51 Fun & Free (or Cheap) Things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona
24. Test out your mountain biking skills
Avid mountain bikers will enjoy the diverse and challenging terrain of Flagstaff. The Dry Lake Hills/Mt. Elden area is very popular with mountain bikers due to the exciting, diverse terrain. On any given day, you will see more bikers than hikers out enjoying these rocky trails. If you are looking for something a bit more beginner friendly, check out the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (especially Fort Tuthill) or the Campbell Mesa Trails system, featuring 11 miles of easy trails.
25. Take a scenic drive up Snowbowl Road
This slow 7+ mile drive offers breathtaking views of the mountains, along with never ending views of pines and aspens. Fall is the standout time to visit as this is easily the best fall foliage drive in the area. Winter is also not to be missed as nothing creates a picture-perfect winter wonderland setting quite like snow covered mountains and pine trees! Be sure to keep chains in your car as they are often required after heavy storms to navigate up this very steep road.
26. Enjoy budget friendly entertainment at Twin Arrows
Twin Arrows, Arizona’s only 4 diamond casino resort, is located just 30 minutes or so outside of Flagstaff. A 3 hour Bingo session will only set you back about 5 bucks and includes unlimited soft drinks and popcorn. Grab a cup of coffee at Indulgence and enjoy browsing around. Also consider attending one of the free firework shows, held every Friday night at 10pm during the summer season. Bonus – the drive out here is quiet and the views are relaxing.
27. Explore the Lava Flow trail at Sunset Crater
Sunset Crater, the remains of a 900 year old volcano, can be explored via a short trail known as the Lava Flow trail. Along the way, you’ll take in the unique sights of lava flows and cinder fields. You’ll also be treated to some nice views of the San Francisco Peaks so be sure to pack your camera! Admission is $25 per car and also includes entry to Wutpaki National Monument. As a bonus, both monuments connect via a scenic drive known as the Sunset-Wutpaki Scenic Drive.
Tip – Visit on one of the NPS free days (5 dates per year).
28. Watch the NY style New Year’s Eve Pinecone drop at the Weatherford
Pretend like you are at New York City’s famous Times Square ball drop celebration as you watch a massive 70 pound illuminated pine cone being lowered from the Weatherford Hotel downtown. This event is so popular with locals and visitors that the pine is dropped at 2 times, at 10pm (to coincide with NY’s popular celebration) and Midnight, to help disperse the traffic a bit (although it does not help much). If you would like to be part of an exciting New Year’s Eve tradition, then arrive early downtown early for a prime viewing spot.
29. Take a quiet nature stroll around Griffith Spring
This quiet trail within the Coconino National Forest sees barely any traffic despite its’ prime location along busy 89a en route to Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona. For any hiker/nature enthusiast looking for a non touristy trail, hiking Griffith Spring will be a real treat. Although, the loop comes in at just a mile, the serene setting and ample birdwatching and wildlife sightings make it a worthwhile stop.
No aspens here, so it’s not a good fall color hike, however, the relaxing ponderosa pines make it a great summer/spring choice. For a longer hike, simply complete the loop multiple times. The relaxed setting away from the city really makes the Griffith trail a little oasis worth doing again and again. And it’s completely free – no parking or passes required!
30. Bowl unlimited for under 15 bucks
Throughout the year, particularly during the summer season, Starlite Lanes on historic Route 66, occasionally offers a great promotion consisting of games for just a buck! In this day and age, bowling is no longer the budget friendly activity it was once was, making this $1 deal pretty fantastic. Games nowadays are typically $5-6 a piece and can really add up, especially for large parties.
Unlimited bowling specials are offered weeknights (6pm-close) for just $13. This is a great deal as it includes shoes.
In addition, you can also sign up for their email list where you will receive a $10 off coupon! For old-fashioned fun and old-fashioned prices, head over to Starlite Lanes.
31. Attend the annual Halloween Harvest festival
On Halloween, the city hosts a popular Halloween themed fest in Heritage Square. Highlights include festive decor, spooky music, trick r’ treating at local businesses, and all sorts of games and activities. No activities whatsoever for adults – Unfortunately, Flagstaff events are a bit too kid friendly and lack variety for adults. Here’s hope to next year…However, it’s free so there really is no reason not to check it out. Definitely not the best event in town, but something to do if you happen to be in the area seeking frugal Halloween fun.
