Grand Canyon Family Vacations

When you travel with the whole family in tow, you are faced with a set challenges and opportunities. There are many things to consider, not least of which is where to go. But where else can you find the best time to form wonderful memories with family members than on a Grand Canyon family vacation?

Hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," the Grand Canyon is an excellent destination for a family vacation. With its rows of spectacular cliffs that change hues by the hour and the fascinating wildlife that shifts with the season, there is something for everyone.

There are many things to do that everyone can enjoy. Activities geared towards families are plenty and sports designed for thrill-seekers are varied.

When you take a Grand Canyon family vacation, bear in mind that it does not have to be all about adventure. You could be spending your vacation doing nothing but relaxing under the night sky inside a tent with the smell of the campfire wafting in the air. Or you could be river rafting the might Colorado rapids, getting pumped with adrenaline and totally having a great time. Indeed, the choices are so varied, that's why it's the perfect place for a Grand Canyon family vacation.

Getting There

If you're taking route 64 from Interstate 40, the Grand Canyon National Park should be about 60 miles just north of Williams, Arizona. Via route 180, it's 80 miles to the northwest of Flagstaff.

One thing you need to remember when you go on a Grand Canyon family vacation is that the place lies entirely within the state of Arizona. You can take commercial air flights from Phoenix, Flagstaff and Las Vegas. There are also Greyhound bus services to Flagstaff as well as Amtrak rail services, with connecting bus service to the canyon.

Things to See

The Phantom Ranch in the "Inner Canyon" is an excellent place to visit when you go on a Grand Canyon family vacation. Here, fun programs are offered daily, with talks that cover a wide range of natural and cultural history topics. There are also mule rides and good hiking to the bottom of the canyon.

Other areas of interest offer wonderful views of the canyon. Desert View Drive, for instance, along Highway 64, provides you with a stunning view of the 26 mile stretch of spectacular cliffs along the eastern side of Grand Canyon Village, ending at Desert View.

Hiking along the Rim Trail is a fun, kid-friendly activity that is sure to make your Grand Canyon family vacation unforgettable. The trail follows the rim of the Canyon, starting from Pipe Creek Vista and ending at Hermits Rest. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your hike up to Maricopa Point and the trail here is waived, making it accessible even to wheelchairs.