The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing places a person can visit in their lifetime. While the photographs do plenty to whet your sight-seeing appetite, they don’t do justice to the beautiful grandeur that you experience while standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon. A Grand Canyon family vacation is sure to be remembered for a lifetime.

There are many activities available for a Grand Canyon family vacation. Hiking, ranger programs, sight-seeing, and gift shops are just scratching the surface. There are also plenty to do at the hotels. The amenities at the hotels inside of the Grand Canyon National Park are a little lacking. However, if you stay at one of the hotels located in the town of Tusayan, just a couple of miles from the entrance gate to the Grand Canyon, you will find family activities like a fun center complete with a bowling alley or a swimming pool. If you are traveling with children I recommend staying in Tusayan since the hotels offer more. Choosing the right hotel is a major factor in getting the most out of your Grand Canyon family vacation.

The junior ranger program held at the Grand Canyon is sure to make your children remember their Grand Canyon family vacation. To get their junior ranger certificate and badge they must complete a fun filled education workbook, attend a ranger led program, and then have it checked by a ranger. This fun program is a great activity to keep your kids occupied and for them to have fun at the same time. There are three main Junior Ranger awards. The Raven Award is for children ages four through seven years old. The coyote award is for children eight through ten years old. The scorpion award is for children eleven years old and up. There is also a special Phantom Rattler award. This is for children ages four through 14 who make it all the way down to Phantom Ranch and also complete the other necessary things for becoming a junior ranger. Your child will surely enjoy becoming a junior ranger during their Grand Canyon family vacation.

Another fun activity for your Grand Canyon family vacation is to visit the Grand Canyon IMAX. This theater sports a 60 by 80 foot screen that shows a thrilling 34 minute movie of the Grand Canyon, and the daring exploration made down the Colorado River by John Wesley Powell. I’ve seen the movie myself and must warn you, it can be dizzying at times!

A Grand Canyon family vacation is an amazing opportunity to bring the whole family together and have a wonderful time. The abundant wildlife, breathtaking views, and fun activities will leave everyone wanting to plan another Grand Canyon family vacation!

Planning a trip to the Grand Canyon? Find more information at grandcanyonplans.com grandcanyonplans.com

Tim is a former Grand Canyon resident and enjoys helping people plan their vacations to the Grand Canyon.