Moab, Utah is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a fun and exciting vacation. From its stunning natural beauty to its numerous opportunities for adventure, Moab has something to offer for people of all ages.
However, getting kids excited for a trip to Moab can be a challenge. Here are seven great ways to get your kids pumped for a trip to Moab!
Promise Unique Outdoor Adventures
Moab is famous for its stunning red rock formations and rugged wilderness, and there are plenty of opportunities for families to explore them together. Share photos or videos of the terrain and the red rock formations.
Tell your kids about the amazing climbing opportunities and the crawls and crevices of the hiking trails! Try to get a reservation for the Fiery Furnace trail, and read THIS article for why it is the best family hike and a fantastic adventure goal. Then, share a picture or a preview with your children.
After all, there are no indoor gyms or bounce house obstacle courses that have any leg up on the outdoor adventure opportunities in Moab, Utah!
Check out the BEST family-friendly hikes in Canyonlands National Park!
Reserve a Guided Tour
From scenic jeep tours to guided hikes, there are plenty of engaging options in Moab. These tours provide a fun and educational experience for kids, allowing them to learn about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife.
The tour companies often offer videos and information to build enthisiasm for the adventure.
Alternatively, poll your children to identify where their interests lie.
Our son, now fourteen-years-old, loves the off-roading tours in Moab. When we plan our trips to the area, we touch base with him. Does he prefer for us to rent a Jeep and self-tour? Does he prefer a guided Jeep off-road adventure? Or would he enjoy a few hours on an ATV?
Moab has endless touring options. From petroglyphs and pictographs to rock climbing, rapelling, hiking, and off-roading, there is sure to be an itinerary that excites your children!
Preview The Science and History of Moab
Moab is rich in history and scientific significance, and there are plenty of opportunities for kids to get hands-on with these subjects. The Moab Giants Dinosaur Park and Museum, offers fantastic exhibits where kids can learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area!
If your kids are into geology, you can discuss the formation of the region. From anticlines to dry seafloors, from fins to arches, the area is rich in geologic intrigue.
For more, child-level education about the geology, biology, and mysteries of the region, consider enrolling your children in an online course to build their interest and curiosity: High Desert Adventures in Arches & Canyonlands National Parks.
Discuss Ranger-Led and Junior Ranger Programs
Many national parks, including Arches and Canyonlands, offer ranger-led programs for families. These programs are a fun and educational way for kids to learn about the park and its surroundings. From guided hikes to campfire programs, ranger-led activities are a great way to get kids excited about the trip and make the most of your time in Moab.
If your explorer is willing to go deeper into the park and do some focused work, they should consider a Junior Ranger program. These books, free at most visitor centers, offer engaging ways for children to learn about the parks.
Many kids enjoy the excitement of earning a special badge and going through the swearing in ceremony with a real park ranger! If this will be on your family’s agenda, you can create excitement by discussing the official badges and promising the opportunity for real “ranger” status!
Plan Rafting Adventure
One of the most exciting ways to experience Moab is by going on a rafting adventure. Whether you choose to go on a scenic float trip or a more adventurous white-water rafting excursion, kids are sure to have a blast on the water. These trips provide a unique perspective of the area and offer a fun and exciting way for families to bond and make memories.
The rafting trips can be as tame or as wild as your family requires. They are a great way to cool off from the desert heat, and they are sure to give all of your adventurers a nice adrenaline rush!
Book a Unique Accommodation
Staying in a unique accommodation can be a fun and exciting way to get kids pumped for a trip to Moab. From camping under the stars to staying in a teepee or yurt, there are plenty of options to choose from. How about a cabin, or a hotel with Disney-esque, themed water zone?
These unique accommodations provide a fun and memorable experience for kids and are sure to get them excited about the trip. For more information about where to stay and what they offer, check out our list of the best family-friendly accommodations near Arches National Park.
Plan Fun and Exciting Activities
Finally, planning fun and exciting activities for kids is a great way to get them excited for a trip to Moab. Whether you choose to go horseback riding, flying through a ropes course, or taking an ATV adventure, the key is to make sure there is plenty of fun and excitement on the itinerary.
Don’t forget the Dinosaur Park or the indoor/outdoor pools and waterslides at the recreation center. Bonus for the parents: the recreation center also offers childcare options!
Read about It!
One way to engage children and inspire excitement is to create some curiosity. While videos definitely showcase the other-worldly scenic side of Moab, kids often latch onto ideas of adventure. Here are some book options that may be a good fit for your little EDsplorer!
- For kids who love the challenge of surviving the rugged outdoores, consider sharing this Wilderness Survival Guide or Bushcraft for Kids.
- For kids who enjoy a chapter book or a mystery, consider the Moab-based Mystery of The Lost Arch.
- For kids that love an off-roading adventure, consider DJ’s Offroad Adventures.
Read more about our favorite national park books and what makes them special.
No matter how you choose to enjoy your time in Moab, is truly a region that offers something for everyone. Identify your family’s interests, and you are sure to find opportunities that will meet your vacation goals!
Moab is the perfect place to visit in the spring. For more great parks to visit this time of year, check out our top 9 national parks to visit in the spring!
