Sedona is one of our favorite spots to escape to as a family. There are so many incredible places to explore and fun activities to do. We’re excited to share our top favorite things to do in Sedona with kids!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or book a reservation through the provided link then we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!
15 Fun Things to Do in Sedona with Kids
Table of Contents
- 1. Slide down a natural rock water slide
- 2. Cliff jump at Grasshopper Point swimming hole
- 3. Take in the view while swimming at Red Rock Crossing
- 4. Hike to a hidden cave at Soldier Pass
- 5. Walk on top of Devil’s Bridge
- 5. Take a Jeep Tour
- 6. Drive on Disney Lane in Red Rock State Park
- 7. Take a Trolley Tour
- 8. Catch a fish at Rainbow Trout Farm
- 9. Feed the fish at the Hatchery
- 10. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
- 11. Eat under the Turquoise Arches
- 12. Become a cowboy for a day
- 13. Take in the views at Airport Overlook
- 14. Best places to eat in Sedona with kids
- 15. Best place to stay in Sedona with kids
1. Slide down a natural rock water slide
Slide Rock State Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Sedona with kids.
On any given summer day you’ll see cars parked all along the canyon road and families hauling coolers down to the river. Even though it can get pretty crowded during peak season, it is still worth a stop.
Your kids will love sliding down the natural rock water slide and splashing in the shallow river.
The surrounding red rock bank has plenty of space to set up a picnic spot and hang out for the day.
If you are craving more solitude, venture upstream until you find a secluded area to swim.
Admission to the state park is $10 per vehicle. The parking lot does fill up quickly so come early.
Parking is available along the canyon road, as long as you avoid the no-parking zones. We saw plenty of cars getting ticketed so use caution.
2. Cliff jump at Grasshopper Point swimming hole
Grasshopper Point is such a beautiful swimming hole. With towering red cliffs, sun filtering through the trees, and clear refreshing water, it is the perfect place to spend a hot summer day.
Even though it is not nearly as crowded as Slide Rock, the parking lot still fills up quickly in the summer and on weekends.
Plan to get there early in the morning, or later in the afternoon when people start leaving.
The attendant at the ranger station let us know that cars parking along the canyon road are often towed and ticketed, so she strongly advised against it.
Parking is $10 cash only, or free with a valid Red Rocks Pass or National Parks Pass.
As a side note, we love having our free 4th-grade National Parks pass. Be sure to look into getting one if you have a 4th grader!
Grasshopper Point is referred to as a “swimming hole and picnic area”, so I had imagined it to have a nice grassy area with sandy banks and picnic tables.
However, the bank is actually covered in large stones and boulders and we didn’t see any areas that would be good for setting up lunch. There is plenty of shade, though so no need to bring a shade tent.
The trail leading down to the river bank is also a little rocky and steep in some areas, so I would recommend wearing tennis shoes. We wore flip-flops and it wasn’t the best choice of footwear!
You’ll also want to wear water shoes or lightweight tennis shoes in the water since the river bottom is rocky. They’ll also be helpful if you plan to climb the rocks for cliff jumping.
We love that there are several ledges of varying heights for jumping, so it is perfect for different ages. If you continue up the stream there is an area just for swimming and not jumping.
But just so you know, the water is freezing cold even in the summer!
3. Take in the view while swimming at Red Rock Crossing
Red Rock Crossing is the most scenic of all the swimming holes in Sedona with views of the stunning Cathedral Rock.
It is the perfect spot for families as there are several beaches with shallow swimming areas. The water also tends to be a little warmer than Slide Rock.
Parking is $10 cash only, or free with a valid Red Rocks Pass or National Parks Pass. The lot fills up quickly during peak season and on the weekends, so come early or expect to wait.
This swimming hole is found at Crescent Moon Ranch where you can find the original homestead and water wheel near the entrance.
4. Hike to a hidden cave at Soldier Pass
There are so many great hiking trails to explore in Sedona with kids, Soldier Pass is one of our favorites.
The trail is about 4 miles round trip and is great for kids since it is relatively flat. There are also nice shaded areas and plenty to see along the way.
There are only 15 parking spots available in the lot, so come early or hang out and wait for someone to leave.
The first stop you’ll come to is Devil’s Kitchen. It is a massive sinkhole located only 0.2 miles from the parking lot. This is the most active sinkhole in Sedona and has collapsed multiple times from 1880-1995.
If you continue along the trail 0.45 miles more, you’ll come to the Seven Sacred Pools. It is remarkable that these natural pools are always filled with water, even during times of drought.
The next highlight is the secret cave. It’s a little tricky to find, but I tracked the distance on my watch for accuracy, so hopefully this is helpful.
After the pools, continue for another 0.65 miles until you come to a sign directing you to follow the Soldier Pass trail to the right.
After the sign, continue for another 0.25 miles until you come to a fork in the trail. The Soldier Pass trail continues to the left, but take the trail to the right to find the cave.
There will be some logs blocking the path, but it does not mean you are not allowed to enter the trail, it is just helping hikers not stray off the intended Soldier Pass trail.
Step over the log barricade and you’ll walk up to an open red rock mesa.
You’ll cross over the mesa and head to the right where you’ll see the entrance to the cave in the mountain.
It is 0.37 miles to the cave at this point, and it does get steeper as you make your way up.
My boys loved exploring in and around the cave, and it was a great place to cool off.
The best time to visit is when the sun is directly overhead filtering through the crack in the roof and illuminating the cave. We had just missed it, but it’s usually around 11:45 am in the summer.
After you explore the cave, just head back the way you came.
You can also take a Jeep Tour on the Soldier Pass Trail or several other trails. This is a great option, especially when it is too hot to hike.
The Fay Canyon Trail is also a great hiking trail for kids and leads to secret overlook! It’s one of our favorite stops on an Arizona Hidden Gems Road Trip.
5. Walk on top of Devil’s Bridge
Sedona is spoiled when it comes to hiking trails. There are so many different ones to choose from, but Devil’s Bridge definitely needs to be at the top of your list.
The trail is either 2 miles or 4 miles roundtrip, depending on if you have a high clearance vehicle that can take you to the trailhead.
If you don’t have 4WD with high-clearance, just park at the Dry Creek Vista Parking area then follow the Chuck Wagon Trail until you reach the trail signs for Devils Bridge.
After about a mile you’ll reach the massive sandstone arch. The arch looks more narrow than it actually is. It is safe to walk on, but use caution if you choose to walk on it with your kids.
This is one of our favorite hikes in Sedona. For more recommendations, see our guide 5 of the Best Hikes in Sedona.
5. Take a Jeep Tour
Taking a jeep tour was the highlight of our trip. There are several tour companies to choose from, we opted to go with the Pink Jeep tour company.
We did the Scenic Rim tour and it was stunning.
We bumped along backcountry roads and learned about the history of the area while taking in the incredible views. Your kids will love it!
If you want to explore the red rocks on your own, consider renting an ATV from Vortex Rentals.
6. Drive on Disney Lane in Red Rock State Park
Rumor has it that Walt Disney had a vacation home in Sedona. Red Rock State Park supposedly served as inspiration for Thunder Mountain.
It is also said that the twisted vortex trees inspired the scary forests in Fantasia and Snow White.
Whether it’s true or not, when you’re in Sedona with kids you just HAVE to take a drive on Disney Lane! You’ll also love discovering the beauty of Red Rock State Park.
If you’re in the mood for a hike, try the Eagle’s Nest Loop Trail. This 2.4-mile round-trip trail leads to the highest point in the park.
7. Take a Trolley Tour
The Sedona Trolley offers a fun, unique and informative tour. Tickets are $15 and you can choose between a 55-minute city or scenic tour.
I know I love scenic drives, but my kids don’t really care for them. However, taking a scenic drive on a trolley makes it much more exciting for them!
8. 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.
9. Feed the fish at the Hatchery
If you prefer to observe fish instead of catching them, your kids will be fascinated with the Page Spring Fish Hatchery.
The fish hatchery is located about 10 miles south of town and features about a dozen large tanks filled with hundreds of fish in various stages of growth.
Entrance is free and you can learn more information at the visitors about how the fish are used to stock local ponds and lakes. Picnic tables are also located on-site.
A highlight is always feeding the fish. For .25 cents you can buy a handful of pellets to toss in the pond.
It’s hard to tell just how many fish are in the feeding pond until you throw some food in and witness the mad frenzy with fish jumping everywhere!
10. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
I always appreciate the opportunity to expose my kids to different religions and cultures, so it was worth a quick stop at this remarkable church.
This Roman Catholic chapel is built into the red buttes and offers spectacular panoramic views.
The church is a national historic monument and an architectural treasure. In fact, it was named one of the Seven Manmade Wonders of Arizona.
You can view the exterior from the road just a few miles south of Sedona, but it is worth parking and walking up to the chapel.
The chapel is relatively small but features a wall of windows overlooking the valley below.
Marguerite Staude brought her vision of this chapel to life and welcomed all, “Although Catholic in faith…its doors will ever be open to one and all regardless of Creed”.
Visitors are welcome inside during open hours but enter with respect and reverence. You may also want to consider taking a Mini Coach Tour to view the chapel as well as other Sedona attractions.
*Related post: While you’re in the area, be sure to make a stop at Jerome Ghost Town and the charming town of Cottonwood!
11. Eat under the Turquoise Arches
Forget the golden arches, the McDonald’s located at 380 W. State Route 89A is the only McDonald’s in the world to have turquoise arches on their sign.
And if your kids are anything like mine, a Happy Meal from McDonald’s is pretty much the greatest thing in the world!
12. Become a cowboy for a day
For a real Western experience, your kids will love spending a day at M Diamond Ranch where they can experience horseback riding and a cowboy cookout.
Blazin M Ranch also offers a variety of ranch activities at their frontier town, along with the option for a chuckwagon dinner.
13. Take in the views at Airport Overlook
Who would have thought that the airport would boast one of the most scenic views in all of Sedona?
Take the Airport Road as it winds around the airport to the Airport Mesa Overlook.
Sunset is the best time to visit and you can also grab a bite to eat at Mesa Grill while you’re there.
There is limited free parking, but you can park at the airport for $3. You’ll also find several hiking trails in the area.
14. Best places to eat in Sedona with kids
We loved the shops at Hyatt Pinon Pointe for the casual atmosphere and amazing views from their outdoor patio seating.
The Wildflower Bread Company has the best soup, salads, and sandwiches. Other favorites in this complex are Chipotle and Cold Stone.
However, if you’re looking for more local specialties, here are some recommendations:
- Rock Springs café for their homemade pie.
- How sweet It Is for their prickly pear milkshake. Located in the charming Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.
- Elote is arguably the most popular restaurant in Sedona. Their delicious Mexican American dishes come highly recommended by locals. There are no reservations so expect a long wait, but there is complimentary popcorn in the lobby while you wait.
- Black Cow Cafe for homemade ice cream and pie.
- Picazzo’s Pizza for the best pizza in Sedona.
- Indian Gardens Café and Market is an easy stop on your way to Slide Rock. This cute little deli has delicious homemade sandwiches, soups, and salads. Take your food to-go for a picnic, or enjoy the indoor and outdoor seating. If it’s cold outside, they even have blankets to bundle up with while you eat.
- The Cowboy Club has a fun environment and dates back to the original 1946 tavern. They serve up delicious food with generous portions. Try the House Smoked BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich with a side of onion rings.
- The Coffee Pot is known for their hearty breakfast dishes and is the home of the 101 omelets.
15. Best place to stay in Sedona with kids
Amara Resort and Spa is one of the best places to stay in Sedona with kids or without kids!
We were so impressed with all that Amara Resort has to offer. The accommodations were clean and modern and we appreciated the amenities and activities that catered to families.
The kids had the best time swimming in the heated infinity pool, and I could not get over the beautiful red rock backdrop!
In the summer evenings, they set out lawn games to play while lounging on cushions and the cute yellow Adirondack chairs. In the winter you’ll find fire pits and hot chocolate to keep you toasty warm.
We also loved that they had complimentary bikes for the guests to use. We enjoyed a morning bike ride exploring the neighboring streets and trails.
Amara Resort is centrally located in the heart of Sedona. It is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
We loved walking to dinner in the warm evening air, and of course, stopping along the way for a scoop of ice cream as well.
Be sure to read all about our experience at Amara and why we loved it so much!
We hope this list of fun things to do in Sedona with kids will help inspire your next family vacation!
Pin it for later:
[…] (And if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to check out our guide 15 Fun Things to do in Sedona with Kids!) […]