Are you ready for some fun in Utah? This southwestern USA state will blow you away. With national parks, hot springs, turquoise lakes, temples, red rocks, and so much more, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Utah with kids.
With the help of a few travelling families, we’ve curated this fantastic list of fun things to do in Utah with kids.
Since we love outdoor activities, you’ll find a lot of fun kid-friendly hikes and national/state parks, but we also included a few other activities if you’re not into hiking 😉
And if you don’t want to forget anything for your next trip to Utah with your kids, make sure to download our printable list of activities for kids in Utah.
Outdoor Family Activities in Utah
1. Coral Pink Sand Dunes Sledding
While many people flock to Southern Utah for Zion National Park, there are a lot of really cool things to do in Utah outside the Mighty 5. Many state parks are worth a visit, including the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, located in Kanab, Utah. It’s one of the best places for sand sledding in Utah.
With dunes estimated to be between 10,000-15,000 years old, visitors can explore on foot, by sand sledding or by riding an ATV. But Coral Pink sand dunes sledding is an EPIC activity not to miss.
For those travelling with children, preparing for a day of sand play and sand sledding is best. The Ranger Station rents boards and sleds for a nominal fee (be sure also to grab some wax) that can be used on the dunes.
Walking in the sand while carrying a sled and potentially a child is pretty tricky, so find a hill near the parking lot and have some fun.
For toddlers, pack a few sand toys or toy cars, find a shady spot and put a blanket down to keep them occupied.
Be prepared for windy weather and hot sun (in the summer months). Lightweight long-sleeved are ideal, as are comfortable shoes since the sand can get hot. Sunglasses are a must, and a hat with a chinstrap is best, given the unpredictable gusts!
Park fees are $10 per vehicle. Visitors can also camp with sites starting at $25 per night.
2. Pick Some Fruits at Capitol Reef National Park
When summertime comes around, one of the best activities for kids in Utah is to head to Capitol Reef National Park and pick fruit from over 3100 fruit trees.
From June to October, Capitol Reef comes alive with lush fruit trees ranging from apricots, pears, cherries, apples, mulberries, almonds, plums, walnuts, and almonds. Left over from early Mormon settlers, the National Park Service owns and maintains the trees for everyone to enjoy.
The best part? It’s completely free!
There’s no fee to eat and pick at your leisure, but there is a small charge if you want to collect a large amount and take it with you. When you’re done fruit picking, you can continue to dine on sweet treats by heading to Gifford Homestead for a piece of the freshly baked pie. The place is so popular that they often sell out by mid-morning.
Afterward, you can explore Capitol Reef National Park, one of the best national parks for kids, and visit family-friendly hikes like Hickman Bridge Trail, Cassidy Arch, and the Grand Wash Trail.
3. Hike at Capitol Reef National Park with Kids
Capitol Reef National Park is halfway between Arches National Park and Bryce National Park. It’s a unique national park for families! With visitation at just a quarter of Zion National Park, it’s a place to escape some of the crowds.
There are so many unique things to do at Capitol Reef National Park that you won’t find elsewhere. They’re all condensed into an area that’s easy to explore in a single day.
Fortunately, many easy hikes are just 1 to 2 miles long for families. There are perfect for young hikers! Families hiking with toddlers won’t want to miss Capitol Gorge and Sunset Point, both short and easy hikes.
Our favourite Capitol Reef hike for kids with a bit of experience is the Hickman Bridge. It’s an easy 2-mile out-and-back trail that starts beside the water and takes you to a stunning 133-foot natural bridge.
Hickman Bridge is the park’s most famous hike, and it’s an excellent opportunity to give elementary schoolers a real sense of accomplishment!
Then, you can cool down from your hike at a Ranger program to learn about the Indigenous Fremont Culture that inhabited the land more than a thousand years ago. There’s a lovely, accessible boardwalk off the main road that leads you to the pictographs and petroglyphs they left behind.
Be sure to download the Gypsy Guide audio tour of Capitol Reef National Park to learn many fun facts while driving.
4. Find Kid-Friendly Hikes in Snow Canyon State Park
This hike was recommended by Amanda from Coaching-Evie.
Snow Canyon State Park is jokingly referred to by locals as “Utah’s 6th National Park, had the ‘Big 5’ t-shirts not already been printed”.
All joking aside, Snow Canyon’s postcard-worthy panoramic scenery, colourful landscape, protected desert wildlife, and geological history would easily classify it as a national park had it been in any other state.
Snow Canyon State Park has something for outdoor adventurers of all ages. Located a little over an hour’s drive southeast of Zion National Park, Snow Canyon, makes for a quieter, less hectic alternative for families.
There are miles of kid-friendly hikes in Snow Canyon, much of which are short (less than 3 miles) and easy. Younger hikers will love playing “The Floor is Lava” while exploring ancient lava flow tubes.
Island in the Sky in Snow Canyon is famous for canoeing and climbing (permit required) if you are older kids that are in need of adrenaline.
Aside from easy hiking, there are many other things to do in Snow Canyon State Park. Kids will love participating in the junior ranger program, ranger talks, bike riding, horseback riding, and camping.
Both kids and adults will love sliding down the red sand dunes. Parents can sneak in history less when seeing the names of early pioneers carved in an alcove dating back to the 1880s or the petroglyphs at Sinking Ship boulder and Newspaper Rock.
Snow Canyon State Park is located right outside of St. George, Utah, where there are plenty of options for dining and accommodations. Several other activities for families make the whole area worth a few nights’ stay.
5. Visit the iconic Zion National Park
Visiting Zion National Park is one of the best things to do in Utah for kids! Additionally, it is one of Utah’s best national parks for families.
It’s relatively easy to get to Zion. It’s 170 miles northeast of Las Vegas and 300 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. Most families visiting Zion Canyon will find lodging options in Springdale. It’s the most easily accessed entrance to the park.
Zion Canyon is lovely for families because a bus runs from the visitor’s center to the canyon’s end. You can hop on/hop off the bus at your leisure. There is also a shuttle bus running from many hotels in Springdale to the entrance of the park.
The best thing to do in Zion National Park with kids is to hike. The Pa’rus Trail is accessible from the Zion Canyon Visitor’s Center and is a relatively flat, paved trail. It’s more like a nature trail and is an excellent introduction to hiking if your kids are little.
Another great hike with kids is Riverside Walk. It’s a beautiful, nonstrenuous hike, which ends at the beginning of the Narrows. The Narrows is an iconic hike up through a flooded canyon, which may or may not suit your family, especially if you’re visiting Zion National Park with a toddler.
Even if you don’t want to stomp up the Narrows with your children, your kids can play on the banks of the Virgin River, have a good snack, and explore nature.
On your way back down the canyon, visit Zion Lodge and grab an ice cream or stop and catch a ranger-led program.
6. Venture into Natural Bridges National Monument
This national monument in Utah was recommended by Lotte from Gezond Weekmenu.
While many National Parks in the USA are overrun during the summer holidays, Natural Bridges National Monument is an exception. With Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park taking the spotlight and thus most of the visitors, Natural Bridges is just as beautiful but without the crowds.
Start at the visitor center and learn about the park’s history and how the bridges came to be. Hop back in the car and slowly make your way around the 9-mile-long one-way Bridge View Drive.
Be sure to stop often to admire the beautiful views. Kids will love the fact that they won’t have to walk for hours before reaching the intended destination. The trails leading to the three bridges are short, and while toddlers still need to be carried (bring a baby carrier), kids aged 4+ can usually complete these hikes themselves. They are Utah kids-friendly hikes.
The three bridges have Hopi names with beautiful meanings. The first bridge is called Sipapu, which means ‘place of emergence.’ Sipapu is the second-largest natural bridge in the world (only Rainbow Bridge in Glen Canyon is bigger). The second bridge is named Kachina, which means ‘dancer.’
Check out the rock drawings along the path and ask your kids what they see in them.
The last bridge is called Owachomo, meaning ‘rock mounds’. This natural bridge is only 9 feet wide in the middle, making it look fragile. That being said, these bridges have been here for many centuries and have, since time immemorial, been an important place to the Anasazi (Ancestral Puebloans).
7. Admire the Landscape of Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is a fun thing to do in Utah with kids. Bryce Canyon is in southern Utah and is one of the unique national parks. It is filled with red rock pillars, known as hoodoos. The viewpoints are incredible, and it is genuinely a national park that shouldn’t be missed. There are lots of great things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park.
There are many easy hikes for kids, incredible viewpoints and a fun junior ranger program. Be sure to stop by the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. This is a great place to start any visit to the national parks because there are great exhibits for the kids to learn more about the park and pick up their junior ranger booklet.
If you’re looking for a kid-friendly hike in Utah, Sunset Point to Sunrise Point via the Rim Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is a great option. It is a flat, paved trail that follows the canyon’s edge. The views are spectacular, and it is an easy trail that everyone can enjoy.
A hike that is a little more challenging is the Queen Garden Trail. It is one of the most accessible trails that will take you down into the canyon. The hike down is easy. Just remember that as far as you go down, you will have to go back up. Hiking out of the canyon is challenging.
The Navajo Loop is one of the best hikes in the park but more challenging. It is a 1.5-mile hike with an elevation gain of 515 feet. Many kids can hike this trail.
But remember to go slow as you’re hiking out of the canyon and bring lots of water, especially in the summer.
Bryce Canyon City is a great place to stay when exploring the National Park. The park shuttle runs through the town.
8. Explore Canyonlands National Park
One of the absolute best things to do in Utah with kids is visit Canyonlands National Park. It’s located right outside Moab, Utah. It only takes a super scenic drive from downtown Moab to get there. You’ll pass Arches National Park and Dead Horse State Park along the way.
Canyonlands is a perfect place to visit with children because it’s filled with easy hikes and epic scenery. That’s right, even the best hikes in Canyonlands aren’t super hard, meaning that even your kid can do them.
The park is also a lot less visited than Arches National Park, so the crowds are nowhere near as significant.
Try t get there early in the morning to beat the Utah heat.
With kids, there are a few great things to do in Canyonlands. For starters, visit Island in the Sky, as this is the most accessible district in the park to get there.
In Island in the Sky, you can drive the scenic road, meet with park rangers, and get a passport stamp at the Visitor Center. Then, you can hike to Mesa Arch, an absolute must when visiting Canyonlands with kids.
Be sure to grab breakfast in Moab before heading out for the day! While in Moab, a thing to do as a family is the Giants Dinosaur Park. Kids will love to learn about dinosaurs.
9. Walk under Arches at Arches National Park
This location in Arches National Park was recommended by Melanie from Suitchase.
You’ll want to put Arches National Park on your fun things to do in Utah with kids list.
Located just minutes outside Moab, Utah, Arches National Park is a magical place that offers some of the best kid-friendly hikes near Moab.
The Windows section of the park is easily accessible. You’ll find the North Window, the Double Arch, the Turret Arch, the Garden of Eden, the Elephant Butte, and the Parade of Elephants. Some many things to see in such a small area.
Kids love standing under majestic arches. There are small piles of boulders that young adventurers will enjoy.
Another kid-friendly trail is the Sand Dune Arch Trail. Located near the Devil’s Playground area of the park, this out-and-back trail is rated as easy. The Sand Dune Arch is only 0.2 miles from the trailhead.
The trail leading up to Sand Dune Arch winds through a small rock canyon to the slight, kid-sized arch that is shaded most of the day. It’s a great option on warmer days.
Don’t forget to grab a copy of the Junior Ranger booklet from the Visitor’s Center when you arrive at the park. Young rangers who complete the booklet using the park’s information and take the ranger pledge can earn a free badge. It makes a great souvenir, and it’s perfect when roadshooling!
10. Discover Hoodoos at Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park is one of the top family adventures in Utah, especially for the outdoor-loving family. While Utah is home to many stunning national and state parks, Goblin Valley is one of the best options if visiting with kids.
Goblin Valley State Park is in the San Rafael Desert in Southern Utah. The park’s main draw is the hoodoos, made of Entrada Sandstone. The hoodoos come in all shapes and sizes, and many are described as looking like Goblins.
Because of the accessibility to the hoodoos, the park is often described as a child’s playground. The state park holds some of the same formations that are icons of nearby national parks like Bryce Canyon.
The main difference is the kids can freely roam and even climb on the structures! Kids will enjoy climbing through “caves” in the structures, some of which resemble castles. For a fun game, try to find shapes in the hoodoos like you would with the clouds!
You will also find some easy kid-friendly hikes within the park that take you around the upper walls of the valley, treating you to incredible views of the “goblins” sitting below! Tables are seated near the valley walls, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with the family.
A true treat when visiting the park? Reserve a campsite or yurt and spend the night stargazing with the goblins! The state park is in an area of Utah that is said to have some of the clearest skies in the country, making the night sky jaw-dropping!
Other Fun Family Activities in Utah
11. Look at the City from Ensign Peak
This hike near Salt Lake City was recommended by Alex from Travels & Baffles.
The Ensign Peak Trail, located in Salt Lake City, is a short, mile-long hike with a fantastic view of the city and the Great Salt Lake. It’s a perfect thing to do in SLC with kids.
As the trail steepens, it becomes more of a challenge to hike, but it is nothing that you cannot overcome… especially knowing what awaits you at the top.
The several viewpoints make the hike easier to manage, as each new view feels like a great reward.
The peak is also great for catching one of the best sunsets in Utah as you watch Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains glow under the orange sky. It can even be a fantastic spot to set up a picnic to enjoy with the family as the sky puts on its show.
As a bonus, you can stop and read signage that educates you on the historical significance of the trail. This is a great opportunity to add a little education to your trip!
Depending on the time of year, you may even be lucky to spot some exciting wildlife and stunning wildflowers. Be sure to keep a lookout and have the kids bring their binoculars!
12. Watch the Color of Bentonite Hills
The Bentonite Hill in Utah is one of the best things to do in Utah with kids. It’s just outside Capitol Reef National Park.
How to get to Bentonite Hills, Utah? The Bentonite Hills is located just outside Capitol Reel National Park at the boundary of the Bureau of Land Management land. the hills are accessible by the Hartnet Road. You’ll need a 4-wheel drive vehicle with a high clearance to get to this hidden Utah gem.
There are many off-road trails and ATV parks if your kids enjoy riding dirt bikes or 4-wheelers. There are some great ATV Bentonite Hills tours. Camping is also available in the area, or you can stay in the nearby town of Hanksville.
Hanksville also has the nearest restaurants, so take food and water with you if you will be there for a long.
Try to be there near sunrise or sunset when visiting the Bentonite Hills. Photos will turn out amazingly.
Sunrise and sunset are when you can watch the colours of the hills change as the sun moves. During the day, the hills are mostly orange and red, but during the blue hour and sunrise or sunset, the hills come alive in shades of blue and purple along with the orange and reds.
After enjoying the bumpy path to get there, take a hike on the Bentonite Hills, but watch where you walk. Follow footpaths that are already there or walk along the washes.
The soil that looks like popcorn can be easily damaged by walking on it and takes years to recover. Kids will love the freedom to run and play at the base of the hills and climb up the colourful mounds.
13. Do Some Rock Climbing in Moab
This epic outdoor adventure was recommended by Meg from Fox in the Forest.
There are tons of fun things to do in Utah with kids, but rock climbing is one of the all-time best family things to do in Moab. You can go on your own, or book a rock climbing guided adventure.
After all, the rugged landscapes of Moab make it a magical place for you and your family to explore. You’ll encounter thousands of routes, including scaling desert towers, climbing sheer red cliffs, and tackling jagged sandstone rock formations.
So, if you want to go rock climbing and experience some of the best things in Moab, check out local hot spots like Indian Creek, Six Shooter Peaks, Wall Street, Castleton Tower, and Looking Glass Rock.
Just be aware that most climbs are probably unsuitable for younger children.
Although, if you’re travelling with younger children, Lions Park is an excellent spot for families to learn to climb (and become a more active family) since it’s a spacious area with tons of different routes of varying difficulty. Therefore, anyone and everyone in your family will be happy climbing here.
The area is also padded, which helps make those feel a little less painful.
If you’re new to the sport, hook up with the pros at Moab Desert Adventures, Moab Cliffs & Canyons, Windgate Adventures, or Red River Adventures. They will happily show you the ropes of climbing in Moab with your family.
14. Walk in a Slot Canyon at Little Wild Horse Canyon
Little Wild Horse Canyon is a great slot canyon for families with children. It’s located in the San Rafael Swell in south-central Utah.
There are two slot canyons in this one location which can make for a great day trip. It’s only a 20 minutes drive from Goblin Valley State Park.
It’s about 4 miles round trip just doing Little Wild Horse, but you can add on Bell Canyon for 8 miles. There are many climbing opportunities, narrow passages, and unique rock structures for kids.
The difficulty of the trail is between easy and moderate. There are a lot of fun obstacles to climb around (the kids will love it!)
The trailhead is well-marked, and it’s easy to find on Google Maps. Plus, no 4WD is needed to access the road. At the trailhead, you’ll find a parking lot containing around 20 cars and pit toilets.
We suggest you hike counterclockwise. That way, you’ll get in the most picturesque part of the hike with Little Wild Horse Canyon first in case your kids need to turn around.
Camping is available at Goblin Valley State Park or hotels and Airbnb in Green River. Green River is 58 miles from the trailhead.
Lastly, adventuring with kids takes planning and the right gear. Check here if you’re looking for the best hiking gear for kids.
15. Discover the Caribbean of the Rockies at Bear Lake
Another fun thing for kids in Utah is to visit Bear Lake. Bear Lake is located on the Idaho-Utah border and is known as the Caribbean of the Rockies. The lake is a beautiful turquoise colour and has some great beaches. There are so many fun, family-friendly things to do in Bear Lake.
The best place to spend time at the beach at Bear Lake is at the North Beach State Park. It is a two-mile beach perfect for playing in the sand and swimming. The parking lot does fill up fast, especially on the weekends and over the holidays.
Getting there earlier in the day is a good idea to ensure you can get in.
Bear Lake is also famous for its raspberry shakes. Everywhere sells them, even the Chevron Gas Station. As you’re exploring the downtown area, be sure to grab a milkshake and fries to enjoy! Zipz is one of the best places to get them.
Another fun and unique thing to do near Bear Lake is to explore the Minnetonka Cave. The cave is about half a mile and is one of the biggest limestone caves in Idaho.
There are nine rooms in the caves featuring different stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave is about 40 degrees Fahrenheit so make sure to bring a jacket.
Fun Indoor Activities in Utah
16. Get Lost in the Tracy Aviary and Botanical Garden
This unique botanical garden was recommended by Lori from MapsMemoriesandMotherhood.
If you’re looking for an indoor activity in Utah with kids, try the Tracy Aviary and Botanical Garden.
Located in Liberty Park, feathered friends from six continents flutter at the Tracy Aviary and Botanical Garden. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy the sights and sounds of waterfowl, raptors, egrets, parrots, owls and more.
The Aviary is one of the largest and oldest in the United States. Its goal is to teach people about birds and encourage their connection to nature. You’re greeted by American White Pelicans (as well as some native ducks who have taken up residence) at Pelican Pond.
Be sure to buy some duck feed, and you can toss it to some web-footed waddlers, and see them up close.
Then stroll around the grounds to geographic- and species-specific exhibits. You’ll pass the Treasures of the Rainforest, where colourful winged wonders perch high in trees and behind lush leaves. You can also enter the South American Pavilion, which has an indoor and outdoor space for more than 30 species of birds, including Toucans.
Our favourites are Expedition Kea, where New Zealand Keas, playful, friendly and adorable green parrots show off, and Eagle Ridge, where injured Bald and Golden Eagles have been rehabilitated and now serve as ambassadors for their majestic species.
A must-do is feeding the Lorikeets – the sweet, little parrots fly freely in a large enclosure and will sit on your arm, hand or head to munch on grapes and berries.
Once you’ve toured the grounds, you can also listen to Keeper Talks about specific birds or watch a show in one of the indoor or outdoor theatres.
You know you’re at the right spot to watch and learn about birds when “wild” feathered friends come to check things out. While visiting, a non-resident eagle perched at the top of a tree and spied on his fellow flyers.
Fun Winter Things to Do in Utah With Kids
With a slogan like “the Greatest Snow on Earth,” Utah is a great place to visit in the winter. It’s also why Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics in 2002. But if you are planning a visit to Utah in the winter, be sure to pack the proper winter gear for your kid and yourself.
17. Ski at Snowbird Mountain and the Alta Lodge
When in Utah with kids, you will be in skier heaven! The Alta Lodge is recommended by parents locally or visiting since it offers a fantastic set of services for families with a budget.
This Ski-in ski-out lodge offers spacious rooms and amenities all geared towards families. The nightly rate comes with 4 courses-dinner and breakfast daily. The spa also offers a FREE kid’s club program for children 4 to 12 years old or childcare services for little ones so parents can enjoy the slopes freely. The kids club is open every evening for activities like sledding or indoor games.
The ski experience on Alta mountain is a favourite amongst families. The slopes are great for all levels, beginners can start at the Albion base. Kids can also enroll in their ski school for age 4+. Something to note is that this ski resort is not great for snowboarding, but the mountain nearby called Snowbird is.
If visiting during the summer, the Alta Lodge is also a great place to be with kids. They offer an extensive Sunday brunch with your Saturday nightly rate. The area is a great spot to be with kids when the weather gets warm. Whether you enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains while hiking or visit during the annual Wasatch Wildflower Festival, kids and adults will create memories of a lifetime.
18. Ice Castles in Utah
This cool ice castle in Utah was recommended by Lisa from Wanderlust With Lisa.
If you’re visiting Utah with kids in the winter months, you have to check out the Ice Castles. The Ice Castles are man-made winter wonderlands with tunnels, slides, and more to explore! They have 4-5 locations yearly, but they continually build one in Midway, Utah! Your kids will be in awe of this incredible experience as they play in the snow & ice. They’ll feel like they’ve stepped into Elsa’s Castle from Frozen!
The Ice Castles are typically constructed in December and open from January to March. Tickets range in price but are around $20/per person. I recommend going early in the morning to avoid crowds. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets at dusk to enjoy the castle in the daylight and experience it at night. They typically have a light show at night, which captivates kids!
Onsite, you’ll find numerous nooks to explore. They also have a concession stand for hot chocolate or other festive winter purchases!
Be sure to wear warm clothes (gloves, hats, boots, etc) and non-slip shoes! I found the ice to be a little slushy and sometimes slippery! You can also bring your sled for the kids to use on the ice slides. Plan to spend about 1 hour here.
If you are a fan of ice castles, think of planning a trip to Quebec City in the winter to sleep at the Hôtel de Glace (ice hotel).
Other Fun Things to Do in Utah With Kids:
- Explore the Olympic town of Park City
- Soak in one of the three nature hot pools at Meadows Hot Springs
- Dip in the Great Salt Lake
- Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah
- Learn all about dinosaurs at Dinosaurs National Monument
- Enjoy Lake Powell at the border of Arizona
- Soak in one of the hot pools at Meadows Hot Springs
- Hike to the Hidden Falls
- Spend the day at Utah’s Hogle Zoo
- Look for bison on Antelope Island.
- Get a dose of adrenaline at Park City Mountain Resort
- Visit the Clark Planetarium or one of the other fun museums in Salt Lake City
- Have fun at Thanksgiving Point
Final Thoughts: What to Do in Utah (Kid-Friendly Options)
Utah has so much to offer. You won’t be bored visiting this state with your kids. There are so many things to do in Utah with kids that you may need to plan another visit. (It’s our case. We want to visit again!)
And if you haven’t yet, download our printable Utah with kids bucket list.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.