Planning Grand Canyon w/kids 12 and 10

Question

I have just started planning our Spring Break Grand Canyon trip for next year. So far I think we are leaning into flying into Flagstaff and staying at one of South Rim National Parks hotels. Can't really decide, price isn't a factor but don't want to pay more just because... I have read you only need a few days to sightsee the Grand Canyon and so I am not sure what other stops we should do from here. We aren't really looking into hiking but wouldn't mind ATV/Jeep tours recs, maybe would like to go to other locations and staying somewhere to glamp. We are renting cars and wouldn't mind stay a couple days at different locations but just don't know where. We are willing to fly back home from another location. Saw some recs on flying home from Las Vegas or adding Sedona to the trip. We really don't know what we want to do after our few days in Grand Canyon and we have a week.

Answer

Planning a Spring Break trip to the Grand Canyon with kids aged 10 and 12 can be a mix of sightseeing, adventure, and relaxation. Since you are flying into Flagstaff and considering South Rim lodging, you are already well-positioned to see the main highlights without rushing.

Grand Canyon South Rim Activities:

Visit major viewpoints like Mather Point, Yavapai Point, and Desert View Watchtower. These are easily accessible by car or park shuttle and provide spectacular canyon views.
Junior Ranger programs are available for kids at the Visitor Center, making the experience educational and engaging.
Short, flat walks along the Rim Trail are suitable for children and provide multiple photo opportunities without strenuous hiking.
Consider a guided tour or educational talk at the Visitor Center or historic lodges for a deeper understanding of the canyon’s geology and history.

Adventure and Tours:

ATV or Jeep tours are available in areas surrounding the Grand Canyon, particularly in the Desert View or nearby Kaibab National Forest areas. These can offer exciting off-road experiences for the family.
Helicopter or small plane tours of the Grand Canyon provide unique aerial perspectives and are often a hit with children.
Horseback rides along the rim or down into the canyon are available for families who want a guided, less strenuous adventure.

Additional Locations and Itinerary Ideas:

Flagstaff: Spend a night or two here exploring Lowell Observatory, the Arizona Snowbowl (if open), or Walnut Canyon National Monument.
Sedona: Famous for its red rock formations and scenic drives. Great for jeep tours, hiking short trails, or glamping experiences. Sedona is roughly 2 hours from the South Rim, making it an easy next stop.
Page / Lake Powell / Antelope Canyon: About 2.5–3 hours from the South Rim, you can include boat tours, slot canyon hikes, and photography opportunities.
Las Vegas: If flying out from Las Vegas, you can stop here for a night or two to experience family-friendly attractions like the Bellagio fountains, Cirque du Soleil shows, or nearby natural attractions like Red Rock Canyon.

Travel Tips:

Renting a car is ideal for flexibility, especially with kids and varied destinations.
Consider alternating full days of sightseeing with lighter days to avoid travel fatigue.
Book tours, lodging, and glamping options well in advance for Spring Break, as it is a peak travel period.
Check weather conditions, especially for higher elevation areas like the South Rim, which can be cooler in spring.

Overall, a well-rounded itinerary could include 2–3 nights at the South Rim, 1–2 nights in Sedona for adventure and scenery, and optional stops in Page or Flagstaff depending on your interests, before returning home via Phoenix or Las Vegas. This approach balances sightseeing, adventure, and downtime for your family.

Planning Grand Canyon w/kids 12 and 10

More Grand Canyon National Park Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions