Top 10 Things To Do with Kids At the Grand Canyon
While there’s no denying the Grand Canyon is a stunning sight, many families wonder if there are enough activities to keep their kids engaged. Take in the big view… and then what? In fact, the Grand Canyon can be a captivating and adventure-packed destination for your family. Here are the top ten things to do with kids at the Grand Canyon.
1. Ride bicycles on the Greenway Trail. Did you know there are 13 miles of paved bicycle paths in Grand Canyon National Park? Bicycling offers a fresh way to take in the rim views and enjoy the scent of pine trees while meandering through the park. Rent bikes at Bright Angel Bicycles, located near the main visitor center. Take the yellow route to Grand Canyon Village and then circle back on the orange route to Yaki Point. Short on time? Just do the orange route for grand views and minimal elevation gain. More advanced riders can take the red route to Hermit’s Rest and back. While it’s always good to exercise caution, the path never gets too close to the rim and is safe for independent riders ages five and up. For younger riders, rent a trailer or ride-along.
2. Hike Shoshone Point Trail through the Kaibab National Forest. Get off the beaten path and take Shoshone Point Trail (~2 miles round trip, minimal elevation gain) to one of the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon. This flat shaded trail winds through the Kaibab National Forest with plenty of logs, sticks, and rocks to keep kids entertained along the way. Shoshone Point features a covered pavilion, picnic tables, grills, trash cans, and a vault toilet, not to mention a stunning setting along the canyon. Be sure to bring a picnic!
3. Earn a badge through the Junior Ranger program. Head over to one of the park’s visitor centers or bookstores and request a free Junior Ranger activity booklet. Help your child complete the required number of activities for his or her age and bring the booklet back for an engraved wooden badge. Our kids love to collect badges at all of the National Parks Service operated sites we visit, and the program is a great way to learn more about each place.
4. Explore the Desert View Watchtower and check out the view at Lipan Point. Near the eastern entrance to the park is the Desert View Watchtower, designed by Mary Colter in 1932 and recognized as a National Historic Landmark. The tower is open to the public and features 180-degree views of the canyon. Pick up coffee or ice cream at the Trading Post after exploring the viewpoint.
5. Walk the stroller-friendly Rim Trail. The paved Rim Trail extends from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Hermits Rest, but the most popular access point is Mather Point, near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. Take a leisurely walk along the South Rim with your little ones comfortably riding in the stroller. Check out Mather Point and Yavapai Point and read the informative signs along the path.
6. Get a souvenir and see the view at the Lookout Studio. Lookout Studio, designed in 1914 by Mary Colter, blends into the canyon landscape. Access it by continuing along the Rim Trail or park near the Grand Canyon lodges. Today, the studio includes a bookstore with a nice selection of souvenirs and a balcony with epic views.
7. Browse the exhibit at Kolb Studio. Just past the Lookout Studio, Kolb Studio tells the story of the Kolb brothers, photographers Emery and Ellsworth Kolb, and features a rotating exhibit. While kids likely won’t want to spend a long time at the exhibit, it’s fun to spend 10-15 minutes wandering around and seeing a few photographs and artifacts.
8. Watch the IMAX film on the history of the Grand Canyon. If your family needs a little break from the elements, head just outside the national park to the Grand Canyon IMAX Theater in Tusayan. The theater features The Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time hourly at half-past the hour. The film explores the history of the Grand Canyon, including John Powell’s tumultuous journey through the Colorado River rapids.
9. Take the shuttle to Hermits Rest. The Grand Canyon’s shuttle systems offers a nice alternative to exploring the park on foot and kids often enjoy a new mode of transportation. The Hermits Rest (red) route shuttle follows a seven mile scenic road with multiple stops at breathtaking overlooks. Powell Point is worth exploring, then continue on to Hermits Rest at the end of the line. Inside Hermits Rest, there is a big stone fireplace, a bookstore, and a snack bar that serves ice cream, cookies, and hot chocolate. Note that Hermits Road is open to private vehicles November through February when there is no shuttle service.
10. Enjoy the sunset at Hopi Point. The Grand Canyon truly comes alive as the sun rises or sets on the rim. While sunrise can be more challenging with kids, it’s worth extending your stay at the Grand Canyon to see the sunset. The western view at Hopi Point, on the red shuttle route, is excellent, but Mather Point or any spot along the Rim Trail is a worthy alternative.
This list really only scratches the surface, as the Grand Canyon offers something new with every visit, ever shifting through the seasons. We encourage you to add the Grand Canyon to your family’s adventure bucket list!