The extreme massiveness of the Grand Canyon is something that everyone must see at least once in their lifetime, which is why so many parents like yourself have made it the one of the most popular vacation destinations for families! And of course, a trip to Arizona will not be complete without a visit to Grand Canyon.
A family trip to Grand Canyon can be done at any time of the year, but it is usually best to visit during the spring, summer, or the fall, because that is when the majority of the trails and attractions are open. The winter months usually bring cold temperatures, along with snow and ice, which makes any visit a lot less pleasant.
Here are 4 of the best things to do in Grand Canyon with kids:
1. Hike One of the Shorter Trails
Hiking all the way down into the canyon will take at least four hours, and the trek back up is even longer, at six to eight hours. And that is only if you have been training for those longer hikes and strenuous conditions! Take our advice and stick to one of the shorter trails like the Bright Angel Trail, which takes about an hour round trip. You’ll still get the experience, you’ll still see the views, and you will still have a fabulous time!
2. Watch a Native American Dance Performance
During the summer months, the Navajo troupe performs different Native American dances nearby the Hopi House. This is an excellent cultural experience that you can see during those much-needed break times.
3. Explore the Park with the Discovery Pack
Every child can pick up a discovery pack during the summer months to learn more about the ecology and wildlife within the Grand Canyon. This is one of the best Grand Canyon kids’ activities, because they get to listen to a ranger talk and then use the skills and knowledge that they learned to explore the area and write down their findings.
4. Take a Boat Tour
The boat tours are a wonderful option for a Grand Canyon family vacation, because they will allow you to see the inner canyon up close without the long trek to the bottom. You will begin your journey via a helicopter ride to the canyon floor, where you will board the boat for the trip down the Colorado River. Of course, if a boat trip doesn’t sound exciting enough for you, and you have older children, you may want to consider the raft tour instead. We know how hard it is to please a teen while on a vacation and we think this will give you a head start!
Despite the size, you can successfully plan a Grand Canyon family vacation with children of any age. You will obviously need to keep a close eye on every child, as there is always a chance that someone can get a little too close to the edge, but with a few safety measures in place, you will all get to experience this breathtaking destination together. Oh, did you know one of the best waterfalls in the world, Havasu Falls is located within the Grand Canyon?
This article is part of our popular series, Place To Go With Kids!
