The Grand Canyon is busiest from early spring through fall. For a more enjoyable experience, arrive at the South Rim entrance gate early in the day. Obtain a 7-day entrance pass at the Visitor Center in Tusayan, which also features a Grand Canyon IMAX film.

Due to limited parking along the South Rim, utilize the Free Grand Canyon Shuttle System with four color-coded routes. Pack essentials like refillable water bottles, sunscreen, and a hat for your visit.

Top 15 Things to Do at the Grand Canyon with Kids:

• Visit the Grand Canyon Visitors Center.
• Grab a Junior Ranger Booklet for Kids.
• Watch the Grand Canyon movie at the Visitor Center.
• Walk along the Rim Trail.
• Rent bikes to explore.
• See a sunset or sunrise at Yaki or Mather Point.
• Tour the Historic Grand Canyon Village.
• Walk through El Tovar Hotel.
• Shop for traditional crafts at the Hopi House.
• Walk through Kolb Studio.
• Look over the Grand Canyon’s edge at the Lookout Studio.
• Find the Bright Angel Trailhead, leading to the canyon’s bottom.
• Take a short mule ride.
• Visit Desert View’s Watchtower.
• Ride the Shuttlebus to Hermits Rest.
• Grand Canyon Visitors Center:
• Most visitors park near the Grand Canyon Visitors Center.
• Inside, watch the Grand Canyon introductory movie and grab Junior Ranger booklets for kids.
• Check the Junior Ranger booklet for patch-earning requirements.
• After exploring the center, head outside to pick up the Rim Trail to Mather Point.

Places along the South Rim:

Yavapai Geology Museum:

Built in 1928, learn about the canyon’s geology and enjoy sunset views.

Located along the rim between the Visitor Center and Grand Canyon Village. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Historic Grand Canyon Village:

The original visitor area along the South Rim. Take a walking tour of its historic sites.

Verkamp Visitor Center:

Built in 1906, formerly a curio shop, now a smaller visitor center in the historic village.

Located in the Grand Canyon Village. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grand Canyon Depot:

Walk by the train depot to observe the historic log structure.

One of three remaining log depots. The Grand Canyon Railroad operates from noon to 3 p.m.

Located in the Grand Canyon Village and a separate stop on the blue Village shuttle bus.

El Tovar Hotel:

Experience the rustic elegance of this historic hotel. Take a walk through the lobby or relax on the front porch.

Hopi House:

Built in 1905, resembling a traditional Hopi structure. Designed by Mary Colter, find Hopi arts-and-crafts inside.

Located in the Grand Canyon Village. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kolb Studio:

Built in 1905 as a studio for the Kolb brothers, turn-of-the-century photographers.

Located in the Grand Canyon Village. Open daily.