Best Things to Do in Sedona, AZ With Kids
Sedona's family activities center on a red-rock jeep tour (Pink Jeep or a similar operator), Slide Rock State Park's natural water slide, sunset at Airport Mesa, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and the Verde Canyon Railroad out of nearby Clarkdale for a scenic train day.
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1Area photo: Terrydarc / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Pink Jeep (or Similar) Red Rock Tour
A guided off-road tour into Sedona's backcountry that a standard rental car simply can't access — bumpy, genuinely thrilling terrain with a guide explaining the red-rock geology and local history along the way. It's the single best 'wow factor' activity in Sedona for families who aren't up for a serious hike.
Watch out: The ride itself is bumpy by design — check with your operator about any back or neck issues before booking. Book ahead in peak season (spring and fall); popular tour times sell out days in advance.
2Area photo: Terrydarc / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Slide Rock State Park
A natural water slide carved into smooth red sandstone by Oak Creek — kids can slide, wade, and swim in a genuinely striking red-rock canyon setting about 20 minutes north of downtown Sedona. It's one of the few activities here that kids ask to repeat immediately.
Watch out: The creek water is cold even in summer, and the rock can be slippery — water shoes help a lot. It's a warm-weather activity only; the park itself stays open year-round but swimming isn't realistic outside roughly late spring through early fall.
3Area photo: Terrydarc / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Airport Mesa Sunset
A short walk from a parking area gets you 360-degree views of Sedona's red-rock formations, and it's the most accessible sunset spot in town — no serious hiking required. Watching the rocks turn deep red and orange as the sun sets is a genuine, low-effort family moment.
Watch out: The small parking lot fills up fast around sunset in peak season — arrive at least 30–45 minutes early or plan to park farther away and walk in. Some of the overlook area is close to real drop-offs; hold hands with young kids.
4Area photo: Terrydarc / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Chapel of the Holy Cross
A striking modernist chapel built directly into a red-rock formation in the 1950s — free to enter, quiet, and visually unlike anything else on this list. It's a short, low-effort stop that pairs naturally with a jeep tour or hike earlier or later in the day.
Watch out: It's an active, quiet place of worship, not a photo backdrop — keep noise down inside. There's a short uphill walk from the parking area to the chapel itself, manageable for most kids but not stroller-friendly on the final stretch.
5Area photo: Terrydarc / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Verde Canyon Railroad (Clarkdale)
A slow, scenic train ride through a canyon with no road access, departing from Clarkdale about 45 minutes from Sedona — genuinely relaxing compared to Sedona's more active options, and winter months bring a real chance of spotting bald eagles along the route.
Watch out: It's a half-day commitment once you factor in the drive to Clarkdale — plan it as its own day rather than squeezing it in alongside a Sedona hike. Open-air viewing car spots are first-come; arrive early to claim a good one if the weather's nice.
Frequently asked
Is Slide Rock State Park open year-round?
The park itself is open year-round, but swimming and sliding are really only comfortable roughly late spring through early fall — the creek water is cold, and it's genuinely unpleasant outside warm months even if you can technically visit.
Are Sedona's 'vortex tours' worth it for kids?
Treat them as an optional novelty rather than a must-do — for kids, the actual payoff is a nice hike with a story attached to it, not a distinct mystical experience. If your family enjoys the concept, it's a fine add-on; it's not essential to a good Sedona trip.
How far is Sedona from the Grand Canyon?
Roughly 2–2.5 hours by car, which makes combining both destinations in one Arizona road trip realistic — many families do Sedona for 2–3 days, then drive up to the Grand Canyon for another day or two.
Do we need reservations for a jeep tour?
Book ahead, especially in spring and fall (Sedona's peak seasons) — popular tour times with well-known operators like Pink Jeep sell out days in advance during busy periods.
Same destination, where to stay
Booking these activities? Pick the right resort first.
Activity days work best when your resort is the right launch pad. Our Sedona family-resort guide ranks the whole-family-experience winners.
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