FAMILY VACATION

Grand Canyon Family Vacation

  • 6 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Phoenix
  • Trip End: Phoenix

Beat trip price increases. Book by June 1, 2024, to lock in current pricing!

grand canyon family vacation

Kayak, hike, and cruise by train to discover the spectacular geology and the rich history of the southwest on our Grand Canyon family vacation.

An unforgettable journey awaits you and your family. Standing before the mile-deep chasm of Grand Canyon is one of the marvelous moments on this six-day, action-packed family adventure in Arizona. Behold the awe-inspiring vastness of the Grand Canyon, explore the glowing red-rock formations of Sedona, and find yourself wowed by the changing colors on the walls of the Grand Canyon at sunset. All the while, enjoy southwestern hospitality and regional cuisine from comfortable hotels of a bygone era and iconic national park properties.

From the refreshing waters of the Salt River and Colorado River to the history at Montezuma Castle and the wildlife-rich lands along the Grand Canyon Railway, you’ll find inspiration, rejuvenation, and loads of fun for everyone on this Grand Canyon family vacation.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Grand Canyon Family Vacation ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Phoenix Trip End: Phoenix

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Meet in Phoenix, kayak Salt River #1929

  • Day 2Hike Watson Lake, explore Bearizona

  • Day 3Hop on the Grand Canyon Railway, hike the rim of the Grand Canyon

  • Day 4Hike South Kaibab to Ooh Ahh Point

  • Day 5See Sunset Crater, explore Sedona

  • Day 6Broken Arrow Jeep Tour & Phoenix

  • Day 1

    Meet in Phoenix, kayak Salt River #1929

    #42998

    Meet in Phoenix and shuttle to the nearby Salt River for a float trip by inflatable kayaks. This relaxing morning paddle is the perfect way to cool off on a warm day in Arizona’s desert. You’ll glide along lush green riverbanks and towering red cliffs, keeping alert for sightings of wild horses and bald eagles.

    Following lunch, we transfer to Prescott, nestled at an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level amongst the largest stand of ponderosa pine forests in the U.S. Your centrally located hotel is in the perfect location for wandering the streets of this historic destination. Once the territorial capital of the state, Prescott is rich with history embodied in its world-famous Whiskey Row and famous saloons of the Old West. Enjoy your first night’s dinner in the Peacock Room with your fellow travel companions.
    Accommodation: Hassayampa Inn, Prescott
    Meals:
    Lunch, Dinner

    Kayaking: 2 hours

  • Day 2

    Hike Watson Lake, explore Bearizona

    #42999

    Begin the day with a hike around Watson Lake through Prescott’s beautiful Granite Dells north of town. This oasis is surrounded by beautiful rock formations and unique history.

    After a one-hour transfer to the town of Williams, enjoy lunch at Bearizona. You’ll experience this drive-thru and walk-around wildlife park with your knowledgeable guide who will give you a tour of the exhibits and animals who call this place home. You’ll see bears, bighorn sheep, bison, wolves, and many more animals who once roamed wild across the American West.

    After checking into your hotel, the night is free for you to explore and eat dinner in the funky town of Williams, located on historic Route 66!
    Accommodation: Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 3-5 miles (5-8 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Hop on the Grand Canyon Railway, hike the rim of the Grand Canyon

    #43000

    All aboard! This morning, we board the Grand Canyon Railway en route to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. As you cross the Colorado Plateau, be on the lookout for elk, pronghorn, and bald eagles as your knowledgeable train conductor shares with you the history of this fascinating region.

    Upon arrival, enjoy a delectable picnic lunch prepared by your guides. This afternoon, we check out the fascinating architecture of Hermit’s Rest before embarking on a “wow-inducing” hike skirting the rim of the Grand Canyon.
    Accommodation: Kachina Lodge or Thunderbird Lodge, Grand Canyon Village
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: 3 miles (4.8 kilometers)

  • Day 4

    Hike South Kaibab to Ooh Ahh Point

    #43001

    This morning, we hike down the South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge. The South Kaibab Trail winds us down into the depths of the Grand Canyon, giving us a much different perspective looking up at the Rim from below. We make our way down to Cedar Ridge, where the views of the Canyon and its colorful walls will leave you in awe.

    We enjoy our lunch and hike up and out, stopping frequently to catch our breath and take in the magnificent surroundings. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the South Rim Village.
    Accommodation: Kachina Lodge or Thunderbird Lodge, Grand Canyon Village
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: Up to 5 miles (8 kilometers)

  • Day 5

    See Sunset Crater, explore Sedona

    #43002

    Today you’ll say goodbye to the Grand Canyon heading east stopping along the way for a few last viewpoints. You'll first stop at Cameron Trading Post before discovering the unique terrain and lava flows of Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

    From there, it’s onto Sedona where you’ll enjoy lunch in town before having the afternoon to relax and explore. This evening, you’ll gather with your travel companions one last time for dinner at a lovely local spot in town.
    Accommodation: Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble & Creekside Villas 
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

     
     
     

  • Day 6

    Broken Arrow Jeep Tour & Phoenix

    #43003

    Before you say goodbye, say hello to some heart-pumping fun on an exhilarating off-road jeep adventure atop Sedona’s iconic red-rock formations. Explore the past at Montezuma Castle as you observe some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. After a short hike, it’s time to head back to Phoenix for goodbyes.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals:
    Breakfast

    Scenic Drive: 2 hours

Grand Canyon Family Vacation Departure Dates

Loading...

What's Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your trip
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip 
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Special ‘Wow!’ moments you'll never forget
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities 
  • All park and other entry fees 
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

50 off kids adventure vacations April Deal

50% OFF FOR KIDS!

Hurry! Deal Ends April 30!

Get 50% off kids* for ALL our especially ‘Made for Families’ adventure vacations!

A family fun-filled adventure is 100% guaranteed, exploring North America’s epic national parks, or venturing further afield to Europe, Costa Rica, or New Zealand! 

Time is running out, so BOOK NOW to secure your family's adventure - and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime!

50% off kids offer must end April 30, 11:59 PM (Pacific Daylight Time).

*Terms & conditions apply – see below.

*Offer valid for new bookings made through April 30, 2024 (11:59 pm US PDT) for trips departing no later than June 30, 2025. A 50% discount applies to the full advertised adult trip price – not the discounted child concession price. Offer valid for up to two children 12 years and under who must be sharing rooms with at least one adult. To secure the booking and discount, a 50% deposit is due at time of booking. Your 50% deposit is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. If you change or cancel your trip, you will forfeit your 50% deposit, and no refunds will apply. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers. Other restrictions may apply. We highly recommend purchasing Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town at 8am or the Hyatt Place Scottsdale Old Town at 8:15am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Phoenix, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Phoenix Airport at 1pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Phoenix around 1:30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Phoenix/Scottsdale at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Phoenix after 3pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
Pre/Post Accommodation
Optional extra activities
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 90 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

show more

show less

Your Expert Local Guides

Why Travel With Us

11

Experience adventure the way you want

You’ll be inspired and exhilarated, enjoying mind-blowing scenery on foot, in a sea kayak, or by bike - all at your own pace.

benefits awards

Crafting award-winning trips for decades - the New Zealand way

We're proud of our New Zealand roots and you’ll love our professional and warm style of hosting. We’re always here to help with planning... even hiking boot recommendations!

benefit time v2

Every detail covered, to maximise your time

We've got everything covered – top-notch meals, comfortable transport, superb accommodation, amazing guides and INCREDIBLE service.

benefit group travel

Group travel for those who aren’t ‘group travelers’

With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you'll get to know your fellow travelers and have the flexibility to go at your own pace.

benefit gems

Explore hidden gems through our expert local guides

All our carefully selected guides are highly experienced and have deep personal connections to nature and culture. You’ll enjoy an authentic local experience.

benefit review

Over 10,000 5-star reviews - that’s pretty solid

We could hang around all day telling you how wonderful our trips are... but the best people to hear it from are our guests themselves.