Saint George
Pioneer park is a well-known spot for locals and visitors alike, as it features a trail that leads to the famous "Dixie Rock". This spot offers great views of Arizona, White Dome, and Zion National Park. In addition, the park has numerous hiking trails that provide access to a Boy Scout Cave, historical pioneer cabin location, slot canyons and a connection into the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve which is free to enter. There is also an arch to view.
The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is a beautiful place to visit in Southern Utah. The reserve spans over 62,000 acres and offers a variety of different landscapes and ecosystems to explore. There are also a number of activities available, such as hiking, biking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. The free visitors center has live animals and exhibits for the public.
The Red Hills Desert Garden, located in Saint George, Utah, is a interactive free botanical garden that features a variety of water efficient plants and cacti from the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts. Visitors can look forward to exploring a replica of Utah's famous slot canyons, a fish viewing area highlighting many of Utah's native fish, and viewing real dinosaur tracks found in the area. Don't feel like you have to leave your dog at home? Dogs on a leash are welcome!
Sand Hollow State Park is a state park located in the Hurricane Valley. The park is known for its red sandstone cliffs and mesas, and for the Sand Hollow Reservoir, which was created by the damming of the Virgin River. The reservoir is also a great place for adventure. Activities in the park include camping, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, boating, and off-road vehicle riding. There are rentals available at "The Beach at Sand Hollow". The store has ATV’s, UTV’s, kayaks, paddle boards and more. Bring sand toys for the kids to play with on the red sand beach. You can also find concessions available for purchase.
The St. George Children's Museum is a place where children can explore the world of science, history, and art. There are hands on, interactive playrooms on dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, space, magic castles, music and more. The museum also hosts daily activities. It features two floors of fun, making it a great place for families to spend time together.
Fiesta Fun is a family fun center in Saint George, Utah. They have something for everyone, with attractions like bumper boats, go-karts, bowling, mini golf, laser tag, an arcade and more. They also have a restaurant on site, so you can stay and play all day!
Snow Canyon State Park located in the town of Ivins, just north of St. George. The park is named for the canyon carved by the Virgin River. The park offers a range of activities, including hiking, biking, camping, and rock climbing.
The Lava Flow trail is a great place for kids to explore the wonders of lave tubes. It can be accessed from the trailhead or through an intersection off of the Butterfly trail. There are also sand dunes for children to enjoy, so be sure to bring some sand toys. This section of the park has bathrooms and parking available.
The trails at this State Park are well suited for young children. They are typically short in length making them a perfect introduction to hiking for youngsters. Jenny's Slot Canyon is an easy hike that is less than a mile long with plenty of room to explore, making it perfect for young adventurers.
Visitors are always on the look out for wild desert tortoises while visiting Snow Canyon. If you're lucky enough to find one, don't touch! It is illegal. There are several more fun family friendly hikes and ranger led outings to be had if made by appointment and don't forget to get your Junior Ranger Badge! Have a great adventure!
Tuacahn Center for the Arts is a world-class performing arts center located in Ivins, Utah. It is a stunning venue, with a huge outdoor theater. Tuacahn hosts Broadway musicals, concerts, and family shows. The Tuacahn Center for the Arts offers its visitors a unique experience. Not only can you enjoy a wonderful performance, but you can also have a meal at the on-site Tuacahn Cafe. Pyrotechnics, top-notch vocals, and beautiful sets are all part of the experience here. What's more, they offer child care during the show for a small additional fee. However, with a meal available for purchase, outdoor atmosphere and a preformance with singing and dancing, this venue is very kid friendly.
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is a spectacular 7 acre park with a Dinosaur theme. The park has wheelchair accessible play equipment, a climbing wall, zipline, splash pad, and a working miniature train available to ride on for a $1 fee during operating hours.
Brigham Young was an early leader in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He served as the church's president from 1847 until his death in 1877.Brigham Young is perhaps best remembered for leading the Mormons to the Salt Lake Valley, where the LDS Church was founded. He also supervised the building of the Salt Lake Temple and the Lion House. His winter home and office, which he used from 1870-1877, now known as the Brigham Young Winter Home and Office, is a National Historic Landmark. It is worth visiting if an educational opportunity interests you. The Home and office are an encapsulation of life in the late 1800s and an insight to the first governor of Utah. It is free to enter and open to the public.
Zion National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Utah, and for good reason. With its stunning red cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and expansive views, Zion is a nature lover's paradise. There are also plenty of activities available in the park, from hiking and biking to river rafting and canyoneering.
No matter what time of year you visit, Zion National Park is sure to amaze and delight. The park is open all year round, but the busiest times are spring and summer. If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting in the fall or winter.
To navigate the park, plan on taking the shuttle from Springdale up to the visitors center in Zion, or arrive early and park in the visitors center to board the shuttle directly. Zion National Park offers a variety of kid-friendly hikes, many of which are paved and stroller friendly. Check out weeping rock, the lower pools (families with older children can continue on to the middle and upper pools), riverside walk, Pa'rus trail and the Zion narrows. However, we advise caution when hiking in the Zion Narrows with children as the water can get waist deep – adventure out as far as is comfortable and appropriate for your children.
Additional attractions worth viewing include the Zion Human History Museum and the Junior Ranger Program.
If you're making a road trip of it, the Grand Canyon is just 3.5 hours further.