Two children looking out over the Grand Canyon from a viewing platform, with scenic canyon views in the background.

Things to Do around the Grand Canyon with Kids

Experience the Grand Canyon with kids - the ultimate family vacation and one of the best national parks in the USA! Check out our parent-recommended collection of the best things to do in Grand Canyon south rim, north rim, and within a short drive of Flagstaff, Arizona.


 
    Upparent

    Meteor Crater

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    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.

    Winslow, AZ
    antelopeslotcanyon.com

    Antelope Slot Canyon Tours

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    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.

    Page, AZ
    Upparent

    Slide Rock State Park

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    Great as an add on to your Grand Canyon or Sedona family vacation, take a stop over at 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.

    Shila said:  A very fun thing to do with kids in Sedona is Slide Rock State Park. The slippery footing underneath Oak Creek's wade-level water gives way to dozens of short water slides to explore while others lounge alongside the river bed. It's just a great place to get your feet wet, or swim for bit. Either way, it's also a fun, natural desert experience for families. There's also restrooms, trails and a market.

    Sedona, AZ
    Upparent

    Sedona, AZ

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    Sedona is a great place to visit with kids as part of a trip to the Grand Canyon, with amazing red rock scenery, unique kid-friendly restaurants, and opportunities to relax and rejuvenate.

    Kristy Pepping said:  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.

    Sedona, AZ
    nps.gov

    Montezuma Castle National Monument

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    Montezuma Castle is a five-story Native American dwelling built into towering limestone cliffs, viewable from a pleasant 1/3 mile loop trail. Entrance to the nearby Montezuma Well, located 15-20 minutes north, is free.

    Camp Verde, AZ
    outofafricapark.com

    Out of Africa Wildlife Park

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    Beth Wood said:  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.

    Camp Verde, AZ
    nps.gov

    Junior Rangers

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    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.

    North Rim, AZ
    bikegrandcanyon.com

    Bright Angel Bicycles

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    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.

    Grand Canyon, AZ
    canyonrides.com

    Canyon Trail Rides - Grand Canyon Mule Rides

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    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.

    Grand Canyon, AZ

    Seasonal

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    Grand Canyon Railway

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    Kristy Pepping said:  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!

    Grand Canyon, AZ
    cegrandcanyon.com

    Grand Canyon Hiking Tours - Cobalt Escapes

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    Kristy Pepping said:  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!

    Grand Canyon, AZ
    nps.gov

    Grand Canyon Visitor Center

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    Kristy Pepping said:  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.

    Grand Canyon, AZ
    nps.gov

    Grand Canyon Shuttle Bus

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    Kristy Pepping said:  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).

    Grand Canyon, AZ
    randcanyonlodges.com

    Maswik Lodge

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    Kristy Pepping said:  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.

    Grand Canyon, AZ
    bearizona.com

    Bearizona Wildlife Park

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    Kristy Pepping said:  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.

    Williams, AZ

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