Does your family love to explore the outdoors? Are you always ready for a new adventure? A trip to Sedona is perfect for your family’s bucket list of adventures! Join our adventure travel family as we bring you our list of the top 5 exciting things to do in Sedona with kids!
After leaving Montezuma Castle NM, we drove a few more miles. Then the scenery started to drastically change from white sand mountains to red sandstone as we neared Sedona.
Logistics … Food
With only fry bread in our bellies since leaving Phoenix, our first order of business was picking one of the many restaurant options for a quick meal. We drove through the town and decided to try Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen. Described as “a fusion of Italian” with “bold flavors of Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican,” Picazzo’s was hit and miss for us. I had the Bianca and Dustin had the cheese bread, both were great. The girls had the linguine with house-made marinara and they couldn’t stomach any of it. After trying it, we quickly gave them a pass at finishing their meal … it was awful!
Later we were looking for authentic Mexican, so we decided to try Tortas de Fue. The parking lot is tiny and there is very limited seating. But, the portions are huge (we could have split a couple dishes) and the prices are reasonable. We would definitely return.
Logistics … Family Lodging
Be forewarned, lodging in Sedona is pricey. Based on the reviews and our preference for Hilton branded hotels, we opted for the Hampton Inn Sedona.
The room and hotel were clean, plus they provided breakfast and had a pool (a big plus with the girls). The beds were comfortable and we had two great nights of sleep there. But, the pool was outdoors and looked nothing like the photos. Clean enough to swim in, but was definitely showing wear and tear.
All things considered, I would stay there again and found it to be a good value for the area.
Now with the logistics out of the way, it is time for the fun part … our list of exciting things of to do in Sedona with kids!
Exciting Things to Do in Sedona with Kids – Activity #1:
Hot Air Balloon Ride
We planned a hot air balloon ride over the Sedona landscape with Northern Lights Balloon Expedition for our first morning! There are multiple hot air balloon companies in the area. However, I was drawn to Northern Lights for a couple reasons. They were one of only two companies permitted by the US Forestry Service to take off and land in Sedona. Plus they are a family-owned company with an outstanding safety record.
Our scheduled pick-up was 4:50 am (no problem since we were still functioning on eastern time). Pick up ran smoothly. The weather was a little chilly, so the girls and I dressed in layers. The van took us and 8 other guests into the desert, where we got our first glimpse of the basket. Spider Monkey was very concerned about how we were all going to fit. Then, the guides explained how the 100 foot balloon raises up into the air. As it raises, it picks up the metal burner system. This leaves the entire basket open for all of us.
Once at the departure location, they test the winds before launching the hot air balloons. To do this, they release a black helium balloon and watch it react to the winds high in the air.
This adventure definitely tops our list of exciting things to do in Sedona with kids … and for good reason!
Exciting Things to Do in Sedona with Kids – Activity #2:
4x4 Panoramic Jeep Tour
We also booked a Private 4×4 Jeep Adventure with Red Rock Western Jeep Tours for us to enjoy. We drove to their office to meet our guide before our scheduled tour. Our tour confirmation required us to check in 30 minutes before our tour time. However, checking in took maybe 5 minutes.
Our guide, Salt, had a great personality and was very easy to talk to during our adventure. Plus, she went out of her way to make sure the girls had fun. So she gets an overall thumbs up in my book. We started by loading into the iconic red jeep. Then we were off!
Salt took us on a panoramic tour of the mesa and a close-up view of Doe Mesa. The girls loved the “roller coaster-like” bumpy off-road adventure. Buttercup and Salt found mountain lion tracks, coyote scat, and lots of wildflowers.
We also learned about Sedona’s “Vortex’s” – Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon. Salt threw in some discussions of paranormal activity activity that happens in the area. She pointed out Bradshaw Ranch, where she talked about the “merging dimensions” portals (and the now “secret governmental presence there”. She was very sold on all of the crazy paranormal/inter-dimensional activity that occurs in the area.
As a side note, I guess this explains the endless spiritual crystal shops and vortex tours offered in Sedona! The Bradshaw Ranch has since been featured on “Beyond Skinwalker Ranch” on the History Channel.
In all, the girls loved Salt and had an amazing time!
Exciting Things to Do in Sedona with Kids – Activity #3:
Slide Rock
A short 7 mile drive from Sedona, Slide Rock State Park was our last destination after a day full of outdoor family adventures! Slide Rock swimming was the perfect way to cool off after a day in the Arizona sun. It is far from a secret location, and can draw big crowds. However, we did not find it overly crowded in the late afternoon.
Underground springs help Oak Creek form a natural water slide of icy cold water. Aided by a thin layer of algae on the rocks, this combination creates hours of chilly fun. In all, Slide Rock swimming was a great way to end our family adventures in Sedona.
Read our complete blog post on our Slide Rock Swimming Adventure here.
Exciting Things to Do in Sedona with Kids – Activity #4:
Oak Creek Canyon
We drove through Sedona to explore. We started with some of the overlooks mentioned on our audio tour (I used the GuideAlong Tour). Then, we explored the Oak Creek Visitor Center area.
We took a short hike around the pull-off for Midgley Bridge, which spans over Oak Creek Canyon. Buttercup spotted a nest of ravens under the bridge. And, Spider Monkey found rocks to climb and pose for photos.
Exciting Things to Do in Sedona with Kids – Activity #5:
Coconino National Forest
The Red Rock Ranger Station of the Coconino National Forest is a great educational stop for all Junior Rangers! Here kids can learn about the Leave No Trace Principles and preparing for a hike while browsing the exhibits. We are huge proponents of learning about the areas we visit, so a stop at the visitor center is a must!
The Family Verdict
We thought Sedona was an action-packed outdoor wonderland! So much to do, see and experience!
Make sure to check out our adventures in nearby Montezuma Castle National Monument and Slide Rock. Also follow along on our road trip through the American Southwest!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
Basics:
Outdoors:
- Pocket Binoculars
- Travel Umbrella
- Adult Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Kid’s Hiking Hydration Backpack
- Water Bladder Cleaning Tablets
- Microfiber Towels
- Women’s All Around Jacket
- Women’s Water-Resistant Hiking Pants, These and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Pants and These
- Women’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Women’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Women’s Hiking Socks
- Women’s Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Quick Dry Pants
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shorts
- Kid’s Quick Dry Shirts
- Kid’s Long Sleeve UV Rash Guard
- Kid’s Hiking Socks and These
- Kids Rain Jacket
- Kid’s Rain Pants
- Foldable Kid’s Hat
- Men’s Rain Jacket
