Head off to some of these beautiful Arizona Bucket List destinations – one of a kind experiences that will help you make many new memories!
If you love taking day trips, Arizona is a wonderful place to see new sights – we have the most amazing historical monuments, hikes, geological formations and more.
If you are are headed up to Northern Arizona, there are 5 wonderful day trip ideas to explore – that are also child friendly. In some cases, reservations are required in advance – but not for all. Even more, for most, you can bring along the kids (perhaps not the tiniest kids though!)
Coal Mine Canyon and Moen-avi, Arizona (Dinosaur Tracks)
If you have kids, and you are looking for something fun to do… here’s a great option to make a road trip to see the Dinosaur Tracks. This is an off the grid attraction on rocky land near the highway. Native American guides direct you to dinosaur tracks in the rocks surface.
On the North side of US HWY 160, 5 miles east of US HWY 89 or a little over 5 miles west of the turnoff for Tuba City. Turn north onto the dirt track, then drive 1/4 mile to the vending tables. Admission is free, but the Native American tour guides appreciate a donation.
In the same area, you can also stop by and visit Coal Mine Canyon. Coal Mine Canyon is a remote site where the detail of the rock (colors, forms, textures) are of main interest. It sits at the edge of the 120 mile wide Painted Desert – which is an extensive area of exposed weather rock.
To get there, take HWY 264 South for 15 miles, between Tuba City and Old Oraibi. The road is between mile markers 336 and 337 – pay attention because it’s very easy to miss! Once you see the windmill to the left, you should know that the road is coming up.
Drive past the picnic table for parking, take a picnic, too!
There are no other services around so make sure you have fuel before heading out.
Half Day Float Trip through Glen Canyon
Take a half day raft trip departing daily from Page, Arizona from March 1st to November 30th.
You will ride down a 2-mile long Glen Canyon Dam Access Tunnel to the base of the dam. Board a raft on be on a trip down the Colorado River. You will see Sandstone Cliffs, Blue-Green waters, wildlife, and more. The half day raft trip is one of Arizona’s top tours – from the age of 4 all the way up, it’s a fun experience.
- The trips run from March 1 – April 30th at 11 a.m.
- OR, May 1 to September 30th at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
- OR, October 1 – November 30th at 11 a.m.
Costs vary between adults and child – from $82 – $92 – the raft trip has no rapids and the boats can seat up to 22 people.
Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon (1-Day)
This trip is a one-day trip, where you are picked up from your hotel and transported from Flagstaff or Sedona north to Antelope Canyon.
You will walk through Antelope Canyon, and then take a trip to Horseshoe Bend and a hike to the overlook. There is a 2-passenger minimum for all trips – and they are private, so you can go with family or with friends. The trip includes door to door transportation, lunch, and snacks as well as entrance fees.
Wahweap Marina to Rainbow Bridge (1-Day)
Take a full or half day tour on Lake Powell Wahweap Marina to Rainbow Bridge. You will cruise 50 miles of Lake Powell shoreline to Rainbow Bridge National Monument – one of the largest {known} natural bridges in the world.
The tour does involve considerable walking … which may get warm in the summer. Costs vary from adult to child, and reservations are required.
Antelope Canyon Boat Tour
This personalized tour takes you on a 1-hour tour through Antelope Point Marina down along the Colorado River Channel to see the canyon opening along sheer red rock cliffs. The tour departs 7 times each day, with tours starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 5 p.m.
The cost is $24.95 for ages 9 and up.
See more:
- Unique Day Trips to Make in Arizona
- The BEST Indoor Play Parks in Arizona
- 10 Must Visit Arizona State Parks
- Animal Adventures for Kids in Arizona
- Family Friendly Arizona Staycations
- Top Places to See Spring Wildflowers in Arizona
- Scenic Arizona Road Trips
- 7 Arizona Weekend Road Trips
Great list!