The Best Things to do in Moab with Kids
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Moab, Utah, is one of my favorite vacation spots. The breathtaking scenery and endless family-friendly activities make it a perfect getaway.
We first visited Moab when we had only two kids, ages 3 and 5. I’d love to go back with all four of our boys!
Here are some must-do activities in Moab with kids. I hope this list inspires your next family adventure.
1. Arches National Park
Downtown Moab is less than 10 minutes from Arches National Park, one of my favorite national parks.
If you’re not into camping, you can stay in a hotel just minutes from the park.
We stayed at Springhill Suites by Marriott, which was perfect for families—the pool was a big plus!
Staying nearby makes it easy to visit early to beat the crowds or return at night for stargazing.
Arches has so many kid-friendly hikes, natural arches to explore, and fun climbing spots, making it an ideal park for families.
Our boys’ favorite hike was Sand Dune Arch. The short, sandy trail leads to a hidden arch surrounded by soft red sand—perfect for running, digging, and playing. If you’re visiting Arches with young kids, this is a must-do!
Want more details on the best hikes, top viewpoints, and tips for visiting Arches with kids? Check out my post Arches National Park with Kids.
If you only have one day, don’t miss my Arches National Park in One Day guide for the perfect itinerary.
If you’re road-tripping to Moab, be sure to check out my family road trip tips to make your journey smoother!
2. Canyonlands National Park
Only 35 minutes from Moab, Canyonlands National Park offers a completely different but equally stunning landscape.
We visited the Needles and Island in the Sky districts, the easiest to access from Moab.
Here are some great kid-friendly hikes to add to your list:
- Mesa Arch (Island in the Sky) – A must-do! This easy ½-mile hike leads to jaw-dropping views.
- Grandview Point (Island in the Sky) – A short paved walk to a breathtaking overlook. The full trail is 1.8 miles round trip with stunning canyon views.
- Slickrock Trail (Needles) – A fun 2.8-mile loop with plenty of slickrock for kids to climb. You can shorten the hike by following the cairns (stacks of stones to help you find your way). The sweeping views are incredible!
3. See Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs
One of the most unique things to do in Moab with kids is searching for dinosaur tracks and ancient petroglyphs. This hands-on adventure is the perfect mix of history and exploration!
Head to Potash Road, just 14 minutes from downtown Moab, to find these incredible imprints.
You’ll first reach the petroglyphs, with two different places to view them on the side of the rocks.
After the second stop, continue another 0.8 miles to see the dinosaur tracks. 🐾
🚗 Petroglyphs Tip: You can view them from your vehicle if needed.
🦖 Dinosaur Tracks Tip: These require a short but manageable rock climb, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
4. Grandstaff Trail to Morning Glory Bridge
For families who love hiking, the Grandstaff Trail to Morning Glory Bridge is an incredible adventure!
Just 10 minutes from downtown Moab, this scenic hike is 4.65 miles round trip.
The trail follows the Colorado River and then winds alongside a stream, featuring 10 rock-hopping creek crossings. The final reward? A breathtaking 243-foot natural rock bridge at the end!
With the ages of our kids, we weren’t able to do the whole hike, but we still had a great time hiking along the stream for a bit and even crossing it a couple of times!
👟 Kid-Friendly Tip: This hike is best for kids 7 and older due to its length and creek crossings. Bring extra shoes and socks—your kids will likely get wet!
If you’re traveling with kids of different ages, check out my post on Traveling with Kids of Different Ages for tips on balancing different activity levels.
5. Moab Giants
Have a dinosaur lover in the family? Moab Giants is a must-visit! 🦕
Located just 14 minutes from downtown, this dino-themed attraction offers both indoor and outdoor experiences:
🦖 Outdoor Walking Trail – Life-sized dinosaur statues bring prehistoric times to life.
⛏️ Dino Dig Sandbox – Let the kids excavate fossils like real paleontologists!
🎥 3D Aquarium & Theater – A fascinating underwater dinosaur experience (but beware—the Megalodon scene might be too scary for little ones. My kids were so frightened!)
🏪 Gift Shop & Cafe – Take a break, grab lunch, and pick up dino souvenirs.
You can easily spend a couple of hours or half a day here, making it a great option for a fun-filled family outing.
6. Raft on the Colorado River
For families with older kids, rafting on the Colorado River is an unforgettable adventure!
While we didn’t get to try it on our last visit (our kids were too young), it’s at the top of our list for next time.
Several companies offer guided rafting experiences, including:
Imagine paddling through breathtaking red rock canyons—what a way to experience Moab!
7. Play at Rotary Park
Looking for a relaxing spot to let the kids play? Rotary Park, just 4 minutes from downtown, is a fantastic option. Our boys had a blast at Rotary Park!
🌳 Rotary Park Highlights:
🎶 Musical Playground – 19 giant outdoor percussion instruments to explore.
🏃 Green Space – Perfect for frisbee, ball games, or a family picnic.
🌊 Mill Creek Trail – A short, scenic walk along the creek.
It’s a great place to unwind and let the kids burn off energy!
8. Take a Jeep tour
For an adrenaline-filled adventure, Jeep tours are an exciting way to explore Moab’s rugged terrain.
🚙 Jeep Tours Available From:
Jeep tours are typically for kids ages 4 and up, making them a great choice for families with slightly older children.
📍 Why Take a Jeep Tour?
- Access off-the-beaten-path viewpoints.
- Learn about Moab’s geology from expert guides.
- Enjoy an exciting, bumpy ride through Moab’s red rock landscapes!
⚠️ Utah Law Requires Car Seats for Children 8 & Under or Shorter Than 4’9” – so consider checking whether the tour company has carseats or if you need to provide your own.
Best Time to Visit Moab
The best time to visit Moab with kids is spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) when temperatures are mild, making hiking and exploring more comfortable.
We visited at the end of May, and the weather was perfect!
Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 100°F, so if you visit during this time, plan for early mornings and shaded activities.
Where to Stay in Moab
We stayed at Springhill Suites by Marriott, and it was the perfect family-friendly option! T
he hotel had a fantastic pool, spacious rooms, and a great location close to Arches National Park.
If you want a comfortable and convenient stay, I highly recommend it!
Other great family-friendly options include:
- Red Cliffs Lodge – Offers beautiful river views and fun outdoor activities.
- Moab Under Canvas – A unique glamping experience near Arches.
- Vacation Rentals – Many family-friendly rentals with kitchens and extra space.
Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Moab: Final Thoughts
Moab is full of incredible adventures beyond its famous national parks.
Whether you’re hiking, exploring ancient petroglyphs, or spotting dinosaurs, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy!
While the national parks will likely be the highlight of your trip, mixing in some of these activities will add variety and unforgettable memories to your Moab adventure.
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
Not sure where to go next? Read my Tips for Picking Your Next Family Travel Destination for inspiration!
📌 Need help planning your next trip? Download my free Travel Itinerary Planner to make organizing your adventure easy and stress-free!
