The Grand Canyon is the ideal destination for adventurous families looking for an unforgettable vacation. With its breathtaking landscapes, captivating history and hikes for all experience levels, the Grand Canyon offers the perfect blend of enrichment and excitement. But it can be overwhelming! That’s why we’ve put together our favorite family-friendly stops in the Grand Canyon for kids of all ages. From interactive exhibits and rare natural treasures to picture-worthy lookout points and historic sites, this itinerary has something to enchant every young traveler. 

 

A Brief History of the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon’s origin story started roughly 2 billion years ago when layer upon layer of sedimentary rock formed its base. These basement rocks originally sat at what would today be the bottom of the ocean. However, the earth’s surface shifted and moved over time, lifting the former seafloor rocks to an elevation of 9,000 feet, creating the perfect plateau for the Colorado River to cut through. 

 

For millions of years, the Colorado River carved through the canyon, pulling large rocks and boulders with it, chiseling the Grand Canyon into the spectacle that it is today — a natural wonder that stretches over 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and more than a mile deep. Historians believe that humans have inhabited the Grand Canyon for 13,000 years, starting with the Paleo-Indians. As recently as 1,200 years ago, the Ancestral Puebloans lived in the canyon, building shelters inside of the cliffs and farming crops in the region. Today, the Havasupai tribe still lives inside the canyon. You’ll find tours and exhibits at the Grand Canyon dedicated to its fascinating geological and Native American history.

 

What is the Best Time of Year for a Grand Canyon Road Trip?

The Grand Canyon boasts year-round magic, with each month offering something different. Understanding the unique activities and perks of each season can help you decide which time of year best suits your family.

 

• Spring (March to May): Spring is the ideal time to go if you’re hoping to skip the summer crowds while still enjoying warm weather that’s ideal for outdoor activities. Plus, you might just catch the wildflowers blooming. 

• Summer (June to August): If you want to make the most of every day at the Grand Canyon, summer is the perfect time to go, thanks to the extended daylight hours. Temperatures will be warm, but there are plenty of water activities to keep you cool. Just be prepared for crowds.

• Fall (September to November): Looking for picturesque fall foliage? Visit the Grand Canyon in the fall, when the aspen trees transform into vibrant hues of gold, yellow and red. You’ll also enjoy low crowds. Pack layers, since temperatures begin to drop this time of year.

• Winter (December to February): The snow-covered Grand Canyon is breathtaking, and winter means low crowds for rare tranquility at this national treasure. Be prepared for the weather with winter clothing and hiking gear. Check for closures before planning your visit, too.

 

One thing is for certain: no matter what time of year you visit the Grand Canyon with kids, you won’t be disappointed. 

 

Top 7 Grand Canyon Activities for Kids and Families

Step into nature’s classroom at the Grand Canyon. With activities including ranger-led programs, kid-friendly hikes and geological exhibitions, the Grand Canyon offers the perfect blend of adventure and education. Here are our favorite seven Grand Canyon activities for a memorable family vacation.

 

1. Visit the Yavapai Geology Museum

Before diving into the Grand Canyon’s stunning landscapes, get a preview of the park’s highlights at the Yavapai Geology Museum. The museum has three-dimensional models of the canyon’s rock formations, rotating photo exhibits and a topographical map that helps visitors understand the shape of the canyon and the location of its most striking landmarks. Plus, the panoramic windows are the perfect place for a photo with the canyon in the background. Visitors can catch a 30-minute geology presentation daily at 11 am. 

 

2. Explore the South Rim Trail

The South Rim is the most accessible part of the park, and many of our stops will focus on this area. It’s a paved trail and the site of several must-see landmarks. The full trail is about 13 miles long, but you can easily break it up into several days and go at your own pace.

 

We suggest picking the trail up at the Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center, where you can check out historic buildings and visit the adorable Mule Pen — a barn where mules are prepared to take visitors into the canyon. You’ll catch several lookout points of the North and South rim, as well as the Colorado River, along the trail. 

 

You’ll also come across the educational Trail of Time, a geological timeline of the canyon. Bronze markers show your location in time along the trail, with each tenth marker representing several million years of development. Several exhibits show how the Grand Canyon was formed.

 

3. Enjoy a Picnic at Shoshone Point

Shoshone Point is one of the Grand Canyon’s hidden gems and the perfect place to escape the crowds. You’ll take a pleasant two-mile walk through a pine forest to get to a breathtaking lookout point, complete with picnic tables and restrooms. Coming from the Visitor’s Center, you’ll find the unmarked parking lot for Shoshone Point between mile markers 244 and 245. Keep in mind that Shoshone Point is bookable for private events, so inquire about its availability in the Visitor’s Center before making the trek out.

 

4. Visit the Desert View Watch Tower

The Desert View Watch Tower is one of the most well-known structures on the South Rim and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Constructed in 1932 based on Ancestral Puebloan architecture, the tower was designed to seamlessly blend into its natural surroundings. As you approach it, you might even struggle to tell where the canyon walls end and the tower walls begin. 

 

Offering sweeping views of the Grand Canyon from a high vantage point, the tower is an ideal place for a family photo. You can peer through reflectoscopes placed at various windows inside the Watchtower View Room for enhanced views of the canyon. Indigenous artists conduct cultural demonstrations during the spring, summer and fall here, too. 

 

Note: You will need a ticket to enter, which grants you 20 minutes in the tower. Admission is free.

 

5. Join the Junior Ranger Program

Children ages 4 to 14 can test their knowledge of the park throughthe Junior Ranger Program. In order to earn their Junior Ranger Badge, visitors will complete location-specific activities in their ranger booklet. Booklets for the program can be found at any of the park visitor centers, backcountry ranger stations and the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore. Children can present their completed booklet at a Visitor’s Center for their badge. 

 

6. Stargazing

Looking for more fun “family things” to do in the Grand Canyon after the sun sets? Just look up at the skies and enjoy a mesmerizing show. The Grand Canyon is one of the best destinations for stargazing. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, the Grand Canyon offers minimal light pollution and uninterrupted views of the stars for miles. 

 

You can find several popular stargazing spots just off the main road, including Mather Point,Yavapai Point and Moran Point. Rangers also lead regular stargazing events — you can find the schedule for these programs at any Visitor’s Center. For the best stargazing experience, we recommend these tips:

 

• Aim for a new or third-quarter moon. That’s when the stars are brightest.

• Know when to go. Stargazing is best done either 1.5 hours after sunset or before sunrise.

• Dress warmly. No matter what time of year it is, the canyon gets cold when it’s dark.

• Use a stargazing app. Night Sky, Sky Tonight and Star Chart all have an augmented reality mode that lets you point your phone at the night sky to get information on celestial objects. 

 

If you’re after an unforgettable night-time experience, stargazing in the Grand Canyon is a must.

 

7. Take a Private Sightseeing Tour

Interested in a particular part of the park or its history? Consider booking a private sightseeing tour. There are dozens of companies offering a range of tour types in the Grand Canyon. Many are happy to tailor the experience to your family’s particular interests, as well as the ages of your children. A private tour offers a relaxed way to experience the Grand Canyon with kids. You’ll benefit from the knowledge of an experienced guide who knows about the park’s layout and history. Tours are available on foot, in vans, on the water and even in helicopters.

 

Tips for Staying Safe On a Grand Canyon Family Vacation

The Grand Canyon is a kid-friendly destination, but that doesn’t mean it’s without risks. Rest assured, we have some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Here’s what to avoid:

 

• Long hikes: Grand Canyon hikes are unique in that you’ll start by going downhill, so the first half is the easy part. Take that into account when planning your treks, and don’t go so far into the canyon that the hike back up is too exhausting.

• Feeding wildlife: You’ll likely see plenty of wildlife in the Grand Canyon. Make sure everyone keeps their distance from the animals. No one in your group should attempt to feed the wildlife or enter their habitats. This could trigger aggression, especially in animals caring for babies.

• Venturing off-trail: Always stick to designated trails. Leaving the trails can not only lead to environmental damage, but can also be dangerous as unmarked paths might be fragile or slippery. 

• Over-packing itineraries. Remember that kids tire easily, so don’t overpack your days. Consider breaking up hikes with relaxing activities, like ranger-led talks or picnics. 

 

If you’re ever unsure about the safety of a landmark or the difficulty of a hiking trail, you can always find information in any of the park’s Visitor’s Centers.

 

Where to Stay During a Road Trip To the Grand Canyon

No matter your family’s travel style or budget, you can find places to stay that fit your needs inside and near the park. From rustic lodges to modern hotels and charming glamping sites, there is a range of accommodation options around the Grand Canyon.

 

Grand Canyon Village Lodging

Looking to stay just steps away from the trails? Here’s a full list of the hotels within Grand Canyon Village. Enjoy a European feel at El Tovar, a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian villa. Always wanted to stay in a Registered National Historic Landmark? Sleep at the rustic Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins, complete with an old-style saloon and a history room featuring historical postcards and a vintage carriage. Enjoy comfort and proximity to the canyon rim at the Yavapai Lodge, which has a tavern and restaurant on-site where you can fuel up before or after hikes.

 

Under Canvas Grand Canyon

Enjoy closeness to nature with modern amenities at Under Canvas Grand Canyon. This glamping site features unique safari-inspired tents offering en-suite bathrooms, private decks and wood-burning stoves. Select tents even have adjacent kid’s tents for larger groups. The property offers many complimentary activities like arts and crafts, live music and nightly s’mores.

 

Nearby Hotels in Tusayan

Tusayan is less than a 15-minute drive from the South Rim and has an array of hotel options with family-friendly amenities. The Grand Hotel at The Grand has a heated indoor pool and spacious rooms. The Squire at Grand Canyon offers multi-room suites, ideal for families. For apartment-style accommodations with full kitchens, try theCanyon Plaza Premier Studio and Apartments.

 

Planning Your Trip to the Grand Canyon For Kids: Travel Tips 

At 277 miles long and 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon is massive and has several entry points. As a result, your trip can easily play out however is most convenient for your family. With that said, we personally recommend one of the following three travel itineraries:

 

• Fly into Flagstaff, AZ. From Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), you’re only a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

• Fly into Phoenix, AZ. From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), you are roughly a 3-hour and 45-minute drive from the South Rim.

• Take the Grand Canyon Railway.If you want a fun and unique ride into the park, consider catching the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, which is just 30 miles west of Flagstaff. This train drops you off right in the park and has fun seasonal themes, like cowboy train robberies in the summer and the Polar Express in the winter.

 

Renting a car is the best option if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short time. However, if you’d prefer to go car-free, several reliable shuttles take travelers from FLG and PHX to the Grand Canyon.

 

Use Rand McNally Maps for Easy Navigation

For an easy-to-understand and thorough look at the landscape, pack your Rand McNally Arizona atlas. It has detailed information on how to find trailheads, campgrounds and historic sites, helping your days run smoothly as you navigate the park. Our AZ atlas even has an inset map, dedicated to the Grand Canyon for park-specific tips. Plus, our full-color topographic map makes it easy to identify elevation changes and understand the terrain by highlighting features like mountains and valleys. And don’t forget to pack our National Park Guide. Complete with photos and travel tips like where to stay, hike and explore at all 63 national parks, this comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Grand Canyon.

 

Pack for Comfort and Safety

Once your Grand Canyon family vacation itinerary is settled, you’ll need to think about what to pack. Days in the canyon are fun but can be long and tiring. Here is our essential Grand Canyon packing list to keep everyone content and comfortable:

 

• Snacks

• Water (refillable bottle)

• Sunscreen

• Bug spray

• Journals

• Daypacks

• Binoculars

• Picnic blanket

• Layers

• Kids’ activity books

• Kids’ maps and atlases

 

Make sure kids test out their daypacks, fully loaded, before hitting the trails to make sure they can comfortably carry their items.

 

Plan Family Breaks Along the Way

Kids don’t always have patience for long car rides, so make sure to plan some fun and refreshing stops. This is especially important if you’re flying into PHX since you’ll drive for nearly four hours before you reach the park.

 

If you take the US-69 from PHX to the Grand Canyon, Prescott is a good halfway stop. Here, you’ll find authentic cowboy history and culture, including Whiskey Row, a street filled with old-style saloons from the Gold Rush Era. Prescott is also home to the Museum of Indigenous People, a fitting place to stop before traveling on to the Grand Canyon, which also has a rich Native American history.

 

Should you choose to take the I-17 from PHX, we suggest stopping in Sedona. Marvel at this eclectic city’s famous red rocks. Visit Main Street, where cowboy shops are intermingled with art galleries and mystic vendors. It’s a great place for kids to burn off some energy before hopping back in the car for the last leg of the drive.

 

Plan Your Family Trip to the Grand Canyon with Rand McNally Maps

With its countless picturesque hikes, engaging educational experiences and unique natural formations, the Grand Canyon will leave you and your kids in awe at what nature is capable of. Start planning your trip today with Rand McNally’s road maps and atlases by your side. Featuring detailed imagery, points of interest and insider tips, our products will help you confidently navigate your destinations and spot all the must-see landmarks. The Grand Canyon was made for adventurous families, so gather your crew and visit this national treasure.

 

Grand Canyon Family Trip FAQs

By now you know plenty of things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids, but you might still have questions about this iconic road trip. We’re always here to guide your adventures. Find answers to commonly asked Grand Canyon family trip questions below.

How many days do you need for a Grand Canyon trip?

If you just plan on seeing the highlights, you’ll need at least three days in the Grand Canyon. However, you could easily fill up two whole weeks at this famous destination.

 

What’s the best month to see the Grand Canyon?

We think September and October are some of the best months to visit the Grand Canyon. The high summer temperatures and crowds have mellowed out, but the cold winter hasn’t yet arrived. So, you can enjoy a temperate climate with fewer tourists.

 

How long does it take to drive around the Grand Canyon?

Driving around the entire Grand Canyon without stopping takes roughly 15 hours. However, you’ll want to budget your time based on everything you want to see.