Posted by: Lori Reinhold

Sedona is often considered a destination for couples looking for a romantic weekend escape and individuals ready to explore nature or seek spiritual fulfillment. However, Sedona also offers a wealth of kid-friendly activities for families eager to plan a fun-filled vacation amongst Sedona’s iconic red rocks. If you are traveling with the kids, check out our five ideas for unforgettable family fun in Sedona.

1. Horseback Riding

M Diamond Ranch is a 44,000 acre working ranch specializing in authentic Western experiences, including horseback rides and cowboy cookouts. We’ve been recommending their guided horseback rides to our guests for years. They offer many different options for your horseback riding adventure, including 1, 2, and 3-hour rail rides for riders of all skill levels. A horseback ride through Sedona’s breathtaking open landscapes is the perfect way to learn about the spirit of the West and absorb the beauty and power of the area. During your ride, you’ll have the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife, such as elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, red tail hawks, Western bluebirds, and more. If you’re looking for a true cowboy adventure, sign up for their “Ranch Rendezvous.” The Rendezvous starts out with a trail ride followed by a wagon ride to “The Sedona Lookout” where you will enjoy an authentic cowboy cookout of mesquite grilled steak and live entertainment by Alvie Self, a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame and a master of the acoustic guitar and fiddle.

2. The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff

If you have the time, consider making a day trip to Flagstaff, a thriving mountain down resting at 7,000 feet. There are many wonderful things to do in Flagstaff, but our favorite kid-friendly activity is a visit to the Lowell Observatory. This is the perfect day trip for kids interested in learning about stars, planets, and outerspace. The Lowell Observatory was built in 1894, making it one of the oldest observatories in the United States. It is also famous for being the place that Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto! During the day, you can take guided tours of the historical site, watch live presentations and videos, and browse their mind-bending exhibitions about space and time. After dark, you can view the stars and planets through their state-of-the-art telescope.

3. Pink Jeep Adventures

Looking for a unique way to explore Sedona’s famous red rocks? Consider taking a ride with Pink Jeep Adventure Tours, one of the most exciting and unique ways to explore the area. During their adrenaline pumping tours, you’ll take an off-road adventure through the rugged and scenic landscapes of the Southwest. They have been in operation over 50 years, so you can rest assured that your adventure will be safe, informative, and most importantly, fun. They have many tours to choose from, including the giant red-rock spires of Broken Area, the Verde Valley and Diamondback Gulch, and the ancient ruins of the Honanki Heritage Site. For more information on taking a jeep tour with the kids, consult Pink Jeep’s blog.

4. Haunted History Tour of Jerome

Jerome is a charming historic town sitting upon what were once some of the biggest deposits of copper, gold, and silver in the state. Tours of Jerome offers a variety of fun and informative tours through this old mining town, including both Haunted and Historic tours. Their 5 hour Haunted History Tour is helmed by an informed Spirit Guide who will regale you with tales of Jerome's most infamous murders, suicides, mining accidents, and mayhem. It is rumored, by some, that ghosts, apparitions, and spirits still linger in Jerome’s streets. To help you spot them, you guide will supply you with EMF readers and flashlights. This spooky tour is certainly fun for the whole family, but if you think your kids are too young to handle some of the subject matter, consider taking their basic History Tour instead.

5. Explore Desert Wildlife

Bearizona Wildlife Park is committed to “bringing the wild back to the West.” Located on 60 beautiful acres encompassing Ponderosa Pine Forests and desert plateaus, the Bearizona Wildlife Park is a living zoo filled with some of the West’s most regal and fascinating creatures. It is a great place to spot wolves, bison, bears, prairie dogs, ferrets, opossum, and more. Guests have the option to explore the park by car or on their own two feet. You can also visit their “Bearizona Barnyard” petting zoo and take a trip to their Mine Shaft Experiences, which houses nocturnal animals and a variety of creepy, crawly critters. We also recommend you pay a visit to their unique exhibit housing the adorable young bears not old enough to enter the adult enclosure. Consider hanging around for their awesome Birds of Prey show or to catch one of their chats with their friendly and informed keepers.

The Out of Africa Wildlife Park is also a great way to get up close and personal with magnificent wild creatures. It is considered one of the best zoos in all of Arizona. You’ll see giraffes, lions, tigers, zebras, sloths, rhinos, bears, and more. In addition, Out of Africa offers awesome “wildlife encounters,” such as their Predator Feed, Creature Feature, Reptile Resort, and more.

Planning a family vacation to Sedona, Arizona? Book a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn for warm service and unbeatable red rock views.