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Kid-Friendly Activities at the Grand Canyon

Kid Friendly Activities Grand Canyon

There’s no doubt that the Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful destinations globally, but is the Grand Canyon a good place to visit with kids?

When we receive this question, our answer is always an enthusiastic “Yes!” There are so many fun things to do at the Grand Canyon with kids, making it a trip that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re day-tripping from Phoenix arriving from out-of-state, our team is passionate about helping visitors plan a memorable visit to Arizona’s very own Natural Wonder of the World. And with this handy guide to kid-friendly activities at the Grand Canyon, you can get a great start on your itinerary.

1. Earn a badge as a National Park Junior Ranger.

In National Parks across the U.S., kids can participate in free educational activities and earn their very own Junior Park Ranger badge and certificate. Each National Park offers a unique badge, and there are programs available for various age groups.

At the Grand Canyon, Junior Ranger badges can be earned at both the North and South Rim. The activity booklet is available at the following locations for children four and up:

  • North Rim: Visitor Center
  • South Rim: Grand Canyon Visitor Center, Tusayan Museum (near Desert View), Park Headquarters, Yavapai Geology Museum, and Kolb Studio.

Activities include drawing pictures, attending a ranger-led program, writing observations, and even creating poems. Once your child has completed all their activities, they can return the booklet, take their Junior Ranger pledge, and receive their Grand Canyon Junior Ranger badge.

Buck Wild Tour Tip: When you’re touring the Grand Canyon with your Buck Wild Grand Canyon Tour Guide, you can expect to make 3-4 stops at viewpoints in the area. One possible stop is the Yavapai Point & Geology Museum, so you could pick up a Junior Ranger booklet then!

2. Do a family hike on the Bright Angel Trail.

There are so many Grand Canyon trails to choose from, and the Bright Angel Trail is a great choice for families with kids. Even though most other trails that descend below the South Rim are too challenging for children, this trail is wide and generally well-graded (not too steep). There are rest houses situated at the 1.5-mile and 3-mile marks, so your group can stop for a snack.

The hike down is pretty easy and enjoyable, but keep in mind that younger children (and even adults) can get tired on the hike back up. Plan your hike to avoid trekking out during the hotter part of the day (midday), and know when to turn around. The rest house at the 3-mile mark is an ideal turn-around point for families with older children, while those with younger kids might want to head back once they reach the 1.5-mile rest house.

Buck Wild Tour Tip: If you have very young children, a hike might not be in the cards – but that doesn’t mean you can’t all see the sights of the Grand Canyon!

Buck Wild Grand Canyon Hummer Tours take you on a scenic tour of the canyon, setting you up in a comfortable, stadium-style seat in our military-grade Humvees. So, whether your kids are too young to hike or you simply prefer a more relaxing experience, our Grand Canyon Hummer Tour can be a perfect fit.

3. Attend the annual Star Party with your astronomers-in-the-making.

Do you have a child interested in all things space? Every June, an event called the Star Party is hosted on both the North and South Rims of the Grand Canyon. Astronomers from around the U.S. gather with powerful telescopes, taking in the faraway views of stars, planets, and galaxies.

Even if you aren’t able to make it to the Star Party, there are plenty of other ways to see the night sky showing off some extra sparkle. Two of the best places to stargaze at the Grand Canyon are Yavapai Point and Lipan Point, both located on the South Rim.

Buck Wild Tour Tip: If you’re planning to stay out after dark to see the stars, why not soak up a Grand Canyon sunset as well? Our Sunset Tour of the Grand Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives you a front-row seat to one of the most incredible shows in the world.

You and your family can sit back and relax in the Humvee, and we’ll take care of timing the tour perfectly to coincide with the setting sun. Afterward, you can head over to a stargazing spot to end the evening on an extra magical note.

4. See the canyon from above with a Grand Canyon Airplane Tour.

If you have older children or teens, then you already know that they can be tough customers – but we’ve never met one that’s not impressed by aerial views of the Grand Canyon! For a truly special experience, they’ll remember forever, with an Air and Hummer Combo Tour and get the best of both worlds.

We’ll fly you high above the canyon for a 40–50-minute trip so that you can take in the North Rim, Kaibab National Forest, and even the Kaibab Plateau. Then, you’ll board a Buck Wild Hummer for an on-the-ground tour and stops at some of the Grand Canyon’s best viewpoints.

Buck Wild Tour Tip: Whether you have a wildlife enthusiast, history buff, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, this combination tour is a guaranteed hit. And your kids don’t have to be teens to join in on the adventure – booking is available for kids of all ages. We’re always happy to answer questions about bringing kids on an airplane tour, so feel free to reach out!

Experience the Grand Canyon in All Its Splendor with Our Grand Canyon Hummer Tours

Whether you’re five or eighty-five, few things can compare to seeing the majesty of the Grand Canyon. It’s not unusual for even our youngest tour participants to express their wonder at this one-of-a-kind sight. So, if you’ve been wondering how to plan a family trip to the Grand Canyon, know that it’s an experience just about anyone – of any age – can appreciate.

Buck Wild Hummer Tours is one of the leading providers of tours of the Grand Canyon, with a wide variety of options to suit families and groups. Our tours are a perfect fit for Grand Canyon day trips as well as extended visits, with discounted rates available for children. Our vehicles can even accommodate an infant/toddler car set or booster seat (we provide them and require them for children in accordance with AZ and CA law), so your littlest adventurers can come along!

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Start planning your Grand Canyon visit with kids now, and take full advantage of all of the resources we offer. Booking your tour is quick, easy, and can be done online now – we can’t wait to see you there!

 

Featured Image: blazg/Shutterstock

 

 

Buck Wild Hummer Tours

469 AZ-64 Suite A,

Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Call Us

(928) 362-5940

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Monday-Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM