What do you get when you mix a family-friendly National Park with an activity blog? A one-stop destination for Zion National Park visitors who are looking to make the most of their vacation time. It’s easy to find yourself at a loss as to what there is to do in and near the park, especially if your kids have been excited about doing something new. That’s where this blog comes in! This post will share some of our top activity ideas for those visiting Zion National Park with kids.
A Day in Zion National Park
If you’re thinking of spending the day in the park, our itinerary allows for maximum park exploration in a short period of time. We like to start at the Visitors’ Center, where we learn about the geology and history of Zion National Park. We then set out on a family hike that allows us to explore the park at our own pace. In between hikes, we like to stop and have a picnic lunch.
In addition to exploring Zion National Park on foot, you can also relax and take in the park from a different perspective by going on a scenic drive. We enjoy exploring Zion Canyon Scenic Drive on our way out of the park, as it provides a different view of some of the more notable landmarks.
The other top activity near Zion National Park is relaxing at your resort or staying at your bungalow or canvas tent and enjoying the amenities of your campsite. If you’re camping, this is a great time to cook s’mores over an open fire right at your campsite. This activity is a favorite among all kids.
Family-Friendly Activities in Zion
In addition to visiting Zion National Park, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities in and near the city. The best place for a family activity is Kolob Canyons, located just five minutes outside of town. Here you can go horseback riding or take a tour through the canyons in an all-terrain vehicle. Another family activity is to take a trip through Zion National Park at night on the Grotto Trail. The night sky is a sight to behold and the walk back through the canyon trails is a great way for parents and kids to bond.
The Best Hikes in Zion National Park for Families With Kids
In Zion National Park, there are plenty of kid-friendly hikes. One option is to take the family on a hike through The Narrows, where the Virgin River creates deep canyons that are fun to explore. The other option is to hike through Zion Canyon on one of several trails, including The Riverside Walk and the Emerald Pools trails. One of our other favorite hikes is to hike up Angels Landing. It’s a great family activity, but you have to take it slowly.
The other top kid-friendly hikes in and near Zion National Park are the Canyon Overlook and the Canyon Rim trails. Both of these hikes provide a great view, but it’s important to take them slowly so that you can enjoy the scenery and allow the kids to take it all in.
How to Keep Your Kids Entertained in the Car on a Road Trip to Zion National Park
A great way to keep the kids entertained in the car on a long road trip is by teaching them travel games. One classic road trip game is to take turns naming all the states as you pass through and then seeing who can name them in order. Another easy way to keep the kids entertained in the car is by playing a simple game of “I spy.”
Another way that you can keep your kids entertained on a road trip to Zion National Park is by stopping at one of the many roadside attractions along the way. The best place to stop is at one of the fruit stands along the way, where you can pick up some delicious fresh produce and snacks. This is a great way to break up the monotony of driving and let your kids get out of the car for a bit.
What You Should Know Before Visiting Zion National Park as a Family
One thing that you should keep in mind before visiting Zion National Park with children is to make sure that your kids are healthy enough for the trip. If your kids have a history of getting sick or worn out easily from hiking, then you might want to avoid the more strenuous hikes. Another thing that you should know before visiting is that the park can be crowded, especially in summer. If you are looking to avoid crowds, then you may want to go on a weekday or during the off-season.
One final thing that you should know before visiting is to make sure your kids are prepared for the weather, which can change at any moment. Plan to bring plenty of sunscreen and water, as well as jackets or raincoats depending on the weather that day.
Zion National Park is a great destination for families and kids of all ages. The park has so many different activities to choose from, no matter your preferences or budget. Whether you are looking for an activity that will be relaxing at the campsite or something more active in Kolob Canyons, Zion National Park can provide everything you need. For those who are planning on hiking with their family in the national park, make sure your children have enough stamina before embarking on strenuous hikes like Angels Landing. It’s also important to take into account safety concerns when visiting Zion National Park during certain seasons or days of the week. Many families choose to stay at local resorts near Zion National Park, like Zion Wildflower Resort. We’ve got the best glamping in Utah, and all of our accommodations are family-friendly. Check out the offerings and how Zion Wildflower could enhance the convenience and quality of your vacation away with the kids in nature.
