Today we’re talking about Walnut Canyon National Monument in Flagstaff–it’s an amazing outing for kids, and we’re sharing all our hacks and tips for taking toddlers to tweens to these ancient cliff dwellings.
Keep reading for how to maximize your time at this incredible piece of history just ten minutes from downtown Flagstaff.
If you’re looking for a full budget friendly weekend itinerary in Flagstaff, see our itinerary here. If you’ve only got one night in northern Arizona, here’s a 24 hour turnaround trip itinerary to maximize your time seeing all the must-see attractions from the Grand Canyon to Flagstaff and everything between.
XO,
East Valley Moms
Is Walnut Canyon National Monument good for Kids
Yes! This monument captured everyone’s attention–with how close the trail allows you to be to the dwellings (some you can walk into!), this is a good day trip for kids of all ages.
Inside the visitors center there’s a mini museum for school aged or tweens of ancient tools, shoes, etc., plus a 25 minute video that was really compelling.
This is also a park that feels like you can see it all with kids–there’s two trails (both kid friendly but lots of steps, one stroller friendly), the visitors center/jr ranger badge workbook and some recreated dwellings to see.
Things to do at Walnut Canyon National Monument
There’s two trails at Walnut Canyon, both easily doable in the same visit.
First up, the stroller friendly one: the rim trail hike. It’s 0.7 miles and is a loop that highlights the ways the ancient people lived and farmed, with samples of farming gardens and recreated structures of what would have been built by the indigenous people. This is also where the picnic areas are if you plan to picnic while here.
The main attraction is Island Trail, and it takes walkers into the canyon and through the ruins. As part of this trail you can actually go into the ruins–especially neat for school aged kids. Heads up, this trail does include 300+ steps, so while it isn’t stroller friendly at all, you can definitely baby wear and be fine. Once the steps are done, the rest of the pathway is quite flat.
Although the park is open until 5 p.m., the Island Trail closes at 4 p.m.
Walnut Canyon admission and budget hacks
Admission is $25/car, but there’s a few ways to get in free.
First, the national park free days are days throughout the year that admission is lifted for everyone. See a full list of this year’s free days here.
Or, if you’d like to go on your own schedule, you can use the America the Beautiful annual pass here for free admission. More about how we maximize this pass, and where it’s good across Arizona and the East Valley here.
Where to stay in Flagstaff with kids
If you’re planning a full trip to Walnut Canyon with kids, consider booking a night at the American Motor Lodge hotel in Flagstaff. They offer families amazing amenities that make for a budget friendly stay for families. Plus, it’s only about 10 minutes from Walnut Canyon.
