Last Updated on July 15, 2023 by asoulwindow
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Top 8 Things to do in Sedona with Kids
Sedona, Arizona is a beautiful place to take that next family vacation. Sedona is filled with several natural wonders, beauty, red rock formations, hiking and of course it is also the home to that beautiful Arizona sunset. But did you know there are plenty of things to do in Sedona with kids?
I’ve put together a fun list of family friendly activities in Sedona that are beyond amazing. From mysterious UFOs to ancient ruins, this highly interesting list will keep anyone’s attention. Check out the top things to do in Sedona with kids for your next exciting getaway.
How to get to Sedona?
The closest airport to Sedona is Flagstaff. If you’re able to fly in here, it’s about 40 minutes of a drive to get to Sedona.
However, the closest major airport to Sedona is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). You’ll most likely have better luck flying into Phoenix, as well as more affordable airfares. From PHX, it’s just about 2 hours of a drive to Sedona.
What is the best time to visit Sedona?
March, April, May and October-November will give you the most comfortable temperatures in Sedona, ranging from high 60s to 85 degree-highs throughout those months.
Unless you’ve got lots of water activities planned, I would recommend staying away during the core summer months, as temperatures reach 90s and 100s. As Sedona has a lot of great outdoor activities, that might not be so comfortable for you or the kids.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Sedona
The Sedona Real Inn and Suites – From $159 A pool, beautiful scenery, and rooms that can fit up to 6 people make this highly rated hotel the perfect place for families. Located in the West Sedona.
Matterhorn Inn- from $152. Get a room, or get a house! You can definitely fit your family at Matterhorn Inn. It’s nicely updated, clean, has an outdoor pool, and is walking distance to attractions in Sedona (like Tlaquepaque).
Junipine Resort– From $275 This apartment-style hotel will comfortably fit your whole family. The natural setting will really make you feel like you’ve escaped! It’s highly rated, and located right near Slide Rock State Park.
Top things to do in Sedona with Kids
Below are some of the best Top things to do in Sedona with Kids:
1. Try an amazing stargazing and UFO Tour
Sedona is mainly known for its red rock and its stargazing potential. Reserve a spot on a stargazing tour with a guide who knows just where to go.
On this tour, you’ll get military grade goggles to watch for stars, UFOs, and other things part of the spiritual realm. The UFOs will be landing, taking off, and hovering in the distant mesas, which will be much easier to see with the advice of your guide and night vision goggles.These night tours are an hour-and-a-half and begin after the sun has set.
The tour is highly rated (and the most popular company), and kids can join, too. However, young kids will have to share goggles with an adult and be supervised due to the cost of goggles.
But where else can you so easily take a tour to see UFOs? This will be one of the most interesting and unique things you do in Sedona, or maybe anywhere.
2. Palatki Ruins – Sedona with Kids
Forest Rd #795, Sedona
While many people think of visiting Moab for petroglyphs, Sedona is another great place to see a bit on history written on the mountain.
Kids will love exploring these cliff dwellings in Sedona. Filled with pictographs in one section, you can step back in history over 1,000 years ago to the largest cliff dwellings in the red rock area.
Soul Window Observations
It reminds me of my visit to places such as Aurwatand, Lakhudiyar Rock Paintings of Almora and Bhimbhetka in India and Wadi Rum in Jordan. These places are full of prehistoric rock art and painting.
There are 3 trails to different areas, and doing them all is only about 1.5 miles round trip. Strollers will not be able to access everything, so I recommend a carrier for the young ones! Open 7 days a week, reservations required most times. Check the USDA website for updated info. America the Beautiful passes are accepted here.
3. Shop, Eat, and Play at Tlaquepaque
336 AZ-179, Sedona
Visiting Tlaquepaque, the Arts and Shopping Village, is an experience. Tlaquepaque is a charming village with a cozy courtyard, filled with a beautiful fountain, shops, and restaurants.
It was designed and created after a traditional Mexican Village and will give the whole family a unique, southwest experience.
If you time it right, you may be able to stop in on one of the short improv plays (Improvisational unscripted theatre) or poetry readings that happen year-round.
Or, April through October brings lizards and snakes in a hands-on (and FREE) experience the first Tuesday of the month. So yes, Tlaquepaque is more than just shopping. It’s filled with fun, festive, and educational events all year long, making it a great stop for kids in Sedona. See here for the current Events Schedule.
4. Visit the Sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools
Soldier Pass Trailhead, Forest Service 9904 Rd, Sedona
There’s tons of hiking to be done, but this is a perfect hike for kids in Sedona to see some cool geological features.
Head to the Soldier Pass Trail to visit. The whole loop is 4.5 miles, but you don’t have to go that distance to see the sinkhole and Seven Sacred Pools.
The sinkhole was formed after a giant, underground cave collapsed. The Seven Sacred Pools are just that: pools that formed within the rock.
The scenery is guaranteed to be awesome and kids will love finding the fun formations.
You must arrive here early because parking is very limited.
5. Cool Off at Grasshopper Pointe in Sedona with Kids
N State Rte 89A, Sedona/Oak Creek
A hot spot for those hot days, Grasshopper Pointe makes a great place for swimming and playing. You can hike along the creek, and jump in at the large swim area. It’s a beautiful location sitting in Oak Creek Canyon.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the day at Grasshopper Pointe. This is one of many perfect things to do in Sedona with kids. They’ll love playing and splashing around.
While there are spots for cliff jumping, it is discouraged for obvious safety reasons.
Also, depths can vary in the swim areas. Make sure little swimmers have their floaties to stay safe, as well as water shoes for the rocky floors below.
6. The Natural Playground at Slide Rock State Park
6871 AZ-89A, Sedona
The area of Slide Rock State Park started as homestead back in the early 1900’s. It grew into a large apple orchard before it became a fun, popular spot for tourists to explore.
At Slide Rock State Park, you can still see the old homestead and cabins on the land.
Make sure to bring your swim suit, because you can also hop into the water and go down a few natural slides in the water, or jump off some lower cliffs for some adventure. The slide is about 80 feet long, and covered in algae to make it nice and slick!
If you don’t want to slide, you can find the watering hole to just relax.
If you’re looking for what to do in Sedona with kids on a hot, sunny day, this is the perfect way to cool off.
Currently $10-$30 per vehicle admission (depending on day/time of year). See here for updated info
7. Chapel of the Holy Cross – Sedona with Kids
780 Chapel Rd, Sedona
Is visiting a church really a fun thing for kids to do in Sedona?
This isn’t just any church. It’s actually the top attraction in Sedona, and for good reason.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona has a cool history with it, as well as a cool location. It is built right within the red rocks of Sedona. The concept was born in 1932 and actually was hoped to be built in Hungary, but with the outbreak of WWII rancher/sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude decided to build it right at home in Arizona. The church was completed in 1956.
You can go in today and admire the architecture and setting of this Catholic church. Visitors are welcome everyday between 9am and 5pm. Please be respectful (and quiet) as you enter. For more info, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross’ website.
8. Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway
If you are trying to stay on a budget for your family vacation, this is a nice, free thing to do in Sedona.
To see the Chapel of the Holy Cross from a distance, as well as other beautiful scenic sites and formations, head to the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
You can access the byway by getting onto AZ-179 and heading south. Just three miles later you’ll come across the famous Chapel. The chapel is accompanied beautifully by Cathedral Rock just to the southwest.
You’ll see more beautiful formations and Bell Rock Butte as you continue driving, plus other scenic landscapes worthy of sunset photos.
Hiking areas commence along the route with short options to take the kids. Try out Little Horse Trail or Bell Rock Pathway, each of which will take you closer to magnificent red formations.
As the byway ends, you’ll end up in Oak Creek. This is a great place to spend a few hours, whether shopping at local galleries or take a hike on one of the many trails just north of town.
Conclusion: What to do in Sedona with Kids?
Sedona is packed full of things to do with kids. Every kid loves to play in water, and Sedona gives you plenty of options!
From UFOs to the amazing church in its unique landscape, there are so many interesting things to do in Sedona you probably haven’t done anywhere else. You can really plan a fun family vacation to Sedona with different things to do and sites to see.
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