Zion National Park with Kids:
a Complete Beginner's Guide
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Zion National Park is located close to the southern border of the state of Utah. It’s a stunning national park that’s popular among families looking to reconnect with nature and have some fun adventures in a great outdoors. It’s without a doubt a place all families should experience together at least once.
However, planning your first visit to Zion National Park can definitely be overwhelming especially if it’s your first time going!
Is Zion National Park kid-friendly? When’s the best time to go? How hot does it get? What hiking trails are best for kids? Are there other things to do other than hike? Is Zion safe for kids?
I’m sure one or more of these questions have crossed your mind as a Zion newbie.
Don’t worry, thought. This planning guide has you covered!
Down below we’ll address some for the most commonly asked questions and concerns that first-timers have about Zion.Then we’ll also touch on some super useful tips that will help make your family trip fun and stress-free.
By the time we’re done, you should feel confident, ready, and super excited to see all that Zion has to offer.
Welcome to your comprehensive guide to planning a trip to Zion National Park with your nature-loving kids!
What is Zion National Park?
Zion Nation Park, which is located in southern Utah right by the town of Springdale, has quickly become a huge favorite among families seeking to experience that vast gorgeousness of nature. And it’s really not that hard to see why!
Zion covers roughly 230 square miles of gorgeous Utah land and is filled with awe-inspiring scenery and a rich heritage that will leave you with a deep appreciation of this land.
This national park treasure boasts of narrow canyons, lush vegetation, towering red cliffs, beautiful wildlife, the winding Virgin River, and a rich Native American history. It’s perfect for explorers of all ages.
There is also plenty to do at Zion. You and your family can easily find something to do here. From biking to camping, and horseback riding to hiking, there is absolutely no shortage of kid-friendly adventures to have here.
It is, without-a-doubt, a must-visit destinations for outdoor-loving families.
Where is Zion National Park?
Zion is located in the southern park of the state of Utah.
The closest town to the park is Springdale, which is right outside the parks entrance.
Other neighboring towns include Virgin, Hurricane, St. George, and Rockville.
When's the best time to go to Zion with kids?
Each season brings on a different and unique experience in Zion, so the best time to go to the park really depends on what you’d like to experience and the availability in your family’s school schedules.
With that said, here is a general idea of what Zion is like throughout the year:
Summer:
This is when the temperatures are hottest at Zion, and typically peak in the months of July and August. The summer days are longer, which gives visitors plenty of time to enjoy all the outdoor activities Zion has to offer. Summer is the busiest season for Zion, so you should expect larger crowds during this time.
Autumn:
Zion temperatures in the fall are cooler than the summer and the weather is quite pleasant, which makes for comfortable hikes. Autumn is also when beautiful fall color begin to emerge throughout the park. By this time, crowds start to die down and tend to be more moderate.
Winter:
Zion experiences occasional snowfall in its higher elevations, so if you go during this time of your, you’ll likely experience the tranquil landscape of the snow-capped canyon. At this time of year, hiking trails might be icy or closed. You should also keep in mind that some visitor services might not be as available as they would be during the peak season of summer.
Spring:
The temperatures at the park during the spring tend to be nice and mild, which make for pleasant hiking conditions. This is also when the snow begins to melt and trickle down the canyon walls, into waterfalls, and through the Virgin River. Spring Break at Zion can bring crowds to the park.
Is Zion National Park kid-friendly?
Yes, Zion is overall very kid-friendly!
There are ranger-led programs that are perfect for kids, shuttles that make navigating to the park really easy, and plenty of great things to do that kids will absolutely love!
There are even a couple of beautiful paved trails that are you accessible to stroller and wheelchairs as well.
However, like all national parks, its important to remember that park activities will vary in difficulty and risk, so choosing the safest things to do will be your best bet when traveling with kids.
Kid-friendly hikes in Zion
While Zion definitely has some strenuous and dangerous hikes for thrill-seaking hikers, it also has some really great hiking trails for families with younger children who are looking for a great adventure without the stress. This is why the park attracts so many families each here.
With that said, Here are some of the easier trails at Zion National Park, which can all be great options for your family.
Pa’rus Trail
Shuttle stop: 1
Total distance: 3.5 miles
Description: This trail is fully paved, has amazing park views, and follows the Virgin River. It is accessible to bikes, pedestrians, wheelchairs, strollers, and dogs.
Lower Emerald Pool Trail
Shuttle stop: 5
Total distance: 1.2 miles
Description: This short trail is not paved and has an elevation change of 69 feet, but leads to some nice little pools.
Riverside Walk
Shuttle stop: 9
Total distance: 2.2 miles
Description: This stunning, paved (but sandy in some areas) trail follows the Virgin river, deeper in the Zion Canyon. The height of the canyon wills will blow your mind.
Kid-friendly activities in Zion that are NOT hiking
While hiking is one of the main outdoor activities that people come to Zion for, it is NOT the only thing kids will enjoy doing at the park.
Here are some super fun, family-friendly adventures you can take your kids on that don’t require hiking shoes and poles.
Riding Bikes
Another great was to experience the park is by biking your way through it.
While it is possible to bike on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, this might not be the best route for novice bicyclists as you’ll have to share the road with the park shuttle. So another more kid-friendly place to take a bike ride is on the Pa’rus Trail which is a paved road that’s perfect for younger bicyclists.
There are plenty of great places to rent bicycles near Zion.
Just outside of the park, in the town of Springdale, you can find several places to rent bikes for the day. Many of these rental companies have ebikes, standard adult bikes, and children’s bikes, so you should be able to find what you need pretty easily.
In addition, if you have younger kids who aren’t able to ride their own bikes yet, you also have the option to rent tow-behind trailers or tag-along bikes.
Some bike rental companies include:
Take a Scenic Drive
The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway is a narrow and winding scenic drive that takes you through the park and offers some beautiful views that you wouldn’t get by riding the park shuttle.
Along this drive, you can make a few stops and park (as long as it’s a safe and designated spot) to explore more on food. Get ready to take some epic photos along this drive.
As an added bonus, this scenic drive takes you through the famous Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel which was originally built to provided access for travel between Zion, Bryce Canyon, and the Grand Canyon.
Junior Ranger Program
The Junior Ranger Program is an interactive, self-guided learning experience for children ages 4 and older.
With this activity, kids first need to receive a Junior Ranger booklet at the visitors center. This booklet is filled with interesting facts, scavenger hunts, and special tasks for kids to complete during their visit to the park. You and your kids can also download the booklet ahead of time.
Once kids complete the booklet, they can bring it back to any ranger at the visitors center. Then the ranger will then present them with an official Junior Rangers badge!
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is one awesome adventure you can have with your kids in and around Zion National Park.
Here are some great horseback tours your family would enjoy.
Which airports are closest to Zion National Park? How do I get to park?
While there are many airports within Utah, which is where Zion is located, a couple of airports will be better than the rest.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
The closest major airport to Zion National Park is Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are many airline carriers that have flight routes into Las Vegas, so it should be relatively easy for find accessible flights here.
Zion is located about 170 miles from the Las Vegas, which will require an easy 2.5-3 hour drive through Nevada, Arizona, and finally into southern Utah.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Alternatively, you could fly into Salt Lake City.
From this airport you can either drive south 307 miles to Zion, which would be about a 4 hour drive, OR take a connecting flight to a smaller airport in St. George, Utah, which is located about at 35 minute drive away from the park.
What's the entrance fee at Zion National Park?
For a visit to Zion, entrance fee’s are quite inexpensive.
These prices are accurate as of June 2023, so make sure you check the park’s website for the most up-to-date entrance fees.
Private vehicles (15 passengers or less): $35/week
Individuals without a car: $20/person/week
* Guests 15 years old and younger are free
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80/year
This annual pass gives the pass-holder and accompanying passengers unlimited access to all national parks for an entire year. This is definitely something to consider especially if you are planning to spend time at multiple park park in a year.
What is the Zion shuttle system like?
The shuttle system at Zion National Park is really efficient and really easy to navigate. During the busy season at the park, taking the shuttles will allow you to get in and out of the park without worrying about driving and parking.
Taking the shuttle will also allow you to soak in the beautiful scenery as you travel through the Zion canyon. This is something you can’t quite do if you’re driving and focusing on the roads.
There are 2 different shuttle lines in and around Zion National Park
1. The Springdale Shuttle Line
Just outside the park’s South Entrance is the town of Springdale, where you’ll find shops, restaurants, lodging, and parking.
Springdale is where you’ll also find paid parking for when you are spending a day at the park, since parking inside the park is not always accessible. This is especially true during peak season.
This shuttle system will take you from the town of Springdale right to the park’s south entrance.
This route is roughly 3 miles long and has 9 stops along the way, with stop 9 being the farthest stop from the park. Stop 1 is located right by the park’s entrance and visitor’s center.
At stop 1, you’ll want to get off the Springdale Shuttle and go on to board The Zion Park Shuttle, which is a totally different shuttle line that will take you into and through the actual park.
2. The Zion Park Shuttle Line
This shuttle line runs through the actual park and will be the one that takes you to all the different desired areas of interest within Zion National Park.
This route is almost 8 miles long, takes you down a breathtaking scenic route through the Zion canyon, and has 9 stops along the way.
Stop 1 is located right at the park entrance and visitors center, while stop 9 is the last stop on the shuttle route and is the furthest stop from the south entrance of the park.
Lodging options by Zion National Park
There are plenty of family-friendly lodging options in and near Zion National Park, all ranging in price and amenities. This means, it shouldn’t be very hard for you to find a place that suits your families needs and budget.
Zion National Park Lodge
The Zion National Park Lodge is the only hotel that is located inside the park. You can find it right at stop #5 of the Zion Canyon shuttle line.
This would be a great option for any family who would like super easy access into the park. However, from this lodge, getting to restaurants and shops in Springdale would require a drive or shuttle ride.
Springdale hotels
The town of Springdale, which is just outside the Zion entrance, has tons of great, family-friendly hotel options. This option would be great for families who’d like to stay super close to the park while still having easy access to shops, grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Some popular Springdale hotels include:
Holiday Inn Express: Springdale
Glamping
There are several great glamping option just outside of Springdale. Glamping resorts offer fun accommodations like tents, yurts, covered wagons, tiny homes, and Airstreams, while still offering the plush comforts of a regular hotel. This option would be great for families who are looking for a fun and unique place to sleep, and who don’t mind driving a little ways to get to the park.
Some popular glamping resorts near Zion include:
Find the perfect Zion accommodations for your family here
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Safety tips when exploring Zion with kids.
As with any outdoor adventure, safety should come first. Here are some basic safety tip to keep in mind the next time you’re exploring Zion with your family.
Look over the Zion Information Guide
The Zion Information Guide is a handy pamphlet that has all the information you need for a safe and successful day at the park. It includes a map, shuttle schedule, trail information, and safety information. You’ll want to keep this with you as you explore the park.
Stay hydrated
Always carry water in order to keep the entire family hydrated during an adventure-filled day in the park. This is especially so during the hot summer months.
Keep snacks handy
A day out exploring the park can make little explorers quite hungry. This is why having snacks ready is an absolute must. Pack granola bars, apple sauce pouches, and trail mix as easy food for kids to munch on.
Know the weather conditions
Knowing the weather conditions ahead of time will allow you to dress appropriately for sun, rain, snow, and whatever mother nature throws your way. You’ll also want to avoid hiking during heavy rain, which can trigger flash floods in the canyon.
Stay out of rough water
The Virgin River is beautiful and there are parts of the river that might be safe to wade it. However, not all parts of the river are safe to play in. Keep kids out of rough water, and be aware of flash floods.
Do not feed or touch wildlife
Admire wildlife from afar, but to not feed or touch them. The animals in the park are wild, so that means that they live off a special diet that they get directly from nature. Plus, since they are wild, they can also be quite unpredictable.
Stay on designated paths
Also stay on the designated hiking trails and paved roads. Sticking to marked trails will not only keep you and your family safe, but it will also protect the parks fragile ecosystem.
Protect yourself from the sun
This means remembering to reapply sunscreen, carry sunglasses, and wear protective hats. Nothing ruins a family adventure like a painful sunburn.
Pay attention to trail closures
Sometime the park will close certain areas of the park that might not be safe for visitors at the time. Check the park website for current conditions and safety guidelines before heading to the park.
Be prepared for emergencies
Make sure you inform someone of your hiking plans and the time you expect to return. Download park maps ahead of time since there is no cell reception or wifi inside the park. You’ll also want to carry a fully charged phone and battery pack, so that you can access those maps. In case of emergencies, call 911 on your phone or use a park emergency call box.
Now before we start to wrap up, here are some ther adventures around Zion your family might love.
In Conclusion
Zion National Park is filled with kid-friendly adventures
As we come to the end of this beginner-friendly guide to visiting Zion National Park with kids, I truly hope it leaves you feeling prepared and inspired to explore this stunning park in Southern Utah!
Zion is filled with jaw-dropping beauty, kid-friendly hikes, and educational experience that will leave your family yearning to return over and over again. From majestic red rocks, tranquil rivers, fascinating wildlife, and a rich Native American history, this national park will truly be a place your kids will remember and talk about for years to come.
So get ready! Find those flights. Book your lodging. Pack up the essentials. And get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Zion National Park with your loved ones!
