Looking for family fun in Sedona? Here’s how to enjoy red rocks, nature, and adventure with kids in Arizona’s most scenic town.
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Sedona is one of Arizona’s most famous vacation destinations, and for a good reason. Its stunning red rock landscapes, scenic hiking trails, and countless parks are unlike anywhere else.
We’ve done several road trips through Arizona and seen some incredible places, but Sedona easily ranks among our favorites. Alongside its breathtaking natural beauty, the area also offers fascinating historic sites that make it even more special.
Once again, Arizona didn’t dissappoint. We visited in November over Thanksgiving, and the weather was absolutely perfect for us. However, the timing also meant that the town was packed with holiday travelers, and the traffic matched the crowds.
Getting food and services on Thanksgiving Day turned out to be surprisingly tricky, as the most restaurants and shops were closed. That is something we hadn’t considered since, in California, many places remain open during the holidays.
Still, despite of minor hiccups, the trips was a success. It felt great to hit the road again, explore new corners of Arizona, and soak in Sedona’s one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
What is Sedona?
Sedona is a charming little town of about ten thousand people, located less than an hour’s drive from Flagstaff and roughly two hours from Phoenix. It’s lifeblood is tourism, and during holidays and weekends, the town fills up quickly with visitors chasing those famous red rock views.
If you’re planning a trip, book your hotel early as Sedona gets busy fast. The small downtown is always lively, and the roads leading to the nearby parks are often packed. Still, despite the crowds, Sedona’s biggest draw is its breathtaking nature and the serenity you can find once you step onto the trails. There’s a path here for every type of hiker, from beginners to seasoned adventurers.
The best times to visit are spring and fall. Winter days are pleasantly cool for hiking, though the evenings can get downright cold. Many of the area’s natural swimming holes were far too chilly during our visit, and we were happy to have hats and gloves for our evening walks. When we drove back toward Flagstaff, the upper valley was even dusted with snow.
Summers, on the other hand, can scorching and is definitely not my favorite weather for hiking. That’s why I’d say spring and autumn are ideal for exploring Sedona.
We absolutely loved the town’s natural beauty and its cozy, small-town vibe. The only downside? Sedona’s popularity. The cowds were constant, parking was tricky, restaurant lines were long, and prices were high (especially for hotels). We often opted for takeout just to save time, and even then, the wait was long. In some places, they didn’t even answer the phone!
Still, even with all that, Sedona’s magic is undeniable. There’s just something about those red rocks that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Things to do in Sedona with a family
Go Hiking
Most people come to Sedona to explore the outdoors and to hike, take in the incredible red rock formations, and enjoy the area’s unique desert scenery. There’s no shortage of trails and parks here, so whether you’re after a short stroll or a full-day adventure, Sedona has it all.
I recommend checking out the trails before you arrive, as the most popular ones tend to get busy. It’s best to start early in the morning to find parking and avoid the crrwds. Trails vary in difficulty and length, so it’s good to know in advance which ones suit your fitness level or family needs. We always use the AllTrails app when planning our hikes.
Nearby, you’ll find several beautiful state parks worth visiting; Slide Rock State Park, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and Red Rock State Park.
- Slide Rock State Park is famous for its natural rock water slides that make swimming there and unforgettable experience especially for kids.
- Red Rock State Park, as the name suggests, offers stunning red rock formations and scenic viewpoints.
If you’d rather stay close to town, Sedona also has plenty of trails starting near hotels and neighborhoods. That was one of the things we loved most, no long drives needed. We hiked Sugarloaf Loop Trail, which was perfect for families with kids and started just minutes from downtown.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
One of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a stunning architectural masterpiece built right into the red rocks. Its design follows the natural shape of the cliffs, giving it a unique, almost sculptural look; like a tall, narrow box from the stone itself.
The church belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese and can hold about 150 people. It was the vision of local rancher and sculptor Marquerite Brunswig Staude, who found inspiration for the chapel in the surrounding desert landscape. Completed in 1957, the chapel is made entirely of concrete and blends beautifully with the natural rock.
Today, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona’s most visited attractions, welcoming around three million visitors each year. In 2007, locals even voted it as one of Arizona’s Seven Man-Made Wonders. It includes places like Hoover Dam, London Bridge, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Petrified Forest National Park, and the Montezuma Castle National Monument mentioned below.
Visitors can drive up Chapel Road to reach the small parking area at the top. A sloped walkway leads safely to the church entrance, and from up there, the panoramic views over Sedona’s red rock country are absolutely breathtaking.
📍Location: 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ
Explore Montezuma Castle National Monument
Just a short drive from Sedona, Montezuma Castle National Monument is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the entire United States, and absolutely worth a visit.
Much like at Walnut Canyon National Monument that we visited earlier, the builders were the Sinaqua people, whole lived in the area roughly 900 years ago. The incredible five-story structure is tucked high into a limestone cliff, about 90 feet (27 meters) above the ground, and contains around 60 rooms. Several families once lived here at the same time, forming a thriving community perched right on the rock face.
It’s easy to wonder how they managed to climb up and down these steep cliffs every day, a reminder of the ingenuity and resilience of the Sinaqua people.
Visitors can no longer enter the swelling for preservation reasons, but you can admire it from below along a scenic trail. Montezuma Castle was declared a National Monument in 1906, and today it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Native American life in Arizona’s desert landscape.
📍Location: 2800 Montezuma Castle Road, Camp Verde, AZ
Feel the Vortex at Rachel’s Knoll
Perched high on stunning hilltop, Rachel’s Knoll is one of Sedona’s most peaceful and spiritually charged spots. Long before it became a popular place for meditation, this area was sacred ground for Native American tribes.
In the 1970’s, a woman named Rachel Petty Lunt came to Sedona looking for a piece of land. The moment she stepped onto this hill, she felt something poweful stir within her; a deep calm and an almost magnetic energy. She knew instantly this was where her soul could rest and recharge.
Today, Rachel’s Knoll is know as one Sedona’s famous vortex sites, places believed to radiate special energy that promotes healing, balance, and spiritual clarity. Visitors often come here to meditate, reflect, or simply take in the breathtaking red rock views.
Access to the site is now limited, but I have detailed directions for visiting Rachel’s Knoll here. Whether or not you believe in vortex energy, it’s undeniably one of Sedona’s most tranquil and awe-inspiring spots.
Eat at the Green McDonald’s
Right in downtown Sedona, along the main road, stands one of the most unique McDonald’s in the world. It is the only one with green (or maybe turquoise?) arches! When we first spotted it, we wondered if it was a health-focused version of the classic fast-food chain.
But no, the story is much better than that. When McDonald’s first planned to open in Sedona, the city refused to approve the restaurant’s famous golden arches, saying the bright yellow didn’t blend with Sedona’s natural desert landscape. The colors had to match the area’s red rocks and blue skies.
So, McDonald’s had no choice but to change its logo to green – or turquoise, depending on who you ask. (I see turquoise, my husband swears it’s green.) Either way, it’s definitely one of a kind!
We’ve seen McDonald’s arches and logos displayed in McDonald’s Museum in California. Among these iconic green ones in Sedona, there are also black ones in Monterey and red in Rocklin, California. But you won’t find another green-arched McDonald’s anywhere else in the world!
📍Location: 2380 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
There are also many ready tours in Sedona that you can book, or if you want some adult time, you can tour around some wineries.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedona attracts visitors seeking wellness, yoga, and outdoor adventure, and is especially known for its stunning resorts that host all kinds of retreats. Some of the most popular ones are Matterhorn Inn and Amara Resort & Spa, both perfect for soaking in the area’s peaceful, healing energy.
However, with kids I would recommend Sedona Pines Resort where you can get a nice, little cottage for yourself. We ended up to Aiden by Best Western because we booked late and there was not much to choose from, and it turned out to be ok.
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Our couple of days in Sedona were absolutely lovely. There were so many trails and parks left to explore that we already know we’ll have to return someday.
You never really get tired of those red rock views, they’re simply mesmerising! You can find similar landscapes elsewhere in Arizona too, like Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Antelope Canyon, and of course, the iconic Grand Canyon.
And if you venture north to Utah, the red-rock magic continues at Bryce Canyon, Cedar Breaks, Snow Canyon, Arches, and Zion National Park.
Now we fully understand why Sedona is one of Arizona’s most beloved destinations, and it truly deserves all the praise!
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