Looking for things to do in Sedona with kids? A Sedona family trip isn’t just possible — it’s one of the best family destinations in Arizona, and we’ve been watching families discover that since 1992. The red rocks are a natural playground, the hikes range from stroller-friendly paths to kid-conquerable scrambles, and there’s enough variety (natural waterslides, Jeep tours, wildlife parks, fishing, stargazing) to keep every age group engaged. Here’s our age-by-age guide to making the most of Sedona with your family.
Things to do in Sedona With Kids
Why Sedona Works for Families: Things to Do in Sedona With Kids
Three reasons families keep coming back: the outdoor activities are genuinely exciting for kids (not just “nature is nice” forced appreciation), the drives between activities are short (nothing is more than 20 minutes apart), and the whole experience doubles as an effortless science and history lesson — geology, astronomy, ecology, and ancient civilizations are all on display without a museum in sight.
Best Activities by Age Group
Toddlers & Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)
Bell Rock Pathway: The wide, mostly flat trail is stroller-friendly for the first mile (use an all-terrain stroller). Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte provide a dramatic backdrop, and little ones can run on the open terrain. Stop when they’re done — no pressure to complete the full 3.6-mile loop.
Slide Rock State Park (summer): Shallow creek pools and the natural rock slide. Even toddlers can splash in the calm, shallow pools upstream of the main slide area. Parents, wear water shoes — the creek bed is slippery.
Rainbow Trout Farm: Located in Oak Creek Canyon, this family fishing spot provides all equipment and requires no license. Kids of any age can drop a line, and they stock the pond so catches are almost guaranteed. The pure joy on a 3-year-old’s face catching their first fish is worth the trip alone.
Red Rock State Park: Gentle, shaded trails along Oak Creek with birds, lizards, and butterflies. The Visitor Center has nature displays geared toward young kids. The Eagle’s Nest loop is short and easy with great views.
Elementary Age (Ages 6-10)
Cathedral Rock Trail: Adventurous 6-10 year olds will love the rock scramble. The trail is only 1.2 miles round trip, and kids who are comfortable with some hand-over-hand climbing will feel like they conquered a mountain. This is also a vortex site — tell the kids to see if they can “feel the energy.” They usually claim they can. one of the best things to do in Sedona with kids
Pink Jeep Tours: The Broken Arrow tour bounces over rugged terrain in an open-air Jeep — kids absolutely love it. The drivers are entertaining and educational. About 2 hours. Book in advance during peak season.
Junior Ranger Program: Available at Red Rock Ranger Station, the Junior Ranger activity booklet turns any hike into a scavenger hunt. Kids complete activities, earn a badge, and learn about the geology, plants, and wildlife of red rock country. Free. Pick up booklets at the Ranger Station on Highway 179.
Devil’s Bridge Trail: The 4.2-mile hike to Sedona’s largest natural arch is manageable for most school-age kids. The “bridge” itself is a genuine wow moment — kids can walk across the narrow sandstone span (with supervision) for epic photos. Start from the Dry Creek Road trailhead for the shorter approach.
Tweens & Teens (Ages 11-17)
Mountain Biking: Bell Rock Pathway and the Llama Trail system offer beginner-to-intermediate mountain biking with stunning scenery. Rent bikes from shops in the Village of Oak Creek or West Sedona. Teens who bike will have the time of their lives on these red dirt trails.
Horseback Riding: Several outfitters offer trail rides through the red rock landscape. A 2-hour ride through the desert is memorable for teens who might otherwise be glued to their phones. Most operators accept riders age 7+.
Cliff Jumping at Grasshopper Point (summer): Teens love this natural swimming hole with rock ledges for jumping into deep pools. $12 per vehicle. Arrive early for parking. Supervise cliff jumping — stick to established jumping spots and check water depth.
Jerome Ghost Town: The haunted history, abandoned mine shafts, and artist-colony vibe appeal to teens. The Audrey Headframe Park lets you look straight down an old mine shaft. Quirky shops, ice cream, and the “wickedest town in the West” backstory make it a hit with older kids.
Family-Friendly Hikes for those looking for fun thing to do in Sedona with kids.
Easy (All Ages)
Bell Rock Pathway — 3.6 miles, flat, stroller-friendly first mile. Iconic views.
Fay Canyon Trail — 2.4 miles, shaded, ends at a dramatic rock alcove. Great for hot days.
Red Rock Crossing / Crescent Moon — Short walk to iconic Cathedral Rock views reflected in Oak Creek. Wading access. $12 per vehicle.
Moderate (Ages 6+)
Devil’s Bridge — 4.2 miles, the natural arch payoff motivates kids through the hike.
Soldier Pass Trail to Seven Sacred Pools — 1 mile to the pools (natural rock basins that hold water after rain). Kids love exploring the pools. The Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole is a bonus wow-factor about half a mile in.
Courthouse Butte Loop — 4 miles, mostly flat with views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte from every angle.
Challenging (Ages 8+ with hiking experience)
Cathedral Rock — 1.2 miles, steep rock scramble. Short but strenuous. Only for kids comfortable with hand-over-hand climbing on slickrock.
Boynton Canyon — 6.1 miles, longer but not as steep. A vortex site. Good for families who enjoy longer hikes in beautiful settings.
Water Activities
Slide Rock State Park: Sedona’s most famous family attraction. The 80-foot natural rock slide is thrilling for kids (and adults). The surrounding apple orchards and creek banks offer spots to spread out. Open year-round, but the slide is only fun May-September. $20-$30 per vehicle. Arrive by 9 AM in summer — the park closes when full. Bring water shoes.
Grasshopper Point: A swimming hole with deeper pools and rock jumping for older kids and teens. More natural and less crowded than Slide Rock, but less structured (no lifeguards, less obvious entry points). Ages 8+ recommended for swimming. $12 per vehicle.
Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing: Shallow wading perfect for little kids. The Cathedral Rock reflection in the creek is one of Sedona’s most photographed scenes — perfect for the family holiday card.
Non-Hiking Adventures
Pink Jeep Tours: The signature Sedona family experience. Multiple tour options from scenic to thrilling. The Broken Arrow tour is the most popular for families.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde): A safari-like experience through 104 acres of African wildlife, 25 minutes from Sedona. The Predator Feed show is incredible. Allow 3-4 hours. Great rainy-day or too-hot-to-hike alternative.
Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale): A 4-hour scenic train ride through an otherwise inaccessible wilderness canyon. Bald eagles in winter. Kids love the outdoor viewing cars. Book in advance, especially for first class.
Blazin’ M Ranch (Cottonwood): A Western-themed dinner show with cowboy music, comedy, hayrides, and roping. Touristy but kids love it. Wednesday-Saturday evenings. Reservations required.
Sedona Stargazing: Low light pollution means incredible night skies. Guided stargazing tours use professional telescopes and expert guides. Kids who’ve only seen city skies will be amazed. Several operators offer family-friendly tours.
These adventures are some of the best things to do in Sedona with kids.
Where to Eat with Kids
Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe: Hearty sandwiches, homemade baked goods, and reasonable prices. Casual, relaxed, no-fuss — exactly what families need.
The Hudson: Upscale casual with a kids’ menu and red rock patio views. Adults get craft cocktails and great food; kids get chicken tenders with a million-dollar view.
Hideaway House: Italian-American comfort food with a patio overlooking the red rocks. Pizza and pasta that keeps everyone happy. Surprisingly affordable.
Wildflower Bread Company: Bakery-cafe with soups, sandwiches, and pastries. Quick service, affordable, and kid-approved. West Sedona location.
Oak Creek Brewery & Grill: Casual pub atmosphere, burgers, and local craft beer for the parents. Near Tlaquepaque.
Where to Stay with Kids
Best for families: Vacation rentals in West Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek. Kitchen access saves hundreds on dining, multiple bedrooms give everyone space, and you’ll have a home base for recharging between adventures.
Resort option: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock (VOC) — pool, on-site dining, and Bell Rock Pathway steps away.
Budget option: Stay in Cottonwood (20-30 minutes away) and day-trip to Sedona. See our budget guide for details.
Planning Tips for Families looking for Things to do in Sedona
Start early. Not just for parking — kids have more energy in the morning, trails are cooler, and you’ll beat the crowds and find some of the best things to do in Sedona with kids.
One major activity per half-day. Resist the urge to pack the schedule. Kids need downtime, and meltdowns on Cathedral Rock at 2 PM are no fun for anyone.
Bring snacks. Lots of snacks. Trail mix, fruit, granola bars — hungry kids are unhappy kids, and there are no convenience stores on the trails.
Water, water, water. The desert air is deceptively dry. Kids dehydrate faster than adults. Carry at least 1 liter per child per hike, more in summer.
Red Rock Pass: Buy the $15 weekly pass — it covers parking at most trailheads and is cheaper than three daily passes.
Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours), and sunglasses for every family member. The Arizona sun at 4,350 feet is intense.
Best time to visit with kids: Spring break (March-April) and October offer the best weather for families. Summer works if you plan around the heat. Check the month-by-month guide for details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Sedona with kids
Is Sedona safe for kids?
Very safe. The main concerns are standard outdoor safety: sun exposure, dehydration, and watching footing on rocky trails. Wildlife encounters (rattlesnakes, javelinas) are rare on popular trails. Keep kids on marked trails, carry water, and use sun protection.
What age is best for a Sedona trip?
Every age works, but 5+ is the sweet spot where kids can handle moderate hikes and fully engage with the landscape. Toddlers enjoy the creek and easy trails. Teens love the adventure activities (Jeep tours, cliff jumping, mountain biking).
Can I bring a stroller?
On Bell Rock Pathway and some paved sections of other trails, yes (all-terrain stroller recommended). Most Sedona trails are rocky and unpaved — a hiking carrier or backpack is better for trails beyond the flat pathways.
What if it’s too hot to hike?
Head to Slide Rock or Grasshopper Point for creek swimming. Visit Out of Africa wildlife park. Do wine tasting while the kids fish at Rainbow Trout Farm. Drive to Jerome for indoor exploring. Or simply relax at your hotel pool and save the hikes for early the next morning.
Is a day trip from Phoenix enough with kids?
It can work, but we recommend at least 2 nights. The drive is 2 hours each way, which eats into your day and exhausts young travelers. A weekend trip lets you pace activities without rush.
Before coming to Sedona it’s always good to check out the Sedona Chamber of Commerce.
You can find more fun things to do in Sedona there.
