USA & Canada · Best Feb–Apr & Oct–Nov
Scottsdale and Sedona packing list for families
The desert asks for more than a swimsuit and sunscreen. Between dry heat, rocky trails, and evenings that cool off fast, a few smart items keep kids happy from the resort pool to the red rocks.
Photo by Edmundo Mendez, Jr. on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Scottsdale & Sedona
- Desert air is dry enough that kids don't feel thirsty until they're already behind. I give each child their own water bottle and add electrolyte packets on hiking days.
- Sedona sits higher than Scottsdale and runs noticeably cooler. Pack a fleece for red rock mornings even if Scottsdale felt warm the day before.
- Winter days are sunny and mild, but nights drop into the 40s. Bring a warm layer for dinner on the patio and around the fire pit.
Best timeFeb–Apr & Oct–Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Scottsdale & Sedona
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Closed-toe hiking shoesRocky trails and cactus spines are tough on sandals.
Beach & pool2
Mineral sunscreen
Cooling towelsHelp kids stay comfortable on warm afternoons.
Adventure1
Kids' hydration packKristina's pickHands-free water makes desert hikes much easier.
Little ones13
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Electrolyte drink packetsDry heat drains fluids fast, especially on hikes.
SPF lip balmLips chap quickly in the dry desert air.
Documents & tech17
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Desert tones
Terracotta, sand, sage, bone
For the grown-ups
For photos
- Warm tones glow at golden hour
- Sage or white keeps it fresh
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Scottsdale & Sedona weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67°F 19°C | Sunny and mild by day, cold at night. Sedona can see frost and the occasional dusting of snow. | |
| February | 71°F 22°C | Sunny and mild by day, cold at night. Sedona can see frost and the occasional dusting of snow. | Spring training baseball across the Phoenix area, a fun outing for kids. |
| March | 77°F 25°C | Warm, sunny spring. Peak season for golf, hiking, and pool days. | Spring training baseball across the Phoenix area, a fun outing for kids. Desert wildflowers and cactus blooms, strongest after a wet winter. |
| April | 85°F 29°C | Warm, sunny spring. Peak season for golf, hiking, and pool days. | Desert wildflowers and cactus blooms, strongest after a wet winter. |
| May | 94°F 34°C | Hot and very dry, often over 100°F by June. Hike only at sunrise. | |
| June | 104°F 40°C | Hot and very dry, often over 100°F by June. Hike only at sunrise. | |
| July | 106°F 41°C | Extreme heat with monsoon storms, dust, and flash flood risk in washes. | Monsoon lightning storms over the desert, best watched from indoors. |
| August | 104°F 40°C | Extreme heat with monsoon storms, dust, and flash flood risk in washes. | Monsoon lightning storms over the desert, best watched from indoors. |
| September | 100°F 38°C | Extreme heat with monsoon storms, dust, and flash flood risk in washes. | Monsoon lightning storms over the desert, best watched from indoors. |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Warm days and cooler nights return. Excellent hiking and pool weather. | Fall color along Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, usually late October into November. |
| November | 76°F 24°C | Warm days and cooler nights return. Excellent hiking and pool weather. | Fall color along Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, usually late October into November. Holiday light displays at the desert botanical gardens and resorts. |
| December | 66°F 19°C | Sunny and mild by day, cold at night. Sedona can see frost and the occasional dusting of snow. | Holiday light displays at the desert botanical gardens and resorts. |
Questions families ask
Scottsdale & Sedona with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale & Sedona with kids?
The best time is Feb–Apr & Oct–Nov. Warm, sunny spring. Peak season for golf, hiking, and pool days.
What's the weather like in Scottsdale & Sedona?
Typical daytime highs range from about 66°F (19°C) in December to about 106°F (41°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Scottsdale & Sedona?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Scottsdale & Sedona?
None. Scottsdale & Sedona uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Scottsdale & Sedona with kids?
Desert air is dry enough that kids don't feel thirsty until they're already behind. I give each child their own water bottle and add electrolyte packets on hiking days.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.