Red rock formations that look carved by a giant. Hiking trails through desert canyons. A sky so blue it makes the rocks look Photoshopped. This is the "go outside and have your mind blown" destination.
Two real itineraries built for families. Each one is ready to customize in TripDeck -- drag activities around, add your own ideas, share with your travel partner.
Best for a weekend. Hit the iconic views, a Jeep tour, and Slide Rock. You'll see the highlights without rushing.
The full Sedona experience. Iconic views, Jeep tour, deeper hikes, ancient cliff dwellings, and a lazy creek day. No day feels rushed.
Sedona is what happens when the earth decides to show off. And kids respond to it in a way that surprises parents.
The experiences families remember. Sorted by "kids will talk about this for months" factor.
The signature Sedona experience. Bounce over slickrock, descend into canyons, climb ledges that seem impossible for a vehicle. 2 hours of terrain you can't access on foot. Book in advance -- they sell out, especially weekends. Morning tours have better light and cooler temps.
Natural rock waterslide formed by Oak Creek running over smooth sandstone. Kids slide down chutes into swimming holes. Water is cold (60s even in summer) but on a 90°F day it's perfect. Non-swimmers need life jackets and close supervision.
A chapel built into the red rocks in 1956. The architecture is stunning and the views from the approach are some of the best in Sedona. Quick stop -- 15-20 minutes. The chapel itself is tiny; it's the exterior and views that matter.
The most iconic hike in Sedona. 1.2 miles roundtrip but steep with scrambling over smooth rock. Views from the saddle near the top are worth every step. Hands and feet climbing in several sections.
3.6-mile out-and-back trail (flat, easy) at the base of Bell Rock. See the formation without climbing. Kids who want a challenge can scramble up the lower sections (first 100 feet doable for ages 6+ with supervision).
Ancient cliff dwellings and rock art dating back thousands of years. Rangers lead interpretive walks. Seeing where people lived 700+ years ago -- in the same red rock formations you've been hiking -- makes the landscape feel alive.
Quick viewpoint stop with 360° panoramic views of Sedona's red rock formations. Sunrise and sunset are both spectacular here. Small parking pullout -- go at sunrise when it's empty.
Sedona is a designated International Dark Sky Community. On a clear night, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye. Just step outside your hotel or rental. For city kids, this alone can be a highlight of the trip.
These activities (and more) are already loaded in TripDeck. Drag them onto your days to build your schedule.
Open the 4-day plan →The best food in Sedona is outside the main tourist strip. Drive 5 minutes to the Village of Oak Creek or west Sedona for better meals at better prices.
The best meal in Sedona. Mexican-inspired, smoke-roasted dishes. No reservations -- the line starts at 4 PM and it's worth every minute. The smoked chicken enchiladas and fire-roasted corn are legendary.
Latin-inspired grill with panoramic red rock views from the patio. A splurge-worthy dinner. The lamb chops and wood-grilled steaks are standouts. Make a reservation.
More casual than Mariposa but still has great red rock views. Burgers, flatbreads, and salads that work for the whole family. Good cocktails for parents. Outdoor patio is the draw.
Located in the Tlaquepaque arts village. Good Mexican food in a beautiful setting with creekside patio seating. Kids enjoy the courtyard between courses.
Locals' breakfast spot in the Village of Oak Creek. Generous portions, reasonable prices, and no tourist crowds. The pancakes and huevos rancheros are reliable.
When the kids just want pizza. Wood-fired pies, calzones, and salads. Nothing fancy, but dependable and affordable. Good for a low-effort dinner after a long hiking day.
What a Sedona family trip actually costs for a family of four.
| Item | 3-Day Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (2-3 nights) | $400 - $900 | Vacation rental $150-250/night. Hotels $200-350/night. |
| Car rental | $100 - $250 | A car is required. High clearance recommended for Palatki. |
| Gas | $30 - $60 | Sedona is compact. Most driving is short. |
| Food (3 days) | $300 - $600 | Mix of casual and one nice dinner out. |
| Pink Jeep Tours (family of 4) | $350 - $420 | ~$110/adult, $85/child. Book in advance. |
| Slide Rock State Park | $30 | $30/vehicle entry. |
| Red Rock Pass | $5 - $15 | $5/day for trailhead parking. $15/week. |
| Other activities | $50 - $150 | Crescent Moon Ranch ($11), snacks, souvenirs. |
| Total (excl. flights) | $1,300 - $2,400 | Lower end = vacation rental + free hikes + one splurge. |
Things that are fine but not essential for a family trip. Helps you prioritize.
Toddlers will enjoy Slide Rock (supervised, with a parent in the water) and Oak Creek wading. But the main draws -- hiking, Jeep tours, stargazing -- work much better for ages 5+. If passing through with toddlers, do Bell Rock Pathway (flat, stroller-friendly) and Chapel of the Holy Cross. But as a primary toddler destination? Save it for when they're older.
2 days covers the essentials: a hike, a Jeep tour, and Slide Rock. 3-4 days lets you explore deeper trails, visit Palatki ruins, and have a lazy creek day. More than 4 days and you'll run low on family-friendly activities -- it's a small town, not a big destination.
October is the sweet spot -- warm days (70s-80s), cool nights, and cottonwood trees along Oak Creek turn gold against the red rocks. March-May is also excellent (wildflowers in a good rain year). Summer works but plan hikes for early morning -- by 11 AM it's too hot. December through February has pleasant daytime temperatures but cold mornings.
They're completely different experiences. Grand Canyon is about scale -- staring into an enormous chasm. Sedona is about immersion -- hiking through and climbing on the formations. With kids, Sedona is more interactive (hikes, Jeep tours, creek swimming). Grand Canyon is more dramatic but more "stand and look." Many families combine both -- they're only 2 hours apart.
Pick a trip length, then drag and drop activities to build your perfect family itinerary. Share the link with your travel partner -- changes sync in real time.
Or plan a custom trip with any dates and destination.