I would agree that 3 nights is too much for Grand Canyon with a 3yo. On the way up stop at Montezuma's Castle for a little Native American history.

Head for GC and spend some time walking the rim trail and seeing sunset. Check to see if there are any evening Ranger programs that might look at stars etc. when you are there. Spend the next day there, maybe do a short walk below the rim, hold the hand of your little one if you do this. Check out the VC, do go out to Hermit's rest, take the shuttle, get off and look at the fantastic views when you need to burn some energy. Have lunch, drive east and stop at some of the fantastic views in that direction. I would guess that would be enough GC for the kids, but do spend some time looking for deer and elk. They have been right in the village when we've been there several times.

Then head back towards Phoenix and spend a night or two (depending on if you do one or two in GC) in Sedona at a hotel that has a pool for the kids to play in. Take a jeep tour, do a bit of hiking etc.

Have lots of fun.

My son would be interested in the Montezuma castle..we'll check that out. Would that just be a couple hours stop before getting to GC?

Where can I research the Ranger programs - the star gazing idea really interests me. We live near Boston and don't see enough of the clear sky at night.

If we spend 2 nights at the GC, then would you just spend one night in Sedona, and the last in Phoenix, before heading home (we have a 12:30 pm flight) Or would you stay in Sedona, and drive early back to the airport? What else is there to do in Sedona - I see the Red Rocks are there, what happens on the jeep tour?
thanks Jacki

A couple of hours would be enough to see Montzuma's Castle. It is part of the park service properties so consider getting the NP pass ( $80) as it is good for a year and lets you into all the NP's including GC.

Go to www.nps.gov and put Grand Canyon into the search box to see what ranger programs will be available when you are going to be there.

Sedona has many hiking trails, a lot of scenic drives, Oak Creek canyon, etc. If you feel comfortable getting everyone going by 7 or 8 am or so then staying in Sedona would be fine, but as I recall you have to drive through Phoenix to get to the airport, so you might be more relaxed to stay closer on the night before your flight.

If you're looking for kids' activities in Sedona, I would say your best bet is to contact your hotel and see if they offer or know of suitable programs. For instance, I think the Enchantment offers some sort of day camp for kids, though it may not be suitable for the 3-year-old. Also, there's some sort of wildlife park outside Sedona. There's more than one Jeep tour, and some may be better for kids than others.

I will look into the NP pass, sounds like a good idea. I will check out the ranger programs - do you know if you have to sign up in advance for them?

I think I'll keep the Phoenix reservation for the night before our flight home, I think it will make life easier. So the question is whether to spend one night in GC and 2 nights in Sedone, or 2 nights in GC and 1 in Sedona... I'm leaning towards 2 nights in GC, but I'm not sure.

We have Marriott miles, but it doesn't look as though there are any options closer than Flagstaff to Sedona to use them. I was looking at the Best Western in Sedona, as an option to stay, it looked ok on tripadvisor. Has anyone stayed around there?

Also any dining recommendations for any part of the trip? Kid friendly, memorable places?

I know there's been a lot of talk about Sedona and I don't mean to suggest AT ALL that you should take it off the agenda, but - have you considered Page and Lake Powell? There's lots of great scenery and activities, all very family-friendly, such as the Colorado River Discovery Float Trip from the Glen Canyon Dam to Lees Ferry. Page is 2.5 hours from Grand Canyon South Rim. You could drive yourself up there and take it as a half-day trip, or take a full-day tour with round-trip bus transportation included. For the half-day out of Page, visit www.raftthecanyon.com Info on one of the day tour packages out of Grand Canyon South Rim ->: http://bit.ly/ODxIE6

JackiZom- I think it depends how early you get away from Phoenix on that Friday. If early, stop off at Montezumas's Castle. This shouldn't take too long with a 3 year old. Then head up,to the GC for a little sight seeing before dark. Leave GC late the next morning, head out the east entrance, stopping at the Cameron Trading Post for lunch. Then head to Sedona for a few nights. On the flip side, if you are getting away from Phoenix late, do 2nights at the GC and one in Sedona. It is about 4 hour to the GC from Phoenix.

Please look at Enchantment Resort in Sedona -- we stayed there for 3 nights after a 3-night trip to the Grand Canyon, and my then 12-year-old son and his friend LOVED it... it is pricey, but worth it. There were activities for the boys to do they really enjoyed, and the setting and accommodations are so nice...I even spent a day at the fabulous spa, while my young daughter was happily in the childrens' program.

We loved the Grand Canyon, but that was partly because we had a suite at El Tovar overlooking the canyon and we did the mule ride to the bottom, spending the night at the bottom (Phantom Ranch) and riding back the next day -- if not for that, probably one night would have been sufficient. We all would have happily stayed at Enchantment for a couple of more nights if we could have!

Have a wonderful trip!

Another option you can consider would be spending some time in Flagstaff. It has a cute downtown, and is close to some nice attractions: Sunset Crater and Wupaki National Monuments, Walnut Canyon, and Meteor Crater. it also has a nice regional museum.

If it were me - I would head for the main attraction first - the Grand Canyon - (4 hour drive or so from Phoenix) - and stay there two nights - and then spend two nights in Sedona, where you are two hours closer to Phoeniz.

Think your family would also enjoy the IMAX film - by the entrance to the Grand Canyon, and if you can - I would stay on the rim - with a Canyon view from your room - say at Bright Angel Lodge - or at the more upscale El Tovar.

From Sedona - Montezuma's Castle is only 25 miles - so you could visit it while staying in Sedona - and the last morning, get up early and be on the road by 8 AM - driving two hours to the Phoenix airport - which should not be a problem as you would be arriving in Phoenix after the morning traffic.

And the Best Western in Sedona looks like it has a nice view, an indoor/outdoor pool - and is highly rated, plus the kids can watch their pancakes being made for breakfast

I would say use your points.

http://tinyurl.com/arup5gq

And as suggested - you and the kids might like the amazing Meteor Crater - about 40 miles east of Flagstaff, which you could stop at on your way from the Grand Canyon to Sedona.

They have a good movie in the visitor's center and a small museum with interesting exhibits - plus of course, the big crater. http://www.meteorcrater.com/

The float trip in Page/below the Glen Canyon dam - would also be fun - but you have to drive about 3? hours north to get there and then back, so it also depends on what kind of "road warriors" you are.

I would not do a float trip with a 3 year old. Here is a link to our trip. It is old, but may be helpful. Sunset Crater is just off Hwy 89 on your way from Cameron back to Sedona. Fascinating.

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/beautiful-colors-sedona-grand-canyon-trip-report.cfm

With a small child, I would break it up by staying 2 nights in Sedona, 2 nights in Grand Canyon, or even 3/1 nights.

We were at one of the state parks near Sedona, I think it was Red Rock State Park, and they had several good children's programs going on, so you may also wish to check that out. Yep, Red Rock State Park. Here is the link for that:

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/RERO/index.html