Grand Canyon Summer Itinerary for Families

Late Morning / Early Afternoon:

• Arrive at the South Rim to begin your Grand Canyon family adventure and head to the South Rim Visitor Center to get oriented with the park. With short park orientation films and trail information, it’s a great first stop for your Grand Canyon trip.
• Pick up free Junior Ranger Program booklets for your children, designed to foster learning about Grand Canyon through interactive activities for all ages. At the end of your trip, be sure to check back in at the Visitor Center for your kids to take the Junior Ranger pledge and earn their badges!
• Walk behind the Visitor Center to the Rim Trail for your first panoramic view of the Grand Canyon before heading to The Squire at Grand Canyon, minutes from the entrance to the South Rim in Tusayan, AZ.

Afternoon + Evening:

• Check in at The Squire, then let the kids to unwind from travel in the outdoor pool. Enjoy a round of lawn games as a family between cannonballs and summertime splashes.
• Lounge poolside with lunch or drinks from Watchtower Pool + Patio. Don’t miss out on the Southwest Chicken Wrap or the Prickly Pear Margarita!
• Finish the first day of your Grand Canyon summer vacation by cozying up around the outdoor fire pits and roasting complimentary s’mores.

Morning:

• Fuel up for your day with breakfast Yavapai Dining Hall before embarking on a hike in Grand Canyon’s South Rim. Explore the Trail of Time on the Rim Trail by Yavapai Geology Museum for a flat, paved hike with panoramic views.
• Want to descend into the canyon? Take the free South Rim shuttle on the Kaibab Rim (Orange) Route to the South Kaibab Trailhead, then hike down to the iconic Ooh Aah Point. The trek to this common turnaround point is moderately challenging, offering dramatic Grand Canyon views throughout the 1.8-mile round trip hike.
• Note: If hiking into the canyon in the summer months, it is best to hike earlier in the day to avoid the heat. Be sure to pack plenty of water and check trail conditions prior to your hike. If you’re in need of hiking gear rentals, check out Canyon Village Market (General Store).

Afternoon:

• Head to Desert View Watchtower along Desert View Drive to explore the eastern area of Grand Canyon. Stop at viewpoints along the way such as Pipe Creek Vista, Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, Navajo Point, and Duck on a Rock.
• Grab lunch at Desert View Market & Deli, then explore the historic watchtower and taken in sweeping canyon views. Don’t miss a refreshing scoop of ice cream at Desert View Trading Post before you head back to Grand Canyon Village.
• If your family needs a break, head back to The Squire to cool off by the pool or play a round of arcade games before dinner.

Evening:

• Shop for souvenirs and picnic snacks for sunset at Canyon Village Market (General Store) in Market Plaza, then walk across the parking lot to Yavapai Tavern for dinner with signature American fare and Southwestern delights.
• After dinner, park at the Visitor Center and walk to Mather Point for sunset. Located on the Rim Trail, this can’t-miss Grand Canyon viewpoint is known for its panoramic views—perfect for capturing photos of the colorful sky over the canyon’s rim.
• Stay after the sun sets below the horizon and watch the stars come alive above the canyon. As an International Dark Sky Park, the Grand Canyon is one of the best places in the world to stargaze—you might even spot the Milky Way! As a bonus, attend a free Night Sky Talk at Yavapai Lodge, available on select dates for astrological exploration and cosmic discovery with the James Webb Space Telescope.

Morning:

• Savor breakfast in Canyon Room at The Squire, then head to the South Rim for a family-friendly self-guided or ranger-led hike to learn more about the Grand Canyon.
• A self-guided hike with on-demand audio allows you to take a leisure walk at your own pace to explore the Grand Canyon, while scheduled ranger-led Grand Canyon tours include information on the canyon’s geology, wildlife, and history.

Afternoon + Evening:

• Spend the afternoon exploring the museums and exhibits around Grand Canyon Village. With the free Grand Canyon shuttle system, you can easily navigate between destinations like Yavapai Geology Museum, Kolb Studio, and Verkamp Visitor Center without moving your car!
• If the Junior Ranger Programs are complete, be sure to turn them in at a visitor center so your kids can become official Junior Rangers and earn their badges.
• From the Visitor Center, take the Village (Blue) Route to Bright Angel Trailhead, then hop on the Hermit Rest (Red) Route to explore the viewpoints along Hermit Road. Stop at Hopi Point along the shuttle route for a colorful sunset and views of the Colorado River.

Morning:

• Stop at Starbucks in Tusayan for breakfast on-the-go, then depart for Williams, AZ—known as Route 66’s “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.”
• Spend the morning exploring the historic Route 66 destinations like vintage diners, classic neon signs, and old-west shops.

Afternoon + Evening:

• Immerse yourself with the local environment at Bearizona Wildlife Park. A common favorite for family-friendly activities near Grand Canyon, this drive-through experience allows visitors to safely see the expansive wildlife habitats of black bears, wolves, bison, and more. For even more interactive exhibits and educational opportunities, explore on foot in the walk-through area!
• Back at The Squire, enjoy an upscale dinner at Desert Lounge + Grill. Unwind with a free family-friendly dive-in movie at the indoor pool for a relaxing end to the day.

Morning + Early Afternoon:

• Kick off your final day with a scenic adventure from Buck Wild Hummer Tours. These are of the most exciting Grand Canyon National Park tours for families and include open-air vehicles, stops at iconic viewpoints, and educational information from expert tour guides.
• Spend the rest of your final day visiting photo-worthy landmarks along the Grand Canyon’s rim prior to departure.

Feeling more adventurous? Explore other family-friendly Grand Canyon tours that offer a unique perspective of the park.

• Grand Canyon Mule Rides: Guided mule rides allow visitors to descend into the canyon, stopping at sites that ordinarily would take most of the day to see on foot. Note: riders must be at least 9 years of age to participate.
• Papillon Helicopter Tour: Take in the breathtaking aerial views of the canyon with largest and most experienced Grand Canyon helicopter tour company. With a range of tours to choose from, you can find the perfect experience to best suit your family’s needs.

With indoor and outdoor pools, an arcade, complimentary s’mores, lawn games, and on-site restaurants, The Squire at Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn® Resort, is the perfect family-friendly hotel for a Grand Canyon summer vacation. Ready to book your stay? Check our Grand Canyon vacation packages and book your stay today.