Flagstaff Family Fun

Bubble Bum car seat perfect answer to Arizona's new booster seat law

2012-06-02T07:59:00.001-07:00

Arizona recently passed a law that goes into effect in August requiring kids to stay in boosters until age 7. That means many parents will be looking to go back into booster seats, when they thought they'd graduated. I am among this group with my 6 year old, tall daughter. She is tall enough to sit properly buckled sans a booster. We actually bought a new Pruis because we didn't need three car seats anymore. But now we've found ourselves needing three seats again. So I started looking around for the narrowest and safest booster seats - that's when I came across the relatively new Bubble Bum.
Bubble Bum is listed on the Best Bets list by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (They also have great information on how ANY booster should be used properly too.) That caught my eye. Add to that - the Bubble Bum is under 13" wide. Perfect! I watched their video on how it works and had to try it. Bubble Bum kindly sent me a seat to test out and write about. I was in love right away, as were my kids. So much so that after a few days use, I bought another Bubble Bum for my almost 5 year old daughter to test out too right next to the first one. They both wanted to sit on the super soft airy PURPLE cushion. And I wanted to see if it would make a difference in space.
The Prius is surprisingly roomy, but three seats is still a tall order. But with one Cleck backless booster, one Bubble Bum and one SafeGuard Go Hybryd 5-point harness car seat - all three of my kiddos fit. Though my 6 year old, who sits in the middle was still a bit crammed. Good thing she's skinny! Then I took out the Clek and put in the second Bubble Bum when it arrived a week later. Both girls have more space and both report they are more comfortable. My six year old in the middle loves not having her sister's seat arm rests running into her.
My six year old has no problems with the Bubble Bum. She sits down and buckles herself in quickley and properly. I keep the shoulder belt and first red lap positioner attached. She then pulls the belt across herself like normal and buckles it in. She then slides the belt through the second red lap positioner. That's it. With three seats in place in our Prius, it is a little hard for her to find the car buckle to snap her belt into, but it is easier with the two Bubble Bums and one other seat than it is otherwise. In our Jeep, which has one inch more per child's seat, she has no problems.
My five year old has a little bit of difficulty. She finds it hard to get the seat straps through the red buckle positioners. Otherwise, she likes it. My six year old helps her out by sliding the belt through the positioners. Both girls now have their seat belt properly place in their shoulder area. With Bubble Bum's positioner, they don't fiddle with them like they did before.
Another nice feature of the Bubble Bum... they can easily deflate for storage or travel! That means next time we visit my mom and sister in Texas, we won't have to borrow boosters or bring bulky ones that are such a pain. These will go right in the kids luggage. That is awesome!
Whenever my son is old enough and tall enough to move into a booster seat with buckle, I'm going to buy another Bubble Bum for sure. (He even likes the purple color of the Bubble Bums - but I'm sure when he's older he'd rather have a blue one. They're supposed to be made in other colors soon.)

Free Flagstaff Fun: Summer Concerts in the Park Roadshow

2012-05-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

The City of Flagstaff's Recreation Services is taking you on a tour of Flagstaff's park system, while combining great music, activities for kids, and food vendors all summer long.

The Concerts in the Park Roadshow runs Wednesdays from June 6 through July 25 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (special extended concert on July 4th) All of this fun is free!

This year’s performers include:

•June 6th at Wheeler Park (212 W Aspen Ave): Summit Dub Squad (reggae)

•June 13th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Wade Lashley & The Rounders (Original Americana & Classic Country)

•June 20th at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Muskellunge Bluegrass (bluegrass)

•June 27th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Brian DeMarco & The Big Idea (Bluesy/Folk/Rock)

•July 4th at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Extended show from 12pm-7pm

12pm: Stylus (classic rock/r&b)
2:15: Vincent Z (world music)
3:30: Porchlights (folk/bluegrass)
5pm: Dave Logan Band (Folk/Rock/Roots)

•July 11th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Anam and the Boys (Bluegrass/Folk/Americana)

•July 18th at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Northern AZ Celtic Heritage Society Day with the Knockabouts, Bagpipers and Celtic Choral Groups

•July 25th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Chuck Hall Band (blues)

For more information contact City of Flagstaff Recreation Services at (928) 213-2300 or visit flagstaff.az.gov/recreation.

NAU Theatre family-friendly performances June 2, 3 & 8

2012-05-26T04:18:00.003-07:00

NAU's Peaks Summer Theatre Festival has great family-friendly entertainment for the summer months.

NAU Theatre students will perform “Josefina Javelina, a Hairy Tale, The Play” and “The Three Little Javelinas” based on the books by Susan Lowell, adapted for the stage by Darby Winterhalter Lofstrand, and directed by Bob Yowell.

The performance will be staged at the Studio Theatre on the NAU campus, June 2 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and June 3 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. - suggested donation of $10 for a family of four or $5 for an individual.

It will also be staged at Heritage Square, in downtown Flagstaff, June 8 from 6-8 p.m - for free.

"Josefina Javelina" is adapted from Arizona author, Susan Lowell, children's book. It tells the story of a little javelina with big dreams and her journey to make those dreams come true.

"The Three Little Javelinas" is based off the children's tale "The Three Little Pigs." The actors, talented performers from the NAU Theatre Department, will perform and then interact with the kids and their parents.

Flagstaff's free Soar Into Spring Kite festival this weekend

2012-05-09T20:45:00.002-07:00

Join Flagstaff Recreation Services at the 10th annual Soar into Spring Kite Festival this Saturday, May 12, 2012 from noon to 4pm at Foxglenn Park (4200 East Butler Avenue).

This event has been voted Arizona Parks and Recreation’s Most Outstanding Community Event.
The day will include kite flying, arts and crafts with the Northern AZ Celtic Heritage Society, carnival games, bounce houses, yummy carnival food, face painting, the Flagstaff Library Activities and Kiddie Kaboose Train.
Most activities are free. $3.00 wristband for unlimited rides on the Kiddie Caboose and bounce houses.

Free Flagstaff Family Fun: Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at Mormon Lake Lodge

2012-04-25T08:43:00.002-07:00

Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at Mormon Lake Lodge. They're hosting a free event for families from 10a-3p Saturday, June 9, 2012.

On the agenda of fun:

• Lots of kids’ activities including fishing in the trout pond, archery, shooting in the air rifle trailer, games, wildlife viewing.
• Exhibitors- Over 40 sportsmen/conservation groups, government agencies and others working for outdoors, natural resources, wildlife conservation and environmental education programs.
• See live wildlife from the Arizona Game & Fish Department Adobe Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
• See a live snake display from the Arizona Herpetological Assn.
• Arizona Game and Fish Department displays and information about condors, watchable wildlife, fishing, archery, shooting, etc.
• Students from AAEC High School in Phoenix will have a special interactive fun and informative program about how to catch, clean and cook environmental invasive crayfish. • OHV information regarding safety, available trails, etc.
• 4WD Rangers, mountain bike and horseback riding available for a fee.
• Self guided hikes to the nearby Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Mormon Lake Lodge is about 30 minutes south of Flagstaff via Lake Mary Road. Call them for more info at 928-354-2227.

Flagstaff Youth Theater's Beauty and the Beast April 13-29

2012-04-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

Flagstaff Youth Theater is putting on Disney's Beauty and the Beast, weekends beginning tonight.
The theater group of 80+ students is performing the musical version of the story with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice.

Performances are all at Flagstaff High School's Main Auditorium (400 W. Elm—entrance on Kendrick St), evenings on Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and also a matinee Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm from April 13-29.

Dates:
Apr 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

Times/Prices:
*Evenings (Fri/Sat) 7pm $8.00 adults/$6.00 youth 12 & under
*Matinees (Sat/Sun) 2pm $7.00 adults/$5.00 youth 12 & under
Tickets available at the door (donate a can of food &receive $1.00 off your admission price)

For more information call: 928 310-039.

Free Family Fun: Flagstaff Easter Egg Hunt

2012-04-03T14:19:00.001-07:00

This Sunday is the city of Flagstaff's third annual Easter egg hunt. This event is free to everyone. There are free egg hunts, egg decorating, face painting and meet the Easter Bunny! There will also be a raffle, food vendors and bounce house (unlimited rides for $2) that cost money.
The fun takes place at Bushmaster Park, 3150 N Alta Vista, Sunday, April 8, 2012 from 11a-1p.

Grand Canyon Railway spring break special

2012-02-24T06:59:00.000-08:00

Grand Canyon Railway has announced a series of last-minute, discounted getaway packages during spring break, March 2 through 29.

The specially discounted packages include lodging for one, two or three nights, roundtrip travel to Grand Canyon National Park aboard the train and some meals.

The spring break getaway packages are priced for coach class travel and a standard hotel room. Upgrades to a different class of service on the train or to a deluxe room or suite are also available for an additional fee. Children under the age of 15 are only permitted in coach and first class. Interactive online tours of each class of services are available at www.thetrain.com/Grand-Canyon-Train-5677.html.
The One-Night Railway Getaway is priced at $306 per couple and $59 for each child, a savings of $36 off the regular package rate. This package includes a roundtrip coach class train tour, one night at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, and one breakfast and one dinner for each person at the Grand Depot Café in Williams.
The Two-Night Railway Getaway Plus is priced at $477 per couple and $78 for each child, a savings of $72 off the regular package rate. This package includes a roundtrip coach class train tour, two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, and two breakfasts and dinners for each person at the Grand Depot Café.
The Three-Night Canyon Limited Plus is priced at $734 per couple and $78 for each child, a savings of $49 off the regular package rate. This package includes a roundtrip coach class train tour, motorcoach tour at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, one night at Maswik Lodge inside the park, plus two breakfasts and dinners per person at the Grand Depot Café.

The train trip from Williams to Grand Canyon National Park runs 65 miles through ponderosa pine forests and scenic high-desert landscapes.
The Grand Canyon Railway Hotel was designed to resemble the historic Fray Marcos Hotel and Williams Depot structures that stand nearby. The hotel is comprised of 199 standard rooms, 87 deluxe rooms, 10 suites and one luxury suite – the Rail Baron Suite – as well as a spacious meeting room available for wedding receptions, seminars and other functions; a large courtyard with barbecue and wet bar; a game room for children; a large enclosed crescent-shaped pool and hot tub and an exercise room.

For more information, www.thetrain.comor call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).

Spring Break camp at Flagstaff's Summit Gymnastics

2012-02-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Summit Gymnastics (SGA) is holding a Spring Break Camp Monday, March 12th through Friday, March 16th.
The camp is from 7:30am until 5:30pm each day.
Children 4 to 12 years old are invited to spend the day practicing gymnastics skills and playing high energy games.
Campers need to bring a sack lunch and 2 snacks for the day plus a show and tell item.
The cost is $125/wk or $35/day or $8/hr.
Register by visiting the Summit Gymnastics front desk, emailing info@SummitGymnasticsAcademy.com, or calling (928) 526-0644.

Free olive oil tasting event fundraiser for Camp Colton

2012-02-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

Montessori Schools of Flagstaff is having an Olive Oil (& Balsamic!) Social Event to send their sixth graders to Camp Colton. Locally owned Olio Primo of Flagstaff will sample their finest gourmet olive oils and balsamic vinegars - all for free - Thursday, Feb. 9th from 5-7pm at their Switzer Mesa Campus, 850 N Locust St.

The free event offer an opportunity to learn about varieties of olives from around the world and how balsamic vinegar is made in the true artisan tradition.

$5 of every $15 bottle sold during the event goes toward their Camp Colton 6th grade trip.

Nature drawing for Tiny Tots at Flagstaff's Montoya Center

2012-01-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

Desert Cottontail by Zack

This week a new session of "nature drawing for tiny tots" kicks off at the Joe C Montoya Community Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd). The classes aimed at kiddos 3 to 6 years old start this Thursday Feb 2, then repeat Feb 9th and 23rd - all from 10-11am. Cost is $10 per class. Wildlife artist and naturalist Zack Zdinak leads the courses. You can per-register or just walk in. More info at lifedraw.com/education.

Free Family Fun: Centennial Skate Celebration in Flagstaff

2012-01-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

Arizona marks its 100th year of statehood on February 14, 2012. To celebrate, Jay Lively Ice Center is having a free ice skating celebration session. On Feb. 14th, from 2:30-4pm, everyone can go ice skating for free and get free skate rentals. Plus they'll have cake and hot cocoa!

Verde Canyon Railroad named "Best Railroad of the West"

2012-01-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

Verde Canyon Railroad, about an hour south of Flagstaff, has been named the best railroad of the west by True West Magazine.This is a fun ride for kids of all ages to enjoy a quick choo choo trip (there are even special holiday trips available).
True West says about the VCR:
This 20-mile ride is not only majestic, with its spectacular earthy canyons, Indian ruins and Bald Eagle sightings on the river side, it is also extremely viewer friendly, with its open gondola cars. Plus, you get to see remnants of Perkinsville, featured in How the West Was Won (which you can now watch in its remastered Blu-ray glory). Our residential train expert, Jim Clark, cites the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale, Arizona, as a “well run railroad” with “well maintained rolling stock and streamliner locomotives.”
True West Magazine also let readers vote on their favorite railroad of the west. The winner was the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, CO.

Santa at the Flagstaff Mall

2011-12-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

Santa is going to be at the Flagstaff Mall (outside JC Penney) through Christmas Eve - fun thing to do while on the winter break from school!
Hours Monday - Saturday 10a-9p, Sunday 9a-8p, and Christmas Eve 9a-6p. He's on break, feeding the reindeer I'm sure, from 1-1:45 & 4:30-5:15, except on Christmas Eve, when he's only on break from 1-1:45p.

Elks National Hoop Shoot Free-Throw Program in Flagstaff

2011-12-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun event for your young basketball players...

The Elks National Hoop Shoot Free-Throw Program will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Mount Elden Middle School (3223 N 4^th Street, Flagstaff, AZ). This program is for boys and girls, ages 8 through 13 (as of April 1, 2012). Winners of this program will travel to compete in the next round and could eventually compete in the state, regional and national levels! The top six national finalists’ names are inscribed in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Cool potential opportunity!

Registration will begin at 8:30 am on Saturday and go until 9:30 am. No pre-registration required! Participants will then be broken into their gender and age categories and the fun will begin.

For more information, contact Ricky Conway at (928) 814 2379 and go to the official website: http://www.elks.org/hoopshoot.

Free Flagstaff Fun: 13th Annual Parade of Lights

2011-11-29T13:41:00.001-08:00

Put on the coats, hats, scarves and mittens and head out to Flagstaff's 13th Annual "Northern Lights Parade" on Saturday, December 10th. The parade includes bands and floats all covered in twinkling lights. The fun begins at 6pm. The parade goes through the traditional downtown route. For more info contact the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce at 928-774-4505.

Free Family Fun: Flagstaff's Little America holiday lights display

2011-11-22T08:12:00.001-08:00

This Saturday, start your winter holidays with free family fun at the Little American Flagstaff.
Every year they put up more than one million outdoor lights for a holiday light display like none other in town.
This year they're having an old-fashioned holiday celebration with strolling carolers, performances by local choirs and free cookies and cider. Plus - Santa will be there, as always, to flip the lights switch.
This free event starts at 3pm Saturday, November 26, 2011. The lights will be on every night through the holiday season for everyone to stroll through at their leisure.

Free Flagstaff Fun: Santa comes to the Little America

2011-11-15T14:10:00.001-08:00

Santa is coming to town... at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff.
The two Sundays before Christmas (December 11th and 18th) Santa will be at the Little America from 8-10am where children can come visit with him and make their Christmas requests - for free. Perfect photo opp of the holidays! Take a free tour of the lights on the hotel grounds too while you're there.

Free family fun: Flagstaff's Winter Wonderland Celebration

2011-11-14T09:54:00.001-08:00

Here's a free fun activity my family enjoys every year... Flagstaff Recreation Service's Winter Wonderland Celebration.

This free event is fun for the whole family. It takes place on Friday, Dec 2nd from 6:30-8:00pm at Heritage Square.

In conjunction with the First Friday Art Walk, the tree will be lit at 6:30pm then crafts and visits with Santa. NAU lights their tree at 6:00pm.

For more info, call Flag Rec Services at (928) 213-2300.

Halloween dance performance for the whole family

2011-10-27T06:50:00.000-07:00

Canyon Movement Company is putting on their second annual Halloween dance performance this weekend.
Last year's shows sold out! I'm told the family matinee will be "less scary" for the kiddos, so that would be a great show to attend! Plus, it's another excuse to wear those great costumes!
Everyone in costume gets $1 off!
Tickets are $7 or #5 for students for the family matinee, which is this Saturday, October 29th at 3:30pm at Coconino High School's Mini Auditorium in Flagstaff.

Free family fun: Flagstaff's free Halloween Harvest

2011-10-01T06:57:00.000-07:00

Get ready for what my family considers Flagstaff's funnest annual event: the Halloween Harvest!
On Halloween (Monday, October 31, 2011), dress your family up and head downtown to Heritage Square(6 E. Aspen). The party runs from 4-7pm with carnival games, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, spooky music (but never scary), library activities and a costume contest. There's also a free Trick or Treat trail around Flagstaff's downtown businesses that is not to miss!
For older kids, there's free haunted downtown tours that leave every half hour.
This event was voted most outstanding community event in 2009 by AZ Parks and Rec Association - for good reason! It's a one more way to enjoy this great community we live in!

Grand Canyon Railways' Polar Express now taking reservations

2011-08-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

GrandCanyon Railway has changed the times for its popular Polar Express runs and is accepting reservations.
This year’s nightly Polar Express runs will depart at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Saturday matinees will depart at 3:30 p.m. on select dates. In previous years the nightly runs departed at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Grand Canyon Railway will offer runs this year Nov. 11, 2011 through Jan. 7, 2012. Saturday matinees will run Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 2011.

Reservations can be made online at www.thetrain.comor by calling 1-888-848-3511.
Closely following The Polar Express book by Chris Van Allsburg, this nighttime trip from the Grand Canyon Railway depot in Williams travels through the starlit wilderness to the “North Pole” and features a special reading of The Polar Express while passengers enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. The “North Pole,” a Christmas light village, was recently renovated with enhanced lighting and the addition of features such as storefronts, mailboxes and other structures to give the village a more permanent and three-dimensional look and feel. Upon arrival at the North Pole, passengers are welcomed by Santa Claus and Elf Bernard before Santa boards the Polar Express for the return trip to Williams. Santa makes his way through the passenger cars, greeting every child and presenting each one with a special gift – a jingle bell signifying their belief in Santa Claus. The round-trip journey is a little more than an hour in length.

Most evenings the Grand Canyon Railway offers two trains. The GrandCanyon Railway will also offer a Charity Train at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 with free tickets for non-profit organizations. To download an application to be part of this year’s Charity Train visit www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html. The “Christmas Eve Limited,” departing at 8 p.m., includes special gifts from Santa that are not included during other excursions.
Individual tickets for the train rides other than the Christmas Eve Limited are $30 for adults and $20 for children ages two to 15. Rates for the special Christmas Eve Limited are $60 for adults and $40 for children ages two to 15. Matinee rates are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages two to 15.
The Grand Canyon Railway also offers a Polar Express Package including the roundtrip train excursion, a one-night stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and breakfast and dinner at the Grand Depot Café. The package price for two adults and two children starts at $341 and does not include taxes.
Polar Express reservations can be made by calling 1-888-848-3511 or by visiting www.thetrain.com/polar-express-5679.html. For more information about the Grand Canyon Railway or to purchase other tickets or packages visit www.thetrain.comor call 1-800-The-Train (1-800-843-8724).
Read my experience on The Polar Express HERE.

Santa photo above courtesy Grand Canyon Railway

Flagstaff Children’s Music and Arts Festival

2011-07-12T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Flagstaff Children’s Music and Arts Festival is coming back for its fourth year.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August, 20^th from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave.). The Children's Music and Arts Fest was voted 2009’s Most Outstanding Cultural Event from Arizona Parks and Recreation Association. The family-friendly event celebrates the artistic potential of all youth in our community.

In addition to dance and music performances, children can make recycled arts projects, participate in the instrument petting zoo, make their own musical instrument, and learn to paint, draw and create sculptures. There will be a Kiddie Caboose, two bounce houses, a climbing wall, carnival games, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Library Bookmobile and Rock Band, food vendors and other fun things to do.

Most activities are free! A $3.00 wristband can be purchased for unlimited rides on the Kiddie Caboose, bounce house and climbing wall.

For more information call 213-2300 or visit flagstaff.az.gov/recreation.

Contest opens for kids to imagine a car-free Flagstaff

2011-07-11T08:51:00.000-07:00

"Imagine Flagstaff without cars" is the theme of the youth art and essay contest in celebration of World CarFree Day Sept. 22. The contest, in support of the second annual CarFreeFlag Day is open to all Coconino County residents ages 9-18.
For more contest info, visit carfreeflag.com/contest.

Gymnastics camp set for July 25-29 in Flagstaff

2011-07-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Flagstaff's Summit Gymnastics is having another camp for kids 5 and up.
SGA's competitive teams' coaching staff will run the camp the week of July 25th - 29th from 9:00-1:00. This is a gymnastics intensive camp designed to increase strength and flexibility and learn new skills. This opportunity is available to boys and girls all levels ages 5 and up.
Cost is $90 with an $8.50 registration/t-shirt fee for the week and an additional $40 to stay for the rest of the day camp. Call them at 928-526-0644 for more info or to register.