Planning a family vacation to Arizona in 2025? You’re in for a trip packed with awe-inspiring nature, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable family memories. From the world-famous Grand Canyon South Rim and nearby Grand Canyon Village to the surreal red rocks of Sedona and the winding views of the Colorado River, Arizona offers something for every family, whether yours loves hiking, history, scenic drives, or stargazing.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the ultimate Arizona trip itinerary, filled with family-friendly attractions, national parks, and natural wonders like Horseshoe Bend, Lower Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley Tribal Park. Plus, if you're planning time near Lake Powell, we've got scenic stops and photo ops you'll love. And to make things even easier? We’ll help you find the perfect family-friendly Airbnb through The CT Brothers, who manage top-rated vacation rentals across the state, designed for comfort, convenience, and proximity to all the action.
Visit the Grand Canyon: Hikes, History, and Epic Views for All Ages No Arizona itinerary is complete without a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park, a bucket-list destination and a natural wonder that wows kids and adults alike. The South Rim is your best bet for family-friendly access. It offers safe walkways, railings, and incredible views without strenuous hiking.
Kids will love spotting California condors overhead and peering out at layered rock formations that date back millions of years. Educational stops, such as the Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology Museum , help bring the canyon’s history to life.
South Rim Family Hikes and Easy Lookout Points If your kids enjoy light hiking, trails like Rim Trail and Bright Angel Trail (first 1.5 miles) offer scenic paths that are stroller-friendly and paved in sections. Be sure to check out Mather Point, Hopi Point, and Desert View Watchtower, each offering stunning, accessible vistas with nearby restrooms and shaded spots for snack breaks.
Ride the Grand Canyon Railway or Explore Grand Canyon Village For a bit of old-fashioned fun, take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim. Onboard entertainment features train robbers and cowboy music, making it perfect for younger travelers. Once in the park, stop by Grand Canyon Village for souvenirs, snacks, and access to the Junior Ranger Program , a must for elementary-aged kids.
Discover Horseshoe Bend: A Must-See Viewpoint Near Page, AZ Located just outside of Page, Arizona, Horseshoe Bend is a breathtaking overlook where the Colorado River makes a dramatic U-shaped curve through orange sandstone cliffs. It’s an easy 1.5-mile round-trip walk from the parking area, with plenty of opportunities for unforgettable family photos.
Arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. The viewing area has safety railings, but keep a close eye on the kids. Sunset and midday are the best times for vibrant photography.
Explore Lower Antelope Canyon: Light Beams and Narrow Paths Continue your Page adventure with a guided tour of Lower Antelope Canyon. Unlike Upper Antelope Canyon, this slot canyon requires climbing down ladders and navigating narrower passageways, making it a thrilling experience for adventurous families with older kids (usually ages 7+).
Sunlight filtering through the curving rock formations creates mesmerizing patterns, perfect for photos and sparking curiosity about geology and erosion. Tours book up fast, so plan well in advance.
Tips for Visiting with Kids: Book morning tours for cooler temps Wear closed-toe shoes with a good grip No strollers; use carriers for younger kids Remain on popular trails designated as easy or safe for families. Pack water, hats, and snacks Lake Powell: Water Adventures and Scenic Stops If your itinerary includes Page and the surrounding area, carve out time for Lake Powell . Rent kayaks or take a family-friendly boat tour to explore its incredible canyons and coves. Lone Rock Beach is great for swimming and picnics, and Antelope Point Marina offers dining and boat rentals.
For panoramic views, hike the short Wahweap Overlook Trail or visit Glen Canyon Dam. Lake Powell is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for families.
Discover Sedona’s Bell Rock: Short Trails, Energy Vortexes, and Picnic Spots Heading south to Sedona, your family will love exploring the red rock trails and mystical vortex sites. Bell Rock Trailhead offers a fun, moderate climb for kids who like scrambling on rocks. However, note that the trail may not be clearly marked, so it's recommended to download the map before you go. Some sections are steep, so use caution with younger children. The Bell Rock Pathway is also perfect for an easy stroll or biking adventure.
After hiking, cool off at Red Rock Crossing, a Creekside picnic area with shallow waters for kids to play in and postcard views of Cathedral Rock.
Sedona’s energy vortexes are said to offer healing energy, but even if you’re skeptical, the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere make it a great stop for the whole family.
Petrified Forest National Park: Colorful Fossils and Wide-Open Trails Don’t miss Petrified Forest National Park , located along I-40 near Holbrook. It’s one of the most colorful and surreal landscapes in Arizona, filled with fossilized logs, layered hills, and dinosaur-era history. The Giant Logs Trail and Crystal Forest Trail are short, kid-friendly loops ideal for first-time hikers.
Stop into the Rainbow Forest Museum , where hands-on exhibits and fossils offer fun learning opportunities. Don’t forget to pick up your Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center.
Join Junior Ranger Programs and Hands-On Educational Stops Most national parks in Arizona offer Junior Ranger programs, which help children engage with nature through games, puzzles, and ranger-led chats. These programs are free, educational, and help turn your vacation into a meaningful learning experience.
Add Saguaro National Park or Walnut Canyon for Quick Detours If your road trip heads south, swing by Saguaro National Park near Tucson. Kids will be amazed by the towering saguaro cacti, many over 150 years old! The Cactus Garden Trail is flat and educational, perfect for younger hikers.
Near Flagstaff? Walnut Canyon National Monument offers a unique mix of cliff dwellings, shaded rim trails, and interpretive signage that introduces kids to the ancient Sinagua people.
Explore more family stops with help from trusted sources like Visit Arizona, NPS.gov, and Arizona State Parks.
Monument Valley: A Magical Family Finale Your final stop? Monument Valley is located in the Navajo Nation near the Arizona-Utah border. Its massive sandstone formations and sweeping desert views have been featured in countless movies—and it's just as awe-inspiring in person.
Drive the 17-mile Valley Loop, which winds through towering buttes and mesas. The road is bumpy but manageable in a standard vehicle. Look for elephant-shaped rocks, towering formations like The Mittens, and scenic picnic pullouts.
Book a guided Navajo tour for deeper insight into the region’s culture, history, and spirituality. Many tours include storytelling and stops at traditional homes called hogans. These experiences help kids understand the deep cultural roots that make Monument Valley such a special place.
Whether it’s golden hour selfies or panoramic group shots, Monument Valley is a photographer’s dream. The ever-changing light and vast desert sky make it the perfect place to wrap up your Arizona adventure.
Stay in a Family-Friendly Airbnb — Contact The CT Brothers for the Best Rentals in Arizona With long days of hiking, sightseeing, and road tripping, having a comfortable home base is key. That’s where The CT Brothers come in. They manage a portfolio of highly rated, family-ready Airbnb rentals across Arizona, perfectly located near the stops mentioned above.
From cozy homes with bunk beds and backyards to modern condos with cribs and high chairs, their properties are designed to help you relax and recharge between adventures. Many of their rentals are within minutes of top attractions like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Phoenix.
All stays are professionally cleaned, well-equipped, and managed with hospitality in mind so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Book your trip today.
