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National Parks / Natural World Near Me in Grand Canyon, AZ
If there was ever a natural wonder to experience in your lifetime, it might just be the Grand Canyon!
The Grand Canyon is Arizona's natural rock formation that was carved by the mighty Colorado River, and is a whopping 227 miles long!
It's also a place where you can not only see it, but experience it and learn about it too, with the many attractions in the area!
You can be very BRAVE and try the very cool Sky Walk - the glass bridge that suspends you more than 4000 ft above the gorge floor, or you take just enjoy the surrounding nature and explore the Grand Canyon National Park!
Think winter is out? Nope! Not with the Flagstaff Nordic Center, which gives you skiing fun when you're in that white wonderland.
The Grand Canyon is a true feat of nature, and one that you certainly won't want to miss. Just don't forget your camera, and your sense of adventure!
Planning your Trip to Grand Canyon
Looking for ideas for the family when visiting the Grand Canyon Arizona? Here we list fun things to do in Grand Canyon, Arizona with kids. Discover everything Arizona has to offer when going on vacation with the little ones. Everything from playgrounds, theme parks, water parks, and the Grand Canyon National Park. Plan a trip of a lifetime tailored around your budget without missing out on the fun.
A trip to the Grand Canyon, Arizona with kids is the trip of a lifetime! Home to iconic attractions including the Grand Canyon, the Southwestern state of Arizona is a fantastic destination to visit with kids.
Planning a vacation to Arizona with kids can be a difficult task as there are so many choices of things to do. To help you out, we have compiled a helpful guide on the best places to visit in Arizona with kids.
Majority of people that have never visited Arizona only know it for two things which are the Grand Canyon and cacti. Truth be known, Arizona has so many things to do with Kids! Arizona is full of diverse natural beauty, historic sites, amazing national parks, and fun attractions.
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
With its breathtaking views that are featured in the famous movie Forest Gump, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is definitely worth a visit. Spend time driving through Monument Valley. Experience the Valley Drive loop which is a 17-mile road that winds around some of the most scenic routes of the valley.
Hiking Bright Angel Trail
The Bright Angel Trail is a suitable hike for families with young children. This trail is fairly wide and decently graded with plenty of rest houses along the way, Bear in mind that hiking down the trail is fun but hiking back up can be strenuous for children and adults and therefore must be avoided during the mid-day heat.
Sonora Desert Museum
Located south of the Saguaro National Park is the Sonora Desert Museum. This kid-friendly museum shows all that the Sonoran Desert has to offer from botanical gardens, history, and part zoo. The Sonora Desert Museum is a great place to visit with the kids and offers a seamless blend of animal enclosures surrounded by the desert landscape.
Cooling off in Arizona’s Desert Lakes
Summers in Arizona are undeniably hot! Luckily there are plenty of lakes to choose from to cool down. Lake Havasu on the border of Arizona and California is a popular destination for families with young children. Here you can experience camping, swimming, and boating.
Phoenix Papago Park
Papago Park is a must-see when visiting Arizona. Families can enjoy plenty of picnic areas hiking trails and several small fishing lakes. The park has a garden set of 145 acres and houses over 50,000 desert plants and offers plenty of programs targeted at young kids. Be sure to visit Papago park either earlier in the day or after the mid-day heat.
Each year millions of families flock to the Grand Canyon state to experience the beauty of the low desert alpine ski zones and its very own West Coast Beaches. Visiting Arizona is special all year round. Deciding on when best to visit depends on what you plan on doing and the places you wish to visit to get the best experience.
The lowest prices throughout Arizona its best to visit during the months of March to May and then again from September to November.
Mid to late January Arizonans winter period and the rainy season have passed and the central deserts come alive with a vibrant palette of beautiful colours and wildflowers, this is when golf is most popular for families and also you can expect attractions to be busier.
During May is when Arizona starts to heat up and you can start to see the cactus grow and temperatures growing into the 100s. The heat can be sweltering for some, so it’s advised not to visit Arizona with young children during this time as the heat can be intolerable.
There’s a case for each season and the best time to visit Arizona. During late Spring you can see the wonderful aspen foliage and mountain meadows.
We’ve based our section on places that offer the best outdoor activities and breath-taking views, fun things to do, and opportunities to learn about the local culture and history.
Sedona
Sedona sits between Coconino and Yavapai countries in the Northern Verde region of Arizona. There are lots of fun places to visit in Sedona. If you’re interested in learning about Sedons history then you can visit the Heritage Museum and learn about the pioneering of the town.
After learning about the local history be sure to take the little ones to one of Sedona's main natural vortexes. You can find the main city vortexes at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton. Hiking up one of the main vortexes is a truly wonderful experience for the children. Let them experience the positive vibes from the red rocks.
You cannot leave Sedona without visiting the local safari park, red Rock State Park. Here, your children will learn all about the local wildlife and enjoy spotting bobcats, deer, coyotes, and javelins.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a popular place to visit for families with kids of all ages. There is so much to do and visit, for instance, you can take the kids for a drive in the Coconino National Forest, where they can enjoy the scenic views of devil’s bridge and cathedral rock.
Alternatively, you can take the kids for a ski lift ride up to the San Francisco Peaks, where they can view the beautiful landscape below.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, then be sure to visit the Fort Tuthill County Park where they can ride the extreme zip line. As well as ziplining, the kids can experience rope climbing and lots of other fun activities.
Phoenix
Phoenix is the place to go if you’re looking for a perfect getaway destination with plenty of fun things to do with kids. Phoenix is located in the south-central portion of Arizona and is home to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Here, your kids can enjoy trekking through the trails that run through the flowers, trees, and cacti. The botanical garden is a great focal point for family photos.
After visiting the botanical gardens, make sure to take your kids for a visit to Camelback Mountain. Here they can enjoy the views of the Phoenix towns and Scottsdale.
If hiking isn’t your thing, then take the kids to Phoenix Zoo. Where they can see the Galapagos tortoises, baboons, Sumatran tigers, and Komodo dragons.
Scottsdale
Scottsdale is another popular destination to visit with kids. Scottsdale is popular because of its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities for children of all ages.
Boasting outstanding museums, kids can also learn and the local culture and history whilst taking in the breathtaking views.
If you want to do something more chilled with the little ones, then pay a visit to the wildlife zoo and aquarium at Litchfield Park. Here the little ones will enjoy seeing the gazelles, giraffes, antelopes, and many other exotic animals.
Getting around Arizona with kids needn’t be difficult. There are many fun ways of exploring all that Arizona has to offer for kids.
On Horseback. Arizona is the Wild West after all so why not trot through the Mountain Regional Park on horseback? There are many services that offer Horseback rides for families Be sure to pack your cowboy boots and chaps!
By Boat. The Dolly steamboat has been cruising since 1987 and glides along with the secluded nooks of the Apache Junction and Canyon Lake. The Dolly Steamboat is a great experience for children of all ages. Whilst cruising lookout for the local bald eagles, bighorn sheep, and migrating birds.
Mountain biking. Pedal around the South Mountain Park and Preserve in Phoenix which takes you up and over the Ma Ha Tauk and Guadalupe mountain ranges. The view from the top is spectacular and does not disappoint.
On foot. Nearby the Goldfield Mountains and Tonto National Forest spans 3,600 acres of beautiful landscape. The wonderful views include the Park Nature Centre and Wind Cave Trail.
Arizona is known for its awesome food. The Southwest is surrounded by Latino and Indigenous communities that heavily influence the local cuisines. Here we list some of the most iconic foods to try when visiting Arizona with kids.
Chimichangas
The Chimichanga is essentially a deep-fried burrito. This delicious baked treat oozes with the perfect combination of meats, cheese, and creams you desire. This flavourful delicacy is surprisingly light and the perfect little treat after a long day trekking through the Grand Canyon.
Navajo Tacos
Deliciously crispy on the outside and soft on the inside the Navajo Taco is made with Indian Fried bread and filled with a meaty mixture of ground beef and topped with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and tomatoes. You’ve been warned! once you try the Navajo Taco you won’t stop at one. This delicious delight is rather addictive and popular for young children.
Red Chile Stew
Is a flavourful and hearty stew made with simmered meat in a Mexican-style chili sauce. This authentic Mexican delight is best served after a day trekking through a cold winter’s day. A sure winner with all families with young kids.
Sonoran Hot Dog
The Sonoran Hot Dog is an all-American hotdog, wrapped in bacon smothered in flavours of Old Mexico and pinto beans. Stuffed with Mexican Crema and avocado the Sonoran Hot Dog is a popular choice when visiting Arizona.
Whether you decide to visit in the height of summer or later in the year, Arizona has a lot to offer in terms of hotels for families with kids. With some incredible off-season deals you can choose from one of the many kid-friendly hotels, Arizona has to offer.
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
The spectacular views of the Sonoran Desert and MacDowell Mountains provide the perfect backdrop to the luxurious Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch. This resort is kid-friendly and provides plenty of amenities to keep young children entertained. Everything from an outdoor playground, sandy beaches, pools, waterslides, and Club Hyatt for children aged 3-12 years of age. The Hyatt also offers access to a fantastic spa for parents to relax whilst the children play.
The Wigwam
The Wigwam sits within the 440 acres of AAA Four Diamond Arizona resort. This hotel has over 331 bedrooms, and 70 suites and offers plenty of activities for children of all ages. With over 3 outdoor pools, waterslides, children’s fun zones, 2 bocce ball courts, bike rentals, 9 tennis courts, and a 26,000 square foot sanctuary spa. The Wigwam is the perfect vacation for any family. Set in the Sonoran Desert this hotel provides everything for an entertaining and relaxing vacation.
The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
The Western Kierland offers everything to keep the little ones entrained. Located in Scottsdale the Western has its very own Adventure park with a 900-foot lazy river and huge waterslide! Kids clubs for younger children and lots of games for the families to enjoy together, games like outdoor chess and scavenger hunts around the resort.
