For many people, the lights and gambling casinos of Las Vegas are a draw, but if you have children, these plans might not be the best fit. Of course, there are so called family-friendly casinos in Vegas, but taking a trip to one of the great natural wonders of the world is what should really be in the cards.
Getting There
The Grand Canyon is about five hours away by car which may seem like a lot of time, but it enables you to control where you go and where you stop on your journey. There are of course tours that go from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon, but those vary widely in price from $110 to over $2,000; making the drive yourself is much simpler, especially when dealing with children.
Side Journeys
It's a good idea to leave early in the morning to avoid traffic. Take Highway 93 south from Las Vegas to Interstate 40, and then east to Highway 64. This route will actually take you right over Hoover Dam, built during the Great Depression and considered one of the greatest engineering feats in modern history. If you want to take pictures, cross over to the Arizona side, park in one of the lots (many are free) and walk across the dam.
If your kids liked the Pixar movie Cars, stop in Seligman, Arizona, to check out the inspiration for the town in the movie. The locals are quite proud of the association; stop by Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In to get a good idea why the Pixar creators chose this town as its model. Remember to pick up water bottles if you haven't already; vendors in the Grand Canyon do not sell bottled water.
Arriving at the South Rim
The Grand Canyon's South Rim is considered the prime spot for most travelers. There is a $25 entry fee per car (free for active military personnel), but the South Rim area is the best location if you want a combination of majestic views and amenities. There are shuttle buses that are free of charge and run all day long; the buses are known by their colors and transport people to different places throughout the South Rim area, giving them the opportunity to experience the jaw-dropping vistas of the canyon itself.
Water stations are available for refilling water bottles, and there are a number of eateries in the park. The trail along the South Rim from the visitors' center is wheelchair-friendly as well. Pets are allowed on South Rim trails in developed areas of the park, but are required to be on a leash six feet or less. Animals are not allowed below the rim or on park buses, except for service animals.
The Grand Canyon is a mile deep and close to 18 miles wide; it's not surprising that Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is the one great wonder every American should see.” For a very minimal cost, a family coming from Las Vegas could see one of the greatest natural monuments ever, and do so in a single day.
