The Grand Canyon is an iconic destination that’s perfect for families, offering breathtaking views, kid-friendly hikes, and plenty of opportunities to explore. If you’re planning a trip to the Grand Canyon with your family, this two day itinerary offers a perfect mix of adventure and learning.
With just two days, you can experience the best the Grand Canyon has to offer while keeping your kids entertained and engaged. Follow this step-by-step guide for an unforgettable family trip.
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Where to Stay
Our family stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Tusayan, which was perfect for our needs. The hotel was clean, affordable, and included a complimentary breakfast which is a great way to fuel up before heading into the park.
The location was incredibly convenient, just a 10-minute drive from the Grand Canyon National Park entrance and close to plenty of restaurants. Your kids might especially love the pool, where they could unwind after a busy day of exploring.
Day 1: Hiking, Helicopter Views, and Sunset Magic
Begin your first day with an early breakfast at the hotel. A great money saving tip is to pack sandwiches or snacks to enjoy later as a picnic lunch! The Holiday Inn Express has a full breakfast with everything from bacon and eggs, to bagels and cereal. My kids’ favourite was a machine that made pancakes with the push of a button.
Arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park early to secure parking and try to get near Bright Angel Lodge. If this lot is full, head to the main visitor center and use the park’s free shuttle to the Bright Angel Trailhead.
Start day one with a hike on the Bright Angel Trail, one of the most scenic trails in the park. This path descends into the canyon, offering incredible views of the layered rock formations.
The journey down is filled with amazing scenery, including rock arches and winding pathways that your kids will find fascinating. Make sure you keep an eye on kids near the edges of the narrow parts of the path.
For families with children who are used to walking or hiking, the trek to the Mile-and-a-Half Rest House is ideal. At ages 8 and 9, my kids had no problem with the hike, which took us about an hour and twenty minutes to reach the rest house. This rest area has restrooms and a water station, allowing you to take a break and enjoy a snack before heading back up.
The climb back up the trail is often said to take double the time it takes to descend, but we found it surprisingly faster. I think the mental preparation for a challenging climb helped, and we made it back to the top in about an hour and a half.
While the trail isn’t stroller-friendly, we did see families with young children in carriers. Once at the top, we found plenty of benches with stunning canyon views to enjoy our picnic lunch and have a rest.
After lunch, visit the historic Kolb Studio near the trailhead. This charming spot offers souvenirs and a small art gallery where you can learn about the canyon’s history.
Next, take your Grand Canyon adventure to new heights with a helicopter tour. Drive 15 minutes to the Grand Canyon National Airport for a 30-minute flight. We booked an amazing 40 minute tour here on Get Your Guide.
While this is definitely not a budget friendly activity, the aerial view of the canyon is unforgettable. Flying over the vast landscape and spotting wildlife, such as elk, adds an exciting element to your visit. This experience is worth every penny!
Cap off your afternoon with a treat for the kids and stop in the town of Tusayan for some ice cream.
Right before you’re ready to head back into The Grand Canyon National Park, grab a takeout pizza from We Cook Pizza and Pasta in Tusayan and bring it along to enjoy for dinner while watching the canyon’s colours change as the sun sets at Mather Point.
This popular viewing spot can get a bit crowded, but the stunning views and vibrant colours of the canyon make it worth it.
In the evening, take advantage of the Grand Canyon’s status as a Dark Sky Park. Check the National Park’s website for free Night Sky Events where rangers often lead telescope viewing sessions and laser-guided stargazing information sessions. The opportunity to see Saturn’s rings or a comet in one of the darkest skies in the country was a highlight for us!
Day 2: Rim Trail, Geology, and Scenic Drives
Start your second day with another hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading back to the park. Instead of hiking into the canyon, spend the morning hiking the Rim Trail.
This trail runs along the top of the canyon and is mostly paved, making it an easier walk for families. Begin your walk near Hermit Road and take your time enjoying the breathtaking views.
As you walk along the Rim Trail, you’ll find several scenic lookouts that offer different perspectives of the canyon. The views here are incredible. We especially loved spotting mountain goats on the canyon walls.
Another highlight was seeing the Bright Angel Trail from above as it provides a new appreciation for just how deep into the canyon we ventured the day before.
Walk as far along the trail as you feel you can do and then hop on the park’s free shuttle to return to the village. This convenient service allows families to explore without worrying about walking back. We walked as far as Powell Point which was the third shuttle stop.
After your hike, take a bathroom break and enjoy another picnic lunch. If you’re looking for an educational experience, visit the Yavapai Geology Museum. This free, family-friendly museum offers panoramic views of the canyon and engaging exhibits about its geology, history, and formation.
In the afternoon, pack up the car for a scenic drive along Desert View Drive. This route is filled with stunning lookouts and unique rock formations.
Be sure to stop at Duck on a Rock, a whimsical formation shaped like a duck perched on a rock exactly like its name suggests! The highlight of the drive is the Desert View Watchtower, a historic structure built in 1932.
You can explore the bottom floor, which includes a gift shop, and if you have the time you can line up to climb to the top for incredible views. Don’t worry if you don’t make it to the top, the views are just as amazing from the bottom!
The area also features restrooms, a camp store, a picnic area, a gas station, Desert View Market and Deli and Desert View Trading Post, making it a great place to relax and recharge before ending your trip.
Visiting the Grand Canyon with kids is a rewarding experience filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable views. From hiking the Bright Angel Trail to exploring the Rim Trail and taking in panoramic views from Desert View Watchtower, this two-day Grand Canyon itinerary with kids provides the perfect mix of activities for families.
Whether it’s flying over the canyon in a helicopter or stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the country, the Grand Canyon offers experiences that your family will treasure forever.
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