As the summer heat approaches, many residents of Phoenix enjoy taking a day trip North to cooler weather.  A two hour drive up I-17 leads to the Flagstaff, a beautiful town nestled at the foot of the San Francisco peaks.  Nature lovers will find many activities within a short drive of Flagstaff;  Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument to name a few. 

     There are many fun, educational opportunities for families to take advantage of in Flagstaff.  The Arizona Historical Society Pioneer Museum is located at 2340 N. Ft. Valley Rd.  This museum is housed in a former hospital and includes room after room of interesting historical artifacts, including a room dedicated to toys.  Also on the
property is an old train and some other old buildings.  The cost is only $3 for adults and $2 for children age 12 - 18.  Under age 12 are free.   They also offer a free admission day on the first Saturday of each month.   This property is not very stroller friendly due to steps inside the museum and some rough terrain outside.  Also, everything inside is hands-off.

The Lowell Observatory was a favorite trip for our family.  It is located at 1400 W. Mars Hill Rd.  This is the facility where Pluto was discovered in 1930.  Take the guided tour and see the actual Pluto telescope as well as several others.  The tour guide was great about letting the children be involved in the tour and we all found it very interesting.  At times the discussion was a bit too

long for our younger children and they became bored but we moved around enough on the tour to get them re-interested.  There is also a 3D space theater and a room full of interactive exhibits (make sure to have some coins along for some of those).  The cost is $6 for adults, $5 for Seniors, AAA and college students, $3 for ages 5 - 17 and free for children age 4 and under.  

    If you are planning to stay in the Flagstaff area, you might want to check the Little America Hotel.  Located on 500 tree-filled acres, this full service hotel offers comfortable accomodations at a moderate price.   Besides ample-sized rooms, the property offers a restaurant onsite, exercise room, playground and heated outdoor pool (seasonal).  There is also a two mile long hiking trail.  For information on the hotel, call them at 928.779.7900.

For more tips, activity reviews and listings of kids eat free restaurants, visit our website at www.familyfriendlyamerica.com