This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure.
The desert town of Sedona might not be the first place you think of taking your kids to. I can already hear the tantrums; it’s too hot, it’s too sandy, I don’t want to go hiking, but once you roll up the car and gaze upon your first glimpses of the iconic red-rock buttes and craggy canyons, I guarantee the moans and groans will stop.
The truth is, there are many things to do in Sedona with kids and they are bound to have an enjoyable vacation, even if hiking isn’t your family’s thing.
Sedona is an adventurers playground. It’s all about getting outdoors, gazing upon the most awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and exploring through the day, and falling asleep under Dark Skies at night.
These days, Sedona is widely known as a luxury destination since the rise of indulgent spas, art galleries, fine dining restaurants, and 5-star resorts hit the city.
It has all that, yes, but it has also retained its rustic and wild charm. In this guide, we share some of our favorite attractions in Sedona to do with kids, so you can pick out some activities and start mapping out your itinerary. And best of all, many of these activities are free!
1. Bell Rock Pathway Hike
One of the best short walks in Sedona is the Bell Rock Path, making it an ideal hike to do with small children.
You don’t have to wonder too hard as to why it’s called Bell Rock, as the shape resembles that of a large bell, and the impressive Courthouse Butte sits right along side it.
The Bell Rock Pathway is one of the easiest hikes to do with kids, and it’s a stunning view as you get closer and closer to these iconic red rock formations.
The trail is easy to follow and only 3.5 miles round trip, so depending upon your walking pace and how many photos you stop to take, you should be able to do it within 1.5 hours.
On our first trip, we did not climb it as our niece wasn’t fit enough, but on our second trip we climbed up Bell Rock with the kids!
Well, we made it halfway up the rock, found a nice flat and safe area to sit and have a picnic, and take in the incredible views.
I would consider the path up a moderate to easy climb, and the path quite easy to follow, plus there are several people doing it so it’s hard to lose your way!
We came to a large gap in the rocks you scramble through, which was fun for the kids, then we hiked around the rock about another 10-minutes before finding this flat area.
Just take your time, keep your kids close to you, and you’ll be fine!
This is definitely one of the fun kid-friendly things to do in Sedona, and close to the village of Oak Creek.
2. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
The impressive and popular Sedona landmark, Chapel of the Holy Cross, is a Roman Catholic chapel is built into the red buttes and was built in 1956.
In 2007, the chapel became one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona. I mean look at those views!
If you only have time for one cultural site, make this it, as not only is the chapel’s position unique and interesting, but the surrounding views out over Verde Valley landscape and Cathedral Rock are stunning!
The Chapel was designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude (a student of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) and it’s an easy 4 mile drive from Uptown Sedona.
You only need a short time here and probably best to plan a morning visit as there is limited parking and it’s very popular, so get in early!
3. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway 179 and 89A
One of the best free things to do with kids in Sedona is to simply drive along Red Rock Scenic Byway 179 (SR 179), one of America’s most beautiful scenic drives.
It’s on this stretch of road we got our first glimpse of Red Rock Country and what was to come.
You jump on this stretch of road off interstate 17, but I think the best section is between the Village of Oak Creek towards Uptown.
We stayed in the Village of Oak Creek (see our hotel down below) and each morning drove 15-minutes into Uptown to meet my parents at their hotel.
Along this stretch you get views of iconic landscapes like Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Castle Rock and Cathedral Rock, Snoopy Rock and in the distance a glimpse of the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
In the morning the sun is positioned perfectly to shine brilliant light on these formations!
You can pull over at several exits for more scenic vistas, and if you are staying in Oak Creek Village like I did you get to do this drive in both directions for a different perspective – recommended.
State Route 89A offers views of Coffeepot Rock, Thunder Mountain (Capitol Butte), Sugarloaf Mountain and Chimney Rock!
3. Catch a sunset from the Sedona Airport Overlook
The Airport Overlook is a nice spot to watch the sun go down with stunning views of Thunder Mountain (Capitol Butte), Coffeepot Rock and the valley below.
Definitely do it at sunset, but I love this view at sunrise or even mid-morning as the position of the rising sun shines beautiful light on Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock, but at sunset they were mostly in shade.
There are less people in the mornings too!
Again, get here early at sunset to get a good spot, especially on weekend evenings!
4. Hike the Airport View Trail
We did the airport hiking trails on our last trip in mid-January when it was quiet. Those visiting in the summer, if the small car park area is full at the trailhead of the Airport Loop Trail, continue driving up hill and park at the Airport Overlook where you watch the sunset.
From there you can walk half a mile back down hill on the Airport View Trail (one of the easy hikes to do with kids) to the start of the Airport Loop Trail and get these views!
Airport Summit Trail
At the beginning of the Airport Loop Trail on Airport Road, take the short climb to the top of the Summit Trail for sensational views out over the valley and back over Thunder Mountain (Capitol Butte).
Feel the vortexes at Airport Mesa
Red Rock Country is regarded by Native Americans as sacred, and it continues to be recognized as a place of healing and spiritual renewal.
Many visitors come to experience the Sedona vortex energy centers. People travel from all over the world to experience the mysterious cosmic forces that are said to emanate from the red rocks.
The termVortex refers to a place where the earth energy swirls and draws to its center everything that surrounds it like a tornado.
Although all of Sedona is considered to be a vortex, there are specific sites where the energy crackles most intensely.
This is one of the vortex sites, Airport Mesa, so sit back and breathe in some of that positive energy.
Back onto the Airport Loop Trail
After tuning into the vortex energy on the summit trail, we headed off on this 3.2 mile Airport Loop Trail, which circles the Sedona airport.
We headed clockwise from the trailhead which offers amazing views of the valley below and as you round the bend Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock come into view.
On the second half of the hike, you get more wonderful views of Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock as you are hiking just below the Airport Overlook sunset point.
This is a moderate hike that is quite rocky early on with some steep drop-offs on the south side of Airport Mesa. Again, stay close to your kids and take it slow.
Bring plenty of water and some snack food. This hike took us about 2.5 hours with plenty of stops for photos and a picnic lunch.
5. Explore Uptown Sedona
Wander up and down both sides of the main street (SR 89A) in downtown Sedona checking out all the stores!
My kids loved shopping for crystals at Sedona Crystal Vortex, and picking out their favorite crystals to either wear as a necklace or bracelet, or place beside their bed.
There’s art stores, galleries, home decor, souvenir stores, boutique shopping, plus Native American jewelry, arts and crafts, and much more.
Be warned, you could easily go crazy on the shopping here!
6. Have sunset drinks and ice cream at Canyon Breeze
Late afternoon, we found ourselves on the patio of Sunset Breeze with these stunning mountain views of the red rocks!
Our kids all enjoyed an ice cream from Sabrina’s Ice Cream shop, whilst the adults an adult beverage, or two!
Canyon Breeze is right in the middle of Uptown and is a bit of an all-in-one restaurant serving up pizzas, burgers, a full bar, and ice creams.
It’s a relaxing spot to kick back at the end of the day and enjoy family time with views!
7. Hike the Cathedral Rock Trail
I think you can classify Cathedral Rock as more of a rock climb than a hike, but our kids managed it safely and it ranks as one of their favorite adventures in Sedona! They love climbing up and over rocks after all.
Cathedral Rock has elevation gain of about 740 ft (225m) over a short distance, so does require a certain amount of fitness.
There is a designated path to follow, and being one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona, and popular Sedona hikes there are plenty of people around to follow in their footsteps.
We hiked up to the saddle, which is the gap in the opening, and the views going up and at the top are amazing!
We did this hike during our January visit, but if you visit in the summer months it would be best to do this in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun and heat.
8. Do one of the Pink Jeep Tours
Many people suggested we do one of the Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona, and we are so glad we took their advice!
They are hard to miss when in town as they are well known as one of the best attractions, and we can see why – it’s a thrilling way to explore Red Rock Country!
We did the two hour Broken Arrow tour, their most extreme off-road adventure, and agree it’s definitely for the adventurous!
Our kids loved holding on in the back and going up and down 45 degree rock faces – and the views of red rock country are incredible!
The Schnebly Hill tour also comes highly recommended.
You can read our full review of the Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour here.
9. Hike the Devil’s Bridge Trail
Speaking of adventure, this hike starts off with an adventurous two mile drive in down a bumpy track to the trail head.
Luckily for us we own a 4×4 Ford F250 with high clearance which is necessary for this drive, otherwise you have to park at the outside car park and walk the extra way in.
The Devil’s Bridge Trail is very popular as it has the largest natural sandstone arch in Red Rock Country. The trail up is fairly easy and offers more stunning views.
But once you reach the arch, you’ll see the attraction!
Don’t worry, the suspended arch is a lot wider than it looks from this angle and is perfectly safe. Walk out there slowly, stay close to your kids, and don’t sit or stand near the edge!
We took a picnic lunch and sat on the main rock face of the mountain and were entertained watching others get their photos.
10. Relax on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Interestingly, no one from our community had suggested the Verde Canyon Railroad before we visited Sedona, but we overhead a staff member at the Visitor Center telling a couple about the train trip and we thought it sounded fun for our family!
So we jumped on board, and our girls insisted that we do it in style – First Class! This is a great half day trip from Sedona.
We were hosted by the railroad, but totally recommend First Class as it’s only a small cost extra than a regular ticket and I think well worth the price to get the appetizers, champagne toast upon arrival, access to a cash bar, and comfy seats large enough to lie down on!
You also get access to an open air carriage to stand outside and take uninterrupted photos!
The Verde Canyon Railroad experience takes a 20 mile journey through 100 years of history and red rock canyon walls.
The commentary is informative, and it was so nice to sit and relax for four hours and take in the incredible scenery without having to hike or drive.
11. Walk the Boynton Canyon Trail
At the start of the Boynton Canyon Trail is the Vista Trail, a short climb to Boynton Canyon Spire, a Sedona Vortex area!
There are incredible views here and a guy who plays a flute twice per day and hands out heart shaped rocks. Savannah loved this and really tuning into the energy here.
Then you can walk onto the actual Boynton Canyon Trail, a 6 mile out and back trail, which was the longest hike we did in Sedona with our children.
This was a different hike as we were walking through a canyon floor, so don’t forget to look up at the striking rock walls. The walk changes from canyon views to walking through a forest.
Most of the walk is moderate, although the last section involves a 400 foot elevation rise. Bring plenty of water, and a bite to eat to sit at the end and take in the canyon before the return walk.
12. Explore Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park was not as glamorous as the other hikes we did in Sedona. But, if you want a gentle pace, especially if you have young kids new to hiking, and if you want to see some wildlife, this may be a great spot for you!
The highlight of our time in Red Rock State Park was seeing 6 mule deer in the short distance. Savannah loved identifying them with her animal foot print identikit given to us by the state park ranger!
See our tips for hiking with kids here.
13. Hike the West Fork Trail
After reading the West Fork Trail was one of the best walks in Arizona AND the USA, we set off in the afternoon for it.
It’s an easy hiking trail for kids in Sedona as it follows the creek on the canyon floor. And they will love it for its 13 creek crossings. Our kids love stepping stones and walking across logs!
Be warned though, the signage is not very good on this walk – you’ll have multiple tracks to choose from! Keep following the creek and you’ll be fine.
We enjoyed this hike but wouldn’t put it in the category we heard others say as one of the best! I think it would be better in summer.
14. Watch the night skies on a stargazing tour
Budding astronomers and science nerds in the making will love the stargazing tour of Sedona. Because it’s so far away from big cities like Phoenix or Flaggstaff, you don’t get the haze of big city lights.
One of the biggest highlights to Sedona is that when the sun sets, there’s no light pollution to spoil the night time spectacle above your head.
You don’t need a telescope to admire the stars, but it does help to have an expert guide telling you about constellations and planets you can see.
Check out stargazing tours in Sedona here.
We didn’t do these attractions as we ran out of time, but we have marked down these attractions on our list for when we return.
- Slide Rock State Park – a water slide created by nature (warmer months).
- Ruins of Palatki and Honanki – largest cliff dwellings of the Red Rock Country between AD 1150 – 1350 Palatki Heritage Site is said to be the more impressive.
- Montezuma Castle and Montezuma’s Well in Camp Verde is a popular place to visit near Sedona. These two national monuments offer a glimpse into Verde Valley history and life with well-preserved cliff-dwellings. It was closed when we visited Sedona.
- Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village: A beautiful collection of Mexican-styled buildings is home to over 50 boutique arts and crafts shops, as well as a few great restaurants.
Places to eat in Sedona with kids
We know how hard it is to find a place to eat with fussy eaters, so here are some places we ate and loved.
Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits
This place came highly recommended. Formerly the Oak Creek Tavern, it has served as a meeting place, pool hall, grocery store and saloon.
More than 50 movies were filmed in this region and many of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars have stepped inside what is now called the Cowboy Club.
It serves up steaks, burgers, and seafood. Plus some famous unique dishes like Cactus Fries and Grilled Rattlesnake & Wild Boar Sausages.
I enjoyed my Bison Burger, Kalyra her ribs, and the salads and vegetable platters are great too! It’s casual and family-friendly, but with a full bar.
You feel like you have stepped back in time with the Country and Western decor, plus on display is the second largest set of Longhorn horns in the US and Cowboy Artists’ works.
Typically busy in the evenings, we decided to stop in for lunch instead. And if it’s full inside, they offer patio seating outdoors too!
Outlaw Grille
Looking for delicious burgers in a casual setting? Look no further!
The Outlaw Grille was a top insiders tip from a local in the know, and we’re glad they pointed us in this direction.
Located down a lane way off the main strip in Uptown, you won’t get those classic red rock views from here, but you’ll get tasty burgers made with fresh ingredients served up by friendly locals.
I went with the Outlaw Classic burger – there’s plenty here for the kids too!
Wildflower
If you like sandwiches and soups, consider the Wildflower. When we arrived at lunch time, the line was virtually out the door. It was good food without being great.
But what is great is the views from their patio, so if you can grab a seat outdoors in warmer weather do so!
They also do breakfast dishes and various pastas.
Elote Cafe
The Elote Café came highly recommended to us by several friends, and it didn’t disappoint.
This is one of the most popular restaurants in Sedona, with cuisine inspired by the markets of Mexico, and they do not take reservations so get there early or be prepared to wait.
We thoroughly enjoyed the service and our goat cheese balls, duck carnitas with guacamole, and vanilla bean flan.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
We stumbled upon this place by accident, and glad we did.
If you are gluten free like us, or just enjoy healthy eating, then put Picazzo’s on your list. And it’s far from just Italian, with plenty of healthy salad and quinoa bowls, and your typical kiddie options.
Canyon Breeze
I’m hesitant to add this as a place to eat, as the quality of the food was just ok, but it served it’s purpose as a cheap and casual place with the kids after a long day to grab some pizzas, wraps, sandwiches, salads and ice creams for a treat.
But as mentioned above, at least stop in here for the beer/wine and that stunning view!
Blazin’ M Ranch
This is not just a place to eat – it’s an experience. Before dinner, you can partake in some Western activities such as axe throwing, bull riding, or practice your shooting at the Shooting Gallery.
The Blazin’ M Ranch then offers its iconic cowboy show dinner theater, where you can chow down on BBQ chicken or rib dinner whilst being entertained, and then watch a Country Music band afterwards.
It’s not actually in Sedona, but in Cottonwood, but it’s geared towards families and an enjoyable experience, so we recommend going to it.
Where to stay in Sedona with kids
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
My two kids and I stayed at the Hilton Resort at Bell Rock. Situated in the Village of Oak Creek, the Hilton Sedona Resort was a lovely place to come back to and recover and relax after our daily activities in and around the region – and it’s just a 15-minute drive back into Uptown along the gorgeous Red Rock Scenic Byway 179!
We had stunning red rock views from the balcony of our two queen suite room all the way to Bell Rock, and resort amenities include three sparkling pools, an expansive athletic club and spa, and championship golf course.
What my kids loved, and what was great for me during breakfast and dinner time, was the nearby games of cornhole, table tennis, and jenga – I could actually sit and relax during a meal whilst they were entertained, lol.
There’s also fire pits to sit around, and you can dine out on the resort porch area with distant views.
Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas
If you want to stay in the heart of Uptown without spending a fortune, consider the Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas.
My parents and sisters family stayed here. My sister is a detailed travel researcher and planner and she chose that one herself.
They stayed in one of the Creekside Villas and loved the space and location.
Book early because of this hotels proximity to Uptown. I also looked at staying at this Best Western a few months out from our visit in September, but it was booked solid.
Final Thoughts
This is Red Rock Country and as you can see, many of the activities revolve around the outdoors! This is great for families as it’s usually free to go hiking and play immerse yourself in nature – one of our our favorite things to do in Arizona!
With 300+ miles of trails for hiking and biking, stunning mesas and canyons, a small-town atmosphere, and numerous other outdoor activities, we love Sedona as a family vacation destination!
Sedona is one of the most beautiful destinations in America, if not the world. Our kids still talk about it, and so do my parents and sisters family!
I hope this blog post inspired your trip and helps plan your own Sedona Arizona family itinerary.
Red Rock Country really does offer some of the most picturesque hikes we’ve ever done. Plus the numerous other family-friendly activities on offer have us planning to make this trip to an annual family vacation!
Popular Sedona Tours
Below are other recommended tours and kid friendly Sedona attractions and tours you might want to check out.
Free Southwest Itinerary
You can also access our printable Southwest itinerary (10 day, 2 week, 3 week and 4 week ideas for you) and our Utah bucket list when you join our Free VIP email tribe! Pop your details in the form below.
More Arizona Travel Tips
While you’re planning your trip to Arizona, here are some other helpful guides on things to do in the state that might help you with your itinerary:
Pin To Save On Pinterest
Do you plan to visit Sedona soon with your kids? What are you most excited to do? Please share in the comments below!
