As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Grand Canyon National Park is a bucket-list trip. Start at the South Rim’s visitor center for general information on ranger programs and cultural demonstrations. Then, walk along the Rim Trail or take the shuttle to historic buildings like Hopi House, Kolb Studio, and Desert View Watchtower. Hoping to avoid the crowds? Visit in the fall, when Gambel oak and Fremont cottonwood add color to the canyon.

Adventurous families can hike up to three miles into the canyon on the Bright Angel Trail or rent bikes to ride along Hermit Road. With reservations, you can also book mule rides into the canyon and Hummer or Jeep rides around the rim. Alternatively, for a more unique aerial view, consider splurging on a scenic helicopter ride. If you prefer something more low-key, take the Grand Canyon Railway from Williams to the South Rim. 

Want to take the family on a classic American road trip? Roughly 388 remaining miles of Route 66, which celebrates its centennial in 2026, parallel Interstate 40 across Arizona. From the east, detour through Petrified Forest National Park on a 28-mile route past petrified trees and colorful rock formations. In Winslow, you can pay tribute to the Eagles and their hit “Take it Easy” at Standin’ on the Corner Park. 

You can (and should!) carve out a full day to explore Flagstaff. Spend the morning navigating above-ground obstacles at Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course, the afternoon hiking one of 100-plus nearby trails, and the evening stargazing at Lowell Observatory. Nearby Williams boasts plenty of family-friendly fun, as well: Spot bears, bison, wolves, and more at Bearizona or experience an adrenaline rush on the Canyon Coaster alpine ride. 

Cochise County in Southern Arizona is chock-full of adventure. In Tombstone, visit the O.K. Corral, where Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday notoriously faced off against the Cowboy faction. From there, continue 20 minutes south to Bisbee. Here, you'll find the Smithsonian-affiliated Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum, which offers a glimpse into the area’s mining past. To learn more, drive to the Lavender Pit overlook, go inside a mine on the Queen Mine Tour, take a guided Lavender Jeep Tour, or look for ghosts as part of the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour. 

Want to explore Cochise County on foot? Ramsey Canyon Preserve near Sierra Vista, which is home to 15 species of hummingbirds, is a popular hiking destination. You can even walk among spire-like rhyolite rock formations at Chiricahua National Monument. A hike is also required to get to Fort Bowie National Historic Site, the U.S. base in its fight against the Chiricahua. For a less demanding activity, go underground at Kartchner Caverns State Park. Then, in Wilcox, reward your physical exertion with a tasting at one of ten local wineries or a craft beer at sustainable Tirrito Farm.

As the state's second-largest city, Tucson wows with its stunning Sonoran Desert surroundings. For an introduction to local flora and fauna, visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a combination zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, and natural history museum. Afterward, head to Saguaro National Park to see the nation’s largest cacti. Looking for a change of scenery? Drive the Sky Island Scenic Byway to the top of pine-covered Mt. Lemmon. 

Tuscon is also home to the Pima Air & Space Museum, which displays roughly 400 historic aircrafts, including a B-29 Superfortress and a retired Air Force One. Additionally, spend some time strolling along Historic Fourth Avenue to shop for treasures in hipster boutiques or discover traditional Mexican dishes at local restaurants. Craving some adventure? Check out Colossal Cave Mountain Park, which offers half-mile tours of its family-friendly cave — plus hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Don't skip town without touring Biosphere 2, a self-contained research center just north of the city.  

While half of the state sizzles during the summer, Flagstaff averages a pleasant 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, it's a great destination for hiking and mountain biking. For an easy, family-friendly trek, try the 3.6-mile-long Karen Cooper Trail. Meanwhile, experienced hikers can test themselves on the five-mile hike to the top of Humphreys Peak, which is part of the San Francisco Peaks. Got kids who need some motivation to hit the trail? Take them on the mile-long hike into Lava River Cave, which was formed by molten rock. 

You can reach three national monuments in less than an hour from downtown Flagstaff. At Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, hiking trails cross lava fields where the astronauts once trained for lunar landings. Neighboring Wupataki National Monument protects the largest freestanding pueblo in Northern Arizona, while the main trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument loops past cliff dwellings. For a less strenuous adventure, ride the gondola at the Snowbowl Ski Resort up 11,500 feet, which, on a clear day, offers views as far as the Grand Canyon.

Located on Hualapai tribal land — and not part of the national park — Grand Canyon West offers adventurers a view of the western end of the 277-mile canyon. Its main attraction is the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the rim. If you’d prefer to view the canyon with rock beneath your feet, check out Eagle and Guano Points. At Hualapai Point, shop for souvenirs, rent bikes, or tackle the zipline course, which soars 500 feet over the canyon. 

Grand Canyon West offers other adventures above and below the rim. Families can book a combined helicopter and pontoon boat tour on the Colorado River. Or, if you have enough time, plan a one- or two-day whitewater rafting trip with Hualapai River Runners. As part of the experience, you’ll learn about the Hualapai culture and break for a hike to Travertine Cavern Falls. 

From February 1 through November 30, Havasu Falls draws adventurous travelers to its turquoise pools. However, since it’s located on Havasupai tribal lands within the Grand Canyon, you’ll need a permit to go. Keep in mind that these permits, which became available on February 1, are usually snatched up within days (although a few may become available on a later day due to cancellations). Since the tribe does not allow day hiking, you'll need a reservation at either the campground or Havasupai Lodge. 

Most visitors hike the nine miles from the parking area at Hualapai Hilltop to Havasupai Campground. Helicopter rides in and out of the canyon can also be arranged. Explore the four other waterfalls along Havasu Falls Trail during your multi-day stay, as well. Just be careful: The trail involves scrambling down mist-covered canyon walls while holding onto a chain near Mooney Falls. 

It’s one thing to see the Grand Canyon from its rim, but experiencing it like early explorers did — from a raft on the Colorado River — is a truly memorable experience. We recommend booking your adventure with one of 15 commercial river concessioners vetted by the National Park Service in a motorized or oar-powered raft or handcrafted dory. Commercial trips run from early April to late October and range in length from two to 17 nights.

Expect to face an average of one rapid per minute, some possibly as strong as a Class 10. Guides also break up the day with hikes into side canyons. In the evenings, rafters camp on the beach and enjoy gourmet meals. Depending on the trip, you may have to trek to the rim or take a helicopter out.

In Northern Arizona, you’ll find some of the West’s most iconic landscapes on the Navajo Nation. Make Page, which borders tribal lands near Lake Powell, your home base. Minutes from the city, you can hike to the Horseshoe Bend overlook or, better yet, rent a kayak and paddle through the river’s curve. Not far from here, several outfitters offer tours of Antelope Canyon, including Mystical Antelope Canyon Tours, which affords you the opportunity to camp in a tent or stay in a traditional tipi on tribal lands.  

Famous for its awe-inspiring rock formations, Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park has appeared in movies like Stagecoach and Forrest Gump. Take the 17-mile scenic drive to see the park’s highlights or go further into its interior on a horseback ride with a Navajo guide. Experience Canyon de Chelly National Monument on the canyon’s rim drive; alternatively, hire a Navajo guide for a Jeep tour of its interior. For even more thrills, snag a backcountry permit to hike into the Grand Canyon from the Little Colorado River Gorge viewpoint. 

Searching for a destination with outdoor adventures suitable for all ages? The Verde Valley in Central Arizona has three national monuments, a wildlife park, a railroad, a wine trail, and entertainment offerings that pay homage to the destination's Western heritage. If you’re traveling with young family members, Out of Africa Wildlife Park provides a zoo-like experience with animal shows, safari drives, VIP experiences, and a zipline. Kids will also love riding the historic cars of the Verde Canyon Railroad through a 734-foot mountain tunnel and over a trestle bridge. 

History-loving families won’t want to miss the area’s national monuments. All three — Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well, and Tuzigoot — feature prehistoric ruins or cliff dwellings. Between stops at the national monuments, allow time to visit one of the wineries and tasting rooms on the Verde Valley Wine Trail. In the evening, enjoy a Western meal and show at Blazin M Ranch, complete with an appearance by a ghostly rider outside as the band plays “Ghost Riders in the Sky."