21 Best Things to Do in Moab with Kids in 2024
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN MOAB WITH KIDS?
We’ve been traveling with kids since 2015 and have spent a couple of months exploring Southern Utah. Moab is one of our favorite places to visit.
We spend our days here hiking in the red rocks, enjoying thrilling rides on the 4×4 trails, and relishing the staggering beauty of the nearby national parks. There are so many things to do with kids in Moab, UT, and we are happy to share our adventures with you!
So, if you’re curious about what to do in Moab, you’re in the right spot! We have made a list of our favorite kid-friendly things to do in Moab. There is a huge range of great activities and tours that the whole family will love. If you are an adventure seeker, hiker, or just someone looking for a great Utah family adventure, Moab has just what you are looking for.
21 Best Things to Do in Moab with Kids
1. Arches National Park
Recommended Ages: All Ages
One of the best things to do in Moab with kids is to visit Arches National Park. The park offers lots of hiking trails and beautiful arches to explore. We love hiking to Delicate Arch and letting our kids play at Sand Dune Arch. Sand Dune Arch is a short walk from the parking lot, making it a great place to visit with younger kids.
Arches is one of the best places to spend time in Moab. There are all sorts of great adventures and fun things to do.
Recommended Tour: Arches National Park 4×4 Adventure from Moab
Arches National Park is very popular. You can keep rambunctious kids happy and skip a long wait getting into the park by taking an Arches National Park 4×4 Adventure from Moab. You’ll cut the line and see this great park by means of its off-road trails.
It’s an exciting and fun adventure your kids will love! This tour is a great choice if you’re looking to explore Arches’ off-road trails, but don’t want to rent a Jeep. They will even pick you up from your hotel if you are staying close to town.
2. Canyonlands National Park
Recommended Ages: All Ages
Canyonlands National Park is another one of the national parks near Moab. Hiking through this area is one of the best things to do in Utah with kids. Our kids love the striking landscape and that the park can be explored in many different ways.
We often do a combination of hiking, like the Mesa Arch hike, and visiting the viewpoints, but exploring the off-road trails is always a highlight for our kids. There are also some great tours you can take through the park, especially if you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle and want to explore down the White Rim Road.
Recommended Tour: Canyonlands National Park Half-Day Tour from Moab
Let your kids explore Canyonlands National Park up close and personal on a half-day 4WD adventure. The tour through the rugged red rock landscape includes park highlights like the Island in the Sky district and Gooseneck Overlook.
Riding through the switchbacks of White Rim Road will be a Moab vacation memory to treasure. This was one of our favorite things we did in Moab during our last visit. We rented a jeep from the Moab Adventure Center and explored the Shafer Trail and White Rim Road.
▶ BOOK Canyonlands Half-Day Tour from Moab
3. Moab Giants Dinosaur Park
Recommended Ages: All Ages
Do you have a kid crazy about dinosaurs? Moab Giants Dinosaur Park is a must-see when looking for fun things to do with kids in Moab. This is the best place to see dinosaurs in their life-size proportions.
Kids of all ages will enjoy walking the large trail and meeting many dinosaurs along the way. We loved seeing the different sizes and different kinds of dinosaurs. This was one of our kids’ favorite things we did in Moab, and they are still talking about it.
4. Dead Horse Point State Park
Recommended Ages: All Ages
There’s more fresh ground to cover and sights to see for kids at Dead Horse Point State Park and overlook. When you visit, check out the Colorado River’s Gooseneck bends. We love checking out the river views and how the rivers shape the canyons around the area.
The view from the overlook is stunning and worth the visit. It is not as popular as Arches or Canyonlands, and many people bypass Dead Horse, but it is worth the view.
5. Go Rafting on the Colorado River
Recommended Ages: 4+
Moab summers can be scorching hot. Whitewater rafting is another one of the many activities to do as a family while on your Moab adventure. The whitewater rafting in Moab will take you down the Colorado River or Green River through some fun rapids, sure to excite the kids.
This river run tops out with class 2 rapids, making it a great adventure for first-time rafters.
Recommended Tour: Full-Day Colorado River Rafting Tour at Fisher Towers
This tour will provide you with everything you need, including transportation, lifejackets, helmets, and a riverside lunch. When the kids need a day away from the national parks, a whitewater rafting adventure is a great way to have some family fun.
6. Moab Backyard Theater
Recommended Ages: All Ages
After spending the day enjoying the sights and wonders of Moab under the sun, slow down for some evening entertainment at Moab Backyard Theater. A fun night out on the town for the kids, the outdoor venue offers music or magic entertainment three nights a week.
We went to the magic show, and it was great for our kids. They absolutely loved it! We have gone to other magic shows, but they can be so complicated that the kids don’t really understand the trick. Our kids got to help with a few acts and loved getting to participate.
Note: Tickets for the Magic Show cost $10 per adult and $5 per child.
7. Explore the Sand Flats Recreation Area
Recommended Ages: All Ages
The Sand Flats Recreation Area is buzzing with energy, making it a fun place for kids to explore while spending time in Moab. The Sand Flats Recreation Area is home to many of the most popular off-road trails, like Hells Revenge, Fins and Things, and the Porcupine off-road trail.
If your family isn’t interested in off-roading, this spot is also great for mountain biking and camping. There are lots of campgrounds in the area, but most are not big-rig friendly, and cell coverage in the area is limited.
8. Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center
Recommended Ages: All Ages
Hiking trails and playing on red rocks can be a hot experience in Moab. If the kids need a cool down, don’t miss Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center in downtown Moab.
A paradise for kids who love to splash and play, this location offers an indoor and outdoor pool, a play structure, and fountains as well. The kids won’t want to leave this place!
9. Go Canyoneering & Rock Climbing
Recommended Ages: 12+
Canyoneering is a fun and unique activity for those looking to see Moab’s arches through a different lens. One of the more extreme activities on our list, keep in mind that canyoneering is more suitable for older kids. It is a safe and enjoyable experience, but the height of the repel can be intimidating and not as much fun for younger children.
Rock climbing is another great outdoor activity, and Moab offers the perfect landscape for it. In Moab, a good climbing spot is only a few miles away. If you’re a beginner, consider getting started by going with professional guides in Moab.
Recommended Tour: Moab Canyoneering Adventure
Choose a half (easy route) or full (moderately difficult route, 2 hours drive from Moab) day adventure and learn the basics of canyoneering skills. All needed equipment is provided as you learn rappelling, rope-assisted down climbs, and chimneying through slot canyons.
Explore Moab in a whole new way! All participants should be physically fit, so please keep in mind this tour is not designed for young children. On Coltin’s canyoneering tour, there were young kids on the tour, and they had a very difficult time on the tour.
10. Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Tour
Recommended Ages: 3+
Of all the tours available in the Moab area, Hell’s Revenge is the one you can’t miss! Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Off-Roading Tour from Moab is a fun-filled adventure that takes you down all of the challenging parts along the Hell’s Revenge Trail.
Perfect for kids that love a little adventure and adrenaline, this tour takes you through Hells Gate, The Escalator, Micky’s Hot Tub, and more. Many of the tours bypass some or all of these difficult obstacles, but the Moab Xtreme Experience goes through them all.
Recommended Tour: Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Off-Roading Tour From Moab
This is a great experience the whole family can enjoy. They have experienced and professional drivers for a fun and exciting adventure, making it one of the best things to do in Moab.
Some tour companies do not provide car seats, so you may need to bring your own.
▶ BOOK Hell’s Revenge 4×4 Tour
11. Hike to Mill Creek Waterfall
Recommended Ages: All Ages
If hiking through the red rocks gets boring, your kids’ spirits will soar with this Moab hiking trail instead. The hike to Mill Creek Waterfall starts in the typical Moab environment, but along the short 1.6-mile out-and-back journey, the landscape transforms.
Once you reach the waterfall area, let the kids find their own piece of paradise. Mill Creek Waterfall is a great place to jump, swim and share a picnic as a family.
Free Things to Do in Moab with Kids
12. Follow the Tracks of the Dinosaurs
Go back in time and let your family’s imagination run wild on one of Moab’s dinosaur track hikes. Your kids will be amazed by the dinosaur trackway at Mill Canyon. Real tracks from nearly a dozen different dinosaurs are on display, and your family can walk the same path they did.
Potash Road Dinosaur Tracks and Petroglyphs is another one of the top things to do in Moab with kids. This short hike leads you to a large boulder where your kids will be able to make out tracks of an Allosaurus from the Jurassic period, 150 million years ago. Not something you see every day!
For all the dinosaur enthusiasts in the family who just can’t get enough, consider checking out Copper Ridge Dinosaur Tracks Trail, Bone Trail, Willow Springs Dinosaur Track Site, and the Bull Canyon Overlook Dinosaur Track Site for more Jurassic fun!
13. Visit the Ancient Petroglyphs
Moab is loaded with petroglyphs from an ancient society that used to live in the area. Kids are fascinated to see the different symbols.
Our kids also love them because many of the symbols have animals and different types of people depicted in them. Our kids love to see the writings and copy them into their school notebooks.
This can all be done for free, or if you want a little help finding the petroglyphs, you can check out this 2-Hour Ebike Petroglyph Tour.
14. Hike to Grandstaff Canyon
The hike to Grandstaff Canyon is beautiful. A kid-friendly hike, though moderately challenging, it’s a mixture of easy ground and stream crossings. Pay attention, as some of the trail crossings are easier than others.
The kids will stay entertained as you come across a variety of different types of terrain along the way – mud, sand, rock, and the like! But the view at the end is what it’s all about. The arch is a perfect place to take a rest break or let the kids recharge with a snack, while taking in the view. You may even get to see someone repel down the arch.
15. Mountain Biking
Mountain biking on the slickrock mountain bike trails is another fun way to let the kids get some wiggles out and enjoy the outdoors. This area is a popular beginner and intermediate trail system where you can see Arches and the La Sal Mountain Range.
No worries, if you didn’t bring a bike on your Moab vacation; rentals are available! Just show up and get everything you need right at the trailhead, just north of Moab.
Recommended Tour: Introductory Moab Courthouse Loop Mountain Biking Tour
Guided mountain biking tours along the Moab Courthouse Loop (introductory route, 7-10 miles) are also available. This is a great option for families riding together.
16. Go Off-Roading
Many families travel to Moab for a backcountry adventure. There’s no better way to experience the rugged landscape and embrace the adrenaline rush of an adventure than going off-roading.
Moab has a variety of backcountry trails. If you’re looking for an easy 2-wheel drive scenic route, Moab has you covered. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a challenging 4-wheel drive trail, buckle up, because Moab is more than happy to oblige.
We have explored many trails in Moab and always enjoy driving Hell’s Revenge, Poison Spider, and Fins and Things. You can read more about these trails in our Moab Off-Road Trails Guide.
If you’re not overly familiar with the area, 4-wheel drive maps and trail guides are available at the Moab Information Center (MIC). Representatives will also have the most up-to-date information about current trail conditions and how that might affect your off-roading plans.
17. Take a Scenic Drive on the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway
The Upper Colorado Scenic Byway (via Utah 128) is a pretty drive that follows the mighty Colorado River. Traveling through the massive red rock cliffs alongside the wide river is quite a sight your kids aren’t likely to forget.
This area is also where some of the more luxurious places to stay in Moab are located. The Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa and the Red Cliffs Lodge are great options along the byway.
If you’re looking for other attractions along this scenic drive, consider stopping by Sandy Beach, located about 20 minutes outside of Moab. It’s a great spot to stop and cool off with a swim.
A hike on the Fisher Towers trail is another option. Your hike will wind you through some pretty rock towers. Nearly 4.5 miles round trip, the view of the rock formations is staggering the entire route, so you don’t have to complete the full loop if it’s too lengthy for families with younger kids.
No matter where you end up on your travels along the byway, the river along Hwy 128 makes it a nice and relaxing drive.
18. Complete the Canyonlands Junior Ranger Program
Make your journey through Canyonlands National Park that much more fun by participating in the Canyonlands Junior Ranger Program. Make your way to one of the park visitor centers and let your kids pick up the Junior Ranger booklet there. You can also download it from the park’s website.
With their guidebooks in hand, your kids will explore the park on a whole new level. Activities will get them considering safety on their journeys throughout the park, leading them to explore plant life and even consider how the weather affects their experience in Canyonlands.
Our kids just love collecting badges from all of the national parks were visit.
19. Visit the Moab Film Museum
Did you know many movies have been shot in Moab? Learn about the history of film in the area at the Moab Film Museum. A change from the typical outdoorsy activities of the area, this museum is one of the most fascinating things to see in Moab.
Located at Red Cliffs Ranch, learn how legendary director John Ford discovered the cinematic beauty of the Canyonlands and decided to showcase it in his films. Have your kids take notes of the movies shot in Moab, and maybe look one up when you get home. It could be a fun family activity to see if they recognize the locations you visited!
20. Visit Moab Rock Shop
Founded in 1960, Moab Rock Shop is a must-stop for your Moab adventure. Your kids will love wandering around the store, taking in the beauty of the minerals, rocks, and, most exciting – fossils.
Another must-see for the dinosaur experts in your family, kids will be fascinated by the collections on display here. Dinosaur replicas, alongside the fossils and many other artifacts, are a sight to see! This is a perfect spot to pick up a souvenir to mark the time you spent in Moab.
21. Camp Under the Stars for Free
There’s nothing like the joy camping brings to kids. The freedom of living and sleeping outside is magical. Throw in a sky full of stars and some camping games, and it’s a dream come true!
There are lots of spots for dispersed camping in Moab, as well as paid campgrounds. The camping areas are really large, allowing you your own space from the crowds. They do vary in distance from Moab, so keep in mind this may impact the length of time you spend driving to get to sights and activities around the area.
Where to Stay in Moab with Kids
Finding the right place to stay makes all the difference on a Moab vacation. There is a large variety of hotels and accommodations. There are lots of great hotels in downtown Moab or some hotels close to Canyonlands and Arches on the outskirts of town.
Here’s a list of our favorite family hotels in Moab.
Top Budget-Friendly Hotel: Sleep Inn & Suites Moab
Sleep Inn & Suites Moab is a great budget-friendly family hotel in Moab. It’s located close to Rotary Park and Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center. The rooms are clean, and feature flat-screen TVs with cable channels, along with refrigerators and microwaves.
The hotel provides free continental breakfast, a roundtrip airport shuttle, and features a convenience store.
Highlights include free self-parking and continental breakfast, a convenience store, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a hot tub. Free in-room WiFi and laundry facilities are available, along with a 24-hour gym.
⭐ Sleep Inn & Suites Moab Review (9.2/10)
Wonderful clean hotel, great location. Breakfast was amazing. Staff was friendly and when our heater did not work they responded quickly to our call and got us a new room right away. Pool was closed for the season but hot tub was still open. (Expedia Review)
Check Rates & Book: Sleep Inn & Suites Moab
Top Mid-Range Family Hotel: Hyatt Place Moab
Hyatt Place Moab tops our list in the mid-range category of family hotels in Moab. It’s located close to Rotary Park and Lions Park. Rooms feature premium bedding and laptop-friendly workspaces. Also, flat-screen TVs with premium channels and refrigerators.
Highlights include free self-parking, a free breakfast buffet, and a coffee shop/cafe. A seasonal outdoor pool and a kids’ pool, equipped with free cabanas and sun loungers. We loved swimming in the pool after a fun day of adventures. Free in-room WiFi and most importantly for the kids, a playground.
⭐ Hyatt Place Moab Review (9.2/10)
My experience at Hyatt Place was excellent! The staff was so friendly and they were so accepting of not just myself and family but also my dog. Puppy treats were provided and in full view at the counter. Each morning, the staff provided an excellent hot breakfast. And the breakfast was different each morning. Was absolutely worth the money and I would stay again with no hesitation at all! (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Hyatt Place Moab
Top Luxury Family Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab is our recommendation if you’re looking for luxury family hotels in Moab. This one will be a hit with the kids right away, as it features not only traditional pools, but also four hot tubs and, to top it all off, a mini water park.
The rooms are clean and feature a smart TV (NetFlix and other premium channels included), microwave, and refrigerator. Highlights include many free extras, including self-parking, breakfast buffet, in-room WiFi, and infant beds by request. Laundry services are also available, for a fee.
⭐ Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab Review (9.2/10)
Excellent and friendly staff. Neat and clean hotel. (Expedia Review)
▶ Check Rates & Book: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Moab
Where to Eat in Moab
Gloria’s Cafe
Gloria’s Cafe is a great stop to eat in town. They have fantastic burgers and other kid-friendly options. They have a beautiful outdoor patio which was a perfect place for our dinner when we visited in October. It is also right off the main street in town, so it was easy to do some shopping after dinner.
Fun Fact: They have the best Kombucha around, available in many different varieties. It’s a great refreshment after a long, hot day exploring the great things Moab has to offer with the family.
Moab Food Truck Park
The Moab Food Truck Park is a great family-friendly spot in town to try many different types of food. With a large variety of options, everyone is likely to walk away happy! There are lots of great food trucks to pick from.
Zax Restaurant
Pizza is usually a safe, family-friendly meal bet. Try Zax restaurant for some great pizza and other American-style food. Also, a plus to please the kids, Zax offers a rooftop seating area so you can enjoy your food with an overhead view of Moab.
FAQ: Things to Do in Moab with Kids
Is Moab a good place for kids?
Yes! With national parks at your fingertips and a wide array of entertaining outdoor activities to choose from, Moab is a great place for kids!
What to do in Moab on a rainy day?
If the weather is less than ideal for hiking and wandering through the outdoors, consider exploring some of the indoor gems Moab has to offer. Use a rainy day to check out Moab Rock Shop, the indoor portion of the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center, or even the Moab Film Museum.
What to see in Moab without hiking?
What can you see at Arches without hiking?
If hiking isn’t your thing, there are other ways to enjoy Arches. Take in all the beauty and wonder of the park on an Arches National Park 4×4 Adventure from Moab tour. This tour will enable you to explore the park without hiking. You can also see lots of arches and fun rock formations as you drive through the park.
Can you see Canyonlands without hiking?
Yes! A Jeep or other off-road vehicle is a great way to explore the park’s off-road trails, without the hassle of hiking. There are lots of great jeep tours operating in the area.
Is Arches National Park good for kids?
Arches National Park is a great place for kids. It’s like a beautiful, backcountry playground. Playing at Sand Dune Arch is one of the best things to do in Arches National park with kids. If you plan ahead of time, you can bring a few sand toys to play with.
How many days do you need to explore Moab?
Any itinerary could work! If you’re a fast-paced family, a busy, long weekend could offer you a taste of the town. But with so many things to do and explore in Moab, 5-7 days would offer a more full and enjoyable experience.
What is the best month to visit Moab?
Spring is the best time to visit Moab. March through May offer a moderate and enjoyable climate for hiking and exploring.
Fall is also a great time to visit. Our last visit was in mid-October, and we had great weather most of the time. We were hiking in mostly t-shirts. There was a big snowstorm on the day we left, so there is a possibility of snowy weather in mid to late October.
Conclusion: Things to do in Moab with Kids
Moab is such a fun place to explore, for the whole family. Our kids always love our time visiting Moab. We hope you enjoy many of these activities every time you go.
Keep things fresh and exciting with the kids, and try something new each time you visit Moab. There’s so much to see and experience, so consider taking it in from a different view. Most of all, have fun and enjoy exploring Moab with kids!
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