Our Arizona family vacation was filled with sunshine, stunning desert views, and plenty of fun stops perfect for kids and adults alike. From exploring red rock trails and charming small towns to relaxing by the pool after a day of adventure, Arizona truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a road trip through Scottsdale, Sedona or the Grand Canyon, this destination is packed with unforgettable family moments and breathtaking scenery.
🏨 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 flew into the Phoenix Airport from Cleveland (which have direct flights through Southwest Airlines) 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 all times
Arizona Spring Break FAQ
Is Arizona family-friendly during spring break?
Yes! Arizona is great for families, offering a mix of outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and scenic drives—all without the crowds or party atmosphere of typical spring break destinations.
What should we pack for a spring break trip to Arizona?
Bring layers for varying temperatures, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and swimwear if visiting Phoenix/Scottsdale resorts. Higher elevations like the Grand Canyon may require a light jacket.
How long should we plan for an Arizona spring break trip?
A 5–7 day itinerary works well: 2 days in Phoenix/Scottsdale, 2 days in Sedona, and 1–2 days at the Grand Canyon, with optional stops in Flagstaff or along scenic routes.
Can we drive between Arizona’s top spring break destinations?
Absolutely! Sedona, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and the Grand Canyon are all within 2–4 hours of each other, making a road trip easy and convenient for families wanting to see multiple destinations.
Is Arizona too hot during spring break?
No—spring break temperatures are usually perfect for outdoor activities. Phoenix and Scottsdale range from the 70s–80s°F, Sedona is slightly cooler, and northern Arizona, including the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff, can be in the 50s–60s°F, so layers are recommended.
Before heading west, check out our family flight planning guide for tips on keeping kids happy and packing efficiently for your own Arizona family adventure or check out our other week long family friendly trips.
