A Vegan Family Guide to Flagstaff (October Weekend With the Kids)
We took the kids (all under five) on a cozy two-day weekend getaway to Flagstaff—a sweet family adventure with vegan eats, a suite-style stay, and easy drives. Here’s our story and why you’ll love it too. You can easily make a weekend out of Flagstaff, just like we did.
Getting to Flagstaff
We’re local to Arizona and based in Phoenix, so for this trip we kept it simple and drove. The drive from Phoenix to Flagstaff takes about 2.5 hours by car via I-17 and I-40, and it’s a scenic route that makes for a perfect staycation. We love local travel and taking advantage of the beauty right here in Arizona.
If you’re flying in, you’ve got options. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is the major hub and often the most affordable choice. From there, rent a car and drive north. You can also fly directly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, which is about 20 minutes from downtown. For flights, we compare on Skyscanner and Google Flights, then book directly with the airline.
Where we stayed — Hotel Aspen InnSuites Presidential Suite
We stayed at Hotel Aspen InnSuites Flagstaff in the Presidential Suite—cozy, spacious, and family-friendly with a small living room and sofa, kitchenette and side bar, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi and cable, a jacuzzi, and plenty of room for toddlers to move around. There was no breakfast on-site, which was fine because we planned vegan breakfasts in town. (Alternative official page: InnSuites.)
Other family-friendly hotels we considered in Flagstaff:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Flagstaff — pool, EV charging, on-site dining.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Flagstaff — suites, made-to-order breakfast, evening reception.
- Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff — full kitchens, free breakfast, great for longer stays.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Flagstaff — studios, free breakfast, across from NAU.
Getting around Flagstaff
We drove everywhere. With toddlers, a car means flexibility, AC breaks, and simple transitions between activities and food.
Best time to visit with kids
October was ideal—cool mornings, warm afternoons, and cozy evenings. For families, fall and spring are easiest. Summer can be hot at lower elevations; winter can bring snow.
What we brought for the kids
- Swim gear for the suite jacuzzi and potential hotel pools
- A small ball for quick play while waiting for food
- Snacks and coloring supplies
- Layers for cool mornings and sunny afternoons
Our vegan food crawl breakfast lunch snack dinner
Breakfast at Morning Glory Cafe — 100% plant-based, local, organic. See their menu for hearty options.
Lunch or dinner at Red Curry Vegan Kitchen — fully vegan Thai with curries, noodles, and rolls. Check their menu.
Other vegan-friendly spots we noted but didn’t try: VeggiEAT, The Toasted Owl Café. Hours can change; double-check before you go.
Family activities we loved in Flagstaff
City resources and parks
Flagstaff is a friendly college town with parks, trails, and family amenities. Start with the official sites:
Nearby national monuments and easy nature time
- Walnut Canyon National Monument — short loop to cliff dwellings.
- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument — lava fields and cinder cones.
- Wupatki National Monument — pueblo ruins and desert vistas.
Our day trip to Bearizona in Williams
We spent a day at Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, about 30 minutes from Flagstaff. It’s a peaceful drive-through experience where you view animals from your car, followed by a walk-through area called Fort Bearizona with live educational shows. Pricing is per person and varies by day and season; kids under three are free.
Grand Canyon as an option we skipped this time
The South Rim is roughly 80 miles away. If you want a car-free day trip, consider the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams. The NPS train page has details. We recently had our son and chose to keep this weekend easy, but it’s a great future add-on.
Our sample two day Flagstaff itinerary with kids under five
Day 1
Breakfast at Morning Glory Cafe
Jacuzzi time and suite downtime
Afternoon city park stroll and play
Dinner at Red Curry Vegan Kitchen
Day 2
Morning at Walnut Canyon National Monument
Lunch in town or to-go bowls
Afternoon drive-through and walk-through at Bearizona in Williams
Evening wind-down back at the suite
Extra notes for families
- Some formerly vegan-friendly spots had closed; confirm hours and menus ahead.
- Sunday dining hours can be shorter; plan meals earlier.
Wrapping up our Flagstaff weekend
Flagstaff was an easygoing escape—cozy suite, meaningful activities, and enough vegan eats to keep everyone happy. Bearizona was toddler magic, and the monuments added light adventure. We’ll be back, and when we do, we might add the Grand Canyon train for fun.
