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Top 7 Things to Do in Southern Utah With Kids

Looking for a unique, family-friendly destination that gives kids a true taste of nature’s beauty? Step away from the bustle and rush of everyday life and plan a Utah family vacation. From its awe-inspiring landscapes, natural diversity, and thrilling outdoor activities, there are plenty of places to visit in Utah with family. To help inspire your next adventure, this travel guide reveals our top recommendations for a Utah trip that your family will never forget.

Fun Ways to Spend Your Southern Utah Family Vacation

1. Hike through the Region’s Many National Parks

When you’re in southern Utah, there’s no shortage of national parks to visit. In fact, we’re known for the Mighty 5一Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park. Each of these parks offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels.

Easy and moderate trails are often shorter and less strenuous for the kids, but waterfalls, streams, and distinctive rock formations mean there's no shortage of wondrous things to see.

Planning to take a family-friendly hike? Try one of Utah's stunning beginner trails:

  • The Toadstools (east of Kanab): 1.5 miles
  • Riverside Walk (Zion National Park): 2.5 miles
  • Red Reef Trail (Red Cliffs Desert Reserve): 3 miles

Beginner/intermediate trails are great choices for more experienced young adventurers:

  • Petrified Dunes (Snow Canyon State Park): 1.2 miles
  • Canyon Overlook (Zion National Park): 1.25 miles
  • Babylon Arch (Red Cliffs Desert Reserve): 2.9 miles

No matter where your vacation takes you, remember to grab sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and a camera before heading out.

2. Go Camping

Take a break from hotels and give your kids the chance to sleep under the stars. After a day of hiking or other outdoor activities, sleeping in nature allows them to take in the magic of their surroundings and experience the nocturnal side of the desert come to life. Plus, camping is a great way to bond as a family, teach valuable life skills, instill resilience, encourage physical activity, and foster appreciation and respect for nature1.

There are plenty of camping options to suit your preferences, whether you’re parking an RV at a national park campground or tent camping by a lake. Glen Canyon Recreational Area, Moab, Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Kodachrome Basin State Park all offer excellent campgrounds.

3. Rent a Raft or Kayak

While you’re hiking Utah’s trails, why not take advantage of its many waterways? Southern Utah’s rivers run through popular trails. Flanked by towering canyons and rock formations, they provide an incredible view from the water. There are many opportunities for family-friendly rafting and kayaking, including the San Juan River, Westwater Canyon, and Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

Rafting is typically seasonal, offered from spring to fall. Southern Utah offers year-round opportunities for kayaking, but it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and water levels before any excursion.

4. Visit Anasazi State Park Museum

If you’re looking for educational things to do in Utah with kids, bring your family to the Anasazi State Park Museum. This park gives visitors a look into the lives of some of the earliest-known inhabitants of southern Utah and one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River2.

View the museum’s collection of ancient artifacts to learn how the Ancestral Puebloans lived and explore the partially excavated ruins of their massive community. Though small, the museum provides many interactive learning opportunities for children, and they’ll love exploring the reconstructed homes.

5. Fill Your Day With Dinos

Southern Utah is a haven for dino lovers. Walk alongside 200-million-year-old fossilized dinosaur footprints at St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site, and see life-size models of the dinos that made them.

At Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, your family can experience the wonders of prehistoric life. Explore their collection of 100 dinosaur sculptures at the outdoor sculpture park, take a journey through time in the Stewart Museum of Paleontology, interact with hands-on exhibits at the Ogden Natural History Museum, and be dazzled by fossils and crystals from around the world in the Gem and Mineral Museum.

6. Slide Into Fun at Jellystone Park

After hot days of adventuring in the great outdoors during the summer, cool down at Zion, Utah’s Jellystone Park. Kids will have a blast taking twists and turns down water slides, getting flushed down a plunge bowl, and playing around the splashground. As a family, you can compete in an exciting water obstacle course, try gemstone mining, bounce around on a giant jump pillow, or relax and drift down the lazy river.

Jellystone Park even has cabins and RV rentals for those who want to tuck in after a fun-filled day. Their cozy cabins feature a kids’ loft, a campfire pit, and seating on a private deck.

7. Take a Dip in a Hot Spring

With a trip full of excitement and adventure, everyone is bound to be exhausted towards the end of the journey. When your family needs a place to recover and play, take a dip in the restorative waters of a natural hot spring pool. Mineral hot springs rejuvenate the body as you allow yourself to fully relax in a tranquil environment.

At Zion Canyon Hot Springs, we offer a variety of mineral hot spring pools available in a range of temperatures, mineral compositions, and regional influences to provide various health and wellness benefits. This experience is available year-round, but don’t worry about feeling hot in the summer. The springs are heated to 90°F—cooler than your body temperature—so you’ll actually feel great in the heat!

Our family-friendly area is fun for all ages, featuring 14 mineral-rich springs with water sourced and treated from the natural hot springs water of the Virgin River. Additional amenities include a large freshwater pool, cold plunge, barrel sauna, fire pits, and snack bar.

The large pool is designed for the whole family’s enjoyment, so the kids can splash around and in warm, comfortable water that the grown-ups will find soothing and relaxing. The pool is also connected to a jetted spa, so everyone can unwind surrounded by beautiful canyon views.

This Utah family vacation, take your family on a wellness journey and book your visit today.

Sources:

  1. Joyce, E. Camping with Kids: The Benefits of Exploring Nature Together. Forest Nation. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://forestnation.com/blog/camping-with-kids-the-benefits-of-exploring-nature-together
  2. Anasazi State Park. Utah.com. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.utah.com/destinations/state-parks/anasazi-state-park/

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    Looking for a unique, family-friendly destination that gives kids a true taste of nature’s beauty? Step away from the bustle and rush of everyday life and plan a Utah family vacation. From its awe-inspiring landscapes, natural diversity, and thrilling outdoor activities, there are plenty of places to visit in Utah with family. To help inspire your next adventure, this travel guide reveals our top recommendations for a Utah trip that your family will never forget. Fun Ways to Spend Your Southern Utah Family Vacation 1. Hike through the Region’s Many National Parks When you’re in southern Utah, there’s no shortage of national parks to visit. In fact, we’re known for the Mighty 5一Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches National Park. Each of these parks offers a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Easy and moderate trails are often shorter and less strenuous for the kids, but waterfalls, streams, and distinctive rock formations mean there's no shortage of wondrous things to see. Planning to take a family-friendly hike? Try one of Utah's stunning beginner trails: The Toadstools (east of Kanab): 1.5 miles Riverside Walk (Zion National Park): 2.5 miles Red Reef Trail (Red Cliffs Desert Reserve): 3 miles Beginner/intermediate trails are great choices for more experienced young adventurers: Petrified Dunes (Snow Canyon State Park): 1.2 miles Canyon Overlook (Zion National Park): 1.25 miles Babylon Arch (Red Cliffs Desert Reserve): 2.9 miles No matter where your vacation takes you, remember to grab sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and a camera before heading out. 2. Go Camping Take a break from hotels and give your kids the chance to sleep under the stars. After a day of hiking or other outdoor activities, sleeping in nature allows them to take in the magic of their surroundings and experience the nocturnal side of the desert come to life. Plus, camping is a great way to bond as a family, teach valuable life skills, instill resilience, encourage physical activity, and foster appreciation and respect for nature1. There are plenty of camping options to suit your preferences, whether you’re parking an RV at a national park campground or tent camping by a lake. Glen Canyon Recreational Area, Moab, Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, and Kodachrome Basin State Park all offer excellent campgrounds. 3. Rent a Raft or Kayak While you’re hiking Utah’s trails, why not take advantage of its many waterways? Southern Utah’s rivers run through popular trails. Flanked by towering canyons and rock formations, they provide an incredible view from the water. There are many opportunities for family-friendly rafting and kayaking, including the San Juan River, Westwater Canyon, and Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Rafting is typically seasonal, offered from spring to fall. Southern Utah offers year-round opportunities for kayaking, but it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast and water levels before any excursion. 4. Visit Anasazi State Park Museum If you’re looking for educational things to do in Utah with kids, bring your family to the Anasazi State Park Museum. This park gives visitors a look into the lives of some of the earliest-known inhabitants of southern Utah and one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan communities west of the Colorado River2. View the museum’s collection of ancient artifacts to learn how the Ancestral Puebloans lived and explore the partially excavated ruins of their massive community. 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At Zion Canyon Hot Springs, we offer a variety of mineral hot spring pools available in a range of temperatures, mineral compositions, and regional influences to provide various health and wellness benefits. This experience is available year-round, but don’t worry about feeling hot in the summer. The springs are heated to 90°F—cooler than your body temperature—so you’ll actually feel great in the heat! Our family-friendly area is fun for all ages, featuring 14 mineral-rich springs with water sourced and treated from the natural hot springs water of the Virgin River. Additional amenities include a large freshwater pool, cold plunge, barrel sauna, fire pits, and snack bar. The large pool is designed for the whole family’s enjoyment, so the kids can splash around and in warm, comfortable water that the grown-ups will find soothing and relaxing. The pool is also connected to a jetted spa, so everyone can unwind surrounded by beautiful canyon views. This Utah family vacation, take your family on a wellness journey and book your visit today. Sources: Joyce, E. Camping with Kids: The Benefits of Exploring Nature Together. Forest Nation. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://forestnation.com/blog/camping-with-kids-the-benefits-of-exploring-nature-together Anasazi State Park. Utah.com. Retrieved July 23, 2025, from https://www.utah.com/destinations/state-parks/anasazi-state-park/

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While many people think of saunas as a solitary experience, it can also be the ideal opportunity to connect with fellow travelers and locals. The intimate environment and mood-boosting effects make saunas well-suited for quiet, friendly conversation. If you’re with family or friends, saunas give you the chance to deepen your bonds and make lasting memories. They’re a fun way to finish up a day of hiking, climbing, or biking together. Enhance Sleep Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep at night, especially when traveling? Regular sauna use could help you sleep easier. Other than relaxing your body and mind, there are scientific reasons for this. Your body follows a sleep-wake cycle, also called your circadian rhythm. The body changes temperature throughout the day, and part of what helps you fall asleep is a rapid decrease in body temperature3. Since saunas heat your body up, significantly cooling occurs once you step out. After a few hours, your body will naturally feel sleepy, and you can look forward to a full night of rest. This temperature drop might also boost your body’s production of melatonin, known as the sleep hormone, which leads to better sleep quality and duration. May Improve Heart Health One sauna benefit that might surprise you is a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. The heat of the sauna raises your body temperature, causing you to sweat heavily (often up to a pint of sweat). This is your body’s natural way of cooling itself. During this process, your heart rate increases, possibly up to 100–150 beats per minute (bpm). The combined heat and raised heart rate dilate your blood vessels, improving circulation and blood pressure4. Sweating can also increase your good cholesterol levels (HDL), improving your total cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, so lowering your total blood cholesterol can help keep your heart healthy. Regular exercise is also a good way to boost HDL cholesterol levels, so combining physical activity with sauna bathing can have even greater benefits4. Tips for an Enjoyable Sauna Experience Now that you understand how saunas can help your overall well-being, it’s important to know how to use them wisely. Saunas typically provide a safe, enjoyable experience, but there are ways you can ensure your session is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. These tips will help you maximize the benefits of sauna bathing and get the most out of your experience: Talk to your doctor: If you have heart conditions or are pregnant, check with your doctor before using a sauna Start slow: Build up your heat tolerance with 5- to 10-minute sessions, gradually increasing your total time to 15-20 minutes Be quick: Keep the hot air inside by entering and exiting the sauna quickly Stay hydrated: Drink 1 or 2 glasses of water before and after your sauna session to replenish your fluids Avoid big meals and alcohol: Don’t drink alcohol before, during, or after using a sauna, and don’t eat large meals beforehand Know your limits: If you start to feel dizzy, sick, or lightheaded, leave the sauna immediately Let yourself relax: Clear your mind and allow yourself to fully experience the benefits of the sauna At Zion Canyon Hot Springs, we offer a restorative wellness experience through our many state-of-the-art amenities. In addition to our beautiful, birch-lined barrel saunas, you can enjoy our mineral-rich hot springs pools, freshwater cold plunges, cozy fire pits, and more. Book your visit and come prepared for a rejuvenating spa journey. Sources Sidharthan, C. (9 April 2025). The Science of Sauna & Heat Exposure. News Medical. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Saunas-Really-Do-to-Your-Brain-and-Body.aspx Cafasso, J. (8 October 2024). Are There Benefits From Using Saunas? Healthline. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/are-saunas-good-for-you deBara, D. (21 March 2024). Can a Sauna Help You Get Better Sleep? Sleep.com. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.sleep.com/sleep-health/sauna-for-better-sleep (1 February 2023). Benefits of sauna bathing for heart health. UCLA Health. Retrieved June 23, 2025, from https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/benefits-sauna-bathing-heart-health