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5 days in Sedona - any dinosaur fossil tours?

Hi Al!

We are planning a 5 day trip to Sedona first week of April with our 7 year old who loves talking about dinosaur fossils, meteors etc. ! Are there any tours within an hour or 2 drive from Sedona/Phoenix that would interest her?

We are flying from the East Coast and want to base ourselves in Sedona for all days if possible.

Sedona itself is more famous for its red rock formations, vortex sites, and hiking trails than for dinosaur fossils. However, there are a few options within a reasonable driving distance from Sedona or Phoenix that could appeal to a young dinosaur enthusiast.

Within Sedona area:

  • Paleo Discovery Center / Petrified Forest Museum (Holbrook, AZ): About a 3-hour drive from Sedona, this is slightly outside your 1–2 hour radius, but it has real fossil displays and petrified wood exhibits. It’s educational for kids and gives a glimpse into prehistoric Arizona.
  • Arizona Science Center (Phoenix): Around 2 hours from Sedona, this center has rotating exhibits including paleontology, dinosaur skeletons, and hands-on science experiences suitable for children.

Near Sedona (shorter drives, mostly geology-focused):

  • Out-of-Africa Wildlife Park (Camp Verde, AZ): About 30–40 minutes from Sedona. While it’s primarily a wildlife park, they sometimes have educational programs for kids that include fossils and prehistoric animal discussions.
  • Red Rock State Park Educational Programs: Offers interpretive programs on geology and ancient life in the area. While not focused on dinosaur fossils, they often include information about ancient environments and rock formations that fascinated kids.

Other tips:

  • Consider a guided tour to the Petrified Forest National Park for a mix of geology, fossils, and colorful landscapes. While it’s a longer drive (around 3 hours), it’s one of the best spots in Arizona for kid-friendly prehistoric exploration.
  • Check local science museums or libraries in Sedona or Flagstaff for any temporary dinosaur or paleontology exhibitions around your travel dates.

In short, while Sedona itself doesn’t have dedicated dinosaur fossil tours, combining short trips to nearby educational centers, science museums, and geological sites can provide an engaging experience for your 7-year-old. If you’re willing to stretch the drive slightly, the Petrified Forest and Arizona Science Center are worth considering.

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