Pack your bags for these animal adventures in Sedona with kids! As members of our Families Love Travel community have pointed out, little ones will always cherish opportunities to see wildlife up close when visiting this stunning city. Northern Arizona as a whole also offers so many exciting opportunities to interact with animals in their natural setting. On your vacation, be sure to branch out because your kids will love exploring and learning more about its abundant animals! Sedona is also widely known for its amazing desert landscape and red rock formations with breath-taking views. That being said, the landscape and opportunities here are unlike any other place in the world and can be enjoyed year-round! From horseback riding to an African safari experience, read on to discover our favorite animal adventures. No matter which one you choose, your family will surely delight in animal adventures in Sedona with kids!
Trail Horse Adventures
One unique Sedona opportunity your family won’t want to miss is riding horseback. Trail Horse Adventures, located inside of Dead Horse Ranch State Park, offers a variety of trail options for kids to try out. Whether a one-hour ride or a longer adventure, for example, there’s no doubt you’ll find a great fit for your family. In fact, some of the longer excursions include a real cowboy ranch BBQ experience. Kids are sure to feel like real cowboys exploring the Arizona desert! Through Trailhorse Adventures, your kids will discover the thrill of horseback riding through the Verde Valley, while your guide leads the way. Depending on which you pick, you may even ride your horse across streams, along the Verde River, or past ancient cliff dwellings! Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the variety of inspiring native desert animals along the way.
Pro Tip: If you are interested in adding another unique thing to do in Sedona with kids, you can easily combine your horseback adventures with a train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. Kids will truly cherish a day spent riding along by horse and by rail through this picturesque desert landscape.
Bearizona
Bearizona is another great place to go for animal lovers! Located about an hour and fifteen minutes northwest of Sedona, the park has both a drive-through and walking area for your family to view animals in a natural environment. With so many family-friendly amenities, Bearizona is truly one of the best things to do in the Sedona area with kids!
Of course, there are bears at the park! You may also encounter additional wildlife while driving on a three-mile path, including wolves, bighorn sheep, burros, and bison. You can drive your own vehicle through the three-mile path through the park, or opt for the Wild Ride Bus Tour, which is included with the admission price! Then, be sure to stop at the Fort Bearizona Walking Area. Here, you’ll get up close and personal with these amazing creatures. Plus, there’s a petting zoo, as well as a variety of animal learning experiences, like the High Country Raptors show. With so much to do, it’s no wonder that Bearizona is one of the best animal adventures near Sedona with kids.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Thirty-five minutes north of Sedona, Camp Verde, offers a unique experience for families at Out of Africa Wildlife Park! Its mission is to create the ultimate animal adventure for all ages. And well, we believe they accomplish this mission flawlessly! Your family can spend the day having fun and learning about incredible and unique animals while simultaneously bonding. Before going, though, check out the park’s website for up-to-date encounters. Purchasing tickets ahead of time could be wise, depending on what you want to experience. Families should definitely consult the show schedule, as not all encounters are available every day. Many, such as the Tiger Splash, Giant Snake Show, and Predator Feed are included with general admission. Alongside viewing African animals like lions, zebras, and giraffes, you’ll see many other animals from diverse geographic locations. Finally, don’t miss the chance to zipline through the park. Where else will you get to soar over such exotic animals?
Recently, Out of Africa Wildlife Park also adapted to the changing health environment and added a drive-through option. This means you can still enjoy one of the best things to do in Sedona at a safe distance! To stay safe and socially distanced, you can drive your own vehicle along a path leading past the animal’s large habitats. There are more than 400 animals in the park for you to spot, making Out of Africa Wildlife Park one of the largest animal adventures in the Sedona area with kids!
Fishing Opportunities Abound
Kids love the thrill of fishing! Luckily, Sedona offers many exciting ways to introduce your children to fishing or to enhance their love of reeling in the next big catch. If you want guaranteed success, as well as a tasty meal to reward your efforts, visit Sedona’s Rainbow Trout Farm. No need to worry about bringing equipment or obtaining a license before heading here. The farm supplies everything you need to catch rainbow trout. Afterward, they even have grills and the supplies needed to cook the fish you caught! You can eat with peace of mind knowing that the farm raises the fish from eggs. Kids will love fishing here since they’re guaranteed to catch something. Parents can appreciate how Rainbow Trout Farm doesn’t use antibiotics or hormones. What a great way to introduce the family to the excitement of fishing!
Next, if you bring your own equipment and obtain a license, you can head to one of the many promising places to fish in the Verde Valley. From trout and bass to catfish, your family will be delighted by the sheer joy of reeling in a big catch! Plus, adventuring on your own allows for low-key animal adventures in Sedona with kids. If you have time to check out only one fishing spot in Sedona, try Oak Creek. It’s a beautiful river and you can soak in the scenery while you wait for a bite on your line!
Plan Before you Go!
Sedona is nestled in the Arizona desert, so be sure to consider the outside temperatures when planning your family's adventures. These animal adventures in Sedona with kids are amazing to enjoy any day of the week and throughout the year, but prepare by dressing appropriately and staying hydrated! Wear layers, protect yourselves with sunscreen, and carry water. Preparing ahead of time will ensure your family is ready to enjoy all of the fun that Sedona offers! Finally, another quick addition to keep in mind while planning: the current health environment. Rest assured the Sedona community is taking precautions to keep visitors safe! Before embarking on your Sedona adventure, however, be sure to understand the local guidelines, as well as review the local Safe.Clean.Ready response.
Animal Adventures and More Await Your Family in Sedona!
There are so many amazing animal adventures in Sedona with kids. We’ve introduced you to our favorites to get your planning started, but these opportunities are just the beginning! In addition to these animal-focused parks, your kids will love exploring the many local hiking trails. Whether you prefer forest or desert terrain, you’re sure to find inspired treks to please your whole family. Not to mention, when you hike along the trails, you are sure to spot animals in their natural environments! 
Ultimately, your family will love exploring Sedona and creating many memories along the way! For more ideas of family-friendly things to do in Sedona, check out Families Love Travel’s list highlighting the 9 Best Things To Do In Sedona For Families. However you build your family-friendly Sedona itinerary, be sure to include one of these incredible animal adventures in Sedona with kids!
