This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Zion National Park is one of Utah’s most breathtaking destinations, with towering cliffs, riverside walks, and family-friendly hikes that make it perfect for exploring with kids.

View of a winding road through a green valley surrounded by tall, dramatic red rock cliffs under a partly cloudy blue sky in stunning Zion National Park.

A Family Adventure in Red Rock Country

Zion National Park had been on our bucket list for years. When it was our children’s spring break, we flew into Las Vegas, picked up a rental car, and drove through the desert to this red rock paradise. The park’s sandstone cliffs, winding trails, and peaceful river paths quickly became one of the highlights of our Utah–Arizona road trip.

Whether you plan to stay for one day or three, Zion offers plenty of ways to enjoy nature together as a family.

Getting to Zion National Park

A vibrant canyon scene in Zion National Park with towering red rock cliffs, a natural arch in the center, and green vegetation scattered along the valley floor under a clear blue sky.

Zion sits in southwest Utah, about a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas. We took an early morning flight from San Francisco and reached the park by early afternoon. That gave us just enough time to check in at our hotel in St. George and take a short drive through the scenic Zion–Mount Carmel Highway.

While a car is essential for getting around, from spring through fall, Zion Canyon itself is only accessible via the free shuttle system—unless you’re staying overnight at Zion Lodge.

Tips for Visiting Zion with Kids

A man and two children wearing sun hats and sunglasses stand on a scenic Zion National Park canyon trail with red rock cliffs, trees, and a blue sky in the background. All are smiling and dressed for hiking.
  • Start early: Parking fills up quickly, so plan to arrive before 8 AM.
  • Use the shuttle: It’s free, efficient, and the only way to explore Zion Canyon from April to October.
  • Dress in layers: Temperatures can swing by 30°F between morning and afternoon.
  • Wear sturdy shoes: Trails are often rocky and uneven.
  • Stay hydrated: CamelBak-style backpacks worked best for us with kids.

Shuttle Stop Highlights in Zion Canyon

A river flows between steep, rocky canyon walls with sparse trees. The sun illuminates the upper cliffs, highlighting the rugged landscape and natural beauty of Zion National Park’s impressive gorge.

We explored Zion over two days, breaking up the hikes so our kids could enjoy the adventure without getting too tired. Here are the stops we loved most:

Stop #9 – Temple of Sinawava

The paved Riverside Walk follows the Virgin River and ends at the gateway to The Narrows. The Narrows were closed due to flood risk during our visit, but the riverside hike was still beautiful.

Stop #8 – Big Bend

A quick stop with dramatic views of the Virgin River. Look up and you might spot hikers on the Angels Landing Trail far above.

Stop #7 – Weeping Rock

A short but steep walk leads to a dripping alcove with hanging gardens. Longer trails like Hidden Canyon or Observation Point begin here, but we turned back when the path narrowed.

Stop #6 – The Grotto & Kayenta Trail to Emerald Pools

A family of five in hiking clothes and hats poses by a rocky river in a canyon with tall cliffs and sparse trees in Zion National Park. The group smiles, enjoying an outdoor adventure together.

This was one of our favorite half-day hikes. The Kayenta Trail connected us to the Emerald Pools, where waterfalls and ponds made for an exciting and manageable trek.

Stop #5 – Zion Lodge

Zion Lodge is both a shuttle stop and the only lodging inside the canyon. It’s perfect for a lunch break or horseback riding. Trails to Emerald Pools also begin here.

Stop #4 – Court of the Patriarchs

Named after the biblical figures Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, these peaks are a quick but worthwhile photo stop.

Stop #3 – Canyon Junction

Families can walk the Pa’rus Trail from here back to the Visitor Center. It’s paved and great for strollers, with river crossings and wide views.

Stop #2 – Human History Museum

We enjoyed the exhibits on Native American history, early settlers, and the park’s geology. A short film and a scale model of the canyon added perspective.

Stop #1 – Visitor Center

The starting point for maps, shuttle info, refill stations, and ranger advice. Campers check in here for Watchman and South Campgrounds.

Staying or Stopping at Zion Lodge

A group of people ride horses along a dirt trail through a green, wooded area in Zion National Park, with rocky mountains visible in the background under a clear, blue sky.

We didn’t stay overnight at Zion Lodge, but it was one of our favorite mid-day stops.

Why Stay at Zion Lodge?

  • Exclusive access to drive into the canyon during shuttle season
  • Early trail access without waiting for the shuttle
  • Walking distance to Emerald Pools and Angels Landing
  • A range of accommodations, from cabins to suites
  • Family-friendly lawns, board games, and outdoor seating

Dining Options

  • Red Rock Grill: We enjoyed their taco buffet and lunch menu.
  • Castle Dome Cafe: A casual spot for coffee, snacks, and quick bites.
  • Local beer from Zion Brewery is also available on the patio.

Horseback Riding

Our kids’ favorite memory was the 1-hour horseback ride (ages 7+), which followed the Virgin River to the Court of the Patriarchs. Longer rides (ages 10+) are available for more experienced riders.

Scenic Drive – Zion–Mount Carmel Highway

The scenic drive east of the main canyon is not to be missed. Highlights include the mile-long tunnel, sweeping viewpoints, and the short but spectacular Canyon Overlook Trail. Further along, Checkerboard Mesa reveals sandstone hills scored in a grid-like pattern, offering a completely different view of Zion’s geology.

How to Get to Zion National Park

Zion National Park is most easily reached by car, with scenic drives from several major locations:

By Car

  • From Las Vegas: The drive is approximately 2.5–3 hours. Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the most convenient for flying in.
  • From Bryce Canyon National Park: The drive is about 1.5–2 hours, making it a popular park to visit in conjunction with Zion.
  • From Salt Lake City: The journey takes around 4.5 hours.

A car is essential for getting to the park and for exploring the surrounding area, as well as accessing different parts of the park outside of the main canyon.

Accommodation

For easy access to the park, staying in the town of Springdale is highly recommended. It is right at the park’s main entrance and has a free shuttle service that can take you directly into the park.

Why Zion Should Be on Your Family Travel List

Rounded sandstone mountains rise above a forested landscape under a partly cloudy blue sky in Zion National Park, with sunlight illuminating the textured rock formations and scattered green trees.

Zion combines dramatic scenery with accessible trails, making it one of the best national parks to visit with kids. Even with a packed schedule, we found plenty of time to enjoy hikes, relax by the river, and marvel at the cliffs.

If you can, plan at least two days. That gives you enough time to explore the shuttle stops, enjoy a scenic drive, and still have space to rest. For our family, Zion truly felt like a place of refuge—and one we can’t wait to return to.

More to Explore Nearby

Once you’ve explored Zion, there are several incredible spots within a few hours’ drive:

  • Bryce Canyon National Park – Famous for its hoodoos and short family-friendly hikes
  • Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park – A fun spot for kids to climb and slide on the dunes
  • Snow Canyon State Park – Red rock trails, lava tubes, and petrified dunes near St. George
  • Kanab, Utah – A great base for slot canyons, The Wave lottery, and family adventures

Related Posts: