15 Exciting and Fun Things to Do in Sedona With Kids

Looking for fun things to do in Sedona with kids? Stay right here! With its stunning red rocks, endless outdoor adventure, and easy access, Sedona is a popular destination for families. Here, we share 15 family-friendly Sedona activities, plus tips on when to visit, where to stay, and more. 

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Sedona is world renowned for its iconic red rock formations, resembling everything from Snoopy to rabbit ears and coffee pots. And while hiking the family-friendly trails is certainly one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids, this Arizona town offers many, many other activities. 

From sliding down natural water slides at Slide Rock State Park and off-roading to exploring ancient cliff dwellings and enjoying a chuckwagon dinner at an authentic dude ranch, there’s truly something here for everyone. 

To help you plan an unforgettable trip for the whole family, we compiled a list of over 15 of the best activities to check out in Sedona with kids. 

Best of all? With all the natural beauty and activities catering to outdoor enthusiasts, you can have a fantastic time in Sedona on a budget. If you’re giving us the side-eye, stick around—we’ll prove it!

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Best Time to Visit Sedona With Kids

Yes, visiting ‘with kids’ matters in this context. While Sedona is a year-round destination with plenty to offer in every season, we strongly discourage visiting with kids in the summer. And to clarify, ‘summer’ means June through most of September.

Temperatures soar well above what’s comfortable or even safe, trails have minimal or no shade, and there’s very little, if any, water. Adults can hit the trail super early or wait until sunset, but it’s pretty miserable for little ones. Seriously, avoid it at all costs. 

With that said, the best time of year to enjoy fun things to do in Sedona with kids is any time other than summer!

Our personal recommendations are fall and spring (October-November and late February through early March), when you get mild weather, tons of sunshine, and pops of color everywhere. 

The only downside to visiting during these seasons is that everyone else does, too. Sedona is a wildly popular destination in nice weather, so come prepared for traffic, crowds, long wait times at restaurants, and sky-high pricing on everything from hotels to tours. 

Winter in Sedona is stunningly beautiful, especially if you catch ‘Snowdona,’ but be aware that temperatures can be unpredictable. It gets much colder than many visitors realize!

Sedona Red Rock Pass

A Red Rock Pass is required at most fee sites in Sedona, including many popular trailheads. You can buy daily ($5), weekly ($15), or annual ($20) passes, either online at Recreation.gov or in person from several vendors. 

Money generated from Red Rock Passes goes directly to conservation, funding things including trail maintenance and improvements, building more restrooms and picnic sites, trash removal, and more. Learn more about the Sedona Red Rock Pass here.

If you have an annual national parks pass (AKA America the Beautiful Pass), you can use that in lieu of the Red Rock Pass. Not sure what the national parks pass is? Read about it HERE!

Sedona Shuttle

Even with a Red Rock Pass, you’ll quickly discover that traffic and parking are tremendous problems during much of the year (particularly not fun when you’re visiting Sedona with kids!). Thankfully, the city came up with an awesome solution: the Sedona Shuttle.

This completely FREE shuttle runs year-round, providing transportation to some of the most popular Sedona hiking trails. 

To take the shuttle, park in one of three large, free Park & Ride lots: West SR-89A, North SR-179, or Posse Grounds. Then, simply wait for the next shuttle going to your desired trailhead. Shuttles come every 10-45 minutes, depending on the season and day of the week. 

The Sedona Shuttle runs Thursday-Sunday for most of the year and seven days a week during peak season (spring break, around the holidays, etc.). Rides start at 7:00 am in the summer and 8:00 am the rest of the year, running until between 5-6:00 pm. 

Shuttle buses are wheelchair-accessible and have bike racks, but do not allow dogs. 

Note: If you ONLY use the shuttle for getting to trailheads, you do NOT need a Red Rock Pass.

Best Things to Do in Sedona With Kids

1. Take a Family-friendly Hike

Sedona is an epic hiking destination, but there’s another side of it, too. In fact, several of the best, most iconic viewpoints are actually on short, easy hikes (really!). 

Here are some of the best trails to tackle if you’re visiting Sedona with kids.

• Seven Sacred Pools: VERY easy, very scenic stroll to a chain of small sparkling pools (seasonal). You’ll pass the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole and can continue to ‘hidden’ Soldier Pass Cave, about one mile further.
• Secret Slick Rock: A top choice for things to do in Sedona with kids, this super short adventure leads to a ‘secret’ view of Cathedral Rock. The trickiest part is finding the trail.
• Devil’s Bridge: One of, if not THE, most popular hikes in Sedona, right around four miles round-trip to a huge natural sandstone arch. Easy except for one steep-ish section near the end. And don’t worry, the ‘bridge’ is much wider than it looks (honest!). 
• Cathedral Rock: Adventurous families, this one’s all you. The ‘hike’ up Cathedral Rock is really more of a scramble/climb where you’ll sometimes need to use all fours. You can go as far as you want, making it ideal for kiddos. 
• Fay Canyon Trail: A rarity among Sedona hiking trails, Fay Canyon is mostly shaded. It also has minimal elevation gain, and is tucked away far from the busiest trails. 
• West Fork Trail: Although the full trail is nearly seven miles long, it’s easy to go only as far as you want and turn back. Thanks to several creek crossings and swimming holes, West Fork is perfect for hot days.

2. Slide Down Natural Water Slides at Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock is a beautiful, incredibly unique state park technically in Oak Creek Canyon (just north of town, about 15 minutes from Uptown Sedona). When it’s too hot to hike, this is the place to go. Or better yet, take a refreshing dip after your hike!

The star attraction of Slide Rock State Park is an 80-foot natural ‘water slide’ nestled in the red rocks along the creek. 

The park also has a gift shop, short family-friendly trails, and large picnic area, so it’s the perfect option for fun things to do in Sedona with kids. 

It costs $10-$30 per vehicle, varying with the time of year and weekdays versus weekends. If you plan to slide, make sure to wear water shoes and a swimsuit with some back and booty coverage (you want some protection from the rocks!).

3. Experience an Energy Vortex

Visiting any of Sedona’s seven energy vortexes is one of the most unique, fun things to do on a family vacation.  

It’s also a clever way to motivate beginner hikers to make the trek to some seriously impressive vistas. 

For those who may be unfamiliar, a huge part of Sedona’s fame and appeal comes from its energy vortices throughout town. Many people believe these vortexes are sacred and have increased levels of energy, with the ability to recharge, re-center, and even heal. 

While Sedona as a whole is technically a vortex, there are four particularly intense vortexes in the area: Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. 

Bell Rock

Bell Rock itself is a short, very family–friendly trail (0.8 miles roundtrip) that ends halfway up the mountain, where you’ll enjoy views of the iconic bell–shaped rock formation. 

But getting to the masculine Bell Rock vortex at the top is another story. The mountain is much steeper than Cathedral Rock, to the point that you scramble more so than hike. In fact, signs read “Bell Rock Climb” rather than “Bell Rock Trail.”

Actually going up to the vortex may not be the best option for young kiddos, but it’s perfectly doable with bigger kids. Also, if you have more than one adult in your group, one can stay back before the trail gets too steep while the other goes and experiences the vortex.

Cathedral Rock

Considered to be the most powerful energy vortex in Sedona, Cathedral Rock has feminine energy flowing upward, out of the rocks. It also offers one of the best, most iconic views of red rock country at the top, reached via a short but very steep 1.2-mile roundtrip hike.

Boynton Canyon

Boynton Canyon is another mostly flat, family-friendly trail. The electromagnetic vortex here is unique, with a balance of both feminine and masculine energy. 

It’s found near a tall spire known as “Kachina Woman Rock.” To get there, take the Boynton Canyon Trail until you reach Boynton Canyon Vista Trail, then follow that to the vortex. The entire hike is a short 20-30 minute hike.

Airport Mesa

Prefer an easier hike? Airport Mesa, with its masculine energy, is one of the most easily accessible vortex sites. It also happens to be a fantastic sunset spot, making this one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids. 

There’s a small, free parking lot (maybe 10 vehicles) near the vortex, but if it’s full, park at the Airport Mesa Scenic Lookout for $3 and hike the 1.2-mile roundtrip Sedona View Trail to it.

4. Take a Jeep Tour

In addition to hiking, Jeep tours are one of the best ways for a whole family to explore red rock country. 

You’ll have a front row seat to spectacular scenery, get a bit of adventure in, and learn about the area’s unique geography and history all at once. 

You’ll find a Sedona Jeep tour for just about every imaginable interest, budget, and schedule. Seriously, there are TONS! Sightseeing tours, vortex tours, bumpy, heart-pounding off-road tours, private tours—the list goes on and on. 

Here are a few of our most recommended Sedona Jeep tours, specifically for a family vacation. Remember to bring some cash to tip your tour guide!

• Red Rock West 2-Hour Jeep Tour: Excellent family fun tour that includes filming locations for old Westerns and the famous Van Deren cabin
• 4×4 Colorado Plateau 2-Hour Tour: A true off-roading tour, taking either Huckaby or Munds Wagon Trail
• Lil’ Rattler Jeep Tour: Ideal for visiting Sedona with kids, this easy-going tour explores the canyon floor of Dry Creek Basin, home to some of the area’s best scenery
• Guided Vortex Jeep Tour: Ideal for people mostly interested in energy vortexes, with some walking and no off-roading. Not suitable for families with toddlers under age two.
• Private Stargazing Tour: Want to impress your family? Get away from the city lights and experience a clear dark sky on this tour, one of the best things to do with kids in Sedona.

5. Rent ATV’s to (Literally) Get Off the Beaten Path

If you’re more of a DIY family, you may enjoy renting ATVs rather than going on a guided Jeep tour. Adventuring off-road through red rock country is one of the best, most fun ways to experience its natural beauty. And, of course, it’s a huge hit with kids!

A couple of things to be aware of if you decide to go the self-guided ATV tour route…

Off-roading in Sedona is very likely not what you’re accustomed to. Outside of Moab, few places have this unique—and aptly-named—slickrock. The terrain is slippery, hard (busting axles is a verrrry real thing here), and difficult to follow. 

For all the reasons listed above, be prepared to put down a security deposit of anywhere from $1,000-3,000. It’s just like renting a regular vehicle, but many first-timers have serious sticker shock. 

6. Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross

Literally built right into the red rocks, beautiful Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks. Many people don’t realize that you can actually go inside—or that it’s one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids. 

You can tour the inside of the gorgeous Roman Catholic chapel for free, and the entrance has an amazing view of the surrounding mountains. There’s also a large gift shop on the lower floor that sells souvenirs, candles, books, and more. 

While the chapel can be a relatively quick stop on your Sedona itinerary, navigating traffic and finding parking in the somewhat small lot may take quite awhile…especially on extra warm days, when everyone is looking for indoor things to do in Sedona. 

7. Ride The Sedona Trolley

Particularly for people visiting Sedona with kids for the first time, riding the trolley is a fantastic way for the whole family to learn about the town and get a very literal lay of the land. 

The trolley departs daily from the heart of Uptown (easy walking distance from Elote Cafe and right next to Canyon Breeze restaurant), offering two different narrated tours: ‘Tour A’ of South Sedona and Chapel of the Holy Cross, and ‘Tour B’ of West Sedona and Fay Canyon.

On both tours, knowledgeable guides take you on a short one hour drive, showcasing some of the most iconic views in Sedona and pointing out some lesser-known sights and trails. 

Many people say they add a hike or viewpoint that wasn’t even on their radar before the tour, and it ends up being one of their favorite activities!

Tour A drives through Sedona’s charming Tlaquepaque Arts Village and makes a 15-minute stop at Chapel of the Holy Cross. If you want to see it but don’t necessarily want to deal with parking, this tour is the perfect alternative. 

Can’t decide between the tours? Book BOTH as a combo and see all of Sedona! The tour company even offers a nice 20% discount when you book both.

8. Red Rock State Park

A short drive from Uptown and Crescent Moon picnic site (another perfect place to add to your list of things to do in Sedona with kids!), Red Rock State very much caters to families. 

The park has over a dozen short, easy-ish hiking trails and hosts daily guided nature hikes and bird walks. You’ll find several picnic areas, and kids 6-12 can also participate in the Junior Ranger program. 

Bonus: the Red Rock Crossing swimming hole (Oak Creek) at Crescent Moon Ranch is also here.

9. Get Some Retail Therapy in Uptown Sedona

It’s sort of a tomato-tomahto thing: uptown Sedona is what many call ‘downtown Sedona.‘ Because of the town’s geography along 89A, Sedona is too spread out to have a traditional downtown area. Instead, the ‘main strip’ is Uptown. 

Here, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries, all easily walkable and set against a beautiful mountain backdrop with red rock views. It’s a great place to pick up unique souvenirs like crystals, wind chimes, dream catchers, and even custom holiday photocards.

To be completely honest, Uptown gets extremely crowded with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and you’ll hear locals openly saying they avoid it. While that’s 100% true (there’s no sugarcoating it), it can be enjoyable—if you have the right expectations. 

With that said, here are our recommendations for the best stops in Uptown Sedona. We’re not exactly locals, but we did live 1.5 hours away in Phoenix for years, and have visited Sedona more times than we can count. 

• Elote Cafe: Easily one of the best restaurants in Arizona, but know that reservations are required and they book out months in advance (yes, seriously)
• Cowboy Club: A true Sedona classic, serving ‘high desert cuisine’ like amazing steaks, rattlesnake bites, and cactus fries
• HP Cafe: A little of everything, all executed very well (lunch is especially good!)
• L’espressino for coffee
• Sedona Visitor Center: Not only can you purchase your Red Rock Pass here (required for parking at most popular trailheads), but you can also get National Parks Annual Passes or Sedona area maps. Best of all, though, the staff has excellent insight on hikes. 
• Sedona Heritage Museum: Just off the main strip in the historic Jordan family homestead, this is one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids. Explore on your own or book a docent-led tour. As a major bonus, kids under 13 are free.

10. Ride The Verde Canyon Railroad

Take the family on a scenic train ride aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. Choose from a variety of themed rides, each one taking a 20-mile (one way) route that passes by ancient cliff dwellings, historic mining sites, wildlife, and beautiful Southwest scenery. 

In addition to the ‘regular’ morning and afternoon train rides, you can book starlight rides, wine or beer-tasting rides, and holiday rides. Fright Nights, Magical Christmas Journey, and the New Years Eve Family Celebration are all especially popular things to do in Sedona with kids. 

The train departs from the Verde Canyon Railroad Depot in Clarkdale, about 30 minutes from Sedona. Allow some extra time to explore the John Bell Museum, inside a converted boxcar. 

Side note: Clarkdale is an adorable small town, well worth spending a few hours for a half day trip. It’s a fabulous wine tasting destination, and has surprisingly great food. Don’t miss Violette’s Bakery (in a literal caboose!) and cream puffs from Old Town Cafe in nearby Cottonwood.

11. Kayak the Verde River

Also in the Cottonwood/Clarkdale area, you’ll find the scenic Verde River. The stretch that flows through the towns is very calm, so paddling it is one of the best outdoor activities for families visiting Sedona with kids. 

These guided kayaking tours take you 3.5 miles down the Verde River with beginner-friendly Class I and II rapids. It’s a great way to see the Verde Valley from a unique perspective! Plan to be on the water for 2.5-3 hours. 

While outfitters provide inflatable kayaks and life vests, you should bring your own lightweight towels, dry bag, water shoes, and phone pouch. 

12. Watch Sunset at the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout

Arizona is renowned for its incredible sunsets, and they’re especially beautiful in Sedona, with the sun drenching the red rocks in a golden glow. 

The Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is one of the best places to watch sunset in Sedona. It faces west, overlooking West Sedona. 

You’ll have an amazing view of Chimney Rock, Thunder Mountain, Coffee Pot, and other iconic rock formations. The lookout even has coin-operated telescopes to get an up-close look. 

It costs $3 to park in the large lot at the top of Airport Mesa, right off Airport Road near the lookout. Note: Red Rock Passes aren’t valid here; everyone pays the $3. 

As you might imagine, it gets extremely busy up here for sunset. So busy that a line of vehicles forms 1-1.5 hours before sunset. Plan accordingly so that you don’t completely miss golden hour stuck in your vehicle!

Before or after sunset (night hike, anyone?), you can also hike the easy-to-moderate 1.2-mile roundtrip Sedona View Trail (also sometimes called the Airport View Trail) to the Airport Mesa vortex. 

13. Go Stargazing

With its lack of big-city lights, Sedona is a great place to stargaze. In fact, it’s a designated International Dark Sky Community. Many businesses close early so as not to contribute to light pollution, and it’s quite common for homes to have special dimmer exterior lights.

Some of the best places to go stargazing in Sedona include Crescent Moon Picnic Site, the Fay Canyon trailhead (or even the parking lot!), Aerie Trailhead at the end of Boynton Pass Road, Dry Creek Road in West Sedona, and the Beaverhead Flat Scenic Overlook. 

If you’re up for a mini road trip, the absolute best place to go stargazing (maybe in all of Arizona!) is the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, about 45 minutes north of Sedona. 

At night, the observatory sets up six telescopes so you can get an unbeatable view of the stars, galaxies, and planets. 

With minimal costs involved and a sense of adventure being at nighttime, stargazing is by far one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids. 

14. Blazin’ M Ranch

Out in Cottonwood, the Western-style dinner show at Blazin’ M Ranch is one of the most unique things to do in Sedona with kids. 

Ranch hands serve guests on tin plates from a chuckwagon, and there may or may not be some flying biscuits involved. After dinner, enjoy live country music and an interactive show with audience participation. 

Other activities at Blazin’ M include a mini-golf course, vintage tractor ride, old-time photo studio, mechanical bull rides, axe-throwing, a shooting gallery, roping lessons, and Frontier Town shops.

15. Explore Archaeological sites

With such a long, rich history and unique geography, one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids is explore some of the area’s ancient cliff dwellings and other heritage sites. 

Here are our top suggestions. Note that for several, you need to make a reservation ahead of time, have a high-clearance vehicle, or can only visit on a tour. 

• Palatki Heritage Site: The closest site to Sedona, in the Coconino National Forest. Three trails take you to elaborate ancient cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people. Advance reservations required, and it’s drivable only with a Jeep or similar 4-wheel drive vehicle. 
• Honanki Heritage Site: Sister site to Palatki, and together, they comprise the area’s largest cliff dwellings from AD 1150-1350. The road is very rough, so you can generally only visit on a guided Pink Jeep tour. 
• Montezuma Castle National Monument & Montezuma Well: About 40 minutes south of Sedona, this 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling is one of the best preserved in the country. You can easily visit both, just 20 minutes apart. 
• Tuzigoot National Monument: Take a self-guided half-mile hike through a massive 110-room Sinaguan pueblo. As a nice perk, paid admission also gets you into Montezuma Castle (keep your receipt!), and it’s right next to the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Up for a full day adventure? This Ruins & Volcanoes small group tour takes you up to the Wupatki National Monument, then the east and south rims of the Grand Canyon. Hotel pickup and lunch are included. 

Best Places to Stay in Sedona With Kids

It’s no secret that red rock country is renowned for its sprawling upscale resorts. However, if you’re specifically visiting for things to do in Sedona with kids, that’s probably not what you have in mind. Luckily, there are several fantastic family-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. 

Kid-friendly Sedona Hotels

• Red Agave Adventure Resort: Pet-friendly hotel in the quiet Oak Creek area next to Bell Rock, with a heated pool, private trailhead (Slim Shady), and community fire pits.
• Sky Ranch Lodge: Fantastic location and some of the best views in Sedona, with grounds that feel like a botanical garden and cabin-like guestrooms. Family-owned, dog-friendly, and even a complimentary shuttle from 2-10:00 pm daily.
• Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock: Large, recently renovated resort with two pools, 18-hole championship golf course, and tons of onsite activities, plus all rooms have a fireplace, kitchenette, and balcony or patio.
• The Wilde Resort and Spa: In West Sedona, which has a much more local feel, this modern resort is close to Whole Foods and has an onsite restaurant, spa, pool, and rooftop outdoor living room.
• Junipine Resort: Secluded location along Oak Creek adjacent to Slide Rock State Park, lodging here is in individual ‘creekhomes’ with full kitchens, fireplaces, and decks.

Sedona Vacation Rentals for Families

• Walking distance from Uptown: One block off Uptown (walk everywhere!), with three outdoor patios and a perfect 5-star rating
• Dog-friendly creekside home: Gorgeous Midcentury home near Tlaquepaque with yard games
• Large West Sedona home with pool: Modern house on a half-acre sleeps 12, plus has a billiards room, gym, and yoga studio
• 3-bedroom home with lap pool and garden: Between Tlaquepaque and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, this house is like a private retreat
• West Sedona cottage adjacent to Peace Park: Lovely home in quiet West Sedona next to Amitabha Stupa Peace Park

Best Sedona RV Parks & Campgrounds

• Rancho Sedona RV Park: Literally the only RV park in Sedona proper, sitting along Oak Creek in a forested area. It’s known to have tons of rules and be spendy and hard to get into, but that’s unsurprising being that it’s the only option in town.
• Rio Verde RV Park: 15 minutes from town in Cottonwood, along the Verde River. Onsite laundry, hiking trails, and Indian ruins, wi-fi, and also convenient to Clarkdale and Jerome.
• Verde Ranch RV Resort: Resort-style ‘glampground’ in Camp Verde, with RV sites, cabins, luxury safari tents, and conestoga wagons. Amenities include a splash pad, heated pool, dog park, clubhouse, gym, sports courts, laundry, and more.

Whew…with all that info, you should be totally ready to plan your trip to Sedona with kids! For more inspiration, check out our list of the best Sedona hikes with views. And remember, if it’s too hot for a hike, a Jeep tour, visiting Slide Rock, or riding the Verde Canyon Railroad are great alternatives! 

For specific details on where to stay and what to eat in town, see our one day Sedona itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!

Written by Layla Pond from Layla’s Lens

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