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The desert city of Sedona won’t be the primary place you consider taking your children to. I can already hear the tantrums; it’s too sizzling, it’s too sandy, I don’t wish to go mountaineering, however when you roll up the automobile and gaze upon your first glimpses of the long-lasting red-rock buttes and craggy canyons, I assure the moans and groans will cease.
The reality is, there are various issues to do in Sedona with children and they’re certain to have an fulfilling trip, even when mountaineering isn’t your loved ones’s factor.
Sedona is an adventurers playground. It’s all about getting outside, gazing upon probably the most awe-inspiring pure landscapes, and exploring by the day, and falling asleep beneath Darkish Skies at evening.
Today, Sedona is extensively generally known as a luxurious vacation spot for the reason that rise of indulgent spas, artwork galleries, effective eating eating places, and 5-star resorts hit the town.
It has all that, sure, but it surely has additionally retained its rustic and wild attraction. On this information, we share a few of our favourite sights in Sedona to do with children, so you’ll be able to pick some actions and begin mapping out your itinerary. And better of all, many of those actions are free!
1. Bell Rock Pathway Hike
Probably the greatest brief walks in Sedona is the Bell Rock Path, making it a perfect hike to do with babies.
You don’t should surprise too laborious as to why it’s known as Bell Rock, as the form resembles that of a big bell, and the spectacular Courthouse Butte sits proper alongside facet it.
The Bell Rock Pathway is without doubt one of the best hikes to do with children, and it’s a shocking view as you get nearer and nearer to those iconic crimson rock formations.
The path is straightforward to comply with and solely 3.5 miles spherical journey, so relying upon your strolling tempo and what number of pictures you cease to take, you must have the ability to do it inside 1.5 hours.
On our first journey, we didn’t climb it as our niece wasn’t match sufficient, however on our second journey we climbed up Bell Rock with the youngsters!
Nicely, we made it midway up the rock, discovered a pleasant flat and protected space to take a seat and have a picnic, and take within the unbelievable views.
I’d take into account the trail up a reasonable to straightforward climb, and the trail fairly straightforward to comply with, plus there are a number of folks doing it so it’s laborious to lose your manner!
We got here to a big hole within the rocks you scramble by, which was enjoyable for the youngsters, then we hiked across the rock about one other 10-minutes earlier than discovering this flat space.
Simply take your time, maintain your children near you, and also you’ll be effective!
That is undoubtedly one of many enjoyable kid-friendly issues to do in Sedona, and near the village of Oak Creek.
2. Go to the Chapel of the Holy Cross
The spectacular and widespread Sedona landmark, Chapel of the Holy Cross, is a Roman Catholic chapel is constructed into the crimson buttes and was in-built 1956.
In 2007, the chapel grew to become one of many Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona. I imply take a look at these views!
In case you solely have time for one cultural web site, make this it, as not solely is the chapel’s place distinctive and attention-grabbing, however the surrounding views out over Verde Valley panorama and Cathedral Rock are beautiful!
The Chapel was designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude (a scholar of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) and it’s a simple 4 mile drive from Uptown Sedona.
You solely want a short while right here and doubtless finest to plan a morning go to as there may be restricted parking and it’s extremely popular, so get in early!
3. Drive the Purple Rock Scenic Byway 179 and 89A
Probably the greatest free issues to do with children in Sedona is to easily drive alongside Purple Rock Scenic Byway 179 (SR 179), one in all America’s most lovely scenic drives.
It’s on this stretch of street we acquired our first glimpse of Purple Rock Nation and what was to return.
You leap on this stretch of street off interstate 17, however I feel the very best part is between the Village of Oak Creek in the direction of Uptown.
We stayed within the Village of Oak Creek (see our lodge down under) and every morning drove 15-minutes into Uptown to fulfill my mother and father at their lodge.
Alongside this stretch you get views of iconic landscapes like Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Citadel Rock and Cathedral Rock, Snoopy Rock and within the distance a glimpse of the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Within the morning the solar is positioned completely to shine sensible mild on these formations!
You’ll be able to pull over at a number of exits for extra scenic vistas, and if you’re staying in Oak Creek Village like I did you get to do that drive in each instructions for a unique perspective – really helpful.
State Route 89A presents views of Coffeepot Rock, Thunder Mountain (Capitol Butte), Sugarloaf Mountain and Chimney Rock!
3. Catch a sundown from the Sedona Airport Overlook
The Airport Overlook is a pleasant spot to observe the solar go down with beautiful views of Thunder Mountain (Capitol Butte), Coffeepot Rock and the valley under.
Positively do it at sundown, however I really like this view at dawn and even mid-morning because the place of the rising solar shines lovely mild on Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock, however at sundown they had been principally in shade.
There are much less folks within the mornings too!
Once more, get right here early at sundown to get a great place, particularly on weekend evenings!
4. Hike the Airport View Path
We did the airport mountaineering trails on our final journey in mid-January when it was quiet. These visiting in the summertime, if the small automobile park space is full on the trailhead of the Airport Loop Path, proceed driving up hill and park on the Airport Overlook the place you watch the sundown.
From there you’ll be able to stroll half a mile again down hill on the Airport View Path (one of many straightforward hikes to do with children) to the beginning of the Airport Loop Path and get these views!
Airport Summit Path
At first of the Airport Loop Path on Airport Street, take the brief climb to the highest of the Summit Path for sensational views out over the valley and again over Thunder Mountain (Capitol Butte).
Really feel the vortexes at Airport Mesa
Purple Rock Nation is regarded by Native Individuals as sacred, and it continues to be acknowledged as a spot of therapeutic and non secular renewal.
Many guests come to expertise the Sedona vortex vitality facilities. Individuals journey from all around the world to expertise the mysterious cosmic forces which can be mentioned to emanate from the crimson rocks.
The time periodVortex refers to a spot the place the earth vitality swirls and attracts to its middle every little thing that surrounds it like a twister.
Though all of Sedona is taken into account to be a vortex, there are particular websites the place the vitality crackles most intensely.
This is without doubt one of the vortex websites, Airport Mesa, so sit again and breathe in a few of that constructive vitality.
Again onto the Airport Loop Path
After tuning into the vortex vitality on the summit path, we headed off on this 3.2 mile Airport Loop Path, which circles the Sedona airport.
We headed clockwise from the trailhead which presents superb views of the valley under and as you around the bend Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock become visible.
On the second half of the hike, you get extra fantastic views of Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock as you might be mountaineering slightly below the Airport Overlook sundown level.
This can be a reasonable hike that’s fairly rocky early on with some steep drop-offs on the south facet of Airport Mesa. Once more, keep near your children and take it gradual.
Convey loads of water and a few snack meals. This hike took us about 2.5 hours with loads of stops for pictures and a picnic lunch.
5. Discover Uptown Sedona
Wander up and down either side of the primary avenue (SR 89A) in downtown Sedona trying out all of the shops!
My children cherished purchasing for crystals at Sedona Crystal Vortex, and selecting out their favourite crystals to both put on as a necklace or bracelet, or place beside their mattress.
There’s artwork shops, galleries, residence decor, memento shops, boutique purchasing, plus Native American jewellery, arts and crafts, and far more.
Be warned, you can simply go loopy on the purchasing right here!
6. Have sundown drinks and ice cream at Canyon Breeze
Late afternoon, we discovered ourselves on the patio of Sundown Breeze with these beautiful mountain views of the crimson rocks!
Our youngsters all loved an ice cream from Sabrina’s Ice Cream store, while the adults an grownup beverage, or two!
Canyon Breeze is correct in the midst of Uptown and is a little bit of an all-in-one restaurant serving up pizzas, burgers, a full bar, and ice lotions.
It’s a calming spot to sit back on the finish of the day and revel in household time with views!
7. Hike the Cathedral Rock Path
I feel you’ll be able to classify Cathedral Rock as extra of a rock climb than a hike, however our youngsters managed it safely and it ranks as one in all their favourite adventures in Sedona! They love climbing up and over rocks in any case.
Cathedral Rock has elevation acquire of about 740 ft (225m) over a brief distance, so does require a specific amount of health.
There’s a designated path to comply with, and being one of many most-photographed sights in Arizona, and widespread Sedona hikes there are many folks round to comply with of their footsteps.
We hiked as much as the saddle, which is the hole within the opening, and the views going up and on the prime are superb!
We did this hike throughout our January go to, however when you go to in the summertime months it might be finest to do that within the morning or late afternoon to keep away from the cruel solar and warmth.
8. Do one of many Pink Jeep Excursions
Many individuals prompt we do one of many Pink Jeep Excursions in Sedona, and we’re so glad we took their recommendation!
They’re laborious to overlook when on the town as they’re nicely generally known as probably the greatest sights, and we are able to see why – it’s an exhilarating method to discover Purple Rock Nation!
We did the 2 hour Damaged Arrow tour, their most excessive off-road journey, and agree it’s undoubtedly for the adventurous!
Our youngsters cherished holding on within the again and going up and down 45 diploma rock faces – and the views of crimson rock nation are unbelievable!
The Schnebly Hill tour additionally comes extremely really helpful.
You’ll be able to learn our full overview of the Damaged Arrow Pink Jeep Tour right here.
9. Hike the Satan’s Bridge Path
Talking of journey, this hike begins off with an adventurous two mile drive in down a bumpy observe to the path head.
Fortunately for us we personal a 4×4 Ford F250 with excessive clearance which is important for this drive, in any other case you need to park on the exterior automobile park and stroll the additional manner in.
The Satan’s Bridge Path may be very widespread because it has the biggest pure sandstone arch in Purple Rock Nation. The path up is pretty straightforward and presents extra beautiful views.
However when you attain the arch, you’ll see the attraction!
Don’t fear, the suspended arch is quite a bit wider than it seems to be from this angle and is completely protected. Stroll on the market slowly, keep near your children, and don’t sit or stand close to the sting!
We took a picnic lunch and sat on the primary rock face of the mountain and had been entertained watching others get their pictures.
10. Calm down on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Apparently, nobody from our group had prompt the Verde Canyon Railroad earlier than we visited Sedona, however we overhead a workers member on the Customer Middle telling a pair concerning the practice journey and we thought it sounded enjoyable for our household!
So we jumped on board, and our ladies insisted that we do it in fashion – First Class! This can be a nice half day journey from Sedona.
We had been hosted by the railroad, however completely suggest First Class because it’s solely a small value further than an everyday ticket and I feel nicely definitely worth the value to get the appetizers, champagne toast upon arrival, entry to a money bar, and cozy seats massive sufficient to lie down on!
You additionally get entry to an open air carriage to face exterior and take uninterrupted pictures!
The Verde Canyon Railroad expertise takes a 20 mile journey by 100 years of historical past and crimson rock canyon partitions.
The commentary is informative, and it was so good to take a seat and loosen up for 4 hours and take within the unbelievable surroundings with out having to hike or drive.
11. Stroll the Boynton Canyon Path
At first of the Boynton Canyon Path is the Vista Path, a brief climb to Boynton Canyon Spire, a Sedona Vortex space!
There are unbelievable views right here and a man who performs a flute twice per day and palms out coronary heart formed rocks. Savannah cherished this and actually tuning into the vitality right here.
Then you’ll be able to stroll onto the precise Boynton Canyon Path, a 6 mile out and again path, which was the longest hike we did in Sedona with our youngsters.
This was a unique hike as we had been strolling by a canyon ground, so don’t neglect to lookup on the placing rock partitions. The stroll adjustments from canyon views to strolling by a forest.
Many of the stroll is reasonable, though the final part includes a 400 foot elevation rise. Convey loads of water, and a chew to eat to take a seat on the finish and take within the canyon earlier than the return stroll.
12. Discover Purple Rock State Park
Purple Rock State Park was not as glamorous as the opposite hikes we did in Sedona. However, if you need a mild tempo, particularly when you’ve got younger children new to mountaineering, and if you wish to see some wildlife, this can be an incredible spot for you!
The spotlight of our time in Purple Rock State Park was seeing 6 mule deer within the brief distance. Savannah cherished figuring out them along with her animal foot print identikit given to us by the state park ranger!
See our ideas for mountaineering with children right here.
13. Hike the West Fork Path
After studying the West Fork Path was probably the greatest walks in Arizona AND the USA, we set off within the afternoon for it.
It’s a simple mountaineering path for youths in Sedona because it follows the creek on the canyon ground. And they’ll like it for its 13 creek crossings. Our youngsters love stepping stones and strolling throughout logs!
Be warned although, the signage will not be excellent on this stroll – you’ll have a number of tracks to select from! Hold following the creek and also you’ll be effective.
We loved this hike however wouldn’t put it within the class we heard others say as probably the greatest! I feel it might be higher in summer time.
14. Watch the evening skies on a stargazing tour
Budding astronomers and science nerds within the making will love the stargazing tour of Sedona. As a result of it’s so distant from massive cities like Phoenix or Flaggstaff, you don’t get the haze of massive metropolis lights.
One of many greatest highlights to Sedona is that when the solar units, there’s no mild air pollution to spoil the evening time spectacle above your head.
You don’t want a telescope to admire the celebs, but it surely does assist to have an professional information telling you about constellations and planets you’ll be able to see.
Try stargazing excursions in Sedona right here.
We didn’t do these sights as we ran out of time, however we’ve marked down these sights on our listing for once we return.
- Slide Rock State Park – a water slide created by nature (hotter months).
- Ruins of Palatki and Honanki – largest cliff dwellings of the Purple Rock Nation between AD 1150 – 1350 Palatki Heritage Website is claimed to be the extra spectacular.
- Montezuma Citadel and Montezuma’s Nicely in Camp Verde is a well-liked place to go to close to Sedona. These two nationwide monuments supply a glimpse into Verde Valley historical past and life with well-preserved cliff-dwellings. It was closed once we visited Sedona.
- Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village: A phenomenal assortment of Mexican-styled buildings is residence to over 50 boutique arts and crafts outlets, in addition to a couple of nice eating places.
Locations to eat in Sedona with children
We all know how laborious it’s to discover a place to eat with fussy eaters, so listed below are some locations we ate and cherished.
Cowboy Membership Grille & Spirits
This place got here extremely really helpful. Previously the Oak Creek Tavern, it has served as a gathering place, pool corridor, grocery retailer and saloon.
Greater than 50 films had been filmed on this area and lots of of Hollywood’s greatest film stars have stepped inside what’s now known as the Cowboy Membership.
It serves up steaks, burgers, and seafood. Plus some well-known distinctive dishes like Cactus Fries and Grilled Rattlesnake & Wild Boar Sausages.
I loved my Bison Burger, Kalyra her ribs, and the salads and vegetable platters are nice too! It’s informal and family-friendly, however with a full bar.
You’re feeling like you’ve stepped again in time with the Nation and Western decor, plus on show is the second largest set of Longhorn horns within the US and Cowboy Artists’ works.
Sometimes busy within the evenings, we determined to cease in for lunch as an alternative. And if it’s full inside, they provide patio seating outside too!
Outlaw Grille
Searching for scrumptious burgers in an off-the-cuff setting? Look no additional!
The Outlaw Grille was a prime insiders tip from an area within the know, and we’re glad they pointed us on this path.
Positioned down a lane manner off the primary strip in Uptown, you gained’t get these basic crimson rock views from right here, however you’ll get tasty burgers made with recent substances served up by pleasant locals.
I went with the Outlaw Basic burger – there’s a lot right here for the youngsters too!
Wildflower
In case you like sandwiches and soups, take into account the Wildflower. Once we arrived at lunch time, the road was nearly out the door. It was good meals with out being nice.
However what’s nice is the views from their patio, so when you can seize a seat outside in hotter climate achieve this!
In addition they do breakfast dishes and numerous pastas.
Elote Cafe
The Elote Café got here extremely really helpful to us by a number of buddies, and it didn’t disappoint.
This is without doubt one of the hottest eating places in Sedona, with delicacies impressed by the markets of Mexico, and they don’t take reservations so get there early or be ready to attend.
We totally loved the service and our goat cheese balls, duck carnitas with guacamole, and vanilla bean flan.
Picazzo’s Wholesome Italian Kitchen
We stumbled upon this place by chance, and glad we did.
In case you are gluten free like us, or simply get pleasure from wholesome consuming, then put Picazzo’s in your listing. And it’s removed from simply Italian, with loads of wholesome salad and quinoa bowls, and your typical kiddie choices.
Canyon Breeze
I’m hesitant so as to add this as a spot to eat, as the standard of the meals was simply okay, but it surely served it’s function as an inexpensive and informal place with the youngsters after a protracted day to seize some pizzas, wraps, sandwiches, salads and ice lotions for a deal with.
However as talked about above, a minimum of cease in right here for the beer/wine and that beautiful view!
Blazin’ M Ranch
This isn’t only a place to eat – it’s an expertise. Earlier than dinner, you’ll be able to partake in some Western actions similar to axe throwing, bull using, or apply your capturing on the Capturing Gallery.
The Blazin’ M Ranch then presents its iconic cowboy present dinner theater, the place you’ll be able to chow down on BBQ hen or rib dinner while being entertained, after which watch a Nation Music band afterwards.
It’s not truly in Sedona, however in Cottonwood, but it surely’s geared in the direction of households and an fulfilling expertise, so we suggest going to it.
The place to remain in Sedona with children
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
My two children and I stayed on the Hilton Resort at Bell Rock. Located within the Village of Oak Creek, the Hilton Sedona Resort was a stunning place to return again to and get well and loosen up after our day by day actions in and across the area – and it’s only a 15-minute drive again into Uptown alongside the beautiful Purple Rock Scenic Byway 179!
We had beautiful crimson rock views from the balcony of our two queen suite room all the best way to Bell Rock, and resort facilities embody three glowing swimming pools, an expansive athletic membership and spa, and championship golf course.
What my children cherished, and what was nice for me throughout breakfast and time for dinner, was the close by video games of cornhole, desk tennis, and jenga – I may truly sit and loosen up throughout a meal while they had been entertained, lol.
There’s additionally fireplace pits to take a seat round, and you may dine out on the resort porch space with distant views.
Finest Western Plus Arroyo Roble Resort & Creekside Villas
If you wish to keep within the coronary heart of Uptown with out spending a fortune, take into account the Finest Western Plus Arroyo Roble Resort & Creekside Villas.
My mother and father and sisters household stayed right here. My sister is an in depth journey researcher and planner and she or he selected that one herself.
They stayed in one of many Creekside Villas and cherished the house and site.
Ebook early due to this resorts proximity to Uptown. I additionally checked out staying at this Finest Western a couple of months out from our go to in September, but it surely was booked strong.
Remaining Ideas
That is Purple Rock Nation and as you’ll be able to see, most of the actions revolve across the outside! That is nice for households because it’s often free to go mountaineering and play immerse your self in nature – one in all our our favourite issues to do in Arizona!
With 300+ miles of trails for mountaineering and biking, beautiful mesas and canyons, a small-town environment, and quite a few different outside actions, we love Sedona as a household trip vacation spot!
Sedona is without doubt one of the most lovely locations in America, if not the world. Our youngsters nonetheless discuss it, and so do my mother and father and sisters household!
I hope this weblog publish impressed your journey and helps plan your personal Sedona Arizona household itinerary.
Purple Rock Nation actually does supply among the most picturesque hikes we’ve ever executed. Plus the quite a few different family-friendly actions on supply have us planning to make this journey to an annual household trip!
Well-liked Sedona Excursions
Under are different really helpful excursions and child pleasant Sedona sights and excursions you would possibly wish to try.
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Extra Arizona Journey Suggestions
When you’re planning your journey to Arizona, listed below are another useful guides on issues to do within the state that may aid you along with your itinerary:
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Do you intend to go to Sedona quickly along with your children? What are you most excited to do? Please share within the feedback under!