What better way to take a family adventure than with this 1-week Grand Canyon itinerary for families? The Grand Canyon is an iconic destination for families, with its famous red rock and craters. However, if you want to plan a trip here, you could also extend your time by taking a family road trip through the Southwest! This Grand Canyon itinerary for families includes the national park as part of a larger family vacation visiting Las Vegas, Sedona, and more destinations in Arizona. While many choose to visit the South Rim only, we’ve included options for both the North Rim and the South Rim, plus tips on things to do, where to stay, and more. Here’s a 1-Week Grand Canyon Itinerary For Families!
The Best Grand Canyon Itinerary For Visiting The North Rim With Kids
While many families tend to start a Grand Canyon itinerary by flying into Phoenix, if you want to make the most out of your experience and see the North Rim, our Families Who Love To Travel group members suggest that you could also fly into Las Vegas. Keep reading to find out more!
Day 1: Las Vegas (Seven Magic Mountains, Red Rock Canyon, Valley Of The Fire)
While Las Vegas is known for its incredible nightlife, it also offers a lot of things to do with kids. For example, if you want something that doesn’t require much energy, you can head to Seven Magic Mountains. Located about 10 miles south of downtown, it’s an art installation on public land near Las Palmas Avenue on Interstate 15 at the 215 Beltway. Created by Ugo Rondinone, the semi-circle of enormous boulders is made up of seven types of concrete cones, some reaching as high as 115 feet into the air. It’ll surely wow your kids enough to make them want to stop and take a picture!
Afternoon Activity: Red Rock Canyon
Located about a half-hour from Las Vegas, families can also make the trip to see Red Rock Canyon. Once you arrive, there’s a small visitor’s center, where you can pick up brochures and maps for self-guided hikes. A 16-mile scenic drive takes you through the spectacular canyon with towering red stone cliffs, monoliths, and dramatic landscapes. Kid-friendly trails include the Lost Creek Trail (0.6 miles), the Children’s Discovery Loop Trail (0.8 miles), and the Red Springs Boardwalk (0.5 miles). Kids will love exploring the natural habitat of pheasants, hawks, and mule deer. You can also check out the petroglyphs near the visitor center.
Alternate Activity: Valley Of The Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is one of the most visited parks in Nevada. Located around an hour from Las Vegas, the park features beautiful red sandstone rocks, including the famous “Rocks Within The Rocks.”
Though it can be a bit difficult for kids, there’s also no shortage of hiking trails here. The White Domes Trail (1.1 miles), Mouse’s Tank Trail, (0.8 miles), and the Rainbow Vista Trail (1.1 miles), all provide breathtaking views of the landscape, though they can be a bit steep at times. If you have time, explore by foot and see ancient petroglyphs from people who lived here centuries ago.
More Things To Do In Las Vegas With Kids
Need more things to do in Vegas with kids? Visit the Fountains of Bellagio to see them illuminated. Families can also take a gondola ride at The Venetian. Plus, Vegas is famous for its live shows; some are kid-friendly, like Cirque du Soleil! Anyone with a sweet tooth can’t miss The Sugar Factory Vegas or Coca-Cola Store; get a birds-eye view of the Las Vegas strip on the High Roller or say hello to some of your favorite marine life at the Shark Reef Aquarium. Read our list of the best things to do in Las Vegas with kids to learn more!
Where To Stay in Las Vegas With Kids
The Venetian and Palazzo offer both suites and villas, complete with a pool. There is also the Luxor Hotel & Casino, which has a family suite, but it doesn’t have a pool. Another one of the best places to stay for families is the Wynn Las Vegas, which has the largest hotel room in the world! For more information on the best hotels in Las Vegas for families, check out our list.
Day 2: Zion National Park (Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk)
Zion National Park, with its majestic cliffs and serene valleys, is a good place to continue your Grand Canyon itinerary for families! Around two and a half hours from Las Vegas, it boasts a striking red-cliff landscape, natural rock arches, and a widespread Zion Canyon. Plus, it’s a particularly great location for families with young kids, given its on-site shuttle, accommodations, and light beginner trails.
Visit the Zion Canyon Visitor Center to get oriented and learn about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife. You could even grab breakfast at the Red Rock Grill in Zion Lodge. Then, hike the 3-mile Emerald Pools Trail and you’ll come across spring-fed pools, glorious canyon views, and gushing waterfalls. After completing the hike, head back to the Zion Lodge for a picnic lunch, or grab a bite to eat at the Castle Dome Cafe. In the afternoon, take the shuttle to the Temple of Sinawava and hike the Riverside Walk, a paved trail that follows the Virgin River and offers breathtaking views of the canyon walls. If time allows, take a dip in the river to cool off before heading back!
Day 3: Zion National Park (Angels Landing, The Narrows)
Families with older children or daredevil teens can also hike Angels Landing, a thrilling 5-mile hike with a steep drop. Weeping Rock Trail is even shorter at around a mile, though nonetheless brilliant! Our contributors also recommend The Narrows hike for daredevil families willing to walk through water. Depending on your chosen path, the hike can last anywhere from 10 miles to 2 miles round trip. To see the iconic Wall Street section of the canyon, you need to hike at least 6 miles round trip, 4 of which require wading in the Virgin River surrounded by massive sandstone cliffs.
If you’d much prefer to see Zion National Park from the comfort of your car, however, The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive also showcases a driving trail with commanding views.
Where To Stay Near Zion National Park With Kids
Zion National Park has plenty of nearby accommodations for families. For maximum convenience, try staying at the Zion Lodge, as this is the only hotel in the park. We also suggest the Cable Mountain Lodge, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park, and Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton, among other options on our list of where to stay in Zion with kids.
Day 4: Page (Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell)
From Zion National Park, families can drive to Page, Arizona, which is around two hours away. Nestled near Lake Powell, Antelope Canyon, and Horseshoe Bend – and on the way to Grand Canyon National Park, it’s the perfect place to stop for a night or two before heading on your way.
Visit the mesmerizing Antelope Canyon first. This slot canyon boasts mesmerizing rock formations and sunbeam-filled crevices, creating an otherworldly sight that captures the imagination of both adults and children alike. Antelope Canyon offers guided tours of the Upper Canyon, which last around an hour and 45 minutes. For an adrenaline rush, families can also hike to the edge of Horseshoe Bend in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, where the Colorado River runs through a horseshoe-shaped curve amidst the desert landscape.
Afternoon Activity: Lake Powell
Next, take a scenic boat tour of Lake Powell, exploring hidden coves and towering red rock formations, providing opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and wildlife spotting. To explore by sea, families can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even boats, available from access points onshore.
Lounge on sandy beaches at Antelope Point in Arizona, or Wahweap if you’re on the Utah side. Located in Arizona’s Bullfrog Bay, Hobie and Stanton Beach are also popular with kids, featuring accessible swimming and nearby facilities. Aside from relaxing seaside, also take advantage of its endless nature walks!
Day 5: Grand Canyon National Park (North Rim)
From Page, you’ll be around two and a half hours away from Grand Canyon National Park. Since you’ll be approaching from Utah, we suggest heading toward the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Located at a higher elevation, it provides cooler temperatures and a more secluded atmosphere. It’s also less crowded than the South Rim, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a quieter experience.
Families can start their exploration of the park by taking a scenic drive along the North Rim’s main road. It has amazing views of the canyon and its surrounding landscape! To immerse yourself in nature, hike one of the many trails that wind through the area, such as the 0.5-mile Bright Angel Point Trail or the 0.8-mile Cape Royal Trail. Along the way, watch for wildlife, including deer, elk, and even the occasional California condor! For a more relaxed outing, pack a picnic and enjoy a meal at one of the North Rim’s designated picnic areas.
Use this Exciting 5-Day Sedona Itinerary For Families to plan your Sedona adventures!
Alternate/Additional Activity: South Rim
The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is more accessible and crowded than its North Rim. If you want to drive further from Page, you could access the South Rim in about an hour extra. Or, you could visit the North Rim your first day and spend your second day on the South Rim, depending on how long you want your Grand Canyon itinerary for families to be.
Families love the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Ah Point. Located on the South Rim, it’s accessible by a shuttle from the Visitor’s Center. A round-trip to Ooh Ah Point is around 1.8 miles, so even though it’s a bit steep, it should be fine for most kids. If you plan to go further, set aside at least two hours or more. For lunch, you can grab burgers at the Bright Angel Lodge. There aren’t a lot of food options inside the park, and there’s a very long line to get back in.
After lunch, hike to the Shoshone Point Trail, which isn’t marked on any maps. This easy walk provides an unbelievable view! Don’t forget to grab gelato at Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory!
Where To Stay Near The Grand Canyon With Kids
If you need somewhere to stay near Grand Canyon National Park with kids, consider El Tovar Hotel. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Grand Canyon Village, has an on-site restaurant, and offers free parking. Some other hotels on the South Rim for families include Thunderbird Lodge and the Bright Angel Lodge.
Optional Stop Between The Grand Canyon and Sedona: Bearizona
Families who want to add an extra day to their Grand Canyon itinerary can also stop at Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Arizona. Encompassing a gorgeous property within Arizona’s Ponderosa Pine Forest, visitors can explore 160 acres of lush habitats belonging to North American animals.
You can even do it directly from your own car!
During this 3-mile drive, you can see black bears, white wolves, and more unique animals along the way! Deer, bison, and caribou are also often spotted, alongside the occasional hunting jaguar! Feeling ambitious? You can climb aboard the Wild Ride Bus Tour, available four times a day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Whether you choose to venture solo or with a guide, kids will love Bearizona for its playful inhabitants, always ready to put on a smile on your face.
Day 6: Sedona (ATV Tour, Cathedral Rock Overlook, Slide Rock State Park)
From the Grand Canyon, families can drive two or three hours south to Sedona, the last stop on this itinerary! Famous for its red rock scenery and focus on wellness and healing, this central Arizona city is a great place to visit with outdoorsy kids of all ages.
ATVs are a popular way to get around Sedona, especially through stunning backcountry areas. There are plenty of other rental companies to choose from, including Sedona ATV Rentals. Some offer ATVs to rent and drive, while others offer tours around Sedona. Either way, it’s a fantastic way to travel through the rugged and beautiful Red Rock Country, especially with preteens or teens. After, you can grab lunch at Golden Goose American Grill.
Or, families can also go on a Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour. This rugged off-roading adventure takes families down deep descents and through Sedona’s most beautiful backroads. We suggest booking a tour close to sunset for the best views!
Afternoon Activity: Slide Rock State Park
In the afternoon, drive around 10 minutes outside of Sedona to Slide Rock State Park. Within this natural oasis, you’ll find an 80-foot-long slide. Kids will love the slippery, fun, and wild ride down! Plus, since the swimming area is 1.5 miles long, there are many places to splash too. We suggest wearing water shoes to help grip the slippery rock bottom. Some families also bring a picnic to eat, but since we already had lunch, we didn’t.
After, visit the Cathedral Rock Overlook, accessible via the Cathedral Rock Trail. This 1.2-mile hike is rated as intermediate, as there are some steeper uphill parts. Still, if you’re visiting Sedona with adventurous kids, it’ll be worth it! (Daredevil kids can even try rock scrambling!) Cathedral Rock provides some of the best views of Sedona’s red rocks, including Bell Rock. Remember: this is a popular hike and parking often fills up fast. For dinner, head to Mole Restaurant!
Day 7: Devils Bridge, Bell Rock Pathway, Airport Overlook
One of the most popular hikes in Sedona is the 3.9-mile Devils Bridge Trail in the nearby Coconino National Forest. We suggest arriving early and setting aside three hours to see everything. It’s usually crowded, especially along the stunning natural rock bridge that gives this trail its name. You can walk below it, or to satisfy your inner daredevil, you can walk on top of it!
There aren’t many casual and quick lunch spots around, but we suggest Famous Pizza. Then, if you have the energy, rent bikes from Absolute Bikes to take along the Bell Rock Pathway. If your kids are up for a challenge, it’s beautiful and you can also hike it. Families can also hike the 0.9-mile Airport Overlook Trail to reach the Sedona Airport Overlook, one of the most scenic spots in Sedona!
Alternate Activity: Tlaquepaque Village
If you’d rather spend the afternoon relaxing, you can also check out Tlaquepaque Village. This quaint outdoor market is lovely to wander around, as cobblestone paths lead families under decorated archways. You’ll also find countless art galleries, craft shops, and other interesting boutiques to stop in.
When you’re feeling hungry, check out The Secret Garden Cafe. Located inside the northern entrance of Tlaquepaque Village, this cozy European-style bistro has healthy and delicious options. There’s even a specific kids’ menu with quesadillas, grilled cheese, mini burgers, etc.
Where To Stay In Sedona With Kids
For somewhere to stay in Sedona with kids, check out the Enchantment Resort, a luxury hotel located in the heart of Boynton Canyon. Tucked in the red rock canyons, L’Auberge de Sedona offers a choice of rooms at its lodge or even more spacious cottages. We also recommend Adobe Grand Villas, Amara Resort and Spa, and Junipine Resort, among other hotels in Sedona for families.
Day 8: Fly Home From Phoenix
Spend the last day of your Grand Canyon itinerary for families in Phoenix. Since it’s one of the nearest major airports, it’s a good place to end your trip. You could visit some family-friendly attractions here too, including Camelback Mountain. If you need somewhere to stay overnight before flying back, consider the Westin Kierland or more options on our list of the best hotels in Phoenix for families!
Alternate Route For A Grand Canyon Itinerary For Families
We started this Grand Canyon itinerary for families in Las Vegas as an alternative to many other itineraries that start in Phoenix and include the South Rim. This is a great option if you’re looking to incorporate the Grand Canyon as part of a larger southwest itinerary for families, since you can add in extra cities such as Las Vegas and also see Zion National Park. However, here’s another route if you want to start in Phoenix:
- Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix around mid-afternoon. Rent a car from the airport, then take the two-hour drive to The Wilde Resort and Spa Sedona. Take the route through Cornville and parents can stop for a drink at Page Spring Cellars.
- Day 2: Spend this day exploring some of Sedona’s famous attractions, like the Boynton Canyon Trail or the Devils Bridge Trail.
- Day 3: Since you’ll be in Sedona, you can also visit nearby spots like Jerome or Old Cottonwood.
- Day 4: On day 4 of your Grand Canyon itinerary for families, head to the South Rim. You can hike the South Kebab Trail to Ooh Aah Point and then grab ice cream at Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory.
- Day 5: From the Grand Canyon, make your way toward Page or Kanab if you want to continue your trip to spots like Antelope Canyon, Bryce National Park, or Zion National Park.
From here, you could also head back toward Sedona and extend your itinerary there. Or, spend a few extra days in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tuscon and fly home from there.
Check out this Amazing Sedona and Grand Canyon Itinerary For Families to learn more!
Happy Travels!
We hope you liked this 1-Week Grand Canyon Itinerary For Families! From Sedona to Las Vegas, there are plenty of stops along the way to make your trip even more memorable. Enjoy your next Grand Canyon adventure with your kids!
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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