Zion National Park with Kids: What to Do, What to Expect & Family Tips
My family and I have been lucky enough to visit Zion National Park twice — once when the kids were (newly) 3 and 5 (my youngest pretty much slept in a carrier on my husband’s back the entire time… sorry babe!) and most recently when they were 5 and 7.
When most people think of Zion, they picture Angels Landing — the steep hike with chains you hold onto — or The Narrows, which can be up to 9 miles of hiking through the river. Both are incredible experiences, but they’re not exactly what most families picture when traveling with kids.
The good news? Zion has so many accessible hikes and activities that are perfect for families. You don’t have to tackle the most extreme trails to experience the beauty of the park.
The scenery alone is breathtaking. As you drive into the canyon, the towering red cliffs almost look unreal — like someone painted them onto the sky. Even short walks and easy trails still give you that classic Zion experience.
What to Know Before Visiting Zion with Kids
One of the most important things to know when visiting Zion is that much of the park is shuttle-only during peak seasons.
You’ll typically park at the Zion Visitor Center, where you can catch the shuttle that takes visitors through Zion Canyon and to the major trailheads.
The visitor center parking lot fills up quickly, especially during busy months. If you’re not there early (think before 8am), don’t stress — there are several paid parking lots right outside the park entrance in Springdale.
And one very important family tip: use the bathrooms at the visitor center before getting on the shuttle. Trust me on this one.
Where to Stay
Many visitors stay in Springdale, which is the small town right outside the park entrance. It’s incredibly convenient and has great restaurants and hotels.
That said, Kanab, Utah is my personal recommendation, especially for families. It’s about 45 minutes away, typically more affordable, and makes a great home base for exploring Zion, Bryce Canyon, and all that southern Utah has to offer. You can read my full Kanab itinerary here.
Plan Ahead for Food
If you’re visiting during a busy time of year, it’s a great idea to pack a lunch or bring plenty of snacks for the day. Shuttle lines can get long and restaurants in Springdale fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
Having a simple picnic lunch gives you flexibility and lets you take a break whenever the kids (or adults) start getting hungry. There are plenty of scenic spots in the park where you can sit and enjoy a quick lunch with an incredible view.
If you do want to grab a bite nearby, we’ve had a couple good experiences in Springdale.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub is a great casual option near the park entrance. We stopped there during a spring visit when it was a little quieter, and the food was really good after a morning of hiking.
On another trip, we had dinner at Bit & Spur in Springdale on our way back to Kanab. It’s a nice spot if you’re looking for a more relaxed sit-down meal after a long day in the park.
Consider a National Park Pass
Entrance to Zion National Park currently costs $35 per vehicle, and the pass is valid for 7 days.
If you plan on visiting multiple national parks within the same year, it may be worth purchasing the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which costs $80 and covers entrance fees for all U.S. national parks for an entire year.
For families planning trips to places like Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand Canyon, or other national parks, the annual pass can easily pay for itself after just a couple visits.
Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Zion
While Zion is famous for its challenging hikes, there are plenty of trails that are manageable — and fun — for families.
My biggest piece of advice? Don’t put too much pressure on the day.
If you get one or two good hikes in, that’s a win. Everyone enjoys the park a lot more when you’re not pushing tired kids (or tired parents) past their limits.
Here are a few of our favorite kid-friendly trails.
Pa’rus Trail
The Pa’rus Trail is one of the easiest and most family-friendly trails in Zion. It’s fully paved, mostly flat, and follows the Virgin River through the canyon, making it perfect for walking, biking, strollers, or scooters.
The last time we visited Zion, our kids had recently become obsessed with riding their bikes, so we packed them up and brought them along for the trip. Since we were driving, it was easy to toss them on the back of the car — though I realize that might not be realistic for families traveling from farther away.
Even if you’re not biking, Pa’rus is still a great trail to walk. Parts of the path run right along the river, and there are several shaded benches along the way that make great snack-break spots. Don’t be afraid to wander down to the water and let the kids explore a bit — throwing rocks into the river was easily one of my kids’ favorite activities.
Distance: ~3.2 miles round trip
Estimated time: 1–1.5 hours (longer if kids stop to explore along the river)
Shuttle stop: Visitor Center (Stop #1) or Canyon Junction (Stop #3)
Riverside Walk
The Riverside Walk is another fantastic trail for families and one of the most popular easy hikes in Zion.
This paved path follows the Virgin River deeper into the canyon and eventually leads to the entrance of The Narrows.
Even if you’re not planning to hike The Narrows, the Riverside Walk is absolutely worth doing on its own. The towering canyon walls and peaceful river views make it one of the most scenic walks in the park.
Kids also tend to love this trail because they can play near the shallow river, collect rocks, and explore along the banks.
The trail is mostly flat, shaded, and easy to follow, which makes it perfect for families.
Distance: ~2.2 miles round trip
Estimated time: about 1 hour
Shuttle stop: Temple of Sinawava (Stop #9)
Canyon Overlook Trail
If you’re looking for a shorter hike with big views, Canyon Overlook Trail is a great option.
This trail is short but slightly more adventurous, with a few narrow sections and railings along the cliffside. Older kids usually love this one because it feels a little more exciting than the flatter trails.
The reward at the end is one of the best views in Zion.
One thing to know: parking here can be tricky. There’s a small parking area near the trailhead just past the Zion–Mt. Carmel Tunnel, so it’s best to go early or try to catch a spot on your way out of the park.
Distance: ~1 mile round trip
Estimated time: 30–60 minutes
Shuttle stop: None — accessed by car along the Zion–Mt. Carmel Highway near the east tunnel entrance
Emerald Pools (Lower Pool)
The Emerald Pools Trail is another classic Zion hike and a great option for families.
The lower pool trail is relatively short and leads to a small waterfall area depending on the season. When the water is flowing, kids love walking behind the falls and exploring the rocks around the pool.
It’s worth noting that this trail occasionally closes due to rockfall, so it’s a good idea to check the current trail conditions before heading out.
If your family still has energy, you can continue up to the Middle or Upper Emerald Pools, but the Lower Pool is the easiest option with kids.
Distance: ~1.2 miles round trip to Lower Emerald Pool
Estimated time: about 45 minutes–1 hour
Shuttle stop: Zion Lodge (Stop #5)
TL;DR
- Pa’rus Trail — paved + bike friendly
- Riverside Walk — flat + Narrows entrance
- Canyon Overlook — short hike with big views
- Emerald Pools — waterfall hike
Things Kids Will Love in Zion
One of the best parts about visiting Zion with kids is that the experience doesn’t have to revolve around big hikes.
Some of the things my kids enjoyed most were the simple moments:
- Riding the shuttle through the canyon
- Biking along the Pa’rus Trail
- Playing near the Virgin River
- Spotting wildlife along the trails
- Climbing rocks and exploring the landscape
Sometimes the best memories come from letting kids slow down and explore naturally rather than rushing from hike to hike.
Tips for Visiting Zion with Kids
A little planning can go a long way when visiting Zion with a family.
Start Early
Parking fills up quickly and shuttle lines can get long later in the day. Arriving early helps you beat both the heat and the crowds.
Bring Plenty of Water
Zion is in the desert, and even easy hikes can feel hot — especially in the summer months.
Wear Proper Shoes
Trails can be sandy, rocky, or uneven. Comfortable walking or hiking shoes make a big difference.
Pack Snacks
Kids get hungry quickly when they’re outdoors. Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy between hikes.
Keep Hikes Flexible
You don’t need to hike miles to experience Zion. Many of the best views are accessible with short walks.
When to Visit Zion with Kids
Zion is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a slightly different experience.
Spring
Spring is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are comfortable and the canyon often has wildflowers and flowing waterfalls.
Summer
Summer brings the biggest crowds and very hot temperatures, especially in the middle of the day. Early mornings and evenings are the best time to explore.
Fall
Fall is another fantastic time to visit, with cooler weather and fewer crowds compared to summer.
Final Thoughts
Zion is one of those places that feels almost unreal when you see it in person. The towering red cliffs, winding rivers, and dramatic canyon views make it one of the most beautiful national parks in the country.
The best part is that you don’t need to hike the most extreme trails to enjoy it.
With a little planning and the right expectations, Zion can be an incredible destination for families. Whether you’re biking through the canyon, exploring the riverbanks, or taking in the views on a short hike, it’s a place that both kids and adults will remember long after the trip ends.
