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We’ve gathered all the best things to do in Utah with kids from our experiences. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, educational activities, or family fun, we’ve got you covered.
Use these travel tips and transportation guides to navigate Utah’s many landscapes. We’ve included an interactive map to help you plan your trip. This will make planning much easier and help you create the perfect Utah family vacation.
Let this guide be the cornerstone of your Utah adventure planning, ensuring a trip filled with unforgettable memories and cherished moments for the whole family.
Things To Do In Utah With Kids: Gateway to Utah
The airport you choose for your Utah adventure depends on your trip. Salt Lake City International Airport is the main hub and is closest to northern Utah attractions. But don’t limit yourself to just that option.
If you’re headed to Moab’s wonders, consider flying into Grand Junction, Colorado. The drive from there to Moab is more doable with kids and opens up bonus Colorado adventures!
If southern Utah is calling your name, Las Vegas might be your best bet. It’s the closest major airport to Zion National Park and is equidistant to Bryce Canyon National Park as Salt Lake City. Keep an eye out for cheap flights to Vegas, too!
Exploring Utah’s Wonders with Little Adventurers
Utah’s big open spaces are a must-see for families. Antelope Island State Park is a premier destination for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife watching.
When planning things to do in Utah with kids, consider the state’s size and spread-out attractions. A family road trip is the best way to see Utah’s many wonders, as public transportation is limited to get to the best places.
If you’re flying in to start your Utah family adventure, book your rental car early. National Parks and western US travel are becoming more popular, so book early to avoid any hassles as you plan things to do in Utah with kids.
What to pack for a Utah road trip
Are you visiting Utah with the kids? The state has adventure year-round! June to September are warm days, but pack layers for cool evenings, especially in the higher elevations like Bryce Canyon. Winter brings snow play even in the southern parts of the state.
Utah’s dry air requires extra precautions. When planning family road trips, pack lots of water – fill up at visitor centers, and keep a cooler with ice packs in your car. This way, your kids will stay hydrated during your Utah adventures, and you can focus on making memories instead of worrying about water.
Exploring FUN Things to Do in Utah with Kids
Family Adventures in Arches National Park
When it comes to family-friendly destinations, Utah is the state that has it all.
Utah offers many family-friendly adventures, and Arches National Park is a must-visit. This natural wonderland, its rock formations and easy trails, will captivate all ages.
Exploring Utah with kids reveals endless opportunities for fun and learning. The state’s unique geography is the backdrop for some amazing experiences, from easy walks to more challenging hikes.
Arches National Park is great for family outings. The short, flat trails allow even the littlest hikers to see the scenery without getting tired. These trails show off the park’s iconic features, as well as the more difficult trails, so everyone can enjoy the natural art.
The Sand Dune Arch trail is a hidden gem if you are a family with young kids and want to explore Arches National Park. This lesser-known trail gives you a taste of Utah’s famous slot canyons without the hassle.
Unlike some of the other trails in the park, this one is stroller-friendly and perfect for those with toddlers, so it’s a great choice for a more relaxed adventure in Arches National Park’s beautiful landscape.
However, be aware that Arches National Park is challenged during peak season. The desert climate can be brutal, and midday is uncomfortable. The park is so popular that they are now restricting entry. If you show up late, you may get turned away at the gate and not be able to see the park. To fully experience the park’s natural wonders, early arrival and planning are key.
Bryce Canyon National Park with kids
While many families head to Utah’s famous red rock formations, a secret gem often gets overlooked: Bryce Canyon National Park. This amazing place is a playground for families to have experiences of a lifetime in the great outdoors.
Taking your little ones to Bryce Canyon can be a wonder, even if you only have a day. The park is small, so it’s perfect for families with varying energy levels and abilities.
Families with older kids or babies in carriers can hike deeper into the canyon on several great day hikes. These trails get you up close and personal with the otherworldly rock formations and great family photos.
As Bryce Canyon has become more popular, the park has implemented a shuttle system during peak seasons. Families can park in town or at the visitor center and hop on the free bus, eliminating parking headaches and adding to the day’s fun.
The park offers a variety of picnic areas and playgrounds for families with younger children. These spots are ideal for taking a break, enjoying a meal, and letting the kids play while soaking in the beautiful scenery.
Zion National Park for Family Fun
Utah has some amazing landscapes, and Zion National Park is the top spot for families. One of Utah’s famous “Mighty 5” national parks, Zion will amaze kids of all ages with its sandstone cliffs and multiple ecosystems.
The park has plenty of kid-friendly hiking options for little explorers. The Pa’rus Trail is a gentle introduction to Zion’s beauty, a flat trail that follows the Virgin River with minimal elevation gain. The Lower Emerald Pool Trail leads to a waterfall, a kid-pleaser. The Riverside Walk is another easy one, following the Virgin River into the beginning of the Narrows.
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, try the Watchman Trail, which starts at the Visitor Center. It’s a bit more challenging, but the views are incredible and will leave lasting impressions on both parents and kids.
To make the most of your visit, get there early during peak season (March to fall). The Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is closed to private vehicles at this time, but a shuttle ferries visitors through the park’s most scenic areas.
If you can’t get parking in Zion, don’t worry. The town of Springdale has a shuttle that will take you to the park entrance, so you won’t miss out on the day’s fun.
Canyonlands National Park with kids
While Arches gets all the attention in Moab, families shouldn’t overlook Canyonlands National Park. This hidden gem has a totally different landscape than its famous neighbor, so it’s a must-see for things to do in Utah with kids.
Canyonlands is divided into four districts: Island in the Sky, Needles, Maze, and Rivers. Each district offers its own opportunities for family adventure, and Island in the Sky is the most kid-friendly.
The Mesa Arch Trail is a must for families visiting Canyonlands National Park with kids. This 0.75-mile loop offers stunning views of the canyon through a natural stone arch.
For those heading into the Needles district, the Slickrock Trail is another great option for families looking for a moderate hike.
By adding Canyonlands to your Utah itinerary, you’ll find many natural wonders and create memories with your kids. This park proves that some of the best things to do in Utah with kids is to get out into the state’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.
Capitol Reef National Park
Don’t miss the gem of Capitol Reef National Park when planning things to do with kids in Utah. This family-friendly park offers history, nature, and fun activities for all ages.
Not all parks are about tough hikes. Capitol Reef has a range of experiences for families. While there are hikes aplenty, they’re not the only way to enjoy this beautiful landscape. The park has thousands of years of cultural history, from ancient Native American art to pioneer settlements, to give you a glimpse into the past.
One of the cool things about visiting Capitol Reef National Park with kids is the chance to live history. The park’s orchards, a legacy of the early settlers, allow families to pick fresh fruit when in season.
It’s a hands-on experience connecting kids to the land and its past inhabitants. For a sweet treat, stop by a historic building in the Fruita district to sample local ice cream, which is a perfect reward after a day of playing.
Goblin Valley State Park with kids
Take your little ones on an out-of-this-world adventure in Utah’s magical Goblin Valley State Park. This place is a must-see on your Utah bucket list.
Imagine a giant playground created by nature, where strange rock formations called hoodoos dot the landscape. These quirky formations, affectionately called “goblins,” create an otherworldly environment that will amaze everyone. Unlike regular parks with designated paths, Goblin Valley is free-range, so let your kids be their own adventurers.
As you wander through this geological wonderland, get ready for hands-on fun. Your family can climb small hoodoos, squeeze through narrow slots, and discover hidden alcoves. You’ll leave with a healthy coating of the park’s signature orange dust – a badge of honor for brave explorers!
If you want a more structured hike, consider the Goblins Lair. Starting at the north end of the parking lot, this trail takes you to a large cave behind the valley. Make sure to do this hike early in the day as the sun is intense in the middle of the day, and there is no shade along the trail.
The best times to visit with your family are spring and fall when it’s warm but not hot. Always bring plenty of water and snacks, and stay aware of your surroundings so you don’t get lost in this big, strange landscape.
Family-Friendly Adventures at Anasazi State Park
Looking for things to do in Utah with kids? Don’t miss Anasazi State Park Museum in the quaint town of Boulder. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into the lives of southern Utah’s earliest people.
We found this place during our stay in Boulder, and it was a top hit on our Utah trip. Two main attractions here will delight both mom and dad.
First, go inside and see an amazing collection of ancient artifacts, which will give you a tangible connection to the past. Then, go outside and experience the magic of Anasazi State Park with kids. Here, you’ll find a partially excavated village thriving a thousand years ago and recreated ancestral Puebloan homes.
As you walk around the perimeter of the excavation site, signs will bring the village to life and give you insight into daily village activities. This outdoor area is perfect for curious little explorers to see one of the largest prehistoric settlements in the Western United States.
The real fun for kids is going inside the Puebloan homes. These hands-on experiences let kids imagine what life was like for the ancient people and make history come alive in a way textbooks can’t.
Anasazi State Park Museum shows that learning can be fun for the whole family. It’s a must-see for those looking for things to do in Utah with kids, an adventure through time that will stick with them forever.
The Dinosaurs In Vernal
Planning a family adventure in Utah? Utah is a treasure trove for kids, and one destination stands out for its prehistoric wonders: Vernal. This eastern Utah gem is a kid’s playground, especially if your little ones love dinosaurs.
Vernal makes the ordinary extraordinary with dinosaur attractions. As you walk around town, you’ll see giant reptile statues and colorful murals of prehistoric scenes, getting you ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
The pièce de résistance of Vernal’s prehistoric attractions is the dinosaur museum, which is like a natural history museum. Here, kids can see fossilized bones and interactive exhibits that bring the Jurassic period to life. It’s an educational experience that will spark imagination and curiosity in everyone.
For the ultimate prehistoric adventure, go to Dinosaur In Vernal National Monument. The highlight is the fossil quarry, a specially designed building encased in a rock face full of ancient bones. Park rangers are always on-site to share fun facts and answer questions so the whole family can enjoy themselves.
But Dinosaur In Vernal has more to offer than just prehistoric attractions. Families can hike kid-friendly trails, paddle serene lakes, and ride mountain bike trails. Rock art sites are also available to see and learn about the area’s Native American heritage.
What sets Vernal apart is its off-the-beaten-path charm. Unlike some of Utah’s more crowded tourist areas, this Dinosaur In Vernal haven is more laid-back. It is perfect for families looking for a unique and less chaotic vacation.
Cache Valley Fun Park: A Day of Indoor Fun
Looking for a day of fun and entertainment for the whole family? Cache Valley Fun Park in Logan, Utah, is a must-see. This indoor fun park has activities for kids of all ages, making it the perfect place for family fun.
One of the highlights of Cache Valley Fun Park is the extreme bowling alley. Glow-in-the-dark lanes, bumpers, and automatic scoring make it fun for kids and adults. But that’s not all. The park also has a state-of-the-art laser tag arena where kids can play tag in a safe and exciting environment.
The arcade at Cache Valley Fun Park is another big hit. Full of video and ticket redemption games, there’s something for everyone. From classic games like Pac-Man to modern favorites like Dance Dance Revolution, kids can play and win for hours.
For younger kids, the park has a dedicated play area with bounce houses, ball pits, and other fun structures. There’s even a separate toddler area with soft play equipment so the littlest of adventurers can have a safe and fun experience.
Open 365 days a year, Cache Valley Fun Park is the perfect spot for Salt Lake City families to have indoor fun, no matter the weather.
Skiing With Kids In Utah
Utah is a winter wonderland for families, especially when it comes to hitting the slopes with your mini-me’s. While the state’s powder is legendary, its appeal goes way beyond just that.
For a ski trip your family will never forget, Utah is the top destination. The state’s combination of convenience and kid-friendly amenities makes it the perfect place to introduce your kids to winter sports.
One of Utah’s best features is the proximity of its ski resorts to major transportation hubs. With nearly a dozen world-class ski areas within a short drive from Salt Lake City’s airport, families can go from tarmac to chairlift in no time. This convenience factor is a total game-changer for parents traveling with kids, eliminating the stress of long trips to ski destinations.
However, the most appealing part of Utah’s ski scene for families is the abundance of ways to save young skiers. Many resorts across the state offer programs where kids can ski for free, greatly reducing the cost of a family ski trip. For example, some mountains let kids 10 and under ski for free when accompanied by a paying adult, while others offer free season passes to kids 12 and under.
With these family-friendly policies and Utah’s legendary snow and terrain, it’s the ultimate place to get your kids into skiing or snowboarding. Whether you’re raising future Olympians or just want to make family memories that last a lifetime, Utah’s ski resorts are the winter fun destination.
Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Looking for a day of fun in the sun? Head to Cowabunga Bay Water Park in Draper, Utah. This water park has it all for thrill seekers and families.
One of the park’s top attractions is the water slides: Mondo, Hang 5, and Hang 10. These slides have twists, turns, and drops for kids and adults. There’s also a wave pool, lazy river, and kiddie pool with water play structures, so there’s something for everyone.
Beyond the water slides and pools, Cowabunga Bay Water Park has a beach volleyball court, a water basketball court, and a splash pad for the little ones. It also hosts special events throughout the summer, such as concerts, festivals, and character meet-and-greets.
Open during the summer, Cowabunga Bay Water Park is the top choice for outdoor fun for families in the Salt Lake City area. With so many attractions and activities, it’s no wonder it’s the go-to place for family day trips.
Get Air Trampoline Park: Jump into Fun
For a day of fun and games, visit Get Air Trampoline Park in Salt Lake City. This trampoline park has lots of stuff for families and kids of all ages.
The trampolines at Get Air Trampoline Park are the main event, with many games and activities. Kids can play dodgeball
The trampolines at Get Air Trampoline Park are the main attraction, and there are lots of games and activities. Kids can play dodgeball, basketball, and volleyball on the trampolines or just bounce around. The park also has a foam pit, a ninja warrior course,, and a dedicated area for younger kids, so there’s something for everyone.
In addition to the trampoline courts, Get Air Trampoline Park has an arcade with video and ticket redemption games, a snack bar with food and drinks, and a party room for birthday parties and other events. So, it’s a full-service destination for family fun.
Open 365 days a year, Get Air Trampoline Park is a great option for families in the Salt Lake City area for indoor fun and adventure. So it’s no surprise that it’s the top choice for family days out. You can play dodgeball, basketball, and volleyball on the trampolines or just bounce around. The park has a foam pit, a ninja warrior course, and a dedicated area for younger kids, so there’s something for everyone.
It has an arcade with video and ticket redemption games, a snack bar with food and drinks, and a party room for birthday parties and other events. So, it’s a full-service destination for family fun.
Salt Lake City Attractions: Family Fun in the Heart of Utah
Salt Lake City is a great place for families with kids of all ages. Whether you’re looking for educational or outdoor adventures, the city has it all.
For families with little ones, the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is a must-see. Located in downtown Salt Lake City, this interactive museum has exhibits and play areas that encourage learning and discovery. Kids can shop at a mini grocery store, pretend to be a doctor in a real doctor’s office or build in a construction zone.
Another must-see is the Natural History Museum of Utah. This museum showcases Utah’s natural history, including dinosaurs, ancient cultures, and the Great Salt Lake. It is a great place for kids to learn and discover the natural world.
For some outdoor fun, head to the Utah Olympic Park. This venue has alpine sliding, zip lining, and a ropes course, so it’s fun for the whole family. Plus, it gives you a glimpse into the history of the 2002 Winter Olympics, so it’s educational too.
Hogle Zoo is another family favorite. It has over 800 animals worldwide and interactive exhibits for kids.
Exploring Science and Art Museums with Kids
Utah has many science and art museums, which are great for families with kids. These museums have interactive exhibits and activities to make learning fun.
The Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point is a great place for kids to learn about science and nature. Over 400 interactive exhibits to explore different environments, from the Rainforest to the Water Works. Encourages natural curiosity and hands-on learning. Kids love it!
For art families the Utah Museum of Fine Arts is a great spot. The museum has a wide range of art from around the world and activities and programs for kids. A great place to introduce kids to art and creativity.
Another must-see is the Leonardo in downtown Salt Lake City. This Museum of Creativity and Innovation has interactive exhibits encouraging kids to think outside the box and explore new ideas. From science experiments to art installations, Leonardo has something for the whole family.
The Bean Life Science Museum at BYU is great for kids who love animals and the outdoors. It features exhibits on wildlife and ecosystems with interactive elements so kids can explore and discover the world.
