Skip to Content

10 Fun and Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Moab, Utah

Sharing is caring!

Moab, Utah is one of the best places to take your family for an adventure-filled vacation. It’s the home to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks that have the most amazing landscapes, one of which is Delicate Arch, a famous landmark in the United States. 

You’ll also find dinosaur parks for kids, museums, hiking trails, and more. You won’t run out of fun activities to do with your family. Check out all these kid-friendly activities in the US!

To help you plan your trip, we listed 10 kid-friendly things to do in Moab, Utah you should definitely try out.  

Why is it important to find family activities?

Family activities create a space for bonding, growth, and memories. Engaging in activities as a family allows everyone to connect on a deeper level; learn more about each other’s interests, strengths, and weaknesses. It creates a sense of belonging and unity within the family.

Additionally, participating in activities together, such as visiting a new park, trying out a new recipe, or performing a musical number together, allows for growth individually and as a family unit.

These experiences can be shared at family gatherings and even passed down from generation to generation.

In a world where we are constantly on the move and our schedules are packed to the brim, family activities provide much-needed time to slow down, relax, and create precious memories that will last a lifetime.

Is Utah a great place to take a family vacation?

Utah is a top choice for families looking to have a memorable and fun-filled vacation. From stunning national parks to thrilling outdoor activities, there is something for everyone in this picturesque state. With five national parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches National Park, Utah offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to explore the great outdoors.

Families can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding in Park City or hiking and biking in Moab. Salt Lake City is a great destination for families who want to experience city life while still being close to nature with the Wasatch Mountains being only a short drive away.

Whether it’s exploring scenic landscapes or trying new adventures, a family vacation in Utah promises to be unforgettable.

Do You Really Know Your Family? A Fun Family Game Filled with Conversation Starters and Challenges - Great for Kids, Teens and AdultsKids VS Parents - Family Game for Kids and Adults | Games for Family Game Night | Kids Games Ages 4-12 (200 Conversation Starter Cards, 10-90 Minutes Play Time)Taco Cat Goat Cheese PizzaCards Against Humanity: Family Edition • The Actual Official Family Edition of CAH • Ages 8+

 

What should I pack for a family road trip?

Preparing for a family road trip can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Choosing what to pack can be a challenge, especially when trying to balance comfort, entertainment, and practicality.

A good starting point is to make a list of essentials including first aid supplies, snacks, comfortable outfits, and toiletries. You might also want to consider packing gear for outdoor activities or sporting equipment if you have planned stops along the way.

Don’t forget to bring chargers for electronic devices such as phones and tablets, and to download movies or games ahead of time to keep everyone entertained during the journey.

Lastly, it is also a good idea to bring along a cooler with plenty of drinks and snacks to minimize stops.

By packing smart, your family road trip will be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Moab, Utah

1. Hike the trails at Arches National Park. It’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Moab, Utah. With its incredible rock formations and awesome kid-friendly hikes, it’s no wonder that Arches National Park is the go-to place for a family with kids.Most small kids can’t make the steep climb to Delicate Arch, but it’s a site you need to see at the overlook at least. Kids will enjoy climbing around Balanced Rock, Turret Arch and the Windows. Just don’t forget to bring water and snacks when your kids get hungry after the hike.  

2. Visit Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, an exciting and cool attraction for both kids and adults that you should not miss. Walk along the outdoor trail to see the 100 life-sized dinosaurs! The attraction also includes a 5D PaleoAquarium, Tracks Museum and playground. So, grab a dinosaur egg wagon and start your Jurassic adventure. Here’s a little tip, go in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching heat of the sun.  

3. Watch Moab’s Backyard Theatre for a fun evening of entertainment of magic, music and comedy. The theater is set in an outdoor area to enjoy the performance of Rick Boretti’s Comedy and Magic show under the stars. Rick has been performing for over 20 years and his shows are so fun for families. Kids may also get a chance to get up on stage. It’s also nice that you can bring outside food and drinks to the show.  

4. Join the Junior Ranger Program at Arches and Canyonlands. It’s a fun way your kids can learn about each park. All you need to do is go to the Visitor Center at each park and ask the staff for the Junior Ranger booklet. While exploring the parks, the kids will complete the activities in the book, then return to the Visitor Center to receive the Junior Ranger badge and certificate. The activities are designed for 5 to 13-year-olds but all ages can participate. 

Shop My Homeschool Room:

The following homeschool picks of mine can be found on Etsy. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.

5. Stargazing is a must-do family activity in the Moab, Utah area. Arches and Canyonlands have a saying that “half the park is after dark”. But you can enjoy the star-filled sky anywhere in Moab, just drive a bit out of town to get away from the city lights. It’s fun to count how many falling stars you see!

6. Search for petroglyphs along Potash Road, Utah Scenic Byway 279. Drive south for 5 miles then stop at the pullout indicated with an “Indian Writing” interpretive road sign. Please watch your kids here since there will be traffic on this road. Look 25 to 30 feet up the rock wall on the cliff side of the road to see the petroglyphs. You should see a line of “paper doll cutouts” and horned anthropomorphs holding shields and abstract images, as well as a wide variety of other animal and abstract images. The panel extends along the road 125 feet so walk around the area to find them all!

7. Play at Moab’s sand hill that’s right across from the entrance to Arches National Park, right off Highway 191. The sand hill is 100 ft. tall and 100 ft. wide. Expect to see snow sleds, dogs and kids of all ages running down the hill and usually wiping out. It’s the perfect place to just have fun and shake off the drive getting to Moab or have one last hurrah before a long drive back home.

8. Search for dinosaur tracks in the rocks around Moab. You can find some tracks on a short hike at the Poison Spider trailhead. The Mill Canyon dinosaur trail is also a good place to see quite a few tracks. It’s a short hike that’s suitable for all levels. The self-guided tour takes you to  different sites that are marked and have interpretive signs. Do not touch, climb on, or otherwise damage the fossils.

9. Experience the thrill of a Jeep tour while in Moab, Utah. The trails in Moab are world-famous for off-road adventure seekers. There are quite a few companies that offer tours, but Dan Mick’s Moab Jeep Tours are really the best for families. 

10. Check out the awesome views at Canyonlands Island in the Sky and Dead Horse Point State Park. As you follow the scenic drive in the Island in the Sky, stop at all the overlooks and enjoy the neverending views. Can you see the “dinosaur footprint shaped” canyon at Grand View Point? Be sure to read the story of how Dead Horse Point got its name, then ooh and ahh as you view the bend in the Colorado River a thousand feet below!

These are just some of the best things to do in the Moab area! As you can see, there are fun things for the whole family to do! No matter if you want an outdoor adventure or are looking for the perfect way to entertain young kids or older kids, you’ll have the best time taking a family trip and checking out all the incredible views. There’s a reason that this is such a popular place to visit in Eastern Utah! 

Which one of these favorite things do you want to do first? Any activity would be a great way to check out all the area has to offer! 

Sharing is caring!