Things to Do around the Grand Canyon with Kids

Kristy Pepping:  Take a pit stop at the world's best-preserved impact site, where a meteorite hit Earth 50,000 years ago. There are indoor and outdoor observation points, a 4D theater, and an interactive Discovery Center.

Kristy Pepping:  Supplement your Grand Canyon family vacation with an amazing trip to Antelope Canyon, located about 1 hour from the park. Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon formed by water rushing through rocks and carving "slots" into it over time. The canyon provides a beautiful backdrop when the sun beams in, and is a flat walk of only 1/8 of a mile. Only visible by guided tour, the Antelope Slot Canyon Tours company runs hour and half long tours year-round, and will even provide fold out chairs for any kids who may need a break. Discover more hidden gems around the United States to visit on a road trip with kids!

Kristy Pepping:  If your Grand Canyon vacation is longer than a few days, drive south near Sedona, Arizona for a rejuvenating visit. Families with kids especially love Slide Rock State Park. You can view wildlife like deer and bald eagles, go for a refreshing dip in the knee-high waters under tall canyon walls, or meander along a peaceful hiking trail. There is even an apple orchard for fall visits! This natural outdoor "splash park" is one to remember.

Kristy Pepping:  If you are visiting the Grand Canyon, I highly recommend a stop in Sedona, Arizona, located a couple hours south. You will pass through forests and mountains as you meander the pleasant drive. Once in Sedona, famous for red rock and a rejuvenating ambiance, this town also offers shopping, plenty of places for lunch and spectacular views.

Kristy Pepping:  You're bound to drive by Montezuma Castle while driving up to the Grand Canyon from Phoenix, Arizona. This national monument was once home to the Sinagua tribe, which first settled there a thousand years ago. Take a short, self-guided trail to see this 5-story cliff dwelling, and visit the on-site museum which includes exhibits and artifacts of the Sinagua people.

Explore Phoenix, too! Check out our favorite things to do in Phoenix for families while you're around.

Kristy Pepping:  While visiting the Grand Canyon with kids, enlist them as an official park junior ranger! Kids learn about the park's unique nature and history, and have fun exploring along the way. Simply pick up a book when you arrive at the park (visitor center), complete the fun activities and turn it in to receive your badge! There are programs depending on your child's age and which area of the park you visit.

Kristy Pepping:  A great way to see the Grand Canyon with kids is touring by bike. Bright Angel Bicycles offers rentals for both adults and kids. Their bikes are a cruiser style which allows for easy control and come with a sure stop breaking system. They also offer family-friendly tours and bike trail options. Stroller and trailer rentals are also available.

Kristy Pepping:  Explore the Grand Canyon for kids with a sure-footed mule! The trips explore the North Rim of the Grand Canyon and trek either one or three hours. Groups are led by experienced guides and mules are selected for the best temperaments for adults and children.

Kristy Pepping:  The Grand Canyon is a tourist train ride that departs daily from Williams, Arizona, and stops at the Grand Canyon National Park after a two-hour and 15-minute ride, returning later in the afternoon back to Williams. If you have a train-loving kid, he or she will love winding through the trees and looking at the amazing landscape! They will learn about Pullman, Observation Dome Cars, Parlor Cars and more!

Spending Christmas the Grand Canyon? There are special event excursions too like Polar Express!

Kristy Pepping:  Hiking the Grand Canyon is a fun adventure for the whole family, but choosing an off-the-beaten path trail can be tricky, especially with children. Cobalt Escapes offers several hiking trail tours of varying difficulty levels, including the Vista Hike, which is great option for many families as the 5 miles are on a wide trail. The tour includes lunch, hiking poles and a backpack filled with hiking gear, as well as round-trip transportation to and from your area hotel. This is especially helpful if you do not have a vehicle. Note many of their additional area tours, kayaking, jeep, cooking classes and food tours, too!

Kristy Pepping:  Visiting the Grand Canyon with kids starts with get your "footing" on what's available to see and do, available in real-time at the visitor's center. Here you'll find information on the shuttles, learn about hikes, exhibits, grab a cup of coffee or lunch, shop tons of souvenirs, and more. Plus, there is a fun and informative 20-minute IMAX film that talks about the history and various attractions inside the park.

Kristy Pepping:  There are so many things to do in Grand Canyon south rim and north rim, and you cannot see them all in one day. Take advantage of the Grand Canyon shuttle which runs from area hotels, campgrounds and other surrounding attractions, as well as throughout the park. Give your legs a rest! Check out the map of stops and the various routes on their website to see which one works best for your family. This will undoubtedly help you navigate seeing the various sites and look-outs much faster than by foot alone. (Some look-outs require shuttle bus access, too.)

Rest easy knowing an air-conditioned shuttle within the park can take you from point A to point B. The shuttle runs every 15 to 20 minutes so there are limited wait times for guests (especially helpful in the heat).

Beth Wood:  You'll feel like you're on safari when you plan a trip to Out of Africa Wildlife Park. See mammals, reptiles and birds from Africa and other countries. A 40-minute guided safari tour with free roaming animals, live shows, animal encounter and feeding experiences, zip lining and more make this a one-of-a-kind experience for the entire family. This is a popular destination for families visiting Sedona or the Grand Canyon with kids.

Kristy Pepping:  If you are planning a grand canyon vacation for family and little kids, or you simply wish to stay very close to the Grand Canyon, check into the 250-room Maswik Lodge. Why? It's right on site so it's super easy to sleep in and have a short quarter mile walk to the Canyon. There are many in-house dining options to enjoy there, too! Simply request a roller bed to create more sleeping options.

Kristy Pepping:  I learned about this fun stop from my cousin who is visiting the Grand Canyon with her kids! Bearizona offers both a drive-through park and walk-through area. In your car or bus, you will see animals in open habitats. On your walk, you'll see baby and smaller animals. Some of the animals include bears, wolves and raptors. There is also a restaurant on site for when you get hungry.