Photo: Chuck Roast
Photo: Sebastian Liafsha
Photo: Jordy van Meer
Zion National Park
★4.8(45,951 reviews)FreeAdventure
🕑 Full day (6-8 hours) or multi-day trip👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children and toddlers can enjoy the scenic shuttle ride, easy paved trails, and river wading, while older kids and teens will love moderate hikes like Angels Landing (ages 12+) and The Narrows. Families with infants can use baby carriers on paved paths, though strollers are limited to certain areas.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
Zion National Park offers families an unforgettable outdoor adventure with towering red rock cliffs, kid-friendly trails, and the fun Riverside Walk where children can splash in the Virgin River. The scenic drive through the park is stunning enough to captivate even restless little ones, while easy trails like the Weeping Rock and Lower Emerald Pools provide achievable hiking goals that build kids' confidence in nature.
Highlights
- ✓Wading and playing in the Virgin River at the end of Riverside Walk
- ✓Spotting wildlife like mule deer, bighorn sheep, and colorful lizards along trails
- ✓Riding the free shuttle through dramatic canyon scenery with ranger narration
- ✓Junior Ranger program where kids complete activities to earn badges
- ✓Easy waterfall hikes at Emerald Pools with kid-friendly distances
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 8am or use the free shuttle system from Springdale to avoid parking nightmares,the main visitor center lot fills by 9am during peak season
- 2.Pack water shoes for kids to wade and play in the Virgin River at the end of Riverside Walk,it's the highlight for most children and a great way to cool off
- 3.Download trail maps offline before arriving as cell service is extremely limited throughout the park
- 4.Bring way more water than you think you need (1 liter per person per hour of hiking) and salty snacks,the desert heat is deceptive and kids dehydrate quickly
- 5.Start with the easy Riverside Walk or Lower Emerald Pools trail to gauge your kids' hiking ability before attempting longer routes
Best Time to Visit
Visit in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for perfect weather and fewer crowds. Arrive at the park before 8am or after 4pm to avoid peak congestion. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends, especially during summer.
What to Know
Entry costs $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or use the America the Beautiful Pass. Limited food is available only at Zion Lodge, so pack substantial snacks and meals. The free shuttle system is mandatory for accessing popular trails during peak season (March-November).
Seasonal Notes
Summer (June-August) brings extreme heat over 100°F,hike only in early morning or evening. Winter (December-February) offers solitude but some trails may be icy; Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is accessible by private vehicle. Spring brings wildflowers while fall offers spectacular foliage. Flash flood season (July-September) requires checking weather before hiking slot canyons.
Nearby Eats
Zion Pizza & Noodle Co. in Springdale serves kid-friendly pizzas and pasta in a fun converted church building. Oscar's Cafe offers hearty breakfast and Southwestern fare with a casual atmosphere perfect for hungry families after hiking.
More Activities Near Springdale
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Huber Wash
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Huber Wash offers an easy, family-friendly trail through stunning red rock landscapes that's perfect for introducing young children to hiking in Southern Utah. The manageable distance and relatively flat terrain make it ideal for little legs, while the dramatic Zion-area scenery provides plenty of photo opportunities and natural wonders to spark kids' curiosity about geology and nature.
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Angels Landing Trail
★4.8Free❤️32
Angels Landing is one of Zion National Park's most thrilling and iconic hikes, featuring dramatic cliff-edge trails and chain-assisted scrambles that older kids and teens will find absolutely exhilarating. While the final half-mile requires a permit and is not suitable for young children, families can hike the spectacular 2-mile trail to Scout Lookout together, enjoying breathtaking canyon views without the extreme exposure.
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Watchman Trail
★4.6Free
The Watchman Trail offers families an achievable Zion National Park adventure with rewarding panoramic views of the iconic valley below. This well-maintained 3.3-mile round-trip trail features manageable switchbacks that help young hikers conquer the elevation gain, making it an excellent introduction to canyon country hiking without the extreme crowds of more famous Zion trails.
Ice Cream
Sweetcreek Ice Cream
$❤️9
Sweetcreek Ice Cream is a delightful local gem in Springdale serving up homemade ice cream flavors that'll make your kids' eyes light up. The outdoor seating area offers stunning valley views, making it the perfect spot to cool down after a day of exploring Zion National Park while the little ones enjoy creative, unique flavor combinations you won't find at chain shops.