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Utah National Parks are beyond marvelous. The national parks in Utah are famous for hiking the Narrows, exploring spire-shaped rock formations called hoodoos, marveling at the majestic arches, playing in the red sand, and overlooking the massive canyons cut over millions of years by the Green and Colorado Rivers.  Zion National Park may be the most popular destination in southern Utah and it does not disappoint! Seeing Zion National Park with Kids is definitely worthwhile and an experience that will leave everyone satisfied.

Not everything in the parks are recommended to explore with kids, but Zion National Park in Utah has great places for kids to adventure. Here, we’ve focused on seeing the park that is most accessible for kids and have provided you with our secrets to visiting Zion National Park with kids!

Zion National Park with Kids

Preserving 229 square miles of stunning red rock cliffs, Zion National Park in southern Utah is shaped by the Virgin River and its tributaries. The canyons are continuously being carved by running river water, especially during flash floods. 

To alleviate parking hassles, there is a free shuttle provided by the park that takes visitors to eight different stops in the park. The shuttle is quite enjoyable for kids and gives parents a chance to breathe before the next adventure.

ADDRESS: 1 Zion Park Blvd, State Route 9, Springdale Utah

HOURS: 24 hrs / 365 days, Visitor Center Hours are 8 am – 5 pm

PRICE: 7 Days Pass – $35/car, Annual Pass – $80/car

CONTACT: (435) 772-3256

WEBSITEwww.nps.gov/zion

Zion National Park Family Hikes

Hiking with kids means a bit more preparation, but the experience is memorable. Not only do you need to pack more supplies, but you should also be aware of timing. How long can the kids hike? Would they do better starting in the morning or a different time of day?  You know your children, so pack their favorite treats to keep them motivated, plenty and water, and be ready for a few songs along the way if needed.

Here are the top family hikes in Zion National Park.

Weeping Rock

A short 10-minute family-friendly stroll from the Weeping Rock Trailhead, which is the 7th stop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle takes you under a beautiful overhang of rock with lush overgrowth and dripping water.

Riverside Walk 

Starting at the 8th and final stop of the Zion Canyon Shuttle at the Temple of Sinawava, this trail heads a mile and a half up the canyon where you get wonderful views of the Virgin River. The trail ends at the entrance of the Narrows.

The Narrows

Beginning at the Temple of Sinawava, you can hike up the Riverside Walk trail and then continue hiking right up the river to see some of the best “narrows” sections of the North Fork of the Virgin River. Hike in the river only to Big Spring – about 1 hour – and then turn around and follow the same route back.

Emerald Pools 

This hike is a collection of short trails that meander past a small, lushly-vegetated stream that rolls down from the cliffs and forms several interesting “pools.” The last stretch is the hardest, but even the little kids will want to make it, as you can swim at the final pool number 3.

DOWNLOAD a printable list of Zion National Park Family Hikes by clicking the image below.

Where to eat at Zion National Park

If you want to eat at a restaurant or bring in a picnic, Zion National Park has one main food option.

Zion Lodge – Located in Zion National Park, Zion Lodge has a café open in the late summer through early fall that serves a variety of snack bar-type items such as coffee, espresso, and cinnamon buns in the morning and burgers, hot dogs and french fries throughout the day. 

The Red Rock Grill located inside the lodge is open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For picnics, the lodge has outdoor picnic areas and beautiful lawns.

Tips for visiting Zion National Park

 

During the summer months, visitors into Zion National Park are at a peak. Below are a couple ways to not have to fight the crowds and step away from where the masses usually reside.

Parking Tips at Zion National Park

Parking fills up fast in the summer months. If you are visiting during busy season, park in Springdale at a free shuttle lot. This takes you into the park where you can hop onto the free park shuttles that take you to different eight different stops within the canyon.

 

Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway

Drive along this highway and enjoy the miraculous views of Zion National Park. Few roads in North America, if not the world, can match this stunning 14-mile stretch of pavement which wanders through a landscape full of massively large, abstract geological formations and also travels through a historic tunnel.

Most importantly on your trip to Zion National Park with kids – capture the magic!  Take pictures, ask your kids what they enjoyed, and really soak in the majestic beauty of the immaculate Zion!

 

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