Itinerary feedback for November Trip w/ 5~10yr olds

Question

Hi folks, my kid recently became very interested in visiting Petrified Forest National Park, so we though we would turn it into a full trip and visit the Grand Canyon National Park as well before ending our journey in Vegas.

We (family with kids aged 5~10) chose to go in November to avoid scorching heat.

Current itinerary is as follows:

Day 0: Travel to Phx

Evening arrival, pick up rental car, grab a quick bite, and rest.

Day 1:

Spend a day exploring Phx (museums + attractions) and then start heading up to Holbrook in the afternoon around 3pm. Hopefully should get there just before it gets dark.

Day 2:

Visit the Petrified Forest National Park and spend a half/full-day depending on how many trails we hike. If time permits, stop at Meteor Crater before heading to Flagstaff for the night.

Day 3:

Visit Walnut Canyon National Monument (+ Meteor Crater if we didn't get to see it yesterday) as well as the Lowell Observatory at night.

Day 4:

Head up through the east entrance to Grand Canyon, thinking of doing Shoshone Point Trail and visiting Desert View Watchtower and the Yavapai Geology museum. If time permit, catch the sunset at one of the many view points. Overnight in Grand Canyon National Park.

Day 5:

Drive to Vegas, maybe a stop at Hoover Dam (maybe just a few pictures and skip the tour).

Looks like it's about a 4 hours drive, still trying to figure out how to break it up so it's not too boring for the kids.

Day 5+:

Nothing major planned yet. Maybe watch a few shows before flying out.

Thanks for your expertise!

Answer

Your November itinerary looks well thought out and balanced, especially considering the ages of your kids. Visiting the Petrified Forest and the Grand Canyon while including stops at Flagstaff and Meteor Crater offers a great mix of nature, history, and fun learning opportunities. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to help optimize the trip for both adults and children.

Day 0 – Arrival in Phoenix:

Evening arrival is good; consider picking a family-friendly dinner spot near the airport or rental car location to minimize stress.
Rest early to be ready for a full day in Phoenix.

Day 1 – Phoenix & drive to Holbrook:

Visiting museums and attractions in Phoenix in the morning is ideal for kids’ energy levels. Good options include the Arizona Science Center, Children’s Museum, or Desert Botanical Garden.
Leaving around 3pm for Holbrook is reasonable. The drive is about 3-3.5 hours, so arriving before dark is doable. Pack snacks and water to keep kids entertained on the road.

Day 2 – Petrified Forest & Meteor Crater:

Plan for at least a half-day at Petrified Forest National Park. Trails like Giant Logs, Blue Mesa, and Newspaper Rock are easy and kid-friendly.
Meteor Crater is a fun detour and only adds about 45 minutes of drive time from Holbrook. If you start early, you could comfortably visit both the park and crater.
Drive to Flagstaff afterward for overnight. This sets you up nicely for Day 3 activities.

Day 3 – Walnut Canyon & Lowell Observatory:

Walnut Canyon National Monument is a short, kid-friendly hike with cliff dwellings that will capture the children’s imagination.
If you didn’t make it to Meteor Crater Day 2, this is your second chance.
Evening at Lowell Observatory is perfect for kids. Check for special programs or telescope viewings, as this can be a highlight for the trip.

Day 4 – Grand Canyon:

Entering via the East Rim is good timing. The Shoshone Point Trail is scenic and less crowded, ideal for kids and family photos.
Desert View Watchtower and Yavapai Geology Museum are excellent educational stops that are not physically demanding for younger children.
Sunset at a viewpoint is highly recommended; Mather Point or Lipan Point are great options and accessible for kids.
Overnight inside the park simplifies logistics and maximizes time at the canyon.

Day 5 – Drive to Las Vegas:

The drive is roughly 4-4.5 hours. A stop at Hoover Dam for pictures is perfect for stretching legs and adding a fun landmark experience.
Consider an additional short stop at Route 66 in Kingman or a scenic pullout to break up the drive for kids.

Day 5+ – Vegas:

Leaving this open is smart; it gives flexibility depending on energy levels. Shows like Cirque du Soleil or interactive attractions can be memorable for children.
Consider a short visit to themed hotels, aquarium exhibits, or the Adventuredome at Circus Circus for kid-friendly activities.

Additional tips:

Pack snacks, water, and small activities for long drives to keep the children engaged.
Weather in November can be chilly, especially at higher elevations like Grand Canyon and Flagstaff; layers are essential.
Make sure accommodations are booked in advance, particularly in Grand Canyon National Park and Flagstaff.
Allow some flexibility in daily plans; kids may need extra rest or spontaneous exploration time.

Overall, your itinerary is a well-paced mix of scenic drives, outdoor activities, and educational stops, with enough downtime for the children. Minor adjustments, like breaking up long drives with scenic stops and prioritizing kid-friendly trails, will make it enjoyable for the whole family.

Itinerary feedback for November Trip w/ 5~10yr olds

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