We love to travel internationally, but of course with the current pandemic, it has forced us to see the beauty in our own country. I am not mad at slowing down a bit to appreciate the United States. With any travel– be smart, and be safe, but in light of COVID19, take extra precautions. We decided to head out west to Flagstaff, Arizona– the ultimate mountain town with views for days. Here is a recap of our short family trip, with where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and the Grand Canyon with kids.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of options when it comes to finding a place to stay. We decided on this cozy Airbnb. We knew we wanted to explore Arizona, but we also knew we wanted to hangout with each other with the fireplace going. Everything in Flagstaff is within a 15 minute drive. The biggest necessity is car rental.

What to do in Flagstaff, AZ

Being that our trip to Flagstaff was a short one, I made sure to do a little research beforehand. Unfortunately with the change of seasons, a few things on our list were closed. I’ve learned that the best time to visit is September/October. I listed things we were able to do, plus things we wanted to do!

Take in all of the beauty at the Grand Canyon
Flagstaff has so many scenic national parks to choose from. We visited Wupatki National Monument, and got to learn about ancient ruins. Definitely a site to see.
Visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Arizona. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit.
Take The Scenic Chairlift to the Arizona Snowbowl. The lift will travel up 10,800 ft giving you a bird’s eye view of North Arizona. The chairlift is open everyday until October 25th.
Visit the Lowell Observatory. Get there at sunset for an opportunity to take a walk on the hill, and then visit the observatory where Pluto was discovered.

Visiting the Grand Canyon with kids

The Grand Canyon is about a 90 min drive from Flagstaff. I’m not going to lie, I honestly didn’t think that the Grand Canyon with small kids was a good idea. I was wrong. It was a great idea. Eden had such a great time, and I know this is something that she will always remember. Here are some tips for your next adventure to the Grand Canyon with kids.

Make sure to go to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you’re looking for the views, this is it! It’s the most accessible part of the Grand Canyon, easy to park and go, and open all year-round.
Walk The Rim Trail, which is an easy, paved walk. You’re able to take in beautiful views of the Grand Canyon without too much effort. Great for families.
Bring a stroller with you. For us this was a must. When you have a toddler that likes to run everywhere, it’s a major safety hazard otherwise.
Give your kids ‘the talk’ prior to arriving at the Grand Canyon. Eden was well aware of the danger of getting too close long before arrival.

Where to Eat in Flagstaff, AZ

Being that Flagstaff, AZ is a small town, there are a lot of food options within a close proximity. A few must-try restaurants are listed below:

Tourist Home great for breakfast
Pizzicleta seriously some of the best pizza I have ever had. A cozy restaurant with authentic Italian pizza out of a tiled wood-fired oven.
Criollo– Latin-inspired fusion food made with locally sourced ingredients
Martanne’s Burrito Palace great for breakfast