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25 BEST Things to Do in Sedona, AZ with Kids (You'll Have Fun too!)

Explore the top 25 family-friendly activities in Sedona, AZ! From ancient ruins to thrilling jeep tours, there's fun for kids and adults alike.

Tobi Miles

September 14, 2022

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25 BEST Things to Do in Sedona, AZ with Kids (You'll Have Fun too!)

In Sedona, there are a lot of fascinating things for families to do together. Enjoy yourself while shopping and hiking on some of the most incredible trails in the world. Spend time in Sedona with your loved ones, and you will have a memorable experience.

The city of Sedona is home to more than 500 different artists. Sedona features more than 80 unique shops and galleries. There are many different kinds of specialized goods and works of art just waiting for you in Sedona. You'll find paintings of well-known landscapes, Kachina dolls, and hand-made pottery.

In addition, you'll discover sculptures, Native American jewelry, and souvenirs for the kids from Sedona. Sedona also houses ancient ruins designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The breathtaking red rock terrain and lush evergreen vegetation contribute significantly to Sedona's unique atmosphere. While in Sedona, be sure to check out options for the America the Beautiful Pass and the Red Rock Pass. You’re going to need them.

1. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

Spending some time in Tlaquepaque (pronounced: T-la-keh-pah-keh), Sedona Arizona's Arts and Crafts Village is an absolute must. If you want your trip to Sedona to be truly unique, you should certainly check it out. It is widely considered to be one of the top things to do in Sedona.

Tlaquepaque is the most extraordinary shopping experience that can be found in Sedona or anywhere else in the Southwest. It is tucked away in the shade of the sycamores on the banks of the picturesque Oak Creek in Sedona.

Since the 1970s, Tlaquepaque has stood as an iconic symbol of Sedona thanks to its faithful recreation of an authentic Mexican settlement.

2. Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon is a river gorge that may be seen in northern Arizona. It is located between the cities of Flagstaff and Sedona.

The canyon is often considered to be a smaller version of its more famous relative, the Grand Canyon, due to the stunning views it offers.

The Canyon is a ravine that spans 16 miles and is absolutely magnificent due to the red rock beauty that it possesses. Likewise, it features streams and waterfalls that are nestled between sheer rock walls.

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Sedona, AZ

3. Cowboy Club

Over the course of more than seven decades, the Cowboy Club has served as Sedona's central gathering place.

The public house initially opened its doors in 1946. Ever since then, it has provided both locals and tourists with a meeting spot. Likewise, there’s a pool hall, saloon, and grocery shop.

Between the years 1950 and 1960, this region served as the setting for more than fifty western films.

Additionally, it's rumored that Hollywood legends such as John Wayne, James Stewart, and Donna Reed, enjoyed the warm fire and friendly ambiance. Even Elvis Presley is said to have made several trips to the club in 1968.

4. Verde Canyon Railroad

The Verde Canyon Railroad is a historic railroad that runs between Clarkdale and Perkinsville in the U.S. state of Arizona. The passenger excursion line uses the 20 miles of tracks on the short line Clarkdale Arizona Central Railroad.

The historic Verde Canyon Railroad's four-hour trip is an unforgettable experience.

Arizona boasts some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the nation. Consequently, Arizona has 900 different animal species and 50 million acres of public natural land to explore.

Everyday admission is available to the Verde Canyon Railroad's museum, grounds, and southwestern-style depot. Within the depot are the Copper Spike Cafe and the Boxcar Gift Shop.

Related Read: 15 Best Camping Spots in Sedona

5. Out Of Africa Wildlife Park

Out of Africa Wildlife Park is both a wildlife park and a zoo, and it's located in Camp Verde, in the state of Arizona.

Since 2005, tourists and locals have been visiting the animals at Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Additionally, attractions like "Feed-A-Tiger" and "Sloth Encounters" can be found in this park.

Likewise, you will have the opportunity to attempt zip lining. They even have a behind-the-scenes tour of the park as a VIP. Within the confines of the Wildlife Park, there are over a hundred distinct kinds of animals that call it home.

6. Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is home to a stunning terrain and features a natural preserve that spans 286 acres. When you visit be sure to check out the environmental education center. Green fields are surrounded on all sides by red sandstone hills and native vegetation.

Red Rock State Park features a variety of amenities. Consequently, you'll find a visitor center, classrooms, a theater, ramadas, and stores, in addition to walking trails.

7. Pink Jeep Tours

Sedona is known for its breathtaking red rock scenery, which is packed with exciting options for exploration. Each expedition offers a one-of-a-kind backcountry tour. The tours are conducted by some of the most experienced and knowledgeable local guides that the region has to offer.

You can mount majestic cliffs or climb the Mogollon Rim in tough terrain for a total ascent of 2,000 vertical feet via the Broken Arrow Trail.

Travel through deep ravines, wilderness canyons, and historic wagon paths while in the shadow of Sedona's towering natural features.

Explore the renowned landscape of Sedona on foot as you look for vortexes, legendary pathways, and historical echoes.

8. Palatki Ruins Heritage Site

The Palatki Heritage Site is a park and archaeological site that may be found in the Coconino National Forest in Arizona, not far from the city of Sedona.

The word "red home" is how the Hopi language translates the word "palatki." The Palatki Heritage Site and its sister site, Honanki, were the most impressive cliff dwellings that were built in the Red Rock Country between the years 1150 and 1350 AD.

The Arizona Natural History Association maintains a small visitor center and bookstore in the area close to where vehicles can be parked.

9. Slide Rock State Park

In addition to providing visitors with all of the thrills that one would expect from a water park, Slide Rock State Park is also home to some of Sedona's most magnificent views.

The rock slide section at Slide Rock is 80 feet long, between 2.5 and 4 feet broad, and slows down by 7 percent as it travels from the top to the bottom. The presence of algae on the rocks makes the voyage very slippery.

Its name comes from a water slide that Oak Creek's slick bed naturally created. Slide Rock is much more than just a place to go swimming; it's also a nature preserve, a place to go trout fishing, a place to pick apples, and more.

Related Read: 40 BEST Things To Do In Arizona

10. Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle is one of the prehistoric cliff dwellings in North America that has been maintained beautifully. The Sinagua people built and inhabited a group of well-preserved homes in Camp Verde, Arizona, between about the years AD 1100 and AD 1425.

The pre-Columbian culture is closely related to the Hohokam and other indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States. These homes are located in an area that is now known as the Sinagua Cultural Preserve.

Explore the Montezuma Castle grounds by strolling the trail. After making your way through a grove of white-barked Arizona sycamores, you will arrive at the beginning of a short and level path.

This path will lead you to the base of one of the most well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in the USA.

11. Evening Sky Tours

Evening Sky Tours is delighted to be able to offer you an astronomy experience that is both unique and individualized. As part of your tour, one of their knowledgeable astronomers will you with a general overview of the constellations that you'll see.

They will tell you stories about the names of the constellations. Additionally, you will learn the roles they played in the culture of ancient civilizations.

After that, they will use enormous telescopes to provide you with an up-close look at no less than six different celestial bodies. Evening sky tours are available at every possible time of the year!

12. Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park

The stupa, which was constructed during the time of the Buddha, or more than 2600 years ago, is one of the oldest examples of a religious construction that can be found anywhere around the globe.

The East is where Buddhism was born and where it originally flourished. The eastern region of the world is home to the vast majority of the world's stupas. They are actually quite rare in the Western world.

It is believed that a stupa represents the physical incarnation of the Buddha. Henceforth, it serves as a substitute for the Mind of Enlightenment.

Stupas have been built for the purpose of avoiding conflict, putting an end to starvation, advancing riches, and improving well-being.

Stupas are said to possess mystical healing powers, which have been widely researched and documented. These powers are said to help all living beings.

13. Blazin M’ Ranch

Visitors to Arizona have had unforgettable Old West experiences because of the Blazin' M Ranch. It is a must-see activity when you are visiting the Sedona/Verde Valley area.

For mouthwatering BBQ chicken and ribs and chuck-wagon supper visit Blazin'M. You'll also see experience a knee-slappin' hour-long Western stage play by award-winning musicians you won’t want to miss this attraction.

Arrive well before dinner to take advantage of the Western-themed town. In Frontier Town, you will find a museum, Old-Time photo studio, and shooting gallery. The ranch also offers roping lessons, a tractor pull, and a tavern. You'll love the Western-themed stores that line the boardwalk.

Arizona cowboys used to stock up on supplies like whiskey, bread, tobacco, and ammunition, but happily, shopping has changed.

Every girl will adore the chic and modern women's shop on Rodeo Drive! The Branding Iron is filled with official Blazin' M Ranch products, accessories, and various works of art.

14. Fay Canyon Trail

If you want some peace and quiet in Sedona, Arizona, take the Fay Canyon Trail. A fantastic hidden lookout is reached by doing this short climb.

Many people who prefer shorter hikes with less elevation gain or who appreciate the magnificence of red sandstone rocks looming overhead pick Fay Canyon as a destination.

Despite the Fay Canyon Arch's size, which is by no means little, it is simple to gaze right at it without realizing what you've seen. Sooner or later, if you keep an eye on the rock wall to the north (right) of the route, you'll see it.

It offers excellent views of the surrounding cliffs and is home to a rich species of desert plants. At a red Supai sandstone cliff, it comes to an end. You can awe at the gorgeous scenery all around you in Fay Canyon.

15. Snoopy Rock

Snoopy Rock is a fantastic sight, and the profile may be seen without even straining the eyes. One of the most stunning locations in the country is Sedona, which is home to numerous impressive Red Rock formations. Attending a sightseeing tour or traveling with a local tour guide are the best ways to take in this breathtaking region.

Snoopy sleeps on top of his doghouse, towering over Oak Creek Canyon, with Woodstock perched on his nose.

The Snoopy Rock observation trip is a short ascent that rewards hikers with stunning panoramas of Sedona. You must be ready for a trek because Snoopy Rock is not immediately apparent from the trailhead.

16. West Fork Trail

The West Fork of the Coconino National Forest is one of the most traveled trails for a number of different reasons, which are outlined in the following paragraphs.

After taking a stroll down the placid stream that ripples down the canyon floor and gazing up, well up, at the beautiful rocks that rise above it, you will find that you, too, have fallen in love with the location.

In the spring, the trees are adorned with vivid bursts of color as a result of the migration of songbirds. The canyon takes on a vivacious appearance during the autumn when leaves of crimson and gold float in crystal reflecting pools beneath a canopy of a single color.

During the winter, icicles are seen dangling from the overhangs of red rock, and patches of snow can be found clinging to the cool shadows.

As you venture deeper into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, the trail will ultimately end, the terrain will become more challenging, and you will be required to hike along the stream bed.

17. Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is placed prominently above the local red rocks, was designed by and built under the direction of a local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. This chapel is "rated #1 of the 10 Best Attractions in Sedona by USA Today's 10Best.com."

Staude was inspired to build this style of the church in 1932. She made his first attempt at achieving this goal in Budapest, Hungary, with the aid of Lloyd Wright, the eminent American architect's son.

However, before their plan could be put into action, World War II had already started. This unfortunate sequence of events led her to decide to build the church in Arizona, where she was born and raised.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is where the hiking trail, which is kid-friendly and partially paved, starts. Due to the presence of a massive stained glass window, the chapel's interior can occasionally take the form of a vibrant kaleidoscope.

The area is ideal for spiritual reflection and prayer because of its proximity to the Red Rocks and its stunning vistas, even though there are no religious services held here.

18. Grasshopper Point Picnic Area

Grasshopper Point is a sizable cliff-side swimming hole tucked away at the foot of Oak Creek Canyon. Both picnickers and swimmers use this day-use area. The swimming hole is chilly and shaded, providing a welcome break from the summer heat.

Picnicking, water sports, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography are all fun activities. Don’t forget your water shoes considering the area is rocky.

19. Bell Rock Pathway Hike

The Bell Rock Trailhead is a family-friendly nature trail that extends for 3.6 miles. It’s also known as the Bell Rock Pathway. While walking along this road, you will experience breathtaking views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.

The vast portion of the pathway is flat and wide, but there are also some inclines that are quite steep. The area around Bell Rock has a topography that features some rocks.

There is a popular lookout point on the western side of Bell Rock that is inaccessible by road, but it is well worth the effort to get there.

20. Grand Canyon Railway

To make the most of your time in Arizona, consider taking a train ride in one of the historic rail cars. The Grand Canyon rail has cowboy actors and western bands.

Since its opening in 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel has been bringing tourists to the very center of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The Grand Canyon Railway is more than simply a means of transportation. Additionally, it offers guests the opportunity to experience a journey through time. Ride aboard restored train cars complete with entertaining musicians and the antics of cowboy characters.

When you look out your window, the environment changes from a high desert to prairie to a pine forest. It's a view that's always shifting, up until the point where you find one that's so breathtaking, it may turn you into a different person.

21. Sedona Heritage Museum

The Museum is housed in three historic landmark buildings in Jordan Historical Park. You'll see a replica tent home, and a restored movie set building. The Sedona Heritage Museum features exhibitions of pioneer artifacts, farm machinery, vintage photographs, and more.

22. Airport Loop Trail

View the 3.2-mile circular trail that is close to Sedona, Arizona. It takes an average of 1 hour and 21 minutes to accomplish this route, which is typically regarded as moderately difficult.

Since running, walking, and hiking are all fairly popular activities here, you can run across other individuals while exploring. Likewise, the route is lovely to explore at any time of the year and is open all year.

23. Cathedral Rock Trail

Located on the Sedona skyline, Cathedral Rock is a naturally occurring sandstone butte and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arizona, USA. The short but extremely challenging trek to Cathedral Rock in Sedona provides stunning views of the region's naturally occurring rock formations.

This is a very well-loved alternative for hikers of all ages. The stunning environment and short distance of the trail are spectacular. There are a number of excellent locations around the Crescent Moon Picnic Site where you can take pictures of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek together.

South of the Grand Canyon, Cathedral Rock is the Arizona location that receives the most photos. Naturally, this is one of Sedona's most well-known sandstone structures.

24. Black Cow Cafe

After a long day of sightseeing in the blistering heat of Arizona, any child is sure to enjoy The Black Cow Café. This is especially true after such a day.

The café serves a variety of sweet treats, including ice cream, a wide selection of sundaes, pies, milkshakes, and smoothies. When you visit the Black Cow Cafe, try the Prickly Pear ice cream!

This popular spot serves homemade pies, hot dogs, and ice cream in both traditional and creative flavors. Additionally, adults can choose from a wide variety of hot and iced coffee beverages at their disposal.

25. Devil’s Bridge Trail Hike

The greatest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona vicinity is Devil's Bridge.

Contrary to what its name implies, it is among the most sublime sights. Although the ascent won't leave you out of breath, we can't say the same about the vistas you'll see once you arrive at the summit.

This well-known trip appeals to more daring outdoor enthusiasts. Likewise, it is a favorite of casual hikers too.

Follow the trail markers that direct you to the Devil's Bridge Trail after leaving the parking lot. The trail is well constructed for jeeps traveling through. However, it is clear and smooth and will take you through areas with juniper and prickly pear cactus.

Tobi Miles

Article updated:

March 28, 2024

A nomadic wordsmith savoring the world's flavors and penning stories that turn every journey into an epic.

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