Zion With Kids: Tips for Your Visit

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We just returned from an amazing trip to Zion with the whole family. We camped at Watchman Campground inside the park, and it was truly amazing. Whether you’re camping or staying in a lodge, visiting Zion with kids is a great experience–there is so much to see and do there, and it’s easy to see why this is one of the best national parks for kids.

Zion is located right in Springdale, Utah, which has a lot of cute shops, restaurants, hotels and coffee shops just steps away from the national park entrance. That makes it super convenient for visiting, even if you don’t plan to stay inside the park. If you’re just quickly passing through Zion, be sure to check out my 1-day in Zion itinerary to make the most of your limited time.

And don’t forget that you must pay to enter national parks. If you have a 4th grader, you can enjoy free access to all national parks with the 4th grade pass.

Here are my biggest tips for visiting Zion with kids.

1. Plan Ahead

• Timing: Visit during spring or fall for milder weather and smaller crowds. Summers can be very hot, and winter has limited shuttle service (it runs from March through November.
• Reservations: Check if you need permits for certain activities (like The Narrows or Angels Landing) and make lodging or campground reservations well in advance. Campgrounds book up 6 months out in the busy seasons. Note: Angels Landing is not one for the kiddos, but if you’re able to sneak away for a bit, it’s a great challenge!

2. Choose Kid-Friendly Hikesin Zion

• Riverside Walk: A flat, paved trail along the Virgin River with opportunities to splash in the water.
• Lower Emerald Pools Trail: A short, scenic trail leading to waterfalls and shaded alcoves.
• Pa’rus Trail: A stroller-friendly, paved trail with beautiful views and river access.
• Weeping Rock Trail: A short, steep trail to a rock alcove dripping with water (currently closed for repairs, so check status before visiting).

Note: We did do a portion of the Narrows while we were there and the kids did great. The conditions were very mild, and the youngest kid in our group was carried through the only “deep” section (upper stomach on us adults). If you have older kids, they should be fine in good conditions, but just ask the rangers or the employees at the gear rental place so that you know the current conditions.

3. Pack Essentials

• Clothing: Dress in layers, as mornings can be chilly, and afternoons warm. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing and hats are ideal.
• Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy shoes for hiking; water shoes if you plan to wade in the Virgin River.
• Hiking Gear: Hiking shoes, comfortable hiking clothes, hydration backpacks. Check out my full list of kids hiking essentials here.
• Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats to protect against the intense desert sun.

4. Zion With Kids: Get on Shuttle Early

• The shuttle will take you to popular destinations in Zion Canyon, but the line can get very long. Start your day early, and you won’t have to wait as long. Once the shuttle fills, they offer standing room only, but it can be difficult for kids to stand for long periods of time. The furthest point on the shuttle is about a 45-minute drive.

5. Make Exploring Zion Fun For Kids

• Junior Ranger Program: Stop by the Visitor Center to get a Junior Ranger booklet. Completing activities earns kids a badge!
• Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a checklist of plants, animals, and rock formations for kids to spot.
• Water Play: Let them wade in shallow areas of the Virgin River (supervised) or explore rock pools along trails like Riverside Walk.

6. Explore Beyond the Main Canyon

• East Entrance: It’s a 12-mile drive from the visitor center to the east entrance of the park, and it is beautiful. The east side of the park is completely different than the west. And you get to drive through two tunnels during the drive–one that is 1.1 miles long! The east side is where you’re likely to see big horn sheep as well, which is always exciting for the kids. This is a great rainy-day activity as well.
• Kolob Canyons: A quieter area with stunning red rock views and short hikes like Timber Creek Overlook.
• Kolob Terrace: Drive up the Kolob Terrace Road for a peaceful picnic and views.

7. Accommodation Options

• In the Park: Book a stay at Zion Lodge for convenience and easy access to the shuttle.
• Cable Mountain Lodge: While we were camping inside of Zion, my brother and his family stayed right across the river from us at the Cable Mountain Lodge. We could literally see each other from across the way–that’s how close we were. That lodge has a spa, a coffee shop, a brew pub, and more, making it a convenient option for lodging in Zion with kids.
• Springdale: Other popular nearby hotels include Cliffrose Springdale, Curio Collection by Hilton, Zion Canyon Lodge, The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion and Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites. All of these hotels are right on the shuttle line to Zion and offer beautiful views of the park.

If you’re undecided as to where to stay when visiting Zion, check out this list of best places to stay near Zion.

8. Zion With Kids: Be Flexible

• Kids might tire out quickly, so have backup plans like picnics, river play, or short scenic drives. Let them set the pace, and don’t try to do too much in one day.

9. Enjoy the Grassy Area at the Zion Lodge

• Stop 5 on the shuttle will take you to Zion Lodge. You’ll find food, coffee and even a beer garden here. Plus there is a huge grassy area, and our kids loved throwing the ball around here. We took them hiking to the Emerald Pools first, telling them we’d take them to throw the football around in the grass after. They loved it!

10. Respect the Park

• Teach kids Leave No Trace principles, like packing out trash and staying on marked trails to protect Zion’s delicate ecosystem.

By planning ahead, taking it slow, and prioritizing kid-friendly activities, your trip to Zion with kids can become one that will be cherished for years to come. Have fun exploring!

Read more about other national parks we’ve visited:

• Best Hikes in Sequoia National Park
• Yellowstone National Park Campgrounds
• Tuscon Starr Resort: Near the Saguaro National Park
• Easy Hikes in Yosemite

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