This Arizona Family Vacation has been on our family travel bucket list for a while, and this trip delivered everything we hoped for: desert hikes, red rock views, epic road trips, kid-friendly adventures, and plenty of pool time. If you’re planning more family hiking trips, you might also love our Stowe, Vermont family summer guide. We planned a week-long Arizona itinerary that combined Scottsdale, Sedona, and a Grand Canyon day trip, flying into Phoenix and renting a car to explore at our own pace.
If you’re planning an Arizona family vacation with hiking, this itinerary balances outdoor adventure with restaurants, downtime, and experiences kids actually enjoy.
🗺️ Arizona Trip at a Glance
Destination: Scottsdale, Sedona & Grand Canyon (South Rim)
Trip Length: 7 days
Ideal For: Active families, hiking lovers, Southwest first-timers
Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Flights: Direct flights available on Southwest Airlines (from Cleveland)
Getting Around: Rental car required
Where We Stayed:
- Scottsdale: Holiday Inn Club Vacations
- Sedona: Airbnb
- Scottsdale: Embassy Suites
Top Experiences:
- Camelback Mountain (Cholla Trail)
- Gateway Loop & Tom’s Thumb (McDowell Sonoran Preserve)
- Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour
- Soldier Pass & Fay Canyon hikes
- Grand Canyon hike to Ooh Aah Point
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Hiking Difficulty: Easy to challenging
Kid-Friendly: Yes (with trail selection and rest time)
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–April) and Fall (October–November)
✈️ Day 1 – Arrive in Phoenix & Explore Scottsdale
We flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) from Cleveland, which has direct flights on Southwest Airlines—always a win when traveling with kids. After picking up our rental car, we headed north to Scottsdale, where we were staying at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations.
Before settling in, we grabbed dinner at Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers in North Scottsdale. With great burgers, a fun atmosphere, and a casual vibe, it was the perfect low-stress way to kick off our Arizona vacation.
🥾 Day 2 – Scottsdale Hiking & McDowell Sonoran Preserve
We started our first full day with breakfast at First Watch, then headed out for our first Arizona hike at Gateway Loop Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Why we loved it: Classic Sonoran Desert scenery, wide trails, mountain views, and a great introduction to hiking in Arizona.
After the hike, we cooled off at the Holiday Inn Club pools and water park, spending the afternoon swimming and relaxing. We wrapped up the day with dinner at Barrio Queen, meeting up with a friend and enjoying delicious Mexican food—an ideal end to a busy day.
🏔️ Day 3 – Camelback Mountain & Scenic Drive to Sedona
This was our most ambitious hiking day in Scottsdale. We attempted Camelback Mountain via the Cholla Trail, one of the most famous (and challenging) hikes in Arizona. The trail is steep and strenuous, and we turned around about three-quarters of the way up, which felt like the right call for our group. The views were still incredible and absolutely worth the effort.
After refueling with lunch at OHSO Brewery in North Scottsdale, we packed up and began the scenic drive from Scottsdale to Sedona. Watching the landscape change as the red rocks came into view was unforgettable and set the tone for the next part of our trip.
🚙 Day 4 – Sedona Pink Jeep Tour & Red Rock Highlights
Sedona day one was packed with iconic experiences. We started with the Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour, one of the most popular things to do in Sedona with kids. The off-road adventure was thrilling, informative, and full of photo-worthy stops—including Submarine Rock, which the kids loved.
After the tour:
- Lunch in Uptown Sedona at Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits (yes, some of us tried rattlesnake and cactus!)
- Visited the stunning Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Ice cream and wandering through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
- A hike at Thunder Mountain near our Airbnb before sunset
Sedona truly feels magical at golden hour.
🌄 Day 5 – Sedona Hiking: Soldier Pass & Fay Canyon
This day was all about exploring Sedona on foot.
- Highlights: Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, and a fun cave
- One of the most diverse and interesting hikes in Sedona
Fay Canyon Trail
- Distance: 2.1 miles out-and-back
- Easier, flatter, and perfect for a relaxed afternoon hike with stunning red rock views and a fun scramble to the cave
We ended the day back at our Airbnb with dinner, downtime, and very tired legs—always the sign of a good hiking day.
🏜️ Day 6 – Grand Canyon Day Trip from Sedona
We woke up early for a Grand Canyon day trip, driving about 2 hours north to the South Rim. This was truly a bucket-list moment.
We hiked the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point, a relatively short hike with one of the biggest payoffs in views. The name does not disappoint.
On the drive back:
- Lunch stop in Flagstaff at the Beaver Street Brewery.
- Evening back in Sedona with s’mores and hot tub time under the stars
A perfect mix of adventure and relaxation
🌵 Day 7 – Back to Scottsdale & Tom’s Thumb Trail
We left Sedona early and returned to Scottsdale for one last hike: Tom’s Thumb Trail in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
- Distance: ~4.5 miles out-and-back
- Why it’s great: Panoramic desert views and a rewarding final hike. Start early as it can get HOT.
Afterward, we celebrated with Handel’s Ice Cream, spent the afternoon swimming at the hotel pool, and enjoyed a final dinner in Downtown Scottsdale at Grimaldi’s Pizzeria.
✈️ Day 8 – Sunday in Scottsdale & Fly Home
On our last morning, we attended church and let the kids burn off energy at Chaparral Park before heading back to the Phoenix airport. A calm, easy ending to a week full of sunshine, hikes, and unforgettable Arizona scenery.
❓ Arizona Family Trip FAQ
Is Arizona a good destination for families with kids?
Absolutely. Arizona offers a great mix of easy scenic hikes, iconic landmarks, adventure tours, pools, and short driving distances. Scottsdale and Sedona are especially family-friendly when you balance hiking with rest time.
Do you need a car for this trip?
Yes. A rental car is essential for visiting trailheads, driving between Scottsdale and Sedona, and taking a day trip to the Grand Canyon. The drives are scenic and part of the experience.
Are these hikes suitable for kids?
Many are! Trails like Gateway Loop, Fay Canyon, Soldier Pass (partial), and South Kaibab to Ooh Aah Point work well for kids who are used to walking and hiking.
More challenging hikes like Camelback Mountain are best attempted cautiously and turned around early if needed.
How far is Sedona from Scottsdale?
Sedona is about 2 hours north of Scottsdale by car. The drive is easy and incredibly scenic as the landscape shifts from desert to red rock formations.
Can you visit the Grand Canyon as a day trip from Sedona?
Yes! The South Rim is about a 2–2.5 hour drive from Sedona, making it very doable as a day trip. Starting early is key, especially during busy seasons.
What should we pack for an Arizona hiking trip?
Essentials include:
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Sun hats & sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Plenty of water (more than you think!)
- Light layers (cool mornings, warm afternoons)
- Small backpacks for snacks and water
When is the best time to visit Arizona for hiking?
The best hiking weather is spring (March–April) and fall (October–November). Summer temperatures can be extreme, especially in Phoenix and Scottsdale, while winter is cooler but still great for hiking at lower elevations.
Is Sedona worth staying overnight?
100% yes. Sedona deserves at least 2–3 nights to fully enjoy the hikes, jeep tours, scenic views, and slower pace. Staying overnight also lets you experience sunrise and sunset over the red rocks—which is magical.
What’s the biggest planning tip for this trip?
Build in downtime. Arizona adventures are amazing but physically demanding. Pool time, relaxed dinners, and lighter hiking days help keep everyone happy (especially kids
🌞 Wrapping Up Our Arizona Family Vacation
Arizona truly delivers for families who love a mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and kid-friendly fun. From hiking the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, exploring red rock trails and jeep tours in Sedona, to ticking off the Grand Canyon bucket-list hike, this itinerary balances active days with downtime, pools, and delicious meals along the way.
Whether your kids are trail-ready or just love exploring, Arizona offers something for everyone. The combination of desert landscapes, red rocks, and iconic Southwest experiences makes it a trip your family will remember for years.
📌 Plan Your Trip & Save This Itinerary
Ready to start planning your own Arizona family adventure?
- Save this itinerary for your trip planning day by day
- Pin it on Pinterest to refer back while packing or scheduling hikes
- Planning more family adventures? You may also love our guides to Stowe, Vermont in Summer with Kids, Puerto Rico with Kids Family Trip, or our full collection of family-friendly adventure travel itineraries.
Your next unforgettable family adventure starts here—Arizona is waiting!
