Family Reunions are FUN in Sedona, AZ
Nestled in the stunning red rock landscapes of Arizona, Sedona is a natural playground full of inspiring attractions, cultural treasures, colorful landscapes, championship golf courses, and endless family-friendly tours and activities for every age, physical ability, and energy level!After a long season of isolation, reuniting with family is one of the top priorities for travelers! The first step to planning a family vacation or reunion is picking the perfect destination with attractions and activities for the whole crew.
Sedona is the perfect destination for your next family getaway – a retreat from the stresses of modern day living and a chance to unplug from the daily distractions, connect as a family, reconnect with nature, and enjoy downtime and all the comforts of home in a private Sedona vacation home.
Small-Town Atmosphere
Sedona is known for its cosmopolitan flair, but the laid-back lifestyle and village atmosphere of Sedona is all part of the charm and appeal when picking a family vacation destination. The scenery is spectacular, the locals are welcoming, the streets are family-friendly and there’s endless shopping and dining options to please even the fussiest family members.For a taste of Old Mexico, add an afternoon of shopping and dining at the Village of Tlaquepaque to your Sedona family itinerary. With over 50 art galleries, boutiques, gift stores, and toy shops - outdoor patios and charming eateries - year-round events, celebrations and live music - and a first-class summer farmer’s market, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is “the Art & Soul of Sedona”.
Most of the wineries near Sedona welcome kids of all ages, there’s a wide choice of outdoor patio dining with red rock views and the local Sedona nightlife is laid back and well-suited for a relaxed family vacation.
Local tip: Take the family to McDonalds, the only McDonalds in the world without yellow arches. Even if you don’t feast – it’s an instaworthy photo opportunity under the only blue McDonald’s arches in the world!
A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts & Nature Lovers
Sedona is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts! Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for exhilarating adventures, an avid hiker in search of enchanting trails, or a nature lover seeking peace and tranquility in a quiet setting – Sedona delivers! Families looking to reconnect with nature (and each other!) have ample opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of Sedona scattered with picturesque canyons, towering red rocks, and crystal clear creeks for endless outdoor adventures.Sedona boasts hiking trails for the youngest and oldest adventurers in your family. The easy 1-mile Bell Rock Trail is a favorite for multi-generational families with views of some of Sedona’s top natural landmarks including Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. For a longer hike, Soldier’s Pass Trail is a 4.5-mile flat loop trail passing by Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools and a hidden cave (not so secret anymore!).
One of our favorite outdoor destinations in Sedona for families is Red Rock State Park, a 286 acre nature preserve with 5-miles of family-oriented trails, guided nature and bird walks, and junior ranger programs for the kids.
Fishing is another favorite pastime for families visiting Sedona. Experienced anglers will find local watering holes all along Oak Creek or head out to the Rainbow Trout Farm to guarantee the kids a catch in the small fishing ponds, and picnic on their trophy catch fresh from the grill!
Interacting and connecting with nature is easy in Sedona and the scenic Verde Valley. Be sure to pick up a Red Rock Pass (available at the Sedona Visitor Center or vending machines at select trailheads) to display before you head out on a family adventure in Sedona.
Natural Swimming Holes
Swimming, floating, kayaking and cliff jumping are the top thing to do in Sedona when the sun beats down in the warmer months. Sedona has three natural swimming holes nearby for visitors to enjoy water play and they’re all very popular (with locals and tourists!) so head out early!Whizz down the natural waterslide at Slide Rock State Park, go cliff jumping in the large deep swimming hole at Grasshopper Point, and be sure to stop for a swim at Red Rock Crossing on Crescent Moon Ranch, Sedona’s most scenic swimming hole (and warmest!).
Oak Creek is fed by snow melt from the San Francisco Peaks and is very cold in early spring and winter. Plan your Sedona vacation for late spring, summer or early fall to play in the natural swimming holes on Oak Creek near Sedona.
First prize for the warmer months is to book a family-focused Sedona vacation home with a private pool for family gatherings, refreshing pool time and swims at home. For the cooler months – a private Sedona hot tub home sets the tone for warm and soothing winter soaks under the stars.
Rich Cultural History and Heritage
Sedona is a sacred destination deeply rooted in Native American history with an abundance of historic cultural treasures, ancient cliff dwellings, and interactive museums to discover the history and legends of the American Southwest. The Sedona Heritage Museum is a great place to start your historic journey of Sedona with exhibits featuring Sedona’s local pioneers, orchard and wine-making industry, historic landmark buildings, and kid-focused programs for interactive learning outside of the classroom.
Sedona’s scenic landscapes offer not only natural beauty but an impressive display of national monuments, ancient cliff dwellings and ruins, and well-preserved petroglyphs and pictographs. Top cultural attractions include the Sedona vortexes (Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon), Tuzigoot National Monument, Montezuma Castle and Well near Camp Verde, the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites, Fort Verde State Historic Park, and the historic and haunted attractions in the famous ghost town of Jerome. A trip to Sedona is not complete without visiting the impressive Chapel of the Holy Cross, a National Historical Landmark and amazing architectural feat built into the red rocks of Sedona.
For a true Old West cowboy experience plan a family outing to Blazin’ M Ranch near Cottonwood. Blazin’ M Ranch is a western themed Frontier Town with classic chuckwagon dinners, cowboy entertainment, and wild west adventures for the whole family. The all-new Be Wild at Blazin’ M Ranch Family Fun Park (grand opening May 7th, 2022) features putt-putt golf, pint-sized attractions and fun activities for families visiting Sedona with small kids.
Guided Tours & Activities for Every Generation
Each family is unique – some stay within the limits of safety, others push the boundaries seeking infusions of adrenaline at every opportunity – Sedona satisfies both! Sedona is famous for its tours and there’s always a local guide or outfitter ready to show you the best of Sedona, share the stories of historic legends, and create memorable experiences for your family vacation.
Here’s a taste of the tours and experiences for your family vacation in Sedona.
• Guided Mountain Biking Tours of Sedona• Private Guided Day Hikes
• Off-Road Pink Jeep Tours
• Segway Tours of Sedona
• Sedona Trolley Tours
• Evening Sky Tours & Sedona Stargazing
• Verde Canyon Railroad
• Scenic Sedona Helicopter Tours
• Hot Air Balloon Tours of Sedona
• Ghost Town Tours of Jerome
• Grand Canyon Guided Tours
• Day Trips to Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
• Safari Tours of Out of Africa Wildlife Park
300+ Days of Sunshine
Sedona boasts 300+ days of sunshine a year! Except for playing in the Oak Creek waters, most of the best things to do in Sedona can be enjoyed in all four seasons. Our mild climate makes Sedona a destination for year-round family travel with sunny blue skies, fresh mountain air and spectacular natural beauty every day of the year! The winters in Sedona are mild with minimal snow (that melts by midday!), the summers are hot, and the spring and fall months are the most popular for outdoor adventures in and around Sedona.
Family-Friendly Sedona Vacation Rentals
A family vacation or multi-generational reunion calls for a private space to call home. Whether you’re planning a small family getaway to Sedona or reuniting with family members from near and far for a long overdue family reunion, our selection of luxury Sedona vacation rentals cater for families of all sizes, styles and budgets.Our portfolio ranges from cozy and affordable cabins and condos to luxury family vacation homes with home theaters for popcorn and movie nights, games rooms for indoor fun, outdoor firepits for s’mores, private pools and hot tubs, and welcome gathering spaces to reunite with family in Sedona.
