"Utah’s family fun is as big as its red rock canyons: dinosaur digs, national parks, snowy slopes, and museums made for curious minds. It’s the kind of place where kids can hike through ancient arches or discover prehistoric fossils—all in one awe-inspiring state."
We’ve got hiking boots laced, binoculars around our necks, and a cooler packed for snacks—all ready for Utah’s epic blend of outdoor fun and educational thrills. Who knew geology and giggles could go hand in hand?
In Salt Lake City, we kick things off at the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Hogle Zoo, then stroll through the Clark Planetarium for space-themed excitement. Down south, we explore Dinosaur National Monument to see real fossils in rock walls and raft family-friendly rivers. At Arches and Zion National Parks, we hike short scenic trails like Lower Emerald Pool and Sand Dune Arch—perfect for younger adventurers. And in winter, we bundle up for sledding, tubing, or skiing at resorts like Snowbird and Brian Head, where kids learn to love snow the Utah way.
"Red rocks, starry skies, and family memories carved into the canyons? Here we come!"
Unique Utah Activities with Kids:
1. Hike Through a Landscape of Natural Stone Arches at Arches National Park
Known for its spectacular red sandstone rock formations, Arches National Park is an outdoor wonderland the whole family will love. There are plenty of hiking trails to explore, but popular family-friendly options include the 0.3-mile Balanced Arch trail and the mile-long trail that leads to the formations known as the Windows. If you'd rather enjoy the beauty of the park from your car, there's also an 18-mile road that leads to some of the biggest and most famous arches in the park. Between the beginning of May and the end of September, the park offers ranger-led programs like guided hikes, interactive presentations, and stargazing events.
2. Marvel at Hoodoos and Colorful Cliffs at Bryce Canyon National Park
Centered around the canyon that gave it its name, Bryce Canyon National Park boasts the biggest concentration of hoodoo rock formations on the planet. The best-known sight in the park is the incredible Bryce Amphitheater; there are four primary viewpoints, but visitors can also walk along the rim and admire the view as they go. If you have a few hours to spare, you can even take a guided horseback tour into the canyon below. Between mid-April and mid-October, visitors are encouraged to ride the park's complimentary shuttle, which travels between the most popular viewpoints, Visitor Centers, and trailheads.
Phone: 435-834-5322
3. Explore Vast Canyons and Towering Mesas at Canyonlands National Park
Located not far from the town of Moab, Canyonlands National Park is another park that showcases the dramatic, colorful rock formations of Utah. The park is divided into four districts, but the most accessible and family-friendly is the Island in the Sky, which features a scenic drive with dozens of viewpoint pullouts. There are also plenty of hiking trails, some of which lead along the rim and some of which descend down into the canyon. Guided hikes of the park's more remote regions are offered on summer weekends, and rangers often host stargazing programs in the evenings.
4. Spark Creativity and Hands-On Learning at Discovery Gateway
With more than 60,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is one of the best places in Salt Lake City to spend the day with your kids. The exhibits are designed for hands-on play, and kids can splash around on the Water Play table, play with derby style racing cars, and pretend to be paramedics. During the summer, the museum puts on a seasonal outdoor exhibit known as the SkyCycle, which teaches kids about balance and gravity. There are also exciting events all throughout the year, including craft workshops, storytimes, and a special Breakfast with Santa event during the Christmas season.
444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, Phone: 801-456-5437
5. Step Into Pioneer and Mining History at the Great Basin Museum
The Great Basin Museum was established to educate visitors and locals about the fascinating history of West Millard County. The museum tells the story of local settlers through a series of artifacts, photos, and historic documents, and there's a fascinating exhibit about a Relocation Center that was built in the area during World War II. If you like geology, you'll also be interested in the display of rocks, gems, and fossils that have been found in the area. Hours vary according to the season, but private tours can often be arranged outside of regular opening hours.
45 W Main St, Delta, UT 84624, Phone: 435-864-5013
Affordable Utah Attractions to See with Kids:
6. Ride Scenic Rails and Relive History on the Heber Valley Railroad
Based out of Heber City, the Heber Valley Railroad is a heritage railroad that offers old-fashioned train rides through the picturesque valley. There are several scenic rides to choose from, ranging from ninety minutes to three hours in length, and some include mock cowboy train robberies. One Monday nights, families can hop aboard a special 90-minute ride along the shore of Deer Creek Reservoir to sing songs, play games, and purchase snacks. During the Christmas season, there's also a wonder-filled North Pole Express ride, which includes caroling, hot chocolate, and an exciting visit from Santa.
450 S 6th W, Heber City, UT 84032, Phone: 435-654-5601, Facebook
7. If You Love Wildlife Adventures, Then Visit Hogle Zoo for a Wild Day Out
Owned and operated by Salt Lake City, the Hogle Zoo is one of the best places in Utah to see exotic animals. The 42-acre property is home to more than 800 animals, including polar bears, endangered Asian cats, and white rhinos, but the most exotic experience is the African Savannah, which visitors can traverse in a train while marveling at lions, zebras, and giraffes. Depending on the season, the zoo also has an excellent variety of daily programs for visitors to watch, including elephant encounters, free-flight bird shows, and giraffe feedings. During the summer, there's also a kids' splash zone.
2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, Phone: 801-584-1700
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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Why is Utah a great destination for a family-friendly vacation?
- Thanks to its stunning national parks and its excellent museums, Utah is one of the best states to visit if you're planning a family-friendly vacation.
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What are some must-see natural attractions in Utah?
- The vibrant red sandstone formations of the "Big Five" national parks might be some of the first images to come to mind, but there are plenty of lesser-known attractions as well, including the Timpanogos Cave National Monument and the old-fashioned train rides offered by the Heber Valley Railroad.
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What museums and wildlife attractions can visitors explore?
- Some excellent museums can be found at Thanksgiving Point, and animal lovers shouldn't miss the chance to spot elk in the Hardware Ranch Wildlife Area and visit the Living Planet Aquarium.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and wildflowers in bloom.
Little America Hotel (Salt Lake City) – A family-friendly stay with spacious rooms.
Visit Utah’s Hogle Zoo – See a variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, great for national park adventures.
Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab) – A scenic stay near Arches National Park.
Explore Bryce Canyon National Park – Hike the kid-friendly Queens Garden Trail.
Fall (September-November) – Cool temperatures and stunning fall colors.
Snowbird Resort (Little Cottonwood Canyon) – A great mountain retreat with fun activities.
Ride the Alpine Slide at Park City Mountain – A fun outdoor adventure for kids.
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