Looking to do a west Texas to Grand Canyon tour with kids in June. Taking 10 to 12 days. Plan to hit Balmorhea (possibly McDonald Observatory)>Carlsbad Caverns> Roswell>Albuquerque>Painted dessert/Petrified forest>Sedona>Flagstaff>Grand Canyon.

Watching the other Arizona thread for ideas. Kids are 12/9/4. Not sure how much actual hiking they will tolerate but we have done 8 hr drives multiple times well so I think we can still have a good time with enough days to stretch it all out.

My main question. We are Considering the train from Williams. Anyone done it? Stayed at the lodges with the "package" they offer?

https://www.thetrain.com/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADsvnyKiv5idpnrHFvOL60Xlw-iBG&gclid=Cj0KCQiAst67BhCEARIsAKKdWOn5B3Zk4s1XXzYCmFnP35n5rg4-0skNqkXzsayYkubqFdkvatMDHPEaAtkYEALw_wcB

Yes. We did the train from Williams about 25 years ago. It was great and your kids are the perfect age. We stayed in a cabin in Williams which was very convenient. The only downside I can think of is we weren't in the Grand Canyon very long at the south rim. You may be able to stay longer and catch another train back either later or a day or two after. Of course, if you did that, you would have to find lodging at the Grand Canyon.

If you have never done a scenic train ride of any type, you will probably find it fun. However, if you have done trains like Durango Silverton or Cumbres & Toltec, you will find the scenery rather boring.

Your kids might like Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams.

Our kids were about the same age when we did the train, and they thoroughly enjoyed it ... especially the part when the train robbers board. Not sure if they still do that.