10 Day Road Trip with Kids

Question

Hello. I'm looking for some advice and trying to do some research as my family and I are considering taking a 10 day trip out to see some of the National Parks (Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion) this August. My kids will be 9 and 11. We are not a super outdoorsy family so not into long, vigorous hikes but can appreciate the beauty of this area. We are thinking about flying into Vegas and staying one full day there and then driving to Utah/Arizona and working our way down to Scottsdale to end our trip at a resort for the last two nights to let the parents relax a bit before heading back to NY. We would fly back out of Phoenix. Does this seem feasible? What are some MUST see things with the kids? I'm having trouble planning how long to stay at each place and which places we can visit as we drive through to the next stop. I think for our family viewing and appreciating the beauty is more important than experiencing the hiking, etc. We would definitely enjoy water activities but my 9 year old is a complainer when he walks too much. Thanks so much!

Answer

Your proposed 10-day road trip visiting Las Vegas, Utah National Parks, and ending in Scottsdale is definitely feasible, especially since your priority is scenic viewing over long hikes. The key is pacing your travel, keeping driving times reasonable, and focusing on short, family-friendly activities that still showcase the natural beauty.

Suggested itinerary overview:

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas. Relax, enjoy a family-friendly show or the hotel pool.
Day 2: Las Vegas to Zion National Park (~2.5–3 hrs drive). Focus on scenic drives and easy viewpoints, such as the Riverside Walk to the Virgin River or Canyon Overlook Trail, which is short and manageable for kids.
Day 3: Explore Zion further or take a short shuttle ride to a few viewpoints. Consider a scenic drive along Kolob Canyons if the shuttle is operating.
Day 4: Zion to Bryce Canyon (~1.5–2 hrs). Bryce is great for families because you can see most of the park from viewpoints along the main road. Short walks from viewpoints like Sunrise, Sunset, and Inspiration Points are easy and rewarding.
Day 5: Bryce to Page/Lake Powell (~2.5 hrs). Consider boat tours or kayaking at Lake Powell or a visit to Horseshoe Bend for an easy walk with incredible views.
Day 6: Page to Grand Canyon South Rim (~2.5 hrs). Scenic stops along the way, and at the Grand Canyon, focus on Rim Trail sections near visitor centers for easy walking and great viewpoints.
Day 7: Explore more of the Grand Canyon. Consider a short walk to Yaki Point or Mather Point for photo opportunities. Avoid long hikes; the shuttle system allows easy access to multiple viewpoints.
Day 8: Drive toward Scottsdale/Phoenix (~4–5 hrs). Stop at Sedona for scenic views and short walks like Cathedral Rock Viewpoint or Bell Rock paths.
Day 9–10: Relax at your Scottsdale resort. Pools, spa options, and short excursions like Desert Botanical Garden or easy hikes in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve if the kids are interested.

Must-see activities and viewpoints for families:

Scenic drives through Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon with pull-offs for photos.
Lake Powell boat or kayak tours, Horseshoe Bend.
Grand Canyon viewpoints with minimal walking: Mather, Yavapai, and Yaki Points.
Short, iconic walks in Sedona: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock viewpoints.
Las Vegas family-friendly activities: fountains at Bellagio, Circus Circus attractions, and hotel pools.

Tips for traveling with kids and keeping the trip comfortable:

Plan frequent stops for snacks, bathroom breaks, and stretching, especially during longer drives.
Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and hats for desert areas, as August will be hot.
Use shuttle systems in national parks to minimize walking.
Keep sightseeing flexible; if a child is tired, spend more time at scenic viewpoints rather than attempting long hikes.
Consider early morning or late afternoon for scenic stops to avoid peak heat and crowds.

In summary, your trip is realistic and family-friendly if you focus on scenic drives, short walks, and easy-access viewpoints. Prioritize iconic stops for photos and short excursions rather than strenuous hikes, and plan for downtime toward the end in Scottsdale for relaxation. This itinerary balances sightseeing, family comfort, and exposure to the natural beauty of the Southwest.

10 Day Road Trip with Kids

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