Grand Canyon National Park Family Adventures
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Updated March 8, 2025
Visiting Grand Canyon National Park
Visiting Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is an unforgettable experience that is filled with breathtaking views, exciting outdoor activities, and endless opportunities to one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
We chose to visit the east coast and stop at Grand Canyon National Park as a family one summer. Summer brings on warm temperatures and larger crowds, but summer travels provide longer daylight hours, ranger led programs for the younger children, and stunning sunsets. If summer is the only time you can visit, don’t let the heat stop you from enjoying this national park.
Whether you are hiking the South Rim, rafting the Colorado River, or just soaking in the awe-inspiring scenery, a summer trip to the Grand Canyon offers wonderful memories.
This was one of our many trips out west and during this trip we visited the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Santa Cruz and . We made some amazing memories along the way and saw so many amazing landscapes. We did not have our campervan during this time, so we stayed in hotels along the way. Follow along to see our journey!
Travel Day Activities for Kids
Travel days can be challenging for families especially when traveling with children. I plan ahead to make our journey easier by finding ways to entertain them as we travel. Things from coloring books, electronics, reading books, or snacks help fill the long travel. Having things for them to do also reduces parent stress which I appreciate. Here is a list of some of the things we travel with to keep the kids busy. I also visit thrift stores prior to travel to find books cheaper.
Some book series my kids enjoy are, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Harry Potter, Dog Man and more!
New art supplies such as blank notebooks and colored pencils.
Smaller toys such as matchbox cars, dinosaurs, card games, or other travel games like Battleship or Spoons.
We also purchase snacks such as granola bars, chex mix, and more.
Grand Canyon National Park Overview
Determining which entrance to start at depends on what activities you want explore first and what season you are traveling. There are three entrances, the North Rim, South Rim, and East Rim. Some entrances close in the winter months.
Hours: South Rim is open 24 hours/365 days a year. The North Rim is closed in the winter between mid-October and mid-June. In order to avoid the long entrance lines in the summer months, it is best to go before 10:00am or after 2:00pm.
Visitor Center: There are visitor centers at the South Rim and North Rim entrances.
Entrance fee: private vehicle $35 for a 7-day pass or FREE with a National Park pass. NO cash accepted. Credit/Debit card only.
No reservations are needed.
Amenities within the park: gas stations, ATM machine, post office, General Store (offers delicatessen and groceries), Visitor Center (Café with coffee, grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, hiker/biker supplies, and bookstore), bike rentals, hotel, and lodge.
Things to do: hiking, backcountry hiking, river trips (lottery), ranger led programs, bicycling, mule riding, fishing, raft trip on the Colorado River, and more.
Restaurants: Restaurants and groceries are located throughout the park.
Pets: are allowed within the park but are not allowed on the shuttle bus. They must be on a leash at all times. Pets are not allowed below the canyon rim. Grand Canyon Kennel on the South Rim is available for your pet (dogs and cats only) while you hike the trails. Reservations are highly recommended during the summer months. Proof of vaccines is required. Kennel hours: 7:30am to 5pm daily.
Laundry and showers: available near Mather Campground for a fee
Gas Stations: located throughout the park
North Rim to South Rim travel is 45 minutes or 21 miles of hiking.
Enjoy this popular Grand Canyon National Park guided tour in a Hummer to some of the best lookouts and photo opportunities. Add an optional sunset tour for a magical night experience.
RV parking in South Rim
To find a good RV parking spot, it is suggested to arrive before 9:30am. From the RV parking lots, you are able to take the free park shuttle to different locations throughout the park.
South Rim RV parking
Shuttle Bus Route
A FREE Shuttle bus is located throughout the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Fewer buses run during the winter months.
South Rim shuttle bus route
North Rim
North Rim is closed in the winter typically between December and May.
Visitor Center: 9:00am to 6:00pm daily. Closed in the winter
Camping is available in the winter months but requires a backcountry permit and accessed by hiking inner canyon trails from the South Rim or by hiking or skiing from Jacob Lake.
North Rim map
South Rim
At the South Rim you will find the Grand Canyon Village. This entrance is open year-round, 24 hours/365 days a year.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center: open from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Verkamp’s Visitor Center: open 8:00am to 7:00pm
Grand Canyon Conservancy Park Store: open 8:00am to 7:00pm
Canyon Adventures and Bike Rentals & Cafe: open 8:00am to 5:00pm
You can rent bicycles, strollers, and wheelchairs.
Find a full espresso bar, sandwiches, salad, pastries, and drinks.
South Rim map
East Rim
Desert view is located at the East Rim and is open 24 hours/365 days a year. Occasionally this entrance will close due to snow. The East Rim is 23 miles along a scenic route from the Grand Canyon Village.
RV Parking is available.
Trading Post: Native American crafts.
Ice cream, Coffee, and Desert View Market: open 9:00am to 5:00pm
Gas station: pay at the pump and is open 24-hours. Credit/debit card only.
Camping is available but no other lodging options.
East Rim Desert View map
Hiking in Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a magnificent national park to explore. With huge canyons cut out by the Colorado River and beautiful scenery it is a must see when in the area. The scenery was beautiful, and there are many different hiking options from half mile hikes to overnight hikes up to 28-miles. In the summer it gets extremely hot so remember to bring lots of water and a refillable water bottle as there are several water fill stations throughout the park.
There are no easy trails into the Grand Canyon.
South Rim day hiking
Rim Trail - located from village area to Hermits Rest.
Bright Angel Trail - identified as steep this trail begins west of Bright Angel Lodge and runs up to 12 miles round trip.
South Kaibab Trail - identified as steep this trail begins south of Yaki Point and runs up to 6 miles round trip. Water is available at the trail head seasonally.
Hermit Trail - identified as steep this hike leads to Santa Maria Spring and runs up to 5 miles round trip and to Dripping Springs up to 7 miles round trip. Hiking boots recommended.
Grandview Trail - identified as very steep and hikes to Coconino Saddle up to 2.2 miles round trip and to horseshoe Mesa up to 6.4 miles round trip. Hiking boots recommended and this trail is suggested for experienced hikers.
North Rim day hiking
Bright Angel Point Trail - 0.5-mile round trip on a paved trail to an amazing view of the canyon. This trail begins at the log shelter.
Transept Trail - 3-mile round trip.
Bridle Trail - trail along the road connecting the Grand Canyon Lodge to North Kaibab Trailhead. 1.2 miles one way. Pets and bicycles are permitted on this trial.
North Kaibab Trail - hiking on this trail varies in distance. You can hike 1.5 miles to Coconino Overlook, continue to Supai Tunnel for 4 miles then to Roaring Springs for 9.4 miles round trip. It is not recommended to go beyond Roaring Springs for a day hike especially if it is hot out. Trail is also used by mules.
Ken Patrick Trail- 10-mile one way hike through the forest and along the rim from Point Imperial to North Kaibab Trail parking area.
Uncle Jim Trail - 5-mile round trip through forests to an overlook of the canyon and the North Kaibab Trail switchbacks. This trail is also used by mules.
Widforss Trail - 10-mile round trip along forest and canyon scenery.
Arizona Trail - approximately 10 miles from the border of Utah to Mexico.
Cape Royal Trail - 0.6-mile round trip shorter trail on a flat, paved trail with views of the canyon, Angels Window, and the Colorado River.
Cliff Springs Trail - 1.0-mile round trip through the forested ravine and ends at a large overhang.
Cape Final Trail - 4-mile round trip to Cape Final.
Roosevelt Point Trail - 0.2-mile round trip through a secluded woodland loop with amazing views.
Point Imperial Trail - 4-mile round trip easy trail.
Want to tour Grand Canyon from Las Vegas but don’t want to fight the crowd? This tour provides the transportation for you and includes several stops from the Grand Canyon, Skywalk, and the Hoover Dam.
Grand Canyon Mule Rides
Enjoy a 1-hour or 3-hour trail ride on a mule. Grand Canyon Mule Rides descend through Supai Tunnel along the North Kaibab Trail. This guided tour is available from May to October. Open for ages 7-years and up. Prices range from $60-$125 per person. Check in starts at the Grand Canyon Lodge in the North Rim.
Get a once in a lifetime tour of the Grand Canyon by helicopter. Get a Birdseye view of some of the iconic stops from Kaibab National Forest, Colorado River and the Grand Canyon.
Ranger led Programs & Events
Take some time to learn more about the Grand Canyon by hearing from the experts. Each session brings you a little closer to nature and provides the right amount of history to build your knowledge of the beautiful national park.
Grand Canyon Village South Rim
Geology Talk - 30 minutes daily at 11:00am
Canyon Connections - 30 minutes daily at 3:00pm
Astronomy Programs - seasonal
Grand Canyon Star Party
Astronomy Talks
Lunar Eclipse over Grand Canyon
Desert View - seasonal
Grand Canyon Speaks
Sunset Talks
Cultural Performances
North Rim - seasonal from May to October
Nature Walks - Sundays and Fridays 8:30am to 10:00am
Behind the Scenery - 30-minutes daily at 11:30am
Beneath the Canopy - 30-minutes daily at 3:30pm
Evening Program - Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays from 7:30pm to 8:15pm
Community Speaker Series
Cultural Demonstrations
Native American Heritage Days - event in August
National Park Access Pass
Free Tip: Did you know that your child can get a National Park Access Pass if they have a disability (physical or mental). The Access Pass is free if you obtain it at a federal recreation site. There is a small fee to gain the pass by email or mail. This pass will get your child and their passengers into National Parks for free or with minimal charge. All you have to do is take documentation from your child’s doctor on their disability and that it is a lifetime disability, and you could be granted an Access Pass which gives that child and anyone in the car FREE access to National parks. Try it out. Once the child is an adult, they can take that pass and use it anytime they are in a National Park. What a great way to encourage them to continue to explore while saving them some money. This Access pass also provides discount on camping at most National Parks.
Take a guided tour along the East Rim of the Grand Canyon with optional daytime or sunset tours. You will stop at many lookouts for a better view of the canyon.
Havasupai Indian Reservation Tours
Havasupai tours: Havasupai means people of blue-green waters. This is a highly sought after tour and requires months in advance reservations. Spots are very limited. The Supai Village is located in the Havasu Canyon and there is no road that leads to the village.
If you have not seen pictures or heard of this tour and the beautiful waterfall in this area you are missing out. It is so spectacular!! The trip to the waterfall is an overnight tour which requires you to provide your own tent and food. Mules can be rented for the trip to help carry your camping gear.
Things to note:
No day hiking is allowed
Havasupai Reservations are required
Temps can reach up to 115 degrees in the summer
8-mile hike to the lodge and tourist office and another 2 miles to the campground. Havasupai camping reservations need to be made in advance
Bringing young children is not recommended
Pack mules must be reserved online prior to your hike
Trail is open 24-hours a day
You must bring your own camping essentials and gear
Havasupai lodging is available for a fee if you do not want to camp outside
Photo credit from Havasupai Lodge
Hiking and Camping Essentials
Camping in Grand Canyon National Park
Camping: 3 developed campgrounds within the park.
South Rim campgrounds open all year:
Mather Campground - 327 sites which include campfire ring/grate, picnic table, room for tents and up to 6 people. Maximum vehicle length is 30 feet. No hookups. Pets are allowed.
Cost: $18 for family site. $9 with Senior/Access pass. $6 for hiker/biker only.
Flush toilets and hot showers are available throughout the campground.
Camp store, ice, laundry, free dump station, potable water
Cell signal is limited but free Wi-Fi is available at the general store.
Trailer Village Campground - Full hookup. See website for more details.
East Rim campgrounds open seasonally:
Desert View Campground - 49 campsites for tents or smaller RV’s and trailers (less than 30 feet). Reservations only. Closed mid-October to mid-April.
Cost: $18 a night or $9 with Senior/Access pass
Seasonal flush toilets, no showers, seasonal potable water
Cell signal is limited
Pets are allowed
7-day limit
Sites have picnic table, fire ring, cooking grill
Tex-X Campground - 142 campsites for up to 8 people. 30 sites are non-reservable and are first come, first served. All other sites are reservable. Each site has fire pit/grill and picnic table. Pit toilets nearby.
Cost: $20 for single sites
North Rim campground open seasonally:
North Rim Campground - 87 sites. campfire grills. Flush toilets, potable water, and dump all seasonal.
Cost: $18 family site, $9 with Senior/Access pass
DeMotte Campground - 38 sites with picnic tables and grills. No hookups. Water and trash is available.
Dispersed camping: is available for up to 14 days within Kaibab National Forest. Check out more details on dispersed camping in Kaibab National Forest and details of this location. Camping must be .25 miles away from Highway 64.
Photo credit from nps.gov
Accommodations near Grand Canyon
I noticed the closer you get in the desert the harder it is to find decent hotels without spending a fortune. Unless you want to be in the mountains with a mountain view, beautiful I am sure, there are limited options close to the park for a decent price. I often use booking.com or VRBO to find hotels in the area we are traveling.
Looking for adventure? Stay all night in a tent under the stars for an unforgettable night. Approximately 32 minutes to the South Rim.
Stay in the cutest cabins with many amenities including a kitchenette. Located about 45 minutes from the South Rim.
Stay at these beautiful cabins lined up next to each other and enjoy the views of the open plains. 10 minutes to the Grand Canyon Skywalk and over 3 hours to the South Rim.
This beautiful hotel is located about an hour from the South Rim.
Unforgettable landscapes leave lasting memories
We enjoyed our time viewing the beautiful landscapes of Grand Canyon National Park. This was an unforgettable experience, and I was in awe at the stunning views and how the canyons seemed to go on forever. Whether you explore the South Rim’s iconic viewpoints or venture far into the canyon, this national park will definitely leave a lasting impression on you. We would definitely visit there again next time we are in Arizona. I hope this trip inspires you to consider a trip to the Grand Canyon, you won’t be disappointed.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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