Family Road Trip

Question

Hello, looking for a quick family getaway / road trip (quick as in coming up quickly, but trip length would be ideally 12-14 days). We would fly in and out of Phoenix, and go either in March or April, preferably early April. Would there be snow in Flagstaff at this time? We will have 4 kids, 4, 10, 13, 15. We love to visit nat parks and had a great roadtrip in north CA / OR last spring. The 4 yr old is getting a bit big for a backpack and so we will need to limit our hikes to be fairly short or stroller friendly. We are an active family and interested in natural sites, fun for kids, but not touristy or crowded experiences. We wouldn't mind a river float /kayak trip as that was a highlight on our last road trip. We would be interested in bike rental and trip rec. Historical sites or interesting museums would also be good for the older kids. They like history. They like swimming, so if there would be a water park open, that would be fun. I would like them to see the desert sky, and perhaps the Lowell Observatory. I don't like big cities. I would like to do about 3 stops to work from staying at least 3 days in each one, probably airbnbs. I was interested in Joshua tree and Zion, but perhaps is too much driving. Any recommendations of itinerary? I'm starting from nothing, except I'd think I'd prefer to stay north of Phoenix rather than going south at all. Thanks for any ideas!

Answer

Planning a 12-14 day family road trip in Arizona with kids aged 4, 10, 13, and 15 can be a fantastic adventure, especially in early April when the weather is generally mild. Focusing north of Phoenix is a great choice for access to national parks, natural landscapes, and smaller towns, while avoiding the hustle of big cities.

Weather Note: In early April, Flagstaff is at higher elevation (~7,000 ft). Snow is possible, particularly early in the month, but it’s usually melting by mid-April. Expect cool mornings and evenings, with daytime highs in the 50s–60s °F. Pack layers and a stroller cover for the younger child.

Suggested Itinerary (3 main stops, ~3-5 nights each):

Stop 1: Sedona (3-4 nights)
- Easy, family-friendly hikes: Bell Rock Pathway, Fay Canyon Trail (stroller-accessible sections)
- Pink Jeep Tours for scenic rides—no hiking required
- Optional: Slide Rock State Park for swimming if weather allows
- Explore art galleries and small-town vibe
Stop 2: Flagstaff / Grand Canyon Area (4-5 nights)
- Grand Canyon South Rim: shuttle-accessible viewpoints, easy rim walks suitable for kids and strollers
- Lowell Observatory for stargazing and educational programs
- Flagstaff city attractions: Arizona Snowbowl scenic chairlift (weather permitting), Historic Route 66 strolls, local museums
- Short day trips: Walnut Canyon National Monument for easy cliff dwellings trail
- Optional: Sedona to Flagstaff bike rentals along easier sections of Oak Creek Canyon
Stop 3: Page / Lake Powell / Glen Canyon Area (4-5 nights)
- Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: kayak or pontoon boat rentals, easy float trips on calm sections of the lake
- Antelope Canyon X or Waterholes Canyon for a kid-friendly slot canyon experience (Lower Antelope is closed in mid-Jan but check dates for your trip)
- Horseshoe Bend for an easy short hike/viewpoint
- Optional: day trip to Vermilion Cliffs / Marble Canyon scenic drives

Optional Side Trips or Stops:

Zion National Park: 2-3 hour drive from Page, can do short, family-friendly hikes (Riverside Walk, Lower Emerald Pool), but may feel rushed
Historic mining towns near Flagstaff or Sedona: Jerome and Cottonwood for history-focused experiences and small museums
Water parks: Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale is an option if a day indoors with swimming is desired before or after the northern loop

Notes for Families with Young Children:

Keep hikes short and easy for the 4-year-old; consider stroller-friendly sections
Use scenic drives and shuttle-accessible viewpoints to minimize long treks
Plan for downtime at airbnbs or lodges with pools where possible
Start early for Grand Canyon to avoid crowds and maximize light for photography and kid-friendly walks

This itinerary balances natural beauty, kid-friendly activities, and opportunities for light adventure without overwhelming the younger child or turning the trip into constant driving. Each stop offers enough flexibility for spontaneous exploration while keeping driving times manageable.

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