Family Things to Do with Kids in Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona is a playground of adventure, learning, and natural wonder. Between the red rocks of Sedona, the pine forests of Flagstaff, and the open desert skies stretching toward Winslow, this region offers endless opportunities for families to explore, learn, and make memories together. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a weeklong road trip, you’ll find that Northern Arizona’s landscapes double as classrooms full of science, history, and fun.

From exploring real volcanoes and meteor impact craters to walking through ancient cliff dwellings and discovering wildlife parks, this region is where curiosity thrives and screens finally get forgotten. Let’s take a look at some of the best family things to do with kids in Northern Arizona that combine adventure, education, and unforgettable views.

Things to Do with Kids Northern Arizona

Northern Arizona is perfect for families who want a mix of outdoor fun and hands-on experiences. Here are some top activities that will keep kids of all ages entertained and engaged.

1. Meteor Crater & Barringer Space Museum (Near Winslow)

Kids love space, and this is where science feels larger than life. Meteor Crater is the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth, a place where a massive space rock collided with Earth 50,000 years ago. The guided rim tours, interactive discovery center, and 4D “Impact” theater experience make learning about geology and astronomy exciting. Kids can even touch a real meteorite fragment that fell from space.

2. Bearizona Wildlife Park (Williams)

This drive-through wildlife park lets you see bears, bison, wolves, and elk roaming in natural habitats. After the car tour, visit the walk-through section to meet smaller animals, see a birds-of-prey show, and grab lunch in a cozy forest setting.

3. Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff)

Home to Pluto’s discovery, this observatory turns astronomy into an interactive family experience. Kids can look through powerful telescopes, explore exhibits about space exploration, and even attend a stargazing session at night under Flagstaff’s dark skies.

4. Slide Rock State Park (Sedona)

Pack your swimsuits and head to this natural water park where smooth sandstone has created a long, slippery chute down Oak Creek. It’s one of Arizona’s most unique outdoor experiences and a favorite with kids in summer.

5. Grand Falls (Chocolate Falls)

This seasonal wonder northeast of Flagstaff is a must-see if you visit in spring. The roaring, chocolate-colored waterfall looks straight out of a fantasy movie. Bring a picnic, a camera, and expect muddy fun for little explorers.

Whether your family enjoys science, nature, or just a great splash, these things to do with kids in Northern Arizona promise something new around every bend.

Family Friendly Attractions Near Flagstaff Arizona

Flagstaff is the perfect base for exploring Northern Arizona. Nestled among the San Francisco Peaks, it offers cooler temperatures, plenty of trees, and easy access to major attractions.

1. Wupatki National Monument

Teach your kids about ancient civilizations at this fascinating site filled with red-stone pueblos built by the Ancestral Puebloan people nearly a thousand years ago. Stop by the visitor center for a short film, then explore the ruins and blow into the ancient “blowhole,” a natural vent that surprises kids with a burst of air from underground caverns.

2. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

This national monument lets kids walk on lava. The short Lava Flow Trail is stroller-friendly and takes you through a landscape of black rock, pine trees, and cinder cones that look like something from another planet. It’s both educational and fun.

3. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

If your kids are thrill-seekers, they’ll love climbing, zip-lining, and swinging through the treetops at the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure park. There are separate courses for younger children and teens.

4. The Arboretum at Flagstaff

For a quieter day, visit this 200-acre botanical garden in Flagstaff is filled with native wildflowers, pollinator gardens, and kid-friendly trails. The summer butterfly house is a favorite among families.

With its mix of outdoor learning, play, and history, there’s no shortage of family friendly attractions near Flagstaff Arizona for curious young adventurers.

Day Trip with Kids Sedona to Meteor Crater

If you’re staying in Sedona, a day trip to Meteor Crater is one of the most unique experiences you can give your kids.

Start your morning with breakfast overlooking Sedona’s red rocks, then head north on I-17 toward Flagstaff. The drive itself is scenic, winding through pine forests and high desert plains. Once you reach the I-40 junction, continue east toward Winslow, where Meteor Crater awaits, about a two-hour drive in total.

At Meteor Crater, families can spend several hours exploring the visitor complex. Kids can join interactive science exhibits, watch a 4D theater experience that recreates the meteor impact, and take part in guided rim tours with friendly guides who make geology fun. Don’t miss the outdoor viewing decks that offer panoramic views of the crater’s immense scale.

Afterward, stop in Winslow for a bite to eat at one of the Route 66 diners or grab ice cream at La Posada’s Turquoise Room before heading back to Sedona.

This day trip with kids from Sedona to Meteor Crater blends science, history, and the simple joy of road-tripping through Arizona’s beautiful desert landscape.

Kid Friendly Things in Winslow AZ

Winslow is one of those classic Route 66 towns that still feels authentic, and it’s more kid-friendly than you might expect.

1. Standin’ on the Corner Park

Snap a family photo at this iconic corner made famous by the Eagles’ song “Take It Easy.” The life-size bronze statue, murals, and old Route 66 charm make for a fun pit stop.

2. Old Trails Museum

Located in a historic bank building, this small but fascinating museum tells the story of Winslow’s early days and its role in railroad and Route 66 history. The exhibits are interactive enough to keep kids interested while parents enjoy a dose of nostalgia.

3. McHood Park and Clear Creek Reservoir

Just a few miles south of Winslow, this hidden spot is perfect for families who love swimming, kayaking, or picnicking. Rent kayaks or paddleboards and enjoy the calm water surrounded by red sandstone cliffs.

Winslow might be small, but it offers plenty of kid friendly things in Winslow AZ for a relaxed, memorable afternoon on your way between major attractions.

Family Day Trip Northern Arizona Geology

Northern Arizona is one of the best places in the country to introduce kids to geology and earth science in real life. Every landscape tells a story, and families can explore ancient volcanoes, lava flows, and meteor impacts all within a short drive.

Start with Meteor Crater, where kids can see the result of a real cosmic collision that shaped the planet’s surface. Continue to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, where lava fields reveal Arizona’s fiery past. Then visit Walnut Canyon National Monument, where wind and water carved dramatic rock formations now sheltering cliff dwellings from centuries ago.

Along the way, encourage your kids to notice how the terrain changes, from red sandstone to volcanic basalt to limestone. It’s like watching millions of years of history unfold right outside your car window.

For an extra challenge, give older kids a “rock and fossil scavenger hunt” printable to take along. These family day trips focused on Northern Arizona geology not only inspire wonder but also create a lifelong appreciation for science and the planet we call home.

Plan Your Northern Arizona Family Adventure

Northern Arizona makes it easy to blend fun and education in one unforgettable trip. Whether your family is hiking through lava fields, splashing at Slide Rock, gazing through telescopes, or marveling at Meteor Crater, you’ll find experiences that bring learning to life.

So pack the car, load up your playlists, and hit the open road. Adventure is waiting just beyond the next bend, and in Northern Arizona, every mile offers a new story to share with your kids.