10 Best Family Activities Near the
Grand Canyon South Rim
From horseback rides through ancient pines to starlit campfires—here’s how to make your Grand Canyon trip truly unforgettable.
Planning a Grand Canyon family vacation? Most visitors spend all their time at the rim viewpoints—and miss the incredible adventures waiting just outside the park gates. Whether you have a day or a week, this guide covers the top things to do near the Grand Canyon South Rim that kids and adults will actually love.
The Grand Canyon is one of the greatest natural wonders on Earth—but staring at the rim can only hold a child’s attention for so long. The good news? The area surrounding the South Rim is packed with genuine adventure, from guided horseback rides through towering ponderosa pines to evening wagon rides under the Arizona stars.
We’re Grand Canyon Trail Rides, located just north of Tusayan right outside the South Rim entrance. We’ve been helping families experience the wild beauty of the Kaibab National Forest on horseback for years—and we’ve seen firsthand how a single trail ride can turn a good vacation into a lifelong memory.
Here are the 10 best family activities near the Grand Canyon South Rim, ranked and ready for your trip planner.
The Top 10 Family Activities Near the Grand Canyon
Horseback Riding Through the Kaibab National Forest
Nothing captures the spirit of the American West like riding a horse through ancient pines with canyon views on the horizon. Our guided trail rides are perfect for families with kids ages 6 and up, and no prior riding experience is needed. Choose from a 30-minute Little Buckaroo ride for younger adventurers or a full 2-hour scenic journey for families wanting to soak it all in. Every horse is family-raised and matched to your riding ability by our experienced guides. This is the kind of experience kids talk about for years.
Evening Wagon Ride & Hot Dog Roast
As the sun dips below the canyon walls, saddle up for a twilight trail ride through the Kaibab forest—then gather around a crackling campfire to roast hot dogs and s’mores. Our Evening Hot Dog Roast & Campfire Ride combines the best of western tradition: a horseback adventure, a wood fire, and a sky full of stars that you simply can’t see anywhere else. Perfect for families who want to slow down and really feel the magic of the Southwest. (Campfires subject to fire bans—check availability when booking.)
**fire restrictions prevent us from starting a fire.
Root Beer Saloon Wagon Ride
Looking for something a little sweeter? Our Root Beer Saloon Wagon Ride rolls through the twilight forest while the whole family sips on frosty root beer floats served in souvenir cups. It’s a charming, accessible experience for all ages—including those who aren’t quite ready for horseback. A nostalgic, uniquely western adventure that’s been a surprise hit with families.
**fire restrictions prevent us from starting a fire.
Walk (or Bike) the South Rim Trail
The paved South Rim Trail stretches 13 miles from Hermits Rest to the South Kaibab Trailhead, weaving through viewpoints with jaw-dropping canyon vistas. It’s flat, accessible, and stroller-friendly. Families can also rent bikes or e-bikes from Bright Angel Bicycles near the Visitor Center for a more energetic explore. The shuttle system makes it easy to hop between sections without backtracking.
Junior Ranger Program
The National Park Service’s Junior Ranger program is one of the most beloved family traditions at any national park—and the Grand Canyon’s version is exceptional. Kids pick up an activity booklet at the Visitor Center, Yavapai Geology Museum, or Kolb Studio, complete ranger-guided activities, and earn an official badge. It gives children a mission and a sense of ownership over the park that makes the whole visit more meaningful.
Shoshone Point (Hidden Gem Walk)
Tucked away from the crowds, Shoshone Point offers stunning South Rim views via an easy, flat, mile-long dirt trail. There are picnic tables and grills at the end—perfect for a family lunch with canyon views. It’s one of the best-kept secrets near the South Rim and ideal for families with younger children who aren’t ready for strenuous hikes.
Grand Canyon IMAX Movie (Tusayan)
Located just outside the park in Tusayan—about 10 minutes from our stables—the Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre shows a thrilling 34-minute film about the canyon’s geology, history, and majesty. It’s a great midday activity when the heat peaks in summer, and an excellent way to give kids context and wonder before they see the real thing. Reasonably priced and highly recommended as a trip kickoff.
Yavapai Geology Museum
Free to enter and packed with interactive displays, the Yavapai Geology Museum sits at one of the most scenic overlooks on the South Rim. Giant panoramic windows let you look directly into the canyon while exhibits explain the 1.7-billion-year-old rock layers you’re seeing. Kids who ask “how did this happen?” will have their curiosity rewarded here.
Bearizona Wildlife Park (Williams, AZ)
About an hour’s drive south in Williams, Bearizona is a 160-acre drive-through wildlife park with black bears, grizzlies, bison, jaguars, and more. The park also features a walk-through section with smaller animals and a petting area. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the Southwest—a spectacular pairing with a Grand Canyon day trip, especially for animal-loving kids.
Helicopter or Plane Tour Over the Canyon
For families with a bigger adventure budget, a helicopter or small-plane tour offers perspectives of the Grand Canyon that no rim viewpoint can match. Multiple operators fly from the Tusayan airport just south of the park entrance. It’s an expensive but awe-inspiring experience that older kids and teens especially love. Book well in advance during peak season.
Why Horseback Riding Should Be #1 on Your List
The viewpoints are beautiful—but they’re passive. Horseback riding through the Kaibab National Forest puts your family inside the landscape, not just looking at it. The smell of pine, the rhythm of the trail, the connection with a living animal—it’s a completely different kind of Grand Canyon experience.
Our horses are family-raised, gentle, and matched to every rider’s experience level. No riding experience needed. Kids as young as 6 can ride. And every trip is led by experienced guides who know how to make first-timers feel at home in the saddle.
Our Trail Ride Options at a Glance
All rides depart from our stables just north of Tusayan, right outside the South Rim entrance. Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled ride. Children must be 6 years or older and accompanied by an adult.
- Ride
- ½ Hour Little Buckaroo
- 1 Hour Trail Ride
- 1½ Hour Trail Ride
- 2 Hour Trail Ride
- Evening Horseback & Hot Dog Roast
- Root Beer Saloon Wagon Ride
- Duration
- 30 min
- 1 hr
- 90 min
- 2 hrs
- Evening
- Evening
- Best for
- Young first-timers, ages 6+
- Families on a tight schedule
- Families who want more forest immersion
- Adults & families seeking a full experience
- Families who want the full western evening
- All ages, no riding required
Practical Tips for Planning Your Grand Canyon Family Trip
- Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) offer the most comfortable weather with fewer crowds and temperatures in the pleasant 75–90°F range.
- Book horseback rides in advance: Especially during summer and holidays—rides fill up fast. Book online at grandcanyonhorsebackriding.com.
- Arrive early at viewpoints: The most popular overlooks get crowded by 9 AM. Either go at sunrise or use the park’s free shuttle system to hop between stops.
- Stay hydrated: The desert altitude is deceptively dehydrating, especially for kids. Bring more water than you think you’ll need on any trail or ride.
- Mix passive and active: Alternate viewpoint stops with hands-on activities like horseback rides or Junior Ranger programs to keep kids engaged all day.
- Our location: Grand Canyon Trail Rides is north of Tusayan—just minutes from the South Rim entrance—making it easy to add to any day’s itinerary.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Grand Canyon with Kids?
The South Rim is open year-round, but timing matters—especially for families. Spring and fall are the sweet spots: temperatures are comfortable for hiking and riding, crowds are manageable, and all park amenities are fully operational.
Summer brings the most visitors but also intense midday heat. Plan active outdoor activities like horseback riding for the morning or evening, and escape to the IMAX or geology museum in the afternoon. Winter offers a quieter, almost magical experience—though some facilities close and trails can be icy.
For horseback riding specifically, our season typically runs spring through fall. Check our website for current availability and seasonal schedules.
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