Top Things to do in Moab with Kids: Your Guide
Canyonlands National Park
Discover the top things to do in Moab with kids in our epic adventure recap! Moab, Utah, was a highlight of our 3-week western adventure! With two nearby national parks—Arches and Canyonlands—and countless family-friendly activities, it’s no wonder it tops the list of must-visit towns. From hiking and ATV exploration to whitewater rafting suitable for younger kids, Moab offers endless fun.
When's the Best Time to Visit Moab?
Moab’s desert climate means hot summers, cool winters, and some sweet spots in between. If you’re looking for that just-right balance, spring and fall are the best time to visit Moab. Think temperatures in the 60s to 80s—ideal for hitting the trails, biking, or soaking in those jaw-dropping red rock views. Summer? It’s sizzling, with temps often climbing past 100°F. Winter? Cooler and quieter, but still worth it if you like fewer crowds. But if you’re like us, and the only time you can visit is in July, we made it work! There are plenty of things to do in Moab with kids in the hot summer months—you just might have to get a little creative with your planning. If you have to go in the summer:
Plan to hike in the early morning hours or after dinner. A huge perk is you will find the crowds are much smaller at these times as well!
Seek out water activities during the day, like white water rafting and a swimming hole.
If it is too hot for even outdoor swimming at midday, check out this amazing indoor pool we hung out at between hikes!
Make sure to read our safety tips on visiting a national park as well as our planning guide.
Canyonlands and Arches National Parks
Canyonlands and Arches National Parks are both conveniently located near Moab. Arches National Park is just about 5 miles (10 minutes) from downtown Moab, making it a quick and easy stop. Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky district) is a bit farther, around 30 miles (40 minutes) away, but still very accessible for a day trip.
Arches National Park is extremely kid-friendly, with lots of great hikes and areas to explore for kids of all ages. Trails like Balanced Rock, The Windows, and Sand Dune Arch are perfect for families, offering shorter distances and exciting features that kids love. We also loved exploring the Fiery Furnace, but a permit is required!
Canyonlands National Park, while equally stunning, felt better suited for older kids. Many trails and viewpoints, especially in the Island in the Sky district, are along high cliffs, which require extra caution and close supervision. Canyonlands is also an enormous park and younger kids don’t often have the capacity, or attention span, to explore it to the fullest. While Arches has some areas where kids need to be mindful of drop-offs, it doesn’t have the same level of exposure as Canyonlands.
You can read about our favorite Arches National Park hikes here, and see our Canyonlands hikes below:
Mesa Arch Trail: 0.6 Mile Loop
56 ft elevation change
Feels more difficult when the temperature is high in the summer! Bring water. Kids need to be highly supervised on this trail due to cliffs.
Grandview Point Overlook Trail: 1.8 miles out and back
73 ft elevation change. Easy difficulty level pending temperature. Goes along the edge of a canyon with panoramic views. Kids need to be highly supervised, but there is plenty of space for kids to safely navigate without feeling stressed.
Whitewater Rafting Moab, UT: One of the Top Things to Do in Moab with Kids
Rafting on the Colorado River
By far, our favorite activity of our entire 3-week trip (which included traveling through Colorado and parts of Utah) was our whitewater rafting Moab, UT trip! We booked through Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours on Viator, and it exceeded all of our expectations. See booking information below.
Since our newly 5-year-old was with us, we opted for a trip with up to Class II rapids. At first, I worried this might hold us back and leave me wanting more adventure, but I couldn’t have been more wrong—it was absolutely incredible! Because the rapids were relatively mild, we got to hop out of the raft between rapids and float down the Colorado River in our life jackets. It was such a unique and wild experience!
The scenery was breathtaking, the few Class II rapids gave us just the right amount of thrill, and our guide, Katelyn C., made the trip unforgettable with her amazing commentary and fun personality. Plus, we had lots of laughs thanks to another tour guide, Gavin, on the bus.
I HIGHLY recommend this company! If I could, I’d do this exact trip 10 more times. Whether you're traveling with kids or just looking for a memorable outdoor adventure, whitewater rafting Moab, UT is one experience you don’t want to miss.
ATV's, 4x4's and Airplanes: Things to Do in Moab with Kids
Canyonlands National Park
One thing many people don’t realize about Canyonlands—and the Moab area in general—is that the vast majority of the backcountry and landscape can’t be accessed without an off-road vehicle. While you can rent one, safely navigating the challenging terrain, handling the limited cell service, and keeping everyone safe can sometimes be a real challenge.
Arches National Park
This is one of the reasons why Moab and its surrounding areas have become a top destination for guided tours. The stunning landscapes are absolutely worth exploring, but their remote and rugged nature often requires experienced guides to make the journey safe and enjoyable.
If you’re planning a trip, consider booking a tour to fully experience the beauty of Moab and its breathtaking backcountry without the added stress of off-road driving! Some even take to the air, to see the vastness of this landscape from an entire different angle!
The Best Scenic Drive in Town
If you're looking for a scenic drive that showcases the breathtaking beauty of Moab and its surrounding landscapes, Utah State Route 128 (U-128), also known as "the river road" by locals, is an absolute must. This 44.6-mile stretch, officially designated as the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway, winds alongside the stunning Colorado River and offers incredible views of towering red rock cliffs, lush greenery, and unique geological formations. It’s also part of the Dinosaur Diamond Prehistoric Highway, a National Scenic Byway, adding a fascinating historical layer to its natural beauty. Whether you're driving it to access remote hiking trails, connect to other iconic destinations, or simply soak in the scenery, SR-128 perfectly captures the magic of Moab and its rugged charm.
Kid Friendly Hike to a Swimming Hole
Mill Creek Trail
The Mill Creek Trail, just a short drive from Moab, is a kid-friendly adventure your family will love! This easy-to-moderate 2-mile round-trip hike leads to a refreshing swimming hole with waterfalls and shallow areas perfect for splashing around. Kids will enjoy the fun creek crossings, shady canyon views, and, of course, cooling off in the water on a hot day. It's the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for all ages!
Moab Things to Do to Stay Cool Between Hikes
Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center
We visited Moab in the middle of July and made sure to stay at a place with a pool. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown was a great campground! (See our camping checklist if you are camping this trip!) It even had cabins for those without RVs. If you’re staying somewhere without a pool—or if you’re like us and just need a break from the heat—definitely check out the amazing indoor (and outdoor) pool at the Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center.
The kids loved the change of scenery, the slides, the diving boards, and just having a fun escape from the summer heat. It’s incredible how the temperatures drop to comfortable levels in the mornings and evenings, but those July afternoons were steamy when we visited!
Calmer Things to Do in Moab with Kids
Moab Giants is a must-visit for families and dinosaur enthusiasts! This interactive park combines fun and education with life-sized dinosaur replicas, a fascinating 3D theater, and hands-on exhibits. Kids will love walking the Dinosaur Trail, digging for fossils, and learning about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and discovery!
Celebrating dad’s 41st birthday in Moab
After Moab Giants, take some time to explore downtown Moab. Stroll through the charming shops for unique souvenirs, grab a treat at one of the local ice cream spots, or stop by Lions Park, a fantastic spot for a picnic with shaded areas, a playground, and access to the Moab Canyon Pathway for a short family-friendly stroll. If you need a break from the heat between hikes, catch a movie at Slickrock Cinemas 3, the local theater, for a fun and relaxing escape. These smaller activities are perfect for filling in the gaps between your bigger Moab adventures!
Cool Places to Stay in Moab
For a truly memorable stay near Moab, Red Cliffs Lodge offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Nestled along the banks of the Colorado River, this lodge provides stunning views, comfortable accommodations, and activities for the whole family. One of the highlights is their horseback riding tours, where you can explore the beautiful red rock landscapes just like in the old Western movies filmed nearby. Whether you’re unwinding by the pool, dining at their riverside restaurant, or soaking in the natural beauty, Red Cliffs Lodge is an unforgettable base for your Moab adventures.
The Best Time to Visit Moab is Now!
Exploring Moab, Utah
Moab is one of those towns that can keep you and the kids entertained for days, if not weeks! No matter the season, there's always something new and intriguing to discover. From breathtaking national parks to unique local attractions, your family will experience adventures unlike anything you’ve done before. Best of all, the memories you make here will last a lifetime!
