Bearizona or Out of Africa? (Flagstaff, Sedona: house, shop, vacation)

[Twinsane]

We are driving up to Ft. Tuthill for a family vacation this week. One day will be spent at the Grand Canyon, but we have 2 other days to fill with 4-year old twins, an 11 year old, and a 12 year old. We looked into the two animal parks, Bearizona & Out of Africa, but aren't sure which would be better. Any thoughts?

Also, any other fun family things to do? What about Lowell observatory in Flagstaff?

Thanks!

[curly5759]

I haven't been to either animal park, but Out of Africa is in the Verde Valley, and it will be warmer than Bearizona which is next to Williams. It's not outrageously hot here in the VV, but might be uncomfortable for outdoor activities. Bearizona is in the Pines, OOA is not shaded.

Kids might get a kick out of the Deer farm near Williams. My kids always enjoyed feeding the deer. Go ride the ski lift at the peaks for a great view of the area.

Curly

[azdr0710]

the kids might like to play in the water at Slide Rock State Park near Sedona (fee)....if they're into Indian ruins, try Tuzigoot, Walnut Canyon and/or Wupatki (fees)....just a quick, cheesy stop on the way to the Canyon, but Bedrock Village (the Flintstones) in Valle may be fun for them....have a picnic in the pines somewhere?....

[adventuregurl]

It's been 100 the last few days in Sedona and will be hotter at Out of Africa. I love that place but don't think I'd want to go at this time of year.

[MonkeyClaw]

Out of Africa is a full day affair, while Bearizona can be done in a couple of hours. AG is right though, it is pretty hot for Out of Africa, and many of the animals may be hiding from the heat. I was at Bearizona this past weekend and it was pretty fun. They are doing a lot of building/expanding there. You could spend part of the day in Flag too. I haven't been to the observatory so I can't comment on that. There are also jeep tours in the Sedona area which I've heard are good for kids.

Slide Rock is supposed to be fun but gets PACKED in the summer. So much that I've never bothered going just based on the lines to get in.

[FlagMike]

I agree, Sedona is probably a mad house right about now. My wife and I (no kids) enjoyed Bearizona and I think your kids will enjoy it, it isn't an all day thing though like MonkeyClaw said. (2-3 hours, although you can drive through as many times as you want) Deer Farm is close and okay as well. Never been to Out of Africa.

We love Lowell Observatory and there are some hands on exhibits in the museum area for the kids. If you go in the early evening, there is a usually an astronomer giving a talk on an astronomy subject, then you can look through the big scope. A fun gift shop as well.

[Twinsane]

Thanks so much everyone! Looks like we'll spend tomorrow at the observatory, petting zoo, & Bearizona.