Contest opens for kids to imagine a car-free Flagstaff

"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

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.

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.

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.

Fun factoids on the history of swing sets

It's June, the perfect weather for backyard fun! So in honor of all the good times to come this summer, a look at the timeline of swingset evolution:

Free Flagstaff Fun: Concerts in the Park Roadshow in June and July

Concerts in the Park Roadshow is coming soon to a park near you!
The City of Flagstaff – Recreation Services is taking you on a tour of the City of Flagstaff park system, while combining great music, arts and crafts for the kids, and food vendors. 
The free concert series is on Wednesdays in June and July from 5:30-7:30pm.
This year’s performers include:
·       June 8th at Wheeler Park (212 W Aspen Ave): Chuck Cheesman and Bookman’s (folk)
·       June 15th at Foxglenn Park (4200 E Butler): Summit Dub Squad (reggae)
·       June 22nd at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Dave Logan Band (folk)
·       June 29th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Knockabouts (Celtic)
·       July 6th at Foxglenn Park (4200 E Butler): Denise Allen Band (blues)
·       July 13th at Wheeler Park (212 W. Aspen Ave): Northern AZ Celtic Heritage Society Day with the Knockabouts, Bagpipers and Celtic Choral Groups
·       July 20th at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista): Chris Laterzo (rock)
·       July 27th at Foxglenn Park (4200 E Butler): Isrobel (rock)

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

Win a family vacation from Arizona

Arizona is giving away a free family vacation. Enter HERE for a chance to win the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Family Playcation Package:

• Three-night stay in a Casita Suite for two adults and two kids
• Two kids’ dining passes
• Admission to Bobcat Billy’s Clubhouse
• Court time at John Austin Center for Tennis

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.

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!

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.