gc,zion,bryce w 5y.old
Dec 1st, 2005, 04:16 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
gc,zion,bryce w 5y.old
At late April will be driving from Tallahassee Florida for 10 days, 3 seniors , 2 mid age adults, and one 5 year old, to GC,stay 2 days at Bright Angels Powel Suite,than drive to Zion stay at Desert Pearl Inn for 2 days,and start slowly drive back through Bryce.I would appreciatte any help,what would be the best drive back,what is the weather at late april at Zion and what activitis are for children at GC and Desert Pearl.Where to stay on the way and is that possible to make this trip at 10 days Thanx very much
Dec 2nd, 2005, 12:41 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 23,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
While I love these places, I am not sure this trip at this time in this way would be that pleasant.
First, mapquest lists driving time from Tallahassee to GC as 28 hours. To me that means, with stops, 3 very long driving days, especially considering food, bathroom and just stretching needs of anyone - more so with seniors and a 5 year old. So your 10-day trip includes at least 6 long car days. With 2 nights in each of 2 destinations, that does not really allow time for "start slowly drive thru Bryce" and does not even take into consideration the drive from South Rim of GC to Zion/Bryce area. Since you asked about where to stay on the way back, I am assuming you are not planning on just switching drivers and driving non-stop - which in my opinion would be even worse!
Weather.com gives temperatures at each of these places as what I consider "Boston spring" - because tht is where I live. Average high temps around 55-60, but lows at about freezing. It could also snow, even in late April.
There are not "activities" as such for children at Grand Canyon. While the 5-year old should be old enough to follow basic safety instructions, it scared me half to death to see all these pre-schoolers running around the rim of the Grand Canyon unsupervised, right at the edge. The views at all of these places are incredible, something to definitely see in your lifetime, but likely not all that fascinating for long to a 5-year old.
We have stayed at Bright Angel and loved it, but after those long car days, there are few diversions (TV, swimming, activities) for a young child that might temper the boredom of the trip.
All this said, you know your trip-mates better than I. As a child I spent many long vacations with endless car-rides and survived. However, there are no 6 members I can think of in my family who would still be on speaking terms after a trip such as this. I know I sound very negative, but you asked for opinions.
First, mapquest lists driving time from Tallahassee to GC as 28 hours. To me that means, with stops, 3 very long driving days, especially considering food, bathroom and just stretching needs of anyone - more so with seniors and a 5 year old. So your 10-day trip includes at least 6 long car days. With 2 nights in each of 2 destinations, that does not really allow time for "start slowly drive thru Bryce" and does not even take into consideration the drive from South Rim of GC to Zion/Bryce area. Since you asked about where to stay on the way back, I am assuming you are not planning on just switching drivers and driving non-stop - which in my opinion would be even worse!
Weather.com gives temperatures at each of these places as what I consider "Boston spring" - because tht is where I live. Average high temps around 55-60, but lows at about freezing. It could also snow, even in late April.
There are not "activities" as such for children at Grand Canyon. While the 5-year old should be old enough to follow basic safety instructions, it scared me half to death to see all these pre-schoolers running around the rim of the Grand Canyon unsupervised, right at the edge. The views at all of these places are incredible, something to definitely see in your lifetime, but likely not all that fascinating for long to a 5-year old.
We have stayed at Bright Angel and loved it, but after those long car days, there are few diversions (TV, swimming, activities) for a young child that might temper the boredom of the trip.
All this said, you know your trip-mates better than I. As a child I spent many long vacations with endless car-rides and survived. However, there are no 6 members I can think of in my family who would still be on speaking terms after a trip such as this. I know I sound very negative, but you asked for opinions.
Dec 2nd, 2005, 08:19 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9,754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Jil,
I agree. You don't have enough time to drive out and sightsee. You need to either take a longer trip or fly out.
The Natl Parks do have wonderful programs for kids, the Junior Ranger programs. Check at each visitor center for the programs and your 5 year old will have some fun stuff to do - if you have more time at each park.
Good luck!
I agree. You don't have enough time to drive out and sightsee. You need to either take a longer trip or fly out.
The Natl Parks do have wonderful programs for kids, the Junior Ranger programs. Check at each visitor center for the programs and your 5 year old will have some fun stuff to do - if you have more time at each park.
Good luck!
Dec 4th, 2005, 01:10 PM
#5
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
depends on the activity level of your child. We hiked on the path with our boys when they were 5 and 8 but both are fairly athletic and kept a good pace. I was a nervous wreck knowing the danger if they slipped but they took it surprisingly very seriously and never goofed around. Good hiking boots, water bottle fanny pack, hat, bandana and lots of sunscreen.
