IMAX - A Grand Canyon Experience You Don't Want to Miss!

A Top Family Activity Near Grand Canyon National Park

There is so much to see and do at the Grand Canyon National Park - but first-time visitors typically make their first stop at the National Geographic Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is just a short distance from the Grand Canyon Airport, and is actually en route to the canyon itself. Here, visitors have the perfect opportunity to start out their adventure by browsing a variety of exhibits, fueling up with lunch, and best of all - previewing the vast magnificence of the South Rim awaiting them during a breathtaking Grand Canyon IMAX film.

The IMAX theater in the National Geographic Visitor Center contains a six-story movie screen and is equipped with a powerful 12,000 watts of digital surround sound. Sit back and experience the wonder of the Grand Canyon in a way that only IMAX can capture. This 35-minute film, titled "Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time", creates the illusion of soaring over the canyon gorges, plunging down to the Colorado River a mile below, and even a simulated whitewater rafting adventure.

This film not only provides an exhilarating visual journey, it also offers fascinating facts about the ancient history of the Grand Canyon and details about its unique geology and formation over millions of years. There's no better way to educate children about the Grand Canyon National Park - while also keeping them entertained and at the edge of their seats!

Moviegoers will enjoy air-conditioning during their film - a welcome escape from the often scorching Arizona desert temperatures. The theater has the capacity to entertain up to 488 individuals per showing, which makes it an ideal activity for large groups like those arriving on bus tours. Large groups are also eligible for discounted tickets. Additionally, the theater has enough space to accommodate 8 wheelchairs. The curved seating arrangement means that every seat offers a perfect view of the towering screen.

During the summer season, the theater offers up to 13 showings per day, while the winter season offers a matinee and an evening showing. Ticket prices vary for adults, military, seniors, and children - though children under 5 are free with a paying adult. Purchasing your tickets online in advance is also recommended, as the Visitor Center website often offers discounted rates. International guests can enjoy the film in 8 languages, including French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Spanish, and English.

For those looking for the perfect souvenir, a DVD version of the film is also available for purchase at the Visitor Center. Visitors to the Grand Canyon can relive their adventure and share it with friends.

After your stop at the Visitor Center and your viewing of Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time, you can head straight to the park and experience the majesty of the landscape for yourself!