5-Day Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary through the Scenic American Southwest

Day 1: Exploring the Desert

Phoenix, Arizona

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Matt's Big Breakfast

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring classic American fare, including fluffy pancakes and their famous breakfast special.
Head northeast on E McDowell Rd towards N 1st St.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Desert Botanical Garden

Explore the beautiful array of desert plants and designated family-friendly areas, making it enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
Drive 10 minutes from breakfast via N Galvin Pkwy.
USD 40, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Vig

Enjoy a family lunch with flavorful sandwiches and salads in a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
Drive 15 minutes from the garden to The Vig via E McDowell Rd.
USD 60, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Phoenix Zoo

Spend the afternoon learning about wildlife at one of the largest non-profit zoos in the country, perfect for keeping the kids entertained.
Drive 10 minutes to the zoo via E Van Buren St.
USD 80, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Pizzeria Bianco

Wind down with some delicious wood-fired pizza made with fresh, high-quality ingredients in a family-friendly setting.
Head to the pizzeria, which is about 15 minutes away via E Washington St.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Grand Canyon Adventure

Grand Canyon, Arizona

7:00 AM

Breakfast at El Tovar Dining Room

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at this historic lodge with stunning canyon views.
Travel via AZ-64 N for approximately 3.5 hours.
USD 100, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Grand Canyon National Park Tour

Embark on a guided tour to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, suitable for all ages.
Meet at the visitor center, a short drive from breakfast.
USD 200, 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Bright Angel Lodge

Enjoy lunch with a variety of hearty options overlooking the rim of the canyon.
Walk over from your tour accommodation.
USD 75, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Explore Rim Trail

Take a family-friendly hike along the Rim Trail, with breathtaking views and accessible paths.
Head to the trailhead nearby the lodge.
USD 0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Canyon Village Market

End your day with a casual dinner packed with family-friendly meals such as burgers and salads.
Drive back to the market from your hike.
USD 60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Water Adventures

Page, Arizona

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Ranch House Grille

Fuel up with a classic breakfast before your day of exploration.
Drive to Page via US-89 for 2 hours.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit Antelope Canyon

Explore the beautiful rock formations and canyon views that are perfect for some family photos.
A short drive from the restaurant to the Antelope Canyon entrance.
USD 80, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Big John's Texas BBQ

Indulge in some hearty BBQ meat options that kids love.
Drive 15 minutes to the BBQ joint.
USD 70, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Boat Tour on Lake Powell

Enjoy a scenic boat ride, with opportunities for swimming and exploration on this stunning lake.
Head to the Lake Powell Marina, just a 10-minute drive.
USD 160, 3 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at the Blue Bacon

Have a relaxed dinner featuring delicious burgers and milkshakes in a kid-friendly atmosphere.
A short ride back to downtown Page.
USD 60, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Wonders

Monument Valley, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Stagecoach Restaurant

Start your day with a native-inspired breakfast close to the magnificent views.
Travel via US-89 N and US-163 for approximately 2 hours.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Monument Valley Tribal Park Tour

Experience the unique rock formations and stunning landscapes while learning about the Navajo culture.
Meet your guide near the entrance of the park.
USD 100, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The View Restaurant

Enjoy your meal while overlooking the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley.
Drive a short distance within the park.
USD 70, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Hiking at Wildcat Trail

Take a family-friendly hike that allows you to get up close to the iconic buttes.
Access the trailhead from The View Restaurant.
USD 0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Goulding's Stagecoach Dining Room

Finish the day with a meal inspired by Southwest flavors, ideal after a day of exploration.
Drive back to Goulding's from the trailhead.
USD 70, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Urban Exploration

Salt Lake City, Utah

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Copper Onion

Enjoy a unique twist on classic breakfast with seasonal ingredients that appeal to the whole family.
Travel via US-163 North and I-70 for about 4 hours.
USD 60, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah

Discover engaging exhibits that capture the wonders of nature and history, making it entertaining for children.
A short 15-minute drive from breakfast.
USD 50, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Red Iguana

Savor authentic Mexican cuisine that has become a family favorite for many visitors.
Drive to Red Iguana, about 12 minutes away.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Liberty Park

Spend the afternoon relaxing in this sprawling urban park with a playground, perfect for some family downtime.
A quick 10-minute drive to the park.
USD 0, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Enjoy a family-friendly dinner with an extensive menu that appeals to everyone, followed by their delicious cheesecake.
Final drive to the restaurant, approximately 10 minutes away.
USD 100, 2 hours
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