Mountain Lion exhibit to open at Flagstaff's Museum of Northern Arizona this month

Mountain Lion! image: Photo © Robert Winslow

Over the last two decades, there has been a dramatic rise in large cat sightings on the urban fringes of numerous Western cities. We continue to be fascinated with the grace and power of these magnificent creatures as our communities grow, outdoor recreation becomes more popular, and we move closer to mountain lion habitat. 

Mountain Lion!, opening at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff on Saturday, September 15, 2012 through Sunday, August 4, 2013, seeks to create an understanding of the nature of these predators and their long history of relations with humans.

Known by many names—mountain lion, cougar, puma, panther, ghost cat, and catamount, depending on the region—these cats are solitary hunters at the top of the food chain, who rely on their camouflage, superb eyesight, and speed to survive. Mountain lions often travel 25–30 miles a day in search of a meal, with the greatest range of any large wild terrestrial mammal in the Western Hemisphere.

Today, cougars are among the largest meat-eating animals in North America. Like other predators, they play a critical role in the balance of nature and contribute to biological diversity and a healthy environment. 

Mountain Lion! examines the history of these large cats, starting in the Ice Age, when they roamed this continent along with the giant North American Lion and Smilodon, popularly known as saber-tooth tigers.

Hunting techniques, habits, and physical features which have allowed them to survive for thousands of years are explored, along with differing cultural perspectives towards cougars, and changing opinions. This exhibit also delves into how to read cougar behavior and practical tips on what to do if you encounter a mountain lion in the wild.

Mountain Lion! was developed by the Center of Southwest Studies at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, to address the need for greater public awareness. The Museum of Northern Arizona is able to host the exhibit with support from Arizona Commission on the Arts, BBB Revenues from the City of Flagstaff, and Flagstaff Cultural Partners.

The Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and is located three miles north of downtown Flagstaff on Highway 180. Admission is $10 adults, $9 seniors (65+), $7 students (with student ID), $6 American Indians (10+), and $6 youths (10–17).

For further information, call 928.774.5213 or go to musnaz.org. You can also find MNA on Facebook.com/musnaz or at http://twitter.com/MuseumofNAZ.

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

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.

Spring Break camp at Flagstaff's Summit Gymnastics

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.

Nature drawing for Tiny Tots at Flagstaff's Montoya Center

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

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!

Santa at the Flagstaff Mall

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.

New play for children this month on NAU campus in Flagstaff

A theatrical adaptation of a popular children's storybook about a javelina who persues her dream of becoming a ballerina will take the stage this month as part of NAU’s Peaks Theater Fest/Town and Gown Theater.

Josefina Javelina: A Hairy Tale, The Play, will be held at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. June 16-18 and 24-25 in the Studio Theater.

The performance is based on the storybook Josefina Javelina, written by Susan Lowell. Lowell will make an appearance during the week of the performance.

The play follows Josefina, who leaves home in search of her dream and who encounters several colorful characters along the way.

"Susan Lowell's books are special," said Kathleen McGeever, chair of the Department of Theater and the show's producer. "They are uniquely Southwestern in flavor, yet associated with the tales that we know and love."

A suggested donation of $10 per family and $5 per individual will be taken at the door. For information, call (928) 523-3781 or email Theatre@nau.edu.

May events at the Children's Museum of Phoenix

May is Manners Month at the Children's Museum of Phoenix!

 Here's a look at their program of events for the month:

STORYTIME
Presented daily in the Book Loft
11:30am and 1:30pm

Wednesday, May 11
MUSIC TOGETHER PRESENTS: SPRING MARACAS
9:10-9:55, 10:10-10:55 & 11:10-11:55

Bounce with us into spring with the fun Maracas semester!  We will be shaking our eggs to the lively Dorian jazz "Doodle" tune, spinning scarves to the Greek "Taskonikas" and everyone's favorite waltz, "Dancing with Teddy".  Join us for 10 weeks of musical fun with your child as they grow in the journey towards basic music competence.  For more information and online registration, please go to www.MusicTogetherInPhx.com.

Thursday, May 12
GOOF & GIGGLE
10:00 - 11:00

Goof and Giggle is a fun and interactive class designed for toddlers between the ages of one to three years and their parents/caregivers. During this 4-week class (5/12, 5/19, 5/26 & 6/2), toddlers will dance, sing and play instruments to old songs with new words.  Explore the world of science as well as move and groove with balls, hoops and more.  Don't miss this opportunity to Goof and Giggle with your little one.  This program is taught by Sharen Pearson, the host of Baby D.I.Y on BabyFirstTV and creator of Goof & Giggle.  Admission into this 4-week program is $45.00 per child and includes Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here for tickets.



Friday, May 13
BRAIN TIME FOR BABIES
10:00 - 10:30 
New Directions Institute is offering a FREE interactive experience called Brain Time at the Museum. This program emphasizes simple but critical messages about early brain development. Included are stories, songs, rhymes, and one-on-one parent/child playtime with brain-based learning toys and books. The program is designed to teach parents about the importance of a child's early experiences to the wiring of his or her brain in a fun, informal learning setting where play is emphasized. Children birth to 18 months old plus a parent/caregiver are welcome.  Admission into the program is free with paid Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here to print your tickets.



Friday, May 13 
BRAIN TIME FOR TODDLERS
11:15 - 11:45

New Directions Institute is offering a FREE interactive experience called Brain Time at the Museum. This program emphasizes simple but critical messages about early brain development. Included are stories, songs, rhymes, and one-on-one parent/child playtime with brain-based learning toys and books. The program is designed to teach parents about the importance of a child's early experiences to the wiring of his or her brain in a fun, informal learning setting where play is emphasized. Children 18 months to 3 years old plus a parent/caregiver are welcome.  Admission into the program is free with paid Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here to print your tickets.



Saturday, May 14
THANK YOU CARDS
9:00-11:00

Come design your very own card as we discover the value and purpose of thank you notes.



Sunday, May  15
THANKFUL TREE
9:00 - 11:00

Join us as we make a beautiful tree out of handprint leaves to reflect on all the things we are thankful for.



Monday, May  16
THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED.



Tuesday, May  17
THANKFUL TREE
9:00 - 11:00

Join us as we make a beautiful tree out of handprint leaves to reflect on all the things we are thankful for.




Wednesday, May 18
MUSIC TOGETHER PRESENTS: SPRING MARACAS
9:10-9:55, 10:10-10:55 & 11:10-11:55

Bounce with us into spring with the fun Maracas semester!  We will be shaking our eggs to the lively Dorian jazz "Doodle" tune, spinning scarves to the Greek "Taskonikas" and everyone's favorite waltz, "Dancing with Teddy".  Join us for 10 weeks of musical fun with your child as they grow in the journey towards basic music competence.  For more information and online registration, please go to www.MusicTogetherInPhx.com



Thursday, May 19
GOOF & GIGGLE
10:00 - 11:00

Goof and Giggle is a fun and interactive class designed for toddlers between the ages of one to three years and their parents/caregivers.  During this 4-week class (5/12, 5/19, 5/26 & 6/2), toddlers will dance, sing and play instruments to old songs with new words.  Explore the world of science as well as move and groove with balls, hoops and more.  Don't miss this opportunity to Goof and Giggle with your little one.  This program is taught by Sharen Pearson, the host of Baby D.I.Y on BabyFirstTV and creator of Goof & Giggle.  Admission into this 4-week program is $45.00 per child and includes Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here for tickets.



Friday, May 20
THANKFUL TREE
9:00 - 11:00

Join us as we make a beautiful tree out of handprint leaves to reflect on all the things we are thankful for.



Saturday, May 21
TODDLER & PARENT YOGA
10:00 - 10:50

Introduce your young child to the countless benefits of yoga in this specially designed class that uses games, music, stories and play to explore postures, balance and breath. Quality time with a parent is an added bonus! Class is designed for children ages 18 months through three years and is taught by Anna Blocher-Rubin.  Admission into the program is free with paid Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here to print your tickets.



Saturday, May 21
KIDS YOGA
11:00 - 11:50

Kids gain improved focus, balance, breath, strength & confidence through yoga, as they practice with music, stories, obstacle courses, partner poses and creative play.  Parents are welcome to participate.  Class is designed for children ages four through ten and is taught by Anna Blocher-Rubin.  Admission into the program is free with paid Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here to print your tickets.



Sunday, May 22
THANKFUL TREE
2:00 - 4:00

Join us as we make a beautiful tree out of handprint leaves to reflect on all the things we are thankful for.



Monday, May  23
THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED.



Tuesday, May  24
THANK YOU CARDS
2:00 - 4:00

Come design your very own card as we discover the value and purpose of thank you notes.



Wednesday, May 25
MUSIC TOGETHER PRESENTS: SPRING MARACAS
9:10-9:55, 10:10-10:55 & 11:10-11:55

Bounce with us into spring with the fun Maracas semester!  We will be shaking our eggs to the lively Dorian jazz "Doodle" tune, spinning scarves to the Greek "Taskonikas" and everyone's favorite waltz, "Dancing with Teddy".  Join us for 10 weeks of musical fun with your child as they grow in the journey towards basic music competence.  For more information and online registration, please go to www.MusicTogetherInPhx.com



Thursday, May 26
GOOF & GIGGLE
10:00 - 11:00

Goof and Giggle is a fun and interactive class designed for toddlers between the ages of one to three years and their parents/caregivers.  During this 4-week class (5/12, 5/19, 5/26 & 6/2), toddlers will dance, sing and play instruments to old songs with new words.  Explore the world of science as well as move and groove with balls, hoops and more.  Don't miss this opportunity to Goof and Giggle with your little one.  This program is taught by Sharen Pearson, the host of Baby D.I.Y on BabyFirstTV and creator of Goof & Giggle.  Admission into this 4-week program is $45.00 per child and includes Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here for tickets.



Friday, May 27
DRAWING "FUN"DAMENTALS
9:00-11:00

In this program, young art apprentices are introduced to basic art concepts including use of line, shape, and composition, while learning a range of technical methods used be the masters themselves. Children will learn to use various drawing materials in a nurturing atmosphere, which stresses experimentation and exploration.   



Saturday, May 28
GENTLE IMAGE CONSULTING PRESENTS: FAMILY RESPECT
9:30 - 11:30

Children between the ages of 6-10 will join certified etiquette consultant, Rita Taylor of Gentle Image Consulting, to discover the importance of respecting one's family. This program will teach children the importance of personal values, respecting others, kitchen and bathroom etiquette, sharing personal space and acts of kindness. Admission into the program is free with paid Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here for tickets.



Sunday, May 29
MATH BEFORE YOU CAN ADD...OR EVEN COUNT!
2:00 - 2:45

Think your child is too young for math? Think again! From the moment we're born, we begin laying the foundations for the mathematical skills we'll use later in school and in life. Parents and grandparents can foster this natural learning process with a few simple, creative, and fun activities. Come experience the joy of math with your child through hands-on projects, and learn more tools that you can implement at home. This program is deigned for children between the ages of birth - 2.  Admission into the program is free with paid Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here to print your tickets.



Sunday, May 29
MATH BEFORE YOU CAN ADD...OR EVEN COUNT!
3:00 - 3:45

Think your child is too young for math? Think again! From the moment we're born, we begin laying the foundations for the mathematical skills we'll use later in school and in life. Parents and grandparents can foster this natural learning process with a few simple, creative, and fun activities. Come experience the joy of math with your child through hands-on projects, and learn more tools that you can implement at home. This program is deigned for children between the ages of 3 - 5.  Admission into the program is free with paid Museum admission.  Space is limited.  Please click here to print your tickets.



Monday, May 30
THANK YOU CARDS
2:00 - 4:00

Come design your very own card as we discover the value and purpose of thank you notes.



Tuesday, May  31
THANK YOU CARDS
9:00 - 11:00

Come design your very own card as we discover the value and purpose of thank you notes.

Riordan Mansion

Older children and adults will enjoy looking back into Flagstaff and the Old West's past at Riordan Mansion State Park. The guided tour is a must-do, so be sure to make reservations. They have self-guided brochures you can follow around part of the park if you’re short of time.
Tour guides share the history of the Riordans and the town in which they helped build. Along the way, you’ll see well-kept furnishings and everyday items from the turn of the twentieth century as well as a beautiful example of Arts and Crafts architecture work by Charles Whittlesey, who also designed the famous El Tovar hotel at the Grand Canyon. Note: little kids will be bored on this tour for the most part and it takes about an hour and a half to complete, so you may want to skip it until the kids are older.

Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory

Looking at the sun at Lowell

Lowell Observatory is a haven of science-based fun for kids and adults. Check their activity calendar before you go so you can get in on tours and special telescope viewing times of the wonders of the sky from solar viewings in the day to stars, planets, the moon and more at night.
Lowell is the home of Pluto’s discovery (even if you don't want to call it a planet, that's a pretty cool find)! You can learn all about that and everything else under the sun.
During the summer months, your admission is good all day so you can check out the tours and museum portions during the less busy daytime and return for stargazing when they are more crowded at night.
Lowell is open daily during both day and night June through August. Check their website for hours of operation other times of the year when they run on a different schedule.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.