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.