Sedona: Nature’s Playground

Hikes

Bell Rock Pathway: This trail is a 3.6 mile trail, but for the littlest legs, it’s very easy to walk partly, play on the rocks and turn around when you’re ready. The views are beautiful and there are wide open spaces for kids to enjoy nature’s climbing obstacles. Just note that Bell Rock is considered a vortex, so there are likely people visiting the area to meditate and commune with the land. Please be mindful of this when choosing a place to rest and play.

Cathedral Rock - Baldwin Trail: This trail is a 2-ish mile loop starting at the Red Rock Crossing parking area. It rewards you with gorgeous views, and less crowds than some of the other Cathedral Rock trails. Most of the year, this trail is a fantastic option for little legs, but beware during the summer months — there is very little shade.

Other

Slide Rock State Park: If you visit Sedona during the summer months, Slide Rock is a must with kids (or without!). The cool mountain river cuts through the red rocks, erosion, smoothing the way to perfect natural slides into crisp swimming holes.

Aura Photos: Older kids, interested in getting in touch with their spiritual side will love getting their aura photographs done at Mystical Bazaar. Priced at around $40 at the time of this writing, the analysis consists of 22 pages, chock full of personalized details on your chakras and aural planes. It is a unique experience, not suited anywhere better than spiritual Sedona.

Tlaquepaque: This sprawling shopping village delights at every turn with unique shops, and gorgeous architectural features. A fabulous place for souvenir shopping, or lunch, Tlaquepaque is a great “rest day” option.

Mesa Airport Overlook: When my boys were younger, not much delighted them more than a mode of transportation — train, bus, boat, plane. The spirit of travel lives in the hearts of toddlers! Mesa Airport Overlook gives kids an up-close look at small aircraft taking off and landing year-round. There is even a restaurant if you’d like to make an afternoon, or evening of it. This is also an easy place to catch a beautiful sunset.

Montezuma’s Castle: Marvel at the ingenuity of the 20-room cliff dwelling that was built by the Indigenous Singua people between approximately 1100 and 1425 AD. And because this is a National Monument, the kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program. They will learn about the Monument in a fun and kid-friendly way.

Day trips

Grand Canyon: Just a two-hour drive north from Sedona will get you to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. If you have never seen this natural wonder, a trip to Sedona provides an easy way to get there. You can easily spend a day driving up to the South Rim, visiting the NP’s Visitor Center and checking out some incredible sites. You could even spend a night nearby, “glamping” in a canvas tent (containing a real bed, wood stove and running water!), at Under Canvas, Grand Canyon.

Petrified Forest National Park: If time allows, take the 2-hour drive from Sedona to Petrified Forest National Park. Don’t let the lack of “forest” deter you — what this NP lacks in standing trees, it makes up for in dazzling petrified wood, and the badlands of the Painted Desert sweeping through.

Tamaliza: Don’t let the menu price of $20 for a single tamale scare you off. The Tamale Supremo is easily a single meal, if not two meals. It’s fresh and authentic and quite possibly the best thing you’ll eat in Sedona.

Chocola Tree: It’s hard to say what’s better at this little oasis — the unique menu that includes offerings for adventurous palettes (and simpler fare as well) or the uniquely transcending atmosphere. Order a coffee/tea and lunch from the cozy interior. Venture into the lush and wondrous outdoor sanctuary where kids, and kids at heart, will find surprises in every corner.

Dellepiane: Marketed as a burger joint. But it offers everything from tostones to chicken parmesan — the food and drinks are exceptional, and they have fantastic vegan options. Don’t miss the spicy margarita!

Picazzos: A healthy Italian restaurant, with an extensive Vegan menu. Don’t miss “healthy hour” every day from 3–6 pm!

Hideaway House: Incredible food, with an incredible view. Don’t miss Hideaway House on your trip to Sedona! The littles will love the tree-fort vibes, and kids menu. Parents will love the wine bar, relaxed menu and incredible canyon views.

Bonus: Whether you eat here, or just do a drive-by, it’s worth checking out one of only a handful of McDonalds in the world that doesn’t showcase the “golden arches”. Kids may get a kick out of the teal-hued “M” that sits in front of the Sedona McDonalds. This is a modification required by the town’s strict adherence to the natural beauty that surrounds it.