Arches National Park with Kids
40 of the Best Tips!
Our kids’ favorite National Park! Arches National Park with kids is definitely a must-visit. It’s one of those places you just have to see. This park in eastern Utah is famous for its more than 2,000 natural stone arches, which you won’t find as impressively anywhere else in the world. But besides those iconic arches, there are plenty of spots where children can have fun. Whether you want to take a short walk, climb around, or simply enjoy the views – Arches has it all.
In this blog, I’ll share our experiences, with tips for visiting the park, the best activities, and much more. We also cover useful practical information and additional activities in the surrounding area.
What You Need to Know About Arches National Park with Kids
Arches National Park is located just outside the town of Moab in Utah, which makes it a fantastic base for your visit. The park itself is vast—covering over 300 square kilometers—but luckily, many highlights are accessible along the main route. The Arches Scenic Drive is about 29 kilometers long (one way) and runs from the park entrance to Devil’s Garden. Along this road, you’ll find many famous sights, with convenient parking lots and trailheads for hikes. The landscape constantly changes, from impressive rock formations to serene valleys.
Best Time to Visit Arches National Park with Kids
The ideal times to visit Arches National Park with kids are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). During these months, temperatures are pleasant for a visit without the summer heat disrupting your plans. In summer, it can get extremely hot in the park, with temperatures rising above 40°C. In spring and autumn, you’ll enjoy milder temperatures and avoid the crowds of peak season. This makes hiking more enjoyable and creates a better overall experience for the kids.
We did visit the park in August, which isn’t ideal but definitely manageable!
How to Get There?
The easiest way to visit Arches National Park with kids is by your own car or camper. There is no public transportation to the park, but you can book organized tours from Moab. This can be handy if you don’t have your own transport or prefer to relax while exploring with a guide. Tours often include stops at the most popular spots and provide background information about the park’s geology and history. Here you can find a complete overview of tours in Arches National Park.
We chose to go with our camper, which was ideal for traveling at our own pace and taking it easy. Along the way, we enjoyed picnics with views of the red rocks and had everything we needed for the kids at hand.
Tickets and Reservations
The Annual Park Pass
If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks in the U.S., the Annual National Park Pass (also known as the America the Beautiful Pass) is a great investment. This pass provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including the famous Arches National Park. The pass costs around $80 and is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. It grants access for one vehicle (or all passengers in a private vehicle), which makes it ideal for families or groups looking to explore several parks. You can order the Annual National Park Pass online, but it’s also available at Visitor Centers in any national park. 👉 More info about passes
You can also purchase a single-entry pass specifically for Arches National Park. Entry to Arches is about $30 per vehicle for one day, so if you’re only planning to visit this park, it might be a more affordable option than the annual pass. Just keep in mind that this pass only grants access to Arches once and doesn’t include entry to the many other parks the America the Beautiful Pass covers.
Note about reservations for Arches National Park
While the Annual Park Pass grants access to the park, you still need to reserve a time slot to enter Arches National Park—especially during the high season. This is mandatory in the summer months to manage crowd levels and ensure a better visitor experience. Time slots can be booked up to three months in advance via the official park website. Since Arches is one of the most popular parks in the U.S., time slots tend to fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve as early as possible.
If you’re visiting Arches during the summer, it’s important to be mindful of the heat and the crowds. The park can get very busy, particularly in the late morning and afternoon. That’s why it’s smart to plan your visit as early in the day as possible—ideally right when the park opens. Not only will this allow you to enjoy the park in more peaceful surroundings, but it also helps you avoid the hottest part of the day.
No internet
Keep in mind that there is no mobile network available in the park. This means you won’t have an internet connection to look up directions or other information. It’s wise to download maps and important details beforehand so you won’t be without information once you’re in the park.
Make sure to bring enough food and drinks
Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, especially on warm days. The park has picnic areas where you can stop for lunch or a break. But be sure to pack everything you need in advance, as there are no shops or restaurants inside the park.
Toilets
Toilets are available at most parking areas and at the Visitor Center.
How much time to spend in Arches National Park with children?
One day is usually enough to explore the main sights of Arches National Park with children. Most families choose to explore the park in the morning when it’s still cool, and use the afternoon to relax in Moab. If you keep a relaxed pace, you can do a few of the most famous hikes, such as the short trail to The Double Arch or the Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail, and enjoy the views from the various lookout points.
The best activities in Arches National Park with children
The great thing about Arches is that the park is accessible for everyone – from families with young kids to avid hikers. We explored some of the best spots with our children. Here are our favorites:
The Visitor Center
The start of your adventure in Arches National Park begins at the Visitor Center, located right at the entrance of the park, five miles north of Moab. This center offers a wealth of useful information about the park, including exhibits explaining the geology and history of the area. Rangers are available to answer questions and provide advice on the best hikes and viewpoints. The Visitor Center is open daily, except on December 25th, and also features a shop with books and souvenirs.
One of the highlights for kids is the Junior Ranger Program. This program is perfect for children who want to learn more about the park. You can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, which introduces kids to the park’s nature and geology in a fun and interactive way. Once they’ve completed the activities, they can have their work reviewed by a real ranger and, after taking an official pledge, they’ll receive their very own Junior Ranger badge!
Sand Dune Arch
If you’re looking for a place where kids can burn off some energy, Sand Dune Arch is perfect. This arch is hidden between narrow rock walls and soft sand. Our children loved running, digging, and climbing here. Plus, it’s nice and cool here, which is great on hot days. This spot is a wonderful place to take a break and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
Distance: 0.4 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Very easy
Double Arch
Double Arch is not only beautiful to see, but also a lot of fun to explore. It’s a short walk from the parking lot, and you can climb up around the arches. Our children kept climbing higher and loved standing under the huge arch. This is also a great spot for photos, thanks to the impressive height of the arches.
Distance: 1 km (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy
Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is one of the iconic spots in the park. It is a huge rock that appears to be balancing on a narrow base. From the parking lot, you can take a short loop walk to view the rock from all sides. Our children especially enjoyed imagining how the rock stays standing there. It’s also a perfect stop to take a break and enjoy the view of the surrounding desert.
Distance: 0.4 km (loop trail)
Difficulty: Very easy
Delicate Arch
The Delicate Arch is the iconic symbol of Arches National Park and definitely one of the most beautiful rock arches. However, the hike to the arch is quite challenging and not suitable for young children, especially in summer when the heat makes it even tougher. The trail is long (5 kilometers) and there is almost no shade, so hiking between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM during summer is discouraged. If your children are good hikers and you visit the park during a cooler season, this hike can be an adventure. For families with young children, the Delicate Arch Viewpoint Trail is a better option. After a short walk from the parking lot, you get a view of the Delicate Arch, but don’t expect too much — it’s still quite far away!
Delicate Arch Viewpoints
Delicate Arch is perhaps the most famous arch in the park, but the hike to it is quite tough — especially with small children. That’s why we chose the Lower and Upper Viewpoints. From these spots, you can see the arch without the difficult hike.
Lower Viewpoint: 0.2 km, flat walk
Upper Viewpoint: 0.8 km, a bit more challenging
Also fun to do around Arches National Park with kids
A visit to Arches is of course amazing, but there’s so much more to explore in the surrounding area. Here are some of our favorite outings:
Canoe trip on the Colorado River
Our highlight during our stay in Moab: a canoe trip on the Colorado River. If you’re in Utah, you absolutely have to get on the Colorado River! It’s one of the most iconic rivers in the USA, flowing through spectacular landscapes.
Many canoe trips are wild and less suitable for young children, but we found Paddle Moab – a perfect option for families. You can rent several (double) canoes and get dropped off at a location of your choice upstream. We chose a stretch of about 4 kilometers. It took us around two hours, with two stops along the way to swim and play on a small beach. Our kids were 3 and 5 years old, and it went great!
This calm canoe trip was truly a highlight of our journey. The water was clear, the scenery beautiful, and it felt amazing to cool off on a warm day. Plus, it was wonderful to experience nature from a different perspective.
Paddle Moab also offers other fun tours and activities. Be sure to check out their website or Instagram account.
Downtown Moab
Moab is a small but lively town. It has a true Western vibe and lots of fun shops and restaurants. We had T-shirts printed at Redstone T-Shirt Company – a fantastic souvenir! You’ll also find locally made jewelry, art, and other unique items. The streets are cozy and perfect for strolling around with kids.
Moab Aquatic & Recreation Center
Moab’s pool is a must-visit if your kids want to cool off and play. It has several pools and water slides, plus lounge chairs where parents can relax. The facilities are well-maintained, and there are plenty of shady spots too.
Rotary Park
This unique park is perfect for kids. It features a large discovery zone with musical instruments that can keep them entertained for hours. There are also picnic areas, a small amphitheater, a basketball court, and playgrounds.
Old City Park
This park is located just outside of Moab and is often a bit quieter. It has a playground, a duck pond, and areas for volleyball and disc golf – perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
Moab Giants Dinosaur Park
Dinosaurs are always a hit with kids, and this park does not disappoint. You can admire life-size dinosaurs and learn more about prehistoric times. The museum section features interactive exhibits that are fun for adults too. More info: moabgiants.com
Other Nature Parks
Canyonlands National Park: Just as impressive as Arches, but with more viewpoints and fewer crowds. Perfect for a peaceful day in nature.
Dead Horse Point State Park: A stunning park with breathtaking views over the Colorado River. This lesser-known spot is absolutely worth a visit.
Mill Creek Swimming Hole
A hidden gem near Moab! This natural swimming spot is perfect for cooling off after a warm day. The hike to get there is adventurous and fun, even for kids. Don’t forget to bring water shoes, as the path can be slippery.
Overnight Stays in Moab
Moab is the perfect base for visiting Arches National Park with children. We recommend staying at least 4 nights in Moab. This gives you enough time to explore Arches as well as nearby parks like Canyonlands National Park and enjoy many of the outdoor activities the area offers. The town itself has several family-friendly restaurants, playgrounds, and shops, making it an ideal place to unwind after an active day in nature. Moab also offers a wide range of accommodations, from campgrounds to hotels – perfect for families.
Family-Friendly Campgrounds in Moab
- Moab KOA Holiday – We stayed at Moab KOA Holiday. A fun campground with a wonderfully large swimming pool (and beautiful views!), a playground, a small shop, and laundry facilities. More info and booking
- Village Camp Moab – A simple RV park, but with a pool. You can also rent cabins here. More info and booking
- Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown – A large campground with lots of trees, a swimming pool, playground, laundry facilities, and a small shop. Cabins are also available for rent here. More info and booking
- Under Canvas – A stunning glamping site in a breathtaking location. You can rent family tents, as well as special kids’ tents – super fun! More info and booking.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Moab
- Red Cliffs Lodge – A charming hotel on the Colorado River with spacious family rooms, a swimming pool, and horseback riding opportunities. Click here for more info and booking.
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab – Modern hotel with multiple pools, a waterslide, and free breakfast, ideal for families. Click here for more info and booking.
- Expedition Lodge – Budget-friendly with a retro vibe, a heated pool, and arcade games for kids. Click here for more info and booking.
- Moab Springs Ranch – Luxury accommodation with private bungalows, a large pool, and a peaceful lawn area for families. Click here for more info and booking.
- Field Station Moab – Cozy and stylish with family-friendly amenities like a pool and organized activities. Click here for more info and booking.
- Hyatt Place Moab – Comfortable hotel with spacious family rooms, a pool, and a playground. Click here for more info and booking.
- Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton – Luxury hotel with a stunning pool, excellent service, and a central location in Moab. Click here for more info and booking.
The Best Restaurants – Arches National Park with Kids
When visiting Moab, you can not only enjoy the stunning nature but also a surprisingly diverse range of dining options. From local classics to international flavors, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to eat in Moab – perfect for families and food lovers alike.
- Moab Food Truck Park: Our favorite and super practical with kids. Everyone chooses their own dishes, and you eat together at the picnic tables in the plaza.
- Pasta Jay’s: Enjoy delicious pizzas and pastas in a cozy atmosphere.
- Moab Canyon Pizza: Famous for having some of the best pizza in the region – a must for pizza lovers.
- Dough Birds: Be sure to try their famous cronuts – a unique treat you don’t want to miss.
- Moab Diner: A charming retro diner where you absolutely have to order a milkshake.
- Fiesta Mexicana: Indulge in authentic Mexican food with plenty of flavorful options.
- Milt’s Stop & Eat: Known for their iconic milkshakes – a must-try during your visit to Moab.
- Cowboy Grill: Enjoy refined dishes with a stunning view of the red rocks and the Colorado River. The outdoor terrace and bar lunch options are highly recommended.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
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