Travel Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon with your Kids
If you’ve been holding off on taking your family to the Grand Canyon till your kids are old enough to truly appreciate the dramatic landscape, wait no longer. There’s a reason why five million people visit the Grand Canyon every year, and it’s not just the stunning vistas and viewpoints. The Grand Canyon’s many activities and adventures make it the perfect destination travelers of any age, including families – no matter how old your kids are.
What To Do With Your Kids at the Grand Canyon
We’ve rounded up some of the best family-friendly activities to be found at the Grand Canyon. Take a look:
Take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway
Complete with singing cowboys and an old-fashioned theatrical train heist, the Grand Canyon Railway truly brings the Old West to life.
The train departs from Williams, AZ, and takes just over two hours to reach the Grand Canyon. Be sure to keep your eye out for wildlife like elk, mountain lions, and bald eagles as you wind your way through the Southwest.
Become a Junior Ranger
All you have to do to become an official Grand Canyon National Park Junior Ranger is pick up an activity book from the Visitor Center, complete three pages, and attend a ranger demonstration. When you’ve completed all the requirements, a real park ranger will swear in your kids. They’ll also receive a certificate and an official Grand Canyon Junior Ranger badge. This program is ideal for kids aged 4-14.
Learn more about the Junior Ranger program.
Fly high above the Grand Canyon
Helicopter and airplane tours are perfect for families, especially if your Grand Canyon adventure begins in Las Vegas. Instead of spending hours in a car or bus, treat your family to a flight over the Southwest. You can even fly down to the Canyon floor and enjoy a leisurely, relaxing ride down the Colorado River. And there’s no minimum age for helicopter tours, which makes them ideal for families with children of any age.
Grand Canyon Helicopter Floor Landing with Las Vegas Strip Upgrade
$579.00 – $654.00
Grand Canyon Exclusive Floor Landing Helicopter Tour
$499.00 – $589.00
Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour
$399.00 – $449.00
Grand Canyon Exclusive Floor Landing Helicopter Sunset Tour
$649.00 – $669.00Experience the Grand Canyon in IMAX
Take a trip to nearby Tusayan and check out the longest running IMAX film of all time. Soar over the rim and down into the rapids of the Colorado River as you fully immerse yourself in the Grand Canyon, thanks to the theater’s six-storey screen and 12,000 watts of digital sound.
The film plays every hour on the half hour at the National Geographic Visitor Center in Tusayan, AZ.
Take a (Sky)walk on the wild side
If your Grand Canyon adventure begins in Las Vegas, consider visiting the West Rim. The West Rim region is closer to Vegas than the popular South Rim, and it’s home to one of most exhilarating Grand Canyon experiences you can have – the Skywalk.
8 Tips for Visiting the Grand Canyon with your Kids
Whether you inevitably forget something important at home or find yourself unprepared for an unexpected bout of exhaustion-induced tears in the middle of a crowded sidewalk, practice makes perfect when you travel with kids.
But when you visit a new location, especially one as extreme as the Grand Canyon, practice can only take you so far. Preparation is key when it comes to visiting the Grand Canyon. Here are 8 tips to help you get ready for your family’s Grand Canyon adventure:
1. Stay safe!
The South Rim is the most developed region of the Grand Canyon, but it can still be dangerous for young children. Heat exhaustion and falling into the Canyon are common, even for adults, so keep your eyes on your kids at all times and be sure not to let them wander.
2. Bring a re-usable water bottle for each member of your family
No plastic water bottles are permitted within the National Park areas, but there are water refill stations located throughout the Park. And with summertime high temperatures averaging above 70 degrees, you’ll be grateful each member of your family has their own bottle.
3. Use the bathroom whenever you can
Not every viewpoint has a bathroom. Avoid untimely potty breaks by using one every chance you get.
4. Bring a baby carrier
Baby carriers are especially useful if you have young children or toddlers. Not only will you be able to relax and enjoy the scenery knowing that your kids are safe at all times, but you won’t have to worry about traversing the sometimes rough terrain with a stroller.
5. Consider staying overnight
If you’ve opted to drive yourself to the Grand Canyon rather than taking a tour, consider extending your visit and staying overnight at one of the many hotels located at the Canyon and in the surrounding area. But be forewarned – Grand Canyon accommodation books up quickly. You may have to book your stay at least a year in advance. If you have limited time and can’t stay overnight, consider visiting the West Rim. Check out our West Rim tours.
6. Bring lots of activities with you
You may have to wait to see ranger demonstrations and other attractions, so bring toys and activities for your kids to keep them busy. A bored kid is a cranky kid – something every travelling parent wants to avoid.
7. Consider renting a bike
If you have older kids, renting a bike can help you experience more viewpoints in less time. The minimum age for bicycle rentals is 8.
8. If you want to hike with your kids, try the Rim Trail
The Rim Trail starts at Mather Point beside the Visitor Center. The Trail is mostly paved, and doesn’t descend into the Canyon. You’ll see a ton of great viewpoints along the Rim, but remember that the trail is not entirely fenced, so make sure you watch your kids so they don’t wander off.
Grand Family Adventures
Family vacations are never without their share of bumps and complications, but a little planning and preparation can help ensure that your Grand Canyon adventure runs smoothly from start to finish. The Grand Canyon offers many memorable activities, viewpoints, and adventures for families of all ages, so whether you choose to take a tour or drive yourself, you’re sure to have a great time at one of the grandest places in the country.
If you are planning on taking a Grand Canyon tour, check out our North Rim, South Rim, and West Rim tours. For even more adventure, try taking a helicopter tour!
Written by Ria Borja
