Indoor Flagstaff Fun: Camp Wannaplay playground in the Flagstaff Mall

Camp Wannaplay is a free indoor playground for kids 42 inches and shorter inside the Flagstaff Mall (4650 N Highway 89) near JC Penney.
This playground is the only one of its kind in the city, featuring soft objects to climb on and slide down. There's a cute slide inside a big tree, a slide across a mountain, a bridge and other fun stuff plus some space to run around and play. If it's too crowded little ones won't have fun, but when there's only a few kids there, it's a blast!

Flagstaff Summer Camps: Flagstaff Recreation Services Day Camp

Flagstaff Recreation Services will host summer camps for kids 5 (and entering kindergarten) through 12 years old this summer for $95 per week. Camps are Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm... and change themes each week. Participants will go on outings to the Aquaplex, Ice Arena, city parks and more. Call 928-213-2300 for more info.

Indoor Flagstaff Fun: Sporties 4 Shorties

Rock climbing during Sporties 4 Shorties

Sporties 4 Shorties is an awesome year round activity for tots 3-5 years old. Children sign up for 4 week sessions (check the Aquaplex calendar for the next openings) of fun from having fun on the climbing wall to playing in the water park part of the pool to scootering to soccer and lots more. It's a great way to tire tots out and get them socializing before starting kindergarten!
Sessions are on Tuesdays from 11:30-12:30 (though some months session times vary a little from this). Cost is $5 for a month for Aquaplex pass holders or $16 for non-pass holders.

Flagstaff Parks: Thorpe Park

Thorpe park (191 N. Thorpe Rd) is a massive Flagstaff park near downtown and Lowell Observatory with lots of amenities. It has two playgrounds, one of which is aimed at the 2-5 year old crowd, the other for five plus... plus two sets of swing sets, including lots of baby seat swings... plus a jungle gym type firetruck for climbing on and plenty of space for running around. There's also a section with lots of ride-ons of dinosaurs and such.
Add to that, Thorpe has several tennis courts, a sand volleyball court, basketball court, soccer fields, youth baseball fields, adult softball fields, a picnic ramada and picnic tables with grills,  racquetball courts, horseshoe courts a disc golf course, a dog park and thankfully portable and permanent restrooms.
It's a fun park that you can always expect to find other kids to play with while you're there.

Free Flagstaff Fun: 'First Green Fridays' eco-friendly events for the whole family

The Willow Bend Environmental Center (703 E Sawmill Rd) hosts First Green Fridays every month with three events for the whole family.
First - take the Recycling Tour at the Recycling Center (1800 E. Butler Ave.) from 3:00-4:00pm.
Then - take the Sustainable Living Tour at Willow Bend from 4:15-5:00pm.
Finally, wrap up the eco-friendly day with the First Friday Art Walk at Willow Bend from 5:00-8:00pm.
For more info, visit their website or call 928-779-1745.

Flagstaff Parks: Ft Tuthill

Playground at Ft Tuthill

Ft Tuthill County Park is on the southern end of Flagstaff. It has tons of picnic areas, 6.5 miles of trails plus a playground. The playground is small but in a nice wooded area and next to a picnic ramada, three picnic tables, two small grills and a composting restroom facility (with two handicapped-accessible unisex facilities). Read about having your birthday party at Ft Tuthill HERE.
There's also camping allowed in the park from May 1 through September 30.

Backyard Fun: Building your own playground

I'm excited to announce a partnership with Backyard Discovery, makers of all those really cool swingsets that have caught your family's eye (like the big one Sam's Club has on display). As an ambassador, I'm going to share my family's experience building their new Montpelier playset in our backyard this spring... plus care, maintenence, playdates and more as time goes on!
I'm happy to answer any questions any of you have about how to choose a playset for your own backyard, building it yourself and more. Stay tuned for a complete series on everything from picking the right spot in the yard to prepping the ground to building and even playing!

Backyard Discovery's Montpelier is what we'll be building in our yard!

New carrier for on the go with kids: Piggyback Rider

Piggyback rides are fun for kids but get so tiring for adults... that's why a team of two brothers that are dads themselves invented the new Piggyback Rider carrier. It's made for kiddos that generally don't want to use a stroller anymore but get tired of walking and want to be carried in the 2.5 to 7 year old range (up to 60 pounds).
Being a huge fan of carriers, the company sent me one to test out with my 5 and 3.5 year olds who are always asking Daddy in particular to be put on his shoulders whenever we take a trip (especially to Disneyland). So he was eager to test this one out too. We took it out on a hike to test it out (and we'll be bringing it to Disneyland this summer too).
Both my daughters loved this thing. They kept referring to it as "the ride thing" and asked to get on over and over, fighting over who would get to ride it next. And I see why, it's a pretty cool set up - kids put on a harness while the adult puts on the carrier. The carrier basically consists of carrier straps that go over the shoulders and buckle in the front (like other backpack carriers) but on the back there's a lightweight bar for kids to stand on. You can also attach the handy Piggyback Rider bag to hang at the bottom of the bar to carry any "stuff" you might want while doubling as a mud flap. Once both adult and child are hooked in, the adult gets down to the child's level while they stand on the bar, grabbing hand straps on the adult's shoulder. The the adult (or we found a second adult makes it easier) clips the child's harness to the back of the carrier and off you go. It takes just a minute.
The carrier is comfortable but feels a bit awkward at first as kids figure out where they should have their toes on the bar. Because kids are standing, they have to be awake and active while being carried around. Once everyone is settled, the ride is enjoyable for both parent and child. My husband said he found it a bit taxing as with him, the kids wanted to lean back and goof around while he was giving them a ride. Once they stopped goofing off, he too liked the carrier and said we should bring it on our next trip to Disneyland to use as we walk around at the end of the day when our 3.5 year old (especially) asks to be carried because she's tired of walking. It would also be good for parade watching!
For more information, to purchase, or find a store near you, visit www.thepiggybackrider.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter if you want to get more info.

Flagstaff Family Fun: NAU Fun Run benefit + costume competition

Get ready to lace up those running shoes. Willow Bend Environmental Education Center is having a fundraiser, hosted by the NAU Blue Key Honor Society. The 2nd Annual NAU Fun Run / Walk and Costume Competition is pet and kid friendly. The Fun Run is an 8k run or 5k walk. THere will also be a raffle. Kids 12 and under are free! Students, AmeriCorps members and seniors are $10, adults are $20. You can get a discount rate for a group of five students for $45 and five adults for $95.
The NAU Fun Run takes place Saturday, April 2nd at NAU's South Fields off of Pine Knoll Drive, across from the Forest Science Complex. Registration begins at 7:30, if you didn't sign up in advance. The costume competition and raffle starts at 8am and the run starts at 9am.\
Get more info and sign up HERE.

Free baby signs intro class next week

Learn how to communicate with your baby before he can talk with the free baby signs intro class at Bookmans on Tuesday (March 22, 2011) from 10-11am.
Bring your little one and learn how signing with babies work and tips on getting started.

Free Flagstaff Fun: Crafty pot and saucer cupcakes at Micahels this week

Courtesy: Michaels

Learn how to turn a clay pot and saucer into a giant decorative cupcake at a free event for kids at Michaels this weekend.
From 10am to noon on Saturday (March 19, 2011), kids 3 and up can come in and buy the pot and saucer and learn how to decorate it, including the other supplies, for free. No registration needed, but the event only lasts as long as the supplies do.

Easter-plex at the Flagstaff Aquaplex events for kids

The Flagstaff Aquaplex is hosting Easter-plex, a morning of Easter-themed fun for kids.
On Saturday April 23, 2011, the Aquaplex is having easter egg hunts in the pool and on the climbing wall plus arts and crafts and a visit from the Easter Bunny. The fun takes place from 8:30-11am.
The cost is $2 per child for passholders and $3 per child for non-pass holders. No pre-registration required.
The pool egg dive schedule is divided by age group:
9am: 4 and under
9:30am: 5-7 years old
10am: 8-11 years old
10:30am: 12+
For more info, call 928-213-2300.

Free Flagstaff Fun: Junior Archaeologist Day at Wupatki National Monument

Get your dig on this week by celebrating Junior Archaeologist Day at Wupatki National Monument tomorrow (Wed, March 16, 2011) and Friday (March 18, 2011  at 1pm.
These free events for kids 8-12 celebrates Arizona Archaeology & Heritage Awareness Month. Kids will learn about archaeology through fun, hands-on activities. Space is limited and reservations are required.
The event is free, but regular park entrance fees do apply.  For more information or to make a reservation call the Wupaki Visitor Center  at 928-679-2365.
More about Wupatki National Monument.

Free Flagstaff Fun: Easter Egg Hunt and spring festivities

Bounce on over to Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista) on Sunday, April 24th for the City of Flagstaff – Recreation Services’ 2nd annual Easter Egg Hunt!  Events begin at 11am and run through 1pm.
They will have Easter Egg Hunts separated by age, face painting, egg decorating, and a visit from the Easter Bunny -- all FREE!  Plus $1.00 raffles return and for $2.00, you can jump all you want in a Bounce House!  Food vendors will be there so you can enjoy lunch at the park.
Family fun every year!

Spring Break Camp: Flagstaff Gymnastics

Flagstaff Gymnastics is holding a Spring Break Camp this week from March 14-18.
The full week of fun is $125, $65 for a half day. Or you can sign up for just one day or go day by day at $30 or $20 for  half day. They also offer a sibling discount of 30%.
They're also having camps April 22 and 25 (Easter break at most Flagstaff schools), May 6, 16, 27 and May 30 (Memorial Day).
Call for more info or to register at 928-226-0696.

Family science event 'Radical Reptiles' this Saturday

The Willow Bend Environmental Center (703 E Sawmill Rd) is hosting a family science event this Saturday (March 12, 2011) that lets kids (4 and up) and their parents get up close and personal with reptiles native to Arizona.
The hands-on night of discovery (from 6-7:30pm) will include a fun reptile craft and interaction with live reptiles.
RSVP is required by calling 779-1745.
The event is free but they ask that you make a $5 donation per child to cover the cost of the event.

Free Flagstaff Fun: Spring Break crafts, stories & games for kids at the library

Enjoy free fun with the kiddos at the Flagstaff Main Library while they're off for Spring Break.
Tuesday March 15 through Thursday March 17, the library will host a free Spring Fling with spring time crafts, stories and games for all ages. Events start at 10:30am. At 1pm each day, they're playing a free movie for kids:
Tues.—Tale of Despereaux (G)
Wed.—Apple Dumpling Gang (G)
Thurs.—Scooby Doo Curse of the Lake Monster (G)
Friday March 18, the library will have a free movie at 5pm - Megamind - for the whole family.
Call the library for details at (928) 779-7671.

Flagstaff Parks: Kiwanis Southside Park

The Kiwanis Southside Park (1600 S. San Francisco) is across from NAU's Skydome and behind Kinsey Elementary. This is a fabulous park for toddlers. There are two playgrounds here with several slides of all sizes plus nicely enclosed areas for little ones to walk across and play on. There's also a little frog to ride and several wheels to spin. The park has several picnic ramadas for covered eating as well as a big grill and several uncovered tables. For more fun, there's a sand volleyball court (bring your own net and ball) and two horseshoe courts (bring your own horseshoes). It also has a portable restroom in the summer months.

Flagstaff Parks: Ponderosa Trails Park

A great park to take small children is the Ponderosa Trails Park (3875 S. Wild West Tr), just behind the Mountain School (map).
This park has a giant soccer field to run and play plus a nice playground, four swings (two baby seats, to regular seats) and a picnic ramada. There's also a portable restroom in the summer months in case potty trainers need one "now."

Flagstaff Parks: Bow and Arrow Park

Bow and Arrow park is a smaller neighborhood park, just off Lake Mary Rd. at 3701 N. Cochise Dr (map). It has two baby swings, slide, climbing playground, a half basketball court, and a nice sized field to run and play in plus several picnic tables. The area is shaded by lots of tall trees. There's also a port-a-potty in summer months. There's a long fence seperating the park from Lake Mary Road to make sure little ones can't wonder out into the busy street.

Flagstaff Kids Camps: Museum of Northern Arizona Discovery Summer Camps

A long running educational kids camp to consider for your children this summer are the Museum of Northern Arizona's Discovery Summer Camps.
For children 4 to17, Discovery day and overnight camps are a summer’s worth of wonder, taught by experienced educators versed in the region’s traditions. The 2011 Discovery Summer Camps will run from June 20 through August 12 and the schedule will be posted by March 15 at musnaz.org. We'll also follow up on it here at FlagstaffFamilyFun.com when the schedule is released!

Win a Schleich animal family set!

Check out this article in Angele's national parenting column for details on how to win a free Schleich animal family toy set. They make awesome gifts for kids!

Flagstaff Outdoor Fun: Mormon Lake Lodge

Petting a goat at Mormon Lake Lodge.

There's lots of free outdoor fun to be had for kids by taking a short drive southeast of Flagstaff out Lake Mary Road to Mormon Lake Lodge. You can make it a whole fun weekend and stay at one of their cool cabins... or just drive out for part of the day.
Under the free fun for kids category - Mormon Lake Lodge has a petting zoo with goats, shetland ponies and a donkey. You just go in and say hi to the animals as long as you like... if you show up at the right time you can also help them feed the animals (call ahead and ask what time is good for the day you will be visiting). They also have a heard of buffalo including some babies to check out (but not pet, they're too big!)
You can also go on one of the many hiking trails through the Coconino Forest for free too.
Plus they have a cool old stagecoach to explore as well as a small playground.
In the summer months... For little kids for $5 you can go on a horse ride down the street and back with a handler for about $5, complete with helmet. May seem like a short trip to adults, but it is just about the coolest thing ever to young children! Check out our YouTube video of horseback riding fun below! Older children and families can go on several hour and half day guided horseback rides.
If you have a fishing permit, or get one there, you can also fish the stocked pond!
For teens and adults, consider guided four wheeler tours.
In the winter months... Snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobile tours are all family friendly fun.

Mormon Lake also features a family-friendly steakhouse to dine for breakfast (LOVE their pancakes!), lunch and dinner all year round.
For more info about anything and everything related to Mormon Lake, go to mormonlakelodge.com.

Indoor Fun: Rock climbing walls

Flagstaff has two indoor spots for kids (and adults) to enjoy rocking climbing.
Vertical Relief Climbing Center (205 S San Francisco) is 6000 square feet of dedicated climbing space, staffed with climbing experts, with climbing routes for beginners, kids allt he way up to experts.
Day passes are $16 plus $10 for equipment rental and $8 for a belay lesson, if you need one. Or beginners can get a package that includes all of that for $30.
The whole family can get in on a deal of $20 per climber that includes a day pass and equipment for climbers plus belay instruction for parents. That's only available on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3pm.
For more info, call Vertical Relief at 928-556-9909.

3 year old climbing the Aquaplex wall

Another climbing option in Flagstaff, aimed more at beginners, is at the Flagstaff Aquaplex. The climbing wall here is included in the daily admission rate - which is $3 for children, $4 for youth and $5 for adults, a little extra for non-Flagstaff residents. Young children, even just three years old, can climb the wall with supervision, though all official climbing activities are for kids five and up. All climbers must complete a free, Safety Certification course and Climbing Wall Waiver to use the Wall for any scheduled “Open Wall” hours, which can be found HERE. 
There's also a kids climbing club for ages five and up which meets Fridays from 7-8:30pm. Details on that HERE. Additionally, the Aquaplex teaches lessons for kids on everything from proper foot placement to breathing techniques on Mondays from 6-7pm. Details on those HERE.

Flagstaff Birthday Party Spots: Jay Lively Activity Center (Ice Arena)

No matter the time of year, indoor ice skating can make for a cool birthday party for kids. In Flagstaff, there's one spot to have such a shindig - Jay Lively Activity Center and Ice Arena.
For a birthday party there, rent the party room for $16.75 per hour plus tax, decorate it and serve up cake. (You also have to pay a refundable $50 cleaning deposit). Then have your guests hit the ice. Rates are $2.75 per child (or get a discount for 10 or more children of $2.25 per child) and $5.25 for adults. Skate rentals are $3.25 per person. All adults at the party are $5.25 to skate.

Free Fun: Wednesday Crafts and Cookie Day at Wildflower Bread Company

Making a craft at Wildflower

Every Wednesday from 3:30-4pm Wildflower Bread Company has a fun freebie for kiddos.
They serve up a chocolate chip cookie, glass of milk and a craft to each child under 12 that comes in and asks to take part in the craft and cookie day!
Crafts can vary from coloring to making pinwheels, etc.
Wildflower Bread Co is located at Lone Tree and Butler (in the same shopping center as New Frontiers) just south of downtown Flagstaff. For more info, call them at 928-752-0071.