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The desert city of Sedona won’t be the primary place you consider taking your youngsters to. I can already hear the tantrums; it’s too scorching, it’s too sandy, I don’t need to go mountain climbing, however when you roll up the automotive and gaze upon your first glimpses of the enduring 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 youngsters and they’re certain to have an pleasing trip, even when mountain climbing isn’t your loved ones’s factor.
Sedona is an adventurers playground. It’s all about getting open air, gazing upon probably the most awe-inspiring pure landscapes, and exploring by way of the day, and falling asleep beneath Darkish Skies at night time.
Today, Sedona is broadly often known as a luxurious vacation spot for the reason that rise of indulgent spas, artwork galleries, tremendous eating eating places, and 5-star resorts hit the town.
It has all that, sure, however it has additionally retained its rustic and wild allure. On this information, we share a few of our favourite points of interest in Sedona to do with youngsters, so you possibly can 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 really perfect hike to do with babies.
You don’t should surprise too onerous as to why it’s referred to as Bell Rock, as the form resembles that of a giant bell, and the spectacular Courthouse Butte sits proper alongside facet it.
The Bell Rock Pathway is among the best hikes to do with youngsters, and it’s a shocking view as you get nearer and nearer to those iconic purple 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 be capable of 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 contemplate the trail up a average to simple climb, and the trail fairly simple to comply with, plus there are a number of folks doing it so it’s onerous to lose your method!
We got here to a big hole within the rocks you scramble by way of, 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 youngsters near you, and also you’ll be tremendous!
That is positively 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 fashionable Sedona landmark, Chapel of the Holy Cross, is a Roman Catholic chapel is constructed into the purple buttes and was inbuilt 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!
Should 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 gorgeous!
The Chapel was designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude (a pupil 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 possibly greatest to plan a morning go to as there’s restricted parking and it’s highly regarded, so get in early!
3. Drive the Crimson Rock Scenic Byway 179 and 89A
Probably the greatest free issues to do with youngsters in Sedona is to easily drive alongside Crimson Rock Scenic Byway 179 (SR 179), considered one of America’s most stunning scenic drives.
It’s on this stretch of street we bought our first glimpse of Crimson Rock Nation and what was to come back.
You soar on this stretch of street off interstate 17, however I believe the most effective part is between the Village of Oak Creek in 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, Fortress 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 gentle 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 – beneficial.
State Route 89A gives 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 gorgeous views of Thunder Mountain (Capitol Butte), Coffeepot Rock and the valley under.
Undoubtedly do it at sundown, however I like this view at dawn and even mid-morning because the place of the rising solar shines stunning gentle 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 spot, particularly on weekend evenings!
4. Hike the Airport View Path
We did the airport mountain climbing trails on our final journey in mid-January when it was quiet. These visiting in the summertime, if the small automotive 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 possibly can stroll half a mile again down hill on the Airport View Path (one of many simple hikes to do with youngsters) to the beginning of the Airport Loop Path and get these views!
Airport Summit Path
At first of the Airport Loop Path on Airport Highway, 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
Crimson Rock Nation is regarded by Native People as sacred, and it continues to be acknowledged as a spot of therapeutic and religious renewal.
Many guests come to expertise the Sedona vortex vitality facilities. Individuals journey from everywhere in the world to expertise the mysterious cosmic forces which are stated to emanate from the purple rocks.
The time periodVortex refers to a spot the place the earth vitality swirls and attracts to its heart all the pieces 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 among the vortex websites, Airport Mesa, so sit again and breathe in a few of that optimistic 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 gives 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 great views of Thunder Mountain and Coffeepot Rock as you’re mountain climbing just under the Airport Overlook sundown level.
It is a average hike that’s fairly rocky early on with some steep drop-offs on the south facet of Airport Mesa. Once more, keep near your youngsters and take it sluggish.
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 each side of the primary road (SR 89A) in downtown Sedona trying out all of the shops!
My youngsters cherished purchasing for crystals at Sedona Crystal Vortex, and choosing out their favourite crystals to both put on as a necklace or bracelet, or place beside their mattress.
There’s artwork shops, galleries, dwelling decor, memento shops, boutique buying, plus Native American jewellery, arts and crafts, and rather more.
Be warned, you possibly can simply go loopy on the buying 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 gorgeous mountain views of the purple 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 true in the course 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 soothing spot to relax on the finish of the day and luxuriate in household time with views!
7. Hike the Cathedral Rock Path
I believe you possibly can classify Cathedral Rock as extra of a rock climb than a hike, however our children managed it safely and it ranks as considered one of their favourite adventures in Sedona! They love climbing up and over rocks in spite of everything.
Cathedral Rock has elevation acquire of about 740 ft (225m) over a brief distance, so does require a certain quantity of health.
There’s a designated path to comply with, and being one of many most-photographed sights in Arizona, and fashionable 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 for those who go to in the summertime months it will be greatest 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 advised we do one of many Pink Jeep Excursions in Sedona, and we’re so glad we took their recommendation!
They’re onerous to overlook when on the town as they’re nicely often known as among the finest points of interest, and we will see why – it’s an exhilarating method to discover Crimson Rock Nation!
We did the 2 hour Damaged Arrow tour, their most excessive off-road journey, and agree it’s positively for the adventurous!
Our youngsters cherished holding on within the again and going up and down 45 diploma rock faces – and the views of purple rock nation are unbelievable!
The Schnebly Hill tour additionally comes extremely beneficial.
You’ll be able to learn our full assessment 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 critical for this drive, in any other case you need to park on the outdoors automotive park and stroll the additional method in.
The Satan’s Bridge Path may be very fashionable because it has the most important pure sandstone arch in Crimson Rock Nation. The path up is pretty simple and gives extra gorgeous views.
However when you attain the arch, you’ll see the attraction!
Don’t fear, the suspended arch is so much wider than it seems to be from this angle and is completely protected. Stroll on the market slowly, keep near your youngsters, 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. Loosen up on the Verde Canyon Railroad
Apparently, nobody from our neighborhood had advised the Verde Canyon Railroad earlier than we visited Sedona, however we overhead a employees member on the Customer Middle telling a pair concerning the prepare 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! It is a nice half day journey from Sedona.
We had been hosted by the railroad, however completely advocate First Class because it’s solely a small value further than a daily ticket and I believe nicely well 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 outdoors and take uninterrupted pictures!
The Verde Canyon Railroad expertise takes a 20 mile journey by way of 100 years of historical past and purple rock canyon partitions.
The commentary is informative, and it was so good to take a seat and calm down for 4 hours and take within the unbelievable surroundings with out having to hike or drive.
11. Stroll the Boynton Canyon Path
At the beginning 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 arms out coronary heart formed rocks. Savannah cherished this and actually tuning into the vitality right here.
Then you possibly can 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 way of a canyon flooring, so don’t neglect to lookup on the placing rock partitions. The stroll modifications from canyon views to strolling by way of a forest.
A lot of the stroll is average, 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 Crimson Rock State Park
Crimson Rock State Park was not as glamorous as the opposite hikes we did in Sedona. However, if you need a delicate tempo, particularly you probably have younger youngsters new to mountain climbing, and if you wish to see some wildlife, this can be an awesome spot for you!
The spotlight of our time in Crimson Rock State Park was seeing 6 mule deer within the brief distance. Savannah cherished figuring out them together with her animal foot print identikit given to us by the state park ranger!
See our suggestions for mountain climbing with youngsters right here.
13. Hike the West Fork Path
After studying the West Fork Path was among the finest walks in Arizona AND the USA, we set off within the afternoon for it.
It’s a simple mountain climbing path for youths in Sedona because it follows the creek on the canyon flooring. And they’re going to adore it for its 13 creek crossings. Our youngsters love stepping stones and strolling throughout logs!
Be warned although, the signage just isn’t superb on this stroll – you’ll have a number of tracks to select from! Maintain following the creek and also you’ll be tremendous.
We loved this hike however wouldn’t put it within the class we heard others say as among the finest! I believe it will be higher in summer time.
14. Watch the night time 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 far-off 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 gentle air pollution to spoil the night time time spectacle above your head.
You don’t want a telescope to admire the celebrities, however it does assist to have an skilled information telling you about constellations and planets you possibly can see.
Try stargazing excursions in Sedona right here.
We didn’t do these points of interest as we ran out of time, however we now have marked down these points of interest on our record 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 Crimson Rock Nation between AD 1150 – 1350 Palatki Heritage Website is alleged to be the extra spectacular.
- Montezuma Fortress and Montezuma’s Nicely in Camp Verde is a well-liked place to go to close to Sedona. These two nationwide monuments provide 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: An exquisite assortment of Mexican-styled buildings is dwelling to over 50 boutique arts and crafts retailers, in addition to just a few nice eating places.
Locations to eat in Sedona with youngsters
We all know how onerous it’s to discover a place to eat with fussy eaters, so listed here are some locations we ate and cherished.
Cowboy Membership Grille & Spirits
This place got here extremely beneficial. Previously the Oak Creek Tavern, it has served as a gathering place, pool corridor, grocery retailer and saloon.
Greater than 50 motion pictures had been filmed on this area and plenty of of Hollywood’s greatest film stars have stepped inside what’s now referred to 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 have got 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 a substitute. And if it’s full inside, they provide patio seating open air 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 a neighborhood within the know, and we’re glad they pointed us on this path.
Situated down a lane method off the primary strip in Uptown, you gained’t get these basic purple rock views from right here, however you’ll get tasty burgers made with recent elements served up by pleasant locals.
I went with the Outlaw Basic burger – there’s loads right here for the youngsters too!
Wildflower
Should you like sandwiches and soups, contemplate the Wildflower. After we arrived at lunch time, the road was just about out the door. It was good meals with out being nice.
However what’s nice is the views from their patio, so for those who can seize a seat open air in hotter climate achieve this!
In addition they do breakfast dishes and varied pastas.
Elote Cafe
The Elote Café got here extremely beneficial to us by a number of mates, and it didn’t disappoint.
This is among 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.
If you’re gluten free like us, or simply get pleasure from wholesome consuming, then put Picazzo’s in your record. 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, however it served it’s objective as an inexpensive and informal place with the youngsters after an extended day to seize some pizzas, wraps, sandwiches, salads and ice lotions for a deal with.
However as talked about above, not less than cease in right here for the beer/wine and that gorgeous view!
Blazin’ M Ranch
This isn’t only a place to eat – it’s an expertise. Earlier than dinner, you possibly can partake in some Western actions reminiscent of axe throwing, bull driving, or observe your taking pictures on the Capturing Gallery.
The Blazin’ M Ranch then gives its iconic cowboy present dinner theater, the place you possibly can chow down on BBQ rooster or rib dinner while being entertained, after which watch a Nation Music band afterwards.
It’s not truly in Sedona, however in Cottonwood, however it’s geared in direction of households and an pleasing expertise, so we advocate going to it.
The place to remain in Sedona with youngsters
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
My two youngsters and I stayed on the Hilton Resort at Bell Rock. Located within the Village of Oak Creek, the Hilton Sedona Resort was a beautiful place to come back again to and get well and calm down after our every day actions in and across the area – and it’s only a 15-minute drive again into Uptown alongside the beautiful Crimson Rock Scenic Byway 179!
We had gorgeous purple rock views from the balcony of our two queen suite room all the way in which to Bell Rock, and resort facilities embody three glowing swimming pools, an expansive athletic membership and spa, and championship golf course.
What my youngsters cherished, and what was nice for me throughout breakfast and time for supper, was the close by video games of cornhole, desk tennis, and jenga – I might truly sit and calm down throughout a meal while they had been entertained, lol.
There’s additionally fireplace pits to take a seat round, and you’ll dine out on the resort porch space with distant views.
Greatest Western Plus Arroyo Roble Lodge & Creekside Villas
If you wish to keep within the coronary heart of Uptown with out spending a fortune, contemplate the Greatest Western Plus Arroyo Roble Lodge & Creekside Villas.
My mother and father and sisters household stayed right here. My sister is an in depth journey researcher and planner and he or she selected that one herself.
They stayed in one of many Creekside Villas and cherished the area and placement.
E-book early due to this lodges proximity to Uptown. I additionally checked out staying at this Greatest Western just a few months out from our go to in September, however it was booked strong.
Closing Ideas
That is Crimson Rock Nation and as you possibly can see, lots of the actions revolve across the open air! That is nice for households because it’s normally free to go mountain climbing and play immerse your self in nature – considered one of our our favourite issues to do in Arizona!
With 300+ miles of trails for mountain climbing and biking, gorgeous mesas and canyons, a small-town ambiance, and quite a few different out of doors actions, we love Sedona as a household trip vacation spot!
Sedona is among the most stunning 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 individual Sedona Arizona household itinerary.
Crimson Rock Nation actually does provide a few of the most picturesque hikes we’ve ever carried out. Plus the quite a few different family-friendly actions on provide have us planning to make this journey to an annual household trip!
Well-liked Sedona Excursions
Beneath are different beneficial excursions and child pleasant Sedona points of interest and excursions you would possibly need to try.
Free Southwest Itinerary
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Extra Arizona Journey Suggestions
When you’re planning your journey to Arizona, listed here are another useful guides on issues to do within the state which may enable you together with your itinerary:
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Do you propose to go to Sedona quickly together with your youngsters? What are you most excited to do? Please share within the feedback under!
