Exploring Moab with Kids: Top Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Utah
Posted November 3, 2021
Updated February 13, 2023
If you haven’t made it to Moab, I hope it’s at least on your destination bucket list. Moab is spectacular and the perfect spot for families wanting to spend the whole trip outdoors. The town is located in southeastern Utah and is famous for its stunning red rock formations, canyons, and towering sandstone cliffs. With three national parks in close proximity, two amazing state parks, and miles of open space as far as the eye can see, you’re sure to find something amazing for everyone. Moab, UT is a fantastic destination for families seeking a fun and adventurous camping trip. In this post, we will discuss why Moab is an excellent place to take kids for camping and other outdoor activities.
1. Abundant Outdoor Activities
Moab offers a wide variety of outdoor activities suitable for all ages, including hiking, biking, rock climbing, river rafting, and more. These activities provide opportunities for families to bond and have fun together while exploring the beautiful natural scenery.
2. Educational Opportunities
Moab also provides opportunities for children to learn about geology, natural history, and environmental conservation. With a variety of guided tours and educational programs offered by several places in town, kids can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
3. Great Weather
Moab boasts nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, making it an ideal destination for families looking to escape the gloom of city life. Camping in the desert is also an excellent opportunity for children to experience different weather conditions and learn how to adapt to them. We spent a week in Moab in October and the weather was perfect! If you can manage a trip in the spring or fall I would highly suggest it - summer can easily reach 100 degrees.
4. Camping
We brought our RV and stayed at a little locally-owned campground just south of town and can’t wait to try out a few other spots in the area. Camping in Moab provides an excellent opportunity for families to bond and create lasting memories. With no distractions from technology, kids can focus on enjoying nature and spending quality time with their parents.
5. Affordable and Accessible
Camping in Moab is affordable and accessible, with a range of campsites, RV parks, and lodging options available. The town is also relatively easy to reach, with daily flights to the nearby Grand Junction, CO, and Salt Lake City, UT airports.
Our family of five enjoyed everything the area had to offer, but these were our favorite things to do in Moab with kids.
Bike ride along the Colorado River
Grab the bikes and head to Lions Park and the Moab Canyon bike path trailhead - this is the perfect spot to leave the car behind and pick one of several paths for your bike trip. Personally, we enjoy riding the pristine paved bike trail that follows the Colorado River through the canyon. Even if you didn’t bring the bikes this is still a great trail for walking or pushing a stroller. Wander off the path and play along the shores of the river - the surroundings can’t be beaten.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous or for older kids check out Slickrock! This 10.5-mile bike trail is perfect for families who like to mountain bike and it offers spectacular views of the red rock.
Visit a national park
Within just a few minutes drive, you’ll have your pick of two amazing US National Parks - Canyonlands and Arches. And a couple of hours away is Capitol Reef. Though Arches is by far the more popular park, we also highly suggest a visit to Canyonlands. As with most busy national parks, you’ll want to get to both early to avoid long lines at the entrance station and experience more without the crowds.
There’s lots of great information about Arches on the internet - but our best piece of advice is hard to agree to, but we promise it’s great - the park is a singular 18 mile out and back road so you should go all the way to the end and start there. I know, it sounds crazy to pass all this amazing stuff, but you’ll have a better crowd experience if you do it this way. The only exception to the rule - is if you’re going to hike all the way to Delicate Arch then do that first - so it’s the least crowded and as cool of temperature as possible - then continue on to the end (Devils Garden) to start.
Personally, I loved Park Avenue though most people don’t make time for it.
Stargaze
Just outside of Moab proper the sky shines brightly and the Milky Way (plus billions of other stars) can be seen with the naked eye. Just before dusk pack everyone up and head back into one of the national parks or find your own little spot in the desert and get ready for an incredible show. Bring chairs, blankets, a red flashlight or headlamp, snacks, and a telescope if you have one (we did, it was amazing!). I would also highly suggest downloading a star app on your smartphone as well, we love Night Sky for iPhone. Be sure to remind everyone it takes about 20 minutes for your eyes to truly adjust once all the lights are out.
If you can’t make it out beyond the lights or have a kid afraid of the dark - the stars are still very visible in town and the app can be just as fun!
Hunt for dinosaur tracks and petroglyphs
This is a great option when little legs are getting tired and a car nap might be a good option or if you have a huge dino fan in the family. This nice drive northwest of Moab is a wonderfully scenic road and lots of fun trying to spot the dinosaur tracks and even the dinosaur skeleton. There are hundreds of petroglyphs, as well.
Also, in this area are the Potash Ponds - salt mines. These ponds of vibrant colors are such a contrast to the natural landscape that it’s worth taking a peek if you’re in the area.
If you’re looking for even more dinosaur fun head to Moab Giants Dinosaur Park. This park offers a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about the area's ancient history. It offers life-size statues of different dinosaurs, an interactive museum, and a playground.
Get adventurous
Moab is like a giant playground and the options for adventure are countless - hot air balloons, dirt bikes, paddleboarding, mountain biking, river rafting, helicopter tours, Jeeping, and rock climbing just to name a few. Like 5% of the possibilities. There is so much to do, but I highly suggest booking with an outfitter as soon as possible. Moab is super busy and you’ll want to make plans ahead of time.