6 Things To Do at the Grand Canyon With Kids. We’ve been visiting the Grand Canyon with kids for 10 years now! Our first visit was when our now 10 year old was almost 1, and already walking. Nearly every year we’ve trekked up north with visiting family or friends to one of the world’s most popular wonder of the world.
It’s interesting that after this many visits, the beauty is not lost. Yes, it’s a big hole in the ground. But it’s a pretty awesome hole in the ground! Also, we’ve read many notes from parents worried about the drop offs and other safety issues of the Grand Canyon. Simply put, it’s not as complicated or dangerous as you might imagine. You can easily spend an entire day exploring and learning – all while staying safe.
Note: the post only covers tips for visiting the south entrance of the Grand Canyon. The north entrance is a 4 hour drive beyond the south main entrance, roughly 2 hours from Page, AZ. We’ve never experienced the north rim but hope to soon!
Don’t forget to bookmark this post for your next trip, and share with a a friend you want to take to the Grand Canyon!
Earn the Jr. Ranger Badge. It’s easy to pick up a free booklet at the Visitor’s Center! We like to do this first, because then the kids can have their booklets to fill out while waiting in lines, or on the bus.
Rent bikes. Explore the many trails and escape the crowds. Bike trailers are also available for little ones. Pricing is around $15/hour, $26/full day. Read more here.
Hike the Rim Trail or the Bright Angel Trail. The Rim Trail (easy) is 13 miles long and, as the name suggests, follows the rim of the Grand Canyon. You can access various points along the mostly flat, and paved trail. The Bright Angel Trail (moderate) is the popular route to the bottom of the canyon. We hope to do this someday but meanwhile, we’ve hiked down and back up just a mile or two and love this perspective of the canyon!
6 Things To Do at the Grand Canyon With Kids
Ride the bus to Hermit’s Rest (1.5 hours round trip). The red route bus tour will take you out to the furthest West Point of the national park, Hermits Rest. Here you will find some rich history and some amazing scenery that many people miss because they are short on time. Note that small strollers are allowed on the bus, but must be folded up.
Take photos! This is obvious to do. And there are some fabulous viewpoints, our favorite view is just west of Mather Point. Near here is also a relatively safe path slightly down the canyon to a ledge. Not recommended for small children or with a baby carrier. Also, don’t forget a photo with the official park sign, just outside the entrance (on the right).
Get ice cream and watch the squirrels! The squirrels here are super friendly, and please don’t feed them. Grab ice cream from one of the many shops and watch them play. This makes for a good rest stop for little ones.
You can also read a summary of the Grand Canyon from PHXkids contributor Liz here.
Or view more things to do near Flagstaff and Williams!
