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30 Fun Things To Do at the Grand Canyon with Kids
Looking for all the top things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids? You’ve come to the right place!
Our family has been traveling full-time since 2019, both in the US and internationally. So of course we’ve spent time worldschooling at the Grand Canyon!
I collected a ton of great ideas for things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids for our most recent visit, and I couldn’t help but share them with our readers. Because sharing is caring after all!
From educational and fun to nighttime adventures and tasty treats, there’s something for everyone. Here’s our complete list of amazing family activities at the Grand Canyon with kids.
What to Do at the Grand Canyon with Kids
Grand Canyon activities for families include hiking, camping, and exploring the breathtaking natural wonders. Here are the details on everything you can do during a kids’ Grand Canyon visit!
1. Grand Canyon Visitor Center
Every visit to the Grand Canyon, with kids or without, needs to start at the visitor center.
Open 8 am to 4 pm daily, this is where you can get Passport To Your National Parks® stamps, Junior Ranger badges and books, and B.A.R.K. Ranger Dog Tags.
There’s also an information booth as well as a small gift shop.
2. Become a Junior Ranger
There are separate Junior Ranger programs for the North Rim and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. They also each have their own badge.
Fun Fact: All National Parks offer Junior Ranger Programs. Junior Ranger booklets are available at any national park visitor center.
On the South Rim, you can pick up booklets at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Verkamp’s Visitor Center Park Headquarters, or the Tusayan Museum near Desert View.
If you hike or ride a mule to Phantom Ranch, you can get the Phantom Ranch Junior Ranger Booklet from the canteen, campground, or Ranger Station.
Once a booklet is completed, kids receive a special badge, certificate, and patch. Badges and patches can be displayed on a junior ranger vest or other NP attire!
3. Attend a Grand Canyon Ranger Program
Whether your kiddo(s) go(es) through the process of swearing-in as a Junior Ranger, all kids are welcome to attend the special education seminars held throughout the National Park.
Ranger programs talk about everything from the history of the area to the wildlife kids might see.
With titles such as “Canyon Tales,” “Critter Chat,” “Fossil Discovery,” and “Geology Glimpse” the Grand Canyon National Park junior ranger programs are both educational and fun. Sometimes there are crafts or activities for kids to do!
This is one of the things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids that is a great way to help kids engage with the park, especially when the scenery doesn’t “wow” them the way it does you.
4. Walk to Shoshone Point
The Shoshone Point Trailhead is an easy walk, which makes it a perfect “hike” for little legs.
The path is a beautiful walk through a Ponderosa Pine forest with a stop at a serene picnic spot, and then to a hidden rock formation and Shoshone Point.
Pro Tip: Stop at the Grand Canyon grocery store, across from the visitor center, and buy some food for a picnic lunch to take with you.
This 2-mile round trip trail isn’t often trafficked by tourists so if you want to get away from the crowds stopped at other, more well-known roadside attractions, then this short hike is ideal.
The parking lot is unmarked on the side of the road, just an 8-minute drive from the Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center.
If you’re coming from the Visitor’s Center, the parking lot is the first lot on your left after Yaki Point Road, about 2 minutes or 1.2 miles.
5. Grand Canyon Skywalk
The skywalk allows you to walk on a transparent walkway over the Grand Canyon. It’s located in Grand Canyon West, which is a tribal initiative by the sovereign Indian Nation of the Hualapai Tribe.
Fun Fact: Grand Canyon West is located in the Hualapai Reservation. It’s a great opportunity to experience their rich heritage and traditions.
The skywalk is open 9 am – 5 pm daily. You can buy tickets on site, if available, or order them in advance.
6. Drive to Desert View Watchtower
The watchtower is one of 23 National Historic Landmark buildings in Grand Canyon National Park.
It’s the first attraction when arriving on your Grand Canyon trip with kids by driving into the East Entrance on Desert View Drive.
The watchtower was built in 1932 as an opportunity to view the Grand Canyon from a unique perspective, higher above the ground. Unfortunately, the top viewing area has been closed to visitors for several years.
However, there is a cute gift shop and area to learn about the watchtower’s history on the ground floor. In addition, the viewing area next to the canyon is also pretty remarkable!
Pro Tip: There are restrooms and a food stall here. Stop here to address your body’s needs before moving on to another activity.
If the watchtower is your last stop in Grand Canyon National Park before heading toward Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon in Page, eat before you hit the road.
There isn’t much to eat besides gas station carry-out food between the Grand Canyon East Entrance and Page.
Around and Into the Grand Canyon with Kids
Not all hikes or excursions into the Grand Canyon are kid-friendly. In fact, several are definitely not.
However, there are a few that will make the Grand Canyon fun and enjoyable for kids if you decide to head down into the canyon itself.
7. Hike the Bright Angel Trail
Bright Angel Trail is the most popular day hike at the Grand Canyon. It is close to the visitor center, easier to access, and much less steep than the path on South Kaibab Trailhead.
In addition, there are five stopping points along the trail where you can rest and use the toilets. These are great for taking a pause before heading back up.
These are the stopping points on Bright Angel Trail with roundtrip distances:
📌 3 Mile Resthouse – 6 miles
📌 Indian Garden – 9 miles
📌 River Resthouse – 15.6 miles
📌 Phantom Ranch – 19.6 miles
Just remember that hiking down is always easier than going back up. If it takes you an hour to get down, it’ll take at least twice as long to return to the rim.
Pace yourselves and don’t go too far, especially if your kids aren’t used to hiking. We re-learned that the hard way on the Carretera Austral in Chilean Patagonia!
8. Ride a Mule into the Canyon
A mule ride into the Grand Canyon may be one of the most memorable things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids!
You can either take a 1-hour ride along the rim or a half-day ride down into the canyon. Mule rides can be booked on the NPS website.
Fun Fact: You can also take a mule ride to the bottom of the canyon and stay overnight at Phantom Ranch! These tours are limited and booked by lottery.
In order to take a mule trip in the Grand Canyon, riders must be at least 57 inches tall and nine years old.
We did a canyon horseback ride in Mexico, and understand why these minimums exist. Don’t fudge the numbers on your kiddos just to book a mule ride.
All riders must be less than 225 lbs fully clothed. South Rim mule trips can be booked 15 months in advance and they fill up early!
9. Bike the Rim
Bicycles are permitted on all of the park’s roads, as well as the Hermit Road Greenway Path. In fact, by bike or park shuttle is the only way visitors are allowed to explore Hermit Road. Private vehicles are prohibited there.
Note: While all of the park’s roads and the Hermit Road Greenway Trail are open to bicyclists, the park’s trails only allow foot traffic (no wheels).
You can rent a bike for as little as an hour or as long as a full day from Bright Angel Bicycles and Café at Mather Point on the South Rim.
Rentals are available for adults and kids, ages 8 or older. If your kiddos are really young, Bright Angel Bicycles also rents bicycle trailers. If you get tired of biking, you can even put your bikes on the bike-friendly shuttle busses to return them.
10. Ride the Hermit Road Shuttle Bus
Another one of the best ways to see the Grand Canyon with kids is on the free Hermit Road shuttle bus. This 7-mile (11 km) stretch from Grand Canyon Village and Hermit’s Rest stops at nine designated viewpoints along the way.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to get off at every stop but don’t miss Mohave Point.
Hermit Road offers some of the best Grand Canyon views and the shuttle bus gives you the chance to look at the iconic scenery while someone else does the driving.
Photo credit: Grand Canyon National Park
Outbound shuttles depart Grand Canyon Village every 15-30 minutes (season dependent). It travels in a loop between the nine points of interest including Pima, Mohave, Hopi, and Powell Point.
Pro Tip: The last shuttle departs Hermit’s Rest an hour before sunset, so don’t stay too late here!
11. Take a River Trip
The Colorado River, which has carved the Grand Canyon over millions of years, is a unique way to enjoy views of the canyon from the lowest point.
While many river tours are actually a white water rafting trip, it’s also possible to get a more relaxing adventure that’s great even for smaller kids.
These Grand Canyon trip with family tours typically take place on pontoon boats or river ferries.
These river tours aren’t accessible from the Rim entrances. Typically, if you plan to do one of these trips, you’ll need to book in advance and go to a separate location.
Note: Even though a Grand Canyon river trip excursion is marketed as a half-day journey, it will likely take an entire day of your family vacation to Grand Canyon to do it.
Family Grand Canyon Tours
So what if you don’t want to do a ton of planning, and just want someone to show you all the best stuff?
Or maybe you don’t want to cram into a shuttle bus with a hundred other people? Well, there are things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids for you, too!
12. Take an Off-Road Tour
Off-road tours in a jeep or hummer are a great way to see the Grand Canyon with kids in a unique way. You are taken down some old stagecoach trails through the Kaibab Forest instead of down the same streets the shuttle buses use.
Some tours take you for sunrise or sunset and even include a skip-the-line ticket so you don’t have to wait at the park entrance. This is extra helpful if you’re visiting Grand Canyon with kids during a busy season.
👉 I recommend this company for off-road touring.
13. Helicopter Tour
One of the truly unique things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids is seeing it from the air! You will see the Colorado River, the Kaibab Forest, Desert View Watchtower, and more!
Not all helicopter tour companies allow kids, though, so read the fine print about allowable ages and heights before booking anything.
👉 I recommend this company for family-friendly helicopter tours.
14. Visit Havasupai Falls
Note: All Havasupai Falls visits have been suspended for 2022. They plan to resume in 2023.
Also known as Havasu Falls, this is one of the things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids that can’t be done in a half-day excursion. However, it’s absolutely worth it if you have the time.
Located on the Havasupai Native American Reservation, these waterfalls are pretty remote. You can get to them by hiking, mule train, or helicopter tour.
Pro Tip: The hike is 10 miles one-way so I wouldn’t recommend it with kids.
To visit Havasu Falls, you need to secure permits from the Havasupai reservation. Mule trains can also be booked with them, but helicopters must be chartered directly with the company, Air West Helicopters.
15. Airplane Tour
If helicopters aren’t your thing, you can also see the Grand Canyon by airplane! You get to see Horseshoe Bend in Page, AZ as well as Desert View Watchtower, the Colorado River, and the Grand Canyon itself.
Pro Tip: Choose an airplane tour with a company that leaves from an airstrip near Grand Canyon National Park.
This will also allow you to do other things on the same day you take your flight tour. This way, you don’t waste time driving too far for your aerial views.
👉 This company offers tours from the Grand Canyon South Rim, and even offers an optional Hummer ground tour add-on as well!
16. Do a Family Photo Tour
If you’re happy with exploring on foot (or on wheels) within the regular Grand Canyon offerings, consider a photo tour. This is a great way to get all the best shots from the best-known photo spots in the South Rim.
The photographers can help you plan where you’ll go for your photo session, and you’ll get some great pictures that don’t involve arms or selfie sticks showing at the bottom of the image at awkward angles.
👉 I recommend this company for Grand Canyon photo sessions.
Nighttime Activities at the Grand Canyon
While you might be tempted to hole up in your hotel room after dark or wait until after dawn to go out for breakfast, don’t do it. You’ll be missing out on some truly special things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids.
17. Wake Up to Watch a Sunrise at Mather Point
Sunrise comes early so this is one of the things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids that you need to plan ahead for.
We set our alarm for a little before sunrise to get to Mather Point before the sun came up. We barely made it, so definitely allow yourself a few more minutes than you expect to get there on time.
This is a really popular activity at the Grand Canyon, so you’ll probably be hanging out at Mather Point with a lot of other people.
18. Stay up to Watch the Sunset
Sunset was our first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. We arrived in the late afternoon, after a long drive from the Hoover Dam and Las Vegas. It was epic!
Mather Point is the most popular and most crowded place to watch the sunset. However, other great locations to watch it are Hopi Point, Yavapai Point, Desert View Watch Tower, and Mohave Point.
19. Dark Skies Stargazing
Grand Canyon National Park is officially one of the world’s best stargazing locations. In 2019, it received International Dark Sky Park certification, putting it among only sixty U.S Parks with the ‘Dark Sky Park’ title.
Whether you just wander outside your hotel room after dark or stay at one of the viewpoints, this will likely be some of the best stargazing your family has ever done.
👉 We have traveled with this book for Little Man since 2019.
Despite being an older publication, the stories within it about each constellation are timeless. In addition, it’s one of the few glow-in-the-dark books for kids to see constellations in print in order to better reference them.
This is a huge perk because it saves your night vision from being ruined by looking things up on your phone.
Educational Things To Do With Kids at the Grand Canyon
Want to make your family vacation at the Grand Canyon a bit educational? We did and Little Man didn’t even notice! Fun learning is the best learning, right?
20. Yavapai Geology Museum
The Yavapai Geology Museum isn’t large but it is definitely worth a stroll through. One of the highlights of the museum is the large relief map that shows all of the features of the Grand Canyon on a small scale.
Little Man’s favorite feature was the large windows that cover the wall facing the Grand Canyon. Below each window are descriptions with reference photos of exactly what you see outside.
We treated the picture window descriptions as a seek-and-find game. It’s a great way to get some perspective on what actually happened as the canyon was formed.
21. Trail of Time
The Trail of Time is a pathway in which each meter walked represents 1 million years of history.
It is a ~ 3-mile flat paved sidewalk that begins at the Yavapai Geology Museum. It’s a fantastic visual representation of the formation of the Grand Canyon.
In addition to demonstrating the passage of the eons by walking, the Trail of Time also has fossils and rock types excavated from the Grand Canyon. These are each displayed in conjunction with the period of time that they were created.
22. Visit Hopi House
Hopi House is another National Historic Landmark located on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Hopi House was built in 1904, to respectfully provide a market for crafts made on-site by Native American artisans.
Fun Facts: Run by the Hopi people to this day, Hopi House is open all year. Hours are seasonal.
As the historic inhabitants of the area, the Hopi tribe was chosen as the featured artisans. The building was designed, with their input, to closely resemble a traditional Hopi pueblo.
Hopi House is one of the must-see things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids.
You will find a wide range of native arts and crafts available for purchase, such as hand-crafted kachina dolls, Native American jewelry and pottery, and hand-woven Navajo rugs. You will also get to see authentic Native American dance performances.
23. Search for Wildlife
In addition to small wildlife, like squirrels and birds, you may be lucky enough to see elk or deer strolling through the forests surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.
Have your kids identify plants as well as wildlife. If they don’t know what something is, have them look it up!
Pro Tip: We love the Seek app. It’s a great way to get to know the world around you in a fun way.
The Seek app is a collaboration between several non-profit organizations to gain a better understanding of the location and range of different species. No personally identifying data is collected.
You can earn badges for seeing different types of birds, amphibians, plants, and fungi and participate in monthly observation challenges.
It’s so fun that when we were at the zoo in Mexico City, Little Man refused to give my phone back until he found me 10 new plant species for the daily challenge.
24. Go to the Movies
Yes, really. Here’s why. Grand Canyon: The Movie is the longest-running IMAX film of all time. And it’s awesome!
You get to sit in front of a six-story tall, 84-foot wide screen that’s surrounded by 12,000 watts of digital surround sound. During the 34-minute film, you’ll soar over the canyon’s rim and down into the Colorado River’s roaring rapids.
Even the most active kids will sit at attention and soak up a bunch of interesting Grand Canyon facts. The film plays every hour on the half-hour at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center – IMAX Theater.
👉 Pre-book your IMAX tickets to ensure you get a spot at the showing of your choice!
Edible Experiences at the Grand Canyon with Kids
The Grand Canyon isn’t just a great place for amazing views! There are also some nice food stops. From fine dining to food trucks, kids will enjoy these tasty treats!
25. Fred Harvey Truck
Fred Harvey is said to have pioneered fast food. He also revolutionized dining service on the Grand Canyon Railway. So he’s pretty famous around the Grand Canyon.
Fun Fact: His restaurant, Harvey House, is still located in Williams, AZ.
There’s a food truck near Hopi House that serves to-go food, which bears the name of his restaurant.
As far as burgers go, the ones at the Fred Harvey truck are pretty good. Its location makes it a perfect stop for lunch before heading on to another activity.
26. Desert View Trading Post
If you make it all the way to Desert View, stop at the trading post. In addition to the gift shop, there is also a snack bar and dessert shop.
My recommendation is that you either get ice cream or homemade fudge from Desert View Trading Post. Ice cream makes everyone happy, especially during the summer months, and the fudge is made right on site!
27. Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory
The Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory is across the street from the IMAX theater, in Grand Canyon Village. It’s a great place to stop at the end of the day, before heading back to your hotel room.
Pro-Tip: Although the shop is open until 9 pm, get there earlier. It gets crowded the last hour before closing time.
The Chocolate Factory makes a variety of artisanal desserts on-site. From fudge, truffles, and candy to other goodies like cotton candy and popcorn, there’s something for everyone to sample.
28. Maswik Lodge
In addition to a gift shop and food court, Maswik Lodge also has a pizza pub. This spot is a favorite for most families since almost every kiddo loves pizza!
Plus, the price for pizza makes it one of the most reasonable family meal spots in Grand Canyon National Park. Go at off times because it is busy at prime lunch at dinner hours.
29. El Tovar
While this isn’t something I’d recommend for every meal during your Grand Canyon family vacation, have a more formal dining experience at El Tovar.
The historic dining room overlooks the Grand Canyon, which makes this meal extra special.
Pro Tip: Kids will love the pancakes, quesadillas, and cinnamon swirl French toast on the breakfast menu!
The restaurant offers superb service as well as décor that includes paintings of various Native American tribes. From every angle, this is a meal worth splurging on!
30. Yavapai Lodge
Not only can adults enjoy a pub-style meal, but kiddos can enjoy a special dessert.
Pro Tip: If the weather is nice, sit on the patio!
At Yavapai Lodge, you can order the s’mores kit at the restaurant. The wait staff will provide graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and a mini s’mores-making station right at your table!
Entrance Fees for the Grand Canyon
The entry costs for Grand Canyon National Park are as follows:
☑️ 7-Day Pass: $35/car, $30/motorcycle, or $20/individual
☑️ Annual Pass: $80
Fun Fact: Veterans are eligible for a free annual pass with proper ID.
Passes can be purchased online in advance or at a park entrance. If you buy a pass in advance, you can print the pass or show it on your phone at the entrance. If you buy it more than two weeks in advance, the actual card will be mailed to you.
If you buy your pass at a park entrance, note that they are all cash-only.
Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon
☑️ The North Rim is open from May 15 to October 15 each year.
☑️ The South Rim is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
☑️ The West Rim is open 365 days a year. Hours vary seasonally.
With moderate temperatures and lower crowds, Spring and Fall are considered the most desirable times to visit the Grand Canyon.
Fun Fact: We visited in late November, before the first snowfall. The crowds were small and it was chilly. But we loved our experience!
The snow in the winter months makes it extra beautiful and the crowds are the smallest at this time. This all makes the Grand Canyon in winter with kids a lot of fun!
In addition, there are more amenities available and things to do at the Grand Canyon with Kids during the high season in the summer months.
Ultimately, there are pros and cons to visiting in each season. This means that the best time to visit the Grand Canyon is whenever you’re able to schedule it.
Getting to the Grand Canyon
Unless you’re taking a single-day tour, chances are you’re going to be driving your own vehicle. That’s what we did and I really liked the freedom to go at our own pace.
👉 I recommend using Discover Cars for renting a car on your trip!
During busy periods like spring break, summer, and fall holiday weekends, parking around the visitor center is typically full by 9:30 am. From October to April, you should generally have no issues finding a parking spot.
Closest Regional and International Airports
If you will be flying to Grand Canyon South Rim either domestically in the US or internationally from afar, these are the most popular airport options:
☑️ Flagstaff Pulliam – 90 miles (1h 30m)
☑️ Phoenix Sky Harbor – 232 miles (3h 30m)
☑️ Las Vegas McCarran – 278 miles (4h 15m)
Las Vegas McCarran International is typically the best airport for most Grand Canyon visitors. Despite being the furthest away from South Rim, there is a much wider variety of flight routes and times available.
Fun Fact: We did our Grand Canyon road trip from Las Vegas.
However, always check flight prices thoroughly at the five closest airports to Grand Canyon National Park. Don’t just assume Las Vegas is the best choice. It might well be, but at least you’ve done your due diligence.
Driving Distances to the South Rim
Millions of tourists visiting the Grand Canyon South Rim will fly into the region each year. Others will drive in order to explore more of the stunning American Southwest.
Let’s take a look at distances and drive times to Grand Canyon from nearby major attractions and cities:
☑️ Flagstaff – 79 miles (1h 30m) [South Rim]
☑️ Phoenix/Scottsdale – 230 miles (3h 30m) [South Rim]
☑️ Las Vegas – 280 miles (4h 15m) [South Rim]
☑️ Las Vegas – 125 miles (2h 10m) [West Rim]
☑️ Sedona – 114 miles (2h) [South Rim]
These are short enough distances to drive or even take a day trip to the Grand Canyon South Rim with kids.
Day Trips to the Grand Canyon
If you don’t have your own car or a rental car and only have a limited amount of time, doing a Grand Canyon day trip is an option. It’s easiest to take day trips from Flagstaff or Sedona to the South Rim.
👉 You can book this day trip to the Grand Canyon from either Flagstaff or Sedona.
Day trips from Vegas tend to be via helicopter, at least if you want to see the South Rim.
👉 I recommend this tour from Las Vegas to the South Rim. You even get to go kayaking!
Helicopter tours can be expensive, so West Rim tours are more popular for those on a budget.
👉 This day trip from Las Vegas includes meals!
It’s also possible to do a day trip from cities that are a bit further away, like Phoenix. It’ll just mean a bit more time driving to and from the canyon.
If you do this, make sure you book a company with excellent reviews since you’ll be spending a long day with them.
👉 I recommend this company for a day trip from Phoenix.
Where To Stay at the Grand Canyon with Kids
There are three main choices for places to stay at the Grand Canyon with kids. You can stay in the park, in the nearest town called Tesuyan, or in the nearest city called Williams.
Stay as close to the Canyon Rim as you can comfortably afford. You’ll appreciate not having to drive as far after a long day of exploring.
✅ In the Park
📍 El Tovar – The priciest hotel inside of Grand Canyon National Park, but only steps to the canyon.
📍 Kachina Lodge – Three restaurants on-site and some rooms even offer a canyon view.
📍 Yavapai Lodge – Motel-style rooms on a single level that are spread across several buildings.
📍 Maswik Lodge – Two restaurants on-site and a five-minute walk to the rim.
📍 Bright Angel Lodge – Offers cabins or standard rooms, and an on-site coffee shop.
✅ Tesuyan
Tesuyan is just one mile from the South Rim entrance. Hotels here are about a 15-minute drive to the rim. Several have pools to enjoy!
Within three blocks, there is a McDonald’s, a Wendy’s, a Starbucks, and a handful of sit-down restaurants. There’s also a small grocery store.
📍 Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon – Free breakfast and an indoor pool
📍 Red Feather Lodge – Two-story motel rooms with an outdoor pool
📍 Grand Canyon Hotel – 4 star hotel with extra amenities and indoor pool
📍 Best Western – 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars on site.
✅ Williams
Located 60 miles from the Grand Canyon, Williams is as far as I’d recommend you stay if you’re planning more than one day at the Grand Canyon (which you should!).
If you stay here, consider taking the Grand Canyon Railway instead of driving.
Pro Tip: At Christmas, the railway offers the Christmastime Polar Express which is a bonus treat for kiddos.
Williams is a pretty good-sized town. There are a lot of places to stay there.
However, these are the highest rated, especially among families, so these are where I’d recommend staying if you choose Williams as your base.
📍 Red Garter Inn – A B&B with 4 restaurants and a winery on site. It’s the highest-rated hotel in Williams.
📍 La Quinta Inn & Suites – Free daily breakfast and a small grocery store on site along with a microwave in the room.
📍 Best Western Plus – Pet friendly hotel next to a golf course and has an outdoor pool.
📍 Clear Sky Resorts – Sleep in a dome under the stars! There are over 30 dome-shaped, glass roof cabins. The family suites each have its own distinct theme from Hello Kitty and James Bond to Video Games and Space Galaxy.
Safety Tips for Visiting The Grand Canyon With Kids
ℹ️ Keep your tank full. Gas is available in Grand Canyon Village, Tusayan, and Desert View.
ℹ️ Even in the off-season, it is warm. Bring water (there are bottle filling stations), a hat, and sunscreen.
ℹ️ It’s often windy. Don’t wear a dress. Wear layers you can remove as the day warms up.
ℹ️ Many lookouts have guard rails. Plenty of spots don’t. Getting too close to an edge could result in a deadly plunge. Yes, really!
ℹ️ If you have small children, be aware and consider how you will manage the fall risk. Watch little ones like a hawk. Keep them safe in a stroller, backpack, or harness.
👉 I recommend the Tula Carrier for its durability and comfort. Plus it has different carriers that fit little ones from 7-60 pounds.
*BONUS* Tips for When the Kids ‘Hate’ all the Things to Do at the Grand Canyon
☑️ Don’t be annoyed if your kids don’t “appreciate” the scenery.
☑️ Don’t lecture them on how much they should appreciate what they are seeing.
☑️ Don’t let their whining bother you. Little Man whined incessantly during our trip to Chichen Itza. Now he talks glowingly about it when someone asks. He clearly got more out of it than I thought!
☑️ Don’t be surprised when a tree with a stool is the coolest thing they saw on the trip.
☑️ Be persistent in pushing them outside their comfort zone a bit. Hiking can give them a sense of accomplishment.
☑️ But don’t go too far. Remember what you were capable of at their age.
☑️ Don’t vote on activities. That creates a winning/losing mentality. Instead, give them either or choices on things they get to impact.
Like whether you’re stopping for Desert View fudge before or after visiting the watchtower.
☑️ Have a plan. My kid responds better when he knows what’s coming next. He doesn’t like it when I ask him what he wants to do next every few minutes.
☑️ Take rest breaks. Sometimes they really do just need to chill before moving on.
Grand Canyon with Kids: FAQs
Still have questions about visiting the Grand Canyon with kids? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Is the Grand Canyon a good place to visit with kids?
Yes, the Grand Canyon is an excellent place to visit with kids! There are plenty of kid-friendly activities and things to do, from hiking and biking to exploring the natural beauty of the canyon.
There are also plenty of educational opportunities, such as ranger-led tours and interactive exhibits at the visitor centers.
Which rim of the Grand Canyon is best for kids?
The South Rim is the most popular rim for visitors and tends to be the best choice for kids. It offers numerous educational and recreational opportunities, as well as plenty of amenities for families.
The North Rim is a bit more remote and less visited than the South Rim, so if you’re looking for a more secluded experience, it can be a better option.
Are there special accommodations for kids at the Grand Canyon?
Yes, there are numerous accommodations for families at the Grand Canyon. There are several family-oriented resorts and lodges in the area that provide special amenities for kids, such as playgrounds. And most paths are paved so it’s very stroller-friendly.
What is the best way for a family to visit the Grand Canyon?
The best way for a family to visit the Grand Canyon is to plan ahead and make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience. Consider booking guided tours or activities that are tailored for kids and make sure to bring plenty of snacks and water.
How do small kids go to Grand Canyon?
Small kids can go to the Grand Canyon by car, bus, or train. If you aren’t planning on driving your own car, it’s best to book a guided tour that’s tailored for younger children. This will help ensure their safety and provide a more educational experience.
What is the best part of Grand Canyon to visit with kids?
The best part of the Grand Canyon to visit with kids is the South Rim. This rim offers numerous activities, attractions, and educational opportunities that are perfect for families.
You can explore the natural beauty of the canyon, take a mule ride, or take an educational tour.
Can I visit the Grand Canyon with toddlers?
Yes, you can visit the Grand Canyon with toddlers. However, it is important to keep in mind that young children may not be able to handle long hikes or strenuous activities.
Instead, plan shorter hikes and simpler activities that are tailored for younger children.
Can I visit the Grand Canyon with a baby?
Yes, you can visit the Grand Canyon with a baby. Many of the walking trails and all of the sidewalks are paved, making it very stroller friendly. It’s also highly accessible for wheelchair users!
Get Travel Insurance!
As the saying goes…“If you can’t afford travel insurance, then you can’t afford to travel”.
It’s that simple. Not having travel insurance is not worth the risk, and this is one of our important tips for a great vacation!
What happens if:
- You need to cancel your trip unexpectedly
- You get sick or injured on your trip
- A natural disaster damages your destination
- Your luggage is lost or stolen
- There is a terrorist event
Travel insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies and events such as those. Anything can, will, and sometimes does go wrong. If it does and you are not insured, you can be out a lot of money AND inconvenience!
👉 I recommend the insurance broker, Insubuy. They help you shop for travel insurance to, within, and outside of the USA.
👉 I recommend the insurance broker, Insubuy. They help you shop for travel insurance to, within, and outside of the USA.
Final Thoughts on Things To Do at the Grand Canyon With Kids
There are so many things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids that you can easily spend a week here and not get to them all.
Whether you’re at the Grand Canyon with a baby, with older teens, or even somewhere in between, there’s something for everyone.
There are a lot of things to do in Grand Canyon Village but don’t be afraid to head further afield for some real fun!
If you really want a cool add-on adventure, head to Antelope Canyon, Zion National Park, or Arches National Park for a couple of days before or after your Grand Canyon family adventure!
