Zion National Park is one of our most visited national treasures. This park is nestled in the beautiful red rock country of Southern Utah making it an ideal year round family adventure. Between bushwalks, canyoning and hiking to the wonders of Zion National Park we are sure you will find some things for kids (and your family) that they fall in love with doing.
In terms of national parks in Utah, Zion National Park benefits from its relative proximity to other large population centers. For families in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Salt Lake City the natural wonder is a day drive away.
Zion National Park’s entrance town of Springdale is quaint and provides many family-style accommodations as well as dining options. The free town shuttle is useful in getting around as it stops at several locations.
Best Times to Experience Zion National Park with Kids
Zion National Park is a year round destination, which makes it ideal for visiting while traveling to this park with children. When to, is heavily based on what you like and want in an experience.
Zion hosts four million visitors a year, with the peak season from April to September. But winter reveals a quieter side to the park, fewer people wandering around, and more things to see. The winter brings nearly blanket closures of some areas, but many trails are wide open between major storm events. If you are indeed privileged to see it snow, give the vast land surrounding your eyes changes upto a wonderful sight.
A bonus for visiting in wintertime is you can drive clear into Zion Canyon and park at trailheads. The park limits traffic on the main road at peak times, with a free shuttle to transport visitors elsewhere in the canyon.
Best time to hike: Ideally you should hike in spring and fall, since the weather is warm and there are breathtaking views everywhere. Peak times such as Spring Break however are when the park gets particularly busy, so be careful. Zion (one of the best Spring Break destinations for families)
Although, quite convenient for those with children who are out for summer break (bonus points), but let me tell you, it gets really hot and feels like a desert. Save the hottest part of the day for more pool time and do your exercise early in case it turns out to be a scorcher. Swimming in the Virgin River or exploring The Narrows are additional ways to cool off during these warmer months.
Essential Tips for Zion Visitor Center and Parking
As are most national parks, the visitor center in Zion is a perfect place to start for families. The center is accessible by the free shuttle from Springdale or in a designated lot on-site, though parking usually takes place after mid-morning as early days even mild ones – jam up fast.
The visitor center contains informative exhibits on the cultural and natural history of Zion, a gift store along with backcountry permits. There is even a free water bottle refill station, so you can have your fill of hydration. This is especially helpful during the monsoon season, in late summer when things can change quickly.
In case you have children, this is where your kids can obtain their cost-free Junior Ranger booklets. There is an activity in the booklet for various ages and successfully completing it allows your child to earn their Junior Ranger badge, which can be a great way to add excitement while visiting Zion National Park!
Things to do in Zion with Kids
There are many easy hiking trails in Zion for families with kids of all ages. With both the serene, stroller-friendly Riverside Walk and state of the art heights of Angels Landing (best for daring teens), experience something suitable for all welfare amounts.
1. Lower Emerald Pool Trail
Great for families, and any age – This 0.6 mile trail is the easy one of them all. The way begins close to Zion Lodge, leading you into a canyon filled with picturesque waterfalls that pour over the rocks and easily fall down to cool pools.
Among the amenities include a paved trail for ease of walking and strollers. Remember, it can get extremely crowded during the busy season and you will be sharing the trail with other tourists.
2. Exploring the Upper Emerald Pools
Continue up to the Upper Emerald Pools trail from Lower and beneath it lies Middle Adam Peek that is supposed be reached by means of fractional way. This place gets pretty busy, especially on weekends so it is recommended to come early.
Lower to Upper Emerald Pools: this half-mile trek is an uphill journey that involves some light rock scrambling. This trail is riddled with so many rock gardens compared to the trails I was used that my kids of all ages can often be seen eagerly hitting this route and killing it.
3. Kayenta Trail: A Scenic and Peaceful Hike
Less crowded than the Emerald Pool trails, the mile-long Kayenta Trail can be accessed from trail conditions vary. It makes a nice trifecta run when combined with the Lower and Upper Emerald Pools.
When you exit Upper Emerald Pools, look out for the Kayenta Trail on your right as you head back. If you follow the trail heading downhill, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of Zion Canyon and a perspective view on the winding Virgin River below. This pathway is peaceful trekking and you can trip it effectively to get loose inside the park without any traffic.
4. Weeping Rock: A Short and Refreshing Walk
A short but steep 0.4-mile round-trip hike will take you to Weeping Rock, where water seems to emerge from the rocks themselves in great ice-cold spray. The paved walkway follows a creek to a bed of luscious, moss-covered boulder; water trickles down it creating an almost otherworldly calming and cooling confluence — wonderful on those dog days of summer.
It is not a long trail at all; you will probably be relaxing here 30 minutes. Weeping Rock is an easy one to access, the trail head starting at Weeping Rock shuttle stop 7. This stop makes it a quick & rewarding option on your list of Zion canyon offerings!
5. Riverside Walk: A Family-Friendly Stroll Along the River
Riverside Walk is a one-mile walk up the North Fork of the Virgin River into Zion Canyon. This is an easy paved trail that would work well for families with children and the opportunity to let them play/splash in water at several points along the route.
It brings your hike to an end and drops you right at the start of the Zion Narrows Trail, which is a great first taste for what beauty lurks further into this canyon. It is also a great pick for those with strollers in tow, who can take their family to the most beautiful points of interest otherwise inaccessible due to rougher trails.
Get off at the Temple of Sinawava stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle to start your adventure.
6. The Zion Narrows: A Water-Filled Adventure
The Riverside Walk ends at the mouth of The Narrows, which is a stunning canyon formed by the Virgin River. This adventurous hike consists of hiking up nearly all through the river and offers a fun way to enjoy the heat of summer with splashing cold water.
Presence of proper closed toed shoes and a good walking stick is mandatory for this venture. The weather must also be taken into account, as flash floods can pose a real hazard—never enter the canyon if there is a watch or warning. Stream levels more or less fluctuate between ankle deep in a few spots to chest deep and require swimming, particularly before in the late spring.
There are trips with varying degrees of distance and difficulty a family can choose from, shorter out-and-back hikes to multi-mile treks. You will access the Zion Narrows at Temple of Sinawava, stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle.
7. Pa’rus Trail: A Peaceful, Multi-Use Path
At just 1.9 miles long, the Pa’rus Trail is perfect for families and pet-owners who will find a good balance of walkers here on this wide lane which makes room for baby strollers to move alongside cyclists. The one we liked the most was: easy access of Zion beauty with a slow pace.
I particularly liked this trail at sunset with the warm hues of red rock. Wildlife visitors to look out for include wild turkeys (often seen in larger groups), mule deer, chipmunks and an abundance of birds.
Fortunately, the stops at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center, Zion Human History Museum and Canyon Junction on this shuttle system makes it quite easy to hike one-way and jump in a shuttle for your return trip.
8. Angels Landing: A Thrilling Challenge for Adventurers
If heights make you uneasy, Angels Landing may not be the best choice. This challenging 2.5-mile ascent leads to a narrow viewpoint offering awe inspiring vistas.
While older children can likely manage the first two miles of the trail, the final half-mile presents a much steeper and narrower path. This section requires holding onto cables, with steep drop-offs on either side, making it a high-risk area. Personally, I wouldn’t advise taking kids on this final stretch—and even as an experienced hiker, it’s a section I would skip!
Due to its immense popularity and safety concerns, the number of hikers allowed daily is limited. Permits, distributed through a lottery system, are required to access this trail. For further details, check the park’s official website.
Angels Landing can be reached by getting off at The Grotto stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle.
9. Canyon Overlook Trail: A Scenic Stop Along the Way
Then beautiful Zion-Mt. The journey to the northeast park is also on your way to other lovable destinations, including Bryce Canyon National Park. Carmel Tunnel. Located just after the tunnel on Highway 9, head up to Canyon Overlook Trail.
Enjoy some of the best views in all Zion Including one looking down into Pine Creek Canyon and below lower zion. 1 mile 15 Minutes Although these hiking paths become precariously steep in certain areas, the park is lined with safety fences for a family-friendly hike.
Word of warning though, the parking lot gets full fast so you might want to hike this one earlier in the day or later on — be ready for a crowded trail.
10. Exploring Zion on Two Wheels
If the idea of dealing with Zion’s shuttle sounds unattractive, maybe rent an E-bike to more leisurely tour through Zion Canyon. We love our foldable Centris E-bikes to go, which fit perfectly in the car or camper van and are very practical anywhere.
Zion Outfitters includes helmets with E-bikes, adult bikes and kids’ bikes. Zion Canyon — easy to bike around, there are hardly any cars in the roads. Even better, if you or your group gets pooped out, just sling the bikes onto a shuttle at most any stop.
It’s a cinch to pedal over to the trailhead as bike racks are located at several shuttle stops where many of trails start. They also come with locks, so you can secure your bikes and walk around town.
11. Experience the Zion Night Sky
We were able to see more of the night sky in Zion than we do at home and it was an awesome sight. This is the second particularly launch from base spaceport guided through stars light display in nightly constellations of a starry sky. But what is it that you are staring at? Stargazing Zion allows families to be amazed by the wonders of the universe.
From there, their expert astronomers walk you through a lively and educational tour. Featuring state of the art space telescopes, weightless therapy pods and a bevy of blankets. It’s like you’re fine-tuning an entire night under the stars! You can also take binoculars and deep-sky photography, allowing you to capture the magic of the night. These two hour sessions are an opportunity to further your sense of awe and wonder for the grand oneness that is our cosmos.
12. Zion Human History Museum: A Journey Through Time
The Zion Human History Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the park’s rich human history, from the Indigenous peoples who first called this land home to the pioneer settlers and the establishment of Zion as a national park.
With it’s own shuttle stop, the museum provides easy access and features a free 22-minute video that gives a helpful introduction to Zion National Park. For families with kids, watching the video can serve as an alternative to participating in a ranger-led program, allowing them to earn their Zion Junior Ranger badge.
13. Tubing on the Virgin River: A Fun Summer Activity
Shuttling tubes on the Virgin River in Springdale, which is a summertime pastime from late May to July. Rent tubes from Zion Outfitter (or bring your own; they have an age requirement and no rentals for kids under 12)
Family Security is Very Important Your kiddos need to be able swim pretty well, as there are some gentle rapids and flipping over is a possibility.
Pro Tip: Make sure to wear closed toe shoes when tubing as the River is only a couple of inches deep in places and has a lot of sharp rocks. This simple preventive measure can prevent pain or more painful wounds at sea.
14. Canyoneering: A Thrilling Family Adventure
Zion is a must do for canyoneering families looking to challenge themselves outdoors. On the way, it is possible to rappel into cramped slot canyons and scramble over boulders or wade through waist high water in guided trips which guarantee an adventurous day.
There is a fantastic Family Adventure program offered by Zion Outfitter designed for families with children 12 and under. Families with older children might opt for the classic half day or full day Canyon Adventure, a more immersive trip.
This is a family-friendly activity that does not require any previous experience, and envy beginners will love either choice. What a fun challenge to work out in Zion together and create long lasting memories.
15. Jeep and ATV Tours: Off-Road Fun for the Whole Family
Explore the stubbing red rock environ of Zion National Commons with let there be light off-road adventures. From drive your own ATVs to guided Jeep tours, there are plenty of options available for families.
Two of the best opportunities for adventure in Zion Canyon are ancient trails and narrow red rock canyons, both of which is experienced with a ride from Zion Off Road Tours. Each of the Jeep tours can accommodate up to five guests and children as young as seven may attend. Drivers must be at least 18 for ATV excursions, but passengers as young as seven can ride along.
Whether you desire to drive your own ATV or want a guided Jeep experience, these tours are an exhilarating way to explore the wild lands of Zion.
16. Horseback Riding: Explore Zion Like the Pioneers
Feel the same way of life as it’s early settlers did on horseback with Zion as your backdrop! Rides are from 1 hour, through the Virgin River, up to a view of Court of the Patriarchs. Seriously, these tours are for kids as young as seven
Older children 10 and over can take the three-hour ascent tour, which scales up to 500 feet providing panoramic views of the park’s southern vistas. Whether your journey be long or short, riding on the back of a horse is always an unforgettable experience as you explore Zion.
Where to Stay Near Zion National Park
Most visitors to Zion National Park either camp in the park or stay outside of it, in Springdale — a town just at the park entrance. Free shuttle service stops at several hotels around the city and an array of accommodations are available in Springdale.
Camping at Watchman Campground
The most requested campground at Zion is Watchman Campground. It maintains tent and RV sites, with clean restrooms and flush toilets. Close to the visitors center, and up a bit off Springdale proper, it’s ideal for park access.
Sites are VW distance with some sites along the Virgin River, but not all sites have natural shade. While there are no showers on site, the town of Virgin has nice clean payshowers to make it a comfy little home base for Zion.
Family-Friendly Lodging Near Zion National Park
All these lodgings are in Springdale (not including Zion Lodge), close to the park and providing convenient proximity restaurants, etc.
Zion Lodge
Zion Lodge -hotel rooms and cuddly cabins right inside the park. It’s a relaxing area where you can browse the gifts, or enjoy lunch on the lodge lawn. The Castle Dome Café serves a selection of family friendly fare including burgers, sandwiches and pizza as well as salads.
Cable Mountain Lodge
Cable Mountain Lodge is a good choice for families that want to have roomy suites with full kitchens and large living areas. It has a pool looking out onto the crimson rock walls which make for great afternoon swims. The surroundings and seclusion is worth it! You can even pull up a rocking chair out of the front porch, just paces from the park entrance and take in that view.
Cliffrose Springdale
Now a Hilton property, Cliffrose Springdale offers everything from standard rooms to full suites with kitchens. The hotel also has an outdoor heated pool, hot tub with waterfall feature and a playground while guests can access the beach along Virgin River. It is also walking distance to the Zion National Park Visitor Center.
La Quinta Inn & Suites
You’ll find La Quinta in Springdale about a mile from the park visitor center. All rooms include microwaves, refrigerators and free high-speed internet access. A stay also offers a free breakfast featuring homemade cinnamon rolls, waffles and breakfast sandwiches. And there’s a pool on site and the shuttle stop is right outside for easy transpo to town.
Where to Eat Near Zion National Park
Castle Dome Café
Here at Zion Lodge, the casually elegant Castle Dome Café serves up gourmet burgers, artisan-style sandwiches and salads; plus hot dogs, pizza and ice cream. Diners can eat on a patio outside.
Zion Pizza and Noodle
This chill pizzeria offers pizzas and pastas along with indoor & outdoor seating. Seating is limited, and it can be quite crowded by the dinner hours in high season so you might want to plan ahead with a take-out order (and possibly eat at one of the parks nearby).
Wildcat Willie’s and Bumbleberry Bakery
Wildcat Willie’s-style BBQ dinners (heartily portioned) — this place is BYOFam, thanks to those long benches and a kids menu. Next door, Burkshires Bumbleberry Bakery serves its famous pies as well — plus turnovers and muffins; brownies, cookies and other goodies too.
Jack’s Sports Grill
Jack’s Sports Grill — A lively spot with a variety of dishes, this menu includes salads and sandwiches as well rice balls too BBQs to burgers to brats. The atmosphere is family friendly and a nice place to sit down and have dinner while watching the game.
Oscar’s Café
From burritos and shrimp tacos to ribs, pork chops, burgers and salads: the menu at Oscar’s Cafe is surprisingly diverse. They are also a go to for breakfast, offering well-loved dishes including: omelets and the breakfast burrito.
