Visiting the Grand Canyon with kids is more than staring at one of the world's most incredible natural wonders. A Grand Canyon family vacation is all about adventure. It's about the journey, whether by car or train (or both!). And it's about stopping along the way to enjoy the desert's beauty and mystery. Here are 17 tips you need to know before you plan your family trip to the Grand Canyon.
This story is brought to you in partnership with Cape Cod Chips.
1. Know when to visit the Grand Canyon.
Beautiful year-round, there's no bad time to visit the Grand Canyon. Keep in mind, though, that winter conditions can be extreme with snow and ice causing road closures.
Also, the North Rim is only open from mid-May to the end of October (or the first good snowfall). Most travelers, however, only visit the South Rim of the Canyon.
On weekends in high season, you may need to contend with heavy crowds both within the National Park and on the roads. Summer and spring break are especially popular, with loads of visitors making their way to the Grand Canyon during school breaks.
In summer, add Phoenicians escaping the Valley's soaring temperatures for the relatively cool temps of the Canyon's high desert. Expect temperatures at the South Rim to be around 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer months, with much toastier temps within the inner canyon.
2. Be careful when taking photos at the Grand Canyon.
The first order of business at the Grand Canyon is oohing and ahh-ing at nature's magnificence. Next up, you'll want to snap a family photo in front of the Canyon, of course!
Be ever watchful when visiting the Grand Canyon with kids. When traveling with young children, this may be the time to invest in a safety harness or toddler carrier, for peace of mind.
Do not take any risks to grab that selfie, either. On average two people die by falling into the Grand Canyon each year. The instances are rare — about one per every 400,000 visitors — but they usually occur when people are acting carelessly in order to capture the perfect picture or from hopping about from rock to rock.
3. Hike the Grand Canyon with kids…or not.
When visiting the Grand Canyon with kids, honestly, a few hours is all you need to explore the South Rim unless you're a family of serious hikers.
If you're thinking you'll hike down the canyon and back in a day, then think again! It takes about four hours to descend to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Then it takes another six to eight to climb back up, and even longer if hiking with young children. Believe me, going up is MUCH harder than going down!
If hiking down the Canyon is on your family's bucket list, then plan to spend a few months training for the strenuous climb. You should also bring strategically packed daypacks. Not sure what to bring? Take a look at this Grand Canyon backpacking packing list. Sturdy closed-toe athletic or hiking shoes are a must, no matter how long the hike is.
For camping opportunities, be sure to make campground reservations about one year in advance to spend the night mid-way or on the Canyon floor.
4. Look for Native American dance performances.
When visiting in summer, check the sign by the Hopi House for traditional Native American dance times. The Navajo troupe performs authentic dances traditionally featured at powwows at scheduled times throughout the day.
5. Take a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.
If you've got more time to spare, then a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon is something your kids will surely never forget. You can even board a chopper to descend to the Canyon floor!
6. Visit Havasupai Falls.
One of the most breathtaking and remote areas of the Grand Canyon is Havasupai Falls. A full-day difficult hike, helicopter flight, or horse or mule ride is required to reach the falls. Located on the Havasupai Native American Reservation, only a very limited number of people are allowed to visit this stunning location.
Havasu Falls is the most popular of the five gorgeous waterfalls located here. Reservations book up very quickly each year. In fact, reservations tend to fill with 30 minutes after opening on February 1! So if this is on your must-do list, register now, mark your calendar, and cross your fingers.
7. Ride a mule at the Grand Canyon.
If your family prefers to ride rather than hike, then sign up for a mule ride through the Grand Canyon. Riders must be aged 9+.
South Rim mule tours last 3 hours, including educational stops. Only 10 riders per day are allowed to descend all the way to the bottom of the Canyon for an overnight at Phantom Ranch before ascending to the rim the next day.
8. Go white water rafting along the Colorado River.
Additionally, intrepid families can book single or multi-day white water rafting tours along the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Tours typically welcome children aged 8+ on motor-powered rafts or 12+ for oar-powered journeys.
9. Brave the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Daredevils would also dig a stroll on Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass-bottom bridge suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River.
Skywalk is located on the edge of Grand Canyon West. Keep in mind that it will take about 4 hours to drive from the South Rim to Skywalk. Skywalk and Grand Canyon West are most easily accessible from Las Vegas. Book a bus tour from Sin City with optional Skywalk via GetYourGuide.
10. Learn how to get to the Grand Canyon.
The closest city to the Grand Canyon is Las Vegas. It's about 125 miles from the Strip to Grand Canyon West. Those driving from Las Vegas will be pleased to know it takes about 2 hours to drive from the city to Skywalk.
The drive from Phoenix to Grand Canyon South Rim will take about 4 hours if you don't encounter heavy tourist traffic or make any pitstops. Oh, but what a shame it would be to not stop along the way! There are some serious treasures to be found on your road trip from the Valley of the Sun to the Grand Canyon.
Stop in gorgeous Sedona to hike among red rocks or cool off in summer months at the Slide Rock State Park, a natural waterpark of sorts. You might also want to visit impressive Native American ruins at Walnut Canyon or Montezuma Castle.
A trip to Meteor Crater near Winslow is a bit off-course but well worth the extra drive to see the massive hole that could fit 20 football fields. It was created by a flying space rock around 50 thousand years ago. These side trips are part of the joy of the journey to the Grand Canyon.
11. Take a train to the Grand Canyon with kids.
For a unique way to reach the Grand Canyon, climb aboard the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams. This small town in Northern Arizona is about 2.5 hours by car from Phoenix.
The vintage train offers a variety of cabins. The most budget-friendly is a non-air-conditioned Pullman.
Those with deeper pockets can book a luxury domed-roof car that serves complimentary sodas and snacks. Expect a cheese and cracker tray, veggies and hummus, and an array of fruits. Parents can purchase cocktails, beer, and wine as well.
Grand Canyon Railway is much more than transportation. Before boarding, train riders watch a live Old West shoot-out. On the way to the Grand Canyon, expect live musicians strolling through every class of train car.
During the journey back, there's a make-believe train heist. Actors ride their horses alongside the train before it stops. Then they board and snag tips from riders. My grade school kids found the hold-up to be a fun diversion. Be forewarned, however, that a preschooler in our car found the whole idea terrifying.
Watch the video below for a sampling of the live entertainment on board the Grand Canyon Railway. Book your Grand Canyon Railway tickets via GetYourGuide now!
12. Book family-friendly accommodations at the Grand Canyon.
Accommodations at the rim of the Grand Canyon are limited. Plan to make your hotel reservations about a year in advance if you want to stay within the National Park. If there's a hotel you really desire, my extended family has had success with calling daily for cancellations to snag a room.
El Tovar
El Tovar is the oldest and grandest resort at the rim, made of limestone and pine in 1905 to evoke a Swiss chalet. Growing up in Arizona, I made many visits to the Canyon as a child and I always dreamed of staying at El Tovar. On a visit with my kids, however, we ate lunch at El Tovar Dining Room and I was surprised by the low quality of the food and surliness of the service. Still, the views can't be beaten.
Tusayan or Williams
For more affordable and easier-to-book options a few miles outside Grand Canyon National Park, consider hotel options in Tusayan or Williams instead.
Flagstaff
The closest Arizona city to the Grand Canyon is Flagstaff. If you don't mind staying even further from the Grand Canyon, then Flagstaff makes a good choice. It's about a 90-minute drive from here to the South Rim.
This charming college town is home to Northern Arizona University. You'll find a sweet walkable downtown and plentiful hiking trails amid ponderosa pines in Flagstaff.
My family adored our 3-bedroom VRBO rental home in Flagstaff, walking distance to many restaurants and shops with a barbecue, hammock, hot tub, and fire pit in the backyard.
13. Visit Williams, Arizona.
If you plan to do the train route, then you can bed down for the night in Williams. The Grand Canyon Railway offers hotel and train packages. The hotel isn't anything fancy, but the town sure is cute.
Disney Imagineers visited the towns along the old Route 66 for inspiration for the Cars movies and subsequent Cars Land at Disneyland. It's obvious they spent a night or two in Williams, which lights up like a scene from Cars with neon along its 15-mile-per-hour main drag. It's art-imitating-life-imitating-art at its finest. Wander through the town's kitschy shops for a Route 66 souvenir.
Dining in Williams
Food near the Grand Canyon doesn't get high marks on Yelp for a reason. The same is true of Williams.
Your best bet is to grab a table at the Historic Brewing Company. Sit indoors to watch the game on TV or dine on their outdoor patio. They offer EtchAsktetches for kids to borrow, plus an array of beers on tap and Grand Canyon Wine Co. wines for mom and dad. Try the Arizona Pink wine for sweet sips of strawberry and honey flavors!
High Flying Family Adventure Zipline
For a little thrill, top off your night with a ride aboard the High Flying Family Adventure Zipline, which soars right over the wee town of Williams.
14. Make a side trip to Bearizona.
My children’s favorite part of our family vacation to the Grand Canyon had nothing to do with the Canyon itself. Instead, Bearizona is what they were excited to tell their grandparents and friends about after their first visit to Northern Arizona.
This drive-through wildlife park near Williams affords guests the opportunity to see 17 species of animals including Arctic wolves, bison, Dall sheep, and of course, bears.
15. Choose the right snacks for your Grand Canyon road trip.
It's fun to stop along the way at offbeat diners during your Grand Canyon road trip. Keep in mind, though, that there will be long stretches with little to eat along your path. Bring along some tasty treats like Cape Cod Chips. Take a look at additional travel snack ideas for your trip.
16. Discover additional resources for your Grand Canyon trip.
Want to learn more tips for planning your family trip to the Grand Canyon? I found Fodor's Arizona & The Grand Canyon to be a useful guide before and during our getaway. Get the latest edition today!
Discover all the fun things to do in Flagstaff during your Grand Canyon vacation.
For additional Arizona vacation ideas, read our tips for visiting Prescott with kids, Arizona's Territorial Capital.
You will also want to discover all the fun things to do in Scottsdale, the West's Most Western Town.
To explore the region further, read tips for exploring the American Southwest or take a peek at our best road trip from Phoenix itinerary, including National Parks and Las Vegas.
17. Save these tips for planning your Grand Canyon family vacation.
Keep these Grand Canyon vacation tips for future reference. Simply save the graphic above to Pinterest. We hope you'll follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you're at it!
Do you have any questions about visiting Grand Canyon with kids? Want to share a tip for planning a family trip to the Grand Canyon? Let us know in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: I received compensation and free products from Cape Cod Chips related to this story.
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
Thank you for putting this together. The train ride sounds awesome! I have 4 kids 2-10 year old. How long would you recommend exploring the canyon to then get back on a 2 hour train ride home?
Hi Angela – I would plan to just spend a few hours (3 or so) at the rim before heading back down. Take some photos at the edge, wander through a few shops, and look for native dancers. Then eat lunch before heading back down on the train. You can pack a picnic lunch or plan to eat at one of the restaurants up top. Enjoy!
These really are the best tips for visiting the Grand Canyon with kids! We wanted to do most of these things but had to pick and choose between the excursions (rafting, mules, helicopter, etc.) due to cost. I also love the option of staying in Flagstaff. It is such a fun town with some restaurants and breweries.
Thanks for chiming in, Jennifer! Travel is always about choices…maybe you can come back sometime to the Grand Canyon and hit some of those items you missed! And agreed on Flagstaff — there’s definitely more nightlife and dining options there than closer to the rim!
Thank you for the helpful post, we will be visiting the Grand Canyon the week after Easter. I see a lovely picture of your daughter on the Bright Angel Trail – is this one you would recommend for families? Any other family friend hikes (not planning to hike the whole thing – hah)? Thank you!
Hi Rachelle – There really aren’t all that many trails into the Grand Canyon from the South Rim. The Bright Angel Trail is the most popular and easily accessed trail. Be very careful when hiking the Grand Canyon with children — my daughter slipped on the Bright Angel Trail when she was 9 years old and everyone on the trail (myself included!) tried to grab her to keep her from falling off the side! She was fine but my heart nearly beat out of my chest. There are some stretches of the trail with lots of space along the side, and others where it’s tighter and more dangerous. She was wearing regular athletic shoes — I would recommend getting some sturdy hiking shoes with good tread for every member of the family if you want to hike. Here are some hiking recos from HikingGuy that you might find helpful: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/grand-canyon-hikes/grand-canyon-hikes-for-families/ Good luck and be safe!
What a great post! Looking for our next family trip and your pictures make me want to pick the Grand Canyon!
I hope you have a wonderful time, wherever you choose to go! (But I do hope you choose the Grand Canyon!)
Some really helpful tips, we hope to get the Grand Canyon on our 2021 agenda. I went 15+ years ago and we only day tripped from Vegas so can’t wait to take the kids and see a lot more of the surrounding area too
The Grand Canyon really is an amazing place to visit with kids and there’s so much to explore during a GC road trip. I hope your family has a fabulous time!
I barely remember my visit to the Grand Canyon, I was 17 and from memory, it was freezing and we just stood on the edge and left again. Looks like we missed out on a whole lot. Next time!
The Grand Canyon is definitely one of those destinations that requires some advanced planning and can be a whole lot of fun or fairly disappointing, depending on that planning!
Great info!! We are debating on train ride vs. driving. WE are visiting in mid-March. How long does train allow you stop at the canyon? Did you feel at all rushed?I have 4.5 and 9 year old. Is the train a definite must do? I am guessing 1 night stay is enough time? Thank you!!
A one- or two-night stay should work, depending on what time you plan to arrive at the Canyon and which activities you want to do. If you’re just looking for a quick hike, some photos and lunch at the rim, that should work. The train was a fun addition to our trip. I think they had two return times to choose from, so you can pick which works best for you. It’s not a must-do, but it does add some excitement and beauty to your adventure. You might want to warn your kids about the “hold up” and let them know it’s totally pretend and just for fun before boarding the return train so they don’t get scared. Have a wonderful time no matter what you choose to do!
It was awe inspiring to see the Grand Canyon. We went there in 2018 for a family trip. We also visited Arches National Park, which was beautiful.
Glad you enjoyed the Grand Canyon! We have yet to visit Arches National Park…someday!
Hi , would u recommend it for 2 yrs old baby? Is that good trip for December end?
Hi Rupa – The Grand Canyon will be cold and likely snowy at the end of December. Make sure you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle and/or snow tires/chains! I would plan to keep your toddler in a stroller or on safety harness at the Grand Canyon just to be safe. If you take those safety precautions, you should be good to go! Enjoy the Grand Canyon!
Hi,, would you recommend it for a 4 and 6 year old? or should we wait a few more years in your opinion?
Hi Julie – It really depends on why you’re planning a visit to the Grand Canyon. If it’s part of a larger trip to Arizona or the Southwest, then I think a trip to the Grand Canyon is fine for a 4yo and 6yo. If the Grand Canyon is the focal point of your trip, I’d wait a few years. You will be a little on edge at the top of the canyon with such young kids and they won’t really “get it” until they’re a bit older. If you decide to go now, a very serious conversation about how to behave at the Grand Canyon is definitely warranted. You may even want to use a backpack “leash” for the little one, depending on how obedient they are. Of course, I tend to be a nervous nellie and there is a lot of space at the Grand Canyon where you’re not on the very edge, but better safe than sorry!
Where do you find the Blue Angel trail? Is it the top of the Bright Angel trail or something different? Thanks!
Hi Wendy – That was a mistake – I should have said Bright Angel Trail! I’m sorry for the confusion. I have updated the blog post to say Bright Angel Trail instead. Thanks for the heads-up!
Wow! Amazing! How I wish to visit in this place! I would feel comfortable bringing my kids that I could watch and enjoy in this kind of environment. If I would be given a chance to come in this very beautiful place together with my loving family so we could share the moment and enjoy everything in our journey in a very adventure wonderful to witness how the world evolved. Grand Canyon is one of my dream travel place as soon as I would accomplished everything that needs to be done.
Thank you
Ms. Colleen Lanin
The Travel Mama
Emelyn – I hope your dream to visit the Grand Canyon comes true very soon! <3
The Grand Canyon gives you such an amazing view of nature! Beautiful. Great guide for families looking to visit this wonderful place.
Thank you, Flyingkids! The Grand Canyon really is breathtaking.
Thank you for the information. My wife and I are taking our 6 year old granddaughter. We are considering either taking the train one way from Williams (I would drive the car up to the Canyon) vs taking a round trip in the train?
I suppose you could do this, but the inconvenience of you needing to skip the train all together to drive or taking the train back by yourself so you can drive back up to get the family seems like a giant pain to me. I’d rather keep everyone together. The train is part of the fun! Plus, it’s nice to avoid the traffic and driving at the Canyon. I really recommend you do the roundtrip together!
This is a great read, Colleen! Thank you. I was hired to write a short children’s book about The Grand Canyon, so your article is very helpful!
Now I want to go there!! 🙂 If there are any not-to-be-missed things at the Grand Canyon for preschoolers, I’d love to hear about them!
Thanks! 🙂
I think preschoolers would love the Grand Canyon Railway ~ they offer a Polar Express experience at Christmastime where little ones can see Santa at the Grand Canyon. Little ones would also enjoy visiting Williams, especially if they’re “Cars” movie fans since there’s lots of neon and landscape similar to Radiator Springs. The traditional Native American dances near the Hopi House would also be a big hit with young kids. Of course, if you can include side trips, Bearizona is not to be missed! Best wishes with the book. Let me know when it’s available so I can add it to the Travel Mamas Amazon store!
My brother let his son choose a trip for his birthday and he selected a grand canyon rafting trip. It is helpful to understand that it takes about four hours to climb to the bottom of the grand canyon. Rafting would not be included in this time table. I will inform my brother that it would be wise to train a bit with his kids before going through with this excursion.
Training is so important if planning a trip to the bottom of the Canyon. Your brother should make reservations ASAP, too. There is one resort at the bottom of the North Rim, which is owned by a Native American tribe and it typically gets booked out at least a year in advance.
Great Info!
The Grand Canyon is beautiful
I couldn’t agree more!
Is there a possibility for snow during April? We are wanting to go over spring brea
I doubt it, but you never know! In March to May, average temperatures at the South Rim range from a low of 34 ºF to a high of 62 ºF. Average temperatures at Phantom Ranch, range from a low of 55 ºF to a high of 82 ºF. I hope that helps!
I went to the Grand Canyon on April.30th one year and it snowed on me! I thought since it was late April it would be ok so didn’t bring a jacket. Whoops!! They’re not kidding when they say to dress in layers.
Kim – Oh wow! I hope you still managed to have a great time at the Grand Canyon! And maybe went home with a Grand Canyon hoodie souvenir?! 😉
What is the youngest child that you could bring to the canyon enjoyably?
Thanks!
Hi Crystal – I would feel comfortable bringing a baby that I could wear in a carrier or keep in a stroller. If visiting with a toddler or preschooler, I suggest sticking to the areas on the South Rim that are walled off (instead of hitting the trails) and keeping them close-by with a safety harness. I think you could enjoyably visit the Grand Canyon with children of any age, as long as you don’t stay for too long. A quick visit to the rim for some photos and lunch should suffice with little ones. I hope that helps!
We are planning to stop at the Grand Canyon on our way to California from Texas. We will only have a little over half a day to spend there. Where do you suggest we go and do?
Hi Rebecca – With just a half-day to spend at the Canyon, you should stick to the South Rim. (See “What to Do at the Grand Canyon with Kids” section above. If you have time, you could do a side trip to Meteor Crater, Bearizona/Williams, Walnut Canyon, Sedona, or Montezuma’s Castle. You’ll probably only have time for one side trip so take a look at a map and choose which one suits your family best. Enjoy!
Great tips! I want to see grand canyon, the rock formation makes me really curious. My son will love to go too!
I love when kids are interested in nature. I hope your family can visit the Grand Canyon together soon!
I would love to visit the Grand Canyon with my kids one day. What a beautiful adventure to go on.
I hope so too!
Those are some unbelievable gorgeous pictures! I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon but I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go and those pictures definitely entice me that much more.
Oh, thank you, Kayla!
Wow, Grand Canyon is one of the places I want to go! Nice tips on bringing kids.
I’m glad you found the tips helpful, Nicole!
Isn’t the Grand Canyon spectacular? I took my kids on a road trip two years ago and we loved it.
So glad you enjoyed your visit to the Grand Canyon!
The Grand Canyon is beautiful. I have visited before and it’s amazing. It’s one of the world’s wonders.
Indeed it is! Thank you for your comment, Pam.
My husband took a Grand Canyon trip – he did a hiking trip.
This looks neat – with extra towns to visit that look interesting.
Seattle Travel Blogger – I hope next time he visits the Grand Canyon you get a chance to join the fun!
Pretty sure I’d opt for the shorter hike too. I do think the Grand Canyon would be beautiful to see.
Rosey – The nice thing is you can choose how long or how short a hike you want to take. You could wander down the path for just five minutes or three hours if you like ~ just keep in mind that it will take you longer to hike back up!
This is an incredible explanation of the Grand Canyon, I plan to go to the Grand Canyon the end of the year with my 2 nieces because it looks like they could have real good fun
Thanks, Rizqah! So glad you like my Grand Canyon tips!
I visited the Grand Canyon as a kid with my family, and I have such fond memories of it. Now that my kids are older, I’d love to take them to see it. I need to see that glass bottom bridge.
Me too! The glass bottom bridge is quite far away from the South Rim (four hours!), so I’m not sure I’ll ever make it there.
This is an awesome guide. I went with my parents when I was little. I’d love to go with my family now!
Liz – It’s such a different experience going as a parent as opposed to going as a kid!
The Grand Canyon is definitely a destination that I have always wanted to take my family. Thank you for the great tips and advice for whenever we do make it there.
I hope you can get to the Grand Canyon with your family soon!
How fun. I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon myself, so I’d love to take my family….. my kids would have so much fun. What an experience.
Jeanine – I hope your family can visit the Grand Canyon together someday soon!
We visited the Grand Canyon years ago. I have always wanted to go back with the whole family.
Pam – I hadn’t been back to the Grand Canyon for years either. It was so fun to experience it anew with my kids!
This looks like an amazing trip. Visiting the Grand Canyon is at the top of my bucket list.
I hope you can cross the Grand Canyon off your bucket list sometime soon, Catherine!
Wow. Amazing photos! It was nice journey 🙂
Thanks much, Kamil!