Arches National Park with Kids: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide
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Arches National Park is easily one of the best national parks in the U.S. to visit with kids.
With short, doable hikes, iconic arches you can reach quickly, and several wide-open spaces perfect for exploring, it’s an ideal place for families who want adventure that still feels manageable.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a doable, realistic, and worth-it family trip to Arches National Park including how to get there, where to stay, the best kid-friendly hikes, bathroom details, packing tips, and what to expect with kids at different ages.
Getting to Arches National Park
Arches National Park sits just north of Moab, Utah, and the two closest airports are:
- Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): 109 miles away (about 1 hour 40 minutes)
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC): ~230 miles away (about 4 hours)
We flew into Grand Junction and loved the easy, scenic drive into Moab.
Where to Stay with Kids in Moab
We stayed at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab, and it was perfect for families. Here’s why:
What Makes It Kid-Friendly
- Two pools + three hot tubs → perfect after a day of hiking.
- Free breakfast → saves time and money.
- Family suites → sleep up to six (some even have bunk beds).
- Ideal location → 5 minutes from Arches, close to downtown Moab.
Pro Tip: Book early as Moab hotels fill quickly, especially in spring and fall.
If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my family travel resources!
Where We Stayed: SpringHill Suites Moab
Doable and worth it for families—two pools + three hot tubs, free breakfast, bunk-bed suites, and a 5-minute drive to Arches.
- Family suites sleep up to six (some with bunks)
- Huge pool area (2 pools, 3 hot tubs)
- Free breakfast to save time + money
- 5 minutes to Arches, close to downtown Moab
Heads up: If you book through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my family travel resources!
Best Time to Visit Arches with Kids
We visited over Memorial Day weekend, and it ended up being such a great time to go.
The mornings were cool and perfect for light layers, the daytime temps were great for hiking, and the long daylight hours made it easy to explore at a relaxed pace.
That trip really showed me how different each season can feel at Arches, especially when you’re visiting with kids.
Here’s what to expect in each season:
🌸 Spring (March–May)
- Comfortable daytime temperatures
- Cool mornings, so bring layers
- Beautiful hiking weather
- Crowds increase in late May
- Wind is common in early spring
☀️ Summer (June–August)
- Hot daytime temperatures
- Minimal shade throughout the park
- Early morning or evening hikes work best
- Bring extra water, electrolytes, and cooling towels
🍂 Fall (mid-September–October)
- Mild, enjoyable temperatures
- Great lighting for photos
- Much more crowded this time of year
- Hotels book up early
❄️ Winter (November–February)
- Shorter daylight hours
- Quietest and least crowded season
- Cool-to-cold mornings
- Snow or ice is possible on trails
What to Pack for Arches National Park with Kids
The desert sun and dry climate can be tough on kids, so packing smart helps make the day much easier.
Essentials for a Smooth Day
- Plenty of water – Bring refillable water bottles for each family member. There’s no water available on the trails.
- Snacks + easy meals – Pack protein bars, trail mix, fruit pouches, or sandwiches. Food isn’t sold in the park, so what you bring in is what you’ll have.
- Sunscreen + hats – The sun can be intense even in cooler months, and shade is limited.
- Sturdy shoes – Closed-toe shoes or lightweight hiking shoes are best for rocky trails.
- Baby/toddler hiking carrier – A lifesaver if you’re traveling with little ones who can’t handle longer walks.
- Daypack – To carry snacks, water, sunscreen, and extra layers.
- Cooling towels – Perfect for hot afternoons on the trail.
- National Parks Pass – If you’re visiting more than two national parks in a year, the America the Beautiful pass pays for itself.
💡 If you don’t want to overthink it, here are my tried-and-true family hiking essentials that we actually use and love. They’ve made our Arches trip (and plenty of others) so much easier with kids! ↓
My Tried-and-True Family Hiking Essentials
Want to skip the guesswork? These are the items I personally recommend for making Arches doable (and way more fun!) with kids:
- Kids’ refillable water bottles – no one wants cranky, dehydrated kids on the trail.
- Hiking baby carrier – a game-changer if your little one can’t handle longer hikes.
- Lightweight family daypack – to keep snacks, sunscreen, and layers handy.
- Cooling towels – perfect for those warm desert afternoons.
Note: If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my family travel resources!
Best Kid-Friendly Sights in Arches National Park
Arches has so many incredible rock formations and viewpoints that feel magical for kids to experience in person. These are the stops that wowed our family and are especially fun and memorable for kids of all ages.
Arches Visitor Center
A fun stop with interactive exhibits, souvenirs, and helpful information from park rangers.
Many families enjoy starting here, especially if you want to grab a map, use the restroom, or pick up a Junior Ranger booklet.
If you’re trying to beat the crowds on the popular trails, start hiking first and circle back later in the day. Just make sure to return before the Visitor Center closes.
Park Avenue Viewpoint
One of the most dramatic views in the park. Towering red rock walls line a long canyon that looks like something out of a movie. It’s a quick stop with a huge visual payoff.
It’s especially beautiful near sunset when the rocks start to glow.
Balanced Rock
One of Arches’ most iconic formations. A massive boulder appears to balance on a narrow pedestal, and kids always find it fascinating to see up close.
There’s a short, easy loop around the base if you want a closer look.
The Windows Section
This area features some of the largest arches in the park, including North Window, South Window, and Turret Arch.
They’re all visible from the same general area, which makes it an easy and efficient place to explore with kids.
The landscape is wide open, scenic, and great for family photos.
If you want a spot with impressive views without walking far, this is a fantastic early stop.
Double Arch
Double Arch is such a fun place for families.
The two arches connect at the base and create a huge open area that feels almost like a natural playground.
Kids love looking up at the massive rock spans and exploring the space around them.
It shares a parking lot with the Windows Section, which makes it an easy stop to pair with those views.
Delicate Arch
Delicate Arch is the symbol of Utah and one of the most famous arches in the world.
There are two ways to see it:
- Upper Viewpoint: A short walk that gives you a partial, distant view across the canyon.
- Full Delicate Arch Trail: A 3-mile round-trip hike that takes you right to the base of the arch for the classic, up-close view you see in photos.
Either way, it’s an unforgettable sight.
Sand Dune Arch
A short path tucked between tall sandstone walls leads to a shaded, sandy area that feels like a hidden little play space for kids.
The soft sand makes it a fun stop for little ones, and the surrounding rocks create a cozy, sheltered spot that feels different from the rest of the park.
It’s a great place to take a break and let kids explore.
Landscape Arch
Located at the far end of Devils Garden, this is the longest arch in North America. It’s thin, delicate, and incredible to see in person.
The trail leading to it feels peaceful, and the arch itself looks almost too thin to still be standing.
It’s a quieter stop if you want a break from the more popular front-of-park viewpoints.
Best Kid-Friendly Hikes in Arches by Age
Choosing the right hikes based on your kids’ ages and energy levels can make your day feel so much easier.
Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose trails that fit your family.
Ages 0–3 (toddlers + little hikers)
Stick to short, flat trails or paths where you can use a hiking carrier.
Best Options:
- Balanced Rock (0.3 miles)
- Double Arch (0.5 miles)
- Sand Dune Arch (0.3 miles)
Use Caution With:
- Landscape Arch (1.8 miles) on very hot days
- Any longer trails unless you have a carrier
What to avoid:
- Delicate Arch full hike (too steep and long for this age)
Ages 4–6 (early hikers)
Kids in this age range can handle short trails with breaks and clear goals. (“Let’s get to that arch!”).
Best Options:
- Windows Section (1 mile)
- Double Arch (0.5 miles)
- Sand Dune Arch (.3 miles)
Maybe:
- Landscape Arch (depending on heat, energy levels, and if they’ve hiked before)
- Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint (0.5 miles with steps)
Ages 7–9 (confident elementary hikers)
These kids may be able to manage longer distances and light elevation with breaks.
Best Hikes:
- Windows Section
- Double Arch
- Landscape Arch (1.8 miles)
- Delicate Arch Upper Viewpoint
Maybe:
- Delicate Arch full trail if they used to 3-mile hikes and you go early
Ages 10+ (stronger and more experienced hikers)
Most kids in this age group can manage the longer trails with proper pacing and plenty of water.
Best Hikes:
- Delicate Arch full hike (3 miles)
- Landscape Arch
- Windows Section + Double Arch combo
- Sand Dune Arch (still a fun stop for this age)
If you want a universally doable list
These are the hikes that work for most families with kids of different ages:
- Sand Dune Arch
- Double Arch
- Balanced Rock
- Windows Section
Top Tips for Visiting Arches National Park with Kids
Give yourself 2–3 days if you can.
This allows you to explore the park at a relaxed pace with plenty of time for breaks, snacks, and letting your kids enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Drive past full parking lots and come back later.
Parking can turn over quickly, especially near popular areas like Double Arch and the Windows Section. Keep moving and circle back rather than waiting for a spot.
Reserve your timed entry early.
Timed entry is required from April through October except for early July through the end of August. If you’re visiting during the months that do require reservations, book as soon as the schedule opens so you get a time slot that works well for your family.
Show your kids how to spot cairns.
These little rock piles help mark the trails. Kids love finding them, and it gives them a fun “job” while hiking. Remind them not to touch or move them so trails stay safe for everyone.
Bring plenty of snacks and water.
The desert heat and dry air can wear kids out faster than expected. Pack extra snacks, refillable water bottles, and even electrolytes if you plan to hike more than a mile or two.
Use the Scenic Drive if your family needs a lower-effort option.
The 36-mile scenic drive is a beautiful way to see the park if your family needs a break from the heat or from longer hikes.
Just know that it can be very slow moving during busy times of year and may take a few hours from start to finish.
Some kids enjoy the downtime, especially if they nap in the car, but others may find the long drive challenging, so plan based on what works best for your family.
Bathroom Tips for Arches National Park with Kids
Another thing parents always ask about when planning Arches with kids—bathrooms. And honestly, it’s something I always want to know too!
Here’s the quick version so you know exactly what to expect.
✔️Restrooms in Arches National Park
- Visitor Center → Only flushing toilets near the entrance
- Devils Garden Campground → Flushing toilets (18 miles from entrance)
- Balanced Rock Picnic Area → Pit toilet
- All other restrooms throughout the park are pit toilets (when available)
✔️Quick Tips
- Use the Visitor Center restroom before entering (last flush toilet until Devils Garden).
- Encourage everyone to “try” whenever you’re near a bathroom as distances inside the park can be long.
- Pack a small potty kit (wipes, toilet paper, hand sanitizer).
- Expect stretches with no bathrooms for 30–45 minutes depending on where you’re driving in the park.
FAQs About Visiting Arches with Kids
How many days do you need?
Two to three days is ideal for families.
Can toddlers hike at Arches?
Yes. Easy trails like Balanced Rock (0.3 miles), Double Arch (0.5 miles), and Sand Dune Arch (0.3 miles) are toddler-friendly.
What’s the easiest hike?
Balanced Rock (short + flat)
Is Arches stroller-friendly?
Balanced Rock and parts of Double Arch are stroller-friendly; most trails require a carrier.
Best time of day to visit with kids?
Early morning or evening for cooler temps and fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Arches National Park with Kids
Arches is one of the most rewarding and doable national parks to visit as a family.
With its short trails, big views, and kid-friendly stops, it’s a destination your kids will remember for years.
If you’re visiting Arches and only have one day, don’t miss my Arches National Park in One Day guide for an easy, time-saving itinerary.
And if Moab is part of your trip, check out Top Things to Do in Moab with Kids for even more family-friendly ideas.
👉 To make planning even easier, grab my free Travel Itinerary Planner! It’s designed to help busy moms map out their trips, keep track of must-do stops, and feel prepared instead of overwhelmed.
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
