Oct 10day itinerary for family of 4

Question

Hi everybody, we are planning to fly in and out of Phoenix in late Oct for a 10 day trip. We have 2 kids aged 8 and 11. We don’t want an extremely packed holiday but really want to experience the natural beauty of the area. What would you recommend as an itinerary please? Certainly want to see Grand Canyon and stay in Sedona. Thank you very much.

Answer

For a 10-day October trip in Arizona with kids aged 8 and 11, you can design a relaxed but engaging itinerary that combines scenic drives, hiking, and kid-friendly attractions while keeping travel time reasonable.

Day 1: Arrival in Phoenix

Arrive in Phoenix, pick up rental car, and check into your hotel.
Depending on arrival time, explore downtown Phoenix or nearby parks like Encanto Park for a relaxed afternoon.

Day 2: Phoenix to Sedona

Drive to Sedona (approx. 2 hours).
Stop at Montezuma Castle National Monument on the way for a quick historical visit.
Check into your Sedona accommodation and enjoy a short hike near town, such as Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock (family-friendly trails).

Day 3-4: Sedona Exploration

Spend two days exploring Sedona’s red rock landscapes.
Activities can include: Jeep tours for kids, easy hikes in Red Rock State Park, and visiting Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Optional stargazing tour or visit to the Sedona Heritage Museum.

Day 5: Sedona to Flagstaff / Grand Canyon South Rim

Drive to Flagstaff (about 45 min) for a short visit to Lowell Observatory or downtown Flagstaff.
Continue to Grand Canyon South Rim (approx. 1.5 hours from Flagstaff) and check into a lodge near the rim.

Day 6: Grand Canyon Exploration

Spend a full day at the South Rim. Walk along Rim Trail for easy views, visit visitor center and Yavapai Point.
Consider a short, family-friendly hike on the Bright Angel Trail.
Optional sunset viewing at Hopi Point.

Day 7: Grand Canyon to Page / Lake Powell

Drive to Page (approx. 2.5–3 hours).
Stop at Horseshoe Bend and possibly the Glen Canyon Dam.
Check into accommodations in Page.

Day 8: Page / Lake Powell

Take a half-day tour of Antelope Canyon (Upper or Lower) suitable for families.
Optional afternoon: kayaking or paddleboarding on Lake Powell, or relax at Lone Rock Beach.

Day 9: Page to Phoenix

Drive back to Phoenix (approx. 5–6 hours) with stops for sightseeing or picnic.
Check into Phoenix hotel for final night.

Day 10: Departure

Morning at leisure in Phoenix.
Return rental car and fly out.

Tips:

October weather is generally mild but can be cool in the Grand Canyon, so pack layers.
Book Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon tours in advance, as they can fill quickly.
Keep daily driving under 3–4 hours when possible to avoid fatigue for the kids.
Include a mix of activities: hiking, scenic drives, and fun experiences like jeep tours or kayaking for balance.

This itinerary allows you to experience Sedona’s red rocks, Grand Canyon vistas, and Page’s water and canyon highlights without feeling rushed, keeping it enjoyable for a family with young kids.

Oct 10day itinerary for family of 4

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