Fun Things To Do At The Grand Canyon National Park in 2024

45-minute Helicopter Flight from Tusayan

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If you are searching for a unique and thrilling thing to do at the Grand Canyon then you should try the 45-minute Helicopter Flight from Tusayan, Arizona. Once you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport you will board a state-of-the-art sightseeing helicopter that will take you high above one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. While you are flying you can expect to see places such as the Painted Desert, Kaibab National Forest with huge ponderosa pines, the Dragon Corridor and the highest point on the North Rim at Point Imperial. You will soar above Marble Canyon and the historic Desert View Watchtower on the East Rim. Your incredible flying adventure concludes when you touch down back at the airport.

Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion

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One of the more memorable things to do at the Grand Canyon for families looking to enjoy a day on the rails as well as see more of the wonders within the canyon is to take the Grand Canyon Railroad Excursion. Departing from Flagstaff your 10-hour adventure will start when you board the 1901 Grand Canyon Railroad which has been completely restored to its glory days. As you travel by train you can listen to cowboys tell stories and musicians will play period music to enhance your journey through the canyon. You will be afforded big views of the San Francisco Peaks until you reach the South Rim. Once here you will indulge in a box lunch before setting out to view the incredible architecture of Mary Jane Colter which includes climbing to the top of the Watchtower Observatory where you will have an incredible panoramic view of the area. After doing a little shopping for souvenirs at the Historic Cameron Trading Post which was built in 1916, you will re-board the train for a ride back to Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon South Rim Jeep Tour from Tusayan

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An adventurous thing to do at the Grand Canyon for families who want to see some of the more important highlights of the national park is to go on the Grand Canyon South Rim Jeep Tour with Transport from Tusayan. Your 2.5-hour journey begins when you board an open-air safari-style jeep and start to drive the South Rim of the park. While you are traveling your guide will inform you of all the interesting items you are viewing from geologic formations to hiking trails until you stop at Grandview Point. Here you can gaze out into the canyon from the highest point on the South Rim at 7,400-feet. After retracing your drive back along the canyon rim you will then be able to watch the 35-minute National Geographic IMAX Movie which will give you more inside knowledge of one of the Natural Seven Wonders of the World.

Grand Canyon Landmarks Tour by Airplane

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A great add-on thing to any tour that is ideal for all types of travelers including families is to try the Grand Canyon Landmarks Tours by Airplane. Your 45-minute adventure begins when you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport where you will board a custom sightseeing airplane. After take-off you will soar through the sky over such landmarks as the Kaibab National Forest, Zuni Point and Point Imperial along the North Rim. Other fantastic sights you will view are the Desert Watchtower and you can expect to fly-over the Painted Desert that seems to change color as the day passes. During your flight your expert pilot will inform you of interesting geologic, historical and cultural aspects of the national park while you are free to take as many photographs as you want while enjoying this superb thing to do at the Grand Canyon. Your flying adventure concludes when you land back at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

Fun Things To Do At The Grand Canyon - South Rim Airplane Tour

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When you want to have a bird’s eye view of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, then an ideal thing do in Grand Canyon is to try the south Rim Airplane Tour. This 45-minute flight is perfect for families that want to have a panoramic view of the canyon from above and begins when you arrive at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport where you will board a state-of-the-art Vistaliner sightseeing airplane. During your flight you can see the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers, soar over the Kaibab National Forest and zoom through the Zuni Corridor as well as Imperial Point. While you are in the sky, your expert pilot and tour guide will explain interesting facts about the environment and history of the Grand Canyon. The excursion concludes when you land back at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

Skydive the Grand Canyon

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An interesting and must thing to do at the Grand Canyon for thrill seekers as well as adrenaline junkies is to take a Skydive the Grand Canyon Tour. Your 2-hour adventure begins when you meet your expert skydive instructor at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport and you are then fitted with your tandem parachute. After you go through a quick safety meeting you will board your airplane for a bird’s eye look of the Grand Canyon. Your plane will reach an altitude of 15,000-feet when you will jump into the blue sky over the canyon with your qualified skydiving instructor. While you plunge to the canyon rim you will experience breathtaking views of the multi-colored canyon and watch the powerful Colorado River continue to carve its way through the rock formations of the canyon. Once you make your soft landing back on ground you know you will have experienced one of the most adrenaline filled activities of your lifetime.

Grand Canyon East Rim Drive by Jeep and IMAX Movie

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If you are searching for the perfect family-friendly thing to do at the Grand Canyon, then you should try the Grand Canyon East Rim Drive by Jeep and IMAX Movie. This 3-hour adventure begins with a viewing of the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie located along the South Rim. The movie is an excellent presentation of the 4,000 years of history from the Anasazi Indians to the explorations of Major John Wesley Powell. After the movie you will board a safari-style open air jeep on the South Rim and take a 2-hour scenic drive along the East Rim to Desert View Point. Along the way you can experience the grandeur of the canyon while taking numerous photographs from selected vantage points. An added bonus on this excursion is a sunset option and complimentary hotel pick-up/drop-off service from area lodging options.

Fun Things To Do At The Grand Canyon - IMAX Movie

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One of the more family-friendly things to do in the Grand Canyon is to view the Grand Canyon IMAX Movie. This 35-minute movie will take you back in time to learn about the Anasazi Indians from over 4,000 years ago to the trial and tribulations of Major John Wesley Powell as he first mapped as well as traveled through the canyon. The movie is a masterpiece to watch on a big screen that is more than six-stories high with 12,000 watts of digital sound that enhances the production. You will be amazed as the movie travels at a bird’s eye view of the 277-mile long canyon that boasts numerous twists and turns of the Colorado River. This is a must see movie for everyone that wants to learn and view more of the intricacies of the canyon. Patrons can also upgrade their tickets to include lunch which offers well rounded menu options for all tastes.

25-Minute Grand Canyon Dancer Helicopter Tour from Tusayan

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One of the more exhilarating things to do in the Grand Canyon is to experience an adrenaline filled 25-minute Grand Canyon Dancer Helicopter Tour from Tusayan, Arizona. Your 25-minute journey into the sky begins when you board a state-of-the-art ECO-Star helicopter which will fly you over some of the most important places in and around the national park. First you will fly over the 1.6 million acres of Kaibab National Forest where you will view some of the oldest Ponderosa Pines in the world before heading up to the North Rim by way of the Dragon Corridor. Once at the Kaibab Plateau in the North Rim area, you will soar above Coconino County to see the Tower of Ra and gaze at the oldest rock in the canyon called Vishnu Schist. After viewing this incredible specimen of rack formations you will fly back through the Dragon Corridor until you reach the Tusayan Airport where your excursion concludes.

Mule Rides

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If you are looking for lasting memories while touring the Grand Canyon, then the perfect thing to do at the Grand Canyon is to take a Mule Ride. Offered from the North Rim of the canyon these excursions will bring out the little kid in everyone. Mule rides are an iconic adventure for travelers visiting the Grand Canyon and offer a beautiful look at the scenery, the canyon and wildlife. There are three mule rides for you to enjoy with a one-hour trip that highlights the North Rim and two other longer options which include a three-hour jaunt from the North Rim to Uncle Jim’s Point along the famed Ken Patrick Trail. The other three-hour ride will have you descending into the canyon more than 2,300-feet and passing through the Supai Tunnel before returning to the top of the North Rim. Each mule ride is equipped with an expert guide who will fill your ride with interesting commentary about the culture and history of the Grand Canyon.

Photo by Grand Canyon National Park on Flickr.

Fun Things To Do At The Grand Canyon - Historic Sites

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When you want to learn more about the modern history of the Grand Canyon then an ideal thing to do at the Grand Canyon is to visit one of the many interesting historic sites. Historic sites within the canyon area include fascinating places such as the Grand Canyon Railway Depot which is packed with historic photographs and the Trans-Canyon Telephone Line is a perfect example of the problems with communication around the canyon area. Other points of interest include Toroweap Point which boasts tremendous views of the canyon and Hermit’s Rest is a nice place to have a picnic while taking in the scenery. Another interesting historic site is the engineering marvel of Navajo Bridge which spans 750-feet across the canyon at a height of 450-feet above the Colorado River. Each of the mentioned historic sites offers something for someone and can be easily accessed by travelers from all walks of life.

By Ian Daniel Brown [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Fun Things To Do At The Grand Canyon - Jeep Tours

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One of the best things to do in the Grand Canyon to see the canyon that is fun, entertaining and loaded with natural wonders is to try a Jeep Tour. You will set out in a safari-style 4x4 Jeep with an open top for you to enjoy all of the scenery as you travel through the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park. You can choose from exciting options such as a Rim Walk and 4x4 Safari ride through the forest; a unique sunset tour that will have you watching the sky melt in a canvass of pastels that contrast against the canyon walls and there is a stellar Indian painting excursion that is highlighted by the rich culture of the neighboring tribes. Other tours include a fascinating ride in a helicopter to the canyon floor along with an open safari ride through the surrounding scenery and you can even fly over the Grand Canyon in a Cessna before setting out for a safari-style ride. All excursions are family-friendly with expert commentary that explains the culture, history and geologic formations of the canyon.

Grand Canyon Museums

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You will be amazed, dazed and thoroughly intrigued when you visit one of the many Grand Canyon National Park museums. Located throughout the park, the museums offer visitors a look into the culture, history and geologic making of one of Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Visiting the museums is a great thing to do at the Grand Canyon and they are loaded with interesting exhibits which are highlighted by hundreds of thousands of artifacts. Artifacts range from pottery, weaponry, ancient ruins, figurines and plenty of rock samples from the various layers over geologic time. Interactive exhibits explain the creation of the Grand Canyon and its spiritual meaning to the Indian tribes of the area as well as the wildlife in the area. Whether you are looking for a museum about the ancient Indian tribes of the area or the culture of the surrounding area there is a museum that is perfect for all ages.

Fun Things To Do At The Grand Canyon - Hiking and Camping Tours

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If you are ready to get in touch with the natural wonder then the best thing to do at the Grand Canyon is to take a Hiking and Camping Tour. These excursions mix a little bit of everything together that includes beautiful scenery, incredible wildlife and interesting commentary from your expert guide to create an once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are numerous options that will have you day-hiking into the canyon to camping out under the stars to rafting down the mighty Colorado River. Other tours may have you at the bottom of the canyon floor at Phantom Ranch enjoying a barbeque meal before hitting the bunk house, while still others will have meandering along the river until you find that perfect swimming hole to enjoy before spending the night around a glowing campfire. Each tour is complete with the necessary equipment needed for a spectacular journey into the Grand Canyon.

Fun Things To Do At The Grand Canyon - Railway Adventure Package

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An exciting thing to do at the Grand Canyon that combines a train robbery, scenic views and even a Wild West shootout is the Grand Canyon Railway Adventure Package. You will depart on your 8-hour journey from the historic 1908 Williams Depot where you will first watch a stunning Wild West shootout before heading down the tracks. One you begin your 65-mile train ride you will be entertained along the way by singing musicians and even be caught up in a train robbery that helps recreate the authentic feel of riding the rails in the early 1900s. When you arrive at the South Rim you will have the opportunity to tour the historic El Tovar Hotel, Hopi House and the Bright Angel Lodge which were the creations of famed architect Mary Jane Colter. There are several add-on options for this excursion which include coach or first class tickets and you can upgrade to include a hot buffet lunch. Your fabulous train ride concludes back at the Williams Depot.

Fun Things To Do At The Grand Canyon - Smooth Water Rafting

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One of the more surreal things to do at the Grand Canyon that combines rafting, hiking and plenty of photograph opportunities is to take the Smooth Water Rafting Tour. Your 12.5-hour journey begins from the South Rim where you will be transported to Page, Arizona via a comfortable motor coach while experiencing the beauty of the Painted Desert and the stark landscape of the Navajo Reservation. Once at Page you will board a pontoon raft that will take you on a 15.5-mile adventure through Glen Canyon while navigating the Colorado River. Along the way you will see the famous Horseshoe Bend and stop for a quick hike to view some impressive petroglyphs that are thousands of years old. Also while you are relaxing on the boat you can indulge in a complimentary box lunch. When you arrive at Lee’s Ferry you will once again board a comfortable motor coach for your return trip to the South Rim.

25 or 45-minute Helicopter Tour

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When you try a 25 or 45-minute Helicopter Tour of the Grand Canyon National Park, you will understand why people always say that this is a must thing to do at the Grand Canyon. You will start your journey into the sky at Grand Canyon National Park Airport when you board an EC-130 sightseeing helicopter that is custom made for viewing the canyon. After take-off you will be thrilled with the incredible bird’s eye views of the South and North Rims as you soar through landmarks such as the Dragon Corridor as well as over the Kaibab National Forest. Your time aboard will be filled with photograph opportunities and your expert pilot will inform you of all the interesting geologic formations you will see. When you land back on ground you will have completed a once-in-a-lifetime trip soaring over the Grand Canyon.

Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell and Glen Canyon with River Rafting

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A superb thing to do at the Grand Canyon for travelers searching for adventure that is loaded with plenty of activities while sightseeing is to take the Arizona Highlights Day Trip antelope Canyon, Lake Powell and Glen Canyon with River Rafting Tour. This 12.5-hour journey begins with a 1-hour flight over the Grand Canyon where you can grab a bird’s eye glimpse of the natural wonder created by the Colorado River. While you are flying you will enjoy a free continental breakfast and interesting commentary on the landscape below including Lake Powell. Once at Page, Arizona your next adventure is in a 4x4 jeep that will take you to Antelope Canyon with a Navajo guide. After exploring the canyon for 1.5-hour you will then proceed to the Colorado River. Before you board your raft you can indulge in a complimentary picnic and then set-out on a 4.5-hour journey on your raft down the Colorado River and through Glen Canyon. You will stop along the river for a quick 30-minute hike to view intricate petroglyphs that were carved thousands of years in the past. Your raft portion of the excursion concludes at Lee’s Ferry where you will board a motor coach and be transported back to the Grand Canyon. Along your way you will have time to shop for unique souvenirs and soak up more of the gorgeous scenery that the area has to offer until you reach the Grand Canyon National Park Airport where your fantastic day concludes.

Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Optional Boat Ride

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An intriguing and adrenaline filled thing to do at the Grand Canyon is to take the Grand Canyon West Helicopter Tour with Optional Boat Ride. Your journey begins when you board a state-of-the-art sightseeing helicopter at the West Rim. After take-off you will soar above the canyon for a bird’s eye view before descending some 4,000-feet into the Grand Canyon. Here you will be able to gather an incredible view of the geologic formations that make up this natural wonder. Now you can decide whether you want to return to the rim or take a thrilling pontoon boat ride down the Colorado River. The boat ride is over calm waters and is an ideal way for families to get the most out their adventure. You can also include a picnic lunch which will give you more time on the canyon floor to be amazed by the scenery created by the mighty Colorado River.

Helicopter Tours from the Grand Canyon West Rim

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A fascinating and fun thing to do at the Grand Canyon that mixes a helicopter ride with floating down the Colorado River is to take a Helicopter Tour from the Grand Canyon West Rim. Your 1-hour adventure begins when you board an A-Star Sightseeing helicopter and fly above the canyon over special places such as Guano Point, Eagle Point and the incredible Skywalk glass bridge. From here you descend into the canyon some 4,000-feet where you will land next to the powerful Colorado River. You will have a few minutes here to take some photographs and then board a pontoon raft that will have you floating down the river. You will have plenty of time to relax and soak-in all the beauty of the Seventh Natural Wonder of the World on this excursion when you are soaring above or floating inside the canyon walls. Once you land back at the heliport your once-in-a-lifetime tour will conclude.

South Rim River Adventure

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When you want to combine viewing the beauty of the Grand Canyon form an airplane and raft, then a perfect thing to do at the Grand Canyon is to take the South Rim River Adventure. Your 12.5-hour adventure begins when you board your specially made sightseeing airplane and take a 1-hour flight over the incredible Grand Canyon before landing in Page, Arizona. Once at Page you will travel to Antelope Canyon where you will learn more about the native Indians of the area and Major John Wesley Powell’s adventure down the mighty Colorado River. During all phases of your day-long excursion you will learn more interesting and intriguing facts about the natural as well as historic beauty of the area. When you are finished touring Antelope Canyon you will board a pontoon-style boat and begin floating down the Colorado River through gorgeous Glen Canyon. While floating in Glen Canyon you will see the famous Horseshoe Bend and hundreds of sacred Native American petroglyphs. When you reach Lee’s Ferry you will disembark from your boat and fly back to the Grand Canyon National Park Airport where your excursion concludes.

Helicopter Tours from the Grand Canyon West Rim

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A fascinating and fun thing to do at the Grand Canyon that mixes a helicopter ride with floating down the Colorado River is to take a Helicopter Tour from the Grand Canyon West Rim. Your 1-hour adventure begins when you board an A-Star Sightseeing helicopter and fly above the canyon over special places such as Guano Point, Eagle Point and the incredible Skywalk glass bridge. From here you descend into the canyon some 4,000-feet where you will land next to the powerful Colorado River. You will have a few minutes here to take some photographs and then board a pontoon raft that will have you floating down the river. You will have plenty of time to relax and soak-in all the beauty of the Seventh Natural Wonder of the World on this excursion when you are soaring above or floating inside the canyon walls. Once you land back at the heliport your once-in-a-lifetime tour will conclude.

South Rim River Adventure

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When you want to combine viewing the beauty of the Grand Canyon form an airplane and raft, then a perfect thing to do at the Grand Canyon is to take the South Rim River Adventure. Your 12.5-hour adventure begins when you board your specially made sightseeing airplane and take a 1-hour flight over the incredible Grand Canyon before landing in Page, Arizona. Once at Page you will travel to Antelope Canyon where you will learn more about the native Indians of the area and Major John Wesley Powell’s adventure down the mighty Colorado River. During all phases of your day-long excursion you will learn more interesting and intriguing facts about the natural as well as historic beauty of the area. When you are finished touring Antelope Canyon you will board a pontoon-style boat and begin floating down the Colorado River through gorgeous Glen Canyon. While floating in Glen Canyon you will see the famous Horseshoe Bend and hundreds of sacred Native American petroglyphs. When you reach Lee’s Ferry you will disembark from your boat and fly back to the Grand Canyon National Park Airport where your excursion concludes.