The Best Parks and Playgrounds In Flagstaff, Arizona

Published on December 17, 2021 - Updated on January 20, 2022

You don't have to wander far to find a great park or playground in Flagstaff. Check out our list of faves!

It's fall, and in Flagstaff, that means chilly temps and gorgeous foliage in hues of crimson, gold, and magenta; and it is the perfect time to get outdoors! Whether you are new to Flagstaff or have been here for years, there is a wide range of great parks and playgrounds for everyone. I've listed a few of the most popular below!

Parks and Playgrounds in Flagstaff

Bushmaster Park

Located at 3150 N Alta Vista Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86004-3911.

This community park has so much to offer: ramadas, a basketball court, volleyball court, tennis courts, and a skate park. There are two sides to this park, so be sure you explore it all!

There is even a dog park there as well!

It is one of the largest parks with two playground areas! We love being able to change it up a little each visit by heading to a different playground with the kids. One has been recently renovated with colorful equipment, including some sort of fantastic zip-line swing. 

Bushmaster is popular for parties and celebrations under the large ramadas.

Bushmaster.jpg

Bushmaster2.jpg

Bushmaster2.jpg

Thorpe Park

Located at 245 N Thorpe Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001-1579.

Located just west of Downtown is the very popular regional park, Thorpe Park.

There is a renovated play area with colorful new playground equipment, a large number of swings, tennis courts, and even some shade, which is hard to come by at most parks in Flagstaff.

The walking trails are perfect for a scenic walk with the entire family. If you enjoy mountain biking, the park is the perfect spot for you!

Thorpe2.jpg

Thorpe Park

Foxglenn Park

Located at 4200 E Butler Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004.

A large and beautiful community park with a playground, ramadas, soccer fields, a skate park, and the beautiful Children's Garden honoring child and infancy loss.

Foxglenn is popular for picnics, playing, and taking laps on the walking path around the beautiful green grass. During the warmer months, you will find this park packed with kids (and big kids too) playing sports such as soccer and baseball.

This park was designed with all children in mind - those still with us and those who have gone before us. 

If you are a parent who has lost a child or infant, our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Children's Garden was designed with you in mind for contemplation, reflection, and play. A local Flagstaff company, Artisan Metal Works, designed a beautiful sculpture titled "The Journey."

Foxglen.jpg

Foxglen2.jpg

Foxglen3.jpg

Peaks View County Park

Located at 8805 Koch Field Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

This is a great community park that I don't think gets utilized nearly as much as it should. It is located in Doney Park and has a very nice playground with play areas both for older and younger kids, plenty of swings, and several shaded picnic areas. It is unique too in that it has equestrian trails and an arena. If you are not from the 'east side of town' but are tired of going to the same places each week with your kids, this is worth the short trip to go and check out.

McPherson Park

Located at 1700-1898 N Turquoise Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

There is a beautiful view of the San Francisco Peaks, horseshoe courts, a disc golf course, and a wonderful playground. 

This is another great park that I don't believe gets the love it deserves. Why? I believe this neighborhood park is best known for its horseshoe courts and disc golf course. Located there (in the parking lot of the ice skating rink) is a great enclosed playground.

I emphasize enclosed because sometimes you need a place to let the little ones play and roam free without constant fear of them running into the parking lot or off into the woods. This park can be a nice break for parents, too!

There is enough room for bigger kids to roam and run, and the playground is the perfect size for toddlers and elementary school kiddos.

There are plenty of swings to share for all different ages. 

Mcpherson.jpg

Mcpherson2.jpg

Ponderosa Trails Park

Located at 3875 S Wild West Trail, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

This park is such a major perk of living in Ponderosa Trails! 

With the sidewalks and wide paths throughout the neighborhood, it's very pedestrian-friendly to get to (if you've been in Flagstaff for a while, you'll know sidewalks in neighborhoods are few and far between). Next to a large grassy sports field is a playground and ramada. Driving by, it's a bit hard to tell there is more than just the sports field, with no designated parking lot and the playground and ramada being tucked within the homes.

ponderosa3.jpg

Ponderosapark.jpg

Ponderosapark2.jpg

Where do you go when you want some fresh air?

The above list is just a snippet of all of the great areas Flagstaff offers to relax and play. There are countless neighborhood parks tucked away in areas not commonly frequented unless you have reason to go there or live there. For a more inclusive list, visit https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1923/City-Parks-Ramadas.

What are your favorite places? I'd love to hear your favorite places to go!


Are you traveling through Arizona and hoping to find more great parks and playgrounds like these? Check out The Best Parks and Playground In and Around Phoenix and also The Best Playgrounds of Scottsdale!

For even bigger American West family adventures, check out our blog post, Dreaming of Travel: Saguaro National Park.

If you have a perfect getaway or a favorite landscape, please reach out to us at team@happyly.com, and we'll be excited to cover it! If you love exploring near and far as much as we do, please download the happylyapp today!

Thoughtfully captured by:
Angela Barako
More posts by Angela
Ready to get out and about Arizona? Check out our list for the best parks and playgrounds in the Scottsdale area!
The weather in the Valley of the Sun is perfect for outdoor play and activities. That means Phoenix has some of the best parks and playgrounds in the
You don't have to wander far to find a great park or playground in Flagstaff. Check out our list of the best ones in the area!