As the days grow longer and the mercury rises, much of the world is participating in the time-honored tradition of planning their summer vacations. We work hard 51 weeks out of the year in order to enjoy at least one week of play and relaxation, and we at Sedona.Org know that many of you are planning a getaway to Sedona for your seven days of peace and respite! Offering serenity and more than a touch of magic, our red rock village is the perfect destination for those seeking a journey of fun and for those with children, a plethora of summer activities in Sedona your kiddos will love. This guide to a family vacation your entire family will never forget is chock full of adventures your tiniest travelers will be thrilled to enjoy, and after each adventure has been crossed off your itinerary, coming home to Sedona.Org will be the cherry on the top of a very delicious vacation sundae!
Take a Hike With These Summer Activities in Sedona
Some hikes can be a little too much for those with shorter legs, but the hiking trails that lead through Red Rock State Park are child friendly and are perfect for helping the littles burn off all that excess energy! Summers can get a little warm, so it is best that this activity takes place in the early hours when you know your excited little adventurers are going to be awake and waiting for fun. The visitor center offers a Junior Ranger program for kids 6-12, so be sure to check it out.
Slide Rock State Park
Many years ago, Slide Rock State Park was an apple orchard, providing sweet treats to the town. Before that, it was more than likely a gathering spot for the native American peoples who made their homes on this rugged land. Today, however, it is a beautiful park filled with fun things to do, including a limestone “waterslide” that will keep everyone cool (even cold!) during the hottest days of summer! Located in Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock is one of our favorite swimming holes, and we think it will be yours as well.
Ice Cream on a Hot Summer’s Day
There is no greater treat on a hot day than a sweet and delicious ice cream, and Sabrina’s Gourmet Ice Cream is destined to appeal to parents AND children! Located at 300 AZ 89A, and offering 15 unique flavors as well as the classics, ensuring your picky eaters will find the cone they love, you may want to come back more than once, simply to taste all the deliciousness found inside. Today, we at Sedona.Org are loving Huckleberry, but last week we couldn’t get enough of their Peanut Butter Fudge, so drop in today and discover your newest obsession!
Take a Peek into the Past
The Sedona Heritage Museum, located at 735 Jordan Road, provides a fascinating glimpse into the Wild West with exhibits that explore everything from cowboys to wine making. Also featuring a movie set building that examines Hollywood’s contribution to our history, this is one museum that appeals to travelers of all age groups!
Lunch at the Cowboy Club
The Old West is alive and well in Sedona, and lunchtime break at the Cowboy Club will fill the empty spaces in your tummies while feeding the curiosity of kiddos who are thrilled by anything cowboy. Offering a menu of sandwiches, burgers, and family comfort meals and located in uptown Sedona at 241 N State Route 89A, its artwork will please, especially the bronze statue of a “real live cowboy” that greets guests at the door!
Walk on the Wild Side
Out of Africa Wildlife Park is located at 3505 W State Route 260 in nearby Camp Verde, 27 miles south of Sedona. The family can get up close and personal with baby animals, be entertained by the Tiger Splash show, or watch the giant predators get fed. Better than a zoo, the park offers an intimate experience with nature while educating the world’s younger generations on the importance of keeping our wildlife wild!
Stay Home with Sedona.Org
Not all Sedona adventures will have to involve leaving your Sedona.Org sanctuary, especially if you choose one of our homes with a pool—or access to a community pool! Summer days spent splashing in their cool waters will be the ultimate in vacation experiences, and as mom lounges poolside, kids practice their underwater breath holding skills, and the sun shines down brightly on all of you, we can promise you will never once regret your choice of Sedona for your family vacation. Sleep deep, play hard, and relax even harder as you live it up in our beautiful red rock properties. Reserve your favorite escape today and start counting the days until vacation time arrives! Make sure you look at our Sedona rentals with air conditioning!
As spring turns toward summer and the heat gets turned up, you might be looking for a getaway. Fresh mountain air and year-round comfortable temperatures make Sedona and its beautiful red rock scenery a must for your next vacation. Enjoy the scents and feel of a location in a pine forest like no other. There are plenty of things to do and see that will keep everyone happy and busy throughout your stay. Here is a list of our top early summer activities in Sedona:
Winery Tour
Sedona’s unique climate – desert heat during the day and the low temperatures of northern Arizona at night – make it a great environment for winemaking. Due to these conditions, more than 20 wineries call the Sedona area home. You can take a tour of the many wineries along the Valley Verde Wine Trail through a special tour or choose to create your own path. Whichever you choose, make sure you have safe transportation between venues.
Red Rock Scenic Byway
Gather your group and pack up the rental car and head out for some sightseeing with these activities in Sedona. The Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR-179) takes you on a short trip that can last hours. Only ten miles long, the byway itself is a short drive, but you can spend hours at the many scenic pull-off points along the way. Gaze out over the towering red rocks of Red Rock Country. Go during the day for a spectacular view from every angle you can see or take a sunset cruise. While you’re out, stop by the Coconino National Forest visitor’s center for maps of hiking and biking trails you’ll want to check out.
Verde Canyon Railroad
Take a scenic tour without the rental car so everyone can enjoy the sights. The Verde Canyon Railroad is available any time of year, and a fun way to sightsee. The train helps you stay out of the heat of an Arizona early-summer day and takes you through areas you won’t be able experience in your car. Book a seat on your desired day. Stick to your seat or head to an open-air viewing platform car for a better view of the red rock and pine forest scenery surrounding you. After you’ve enjoyed yourself on a ride, come back another time for one of their themed rides, including the “Chocolate Lovers’ Special” for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and more.
Helicopter Tour
Bring your camera and take to the skies for a different kind of sightseeing. View the colorful landscape of Sedona and the surrounding area from a bird’s eye view on a helicopter tour of the area. Your pilot will point out popular landmarks like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Three Nuns Rock, Snoopy Rock, Steamboat Rock, and many more. Packages vary by tour company, with rides as short as 15 minutes all the way up to 55 minutes of air time. Ask about transportation to and from your accommodations.
Activities in Sedona at Bearizona
A different kind of driving tour is available at Bearizona. Drive your own vehicle through the park’s three-mile track at your own pace. See more than just bears; javelina, prairie dogs, North American river otters, wolves, and more also call the park home. Keep in mind that all vehicles must be completely enclosed (no ATVs, convertibles, or open-top jeeps) and have operational windows.
Horseback Riding
Many companies offer horseback riding tours in the fashion of the “Old West” heritage of Arizona. Guided tours will fill you in about the area’s flora and fauna, the mountains, and the history of the land during your jaunt. Bring your camera and capture the wonder of panoramic views and thrilling terrain like the Verde Valley, Sedona Red Rocks, and more. You can even go as far as the San Francisco Peaks of Flagstaff.
Off-Road Tours
There are so many ways to get up close and experience the great outdoors of Sedona. An off-road tour mixes a scenic drive through the mountains with the adventure of hiking or biking through the terrain and offers an unforgettable experience. Jeep® tours take you through parts of Sedona you wouldn’t want to access any other way. See the red rock formations, breathtaking views, and learn about the region’s ecology, geology, and history along the way.
Romantic Getaway to Sedona
Start your unique summer in unique Sedona. To create a stay as unique as yourself and your group, make sure the first thing on your planning list is to book a vacation rental with Sedona.Org. After you’ve tried some of the delicious and unique dishes the area restaurants have to offer, you can prepare your own home-cooked meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Relax in a private bedroom or comfy couch and watch a movie or TV show or play a game. For an intimate early-summer experience, choose a one-bedroom unit with kitchenette, or plan a family or group reunion and book a unit as large as six bedrooms. Choose a premium unit for luxury upgrades like stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors, flat screen TVs and more!
Enjoy our Early Summer Activities in Sedona
Contact us today to book your early summer Sedona getaway!