Christine This Arizona trip was the perfect mix of sunshine, red rocks, and family adventure. From desert hikes and scenic drives to cozy Airbnb nights and iconic views at the Grand Canyon, it was a week full of fun, food, and unforgettable moments!
🏨 Where We Stayed
- Scottsdale: 2 nights at Holiday Inn Club Scottsdhttps://www.holidayinnclub.com/explore-resorts/scottsdale-resortale
- Sedona: 4 nights in an Airbnb surrounded by red rock views
- Scottsdale: 1 night at Embassy Suites before flying home
Tips for Visiting Arizona with Kids
- ☀️ Start early: Scottsdale (and much of Arizona) gets hot fast. Plan hikes, playgrounds, and outdoor activities for the morning before the heat sets in.
- 💧 Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Bring plenty of water for everyone. We packed water backpacks for each of our kids — they loved having their own and it kept them sipping all day.
- 🍎 Snacks are essential: The dry heat can sneak up on kids, so frequent snack breaks help keep energy (and moods!) up.
- 👒 Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are non-negotiable. The desert sun is strong even on overcast days.
We landed in sunny Scottsdale and stopped for dinner at Cold Beers and Cheeseburgers which was located in North Scottsdale right near where we were staying at the Holiday Inn Club. Great burgers, fun vibe, and the perfect start to vacation!
✈️ Day 1 – Scottsdale & Gateway Loop Trail
We kicked things off with breakfast at First Watch before hitting the trails! Our first Arizona hike was the Gateway Loop Trail which was a 4.4 mile hike at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve—a great hike with incredible desert scenery and mountain views.
Afterward, we cooled off at the Holiday Inn club water park and pools, spent the afternoon swimming, and wrapped up the day with dinner with a friend at Bario Queen, the perfect start to vacation!
🥾 Day 2 – Camelback Mountain & the Drive to Sedona
We started the morning with a big challenge—hiking Camelback Mountain via the cholla trail! We made it about three quarters way up the side and decided to call it a day with our crew. It’s steep but worth it for the views.
Afterward, we refueled at OHSO Brewery in North Scottsdale for lunch, then hit the road for the scenic drive to Sedona. The red rock views on the way were incredible!
🚙 Day 3 – Sedona Adventures & Pink Jeep Tour
Time to explore Sedona! We kicked off the day with the famous Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour, an off-road adventure full of fun turns and jaw-dropping views. The kids loved the stops along the way, especially snapping a photo on Submarine Rock!
We grabbed lunch in uptown Sedona at the Cowboy Club Grille and Spirits where the more adventurous were able to try rattlesnake bites and cactus, visited the stunning Chapel of the Holy Cross, stopped for ice cream in Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village and fit in a short hike near our Airbnb before sunset.
🌄 Day 4 – Red Rock Hikes: Soldier Pass & Fay Canyon
This day was all about hiking! We started at Soldier Pass Trail, where we spotted the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and a fun cave!
We then headed to Fay Canyon for an easier 2.1 mile out and back, but equally beautiful afternoon hike.
Dinner and downtime back at the house were well-earned after a full day outdoors!
🏜️ Day 5 – Grand Canyon Day Trip
We drove north about 2 hours for a bucket-list stop at the Grand Canyon! We hiked from South Kaibab Trailhead to Ooh Aah Point, where the name says it all—the views were breathtaking!
After our hike, we grabbed lunch on the way back in Flagstaff, then headed back to Sedona for an evening of s’mores and hot tub time under the stars.
🌵 Day 6 – Back to Scottsdale & Tom’s Thumb Trail
We left Sedona early and returned to Scottsdale for one last hike—Tom’s Thumb Trail at the McDowell Nature Preserve. It’s a beautiful 4.5-mile out-and-back hike with panoramic desert views.
Afterward, we treated ourselves to Handel’s ice cream, then spent the afternoon swimming at the hotel pool. Dinner in downtown Scottsdale at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria was the perfect final night meal!
✈️ Day 7 – Sunday in Scottsdale & Fly Home
On our last morning, we went to church and let the kids play at nearby Chapparal park before heading to the airport. A relaxing way to wrap up a week full of Arizona sunshine and adventure!
💡 Trip Highlights
💛 Perfect For: Families who love adventure, sunshine, and the outdoors
🥾 Top Hikes: Camelback, Soldier Pass, Fay Canyon, Tom’s Thumb
🚙 Don’t Miss: Pink Jeep Tour + Ooh Aah Point at the Grand Canyon
🍔 Best Bites: Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, OHSO Brewery, Grimaldi’s
🌄 Best View: Sedona’s red rocks at sunset
