Best Flagstaff Parks for Young Kids

Flagstaff has many public parks, but some are easier to use with younger kids than others. When you’re visiting with toddlers or elementary-age children, things like playground layout, open space, restrooms, and parking can make a difference.

All of the parks listed below are located within Flagstaff city limits and are free to use.

Thorpe Park

Location: Near downtown Flagstaff, west of North Beaver Street

Cost: Free

Best for ages: Toddlers through elementary

Why it works well for young kids

At Thorpe Park, you’ll find a large playground area along with wide open space for unstructured play. There’s a second playground that’s made specifically for younger kids. Restrooms and picnic areas are available, which makes it easier to spend more time here.

What you’ll find

• Playground equipment
• Open grassy areas
• Restrooms and parking

Bushmaster Park

Location: East Flagstaff

Cost: Free

Best for ages: Preschool through elementary

Why it works well for young kids

Bushmaster Park has a modern playground and large open areas surrounded by pine trees. You’ll also find nearby walking paths, which some families use for short walks or breaks between playground time.

What you’ll find

• Playground equipment, mulitple sets
• Bark park
• Open space with shade
• Trail access nearby
• Parking and restrooms

Buffalo Park

Location: North Flagstaff

Cost: Free

Best for ages: Preschool and up

Why it works well for young kids

Buffalo Park offers a different experience from a traditional playground. Here, you’ll find a wide open meadow and a flat loop trail that families often use for walking or riding balance bikes. The space gives kids room to move in a natural setting.

What you’ll find

• Open meadow
• Flat loop trail (about two miles)
• Mountain views
• Parking areas

Wheeler Park

Location: Near downtown Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University

Cost: Free

Best for ages: Toddlers through elementary

Why it works well for young kids

Wheeler Park includes a playground and open grass areas, and its downtown location makes it easy to combine with other nearby stops. You’ll find it works well for shorter park visits during a day downtown.

What you’ll find

• Open grass areas
• Nextdoor to the library
• Nearby parking
• Walkable downtown location

Foxglenn Park

Location: East Flagstaff

Cost: Free

Best for ages: Preschool through elementary

Why it works well for young kids

Foxglenn Park is a neighborhood park in East Flagstaff. You’ll find a playground and open space that work well for shorter visits. At the end of the fields you’ll find an easy trail for a quiet walk.

What you’ll find

• Playground
• Large field
• Parking

About Parks in Flagstaff

• All city parks listed here are free
• You’ll find parking available at or near these parks
• Playground styles vary by location
• Some parks focus more on open space than equipment

Flagstaff’s parks give you a mix of playgrounds, open space, and natural areas that work well for families with young kids. These parks are favorites for families looking for simple outdoor time during a visit to Flagstaff.