Planning a trip to Moab? This remote city in Utah’s southeastern corner is the perfect base for an epic vacation. The list of things to do in Moab is long, especially if your family loves national parks and outdoor adventure.
I live in Utah and Moab is a few hours’ drive from my home. I’ve been visiting Moab since long before it was “discovered” and I love going back there with my kids.
Spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure are the best reasons to visit Moab. This small town is heavy on hotels, restaurants, shopping, and other tourist services. It’s an excellent base for visiting national parks, state parks, and other great destinations nearby.
Here are my top things to do in Moab, Utah with kids.
Arches National Park
Arches National Park is the #1 reason to go to Moab for my family. The park entrance is just five miles from the city center. No matter how many pictures of Delicate Arch you’ve seen… nothing compares with seeing it in person.
Arches is a popular park and visitors will be turned away when it reaches capacity. Start your day early or later in the afternoon to beat the crowds. Plan for large crowds during school breaks and holiday weekends. Utah’s Fall Break, usually the 3rd weekend of October, is especially crowded.
Related: Top Stops for Families in Arches National Park
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park has three districts: Island in the Sky, Needles, and The Maze. The Island in the Sky and Needles entrances are within an hour’s drive of Moab in different directions. Both are accessible with any vehicle and are less crowded than Arches. They have a variety of trails for families.
I recommend a day trip to Island in the Sky or Needles, but not on the same day. The entrances are about 2 hours apart. Island in the Sky is my favorite.
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Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point offers scenic views of the Colorado River winding through endless red sandstone plateaus. This state park has a few hiking and biking trails and a nice little visitor center and gift shop where kids can participate in a Junior Ranger program.
Sunrise and sunset are the best time to take photos. Dead Horse Point is on the way to Canyonlands’ Island in the Sky.
Mountain Biking
Moab is one of the best places in the world to go mountain biking. You’ll find dozens of trails for all abilities. Hotels provide space to clean and store bikes. Rentals and tour guides are readily available.
I’m awful on a bike but have still managed some easy trails in Moab. Visit Moab’s official visitor website at https://www.discovermoab.com/mountainbiking for more information about mountain biking trails, rentals, guides, and more.
Jeep Tour
When I was young and single, I visited Moab with a big group. Two of the guys brought their customized 4WD trucks and we spent an afternoon driving Moab’s off-road trails. It was so much fun.
Now my son has a friend who loves off-roading and they are planning their senior trip to Moab. They are taking an adult (even better, it’s a doctor) with lots of off-road Jeep experience, so I’m excited for him to experience Moab this way too!
Booking a Jeep tour in Moab is a great way to experience off-road adventure. Get a list of tour companies at https://www.discovermoab.com/guides-and-outfitters
River Rafting
The Colorado River winds past Moab, carving deep into the gorgeous red rock canyons nearby. Moab and Green River (an hour north) are popular summer rafting destinations.
I have not rafted in the Moab area but have done other rafting trips. It’s one of my favorite summer adventures. Depending on the route, kids as young as 6 can go rafting.
Dinosaurs
Moab has become an impressive dinosaur destination in recent years. You can find dinosaur tracks and fossils in nature. My favorite is Mill Canyon where you can find tracks and visible dinosaur bones with interpretive signs to help you identify them.
Moab also has a dinosaur museum, Moab Giants. It’s a few miles outside Moab, beyond the Arches entrance on Highway 191. With indoor and outdoor exhibits and lots of high-tech interactive fun, it’s an all-weather activity for dinosaur fans.
Petroglyphs
Moab is also a good place to see ancient rock art left by the people who lived here hundreds of years ago. There are several petroglyph sites nearby.
Newspaper Rock is one of the best. The petroglyphs are abundant, low to the ground, and just a few steps from the parking lot. It’s a 45-minute drive, on your way to the Canyonlands’ Needles entrance.
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Sand Hill
Look for a big sandy hill across from the Arches National Park entrance on Highway 191. Save an hour or so to play here. It might be your kids’ favorite part of the trip. Climbing up and running or sliding down is a lot of fun.
Consider packing a large piece of cardboard or a sled for sliding down. This activity is fun in spring, fall, or even on a sunny winter afternoon. The sand may be too hot on a summer day.
Shopping
Moab’s Main Street is filled with art galleries, outdoor outfitters, boutiques, home decor, souvenirs, and more. Most of the shops are local and unique.
Moab’s shopping district is just a few blocks long and interspersed with local restaurants and other visitor services, but you can easily spend a couple of hours or more happily browsing and buying.
Conclusion
Moab, Utah is a great year-round destination for families – especially those who love national parks and outdoor adventure. I hope this list of things to do in Moab will help your family plan the perfect trip.
Happy travels!
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