This great American family road trip, the Grand Canyon road trip, takes you through Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada past red rocks, blue skies and desert on the way to the remarkable Grand Canyon.
Passing through and around canyons, deserts, lakes, mountains, ruins and cacti forests, a family road trip from Phoenix to Las Vegas will give your clan excellent insight into the American Southwest. Despite Arizona’s vast and desolate landscape, it is home to Phoenix, one of the country’s largest cities; while a quarter of its land is occupied by the Native American reservations of 20 tribes including the Navajo, Apache and Hopi.
Learn More About a Favorite Family Road Trip
The most famous natural attraction in the United States, the immense Grand Canyon, will leave you stunned and in a state of wonder. And, no tour of the southwest would be complete without a stop in outrageous Las Vegas, a desert city surrounded in all directions by rocky mountains, and in close proximity to Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States.
Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport and McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas make both cities easily accessible, with car rental for traveling around the area readily available.
Our suggested 6-day itinerary follows:
Day 1: Phoenix
Day 2: Phoenix to Sedona
Day 3: Sedona to Willliams
Day 4: Circling the Grand Canyon
Day 5: Williams to Lake Mead, Nevada
Day 6: Lake Mead to Las Vegas
Day 1: Phoenix
The largest city in the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix averages 310 days of sunshine, making climate the primary reason that visitors venture to the city. However, Phoenix has much more to offer than just fabulous weather—it’s home to one of the largest municipal parks in the world, an innovative art scene, inimitable restaurants, great shopping and prime spas. There is plenty for the family to do, both in and outdoors and the Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau will provide maps and lodging ideas.
For some recreational fun, South Mountain Park and Preserve covers over 16,000 acres and has more than 50 miles of biking, hiking and horseback riding trails; a great way to explore the unforgiving desert terrain!
A neighborhood comprised of artists living and working spaces, Roosevelt Row offers monthly events including arts festivals, street vending, live music and great food. The Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park is an opportunity to learn about the prehistoric and historic cultures of the area, offering changing events and activities such as discovery hikes and archaeology workshops, and an outdoor trail containing ruins and replicated housing of the Hohokam, the prehistoric inhabitants of the Southwest.
Internationally recognized for its exhibits and events, the Heard Museum is dedicated to the accurate portrayal of Native American arts and culture. With six to eight changing exhibitions, interactive activities such as beading and basket weaving, and live performances and presentations by local American Indian artists, this is one place your family won’t want to miss.
Day 2: Phoenix to Sedona – 115 miles
En route to Sedona via I-17N, make a stop at exit 289 for Montezuma Castle National Monument, the well-preserved ruins of an early cliff dwelling built around 700 AD by the pre-Colombian Sinagua people.
As you continue along, pick up AZ-179N towards Sedona, a 19 square-mile city surrounded by stunning red sandstone formations. Known as “red rock county,” Sedona is an outdoor wonderland for hikers, with two city parks, Posse Ground and Sunset Park. There are several hiking trails suited to all ability levels that will allow your family to get closer to these formations, many of which were thought by the Indians to have spiritual energy.
Alternatively, explore the area aboard a trolley with Sedona Trolley, offering a 55-minute narrated tour of the historic landmarks and scenic overlooks, or book a guided jeep tour with A Day in the West for a bit of a more off-road experience.
If you’re not up for camping at one of the area’s many campgrounds, book a stay at one of the quaint and casual inns or small hotels in the area, many of which are noted in the Sedona Tourism website. There are also many options at Booking.com.
Day 3: Sedona to Williams – 61 miles
As you head out of Sedona towards Flagstaff along the breathtaking AZ-89-ALT, you’ll find Oak Creek Canyon. The 12-mile-long river gorge is often described as the “younger cousin” of the Grand Canyon because of its colorful rocks and unique formations. While it’s possible to enjoy the beauty of the area from your family road trip, I suggest you stop at Slide Rock State Park for a short hike or a picnic.
Picking up I-40 N at Flagstaff, make a stop at the Arboretum at Flagstaff, just three miles south of I-40 on the scenic Woody Mountain Road. A 200-acre botanical garden, the Arboretum, home to 2,500 plant species, is one of the largest collections of mountain plants and wildflowers in the world. Additionally offering changing outdoor workshops, craft and gardening classes and live birds of prey performances, this is a great activity for families with children of all ages for your next family road trip.
Other places of interest near Flagstaff are the Museum of Northern Arizona which focuses on the natural history of the Colorado Plateau, whose thrilling rock formations bring visitors from all over the world, as well as on the native cultures of the area. Finally, future astronomers will enjoy a visit to the Lowell Observatory, a research center established in 1894 which offers tours to the public and night sky viewings from a huge telescope.
Bearizona, at exit 165 off of I-40 is a drive-through wildlife park committed to connecting visitors to North American wildlife in a natural environment. Leave yourself an hour to drive through the park, as you’ll spot various mountain animals including black bears, bison, mountain goats and gray wolves, all from within the safety of your car. Here’s a place I don’t think you should be hiking.
The family will be ready for a good night’s rest once you’ve reached Williams, a quaint mountain town known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon.”
For more information and lodging suggestions on your next familiy road trip, visit the Arizona Tourist Guide.
Day 4: Circling the Grand Canyon
A great way to access the canyon is via the Grand Canyon Railway, departing daily from Williams at 9:30am, arriving at the South Rim entrance to Grand Canyon National Park at 11:45am. The train winds through all kinds of landscapes, from Ponderosa pine forests to dry, open deserts, venturing through drastic changes in elevation before reaching the park entrance.
At 277 miles long, 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep, the Grand Canyon reveals the magic wrought in this region by two billion years of geological time, and it’s massiveness is sure to amaze you. The Colorado River split and formed the canyon 17 million years ago, and today you can experience the splendor of the canyon by plane, train or automobile.
Just south of the entrance to the park is the National Geographic Visitor Center, a comprehensive mall offering information, guides, and retail shops, as well as an official outpost of the Arizona tourist office. The center also sells tickets to the national park for your family road trip, and features a 34-minute IMAX film, uncovering for viewers the development of the canyon over time. The National Park Service South Rim Visitors Center provides free guides, maps, displays, and audiotours you can play on your cellphone.
Pygmy Guides offers a number of day hikes to different parts of the Grand Canyon, while Grand Canyon Jeep Tours offers back-road excursions to some of the less-traveled and all the more breathtaking areas. Be sure not to miss the train back to Williams, which departs Grand Canyon Depot at 3:30pm, arriving at 5:45pm, just in time for dinner.
In the Vicinity of the Grand Canyon
If you’ve driven here, you may want to think about the options available to see the Grand Canyon from all sides. First, let us say, the traffic can be crazy. Families should consider the Hermit’s Rest Trail Loop, a free shuttle bus that makes nine very scenic stops over a 7-mile tour of the South Rim.
There’s lodging all over, within the park and in nearby Tusayan, but you have to book that months ahead of time; however, sleeping this close allows you to drive both the East Rim Trail and the West Rim Trail without too much grief.
Very fit families may want to hike from the south to the North Rim, an arduous 21-mile expedition that requires a camping overnight in the middle. There is only one way to cross the canyon by automobile, and that drive is 137 miles from South Rim Village (at Marble Canyon, Arizona) via the Navajo Bridge, a few miles downstream from Lees Ferry, where the Canyon is only 400 feet wide. Not many families will choose to stay on this side.
From Lees Ferry, it is about an hours drive to the town of Page, Arizona and beautiful Lake Powell, the second largest manmade lake in the US. Located on the border of Utah and Arizona in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, it offers nearly 2,000 miles of spectacular shoreline with towering red rock sandstone cliffs, more than 90 major canyons, blue-green water and sandy beaches. It’s best viewed from the water and is an ideal family recreation area, where houseboating is very popular.
Over 8,000 feet above sea level, the North Rim of the canyon is pristine and primitive. However, lodging, gas stations and visitor centers in the area are few and far between. For those adventurous families looking to explore the North Rim on the way to Vegas, pick up 89-N to 89-ALT and take AZ-67 heading southwest for about 40 miles until you reach the North Rim entrance. After your stop, you can backtrack and once again pick up 89-ALT and eventually I-15 which will lead you directly to Las Vegas, although this will take a significantly longer amount of time than it would coming from the South Rim.
Day 5: Williams, AZ to Lake Mead, NV – 192 miles
Get an early start out of Williams for Nevada. If you leave town by Grand Canyon Avenue, you’ll be able to drive Historic Route 66. Stay on it for as long or as little as you’d like. Here Route 66 is signposted as Route 161, and at many points flying west across Arizona desert to Kingman you’ll have a chance to access the much faster but less interesting I-40 W. After all, you have a big drive ahead.
Around Dolan Springs, you’ll head north to the eastern side of beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area. At an elevation of 1,221 feet, Lake Mead extends approximately 110 miles upstream toward the Grand Canyon and about 35 miles up the Virgin River. The width varies from several hundred feet in the canyons to a maximum of eight miles, making it one of the largest water reservoirs in the world.
While some families choose to camp in this area (and there are many RV and tent campgrounds), I suggest you park the car and rent a houseboat. There are several marinas where you can rent one with home-like amenities, plus a small power boat, inner tubes, floats and more fun water toys. Houseboats are a good value, too. Whenever you’re ready to move on, the next stop will be the outlet for Lake Mead: Hoover Dam.
Day 6: Lake Mead to Las Vegas – 130 miles
The Hoover Dam is at the Arizona/Nevada border, about a 90-mile drive from the eastern shore of Lake Mead. Situated in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River at 726 feet high, the Hoover Dam is one of the highest concrete dams ever built and an engineering feat that kids will enjoy.
Las Vegas — just 35 miles away — is just as much a paradise for children as it is for adults. Funky museums, outrageous amusement parks and plenty of outdoor activities are just a few of the things for families to do in Vegas. Be sure to check out wax figures of the most popular TV and movie stars, musicians and athletes at Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Springs Preserve is a 180-acre cultural institution featuring museums, galleries, outdoor concerts and events, gardens and trails. Living collections of native mammals and reptiles and an eight-acre botanical garden generate an understanding of the Mojave Desert, within which Las Vegas is situated, all making for a fun and interactive experience for kids of all ages.
Don’t miss one of the headline shows at Caesars Palace, or the Manhattan Express roller coaster reaching heights of 200 feet in the air over a replica of New York Harbor. It’s also worth getting tickets for Cirque du Soleil, one of the permanent attractions MGM Grand.
There are endless amounts of things to do and places to go in Las Vegas, and there are incredible hotel specials that can make this a bargain family destination. Do your hotel price comparison planning at Booking.com.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
On January 15, 2015, Google announced that it would stop selling the Google Glass product to consumers — who became its “Explorers” — while it makes more improvements to the technology and hardware. Simultaneously, the product will move from its test phase at Google X and become its own department within the giant technology company.
For complete details, please see this story: Google Glass Sales Halted.
This is a great summary of emerging family travel trends in 2015. I am very excited to see ecotourism evolving to include the youngest travelers as well as multi-gen travelers. Very interesting to see uber attempt to dig into the family market. As for all-inclusive hotels, after years of resisiting, I am finally a convert. My kids have always loved them and now their parents finally see the ease and economy of the pay-one-price concept. Happy Travels in 2015!
great feedback on what we’re seeing for 2015; agree that ecotourism has become so mainstream that it’s time all ages and all abilities (including those with disabilities) are included in nature-focused travel.
And yes, disruptive technologies like uber and airbnb are usually started by young people and grow by appealing to young travelers, but as we all know, they too will settle down and have kids and then look at new ways to make their services more “family-friendly.” So that’s an area where we see tremendous growth potential and hope for fresh ideas.
excited about what’s coming in 2015! Thanks for your comments.
I’m in, would love to win a stay at the Camelback water park in Pennsylvania. Close to my NJ home and sounds like a fun snowy or rainy day break with my boys. Sign me up!
After returning from a vacation with her daughter, C.S. shared this review of the Dreams Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.
“Hi, we did not get sick at Dreams Punta Cana, stuck to bottled water, they were nice there not really attentive at concierge or lobby not knowledgeable and internet not working well, entertainment was okay and food just okay beach nice, tours not organized very well for swim with dolphins and no shopping for malls provided.
Yes the food was not great at all, hoping for better at gourmet restaurants, they always burnt the steak and not great the food, the world café was fine, buffet.
Kids club for my 8 year old she was bored, most of the kids were younger and not a lot to do for the 8 to 9 year olds, riviera maya dreams does a better job with kids club and takes them out to the real pool for kid games that is always nice.
I like Riviera Maya Mexico still a lot better.”
“The Singing Tower.” Bok Towers Gardens. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 July 2014.
The Vera Bradley outlet sale sounds like a midwestern version on Filene’s Running of the Brides! It sounds like a paisley lovers dream and a fun Mother/Daughter bonding event. Thanks for sharing!
How’s the weather up there now? Would it be warm enough to swim outdoors in late April, or still chilly? Seems like a fun spring break getaway since we only have a few days. Thanks for sharing.
I love Rocky Mountain National park! It’s great for all Colorado seasons. In the winter, when other parts of the park are closed down, they open up sledding areas. When I went, we shared the hill with just one other small group. A great afternoon for all ages!
In spite of all the cold weather we have been experiencing, this story makes me want to head up to Montreal for a frosty weekend of fun. The Montreal en Lumiere festival sounds like a winner, as does the hotel. Thank you for the terrific seasonal suggestions!
Skiing is such a wonderful way to experience Colorado’s beauty! There is such pride in that state and I love that so many resorts really cater to children too.
Eldora Mountain Resort wasn’t mentioned on this list, but on Saturday, March 8, they are hosting a scavenger hunt to raise money for Leave No Trace, an organization dedicated to teaching people to take care of the world around them, while also having fun. How awesome is that?! Can’t wait to hear more about it.
This is an excellent article. Well researched, thoughtful and motivating. I know as a parent right now considering a family cruise this Spring Break in March, kids drowning will be on my mind even though my son is on a swim team and swims two miles five nights a week for practice. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time, at any age. As a former swim instructor and lifeguard myself for many years to earn summr spending money and put myself through college, I know how water is dangerous — whether in a pool, lake, baeach or bathtub. But we all need reminding and education about what drowning looks like. And that is what you’ve done for me today. Thank you.
As a teen life guard, I saved a kid at our local pool who was “just floating.” It was a crowded pool on a sticky, hot Midwest day. A swimmer in the middle of the packed giant kids’ pool started yelling at me and pointing to the child “floating.” I’ll never forget doing mouth-to-mouth, his wide vacant eyes, his limp body, and then him catapulting upwards, spitting, sputtering to life. I tear up as I write this. What if he hadn’t lived? The guilt, the fright, the parents, the park district, the system…who to blame if the child had died? Would I be blamed for not seeing him inactive sooner? Would the pool be blamed for allowing too many people in? Would the park district be blamed for booking the swimming event? Did anything change after this incident? Yes. I got fired. And went to work for another pool heading up their swimming lessons program.
Thank you for writing this and your call to action for everyone to take responsibility for children around water at all hours of the day and night. Your “unthinkable” article has given us all much to think about.
Would be a fun vacation if you could really save money by doing it too!
What an adventure, I would love to do embark on a journey like this with my teens. The flora and fauna seem incredible, the guides professional. Thank you for sharing!
We’ve heard the Boeing factory tour is really interesting – wondering now if there any exhibits or parts areas that relate to the new Dreamliner. Would love to see one up close, especially being assembled after all the battery snafus.
Wish we all could have been there, Morocco looks fabulous and during the winter it would be a very productive coder’s retreat.
Congratulations to ALL of the students who entered in the FTF Writing Scholarship contest :3 Of course a big "congrats" should be merited to our winners, but I think every student who entered deserves a pat on the back–hopefully they'll be inspired to continue writing, too!
This sounds like a great resort for my all-inlusive loving teen children, who have a " bigger is better" attitude. I love that it is so close to the Cancun Airport, so you can get right to the fun as soon as you land.
I love the idea that guests at the hotel can "assemble" their own favorite meals from a variety of healthy offerings. Sounds like a great idea. If only I had time to cook so many different options every night at home!
This looks like a fascinating experience to remember and to go too! I have always wanted to go to Dubai and going there is a vacation never to forget!
Enjoy
One of the best states to come visit!
You make me want to go there and spend weeks on end, reconnecting with nature and making friends. And blobbing too. Thanks for sharing this.
Cincinnati, Ohio. Just another city in the Mid-West, right? Wrong. Cincinnati is one of the greatest cities in Ohio. With our stunning river front view, our bustling downtown, and the newly gentrified Over-the-Rhine, what else could we have in store?
For starters, Cincinnati has the 7th best zoo in the nation.Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great location for exploration and learning. People of all ages can appreciate the wide variety of animals found in the Zoo. Not only are the animals astounding, but guests get the chance for a hands on experience with many of the animals. For example, in Giraffe Ridge, guests can purchase a snack for the Giraffes and then feed them over the balcony. These moments will be remembered and cherished for the rest of a person's life.
Another great accessory Cincinnati has is the new, urban planned area called "The Banks. The Banks features apartments on the second floor of the buildings and restaurants and music venues on the first floor. This is a great area for younger couples to hang out at night.
Findlay Market is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or weekend. Findlay Market is the oldest public market in the state of Ohio. The market is open every day but Monday and is one of the best places to find locally and organically grown foods. Another great feature about Findlay Market is that the area surrounding the market is newly gentrified, meaning that it has been refurbished. This makes the area even more desirable.
The Newport Aquarium</a>is not located in the city of Cincinnati itself but it is an awesome place for family fun. Newport, Kentucky is only a 10 minute drive from downtown Cincinnati and has other amenities. Other places to visit while in Newport would be Dewey's Pizza, Brothers, Brio, and the Haufbrau House. All these restaurants give a different essence to the name "Cincinnati". Dewey's is a local pizza joint that runs the gamut in available options. Clever names and quick service make for a great time. Brothers and Brio are Italian restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine (Brothers is the less expensive option). The Haufbrau House is a German Bier Garten style restaurant that offers a large selection of beers and sandwiches. Along with normal options, the HaufBrau House also provides authentic German food. After you eat, the chicken dance is played, giving patrons the opportunity to dance on the table tops.
Other Cincinnati food traditions are Goetta and Skyline. When German immigrants came over to America, they settled along the Ohio River, then called the "Rhine". The Germans created a meat similar to sausage called Goetta. Goetta consists of ground pork or beef, oats, and a variety of spices. This specific meat can only be found in Cincinnati and occasionally there are large festivals for Goetta and German heritage. On the other hand Skyline is chili, created by Greek immigrants. The name "Skyline" originates from the owner believing that the Cincinnati skyline was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Skyline chili has a unique flavor due to the large amount of chocolate used in the chili.
Come one come all! Memphis is the breeding grounds to fun and adventure!
I truly love my City of Houston. Though I don't know where my education will take me, Houston will always be my home.
Austin is a great place to live, love, and visit. It has wonderful sites, people, and things to do. Everybody should visit Austin.
Say what you will. An open mind is insightful.
Thank you for this spot-on mini-review of Greve and Panzano, two of the most scenic and charming towns in Chianti. Daniel Ferro's summer music program only adds to the area's beauty, with music in the piazza to entertain locals and visitors alike. The rental property sounds like an excellent choice for families who choose to vacation in and explore the area. Thanks for sharing!
Ames, Iowa provides many opportunities to experience American culture and become immersed in American history. Since the mid 1800s, Ames has become a booming college town. Culture has had lots of time to flourish in this time, and evidence of the age of this town can be found everywhere. Tourists coming to Ames can also feel safe and enjoy Ames' attractions without fear of crime. Gun fights in Ames are practically unheard of, and the friendly people never hesitate to wave, even at newcomers to the area. Any tourist can appreciate the age and personality of Ames, as well as its safety.
To experience the culture in Ames, tourists must visit Stephen's Auditorium on Iowa State University's campus. This theater hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and other theatrical performances. Comfortable seating and awesome acoustics make this location a worthy contender for a relaxing night out. Big acts such as Bill Nye the Science Guy and the band Needtobreathe have to known to reserve this venue so one feels included in a special and popular event, but the space does not have an overwhelming size, so overcrowding and overheating will not deduct from the experience. Stephen's Auditorium will help in discovering the culture of Ames.
Tourists wishing to discover some of Ames' culture would greatly benefit from attending Ames' Farmer's Market on Saturdays on Main Street. Vendors have local and homegrown produce, meat, eggs, pastries, jewelry, art and many other items for sale that offer a taste of Iowan culture. Musicians often perform for shoppers, so they can be entertained while shopping. Ames' Farmer's Market provides an excellent opportunity to experience the culture of Ames and Iowa.
Evidence of Ames' history can be found in a visit to Iowa State University's campus. Founded in 1858, Iowa State University was the sight where George Washington Carver decided to do much of his botany research. Visitors to the college will see evidence of the age of this college in the buildings from this era that still exist. Iowa State University also housed the master minds who created the first computer. Tourists to Ames can take a trip to Durham Center in Iowa State and view the replica of this first computer. Main Street offers a taste of history also. The buildings in this area of Ames give a taste of what architecture looked like back in the early 20th century. A mural on Main Street depicts some of the founders of Ames. History holds great importance in Ames, and tourists can experience this without too much trouble.
To curb tourist's hunger, Ames offers many excellent places for dining. No tourist should visit Ames without eating at Hickory Park. This restaurant is famous not only for its deliciously moist chicken but also its tangy barbecue sandwiches. After the main meal, enjoy sweet and creamy ice cream. Dublin Bay offers wonderful Irish cuisine for tourists to enjoy. Try the moist Shepherd's Pie with perfectly salted fries for contentment. For fans of Mexican food, El Azteca guarantees friendly service, free chips, and delectably flavorful food. Many restaurants with amiable service and food that delights the taste buds are available for hungry tourists.
Though a relatively small town, Ames offers visitors a chance to learn about the history and culture of not only Ames, but the state of Iowa without fear of crime. Numerous attractions exist for this purpose. Visitors can also talk to the mayor of Ames, Ann Campbell, about the culture of history of Ames. City council members happily will answer questions from tourists. Tourists will not be sorry for visiting this town.
Northern Nevada never stops to amaze.
Sunday River has been on my radar for a potential family ski trip for quite a while. This story is so loaded with good information, it seems like it is worth the extra time spent in the car to ski at such an excellent family resort. Thanks!
Wow, this sounds likea great merging of chocolate and history, two of my favorite subjects.
I am looking forward to experiencing this for myself, thank you for the informative post.
I love this post so much! I hope I will come here one day!
This is a terrific article that I am so glad to have read. I didn't know there was a car-free way to appreciate the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Sounds like a fun, scenic and eco-friendly option.
Your essay moved me to tears. I am also a finalist in the scholarship and I wrote about visiting Poland’s concentration camps. I would love your opinion on my essay.
I wrote this essay hoping to bring people closer to understanding, as close to understanding as we can get. I want to share an experience that had an impact on me. This trip truly changed me, and what I want do with my life. I suggest if you have the means or are able to visit Poland or go on March of the Living. I know there are teen and family trips with BBYO.
Thank you so much for what you said. I truly appreciate what you said. I also visited the picture of your family. Your family is beautiful and I am so glad that they were able to make it through such a devastating time.
I loved reading about your romantic return to what sounds like a beatiful and vibrant island. Thanks for sharing some of its treasures.
This is a great story, thank you for sharing the glories of Octoberfest in lesser known Nerumberg. My mouth was atering reading about all of the regional delicacies that accompany the beer!
Oh goodness, this is so sad! Thanks for sharing all of this information, a lot of these things I did not know until just now. We're taught about the Holocaust at school, but I'm sure that there is nothing like actually being at a concentration camp to understand how it actually was. Thanks for sharing.
wow! This sounds like such a wonderful experience. I'm sure it was very enlightening, and it really makes me happy to read that last paragraph. I think it's beautiful that you see things that way, and I hope to some day personally come to that realization through my own experiences. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Hi Debbie,
You will want he Medical Authorization Form from each child's parents with a photocopy of their insurance card.
Then you can use the last form which is for group tours, school outings etc. It is fine for domestic travel, Include travel info for each child so that parents assign you guardianship for certain period of time only.
Get these forms notarized. Make several photocopies in case an adventure tour operator wants to keep one. Or, if you all travel on same flights, get one long form, like a petition, and be sure both of each child's parents or guardians sign it.
You should be fine with it. Does the hotel know? Many states say it is illegal for a minor to occupy a room without an adult present. You may need connecting rooms guaranteed.
Enjoy the trip and write about what you did!
JaguarZ writes to the Admin with a very good question:
I will be traveling to Hawaii, originating on the eastcoast, with 4 minors (only 1 is my child) – they will all be 17 at the time of travel. I need to be able to "act as their guardian" — for example, sign waiver forms for activities, seek medical coverage if necessary.
I found a form or two on the site, but they seem geared toward international travel and do not seem to include the ability to "sign the waiver forms" I mention above. Any suggestions? I realize I may be able to get some of these forms signed before we leave, BUT for those activities they decide on when we are there — H E L P!
Thank you so much for your anticipated support
Debbie
This is really incredible. It is a dream of mine to visit Alaska, and I hope that if I ever do get to go, that I can experience what you did. My dad and I are avid kayakers, so it was somewhat relatable, although I doubt that Miami waters are NEARLY as cool (haha) as those in Alaska.This truly sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
I wanted to add that I loved the way you described everything, it was so beautiful and real.
Aw, I'm so sorry that happened to your dad but I'm glad something good came out of it. My family was actually planning on going to Gatlinburg next summer but we're all way too chicken to do this white water rafting haha. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing this! That sounds like a truly beautiful experience. I love the bit about never underestimating yourself the most, very true.
*2009 not 2008
This is about my trip to South Dakota.
This trip was indeed and enriching expreience.
If you copy and paste the URL at the bottom of the post into your browser, it will take you to a video clip of the event, and if you skip to the last 12 seconds of the video you will see myself and one of my good friends sprinting in to the finish. We ended up tieing for 9th place.