizona atlatl competitions and will share his extensive knowledge of this prehistoric tool.

Also from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., the Northern Arizona Archaeological Society /Elden Pueblo Project will conduct an interactive introduction to prehistoric artifact analysis from excavated ceramics and ground stone (manos, hammerstones, axes, and mauls), a post-excavation process that provides archaeologists valuable data for analysis at Elden Pueblo. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn identification of pottery types and stone tools, and be able to see some of the latest artifacts found at the Elden Pueblo excavation site. The Elden Pueblo Project’s work helps us to understand the connection between local cultures of the past, their distinctive styles, and the role natural resources played in the development of pottery and tools.

From 2–4:30 p.m., MNA’s Senior Archaeologist David Wilcox will host “Hohokam Archaeology Yesterday and Today,” a symposium to discuss the history of Hohokam archaeology and provide modern syntheses of current work in Hohokam irrigation, ceramics, settlement systems, and religious ideology. The symposium presenters will be David E. Doyel (chair), David R. Wilcox, Jerry B. Howard, David R. Abbott, and Henry Wallace. An opportunity for audience discussion will follow the presentations.

MNA is located three miles north of historic downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180. Admission is $7 adults, $6 seniors (65+), $5 students, and $4 children (7–17). Additional information about the Museum is available at 928-774-5213 or at musnaz.org.

Flagstaff Indoor Fun: Starlite Lanes Bowling Alley

Flagstaff has one bowling alley - Starlite Lanes, located at 3406 E Route 66 (map).
They're open, generally, from 10am to midnight, with league play every night but Saturday from 6-9pm - meaning the lanes aren't open to anyone but leagues during that time. There are also special events that can shut down regular bowling play, so be sure to call ahead.
Starlite Lanes also has glow in the dark bowling on Tuesdays and Sundays from 9pm until midnight.
Games are $2.75 per person per game during the week, no matter the age of the player. On the weekends, it is $3.25 per person per game. Shoe rentals are $2 for the whole time you are there.
For more info, give them a call at 928-526-1138.

Flagstaff Birthday Party Spots: Fort Tuthill County Park

If you're planning a large birthday party with lots of friends and family, consider renting a ramada all day (6am to 10pm) at Fort Tuthill County Park. Fees are as follows plus a refundable $100 deposit.

• Navajo Ramada (maximum  250 people)  $68.00 
• Pima Ramada (maximum 250 people)  $68.00
• Maricopa Ramada (maximum  150 people) $60.00
• Posse Ramada (maximum 250 people)  $68.00
• Yavapai Ramada (maximum 50 people) $53.00
• Cochise Ramada (maximum 150 people) $60.00

The Yavapai ramada is a great one for kids parties, as it is next to a playground, has two small grills and three picnic tables.
Picnic area reservations can be made at the CCPR office during regular business hours after January 1 for that year.  But reservations are taken only for the period of May 1 through September 30.The areas are available for use for free other times of the year, but are not available for reserved parties. They are open to the public to use.
For more info on Ft Tuthill park, go to their website or call (928) 679-8000.

Flagstaff Parks: Sawmill Park

Just east of NAU's northern campus is Sawmill Park (703 East Sawmill Road at Lone Tree). There are several slides, monkey bars, short tunnels, a small rock climbing wall and other fun playground stuff in this small area. The park also has a giant mural, an art park and several picnic tables. It's adjacent to the Willow Bend Educational Center and trails. Here's a video:

Flagstaff Birthday Party Spots: City park ramadas

If you want to have some outdoor birthday fun, a great option is reserving a ramada at one of Flagstaff's many public parks. Reserving the ramada guarantees you a covered picnic table at the location of your choosing. Then you can plan out your party - even a big barbeque- on the day of your party.
The city doesn't begin taking reservations for ramadas until April and there's no water in any park until May. Ramadas aren't available to reserve in the winter months... but you can still have your birthday party there for free, you just won't be guaranteed the covered tables.
Reservations can be made at any of the city's Recreation Centers. Applicants must complete a Facility Use Permit and pay the required fees at the time of reservation.  Fees are as follow as of 2011, but may change each year:
Bushmaster South, Foxglenn #1, and Thorpe Ramadas $10.50/hr
Bushmaster North, Foxglenn #2 and #3, and Ponderosa Ramadas $8/hr
Buffalo, Kiwanis, Mobile Haven, Old Town Springs, and Ponderosa Trails Ramadas $5.25/hr
For questions, call (928) 213-2300.
Find out more about each park's ramadas by folowing these links:

• Buffalo Park
• Bushmaster Park
• Foxglenn Park
• Kiwanis Park 
• Mobile Haven Park
• Old Town Springs Park 
• Ponderosa Park 
• Ponderosa Trails Park
• Thorpe Park

Romeo and Juliet new Mainstage Jr TheatriKIDS Theatrikos performance this week

Today kicks off the new Mainstage Jr. TheatriKIDS Series at Theatrikos Theatre Company with Romeo and Juliet. (Perfect with kids into Gnomeo and Juliet at the movies!)
Romeo and Juliet runs today (Feb 17, 2011) through Sunday (Feb 20) at The Doris-Harper White Community Playhouse. Shows all nights at 7pm plus matinees at 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets by calling 928-774-3940  or visit Theatrikos.com.

Flagstaff Birthday Party Spots: Flagstaff Gymnastics

Flagstaff Gymnastics is another birthday party option here in Flagstaff.
Parties here are about 1.5 hours. The birthday child and nine guests are lead by a coach in a bunch of gymnastics activities for $130. Each additional child is $10 and a second coach is brought in.
Activities include a warm up game, party games, an obstacle course, trampoline, jumping into "the pit," plus time at the end for cake and refreshments that parents provide.For more info, contact Flagstaff Gymnastics at 928-226-0696.
Flagstaff Gymnastics is located at 2366 North Steves Blvd in a giant warehouse type building filled with gymnastics equipment.

Flagstaff's McPherson Park

McPherson Park north of downtown Flagstaff has a fenced in playground with several slides, lots of swings, monkey bars and a ramp for easy access for little kids or wheel chairs. It's is across the parking lot from the Jay Lively Activity Center/Ice Arena. There are also several picnic tables, a tennis court, free disc golf course and hiking trails next to the playground.
McPherson Park is located at 1650 N. Turquoise Dr. (map)
Here's a video:

Flagstaff Birthday Party Spots: Summit Gymnastics

Summit Gymnastics has a really fun birthday party setup for kids. For $145, the birthday child and up to ten guests get to participate in 90 minutes of gymnastics play lead by a coach (ask for Coach Morgan). Party games include an open obstacle course, parachute game, limbo dance, scooters, hula hoops, trampoline jumping into a big foam pit, balance beams, bars, etc.
Summit also provides a nice area with tables and they help you with the party cleanup. You bring decorations, cake, food and such.
Summit parties are for kids 2-12. They require a nonrefundable $45 deposit.
Summit Gymnastics is located at 1926 N 4th Street, across from the Farmers Market store. You can get more info or book your party at 928-526-0644.

Free Fun: Children's Story Time every Friday at Bookman's

Every Friday morning at 10, Bookmans is now hosting a free story time event for children 1-6 years old.
It includes a free snack, drink and coloring activity plus reading fun!
Bookmans is located in the shopping center next to Target off Milton.

Valentine's Date Night for parents

Summit Gymnastics is having a Valentine's Date Night for parents this Saturday from 6:30-9:30pm.
You drop the kiddos off at Summit for a night of fun supervised play while you go have a romantic date just the two of you!
Costs are $16 for the first child and $12 for each additional sibling. Add $2 for a Pizza dinner. 
Call now to reserve your spot or ask any questions at 928-526-0644.

Free family game nights twice a week in Flagstaff

Gather your game-loving kids and let the good times roll.
Families with children six and up are all invited to the twice-weekly free game nights at the Flagstaff Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St).
The free fun takes place every Monday and Wednesday from 7-9pm!

Spring Break Fun: Crafts + Ice Skating special events for kids 3-5 & 6-9 years old

Sign up now for a super bargain of a deal for kids on Spring Break week!
The Jay Lively Activity Center (1650 N Turquoise) is hosting "Paint and Skate" for 3-5 year olds and "Sketch and Skate" for 6-9 year olds for only $3.50 per child, including the skate rental!
The Paint and Skate event is on Tuesday, March 15 from 1:30-2:30pm. Registration ends March 8.
The Sketch and Skate event is on Thursday, March 17 from 1:30-2:30pm. Registration ends March 10.
Both have a limit of 10 children per event, so sign up now!
You can call 213-2340 for more details.
Registration has to be in person because you must sign a liability waiver for all skating events at Jay Lively.

Free Flagstaff Fun: Free Valentine's Day puppet and card craft events

Puppets. Courtesy Michaels

Tomorrow (February 8, 2011) there's a free Valentine's Day craft event at Michaels for kids ages three and up! The project has kids creating puppets! It runs from 10am until noon.
There's another free event for kids three and up at Michaels on Sunday, February 13 from 1-3pm to create free Valentine's Day cards.
Michaels is located at 1500 Riordan Ranch St, in the Bookman's shopping center near Target.

Flagstaff Birthday Party Spots: Michaels

For crafty kids 5-12 years old, Michaels makes a great spot to have a birthday party in Flagstaff.
They have a private party room that costs $50 for 1.5-2 hours of party fun plus the expense of craft supplies, which can vary based on your child's age and interests.
They've got everything from cupcake and cookie decorating to friendship frames, t-shirts, aprons and more.
Their package also includes invitations, an apron for the birthday child and a staff to cleanup and set up the party. You need to bring your own refreshments, party decorations and such.
Michaels birthday parties are for five to ten children. They're available 7 days a week, with booking recommended 10 days in advance.
Call them at (928) 774-4558 for more info or to book your party.

Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde

Learn about frontier soldiers at Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde, about an hour south of Flagstaff. Here's a video that explains more about what you'll find there:

Park entrance fees are:
Adult (14+): $4.00
Youth (7–13): $2.00
Child (0–6): FREE
Directions to get to Fort Verde State Historic Park HERE.

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Documentary 'Race to Nowhere' screening in Flagstaff - A must see for parents

As part of a nationwide movement to bring attention to the problems with the country's educational system, the documentary film 'Race to Nowhere' will be shown Thursday, February 10 at the Orpheum downtown Flagstaff, doors open at 5:30, screening at 6:30.

Hundreds of theaters, schools and organizations nationwide are hosting community screenings during a six month campaign to screen the film nationwide. Flagstaff Montessori Schools are hosting the Flagstaff screening. Tens of thousands of people nation-wide are coming together, using the film as the centerpiece for raising awareness, radically changing the national dialogue on education and galvanizing change.

Advance purchase tickets are $5.00, available only online at www.racetonowhere.com. Tickets at the door will be $10.00.

The film is rated PG-13, so not suitable for younger elementary students. But it is an important film for all parents to see about the quality of education in the US.

About the film: A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the high-stakes, high-pressure culture that has invaded our schools and our children’s lives, creating unhealthy, disengaged, unprepared and stressed-out youth.  Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people in all types of communities who have been pushed to the brink, educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills they need, and parents who are trying to do what’s best for their kids, Race to Nowhere points to the silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace; students are disengaged; stress-related illness and depression are rampant; and many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. 

Black History Month celebration honoring Buffalo Soliders in Camp Verde

Courtesy: azstateparks.com

The Fort Verde State Historic Park will celebrate the Buffalo Soldiers and African American Heritage Month on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 9 am - 5 pm, and Sunday, Feb. 13 from 9 am to Noon.
The celebration is in conjunction with the 11th annual Camp Verde Pecan and Wine Festival.
The Buffalo Soldiers event will be living history presentations and military encampments, riding demonstrations and 1870s period equipment and uniforms. Many of these re-enactors have appeared in feature films, commercials, historical videos, parades and re-enactments. Fort Verde SHP is about an hour south of Flagstaff in Camp Verde. Directions HERE.

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Gift idea: Flagstaff Recreation gift cards

Looking for the perfect gift for family who live in Flagstaff? Consider at Recreation Services gift card. It's good for anything from memberships to daily admissions to lessons and more!
You can get them in any amount.
We're going to be asking for these for all of the kids' birthday's from now on from grandparents and other relatives. If someone gives you a $20 gift card- you can use that for a month of rock climbing lessons at the Aquaplex or for several daily admissions to the pool or ice skating fees and rental! Plus, the kiddos will love getting the gift card, which is tangible when skating lessons may not be, though they will enjoy them!
You can buy them at City of Flagstaff Recreation run facilities. Call Rec Services at (928) 213-2300 for more info.

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Books for expressing to your kids how much you love them

Sharing how much you love your children with them is important. Two new kids' books out just in time for Valentine's Day gifts help you sweetly share your message and foster their love of reading at the same time. Check them out...

The I Love You Book by Todd Parr - I actually choked back tears reading this one to my kids. I don't know what it was that did it, but this book just touched a spot in my heart - and my 5, 3 and 1.5 year olds all love the uber colorful pictures. This is a simple book perfect for young kids through about first grade or so. Young readers would also enjoy reading this one to mom, dad and grandparents (record it and you have the perfect gift for them too!) The I Love You book goes over how parents love their kids no matter if they're messy or clean, causing trouble or being little angels. I love this book!

Pocket Kisses by Willa Perlman - This is a good book for your little hands-on fans. It has "lift the flaps" throughout for tots to get involved in the reading, something my kids all enjoy. Plus there's a secret punch out "I Love You" heart "kiss" in the book's front pocket. Just wait til they find that! This one's great for young children toddler age through about first grade too. Pocket Kisses is also a reason to start a new tradition with your kiddos - make little heart-shaped notes that say I Love You and put them in their pockets to find later at school!

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Where to find winter snow play areas in Flagstaff (includes free places to play)

Flagstaff is a winter-fun haven. There's many free sledding hills and official snow play areas plus ice skating, snowshoeing, groomed downhill ski and snowboarding and cross country skiing trails. Here's a look at some official winter fun spots around Flagstaff families will enjoy:

Snowbowl (fee)
Address 9300 N. Snowbowl Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Phone 928-779-1951
Website http://www.arizonasnowbowl.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/azsnowbowl
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/snowbowl

Flagstaff Nordic Center (fee)
Address P.O. Box 1781, Flagstaff, AZ 86002 (At mile marker 232 on HWY 180)
Phone (928) 220-0550
Website www.flagstaffnordiccenter.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/flagstaffnordiccenter

Fort Tuthill (free)
Address Exit 337 off I-17, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Phone (928) 679-8000
Website http://www.coconino.az.gov/parks.aspx?id=410

Wing Mountain Snow Play Area (fee)
Address Hwy 180 & Forest Service Road 222B
Phone (602) 923-3555
Website http://snowplayaz.com

Mormon Lake Lodge (fee)
Address Main Street, Mormon Lake, AZ 86038
Phone 928-354-2227 x 10
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/mormonlakelodge
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MormonLakeLodge

Buffalo Park (free)
Address 2400 N. Gemini Rd
Phone (928) 213-2300

Crowley Pitt Winter Area (free)
Address hwy 180 at mile post 233
Phone (928) 527-3600

Walker Lake Winter Area/ Kendrick Park (free)
Address Highway 180 at mile marker 235
Phone (928) 527-3600
Website http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/winter-rec-opportunities.shtml

Jay Lively Activity Center/ Ice Arena (fee)
Address 1650 N. Turquoise Dr.
Phone (928) 213-2340
Website http://www.flagstaff.az.gov/index.aspx?NID=63

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Flagstaff's Fox Glenn Park

Fox Glenn Park is located in east Flagstaff off Butler at Foxglenn St (map). This park is quite large with a playground for toddlers, playground for big kids, several baby and big kid swings, a skate park, restrooms, a giant field for running around or playing soccer and baseball diamonds.
It's the home to the Soar Into Spring festival each April as well as the Celtic Festival in July.
Here's a video:

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