Free Family Fun: Mormon Lake Lodge's Kids Fun Day

Just about 30 minutes from Flagstaff, you'll find free family fun on Saturday, July 21st at the Mormon Lake Lodge. Learn how to catch fish, play a scavenger hunt and more. Meet at the Mormon Lake Lodge pond by the store at 9:00 a.m. Loaner fishing gear provided on a first come - first serve basis. At 1:00 p.m. there will be a scavenger hunt - a fun learning event about Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics. Prizes for the winning team. Kids under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
More events at mormonlakelodge.com.

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course = Fun, Confidence Booster for the Whole Family

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course at Fort Tuthill County Park is an awesome experience for families to challenge themselves, mentally and physically, in the cool pines of Flagstaff. My daughter and I recently tried out their courses – she the kids course, me all four of the adult courses. Going into it I knew only 25-30% of people actually complete all four courses, so I was prepared for some fun and hard work. But I wasn’t prepared for how rewarding and proud of myself I’d feel when I climbed down the last course… nor was I prepared for the overwhelming sense of pride I’d feel for my daughter's accomplishments on the kids course. She beamed with happiness and excitement. She sung a little song as she made her way around the course again and again about how cool she was, what a great job she was doing, and how much fun she was having. It was great to be a part of. We both really bonded with our climbing experience.

Flagstaff Extreme’s adult course features four sections for folks 16 and up who can reach 5’11”– green, which is the lowest and least difficult but still fun; blue – a medium course; red- an advanced course that takes you high up into the trees; and the black advanced course that, frankly, might make you doubt yourself and your abilities, and have you call for help. But the staff is really encouraging and can help you get through all levels that you are mentally and physically ready for. Children who can reach 5’11” and are 12-15 years old can do the green and blue course (at the half adult course rate).

During my adventure through the trees, I was in a group with Kathryn, the oldest woman (70 years old) to attempt the red course (check out this FB post on her). She was a firecracker of energy and excitement for the challenge and an inspiration for anyone of any age. Add to that, she was so encouraging during my final leg of the black course. I had an absolute blast! I hope to make a monthly visit to the course. When I first came down I doubted I’d do the black course again, but now, a week plus out, I actually can’t wait to try it again. I made time of under two hours, but generally I’m told it can take three hours or more to complete the whole thing. Some people take all day, taking breaks between sections – even having lunch on the picnic tables that are scattered around the park in between courses. Do note that if your children aren’t able or big enough to complete the adult course, they’ll have to wait for you and watch from the ground. Same is true for you while they complete their kids course.

The kids course is incredible. There aren’t many challenge courses with zip lines, ladders, bridges, barrels, net bridges and such for children to try their hand at in the world. That adds to the coolness of the Flagstaff kids course. It’s designed for children seven and up who have good manual dexterity, like adventure and who can reach to at least four feet, seven inches. Being there is only one kids course, participants are allowed to take several turns around.
My daughter was raring to go. She loves indoor rock climbing, so she loved the idea of this. When she got harnessed up and started on the first leg of the training section, I was amazed at how good she naturally was - and how brave. It was a thrill for her (and me to see her make her way around), each time getting better and better. She didn’t want to leave. I had to promise a return visit, which we will definitely make… repeatedly.

Passes to the adventure course make for a good vacation activity as well as a good birthday present – for kids and adults. I’m asking my mom and dad for a pass for my next birthday and my daughter said that’s what she’s asking for from her grandparents too. Not much better gift you can give then fun wrapped in confidence-building. You can make a cool gift pack via their website – with t-shirt, stickers and gloves plus gift certificates.

Check out the videos (below) of the kids course. (Please excuse the wind. We were there on a blustery day.) For more photos of the adult course, go to  Flagstaff Exrtreme’s Facebook page and website.

Passes are $25 for kids 7-11, $35 for the half adult course for kids 12-15 and $42 for 16 & up. Check the local paper Flagstaff Live for coupons or on the company’s website. They have 10% off for college students with ID. Folks in the 55 and up crowd also get 10% off.Seniors 75 and up get a discount of their age, so if you are 82, you get 82% off! If you are 90 and want to do the course, you are free with another paying adult.

All in all, Flagstaff Extreme is an adventure I’d do with my kids again (and again). We look forward to going back to the course often.

More info on their rules, pricing, courses at http://www.flagstaffextreme.com.

Free Flagstaff Fun: Summer Concerts in the Park Roadshow

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.

Flagstaff's free Soar Into Spring Kite festival this weekend

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

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 Children’s Music and Arts Festival

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.  

Free fun: Outdoor Festival today at Mormon Lake

Here's some free family fun for the whole family to enjoy together today... Mormon Lake Lodge's  Outdoor Festival.
The festival will feature fishing, archery, air rifle shooting and more hands on fun with information booths, exhibitors, and speakers on outdoor subjects. Sponsered by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with live wildlife on display from the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center.
There's also, as always, the free petting zoo for kids to enjoy too!
 The event is today (Saturday, June 4, 2011) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The lodge is located on Main Street at Mormon Lake, about 30 miles from Flagstaff, basically straight down Lake Mary Road.

Arizona Snowbowl

The Arizona Snowbowl just north of Flagstaff features family fun in the winter and summer.
In the winter, the Snowbowl is home to Arizona's favorite skiing and snowboarding runs. There's lessons to take if you want and equipment to rent if you need it.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather permitting the Snowbowl opens its skyride to the highest point in the state. After Labor Day, the skyride operates Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through mid-October. Look for discount tickets on their website!  If you have a squirmy little one, you may want to skip the skyride, though there's no official age restrictions.
There is a restroom up at the top as well as picnic tables with awesome views.
During the summer months, hiking trails are also open along with the Snowbowl’s premiere disc golf course.
Do stop at the bottom of the road up to the Snowbowl at the Ski Lift Lodge for some of the BEST chicken wings in town. Eat on their fantastic deck and relax!

Oak Creek Canyon

View from the relaxing deck at Junipine in Oak Creek Canyon

Take a scenic drive down 89A from Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon to see how quickly the landscape can change from cool pines to warm red rocks. Heading south out of town on 89A you can first stop at a scenic overlook of the canyon (about 10 minutes from town). There are also often Native American crafts and jewelry for sale here and a great spot for taking in the views.
Once down in the canyon, you’ll find some campgrounds, hiking trails, Slide Rock Stake Park, even some hotels and restaurants. If you want to get out and hike around, you’ll need a Red Rock pass to park on the side of the road. At the south end of the canyon just before you get to Sedona, you can find lots of great coupons in the market area next to Dairy Queen. These coupons can get you 10% off many of Sedona’s restaurants including the tasty Sonoran food of Javelina Cantina and others.

Moms get in free to Flagstaff Arboretum on Mother's Day

Moms, head to The Arboretum Sunday, May 8 (aka Mother's Day) for family-friendly fun.

Moms get in free that day (10a-4p). Regular admission for accompanying family members ($7 adults, $6 seniors, $3 for youth).
The whole family can enjoy a chocolate tasting, create a crafty gift for mom, tour the garden and more. This year families can also have a commemorative photo taken at the photography area.

Flagstaff's 2011 Soar Into Spring festival

Fun at last year's festival

Check out Flagstaff's ninth annual Soar Into Spring festival. This year it is in May -Saturday, May 14, 2011 to be exact- at Foxglenn Park, 4200 East Butler Avenue, as always, from noon to 4pm.
Flagstaff Recreation Services hosts this awesome free event that's been voted AZ Parks and Recreation’s Most Outstanding Community Event.
The day includes kite flying, arts and crafts with the Northern AZ Celtic Heritage Society, carnival games, bounce houses, yummy carnival food, a climbing wall, face painting, the Flagstaff Library Book Mobile and Kiddie Kaboose Train. Lots of fun prizes and giveaways too.  Most activities are free. $3.00 wristband for unlimited rides on the Kiddie Caboose, bounce houses and climbing wall.
Parking is free at Sinagua High School and Knoles Elementary School.
For more information contact the Flagstaff Recreation Services at (928) 213-2300 or visit our website at www.flagstaff.az.gov/recreation.

Summer day camps for young kids at Flagstaff's Arboretum

Flagstaff's Arboretum has summer day camps for ages 4-5 and 6-7. Get complete info on their website TheArb.org.

Meteor Crater near Flagstaff

Looking out at Meteor Crater is fun for kids

Metero Crater is the most famous, best-preserved meteorite crater on Earth... and it's right here in Northern Arizona.
Meteor Crater is nearly a mile across, almost two and a half miles around and deeper than a 60 story building is tall. Because the terrain is similar to the moon, Meteor Crater was an official training site for Apollo astronauts. There's a museum at the edge of the rim that includes a great movie about the area that all ages will enjoy.
If you want to take the guided tour out to the crater’s rim, be sure to bring water and wear sunscreen and closed toed shoes. There’s no shade out on the rim at all. It is best to go early in the morning or in the evening when it isn’t as hot during the summer months. It can easily be 80 degrees in Flagstaff but 95 degrees at the crater. Meteor Crater is open everyday of the year, except Christmas.

The Arboretum at Flagstaff

Hiking at The Arb

The Arboretum at Flagstaff is a educational and family-friendly outdoor experience with lots of potential.
A short drive along a dirt road west of Flagstaff (long enough to make you feel lost, though you’re most likely not if you followed the signs) takes you to The Arboretum at Flagstaff. Here visitors can learn of the natural flora and fauna of the region. You'll find guided nature walks and talks as well as special activities. Check their website for a schedule of events including free entrance days which generally include their first day of the season in April as well as Arbor Day. There are also easy trails to explore native birds around the arboretum grounds. The Arboretum is open from April to October only.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Sunset Crater National Monument is a really cool and unique place to check out a few miles past Flagstaff's mall on the east side.
It features dramatic landscapes that you can investigate first hand with relatively easy hikes. The Lava Flow Trail even features a paved portion that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Be sure to stop and read the plaques along the path to learn about the area’s fascinating past.
There's also camping near by.

Visit Flagstaff's Arboretum free today (April 1) plus on Arbor Day (April 30)

 The Arboretum officially opens for 2011 today! As always, all visitors are FREE.
Check it out with the whole fam from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM. 
As always, The Arb will also be free on Arbor Day (April 30) and have lots of family-friendly tree-centric fun!
Find out all about this year's events at TheArb.org.

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.

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.

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.