13 Things To Do In Sedona With Kids

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Sedona is a desert town located in the Upper Sonoran Desert, about 114 miles from Phoenix and 33 miles from Flagstaff.

The small town of just over 9,000 residents is best known for its vibrant arts scene, new-age shops, and alleged vortex that contains spiritual and healing powers.

Sedona also offers some of the world’s most beautiful canyons and rock formations.

Visitors will also be treated to a unique phenomenon in the fall foliage.

Due to its high elevation (8,000 feet), the leaves turn brilliant colors each year, which is virtually unheard of in the desert.

The town enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year, though temperatures have been known to dip as low as 21 degrees.

With over 4 million visitors a year, most of Sedona’s major industries include tourism, hospitality, recreation, and retail.

Sedona is not only a place for artists and those seeking spiritual awareness.

It’s a place full of natural wonders, and tons of outdoor activities.

It’s the perfect place to stop or stay with the kids when visiting Arizona.

Keep reading for 13 things to do in Sedona with kids.

13 Things To Do In Sedona With Kids

1. Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure – Sedona, Arizona

Steam through the wilderness along the Verde River on this open-air train.

The 3 to 4-hour tour (depending on the weather), will give you an up close and personal look at the ancient cliffs and dwellings of the indigenous people.

You’ll see wildlife like bald eagles, antelope, jackrabbits, and more.

View mining sites, and canyons, and chug through a 7,000-foot tunnel made from natural rock.

The train offers a restroom. Riders will also enjoy appetizers, snacks, beverages, and lunch.

The train also stops at the John Bell railroad museum.

2. Hiking – Sedona, Arizona

Hiking the many canyons is one of the best activities Sedona has to offer.

It’s a great way for the entire family to spend time outdoors, getting exercise.

The trails in Sedona are unmatched for their splendor, and they’re always full of surprises.

If you’re concerned about the hikes being too much for kids, never fear, Sedona offers several kid-friendly hikes.

They include Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, The Birthing Cave, and Airport View Trail.

All of these hikes are an hour or less and are considered easy.

3. Out Of Africa Wildlife Park – Sedona, Arizona

Open 7 days a week from 9:30 to 5:00, Out of Africa is 100 acres of rolling hills and valleys.

Start the day on the African Bush Safari.

The open-air tour bus will take you throughout the property to get a close-up view of African animals roaming freely.

Spend the rest of your day engaging in activities and exploring exhibits like Predator Feed, Reptile Resort, Sloth Encounter, Feed A Tiger, and The Croc Pot.

Guests can also zip line over the habitat for a very exciting view.

4. Sedona Jeep Tours – Sedona, Arizona

Considered Northern Arizona’s best Jeep tour experience, all tours are led by experienced and entertaining guides.

Safety comes first as you sit atop a gondola-type basket in the back of the Jeep.

You can choose your vehicle and the type of yours.

Your family can go for a mild off-road experience, a moderate one, or go all out on a bumpy extreme off-road adventure over rocks and through streams.

Trips take about 2 hours.

5. Sedona Helicopter Tours – Sedona, Arizona

Take the kids on an adventure never forget.

Coast high above the canyons in a state-of-the-art helicopter and view the canyons like very few ever have.

Choose from a doors-on or doors-off experience.

The typical ride lasts from 15 to 35 minutes depending on the package you choose.

Sedona Helicopter Tours has had a 100% safety record since opening in 1994.

6. Tlaquepaque Arts And Crafts Village – Sedona, Arizona

Considered the best shopping experience in the Sedona area, this authentically designed Mexican village offers much more than the 50 specialty shops.

The cobblestone streets are also home to art galleries, quaint eateries, flamenco dancers, reptile shows, drum circles, and more.

7. Outback ATV Rental – Sedona, Arizona

Outback ATV has been family owned and operated for over 30 years.

The ATV collection ranges from 3 to 6 seaters.

Guests can choose excursions ranging from 2 hours to half and full days.

Tours can include stops at archeological sites, hidden caves, and a dip at a swimming hole.

The cost includes helmets, eye protection, and a cooler with ice and water.

8. Rainbow Trout Farm – Sedona, Arizona

For a truly fun activity that everyone will enjoy, The Rainbow Trout Farm is a must.

The farm hatches their own eggs and raises the trout to “dinner size”.

When you visit (admission is only $1.50) you’ll be given all the equipment needed to catch your very own fish in the spring water pond.

Then you’ll be able to cook it on a grill and enjoy it at the picnic area.

The fish cost a dollar an inch, but under 8 inches are free.

Snacks and beverages are available from the concession stand.

The farm is open 7 days a week.

9. Nighttime UFO And Stargazing Tour – Sedona, Arizona

Owned and operated by the delightful guide, Shay, Nighttime UFOs is a fun and peaceful adventure that leads visitors to 3 different sites to gaze upon millions of stars, and constellations, and look for UFOs.

Even if you don’t spot any extraterrestrials, Shay has some fascinating stories to share.

All guests get used to night vision glasses, and a star pointer, and receive a free gift.

10. Crescent Moon Ranch/Picnic Area – Sedona, Arizona

Set beneath Cathedral Rock, this spot is a great place to stop and unwind after hiking at the Red Rocks.

There’s a large covered picnic pavilion to enjoy a packed lunch.

Then stroll around and take in the many historic buildings and the view of the mountains.

Top it off with some swimming at the creek. Bathrooms and vending machines are available.

11. Little Hollywood Filming Locations – Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is known as “Little Hollywood” because of the over 100 movies filmed there.

While most were produced from the 1940s through the 1970s, some later, well-known movies like National Lampoons Vacation, The Karate Kid, and The Quick and the Dead filmed scenes there as well.

The 2-hour tour takes visitors to the movie sites and a knowledgeable guide will share stories of the films and their famous stars.

Popcorn is included.

12. The Blazin’ M Ranch Western Frontier Town – Sedona, Arizona

The Blazin’ Ranch is a great experience for the whole family.

The adventure has been named a Travel Advisor – Traveler’s Choice destination.

It features a western frontier town, with dinner and a show.

Stroll the town, shop for souvenirs, take a wagon ride, do some ax throwing, bull riding, or take some roping lessons.

Then settle in for some chuck wagon food that includes barbecued chicken, ribs, Prickly Pear coleslaw, biscuits, and apple crisp for dessert.

Afterward, settle in for a 1-hour show that’s full of dancing, singing, and excitement.

13. Sedonuts – Sedona, Arizona

Be sure to stop by this deliciously awesome “mom and pop” shop, where the donuts and pastries are handmade each morning with the best ingredients, and are hand cut the old-fashioned way.

The themed pastries are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the taste buds.

A few delights include red velvet, raspberry filled, maple bacon, vanilla cake, and raised chocolate.

The selection is huge, and the taste is great, so be sure to stop for breakfast before starting your adventures.

Sedona Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Sedona Safety Review

Safety Index:

83

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW