Things to do in Sedona with kids
Updated November 3, 2026 · facts checked against the sources below
Sedona works brilliantly with children, as long as you pick short trails, plan around the heat and book the popular stuff early. These are the outings families rate highest, with the practical details checked against official sources.
Photo: Coconino National Forest, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Easy hikes little legs can manage
Start with flat, short trails. Fay Canyon is about an hour on a gentle path, and Bell Rock Pathway lets you turn around whenever you like. Soldier Pass is longer, but the Seven Sacred Pools are only about half a mile in, which makes a good turnaround point.
Skip Cathedral Rock with young children. It's short but rated strenuous, with steep slickrock scrambling.
Water play in summer
Slide Rock State Park's natural rock chute is the classic summer outing. Arrive at opening, because the lot fills and cars are turned away. Crescent Moon Picnic Site has shallow creek edges for paddling, with the famous Cathedral Rock view behind.
History that feels like an adventure
Cliff dwellings are a big hit with school-age kids. Montezuma Castle has a short, flat, paved loop, and children 15 and under get in free. Palatki needs a timed reservation but includes a ranger-led walk to the dwellings and rock art.
Rides and animals
A jeep tour is the easiest way to get kids into the backcountry, and most companies take children, though age limits vary. Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde fills a half day with safari drives and animal feeds. The Verde Canyon Railroad suits younger children who would rather sit than hike.
After dark
Sedona has been an International Dark Sky Community since 2014. A stargazing tour with telescopes is a memorable, low-effort evening for all ages.
Questions people ask
What is the best easy hike in Sedona for kids?
Fay Canyon Trail is a strong pick. The Forest Service rates it easy, with only about 144 feet of elevation gain over roughly 2 miles round trip.
Is Slide Rock safe for kids?
Many families visit, but the rocks are very slippery and the water can be cold. Use water shoes and watch children closely. Pets aren't allowed in the creek area.
Sources
- Coconino National Forest: Red Rock and Coconino passes
- City of Sedona: Dark Sky Community news release (2014)
- Forest Service: Fay Canyon Trail No. 53
- Forest Service: Bell Rock Pathway No. 96
- Forest Service: Soldier Pass Trail No. 66
- Sedona Shuttle: trailhead routes
- Arizona State Parks: Slide Rock
- Forest Service: Crescent Moon Picnic Site
- NPS: Montezuma Castle fees
- Visit Sedona: Palatki Heritage Site
- Recreation.gov: Palatki Heritage Site
- Out of Africa Wildlife Park (official)
- Verde Canyon Railroad (official)
- DarkSky International: Sedona
Facts last checked November 3, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm with the official source before you go.