If you’re looking for the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and family friendly fun, Sedona, Arizona, also known as Red Rock Country, has it all. This beautiful desert town offers amazing landscapes, unique hiking experiences, and plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. Whether you’re hiking on the red rocks, splashing in natural water slides, or exploring cultural landmarks, Sedona is a fantastic destination for a family vacation.
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Our family spent 5 days here in October and it was the perfect time to visit. Not too hot or busy like it is during the summer months. Cool in the mornings and evenings but excellent hiking weather.
Where to Stay in Sedona with Family
For a comfortable and convenient stay, Holiday Inn at Oak Creek is the ideal choice for budget conscious families. It offers a relaxing pool where kids can unwind after a day of exploring and a free breakfast to fuel up before heading out on your adventures. Located just 13 minutes from Uptown Sedona, it’s close enough to all kinds of Sedona family activities, but still provides a quiet retreat at the end of the day.
For a more luxurious stay, check out Enchantment Resort. This resort is incredibly family friendly, offering activities for all ages, including guided nature hikes, stargazing, and cultural programs that introduce kids to the history and beauty of the region. The Camp Coyote program is fun for families, where kids can take part in exciting, educational activities like scavenger hunts, Native American storytelling, and nature-inspired crafts, which can give you some downtime to relax. The resort also has an amazing pool deck, perfect for cooling off after a day of adventure. This place really is a home away from home.
Sedona is easiest to get around with a car. If you are arriving at Phoenix airport, that is the best place to get your car. Check out Discover Cars for the best car rental deals.
Fun Things to Do in Sedona with Kids
Hiking
No Sedona vacation is complete without hiking. They vary in intensity and it’s important to think of the age and skill levels of your children before heading out.
Bell Rock Trail is a must. Park at Courthouse Vista on Forest Service Road, but arrive early as parking fills up quickly. The trail begins right at the parking lot, but it’s not clearly marked, so prepare for some adventuring. For families who love a bit of climbing, Bell Rock is perfect, just make sure everyone is wearing sturdy shoes with good grip. The views from higher up are stunning and well worth the effort.
Airport Mesa and Sedona View Trail are must-sees, especially at sunset. The large parking lot on Airport Road makes access easy (note that parking is paid), and the short walk to the Sedona View Trail is worth it for the breathtaking scenery. We did hike the Airport Loop Trail, but didnt feel it was worth it completing the whole path. There are better hikes and the views are just as impressive from the lookouts.
Another family friendly hike is the Birthing Cave Trail. The path starts at the Long Canyon Trailhead, where parking is on the side of the road. The hike is easy and short for the most part, but it becomes moderately challenging when you reach the cave itself. Again, make sure you have shoes with good grip to climb up. The views and the unique cave experience make it worth the effort.
If your family loves exploring caves and ancient sites, head to Boynton Canyon Trail to Subway Cave. The trail starts off as an easy walk along the canyon floor, surrounded by shaded trees which is nice to keep cool on a hot day. The hike becomes more challenging once you reach the cave itself, where a bit of climbing is required. The reward is incredible views from the cave, as well as pictographs and cliff dwellings that date back over 700 years. This is one of the longer hikes so plan for at least two hours round-trip and aim to arrive early, as parking along Canyon Road fills up quickly. Bring lots of water and snacks to keep yourself fueled!
One of the most scenic and family-friendly hikes in Sedona is the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. This trail is perfect for kids as it’s mostly flat, shaded, and offers plenty of opportunities to splash around in the creek. The hike will take you through a lush canyon, crossing the creek multiple times, so waterproof shoes are probably a good idea if you don’t want wet feet. It is possible to skip over the rocks in the creek as well. Kids will love exploring the shallow water, skipping stones, and discovering the unique rock formations that line the canyon walls. The vibrant fall foliage in October makes this trail even more beautiful, with red, orange, and yellow leaves reflecting off the water. The trail itself is a 3.5-mile round trip, but we turned around after an hour to head back, taking our time to enjoy the area. As always, don’t forget to pack snacks, water, and a change of clothes—just in case the kids get a little too adventurous with the creek crossings! When visiting Sedona kids will love all the rocks, it’s like a natural playground.
Coffee Pot Rock is another unique red rock formation and a favorite among families exploring the area, as it’s easily visible from various viewpoints in town and along nearby trails. For a closer look, you can hike the Coffee Pot Trail, which is considered a moderate trek that has stunning views of the rock and the surrounding landscape. Kids will love pointing out the “spout” and “lid” of the coffee pot as you make your way closer. If you don’t plan on doing this challenging hike, you can still enjoy fantastic views of Coffee Pot Rock from the car as you drive along Highway 89A.
Non Hiking Activities in Sedona with Kids
A visit to Sedona wouldn’t be complete without stopping at the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, built right into the red rocks. Recognized as one of the man-made wonders of the world, the chapel offers incredible views and a peaceful experience. If you’re lucky like us, you may even get a fun ride to the chapel in a golf cart driven by a friendly guide, it’s an extra touch the kids will enjoy! We think he was there because there was a church service at the time. But it was so cute, he sang “Oh Canada” to us.
For a mix of culture and history, take a short 30-minute drive to Tuzigoot National Monument in Cottonwood. This ancient hilltop village offers an interactive and educational experience for kids. The structures are fascinating to explore, and the small museum provides plenty of information about the area’s history. Since it’s a national park, kids can complete an activity book to earn a Junior Ranger badge, making it both fun and educational.
For a bit of shopping and exploring, visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. This charming outdoor marketplace, designed in a traditional Mexican style, is full of beautiful handmade items, sculptures, and art. Grab an ice cream or a cold drink as you wander through the shops, and let the kids pose for fun photos with the unique sculptures.
One of the highlights of Sedona for kids is Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon. It’s the ultimate outdoor playground, offering natural waterslides formed by the smooth red rocks. Pack swimsuits, water shoes, and towels because the kids will want to slide down and splash around for hours. The water is refreshingly cold, but on a warm day, it’s absolutely perfect. When you’re ready to dry off, explore a couple of short trails within the park or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated areas. Be sure to bring snacks, water, and sunscreen for a full day of Sedona fun. I think if you asked my kids, they would say this was their favorite part.
A family Jeep tour in Sedona is an exciting way to explore the breathtaking red rock landscape while keeping the adventure fun and accessible for kids. These guided off-road tours take guests deep into the rugged terrain, bouncing over rocks and climbing up steep trails that offer stunning panoramic views. Kids will love the thrill of the bumpy ride, while parents can sit back and enjoy the incredible scenery without worrying about navigating the terrain themselves. Most tours include fascinating stories about Sedona’s history, geology, and wildlife, making it both an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family. Check out tours at Get Your Guide like this one: Jeep Tours Sedona.
For something a little more relaxing, stop by Sunset Park. This shaded playground offers a splash pad, picnic benches, and plenty of space for kids to play with the stunning red rock backdrop. It’s the perfect spot for some downtime after an active morning.
Where to Eat
When it’s time to eat, Sedona has options the whole family will love. Stop by Tara Thai Restaurant for delicious, kid friendly Thai food or grab pizza at Pago’s Pizzeria and Italian Cuisine—because who doesn’t love a pizza night? And for a quirky, unforgettable experience, eat at the Blue McDonald’s. It’s the only McDonald’s in the world with blue arches instead of the traditional golden ones. Sedona’s commitment to preserving its natural aesthetic was the only way McDonalds was going to be allowed in! Kids love the novelty of it, and it makes for a great photo!
How to get around
Getting around Sedona is relatively easy, but planning ahead will make your trip smoother, especially when traveling with kids. If you’re flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, renting a car is the best option for exploring Sedona and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Car rentals allow you the flexibility to visit popular trailheads, scenic overlooks, and nearby attractions. Once in Sedona, you can also take advantage of the Sedona Shuttle Service, a free shuttle that runs to some of the area’s busiest trailheads, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Dry Creek Vista. The shuttle is a great option to avoid the hassle of limited parking at popular spots, and it helps reduce congestion in these natural areas.
Sedona is the perfect destination for families who love to combine outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. There are so many things to do with kids in Sedona, with hikes for all skill levels, fun water activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. Add a Sedona family vacation to your bucket list!
For other Arizona ideas check out our Grand Canyon vacation itinerary and Grand Canyon Hiking guide with kids.
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