Today we’re talking about our favorite kid-friendly activities in Flagstaff during the cooler, winter months. Of course, escaping the summer heat up to Northern Arizona is incredible, but in the winter, especially for desert rat kids, the cold weather can be tricker to fill the day.
Keep reading for our favorite ways to enjoy Flagstaff even when it’s a little chilly (or snowy) outside, plus a few favorite places for snow play.
XO,
East Valley Moms
Winter Activities to do with Kids in Flagstaff
- The Flagstaff Aquaplex | Indoor swimming is always a good idea, and the aquaplex boasts more than just a pool. With mommy + me play time to open swim, the facility boasts a 8,643 square foot pool area with a leisure pool, lazy river with vortex, three-lane lap pool, child splash area, and two body slides that exit and re-enter the building.
- Riodan Mansion State Historic Park | in the summers this is a great place to picnic and explore the outdoor grounds, but in the winter, take the group tour to see the inside of an 1800s log cabin mansion for just $12 a ticket.
- Holidays at Little America | During December, brunch with Santa at Little America’s breakfast with Santa. Or, grab a cup of hot cocoa and drive through their holiday light display (free).
- Warm up inside with a FREE showing of holiday classic movies at The Orpheum each weekend in December. Details here.
- Experience wildlife from the warm comfort of your car at Bearizona, a drive-thru wildlife experience about 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff. See our full review of the experience, plus tips and tricks here.
See the model trains | The Flagstaff Model Railroad Club maintains a substantial layout inside Building 3 at the Coconino County Fairgrounds (Fort Tuthill). Visitors are invited to the monthly second Saturday Open House and are welcome every Thursday night after 7:00pm. More information here.
Snow Fun for Kids in Flagstaff 
- Snow tubing | Head up the hill to Williams, Arizona, for snow tubing at the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park. Rent a tube and ride up the conveyer belts for downhill sliding all day long (kids must be 36 inches tall.)
- Arizona Nordic Village | Kids 4+ can snow shoe at the Arizona Nordic Village, just miles from Flagstaff (and FREE with a GetOut Pass; use code xoxoEVM for the best deal on passes).
- Buffalo Park | If you’re looking for snow play, this is our favorite spot in Flag! A nature trail in the summer, it turns into a winter wonderland ideal for family play. Onsite bathrooms and more make this nice for littles (more details in our snow play post).
Where to Eat with Kids in Flagstaff
La Fonda Mexican Restaurant | Family-friendly restaurant that is a favorite with the locals, you’ll get large portions, great salsa and meals include sopapillas. - Lumberyard Brewing Company | Every time we visit Flagstaff we make a special trip here. Kids can hear the train (and see it from the patio in good weather), food is great and the microbrewery makes some great beers (and offers a full bar as well).
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