We chose to go to the Grand Canyon via the Grand Canyon Railway to avoid some traffic and make it easier to get in/out of the park. This was a lot of fun and the kids loved it. The Grand Canyon Railway had a lot of entertainment on the way there and a special surprise on the way back. I must say, coming with the kids, I think this was a good option. If it had just been Smalls and I, I would not do this. The train ride is 2 hours each way and leaves only 3 hours of actual time at the Grand Canyon to sight see. Plus, you arrive at the South Rim. We didn’t feel like we had time to take a trolley to any other areas. I think the kids were satisfied with the time, but I would have liked to spend some time hiking. Also, we went just before the busy season, so the train had snacks for sale, but not a meal. All of the restaurants at the Grand Canyon were packed and we didn’t have time to stand in line. We were able to come back another day to drive around and sight see and another day we took air plane tour, so I don’t feel that we were cheated out of the experience, but I wish I had planned and researched better for this excursion. My number 1 recommendation if you choose to go this way would be to bring your own lunch and familiarize yourself with the what area/attraction you plan to see when you arrive.
Smalls and Talls Outdoors 