The North Pole Experience, Flagstaff, Arizona. All you need to know before you go.
All you need to know before you take your young kids to the North Pole Experience in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The North Pole Experience in Flagstaff, Arizona, takes place through The Little America Hotel, an adorable, family-friendly hotel in Flagstaff.
Technically you only check-in at Little America, and from there, you and your family jump on a 15-minute magical bus ride that transports you through a portal to The North Pole!
The kids super enjoyed their experience at the North Pole. My oldest two kiddos were 3 & 5 years old at the time, and they talked about it for weeks after.
My kids loved visiting Santa’s workshop, where they helped the elves build toys for other girls and boys. They enjoyed cookies with Mrs. Clause and her dancing elves, attending elf school, and finally meeting Santa.
my son over in the corner is so funny and sad to me!! He wanted nothing to do with Santa until we were about to walk out the door! 😂😅
My daughter loved Santa! haha 💛
The dialogue between the elves was a little corny, but the kids didn’t notice
Santa photos are included in your North Pole Experience ticket purchase, and the helpers will take pictures with your phone if you’d like as well.
Pictures with Santa are nice because you don’t have a line of people watching you and your family; instead, have one on one time with Santa in Santa’s workshop to chat and take pictures.
What would we have done differently?
Next time we go, I’ll plan to spend the night. North Pole Experience offers daytime and evening sessions. So I would either spend the night, the night before and attend a morning experience or do an evening experience and spend the night that night.
In my opinion, it’s a long drive, for young kids, for a quick round trip.
Not to say you can’t do a drive up and back; I just feel like, for us, it’ll be more magical next time to spend the night one of the nights and enjoy Flagstaff in the winter a little longer!
We will either stay at The Little America Hotel or find another nearby place.
What was the weather like at the North Pole Experience?
It was chilly and rainy when we went. We wore warm winter coats over our Christmas jammies. The inside of the North Pole Experience was chilly too. We kept our coats on the whole time and there wasn't a place to store your coats, so you’d have to keep them on you anyway.
Are Strollers Allowed?
They would prefer you don’t bring strollers, but the North Pole Experience can accommodate. There is enough room for strollers in the experience, but it will be a little snug.
How long is the North Pole Experience?
It’s about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
North Pole Experience or Polar Express?
I have yet to do the Polar Express experience, but I’ve heard great things! The North Pole Experience is fun, and I think we’ll take our kids again when our baby is closer to 3 or 4.
I’d say ages 3-10 is a good age range!
Tickets are on sale now! (usually go on sale first week of June)
North Pole Experience does well at answering more questions on their website, and ticket pricing is there too! ::Click Here for North Pole Experience Website::
