5 things every kid should do during their Flagstaff vacation

Flagstaff Aquaplex – Kids enjoy the Lazy River Current Channel with water vortex and the two body slides that exit and re-enter the sustainable, 52,00 sq.ft. waterplay building. Pool water is solar-heated. Located near Flagstaff hotels, there is also a kids’ splash area with zero depth entry and a two-story climbing wall. Open 7 days. $3.00/child, $5.00/youth, $7.00 adult or only $25/household.

Lava River Cave – Grab two or three flashlights and head out to the mile-long Lava River Cave near Hart Prairie. The lava tube cave was formed by molten rock that erupted from an ancient volcano. Aware spelunkers will see stone icicles hang from the ceiling. Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes, the rock floor is always slippery. Don’t have multiple flashlights? Stop at Peace Surplus http://www.peacesurplus.com/ in historic downtown Flagstaff and buy a few. You won’t want to be in this dark cave without light if one of your light sources fail. Drive 9 miles north of Flagstaff on US 180 and turn west (left) on FR 245 (at milepost 230). Continue 3 miles to FR171 and turn south 1 mile to where FR 171B turns left a short distance to Lava River Cave. Click here for map. FREE. Road closed in winter. http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/peaks_graphics/lava_special.gif

 

Meteor Crater – Walk in the steps of NASA astronauts at this planet’s best preserved meteorite impact site, watch the "Collisions and Impacts" movie in the wide-screen theater and have fun at the interactive discovery center. View an Apollo space test capsule and the American Astronaut Wall of Fame. Juniors (6-17) $8, under 5 are free, Adults $15. www.meteorcrater.com

 

Live Birds of Program at the Arboretum – Kids are thrilled by the free-flight programs daily (April–October) at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Kids come face to-face with hawks, falcons, and owls in dramatic free-flight presentations and learn about raptors’ role in a balanced environment. Picnic tables are located throughout the grounds. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food. Youth (3-17) $3, under 3: free, Adults $7.

 

Discovery Programs at the Museum of Northern Arizona – Drop your kids off and they will learn about the artistic traditions, dinosaurs and natural sciences, Native American cultures, and history of the Colorado Plateau. A variety of program choices provide fun and experiential learning opportunities for students of all ages and interests. Click to find age-appropriate programs for the children in your family.

http://www.musnaz.org/education/discovery6-8.shtml