A Perfect Day in Zion National Park
Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks, ranked in the top three by number of annual visitors. It is known for its daring hikes and sweeping views, but there are plenty of kid-friendly activities as well. Our family visited Zion as part of an epic 10-day road trip through Utah and northern Arizona (more to come!).
Before sharing our top hikes and other activities for families headed to Zion National Park, it’s worth mentioning the shuttle system. The shuttle operates from March to November and during the holiday season in December. During this time, popular hikes such as the Riverside Walk, Emerald Pools, the Narrows, and Angel’s Landing are only accessible by shuttle. While the shuttle does help manage the crowds at Zion (and there will be lots of people!), it requires some additional planning. Opt to take the earliest shuttle possible to beat the crowds and avoid long waiting times. Be sure to pack what you’ll need for the day when riding the shuttle, as it will likely be several hours before returning to your car. Our Osprey Poco LT was a lifesaver!
Top Hikes
Taking in the Zion Canyon from the Overlook Trail
Canyon Overlook Trail: This short 1 mile round trip hike packs a punch! It was our favorite family hike in Zion, but it deserves a word of caution. Most of the steep canyon drop-offs have barriers, but some do not. We recommend keeping any kids under 5 in a hiking carrier. The views, however, are well worth the effort. Do note that this trail is not on the shuttle system and parking is very limited. Wake up early and hike around sunrise to beat the rush and enjoy the gorgeous morning light.
Sunset views of the Virgin River along the Pa'rus Trail
Pa’rus Trail: This paved trail meanders along the Virgin River, extending from the South Entrance in Springdale to the Canyon Junction Bridge (1.7 mi one way). It does not require use of the shuttle, making it a great choice for the afternoon or early evening. We pushed our stroller and let our older boys walk on the trail during sunset. They enjoyed going off trail to play along the river. With rocks, sticks, and mountain views, it’s hard to go wrong. This trail would also be perfect for a family bicycle ride.
Strolling along the Pa'rus Trail
Riverside Walk: Take the shuttle to the final stop, Temple of Sinawava, and enjoy a flat 2.2 mile round trip trail that serves as the gateway to the Narrows. The first quarter mile or so is paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible; the path is packed dirt beyond that point. There are a few areas where there is space to play along the river bank. Our boys found a large rock and piece of driftwood and made it into a makeshift teeter totter!
While we enjoyed the views along the Virgin River and feeling immersed in the canyon, the trail can get quite crowded and requires the logistics of navigating the shuttle. We visited in early March 2024 and made the mistake of getting in line for the shuttle around 9:30am. We ended up waiting more than an hour to get on and the shuttles were packed. Given Zion’s popularity, the shuttles are very busy most times of year, so we advise getting on a shuttle right as it opens or within the first 30 minutes.
Emerald Pools: Access the Emerald Pools via the Kayenta Trail from the Grotto shuttle stop. (There is a trail bridge with direct access to the Emerald Pools at Zion Lodge, but it’s closed as of 2024.) The trail to the lower pool is 1.2 miles round trip and easy; continue on to the middle and upper pool for additional duration and effort.
We did not have a time to check out the Emerald Pools trails but several families recommended them to us.
Watchman Trail: A short walk from the Visitor’s Center, the Watchman Trail is a nice option for those looking to avoid the shuttle. It’s about 3 miles round-trip and moderate in difficulty (370 foot elevation change). We wouldn’t put it at the top of our list, but we enjoyed the perspective this trail provides.
Views from the Watchman Trail
Other Activities
Junior Ranger Program: Our kids love collecting their Junior Ranger badges and the program keeps them engaged as we explore and hike together. Get your booklet from the Visitor’s Center, complete the required activities, and then come back to collect your badge. You can also attend ranger-led activities, with topics covering geology, animals, and astronomy. Check out the schedule to see what’s offered when you visit.
Checking out the wildlife near the Zion Human History Museum
Zion Human History Museum: Boasting a beautiful view from the back patio, this small museum is worth a stop. There is also a short film that shares the history of the park; watch online ahead of time here.
Springdale Town Park: When traveling with young kids, sometimes a change in scenery is needed. The Springdale Town Park has a great playground and plenty of space to run around.
A Hearty Meal: After a long day of hiking and exploring, a good meal is a must. Oscar’s Cafe offers a wide-ranging and delicious menu. Get the enchiladas!
Coffee Breaks: Perhaps this should have been at the beginning of the list, coffee can help fuel a fun adventure! Canyon Coffee and FeelLove Coffee both hit the spot for us.
We hope you and your family enjoy exploring Zion together. Check back for posts on the other national parks we visited on our Utah road trip.