Unearth gemstones and fossils at Meteor City in Flagstaff with this engaging and family-friendly outdoor adventure. Find out what treasures await beneath the surface!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
All fitness levels suited; minimal physical effort involved.
Wildlife
History
Meteor City has long been known locally for its mineral-rich deposits, dating back decades of small-scale prospecting.
Conservation
The site emphasizes minimal environmental impact by managing sediment disturbance and promoting responsible mineral collection.
Meteor City
Unearth gemstones and fossils at Meteor City in Flagstaff with this engaging and family-friendly outdoor adventure. Find out what treasures await beneath the surface!
Meteor City is a family-focused entertainment destination that combines hands-on activities, unique photo moments, and classic carnival fun. The centerpiece attraction is a drive-thru dinosaur park with over 30 life-sized dinosaurs, including recognizable species such as Stegosaurus and Raptors, allowing visitors to explore prehistoric displays from the safety and comfort of their own vehicle.
Meteor City offers a variety of ticketed experiences: Ride‑A‑Dino provides an animatronic T‑Rex ride and dedicated photo opportunities (note: the final ride operates until half an hour before closing). Gemstone Mining & Fossil Dig uses sifter trays and sluicing troughs and includes four distinct pay-dirt selections; each purchase comes with an identification card and a keeper bag for discovered specimens. Catch‑A‑Ducky recreates the classic carnival game—participants use a net to capture floating rubber ducks and reveal numbers that correspond to guaranteed prizes. Shoot Out the Star offers a BB machine gun activity with 100 shots where players aim to hit Red Stars for prize chances. Paint‑A‑Bug lets visitors create graffiti-style art on three vintage VW vehicles, including a classic VW bus.
To simplify planning and increase value, Meteor City sells bundled options—Three Attractions, Four Attractions, and Five or More Attractions—so families can combine multiple experiences in one visit. Clear activity descriptions and included items (for example, keeper bags and identification cards for mining) help visitors know what to expect. Meteor City focuses on accessible, family-friendly entertainment with interactive elements, collectible takeaways, and memorable photo moments.
Attractions
9 attractions
Nine distinct activities on site
Family Friendly
All ages
Activities suitable for families
Dinosaur Encounters
30+ life-sized dinos
Drive-thru dinosaur park highlight
Guaranteed Prizes
Prize with every catch
Catch-A-Ducky awards prizes
Reserve tickets for the dinosaur drive-thru, gem mining, rides, and bundled attraction packages to plan a full day of family fun.
Wear comfortable, waterproof clothing
Dirt and water are part of the process, so dress accordingly to stay comfortable.
Bring your own small container
A keeper bag or small container helps keep your treasures safe after digging.
Plan for a few hours
The activity typically takes 2-3 hours, making it perfect for a half-day outing.
Practice patience
Finding treasures can take time; enjoy the process as much as the result.
Sturdy shoes
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor walking and digging.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your activity in the outdoor heat.
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses help protect from sun exposure.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Small container
Use for storing your collected gemstones and fossils securely.