Are you on the hunt for fabulous family-friendly activities? Utah offers a wide variety of experiences, from animal encounters that delight toddlers to adventurous hikes that challenge teens. Whether you're looking for interactive museums, outdoor exploration, or relaxing natural retreats, the Beehive State is packed with unforgettable adventures.
Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters – Layton
Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters provides a vibrant, hands-on experience where families can connect with animals from around the world. Visitors can interact with marine life, reptiles, birds, and exotic mammals in themed habitats. The indoor setting makes it a year-round destination, perfect for any weather.
The aquarium offers a variety of animal interactions, including feeding and touching experiences that are educational and entertaining.
Zion National Park – Springdale
Famous for its towering red cliffs and scenic canyons, Zion National Park is a dream for nature-loving families. Hiking trails like the Riverside Walk are easy and accessible for kids, while more adventurous routes await older visitors.
The Junior Ranger Program engages kids in learning about geology, wildlife, and conservation. Zion’s shuttle system makes getting around with little ones easy, and the Virgin River offers spots to cool off with a splash.
This Is the Place Heritage Park – Salt Lake City
Step back into Utah's pioneer history with over 50 historic buildings, live reenactments, and interactive pioneer activities like blacksmithing and candle making.
Kids can ride ponies and trains, explore a Native American Village, and take part in hands-on crafts. Seasonal festivals and events keep the experience fresh for repeat visits.
Cedar Breaks National Monument – Cedar City
This stunning natural amphitheater offers hikes, guided tours, and panoramic views of colorful rock formations at over 10,000 feet elevation.
The Wildflower Festival, winter snowshoeing, and stargazing make this a year-round adventure. Ranger-led full moon hikes offer a one-of-a-kind family experience.
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary – Kanab
Set in the red rock canyons of Southern Utah, this sanctuary offers tours and volunteer opportunities for families who love animals.
It’s one of the largest no-kill sanctuaries in the U.S. and includes educational workshops on animal care and rescue. A peaceful and meaningful stop for families with compassion at heart.
Great Salt Lake State Park – Magna
Explore the shores of the Great Salt Lake, known for its high salinity that lets visitors float effortlessly in the water. The park also offers walking trails and birdwatching.
It's one of the best places in Utah to view sunsets and spot native birds. The Saltair Resort nearby adds historic charm to the visit.
Park City Mountain Ski Resort – Park City
One of the largest ski resorts in the country, Park City offers winter sports, ski schools, and snow play activities.
The ski school for kids, tubing hills, and access to Main Street for dining and shopping make this a well-rounded winter getaway.
Westwater Canyon – Moab
This section of the Colorado River is ideal for families interested in white-water rafting surrounded by breathtaking canyons and ancient rock formations.
With options for day trips and overnight adventures, it’s a thrilling way to explore nature from the water without overwhelming younger participants.
The Big Zip Zipline – Summit Park
Home to Utah’s longest zipline, this attraction provides panoramic views and adrenaline-pumping excitement for a wide range of ages.
Multiple courses accommodate kids and adults alike, with strict safety standards and scenic surroundings making it both exhilarating and family-friendly.
Hardware Ranch Wildlife Area – Hyrum
Operating in the winter, this wildlife area offers horse-drawn sleigh rides to see elk herds up close in their natural habitat.
Guided tours provide education on elk conservation and Utah wildlife. It's a cozy, seasonal experience that makes winter in Utah unforgettable.
Capitol Reef National Park – Torrey
Capitol Reef’s colorful canyons and geologic formations offer a quieter alternative to the state’s more crowded parks. It’s perfect for peaceful family hikes and exploration.
Features like the Waterpocket Fold and ancient petroglyphs combine natural wonder and cultural history in one family-friendly destination.
Moab and Surrounding Parks – Moab
Moab is the jumping-off point for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, as well as local trails, rivers, and rock formations.
There’s something for every age group — from mountain biking and river rafting to stargazing and fossil hunting. Moab also hosts events and festivals throughout the year.
Goblin Valley State Park – Green River
Goblin Valley features thousands of strange and whimsical rock formations, making it feel like a real-life fantasy world.
The easy hiking trails and surreal landscape are ideal for exploration and play. It’s also a popular site for night photography and stargazing.
Utah is packed with family-friendly experiences for every season. Whether you’re feeding stingrays at Layton Aquarium and Wildlife Encounters, trekking through national parks, or rafting down a canyon river, the Beehive State offers memorable adventures for families of all shapes and sizes.