We've had hundreds of families stay at Agave Abode, and the ones who have the best trips come prepared. Sedona with kids can be magical — red rock hikes at sunrise, swimming in Oak Creek, stargazing in the backyard — or it can be a logistics nightmare if you underestimate the heat, the crowds, and the driving. Here's what we tell every family before they arrive.
Slide Rock State Park — Don't Skip This
Seven miles north of Sedona on SR-89A, Slide Rock is a naturally formed water slide carved into red sandstone by Oak Creek. It's been drawing families since the 1910s and it's one of the best things you can do in Arizona with kids of almost any age. The creek is cold (65–68°F even in July), the sandstone chute is thrilling, and the apple orchards and swimming holes add to the experience.
The park charges $20/vehicle Monday–Thursday and $30/vehicle on weekends and holidays (spring/summer season). It reaches capacity regularly on summer weekends — arrive before 9am or risk being turned away. Bring water shoes; the algae-covered rocks are slippery and the sandstone gets sharp at the edges.
Pink Adventure Tours — Worth the Money
Pink Adventure Tours (formerly Pink Jeep Tours) has been running off-road tours in Sedona since 1960, and the family-friendly options are genuinely excellent. The Broken Arrow tour is the most popular — an exclusive off-road route through the Coconino National Forest with serious rock climbing in open-air jeeps. Kids love it. Car seats are provided for children ages 2–4.
The tour runs about 2 hours and costs around $110/adult, $100/child under 12. The Ancient Expeditions tour (3 hours, visits Sinagua ruins at Honanki Heritage Site) is a great option for older kids interested in history. Book in advance — spring and fall tours sell out days or weeks ahead.
Their base is in Uptown Sedona at 204 N SR-89A.
Best Family Hikes
Bell Rock Loop is the best first hike for families in Sedona — short, flat at the base, and the rock is dramatic enough that kids feel like they're in another world. The trailhead is right in Village of Oak Creek. You can do the easy 1-mile base loop with toddlers or let older kids scramble up the lower rock faces for more of a challenge.
Courthouse Butte Loop is 4.5 miles and nearly flat — a great option for families with older kids who want a longer hike with big views. It connects with Bell Rock so you can do both in one outing. Total elevation gain is only about 264 feet.
One trail to approach carefully with kids: Cathedral Rock. It's only 1.2 miles round trip but gains 744 feet and requires hands-on scrambling through a narrow chute with significant exposure. It is not appropriate for young children or anyone with a fear of heights. There's a viewpoint at 0.3 miles that makes a good turnaround point for families.
Day Trips Worth the Drive
Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde is about 40 minutes south of Sedona and one of the best wildlife experiences in the Southwest. Multiple daily shows (Tiger Splash, Giant Snake Show, Safari tram) keep kids engaged for a full half-day. Open 9:30am–5pm most days.
Verde Canyon Railroad departs from Clarkdale, about 25 miles southwest of Sedona. The 4-hour scenic train ride through Verde Canyon is a hit with kids who like trains and wildlife — bald eagles, great blue herons, and ancient ruins visible along the route. Tickets run $45–$65 depending on age. Check verdecanyonrr.com for the current schedule before going — service days are limited and the line had a rockslide disruption in late 2025.
Montezuma Castle National Monument is 40 minutes south on the way to Phoenix — one of the best-preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings in North America, 900 years old, and completely accessible as a quick roadside stop. Great for older kids interested in history.
Practical Tips for Families
Heat is the main hazard in summer. From June through early September, daytime temperatures in Sedona regularly hit 95–105°F. Start hikes before 8am, carry more water than you think you need (1 liter per person per hour of hiking), and plan outdoor activities for morning only. Afternoons are for the pool, the hot tub, or driving to Slide Rock where the creek is cold.
Sedona traffic is genuinely bad on spring and fall weekends. The main SR-179 corridor can back up for miles. Download the Waze or Google Maps app and use it — locals know alternate routes and the apps will route you around the worst of it.
From Agave Abode, you're 5 minutes from Bell Rock, 20 minutes from Slide Rock, and a 10-minute walk from restaurants. It's one of the better-positioned properties in Sedona for families who want to do a lot.
Staying near Sedona?
Agave Abode is your perfect base — 3 bedrooms, red rock views, and room for the whole crew. Book direct and skip the Airbnb fees.
Check Availability →