SJ - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas - Death Valley - SJ road trip with kids in December end

[tobe]

I am planing a road trip with kids (3 and 9 yrs) from SJ - Grand Canyon - Las Vegas - SJ in the December last week.

Here is a tentative plan that I was able to come up for now.

Day 1 : Leave San Jose around noon, reach Barstow via I-5 & CA 58. Overnight at Barstow
Day 2 : Leave Barstow around 10AM(PST), reach Tusayan 5PM(MST). - Need help in figuring out any local things that can be done?
Day 3 : Grand Canyon south rim tour. Overnight in Williams - How will be the winter weather. Snow?? Are chains required for sedan type vehicles?
Day 4 : Leave Williams and drive to Vegas. High Roller at Linq. Overnight fun in Vegas
Day 5 : Local Vegas. optional Hoover Dam. Overnight in Vegas. Around new year eve.
Day 6 : Leave Vegas at 10am and reach Death Valley around noon. Local sightseeing. Overnight around - I am not too sure about the Death Valley weather situation post flooding. Scotty's Castle though is closed. What all can be covered in the rest of the day. Also haven't been able to look for accommodation around.
Day 7 : Death Valley to San Jose. Finally home.

Trying to fit Sedona into the mix. Will have to leave of Zion & Bryce for a separate trip preferably in summer

If not Death Valley then I plan to drive to Bakersfield as a break journey from Vegas to SJ. Any other option is welcome as part of break journey?

Considering the kids and winter please help me review and fine tune the itinerary to add some scenic routes. Don't want to add any more days.


Thanks