Kid Friendly Sedona

On a hot day, there is nothing like a family trip to Slide Rock State Park. Heading north on 89A, look for the sign and park immediately anywhere you can. There are many places to park that look like extended shoulders to the road on the right side. A couple short and steep access trails will be visible on the other side of 89A. Cross when it is safe and use extreme caution when navigating the rocky decent to the river. Find a good spot on the sandstone along...

On a hot day, there is nothing like a family trip to Slide Rock State Park. Heading north on 89A, look for the sign and park immediately anywhere you can. There are many places to park that look like extended shoulders to the road on the right side. A couple short and steep access trails will be visible on the other side of 89A. Cross when it is safe and use extreme caution when navigating the rocky decent to the river. Find a good spot on the sandstone along the river to drop a towel and open a picnic basket. Kids and parents alike will enjoy sitting down, and sliding with the water on the slick algae-covered rock. After a bit of exploring, deeper pools will be easily discovered. There are even a few places where one can jump from large boulders into the deeper parts of the creek. Use extreme caution before leaping.
For dinner, give yourself plenty of time to drive to Cottonwood’s Blazin’ M Ranch, where the Mabery family treats visitors to an old west adventure at this ranch. Arrive early, as there is plenty to do before your grub hits the plate. Pony rides, train tours, shooting galleries, and western-themed shops characterize this fun place. During dinner, western entertainment delights dinner guests who throw dinner rolls, encouraging guests to partake in the show.
Head back to the Oak Creek Terrace Resort, which is a perfect place for a low-budget, high energy family that spends little time indoors. At the same time, the resort offers cozy rooms with fireplaces and jucuzzis. The creek-side grounds are a scenic stretch for picnics and bird watching. If you want to see the view beyond the beaten trail, rent a Jeep from the resort and take your adventure off road, but that will have to wait until morning.

There is nothing like starting the day off with a good ol' fashioned family hike. The West Fork Trail is popular among visitors because of its easy access, short distance, and beautiful scenery. Most of the trail runs along a quiet stream whose constant ripple reminds hikers they are not alone. Lizards, birds, squirrels and butterflies are among many of animals hikers are likely to see most of the year. Make sure to bring plenty of water, at least a liter per...

There is nothing like starting the day off with a good ol’ fashioned family hike. The West Fork Trail is popular among visitors because of its easy access, short distance, and beautiful scenery. Most of the trail runs along a quiet stream whose constant ripple reminds hikers they are not alone. Lizards, birds, squirrels and butterflies are among many of animals hikers are likely to see most of the year. Make sure to bring plenty of water, at least a liter per person. This trail does cross the stream in several locations. While it is possible much of the time to navigate the river by hoping from rock to rock, hikers should expect to get their feet wet a little. Outdoor sandals like Chacos or Tivas are recommended. Bring food for a picnic as well
Dinner at the second-story Oaxaca restaurant is sure to please hungry hikers of all ages. Located conveniently on the way back to the resort, Oaxaca is a great place that won’t shun those who walk in right off the trail. Head back to Oak Creek Terrace for a relaxing evening together.

As with most family vacations, it doesn't hurt to pack in a little education along with great fun. The Verde Canyon Railroad is your destination in the morning. Travel by rail through protected wilderness reservations and view Sinagua Indian ruins. Experience the main mode of transportation during the area's bustling mining days, when the first railroad was completed in 1882. This family-friendly opportunity is worth the trip. Be sure to get there early to...

As with most family vacations, it doesn’t hurt to pack in a little education along with great fun. The Verde Canyon Railroad is your destination in the morning. Travel by rail through protected wilderness reservations and view Sinagua Indian ruins. Experience the main mode of transportation during the area's bustling mining days, when the first railroad was completed in 1882. This family-friendly opportunity is worth the trip. Be sure to get there early to select the trip you desire as they vary in length (and cost). Though refreshments are available on the train, it won’t hurt to get a proper lunch upon your return to Sedona. Pago’s Pizzeria is a nice option for families on a low budget. There are plenty of build-your-own pizza options as well as beer and wine selections for adults.
After lunch, our last day ends at the Rainbow Trout Farm, located very close to your resort in the Village of Oak Creek. Beautiful corn-fed Rainbow Trout are stocked in this closed off section of the creek. While fishing can be time consuming, fishing at this farm is not. Trout jump on your line within minutes, providing you with dinner to take back to the resort. If you are a bit queasy about finishing the job, the skilled assistants will help you clean and gut the fish, preparing them for a tasty experience on the grill. Buy it by the pound, the bigger your catch, the bigger the price tag.