
Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Arizona with This One Week Itinerary
Are you planning a family vacation to Arizona? The Grand Canyon State offers a family-friendly atmosphere and tons of fun activities for all ages, making it the ideal vacation destination for families with little ones, older kids, or teenagers!
For the perfect week in Arizona that the whole family will love, follow this Arizona vacation itinerary filled with natural wonders, delicious food, kid-friendly attractions, and can’t-miss activities in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Grand Canyon National Park.
Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix

Morning
To kick off your Arizona family vacation, fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and pick up your rental car. A rental car is a must when visiting Arizona. The attractions in Scottsdale and Phoenix are pretty spread out — you’ll need a vehicle to drive to and from them — and you’ll definitely need it when driving to Sedona and the Grand Canyon!
Afternoon/Evening
Spend this evening settling into your “home away from home” in Scottsdale. Even though Scottsdale is known for its luxury, high-end resorts, one of our best travel tips for visiting Arizona with young kids (or kids of all ages!) is to check into one of our vacation rentals from Stay with Style Scottsdale.
Not only do our properties offer the same comfort and luxury as a five-star resort, but they also make traveling with family so much easier by offering space to spread out, a bedroom for each person, a full kitchen to save money on meals, and a resort-style backyard with a heated swimming pool, sports courts, and other amenities that you and your family don’t have to share with other hotel guests!
Day 2: Scottsdale & Phoenix

Morning
Kick off your first day in Scottsdale with a filling breakfast at Butters Pancakes & Cafe, one of the best places for breakfast with kids in Scottsdale, and then drive to Papago Park in Phoenix. Papago Park is a great starting point for your vacation in Arizona because it is home to several of the most popular attractions in Phoenix, scenic hiking trails, and other things to do!
Start your morning with a quick hike at Papago Park — the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail is the most popular choice! This short out-and-back trail is only 0.3 miles and leads to a giant hole in a sandstone butte that overlooks the city (hence the name!).
Afternoon/Evening
Spend the afternoon at either the Phoenix Zoo or Desert Botanical Garden. If you have a toddler or little one, the 3,000+ animals at the Phoenix Zoo will keep them (and you!) entertained for hours. But if you’re traveling with older kids or adults, the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-visit. This 140-acre botanical garden showcases 50,000+ desert plants and is often considered one of the country’s most beautiful and unique botanical gardens!
Before turning in for the night, grab dinner at one of the best restaurants in Old Town Scottsdale, like The Mission for Latin cuisine or Diego Pops for a fun atmosphere and delicious Mexican food.
Day 3: Scottsdale
Morning
After grabbing breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery at Kierland Commons, head to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to embark on one of the best hikes in Scottsdale, like the Gateway Loop Trail. Then, head back to famous Old Town Scottsdale to shop for souvenirs at the 5th Avenue Shops. If you’ll be in Old Town Scottsdale on Saturday, check out the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market!
Afternoon/Evening
After a busy morning, head back to your vacation rental to swim, soak up the sun, and relax by the pool. Then, freshen up for dinner and a show at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, where the whole family can enjoy a delicious feast while cheering on your knight to victory!
Day 4: Scottsdale

Morning
Wake up bright and early to head to MacDonald’s Ranch for a horseback ride through the Sonoran Desert! As long as your children are over the age of six, this is a fun way to immerse yourself in Scottsdale’s “cowboy culture” while getting a glimpse of the beautiful desert landscape. If you have younger kids who don’t meet the age requirement for horseback riding, consider spending the morning at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park instead, one of the best parks in Scottsdale!
Afternoon/Evening
If you’re visiting Scottsdale during the spring, consider catching an afternoon spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium or Salt River Fields at Talking Stick before grabbing an authentic Mexican food dinner at one of the best Mexican restaurants in Scottsdale, like Barrio Queen. As an alternative to spring training, consider visiting the OdySea Aquarium at Arizona Boardwalk or spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at your vacation rental if you need a break from sightseeing!
Day 5: Sedona
Morning
After spending a few days in Scottsdale, load up the car and travel through Camp Verde on a two-hour drive to Sedona. After arriving in Sedona, stretch your legs on one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, like Devil’s Bridge or Bell Rock, while admiring the natural beauty of the red rocks, and then grab lunch somewhere scenic in Uptown Sedona, like Canyon Breeze Restaurant.
Afternoon/Evening
Depending on your family’s preferences, there are several ways to explore Sedona in the afternoon and evening. You can browse the local shops at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village or Uptown Sedona, drive north to Oak Creek Canyon to visit Slide Rock State Park (where you’ll find a thrilling natural water slide!) or relax and unwind with poolside service and dinner at your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next few nights.
Day 6: Grand Canyon National Park

Morning
You can’t leave Arizona without visiting the state’s most iconic attraction — Grand Canyon National Park!
Since most hikes at the canyon are intended for advanced hikers, you’ll only need to take a day trip to see the Grand Canyon on a family vacation. After grabbing coffee and breakfast in Sedona, load up the car and drive just over two hours north to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After parking at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, walk to Mather Point for panoramic views of the South Rim!
Afternoon/Evening
This afternoon, hike the 2.5-mile stretch on the South Rim Trail from the Visitor Center to Grand Canyon Village (you can enjoy scenic views the whole way!). While you’re here, grab lunch at El Tovar Dining Room or Arizona Steakhouse. After walking back to the car, load up and drive back to Sedona for the night. Stop in Downtown Flagstaff, about an hour from the Grand Canyon, for dinner at Diablo Burger or Lumberyard Brewing Co. (if you have time, walk around this historic town on Route 66!).
Day 7: Depart Phoenix
Morning
Wake up in Sedona and grab a hearty breakfast (with a view!) at Creekside American Bistro before leaving your hotel or vacation rental and driving back to Phoenix. On your way out of town, make a quick stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a modern church built into the red rocks that offers striking views of the city!
Afternoon/Evening
Sadly, your family vacation in Arizona has come to an end. Head to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from Sedona to board your flight home. Without traffic, the drive to the airport is about two hours. We hope you had “fun in the sun” during your road trip through Arizona — and our team at Stay With Style Scottsdale can’t wait to host you during your next trip to Scottsdale!