I need some advise on scheduling activities for two families with children ages 9-22. We have three nights at the Grand Canyon Lodge and I am trying to determine what exactly our agenda should include. I have a list of hiking trails for the North Rim which sound fun, but am wondering if horseback riding and/or smooth-water rafting are available to us without driving a long way? It seems the South Rim has more to offer but we've had these reservations for more than a year. Actually by the time we arrive, it will be mid-afternoon the first day, and we'll have two full days after that. Does anyone have any "must do" suggestions to offer? Also, are Bryce and/or Zion too far for a day trip? Thanks for any info and although I've read many previous posts, I'm still unclear of what people have experienced at the North Rim that is an absolute "must do."
Thanks, Jane

North Rim is laid back compared to the south, but in either place, the main activity is gawking at the grandeur. Two full days is not too much for some hiking, a drive along the rim and just sitting and absorbing the beauty. I wouldn't try to squeeze in a trip to Zion even though it is magnificent.
Pipe Springs National Monument is interesting. You might check out Lee's Ferry as a place to get in a short trip on the Colorado River. Any fishermen in your group? Trout abound.
Everything else in what is called the Arizona Strip is mostly desolate and wilderness.

Although it is a grand building, be sure to stray away from the lodge to get an all-points perspective of the canyon. There are some fascinating look-out points elsewhere along the north rim, take a look at a map to find them.

The drive to and from the N. Rim is very windy and will make for slow driving. You would spend the better part of the day (approx. 8 hours total) driving to Zion or Bryce and back. I would NOT recommend it as a day trip.

You might consider stopping at Zion either on your way to the N. Rim and/or your way out...if you are headed to Las Vegas from the N. Rim...just don't under estimate the driving times!

Utahtea

I am sure that you can fill up 2 days at the North Rim. I would certainly do the horseback ride if the group is into that. When I was there I did not have time to get "into" the canyon but will on the next trip.

They do advise if hiking into the canyon to allow twice as long to hike out. The altitude will cut your breathing ability if you are not from a high elevation location. Just think ahead.

We spent a few days at the north rim last year and that is a fine amount of time to drive and walk to a variety of lookout points. We also did a mule ride, which the kids enjoyed. I liked the trail walks better. The views are amazing and varied. I like the north much better than the south -- fewer crowds are a big advantage.