I will be travelling to Phoenix for a week in mid Oct. with my sisters and our 87 year old mother, who does a limited amount of walking. I'd like some suggestions of things to do, places to go, etc. We are not shoppers. I thought a day trip to Sedona would work, but don't know what else is around. Would appreciate any help.

The city parks of Phoenix have a lot of desert and mountain beauty when you consider they are in or near a major metropolis.

Visit the Art Museum if you have any interest in native art.

If you're willing to drive to Sedona, then you may as well drive to Tucson as well (or maybe instead), in order to see that city's municipal parks, as well as Mission Tubac and Saguaro National Park.

*IF* it hasn't rained for a couple days AND there is no chance for rain, then a drive on the Apache Trail will lead to even more desert scenery.

There are various Anasazi sites nearby as well, including Montezuma's Castle -- which is neither a castle nor connected to Montezuma or the Aztecs in any way.

Day trip to the Grand Canyon would be better than Sedona - more driving but a lot more wow factor. Keep in mind that Sedona itself is touristy and somewhat tacky so if you're just going for the day, not shopping or hiking I don't know that you're really enjoy it that much.

We enjoyed a couple of hours at the Phoenix Zoo especially the giraffe feeding experience. The volunteer guides are very informative.
We walked around but there's a little car/train that can transport you from A to B.

Tour Taliesin West -- Frank Lloyd Wright's winter home. http://www.franklloydwright.org/

In downtown Phoenix, The Heard Museum has a world class of collection of Native American Art and is highly recommended. Taliesen West should be on your list too.
Sedona is only 1 1/2 hr away so a very nice and worthwhile day trip.
If you head south to Tucson, also 1 1/2 hours drive, visit Mission San Xavier, Sabino canyon, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum.

I've never been a fan of Sedona but they do offer jeep rides that are popular with tourists. Personally I wouldn't make a special trip just for a jeep ride, but it is, IMO, one of Sedona's redeeming features.

Suggesting a day trip to the Grand Canyon was obviously done by someone who has never done a day trip to G.C. from Phoenix. It takes about 4 hours one way.

If interested in art, Phoenix has several great museums, the Taliesen, as mentioned, as well as the Heard Museum. I would also suggest a visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens.

Tucson would be a good choice for a day trip. I'll try to get back with some suggestions for Tucson when time allows.

I am well aware of the travel time from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon, as I mentioned in my response it is further than Sedona but well worth it.

I would never suggest a jeep ride for a group that includes an 87 year old woman of limited mobility.

But you'd suggest 8 hours of driving in one day to see the Grand Canyon ?

Yes I would and I did.

Obviously an overnight stay would be better, but if given the option of not seeing the Grand Canyon vs 8 hours of driving, I'd pick the 8 hours of driving.