Stargazing in Zion
Tubing the Virgin River
Exploring the Riverside Walk
Zion Junior Ranger Program
Hike the Emerald Pools
If you're planning a family vacation in Utah, the best place to travel with kids is Zion National Park. This breathtaking area of Utah is perfect for a family vacation due to the abundance of things to do and places to explore. Whether you’re looking to hike with your kids, float the Virgin River, stay at a glamping resort or enjoy the best stargazing in Utah, Zion has it all! Learn more about our favorite family activity in Zion, stargazing, as well as some other fun adventures for families near Springdale, Utah.
Night Sky Education: Stargazing in Zion
For a magical and educational evening with your family, a stargazing tour is the best evening activity in Zion. The program with Stargazing Zion is ideal for children ages seven and up who are just starting to learn about earth science in school. Younger kids can also enjoy stargazing through the telescopes, sipping hot chocolate and lounging on the zero-gravity pods as well. This night sky experience for families offers a unique way to enjoy the darkest skies in Utah and listen to stories about the cosmos and constellations from the astronomy guides. In the summer, stargazing tours start later when the sun goes down, so occasionally kids will drift off to sleep, but this can make a relaxing experience for the parents as well. With a focus on night sky education, this is the perfect evening activity near Zion for families to make memories, learn about the universe and share an incredible experience together.
Tubing Down the Virgin River
For an adventurous activity for families visiting Southern Utah, tubing down the Virgin River is a great way to cool off during the summer heat. At Zion Tubing, the section of river is calm and shallow, making it a safe place for children ages four and up. Parents can relax knowing the route is inspected daily by the staff to ensure it’s free of any debris and hazards and that the water levels and weather are the right condition. For children ages 12 and under, life jackets are required by Utah state law and the comfortable tubes are durable and have handles if you want to link your tubes together with your family. The best part about tubing the Virgin River is the included shuttle ride back to your car. This convenience makes it so you don’t have to worry about transportation once you finish your river float. You can even store your keys at the “key check” at our storefront to pick up once the shuttle drops you back off. Tubing the Virgin River is the perfect family-friendly adventure near Zion National Park!
Exploring the Riverside Walk
For another adventure during your family vacation in Utah, the Riverside Walk is an easy, paved trail that’s perfect for walking with kids. At the start of the trail is the Temple of Sinawava, which is a natural rock amphitheater carved from the Virgin River, which provides a beautiful backdrop for a place to relax and enjoy a picnic before or after your walk. The trail is just over 2 miles round trip and the pathway follows the beautiful views of the Zion Canyon and the Virgin River. The river is shallow here and is a great place for children to splash around for a relaxing walk and some playtime in the water on hot days in the middle of the national park. This light hike is the perfect mix of a leisurely stroll and a restful break during the heat of the day.
Junior Ranger Program at Zion National Park
One of the most popular activities in Zion for kids who like nature and exploration is the Junior Ranger Program. Children and their families can attend a variety of events such as ranger talks, wildlife observation and environmental education activities at the visitor center and on scheduled tours. The Junior Ranger Program encourages kids to explore the park, learn about the history and geology, all while filling out their Junior Ranger Handbook to earn an official Junior Ranger Badge. Kids can incorporate the information they learned on their stargazing tour for a well-rounded education and experience.
Family Hike: The Emerald Pools
If you want to enjoy a hike with a slight incline, hiking to the Emerald Pools is a great family hike in Zion. The trail offers a few different options, a shorter and easier hike to the lower pools trail and a more moderate hike to the upper pools. This makes the trail more accessible to a variety of ages and abilities. Wherever you decide to finish the hike, the round trip mileage total will span between 1.2 and 3 miles. This trail is full of vegetation, waterfalls, and an opportunity for wildlife sightings in the desert landscape. With the stunning views, moderate incline and short distance, this is the perfect hike for families who want to see how they feel throughout the hike and not commit to something too hard.
Make the Most of Your Family Vacation in Utah
If you’re looking for what to do during spring break with your kids or want to take a road trip this summer, a family vacation in Utah is truly a memorable experience. The red rocks of the desert in Zion and the hoodoo shaped rocks around every corner will keep you engaged and inspired during your entire trip. One of the best parts about this slice of heaven in Utah is the Virgin River for swimming and floating and the variety of glamping experiences for families. Come see why Utah and Zion National Park are one of the most visited destinations in the United States!
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