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Hurricane
United States
5 
0
0$$$
ITINERARY (Full Day)
Pa’rus Trail
Temple of Sinawava
Riverside Walk Trail
Zion Human History Museum
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
nugget’s Advice
Prepare in advance
Be sure to pack plenty of snacks for your hiking adventures. Children tire quickly while hiking and will be more motivated to finish if you promise them their favorite treat. You should also consider bringing your own lunch, food options inside the park aren’t the best.
Good to know
The Visitor Center offers free Junior Ranger booklets for visitors ages 4 and up. This activity booklet leads little nature explorers through Zion National Park in search of natural treasures. Upon completion, participants earn a Junior Ranger Badge. The program is tailored to different age groups. Allow several hours for older children to complete the entire program.
Recommended day/time
To avoid summer crowds, try to visit the park first thing in the morning or later in the day (about 1 ½ hours before sunset).
Recommended time of the year
Going to Zion National Park in the winter versus the summer is a very different experience. Winter allows you to enjoy the park in the peace and quiet, but it can get chilly and there is less daylight. In the summer, children can play in the river but the park will be incredibly crowded. During that time of year, plan for traffic, large crowds and long lines to get on the shuttle.
Save Money
Food in Springdale is a little expensive, save money by buying groceries in Hurricane or La Verkin for a picnic lunch.
About This Day
Looking for easy Zion hikes for the whole family? This jam-packed day includes two family-friendly hikes. Kick off your day with an optional sunrise walk along the Pa’rus Trail that’s perfect for early risers. Then, hop on the park’s shuttle and take it to Temple of Sinawava, enjoying a scenic 40-minute ride along the way. Everyone can stretch their legs on the 2-mile (3.2-km) Riverside Walk Trail, which is relatively flat and easy for kids to handle. Once you’re finished hiking, grab the shuttle to the Zion Human History Museum and learn more about Zion National Park. End the day with dinner at Zion Canyon Brew Pub. It’s the perfect day in Zion National Park for kids hiking for the first time.
Pa’rus Trail
1 Zion – Mount Carmel Highway, Hurricane
FREE
If you and your nuggets are up early, venture into Zion National Park for a sunrise walk along the Pa’rus Trail. It’s the best time to appreciate Zion’s famous red colors. Our baby was up at 6:30 a.m., so we bundled up to check out the beautiful colors of the rising sun. The weather was quite chilly, but as soon as the sun rose, it warmed up.
Temple of Sinawava
Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Springdale
FREE
The shuttle ride to the final stop (Temple of Sinawava) takes approximately 40 minutes. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Zion National Park, especially on a chilly fall day.
DIRECTIONS Head to the Visitor Center to board one of the free shuttles that take you into the park.
Riverside Walk Trail
Riverside Walk, Springdale
FREE
Riverside Walk Trail is a great hike for kids because it is relatively flat and only 2 miles round trip. Even novice little hikers will enjoy this adventure. It took us about 1 ½ hours to complete, including frequent stops to play on the trail.
DIRECTIONS From the Temple of Sinawava it’s a short walk to the Riverside Walk Trail.
TIP After the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch.
Zion Human History Museum
1 Zion National Park Rd, Springdale
FREE
The Zion Human History Museum shows a short movie about the park that lasts about 20 minutes and plays every 1/2 hour. It’s very informative and a requirement for the Junior Ranger badge. The content was engaging for our kids, and the baby napped through it.
DIRECTIONS Take the shuttle back to the Visitor Center and stop at the Zion Human History Museum.
Zion Canyon Brew Pub
95 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale
$$$
The Zion Canyon Brew Pub serves tasty pub grub in a relaxed environment. The location is convenient for anyone staying at the Cable Mountain Lodge as it is located on the hotel’s property. The restaurant has high chairs and plenty of space for strollers, but does not have any crayons or other activities for keeping little travelers entertained. Make sure to bring your own books and toys if you plan to eat here.
DIRECTIONS Zion Canyon Brew Pub is on the hotel grounds of the Cable Mountain Lodge.
TIP Guests at the Cable Mountain Lodge received a 20% discount on their bill by showing their room key.
Cable Mountain Lodge
147 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale
$$$$
WE LOVEDThe Wallbed Suite is spacious with three beds and a kitchenette. The rustic décor is very warm and cozy. The hotel’s location is the absolute best in Springdale since it is a 2-minute walk from Zion National Park. Parking at the park’s Visitor Center can sometimes be hard to find, so being able to leave the car at the hotel was extremely convenient.
WE DIDN'T LIKEThe sofa bed was terrible, but other than that we loved everything about our suite.
TIPIf you stay at Cable Mountain Lodge, you’ll receive 20% off all amenities around the Lodge, including the movie theatre, coffee shop and Zion Canyon Brew Pub.
STAYED18 November, 2016 with 1 year old, 4 year old, 7 year old
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