Moab
The Arches National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah. The park is well known for its natural sandstone arches, including the world-famous Delicate Arch. The park attracts over 1 million visitors each year and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and biking. It does offer a Junior Ranger Badge!
Due to the large amounts of visitors this park receives each year, they have implemented a new reservation system. From April 3 to October 3, 2022, visitors will need to have reserved a timed entry ticket. These tickets go on sale 3 months in advance. However, those unable to attain a ticket in advance may be able to purchase one the day before intended entry at 6pm MDT. Tickets are expected to go quickly. See their website for more details. If you are unable to get a reservation, there are tons of other great sites at the nearby national and state parks.
The Arches National Park Scenic drive allows travelers to experience the stunning views of the National park on an 18-22 mile drive from the comfort of their car. Along the drive, there are many short yet incredible stops to see stunning sites.
There are 9 easy rated hikes at the Arches National Park. For a complete list and details on each hike, visit the NPS website, linked above.
Balanced rock is a .3 miles out and back paved, stroller friendly walk with a great view. The Windows is a one mile loop that touts 3 arches. Double arch can be found next on the scenic byway, and is an out and back half mile trek. The most popular hike that can be found is the 3 mile hike to Delicate Arch. Be sure to check out the rock art on the way.
The Moab Giants Museum is a great place to visit for those interested in attractions featuring prehistoric creatures. The museum has an impressive collection of fossilized bones and casts of the creatures, as well as interactive displays that allow visitors to learn more about these ancient giants.
Families look forward to the 5D theater, Giants café, dig-it-out sites, dino playground and the dinosaur trail. Where adventures come face to face with over 100 life sized dinosaurs and their tracks.
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park is located in southeastern Utah and is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the rivers. The park offers a wide variety of activities including hiking, camping, backpacking, canyoneering, rafting, and horseback riding.
The Island in the Sky district is the most popular due to its proximity to the Arches National Park and is known for its dramatic vistas. The Needles district is noted for its colorful spires of rock. The Maze district is the most remote and least visited. The rivers district is the newest district and offers opportunities for whitewater rafting.
The Island in the sky offers 4 easy level hikes, however only Mesa Arch is under a mile. White Rim Overlook, Grand View Point, and Murphy Point have distances from 1.8-3.6 miles. They offer stunning panoramic views.
The Needles also offers 4 easy level hikes. Roadside Ruin is .3 miles and leads to a structure built by indigenous people. Cave Spring is .6 miles and leads to a historic cowboy camp, and rock paintings. However, hikers will need to climb 2 ladders to complete the route. Pothole Point is .6 miles and leads to sandstone pot holes (shallow pools). The final easy level hike is slickrock which comes in at 2.4 miles. Guided tours are available.
Due to the remoteness and hard terrain found in the Maze, hiking with young children is not recommended. Many hikes are so long, it is suggested an overnight trip be planned.
Canyonlands National park is located about 30 minuets driving distance from Arches National Park. Stop by to earn your Junior Ranger Badge from both parks!
Dead Horse State Park is east of Canyonlands National Park and south of Moab. It was also used as a backdrop for some scenes in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. There are 4 easy level hikes for families to enjoy. The Dead Horse Point Overlook Trail is a super short trail and the main attraction at this point. In just 200 feet, you can experience breathtaking views.
The Visitor Center Nature Trail is a paved, 1/8th mile loop trail with 8 exhibits. Don't forget to collect your Junior Ranger Badge while at the visitors center. The Colorado River Overlook is a mile round trip hike with great views of the C.O. river. It also has a series of potholes (shallow seasonal pools).The East Rim Trail is a 1.5 mile hike between the visitor center and Dead Horse Point. If you take the Basin Overlook Spur, the hike is extended to 2 miles. Bike Rentals are available, see website linked above for more details.
Adventure off road
Consider booking a tour guide company to add an extra bit of oomph to your trip. 3rd party companies offer tours by boat on the Colorado river, jeep adventures on the red rock, incredible sights from aircraft and more. Although typical minimum age requirements are 4 years old, so plan accordingly. Canyonlands Night and Day offer a lot of variety and options in ways to explore the nearby national and state parks but please, DYOR (Do your own research).
The Moab Aquatic Center is a great place to take a family for an afternoon of fun. There are a range of attractions available, including a water slide, play structure, a lazy river, and a swimming pool. The Moab Aquatic Center is also home to a fitness center, which offers a wide variety of equipment and classes. Visit the concessions counter at the front desk to view available snacks for purchase.
The Moab Backyard Theater is a community-based outdoor theater in downtown Moab that runs from Wednesday through Saturday at 7pm. The first 3 nights are free music based nights. Saturday night features a magic show and does charge $5-$10 for admission. Outside food and drink are welcome. Tickets to the magic show are sold on a first come first served basis.
The Ken’s Lake Recreation Area is a great place to visit for swimming, camping, fishing, and boating. The reservoir has free day use or camping spots are available through reservation.