Here in the Southern Utah Area, National Parks are a great idea for getting kids interested in our environment and at the same time, excited about learning. They're also amazing places for spending family time on hikes or even biking.
Closest is Zion National Park, so we've started with some fun ideas for kids there. Also, check out our Bryce Canyon National Park page for other Family Fun adventures. Snow Canyon State Park is just north of St. George and it is a convenient and fun stop for local biking and hiking for the whole family.
Zion National Park Kids Activities
Educational Outreach Programs
Available each Spring and Fall for 3rd to 5th grades, in-class educational programs are offered to elementary schools in the Washington County and other areas. For more information, visit the NPS website HERE.
Guided Activities:
Junior Ranger Explorer Program
Children will learn about Zion National Park and the natural world through hands-on activities, hikes, and lessons designed especially for them. Kids will earn a Junior Ranger Patch. Program is free.
Who: Kids ages 6 to 12 only. (Families can attend the 1:30 p.m. Junior Ranger Discovery Program - see below).
Where: The Zion Nature Center, located near South Campground.
When: Saturday, May 24, 2008 through Sunday, August 31, 2008. Daily at 9 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in.
Junior Ranger Discovery Program
This is a family-oriented program. Children will learn about Zion National Park and the natural world through hands-on activities, hikes, and lessons designed especially for them. Kids will earn a Junior ranger Badge. Program is free.
Who: Kids ages 6 through 12, accompanied by a parent.
Where: The Zion Nature Center, located near South Campground.
When: Saturday, May 24, 2008 through Sunday, August 31, 2008. Daily at 1:30 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in.
Kid Fun Hikes and Biking in Zion
Weeping Rock - .5 mile round trip to a charming alcove. The short hike is steep but most kids have no problem with it.
Riverside Walk - 2 miles round trip, along a flat paved path that runs along the North Fork of the Virgin River. Kids love this shady trail and the riparian habitats along the way. Bikng and Strollers can be used on this trail.
Pa'rus Trail - 3.5 mile round trip along the Virgin River. This trail is paved and great for bikes and strollers. The trailhead begins at Canyon Junction and can be cut short by stopping at the museum and jumping on the shuttle.
Canyon Overlook - 1 mile round trip to a magnificent view of lower Zion Canyon . The trailhead is at the east side of the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.
Emerald Pools - 3 miles to the various Emerald Pools. Take the Zion Canyon Shuttle to the trailhead for this hike. Kids will enjoy the Lower Emerald Pool Trail. Its an easy hike, it's shady and it's gorgeous.
