Ride On The Verde Canyon Railroad
Riding the Verde Canyon Railroad is another community favorite on our list of things to do in Sedona for families! Ride in comfort in a vintage railcar on this 3.5-hour train excursion, boasting stunning, panoramic views. Plus, there is an open-air car! Kids will marvel as they take in some fresh air, as well as the enchanting desert scenery. Travelers have been known to spot bald eagles and other wildlife during the journey as well. Dont hesitate to interact with the friendly train attendants, since they know a lot of great information. Plus, they can provide details about the sites you are passing. Additionally, during this forty-mile round-trip adventure through the Verde Canyon, you can select from four levels of accommodations. All levels offer food and beverages and have access to the open-air railcar. Finally, the train enthusiasts in your family must explore the historic train depot and rail museum!
Next on your list of things to do in Sedona for families is exploring one of the many nearby state parks. Here, we will recommend two that really stand out for families in our community! Firstly, Red Rock State Park, which offers many hiking trails and iconic views. Then, Slide Rock State Park for its natural water slide and swimming.
Arizona Weekend Trip With The Kids
Along with being a convenient getaway for Phoenix natives, were also a great side trip for folks visiting The Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, or Flagstaff. Were a stopover thats a destination itself thanks to the hundreds of amazing things there are to do around here. The honest truth is that there are simply too many things for your kids to do when they come, so to help you plan out your trip, below is a starter list.
Visit The Palatki And Honanki Heritage Sites
The Coconino National Forest is home to two of Arizonas archaeological sites: the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites. These two sites were formerly the home of the Hopi tribe. They are also the largest cliff dwellings of the Red Rock Country, first described by Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes. Dr. Fewkes was also the one who gave their names: Palatki meaning red house and Honanki meaning bear house.
Get a glimpse of history as you view the pictographs and petroglyphs that are thousands of years old. Follow one of the available hiking trails that take you from one cliff dwelling to another. There are also various Jeep tours that stop by either Palatki or Honanki Heritage Site, along with other Sedona landmarks.
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Become A Junior Ranger At Petrified Forest National Park
Arizona attractions for kids include Petrified Forest National Park, an otherworldly site known for beautiful petrified trees and fossils. These petrified trees were alive during the Late Triassic Period when dinosaurs still roamed the earth. There are multiple scenic, family-friendly hikes here at 1 mile or less, plus longer hikes for those inclined. Kids can complete a booklet from the National Park Service here and become an official junior ranger. This is also a pet-friendly park, so youre welcome to bring your leashed pet with you.
Learn About The Past At The Arizona Museum Of Natural History
The Arizona Museum of Natural History offers kid-friendly activities and hands-on learning about the natural and cultural history of the Southwest. A collection on Native Peoples of the Past includes Desert Cultures, Paleoindians, and the Hohokam. Other cool features include Dinosaur Mountain, where a flash flood pours down a 3-story mountain inside the museum. Live animals on-site include a soft-shelled turtle and a Gila monster. For visitors with autism or sensory processing disabilities, the museum offers sensory guides in galleries and online to help during your visit.
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Take A Ride On Red Rock Magic Trolley
With so much to see in Sedona, theres no better way to pack as much as you can into one day than with a ride on the Red Rock Magic Trolley. Daily tours take passengers through town and into the canyons, and all you need to do is look out the window and take in all the beauty. Knowledgeable guides are along for the ride, providing helpful information about the landmarks and attractions in the area.
See The Chapel Of The Holy Cross
Visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most popular things to do in Sedona for families. Set high atop Sedonas red rocks, your kids will quickly discover all the reasons why this Roman Catholic church is a must-see attraction! Built by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, this incredible structure will be celebrating its 65th anniversary of completion in 2021. Making a trip to Sedona is even more momentous now! Check out the breathtaking views upon arrival and then enter the Chapel. There, youll appreciate the beautiful art on display and the incredible stained glass wall held in place by the cross! Remember when you take your kids to visit this special place, youll expose them to one of Sedonas best cultural and spiritual landmarks. Because it is known to be one of Sedonas vortexes, though, you may even sense this mysterys spiritual energy!
Pro Tip: Arrive early, since the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most popular things to do in Sedona for families. Its open for visitors every day of the week and is free for all visitors.
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If You Are Not Fully Vaccinated And Allowed To Travel To The United States By Air Through An Exception
- Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after arrival, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Stay at home or in your hotel room and self-quarantine for a full 7 days, even if you test negative, unless you have documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
- Isolate if your test result is positive or you develop COVID-19 symptoms.
- If you intend to stay in the United States for 60 days or longer, you must become fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 60 days of arriving in the United States or as soon as medically appropriate, unless you have a medical contraindication or are too young to be vaccinated.
Isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected. Learn what to do and when it is safe to be around others.
Visit Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park features tall sandstone cliffs and rock formations. Apart from its geological formations, Red Rock also has an abundance of plants and wildlife. In fact, the aim of this park is to preserve and protect the riparian habitat, as well as to become an environmental education facility. This oasis is a habitat of bird species and animals like roadrunners, hawks, and more.
At the visitor center, get an overview of the history of the state park, as well as an introduction to its rich flora and fauna. Bring snacks and enjoy a picnic lunch while admiring the view of the cliffs and canyons. After lunch, join a guided nature walk led by expert naturalists. On some days, bird walks are available and you can find out where these birds reside in the park. Red Rock State Park also has several hiking and biking trails.
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Cool Off At The Mcdowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
The McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center is a good option for families who want a more relaxing experience than a water park offers. Theres a lap pool and leisure pool with lifeguards, diving boards, a big tube waterslide, and a lazy river. For smaller kids, youll find an excellent zero-depth-entry play pool with water-play features and a splash pad. Veranda seating and grassy areas are perfect for picnicking or relaxing in the shade. This community aquatic center has a ton of fun options to cool off, and its cheap to visit.
What Youll Experience
Searching for a safe and comfortable way to see the magnificence of Arizona s landscapes with children ? Guess what ? You ll surely have a blast experiencing this Jeep Wrangler enlistment in Sedona . As you blaze through the region s awe-inspiring broken terrain, you ll see some of the world s most ethereal and outstanding formations. What s more, the go is quite an educational experience, with a understanding template sharing scores of fun tidbits about the sphere . On exceed of it all, this tour includes hotel pickups for families besides. And, address of which, did you know that most of the best kin resorts in Arizona, specially the ones in Sedona, recommend this have for families ?
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Pink Jeep Tour Sedona
204 N State Rte 89ASedona, Arizona 86336
Nothing offers a more fun and postcard-worthy adventure in Sedona with teens than a Pink Jeep Tour. With this family-friendly tour, youll see tons of stunning sights without having to hike for miles.
For a thrilling family trip, I suggest that you opt for the combined Rim and Broken Arrow Tour. Your entertaining guides from Pink Jeep Tours will maneuver your open-air Jeep Wrangler over rocky paths. Then, they will take you to breathtaking rugged landmarks. To me, the Rim and Broken Arrow Tour is the most convenient way to see the fabulous red rocks of Arizona.
Since youll be touring the citys rock formations on a jeep, its a perfect trip for tweens who dont like to hike.
Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
Address: 538 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
The Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is an awesome viewpoint, and if youre 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.Youll 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 youre looking for a solid hike, you can take the Sedona Airport Loop Trail which is about 3.5 miles long. Its moderately difficult and it takes roughly 2 hours to complete for strong walkers.
Its a simply beautiful and very scenic route but its quite rocky however, its 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 of view that magnificent scenery without having to hike. 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.
Address: 483 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Take a moment and reflect and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets over the red rocks.
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Take A Pink Jeep Tour
First on my list of things to do in Sedona with kids, its a Pink Jeep tour! Sedona is right on the edge of so many amazing landscapes, and the chances are, theyve heard about all these national parks and beautiful rock formations in their school lessons, so visiting it in real life and seeing it for themselves will be so exciting for them.
There are lots of tours available, but personally, I recommend the Pink Jeep Tours company Ive used them a couple of times and theyre always so great, fun and informative. This is such a great option for things to do in Sedona with kids.
Also your child will love riding in a bright pink jeep its so much more fun than a boring coach journey! They will be talking about it for years!
Visit Harkins Cinema In Sedona
We couldnt write a list of things to do in Sedona with kids without mentioning the local cinema. OK, we know that you can visit a cinema in any town or city but kids love to visit the cinema on vacation and if you let them get all the popcorn and candy they want its suddenly its the best day out ever. This is a great choice for things to do in Sedona with kids.
Harkins Cinema is the local cinema in Sedona, and this is a great option for rainy days to keep up your sleeve just in case.
Its also a great idea for evenings, when you want to do an activity, but want to stay pretty low-key and relaxed. Definitely not the most exciting option on this list of things to do in Sedona with kids, but its a classic idea that will always be a hit.
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Catch A Fish At Rainbow Trout Farm
Entrance to the Trout Farm is only $1 and that covers the use of poles and bait. Then you pay per length of the fish you catch. No catch and release is allowed. The pond is well stocked so kids are guaranteed to catch a fish!
For an additional .50 cents, they will clean the fish. That is .50 cents well spent! You can also purchase a grill kit for $1 and enjoy a picnic of freshly grilled fish.
Check Out The Night Stars On A Sedona Star Gazing Tour
For a fun night of starlight and astronomy, book a Sedona Star Gazing Tour. During the tour, guests are provided with laser pointers and learn about the constellations with the help of professional astronomy guides. Tours take place on dark sky sites with great evening visibility, and each tour lasts about 90 minutes. All guests are provided with chairs and blankets for a comfortable stargazing experience.
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Take A Sedona Segway Tour
For a personalized tour of the Sedona canyons and neighborhoods, sign the family up for a Segway excursion with Sedona Segway Tours. Follow your skilled guide through various trails and area streets while you learn about the history of the desert town. If youre new to Segway travel, its no problem, as the guides provide a helpful training session for all guests prior to your ride.
Where To Eat In Sedona With Kids
Looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Sedona? Youre in luck, there are many family-friendly Sedona restaurants to choose from.
Wildflower
This was a hit with our entire family. They have soups, salads and sandwiches, very similar to Panera style if youre familiar with them. Milanas favorite soup is broccoli cheese so this was perfect on a chilly afternoon. Their sandwiches and salads are great too!
Fresh and Natural Thai Kitchen
This is a very casual restaurant, where you order at the counter. They have a big menu including a section where you can create your own bowls, picking out all of the ingredients. Milana loved this place including the coconut curry she chose for her sauce.
Mradaa-Cuisine of India
Indian food is a huge family favorite so we were happy to discover an Indian restaurant in Sedona. Milana and I shared the chicken tikka masala and Dave got the vegetarian sampler. Everything was delicious!
Creekside Sedona
If you only try one family friendly restaurant in Sedona, make Creekside be it! The food here is amazing and their patio seating offers nice views. We came here for breakfast one day and everyone loved their food. This is our top pick for kid friendly restaurants in Sedona. Dave loves breakfast burritos and said this is the best hes ever had. I loved my lemon ricotta french toast and Milana loved her kids breakfast platter, which came with eggs, bacon, mini pancakes and fruit.
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Take A Trip Down Disney Lane Free
Many people talk about the fact that Walt Disney had a vacation home in Sedona. Rumor has it that Sedona was actually the main inspiration for Thunder Mountain and the vortex trees were the inspiration for the trees seen in Snow White and Fantasia. Drive down Disney Lane to take in the same magic that Walt Disney did many years ago. Plus, it provides wonderful views of Red Rock National Park.
Out Of Africa Wildlife Park
3505 W State Route 260Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Children and even adults will love this family-friendly destination in Arizona. A paradise for animal lovers, this wildlife haven offers a fun-filled safari-like escapade for your family.
See hundreds of charming animals, such as lions, grizzly bears, giraffes, zebras and black leopards. Let the kiddos watch shows, such as the Tiger Splash, giant snake show and the predator feed.
A visit to this park will delight kiddos of all ages.
What is there to do in Sedona for families?
There are plenty of cool activities in Sedona for the whole family, including exploring the Sedona Heritage Museum, shopping in Uptown Sedona, as well as hiking child-friendly paths, such as the West Fork Trail.
Is Sedona good for families?
Sedona is a perfect family-oriented destination with a range of child-friendly nature excursions like the Cathedral Rock and exceptional restaurants like Outlaw Grille.
What you can do for free in Sedona?
Some of the best free things to do in Sedona include driving Red Rock Scenic Byway 89A, window shopping at Tlaquepaque, hiking Airport View Trail, and visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
What is the easiest vortex to get to in Sedona?
Bell Rock via the Courthouse Butte Loop trail is the easiest and most scenic way to get to a powerful vortex in Sedona.
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