Landscapes ranging from forests to barren deserts, dinosaur tracks, and mountains that seem to touch the sky are the stuff that kids dream about it. Forget Disney for a second and focus on Utah because St. George is the place where dreams come true.
It’s the place imaginations can run free, and it’ll be the first place where your child says, “That’s where my thirst for adventure began.”
We say it a lot because we mean it: St. George really does have it all. It’s America’s best playground for active families and it’s the perfect setting for one of the best adventure vacations you’ll ever have.
Ready to get started? We vote you start with these outdoor adventures.
Tackle a different park every day
Four state parks and one of the prettiest national parks converge on St. George, Utah, so there are no excuses for bypassing one of them for a day spent entirely inside. While we could easily spend an entire week exploring Zion National Park, we think devoting a day — or even half a day — to a different park every day of your stay will help keep understand the allure of St. George.
Hit the trails
Unleash your inner cowboys and cowgirls on the some of the best trails in Snow Canyon State Park with a horseback riding tour. While the kids will love spending a few hours with the horses, mom and dad will love the photo opps and the gorgeous red and orange hues of the desert scenery. Trail rides are offered daily from 1 to 3 pm, but summer visitors can use the hot summer sun as an excuse to enjoy an early morning ride or a sunset ride, too.
Spend the night in Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
After you’ve introduced the family to the desert landscape by horseback, up the ante with a camping trip to the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. The reserve is just a little ways from Snow Canyon State Park, making for an easy transition into the evening festivities. As an extra plus, try a quick hike before you make camp for the night — and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the cool animals (like the desert tortoise!) that call the area home.
Take an adventure tour
Hit the trails on four wheels with a safari adventure tour. The two-hour excursion will keep even the most restless child captivated. The guys at ATV & Jeep Adventure Tour will take you through the Zion plateaus and through Pine Valley Mountain like the pros they are. All you have to do is buckle up and have a good time.
Get giddy at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Park
It’s scientifically proven that dinosaurs once walked through St. George. While the chances of seeing real-live dinosaurs like in Jurassic World are slim, you can get up close and personal with some of the fossils and real dinosaur tracks at the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Park. We guarantee this visit will bring out the kid in everyone.