Located in the heart of Utah’s red rock country, Moab offers an array of thrilling activities and awe-inspiring sights for families. From easy and moderate hikes to exciting off-road adventures, here’s your guide to the top things to do in Moab with kids.  We’ll take you inside two national park and share many other gems as well sure to please adults and kids alike.  

Things to do in Moab with Kids

Planning a Visit

When to Visit Moab with Kids

The National Parks and State Parks are open year-round but many local attractions and excursions close during winter off season. Spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October) are the most comfortable seasons to visit. Summer can be quite hot, while winter sees cooler temperatures and occasional snowfall. That said, we visited once in July and once in November and still had a phenomenal time.

Utah’s National Parks

Two of Utah’s “Mighty 5” National Parks are in close proximity to Moab. I’ll start with these two as they are the main draw to the area for many families. Here are the driving distances from Moab to each of the National Parks in Utah.

• Arches: 1 minute
• Canyonlands: 40 minutes to Island of the Sky Visitor Center
• Capital Reef: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Bryce Canyon: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Zion: 4 hours 30 minutes

We were able to hit up all five, but divided them between two trips. The first trip included Bryce and Zion and the second we did Moab’s Arches, then Canyonlands, and explored Capital Reef on our way to Salt Lake City.

Be aware, entry to each park will cost $30 per vehicle, valid for seven days (for that single park). Alternatively, consider the America the Beautiful Pass for $80, offering unlimited access to national parks and federal recreational lands for a year.

What to Pack for Moab with Kids

If you are visiting in the summer, be sure to check out our guide of things to bring to beat the heat.

Already have an America the Beautiful pass? Don’t forget to pack it for the nearby National Parks! Fourth graders can request a National Park pass, here.

Those with disabilities, including Type 1 diabetes are eligible for free park passes as well. Find more details about the Access Pass here.

Things to Do In Moab, Utah

Arches National Park (Kid friendly hikes and sites)

Arches National Park is a must-visit when in Moab. With over 2,000 natural sandstone arches and an array of hiking trails, it’s a playground for young adventurers. Click here for a park map.

There’s so much to do we recommend breaking it up between two days so kids aren’t overexerted and if you’re there in the summer you can escape the heat by late morning.

Don’t forget to stop at the Visitor Center for a Junior Rangers Program.

These are the most epic arches with easy to moderate hikes suitable for young families:

Balanced Rock

A stroller-friendly trail that leads to an extraordinary rock formation is definitely the lowest effort. The short walk is perfect for little legs, and the sight of the towering Balanced Rock is sure to amaze children and adults alike.

The Windows District

This section of the park offers close-up views of some of the park’s largest and most impressive arches. The paths are relatively flat, making them suitable for young hikers and the high concentration of arches is what gives it such a wow factor.

Delicate Arch – Upper Viewpoint

The most popular viewpoint of the entire park to admire the iconic Delicate Arch from above. You have to work for it though! It’s a moderate hike, 1.5 miles each way that you should expect to take about 3 hours.

We had both our 1 and 3 year olds in carriers. The 7 year old who was in our group was able to hike the whole distance.

We started our journey bright and early to beat the July heat. We packed protein packed snacks and lots of water for a break at the viewpoint before starting our return trek. There’s one spot in the final stretch with a narrow path next to a cliff edge. Hold on to your littles!

Delicate Arch

If you’re not up for the moderate hike to Delicate Arch, the lower viewpoint trail is a fantastic alternative. It’s also stroller-friendly and offers stunning views of Utah’s most iconic arch.

The trail is only 100 yards and is paved, making it suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Sand Dune Arch

This fun trail leads to a hidden arch nestled among the sand dunes. The surrounding sandy area is great for kids to play and explore. This was a favorite for us as it was one of the more shaded areas in the park and the kids enjoyed playing in the sand.

Skyline Arch Trailhead

A quick an easy pull off of the road that takes you toward Landscape arch rewards you with this view.

Landscape Arch

As one of the longest natural arches in the world, Landscape Arch is a sight to behold. The trail to the arch is relatively flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for families. Lots of sand is at your kids’ disposal on this hike so bring a few small toys to rest and break up the journey.

Canyonlands National Park (Kid friendly hikes and sites)

Dare I say it? Canyonlands National Park was more awestriking for me than the Grand Canyon. I felt like I was standing on Mars looking down at a red expanse of Rock and Craters.

The average elevation in the Canyonlands is over 5,000 ft above Sea Level. The canyons were carved by the Green and Colorado rivers and are part of the Colorado Plateau. Because it is secluded from light pollution of any major cities, the views of the night sky are breathtaking and it’s earned its designation as an International Dark Sky Park.

Canyonlands National Park can be divided into four districts, each deserving their own day to explore if you had the time! Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers. A day trip to Canyonlands is a must do on the things to do in Moab with kids. With only one day, I recommend sticking to the Island in the Sky district.

Island in the Sky is the closest to Moab and therefore the most visited. Be sure to grab a map and Junior Rangers Program from the Island of the Sky Visitor Center.

Here’s what to explore in Island of the Sky.

Mesa Arch

Set your alarm clock! The best time to enjoy Mesa Arch is at sunrise. The first rays of sunlight peek over the majestic canyons, casting a golden glow that transforms the landscape. It’s a front-row seat to a masterpiece of nature,

Bring your headlamp for your early morning trek. As you make your way along the short 1/4 mile trail to Mesa Arch, it feels like being part of a secret morning mission, embarking on an adventure reserved for the early risers and nature enthusiasts.

The sunlight through the arch creates the most incredible lens flares that will make your photos truly print worthy. The tranquility, assuming you can claim a moment to take a breath between chasing kids, washes over you.

It’s a front-row seat to nature’s daily masterpiece, reminding us of the beauty that exists all around us.

Insider Tip: Bring a couple trucks or sit down toys to give the kids while you enjoy the view. This way they won’t be tempted to climb rocks while you’re trying to soak in the sunrise.

Grand View Point Overlook

I’ll admit, this hike had me literally and emotionally ‘on edge’. It was stressful to walk along the edge of a vast canyon drop off with my 3 year old. I would’ve liked to have him in a carrier for this hike and recommend the same to others so you can enjoy the view a bit more than I was able to.

The hike is 1 mile, but if you just want to hit the overlook, it is .1 miles from the parking lot.

White Rim, Buck Canyon, and Green River Overlooks

These are also easy overlooks to access from the parking lot. My kids were pretty tired so these were nice to leave them in the car while one parent soaks in the view in silence and then trade off.

Dead Horse State Park

If you have any energy left after Canyonlands, you could hit Dead Horse State Park on your way back to Moab.

The park got its name from a legend about cowboys who used the narrow neck of land within the park to corral wild horses. Tragically, horses that were left behind died of exposure, hence the moniker Dead Horse.

Spread over 5,362 acres of rugged desert wilderness, the state park offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in a world of deep canyons, towering cliffs, and vast plateaus. The park’s showstopper is the breathtaking Dead Horse Point Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the Colorado River snaking through the canyon below.

Families with children will find plenty to do at Dead Horse Point State Park. The East and West Rim Loop Trails offer an easy yet rewarding hike, with numerous viewpoints along the way.

For the more adventurous, mountain biking on the Intrepid Trail System is a thrilling way to explore the park.

Moab Giants Dinosaur Park

This stop is sure to be a favorite for dino lovers out there.

Moab Giants Dinosaur Park features a half-mile-long trail dotted with over 100 full-size replicas of dinosaurs, each meticulously crafted to represent the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this very area.

The park’s primary attractions are the Dinosaur Trail, the Tracks Museum, and the PaleoAquarium. The Dinosaur Trail takes you on a fascinating journey through a landscape filled with life-sized dinosaur models. The Tracks Museum houses interactive exhibits and cutting-edge technology that brings the ancient past to life, while the 5D PaleoAquarium offers a glimpse into the prehistoric underwater world.

The park offers a variety of hands-on activities to engage the kids, like digging for fossils and exploring dinosaur footprints making it one of the top things to do in Moab with kids.

If you hit it first thing in the morning you’re more likely to avoid the crowds.

Mill Creek Swimming Hole

During the summer, cooling off at Mill Creek or spending the day at Ken’s Lake are some of the best activities to do in Moab with kids.

Mill Creek canyon is the best swimming hole in the area. If you’re there in the peak summer months, you’ll love the cooling mist off the waterfall.

Goblin Valley State Park

This unique park, located in Green River, Utah, is home to thousands of mushroom-shaped sandstone formations, or “hoodoos,” that are sure to spark the imagination of children and adults alike.

At 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive, it is a bit of a hike for one day from Moab, but if you travels are taking you to Capital Reef National Park as well, it’s easy to hit up en route.

Goblin Valley’s main attraction is its vast array of sandstone hoodoos. These naturally formed structures provide endless opportunities for imaginative play. Children will enjoy weaving through the maze-like Valley of Goblins, playing hide-and-seek, and discovering the many “faces” in the rocks. The hoodoos resemble all sorts of creatures and objects. Play a game of ‘I spy’ or have your kids come up with stories about the goblins.

The entrance fee is $15-25 per vehicle, which includes use of the state park’s day facilities. Increased weekend fees apply from March-October.

Goblin Valley is extremely family-friendly. The park’s main attraction, the Valley of Goblins, is just a short walk from the parking area, making it easily accessible even for families with young children. There are also restrooms and picnic areas near the parking lot.

Moab Rotary “Musical Park”

Located on the east side of town (650 Millcreek Drive), this beautiful park is perfect for a picnic lunch. The park offers 19 musical instruments for the kids to experiment and play with making it one of the top things to do in Moab with kids.

Potash Dinosaur Tracks

An easy 15 minute drive from the city you can find spot 100 million year old dinosaur footprints!

Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs offers a parking lot and a short, tricky in a few spots, trail to the dinosaur tracks.

While there are no guards or fences, parents should remind children about the importance of preserving these ancient relics for future generations. Touching, climbing, sitting, or standing on the fossils is prohibited.

Rafting Down the Colorado River

For families with older children, rafting down the Colorado River offers an unforgettable adventure.

There are several companies in Moab that offer family-friendly rafting trips, ensuring a safe and exciting experience.

4×4 Off Road Tours

A truly exhilarating way to explore Moab with kids is by taking a 4×4 tour. These tours take you into the heart of the desert, offering stunning views and an adrenaline pumping ride.

Food and Drink in Moab

The main drag of Moab is brimming with fun eateries for kids. We had a nice laid back meal and good beer at Moab Brewery and Wicked Brew Espresso Drive Thru was my morning go to fuel station.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do In Moab with Kids

If you’re looking for a destination that will captivate the imaginations of your little ones while providing endless outdoor fun for the whole family, then Moab is the place to be.

Moab is calling, and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the incredible experiences waiting to be discovered!

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