A nice road trip is a great opportunity to spend some quality family time and also a chance for kids to learn a ton of new things and see many different places. So next time you go to Vegas try to find some time to explore the whole Grand Canyon area.

Highlights of this trip include the Hoover Dam, a patch of Route 66, the magnificent Grand Canyon, Horseshoe bend on Colorado River, the incredible Antelope Canyon, Red Rock State Park in Sedona, AZ and one of the most beautiful drives in the world from Flagstaff to Phoenix.

Las Vegas

Vegas might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a family friendly destination but truth is there is an infinity of activities that will keep kids busy and assure they will have a lot of fun. Plans will vary depending on the age of your kids and the season you’ll go (if your kids love a nice pool avoid winter because it can get pretty cold), for more detailed information check this post out (here).

Road Trip Day 1 – Hoover Dam, Route 66, Seligman, Grand Canyon National Park.

Hoover Dam – Leaving early is key to avoid heavy traffic at the Hoover Dam. If you are interested in learning about the history of the dam it is worth it to park your car and enter the facility. Another option would be to go on a cruise on Lake Mead. If you are in it just for the views, just drive through the Hoover Dam Access Road and explore the lookouts.

Important to notice – once you cross the river you will be in Arizona, which means you “lost” one hour due to the time zone difference. During winter, when the sun sets earlier, this might be the difference between driving during the day or having to do some night driving to get to the Grand Canyon Village.

After you are done with the Hoover Dam, drive to Kingsman where you’ll take on the iconic Route 66. Enjoy the drive and get to the historic village of Seligman, “Brithplace of historic Route 66”. This nice little dying town, along with the landscape in Sedona, AZ, served as inspiration for the movie “Cars”. There is a small Historic District with with some gift shops.

Make your way to the Grand Canyon Village and spend the next couple of days exploring the area.

Days 2 and 3 – Exploring Grand Canyon, heading to Page, AZ.

The Grand Canyon is the most majestic place I have ever been. So powerful, so splendorous and unforgettable. It is just magical to watch your son’s face admiring all of that natural beauty. From West rim to South rim and every lookout in between. Every stop is worth it, every view is amazing.

Page – Home of the Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

Book your tour to the Antelope Canyon in advance and be prepared for long waits in line. The canyon is in private Navajo land and the guides are all Navajo Native Americans. There are many different tour companies but it ends up being the same tour for all of them.

There isn’t much of a hike to get to the Antelope Canyon, my son was 2 when he did it, it’s more like a guided walking tour inside the narrow canyons.

The Horseshoe Bend is epic. There is really not a lot to be said about it, as there is to be appreciated and seen.

Days 4 and 5 – Making your way through Sedona, Red Rock State Park and catching your plane back home in Phoenix.

Drive through the Old Creek Canyon, have a picnic at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site, stop by the Bell Rock, the Cathedral Rock and top all of it with a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. If it isn’t too hot and your family would enjoy a hike, there are hundreds of trails with all levels of difficulty waiting to be explored.