If you’re planning an Arizona family vacation itinerary, this trip is such a fun mix of adventure, scenery, and just enough relaxation to make it work with kids.
We spent our time exploring Scottsdale, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon with kids, and it ended up being one of those trips that had a little bit of everything—resort time, easy hikes, incredible views, and a few “wow” moments that the kids are still talking about.
If you’re planning an Arizona family vacation itinerary, this trip is such a fun mix of adventure, scenery, and just enough relaxation to make it work with kids—similar to how we plan multi-stop trips like our Puerto Rico family vacation itinerary.
In this guide, I’m sharing exactly how we planned our Arizona trip with kids—including where we stayed, what we did, realistic drive times, and tips that made this itinerary manageable (and actually enjoyable) for a family our size.
If you’re looking for an Arizona with kids itinerary that balances adventure and downtime, this is a great one to follow.
Quick Trip Highlights
5–7 day Arizona family vacation itinerary
Best for: families who love a mix of adventure + relaxing
Destinations: Scottsdale, Sedona, Grand Canyon
Kid-friendly hikes, viewpoints, and easy logistics
Ideal for kids of all ages (we brought a carrier for our toddler)
🗺️ Arizona Trip at a Glance
Destination: Scottsdale, Sedona & Grand Canyon (South Rim) Trip Length: 7 days Ideal For: Active families and hiking lovers Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Flights: Direct flights available on Southwest Airlines (from Cleveland) Getting Around: Rental car required Where We Stayed: We split our stay between Scottsdale and Sedona, which gave us a great mix of resort time and outdoor adventure.
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), carriers recommended for infants/toddlers Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–April) and Fall (October–November)
Our Arizona Family Vacation Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Phoenix & Explore Scottsdale
What we did: Flew into Phoenix, picked up our rental car, and drove to Scottsdale
Tip: Taking a later flight out gives time to enjoy an activity in the moring and make the trip home feel less rushed
Best Things We Did on Our Arizona Family Vacation
If you’re planning a similar trip, these were the absolute highlights we’d recommend building your itinerary around:
Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour (Sedona) One of the most fun experiences of the trip—bumpy, exciting, and perfect for kids. A great break from hiking with incredible views.
Hiking to Ooh Aah Point (Grand Canyon) A short but unforgettable hike with huge payoff views. This was one of those “wow” moments for everyone.
Soldier Pass Trail (Sedona) One of the most unique hikes we did—caves, sinkholes, and multiple landmarks all in one trail.
Fay Canyon Trail (Sedona) An easier hike with beautiful red rock views and a fun cave at the end—perfect for kids.
Tom’s Thumb Trail (Scottsdale) A more challenging hike, but the views at the top made it worth it. A great “final hike” of the trip.
Pool + Resort Time (Scottsdale) Honestly, just as important as the adventures. The kids loved the water park, and it helped balance out the more active days.
If you’re short on time, prioritize the Pink Jeep Tour, one Sedona hike, and the Grand Canyon—those were the biggest highlights for our family.
Why This Arizona Itinerary Works for Families
Manageable drive times
Mix of adventure + downtime
Variety of landscapes keeps kids engaged
Easy to adjust based on ages and energy levels
This is a great itinerary for families traveling with multiple kids, including younger children with a carrier.
Kids in the cave at Soldiers Pass Trail
Is Arizona Good for Kids?
Yes—Arizona is a great destination for families, especially if your kids enjoy being outdoors. We visited in April, and while temperatures were starting to warm up, it still felt very manageable for hiking, exploring, and spending time outside.
What makes it work well:
Short drive times between destinations
Easy access to hiking and nature
Plenty of resorts and pools for downtime (and to beat the heat)
A mix of adventure and relaxation
That said, it’s best for kids who are comfortable with some walking and warmer weather.
Tom’s Thumb Trail
What to Pack for Arizona with Kids
Refillable water bottles (you’ll use them constantly)
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
Sunscreen + hats
Light layers (cool mornings, warm afternoons)
Snacks for drives and hikes
❓ 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.
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
If you’re looking for an Arizona family vacation itinerary that truly has it all, this trip delivers. From Scottsdale to Sedona to the Grand Canyon, it’s the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and memorable family moments.
What makes Arizona especially great for families is how well it balances active days with downtime—hiking in the morning, pool time in the afternoon, and still fitting in those bucket-list experiences.
Whether your kids love hiking or just being outside, Arizona with kids is such a fun and manageable trip—and one your family will be talking about long after you’re home.
📌 Plan Your Next Trip
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