Arizona’s wild landscapes are the perfect backdrop for outdoor fun that goes beyond the usual playground routine. Whether your crew is into hiking, biking, fishing, or exploring caves, this state delivers big on variety, so your family can do it all.

From red rock trails to serene mountain lakes, this guide highlights the best family-friendly spots to try seven different outdoor activities — all designed to help you unplug, move your bodies, and make lasting memories together.

🥾 Hiking

Explore everything from towering canyon rims to shady creek beds on Arizona’s wide variety of kid-friendly trails. In Sedona, try the West Fork Trail, a shaded path that crisscrosses a gentle stream — perfect for splashing and exploring.

Or get outside in Sabino Canyon in Tucson, where you can hike a mix of paved and dirt trails, plus a tram service to help little legs make the journey. For unforgettable views, take the Bright Angel Trail or South Kaibab Trail at the Grand Canyon; even just a short walk below the rim will leave a lasting impression.

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🚵‍♀️ Biking

Families that enjoy two-wheel adventures will find plenty of places to pedal. In Sedona, head out on a guided ride with Sedona Mountain Bike Guides. This family-friendly guide company tailors its tours to riders of all levels. From mellow, scenic loops to adrenaline-pumping downhills and technical terrain, your whole crew can enjoy the magic of riding red rock country on skill-appropriate trails. Tours include transportation, hydration, organic snacks, and the option for bike rentals. 

If paved pathways are more your family’s vibe, check out the Hermit Road Greenway Path. This incredibly scenic roadway at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed to personal vehicles nine months a year — making it a safe route for families to see the canyon by bike.

Rent bikes and bike trailers at Canyon Adventures bike shop, next to the park’s visitor center. Then, pedal 7 miles along the historic roadway that traces the canyon rim and offers stunning views the entire ride.

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Whether you ride on the road or the dirt, stay on the designated route to help protect local plants and animals.

🛶 Paddling

Arizona might be known for its deserts, but it’s also home to some beautiful bodies of water. Get out on paddleboards or kayaks at Saguaro Lake, just outside Phoenix. The lake’s sheltered coves provide beginner-friendly waters for paddlers of all ages. Paddle along red cliffs and soak in the scenery, keeping an eye out for wild horses known to roam along the shore.

For even more room to explore on the water, head to Lake Powell. Here, paddlers can enjoy epic canyon views as they navigate to secluded beaches and hidden slots only accessible by water. If it’s your family’s first time in the area, join a guided paddle tour to make the most of your time there. Or rent vessels to embark on an adventure all your own.

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Even organic waste can have a negative impact on Arizona’s delicate ecosystems. Wherever you adventure, be sure to pack out everything you bring with you.

🧗 Climbing

You don’t need to be a seasoned climber to enjoy Arizona’s incredible rock faces. Around Tucson, Mount Lemmon offers dozens of sport climbing routes — many beginner-friendly — that can keep the whole family entertained on belay. In the Phoenix area, McDowell Sonoran Preserve is a great place to scramble over granite boulders and try short, manageable climbs that are fun for kids.

Want to play it safe and boost young climbers’ confidence? Book a family climbing lesson or guided session with a local outfitter. These expert guides specialize in introducing new climbers to the sport in safe, fun environments.

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In Arizona, there’s so much to see and explore. Take pictures and make memories, but please don’t take home any mementos from nature.

🏕️ Camping

Soak in Arizona’s natural beauty by spending the night under the stars. At Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, set up camp near the Verde River, where you can easily access more than 20 miles of family-friendly hiking trails. Lucky campers may get to watch river otters in their natural habitat. These charismatic creatures entertain kids and adults alike with their antics. 

Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area in Show Low caters to families, with a ranger-led children’s program on weekends throughout the summer. Of course, swimming, boating, and fishing at the lake are also great ways to spend time outside as a family. After a day on the water, everyone will enjoy relaxing in the shade back at camp. 

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Hanging out around the fire can be one of the best parts of family camping. Your family can help keep everyone safe from fire danger by using designated fire rings, keeping your campfire small, and making sure an adult is always attending the fire.

🎣 Fishing

If family fun on the water is on your agenda, check out one of Arizona’s many fishing spots. Just minutes from downtown Prescott, Lynx Lake is a great spot for young anglers to learn the sport, thanks to calm waters and regular fish stocking. Rent a boat at the Lynx Lake Store or fish from the shore along the shady 2-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake. 

Further south at Patagonia Lake State Park, cast a line for a chance to catch largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish, and more. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake. The Patagonia Lake Marina offers rental canoes, rowboats, and pontoons, plus tips on where the fish are biting to set you up for a successful fishing adventure.

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Arizona is home to more than 800 species of wildlife. Keep them and yourselves safe by respecting their space and following local regulations, including fishing limits.

🌵 Exploring

Arizona’s unique landscapes will keep curious kiddos in exploration mode. Investigate below the surface at Kartchner Caverns State Park, where living caves sparkle with dramatic formations. Family-friendly tours offer an educational look at the area’s geology. Plus, don’t miss the Discovery Center, which brings cave science to life with hands-on exhibits.

For surface formations that are just as fascinating, head to Red Rock State Park in Sedona, where your family can take in vibrant sandstone landscapes. Or visit Tonto Natural Bridge State Park to hike beneath one of the world’s largest travertine bridges and explore small caves along the stream.

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Arizona’s landscapes offer so many different ways to enjoy the outdoors. Respect others and their unique connection to the land by making the places where you recreate a welcoming space for everyone.

This post was sponsored by Visit Arizona. Start planning your next family trip and learn how to explore Arizona respectfully at AppreciateAZ.com.