A plethora of exciting and amazing things to do in Sedona await you! This Arizona desert town is bordered by red-rock buttes, spectacular high canyon walls, and green lands filled with pine, presenting many opportunities for exciting days out with the kids!
Beyond Sedona’s beauty, the town also offers an adventure to remember. There are adventure experiences for the whole family! Summer or winter, the town has plenty of wonderful things to offer.
If you planning to travel to Arizona, chasing an unforgettable travel experience, Sedona’s got you! Dive into this list of things to do in Sedona and start planning for your amazing trip with the whole family.
But first, a note for those unfamiliar with deserts… If you are new to desert climates, you need to know that high heat and low humidity can be very hazardous.
You could lose up to 5 quarts of fluid in a day causing you to get seriously dehydrated even without knowing it. Always stay hydrated by taking lots of water and try to start out early before the sun gets hot.
Staying out at night can also be hazardous. While hot during the day, the temperature plummets at night and the low humidity makes it even colder!
Hypothermia is a real risk if you are caught out in a desert at night without shelter.
Things to Do in Sedona with Kids
1. Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
Address: 538 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is an awesome viewpoint, and if you’re flying into Sedona, this one is right outside the airport! You get great views and the red rock formations around this area of West Sedona. You’ll find the lookout at the end of the airport road, conveniently there is a large lot where you can park your car for $3.
Pets are allowed here but there are certain restrictions in place you should check. If you’re looking for adventurous hiking trails, you can take the Sedona Airport Loop Trail which is about 3.5 miles long. It’s moderately difficult and it takes roughly 2 hours to complete for strong walkers.
It’s a simply beautiful and very scenic route but it’s quite rocky; however, it’s not that steep and can be hiked without having to exert yourself too much.
If you have kids, the viewpoint will be a great way to view that magnificent scenery without having to explore all of the hiking trails. There are several places in the area where you can enjoy the views without having to take long, tiring hikes.
The nearby Chapel of the Holy Cross is an international architectural marvel, sandwiched between two red rocks and offers some of the best views in all directions. Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive will bring the scenery to you as you enjoy your drive.
Airport Mesa is a top photography destination, and it also offers a breathtaking sunset view over the red rocks. You will also have some great views from Uptown Sedona from this point too.
See Related: Best National Parks to Visit in November
2. Airport Mesa
Address: 483 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Airport Mesa is a hiking trail with some serious Arizona eye candy. It’s a top photography destination, and it also offers a breathtaking sunset view over the red rocks. You will also have some great views from Uptown Sedona from this point too.
It’s also not that difficult to hike but you will have to deal with a lot of red rocks in the area, which are typically uneven underfoot.
The trail will take you around the top slope of Airport Mesa. It is a round trip that’s 3.5 miles long and takes a couple of hours to complete. This trail is one of the most visited destinations in the Sedona area, especially for photographers looking to capture sunsets.
Take a moment and reflect and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets over the red rocks. This location is also considered a sacred vortex site. There are several vortexes (areas where concentrated energy rises from below) sites in the Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Many tourists make their way along the Airport Mesa trail to come and experience the special energy emitted by the vortex. Taking a tour such as the Scenic Sedona Tour will help you get the most out of your visit. It will cost you, but you get hotel pickup and drop-off and a professional guide to Sedona.
The tour is conducted in a van, (meaning you can easily bring small kids) and you get to visit the more popular locations Sedona has to offer.
See Related: Best Travel Drones
3. Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Address: 2650 Pueblo Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park are located at 2650 Pueblo Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336, overlooking Sedona at the foot of Thunder Mountain. It’s on a 14-acre piece of land that is used as a Buddhist spiritual renewal ground.
This renewal ground is a holy site that people visit when they are going through rough times and need a spiritual scrub or just to enjoy the stunning views and gorgeous sceneries while they get in touch with their higher power.
The construction of the Amitabha Stupa was started by the spiritual director Jetsunma Ahkno Lhamo of the Kunzang Palyul Choling, a Tibetan Buddhist society.
The park has 2 stupas, (domed Buddhist shrines) exquisite wooden statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, a Native American medicine wheel, and peaceful places for meditating.
The stupa is a symbol of the enlightened mind of Buddha. Believers believe that meditating on the grounds or just walking around stupas can provide healing and peace. Stupas are among the oldest form of sacred architecture on the planet.
All stupas are normally loaded with sacred symbols, prayers, relics, and earth from all continents. The Amitabha Stupa is 36 feet tall, and it was named Amitabha after the “Limitless Light Buddha.”
The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park are open all year round from early morning to the evening and entrances are absolutely free of charge. You could however donate to support the upkeep of this wonderful place at the foot of Thunder Mountain.
See Related: Sedona Itinerary You Want to Copy
4. Sedona Heritage Museum
Address: 735 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Sedona Heritage Museum is situated at 735 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, in the Jordan Historical Park. The museum is made up of 3 historic landmark buildings, a restored movie set building, and a tent house replica.
The museum’s collections are focused more on the post-civil war lives of the community’s pioneers from the year 1876 to the present. Its main mission is to teach, research and preserve the history of Sedona and is operated by the Historical Society of Sedona.
There are so many things that you will learn about at the museum including Sedona’s orchard industry, local pioneers, Sedona’s wine-making heritage, cowboy life in Arizona, and local art history. Your kids will surely enjoy Sedona’s movie-making era display.
There are also breathtaking panoramic views surrounding the museum. The museum runs audio tours, has a few picnic tables, and there’s a gift shop for souvenirs. There are large rooms with a capacity of 100 people where you can hold a gathering for meetings or celebrations. They even host weddings here!
When you start feeling hungry, you can pass by the Elote café for some delicious meals and great services. It’s only 0.4 miles from the Sedona Heritage Museum so you can just walk there in 10-15 minutes.
Charges for entering the museum are $10 for adults and children over 13. There are also $3 audio-guided tours and guided tours costing $7 for adults but are free for children.
See Related: Top Free Travel Magazines
5. Red Rock State Park
Address: 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Red Rock State Park is located a few miles west of Vegas. Originally part of the Smoke Trail Ranch, it was purchased and converted into a public park by the Arizona State Parks Board.
The park was opened on 19th October 1991 as an environmental preserve, with stunning scenery, that’s used for teaching the public, schools, and private groups about local wildlife and protecting the riparian habitat along Oak Creek.
You will have the chance to experience the surrounding red rocks of Sedona up close when you visit the Red Rock State Park. Take your family on a walking adventure at the park or you can just find a nice place and enjoy some peace of mind.
There are several different native species of wildlife that you will see in the park and the interpretive exhibits will help you learn all about them. There’s also a Junior Rangers program for the kids, a movie theater, and a gift shop.
If you are looking to throw a party or even hold a wedding at the Red Rock State Park, there are ramadas that you can reserve for use. There are trails and options for biking or horseback riding, and other outdoor activities you can do as a family.
See Related: Best Travel Photography Books to Inspire You
6. Devil’s Bridge Trailhead
Address: Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Devil’s Bridge Trailhead is a great hiking trail in Sedona located at Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, and is quite beautiful despite its ominous name.
The hiking trail is quite easy and has beautiful scenery dotted with surrounding red rocks. It’s a tradition that hikers here take photos and leave them on the red rocks arch to commemorate their climb.
The hike takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your ability and pace – it’s easy to dawdle because this place is stunning.
To go for a hike, you need to purchase a day pass for $5, if you plan on coming back for a week consecutively, you should go with the weekly pass for $15. However, with an America the Beautiful Pass you don’t need to purchase this pass.
If your vehicle is a 4X4, you can head directly to the Devil’s Bridge trailhead and then make the 2-mile round trip on foot. Without a 4X4, you will need to drive down to the dry creek road lot and then walk along the dirt road till you get to the trailhead, which is a 4.6-mile round trip.
You could also drive to the Mescal Trailhead on Long Canyon Road and then walk for a mile on a trail to the Devils Bridge trail. It’s a bike trail so stay alert for bikes as you enjoy the beautiful desert scenery. Make sure to bring water!
See Related: Best Gadgets for Long Flights
7. Chapel of the Holy Cross
Address: 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Chapel of the Holy Cross was inspired and commissioned by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a local rancher. She had originally planned to build the church in Budapest, Hungary but the outbreak of World War II put the kibosh on that.
Years later she decided to have it built back at her native home of Arizona, about 4 miles south of Sedona’s “Y” section. Well, Budapest’s loss is Sedona’s gain. This place is not only a feat of engineering, but it’s also arguably one of the most visually stunning churches on Earth.
The chapel is built on Coconino National Forest land and the construction took 18 months to finish. It was completed in 1956 and cost a whopping $300,000 to construct. It seats on top of a couple of red rocks in Sedona.
In the interior there is a giant cross that holds together the main stained-glass windows that overlook the Verde Valley, offering spectacular views of Sedona. When going with your family, make sure that you arrive early to avoid long hikes due to the annoying fact most of the parking spots are quite far from the church itself. The place gets crowded, so going early will also give you time to enjoy the scenery in some peace and quiet before people start flooding in.
See Related: Best Tumi Travel Kits
8. Boynton Canyon Trail
Address: Boynton Canyon Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Boynton Canyon trail is on another site believed to be a vortex of healing energy. Located at Boynton Canyon Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336. This trail is very popular and has many visitors every year.
This 7.2 miles hiking trail offers you great scenic views where you can admire the variety of plants that manage to survive in this harsh environment.
While taking the hike keep your eyes open for the numerous wildlife in the area. Animals such as colorful songbirds and timid whitetail deer. You can walk your dog here, but they must be leashed at all times. Letting your dog off the leash will incur a huge fine from the park’s authority.
Entrance is charged per vehicle per day, and it’s done by the Secret Mountain Wilderness. The park is open all year round and requires a Red Rock Pass to get in. Again, you can use America the Beautiful Pass instead if you have one.
The trail is one of the closest to Sedona and thanks to the good roads, you don’t have to bounce around in a jeep on your way to it. This also means that crowds build up fast due to easy access.
The trail is kid-friendly courtesy of the good roads that make the hike way easier for children. They also get to learn some history and even get some amazing pics for social media. A luxury resort was recently constructed near where the trail starts, offering a sublime home base.
See Related: Motel vs Hotel vs Inn
9. Sedona/Red Rock Country
Address: 331 Forest Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Red Rock Country has a spectacular landscape of giant red sandstone spires and red sandstone cliffs. The Red Rock Country is very popular among tourists due to its amazing landscapes. There’s plenty of nearby accommodation for all sorts of travelers from camping to staying in luxury resorts.
Before venturing into the forest, you should visit one of the two Forest Service Visitors Centers and get a map of the area to help you navigate with ease and show you locations of places of interest.
If you and your family love flowers, visiting Sedona/Red Rock Country in spring will blow your mind. The incomparable display of spring wildflowers here is spectacular, especially after a wet winter.
Species of flowers on display include the California poppy, evening primrose, lupine, owl’s clover, globemallow, and paintbrush.
See Related: Travel Hacking 101
10. Crescent Moon Ranch
Address: 300 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Crescent Moon Ranch is a great place to stay when you are discovering the city of Sedona and its surroundings. The homestead on the ranch was first settled by John Lee, a cattleman, but has changed hands several times.
The US Forest Service bought the land at 300 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, in 1980 to keep it from being developed commercially. The Baldwin home on the compound is registered in the National Register of Historic Places and was restored for the public to enjoy.
The ranch offers both a home and campsites for visitors to stay in. There’s an availability grid that is used to show which campsites are free and the dates you can book. Green boxes indicate the sites that have been taken and are marked with “FF”, the available sites are indicated by Blue boxes and are marked with “A”.
The main house has lots of space for you and your family with 3 bedrooms, a large living room, 3 bathrooms, an enclosed sun porch, and two kitchens. There’s electricity and running water and extra bedding for the living room in case you have more people than anticipated.
See Related: Top Sites for Booking Tours
11. Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Address: 333 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Crescent Moon Picnic Site is located about 7 miles southwest of Sedona City Center. The Cathedral Rock by Crescent Moon Picnic Site is a favorite spot for photographers and campers. The waters of Oak Creek provide visitors with a place to fish and swim and an amazing picnic spot.
The best time to visit the Crescent Moon Picnic Site is early morning on weekdays. Due to its popularity, the place gets crowded especially on weekends and in the evenings. A fee of $10 per car is charged at the entrance.
It’s a great place to visit with your family. Bring a picnic, play some water games, watch the wildlife in the area, do some fishing, and take some photos to remember your experience together as a family.
Sunsets here are just breathtaking and the open sky and minimal light pollution make the area perfect for stargazing. You don’t have to leave your pooch at home either, as the picnic site grants access to dogs on a leash.
Make sure that you take a minute to visit the Crescent Moon Spiritual Area for spiritual rejuvenation before heading back to the hustle of your hectic lives!
See Related: Best Travel Totes
12. Midgley Bridge Picnic Area
Address: AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
The Midgley Bridge picnic area is located along Highway 89A, approximately 5.5 miles north of the Y intersection of Highway 19 in Sedona. East of Midgley Bridge is a car park that acts as a trailhead to trails such as Wilson Mountain Trail (5.6 miles round trip and a 2400-foot elevation), Huckaby Trail (2.6 miles mild trail), Jim Thompson Trail (3 miles, 100-foot elevation) and the Wilson Canyon Trail (2.2 miles, 500-foot elevation).
The trailhead is easy to find for it starts right underneath the Midgley Bridge. Just follow it down and it will lead you to all the hiking trails.
The site has heavy foot traffic due to the popularity of its pristine views, the red rock formations, and the beautiful cooling spot by the river. It’s a great place to visit as a family, particularly on a hot day.
It has a private parking lot, bike parking, and gender-neutral restrooms. Getting there early will be advantageous especially if you drive there and need a place to park. You will need a day pass to venture into the area which can be automatically purchased from a vending machine on site.
When visiting hiking trails with your kids, do keep an eye out for poison ivy, especially when walking through narrow spaces!
See Related: Best Things to Do in Chandler, Arizona
13. Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park is a great place to take your kids for a day of fun. There are plenty of activities to keep them entertained, including hiking, swimming, and sliding down the natural rock waterslides.
The park is also home to some beautiful scenery, so be sure to take some time to enjoy the views. The best time to visit Slide Rock State Park is in the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild. Summertime can be quite hot, and winter can be quite cold, so those times may not be ideal.
See Related: Fun & Best Things to Do in Page, Arizona
14. Verde Canyon Railroad
Verde Canyon Railroad is a great place to take your family for a unique and family-fun experience. The railroad offers some of the best views of the Arizona landscape, and it’s a great way to explore the area.
There are also plenty of activities for kids, so they’ll have a blast on the train ride. And if you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can even take a Verde Canyon Railway tour, which includes stops at verdant canyon walls, ancient ruins, and more.
So whether you’re looking for a day trip or a longer vacation, Verde Canyon Railroad is sure to please.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Phoenix
15. Visit the Hot Springs
If you’re looking for one of the truly unique and memorable things to do in Sedona with kids, be sure to add a visit to one of Sedona’s many hot springs to your itinerary.
Hot springs are found throughout the world, but Sedona’s are truly some of the most beautiful and relaxing you’ll find anywhere. Soaking in the warm waters surrounded by stunning red rocks is an experience you won’t soon forget.
There are several different hot springs to choose from in Sedona, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, try Honeymoon Grove. This small pool is only accessible by hiking a short distance off the beaten path.
See Related: Cheapest Places to Travel in the World
16. Visit Bell Rock
Bell Rock is a popular attraction in Sedona, Arizona, known for its large sandstone formations. The Bell Rock Pathway winds around the base of Bell Rock, providing stunning views and access to several smaller rocks that are perfect for exploring.
Kids will love scrambling over the rocks and searching for interesting fossils and crystals. Bell Rock is also a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch or watch the sunset. Visitors can find plenty of parking near Bell Rock, making it easy to explore this Sedona landmark.
17. Pink Jeep Tours
There are many fun things to do in Sedona, Arizona with kids. One of these is taking a Pink Jeep Tour. This is a great way to explore the area and have some fun with your family. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and will make sure that everyone has a good time.
The price for an hour-long tour is $85 for adults and $50 for children. Since these tours can be self-guided, there’s no minimum or maximum number of participants per tour.
For groups of 10 or more, you can pre-book your own private tour beforehand. Plus, this way there will be no worrying about trying to collect payment from all the different people afterward.
18. Red Rock Scenic Byway
If you are looking for one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids, make sure you take them on the scenic route during your family vacation. This is particularly important if you are driving to visit Sedona.
This can be a great way to show your kids around before you get into the city while also seeing the iconic red rock formations that are so truly special in Northern Arizona.
Visiting Sedona is an experience like no other place in the world. So, make sure you do it right and have fun in Sedona exploring during your family vacation.
FAQ
What are some of the best things to do in Sedona with kids?
There are many great things to do in Sedona with kids! Here are just a few ideas:
Visit the Red Rock State Park: This state park is perfect for hiking, picnicking, and exploring. The kids will love seeing all the red rocks up close!
Check out Slide Rock State Park: This state park is home to a natural water slide that the kids will love! There are also plenty of hiking trails to explore.
Explore Downtown Sedona: Downtown Sedona is full of fun shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Consider visiting during the Sedona Arts Festival to make the most of your family vacation for both parents and young kids.
Is Sedona, Arizona Kid Friendly?
Yes, Sedona is a great place to take kids. There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep them busy, and the scenery is beautiful. Plus, there are a ton of great family-friendly restaurants and hotels.
Related Resources
Lock In Your Travel Now
Find Cheap Flights
Use Skyscanner to find flight deals. As my personal favorite flight search engine, Skyscanner scours websites and airlines across the globe, leaving no stone unturned to help you find the best deal possible. And if you really want to take your savings to new heights, pair Skyscanner with Going (Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights). With access to exclusive mistake fares delivered straight to your inbox, you'll be packing your bags and jetting off on your next adventure before you know it.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a low cost way to ensure your travel plans go smooth no matter what's thrown at it. Cover yourself against illness, injury and theft, and protect the arrangements you've made with our flexible travel cancellation insurance. My favorite options for travel insurance are:
Book Your Accommodation
In order to capture the widest selection of properties and the best price, use Booking.com as they have the cheapest rates for guesthouses, hotels, luxury condos, B&Bs and so much more.
Want More Destination Ideas Direct to Your Inbox?
Be sure to join the ViaTravelers Newsletter for expert tips, tricks and inspiration for your next travel journey!
Discover the Best Travel Tools
Be sure to visit our page on our favorite travel resources to learn how you too can visit over 10 countries in year.