Kanab is one of our favorite towns in Southern Utah. It offers remote beauty and outdoor adventures perfect for a family getaway. If you’re planning a trip, this guide will help you find the best places to stay, the best places to eat, and the best things to do in Kanab with kids!
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Best Places to Stay, Eat, and Play in Kanab With Kids
Table of Contents
- Best Places to Stay in Kanab
- Best Places to Eat in Kanab
- Best Things to Do in Kanab with Kids
- Hike along Kanab Creek
- Visit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- Take an ATV Tour to the Peekaboo Slot Canyon
- Play at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- Explore the Sand Cave
- See Old Movie Sets at the Little Hollywood Museum
- Tour the Heritage House Museum
- Book a Canyoneering Tour
- Play at Jacob Hamblin Park
- Take a Hike
Best Places to Stay in Kanab
Timber+Tin
Timber + Tin is the perfect place for families to stay in Kanab.
The spacious units are fully stocked with everything from washers and dryers to an Insta-pot and Keurig coffee maker.
Each unit is immaculately clean and beautifully decorated with modern decor. The beds and linens are so comfortable, and thought has been put into every detail.
Our favorite feature is the rooftop deck complete with a hammock and seating area with a fire pit.
The amenities include a pool, hot tub, and a historic barn that has been converted into a movie and game room.
I thought that the rates were reasonable for what you get. There are only a small number of units so be sure to make your reservation in advance before they get booked up!
For more details, click the link for our full review.
Quail Park Lodge
The Quail Park Lodge is a retro-chic boutique motel that is darling and affordable!
The original roadside motel was built in the 1960s but was extensively renovated in 2011. The professionally decorated rooms are so cute, clean, and comfortable!
The seasonal pool is small, but it’s a fun way to unwind with the kids on a summer day. We also love the location right in the heart of town near restaurants and shops.
The standard rooms sleep 2, but they have suites that sleep up to 4 which are great for families.
We thought the rooms were reasonably priced, check-in was easy, and the communication was great. We would definitely stay here again!
Red Canyon Cabins
If you are on a budget and looking for an inexpensive place to stay, Red Canyon Cabins offers the best value.
These cute little cabins are reasonably priced, although rates increase on the weekends and holidays.
Don’t expect all the frills and fancy amenities, but the cabins are clean and comfortable and provide all the basic needs.
A Few More Places to Stay in Kanab:
Kanab has a collection of chain hotels, but if you’re looking for more unique places to stay, here are a few more recommendations:
- Canyons Collection: stay in the elegant Canyons Boutique Hotel, rustic Canyons Lodge, cozy Grand Circle B&B, or contemporary Flagstone Boutique Inn & Suites.
- Parry Lodge: Stay in a charming historic 1940s colonial-style motor lodge at Parry Lodge.
- Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile: If you’re traveling with your furry family members, be sure to check out Best Friends Roadhouse, a pet-friendly hotel in conjunction with the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
- Aiken’s Lodge: Aiken’s Lodge is a retro roadside motel that is cute, clean, and affordable.
- Big Springs Cabins: The rustic Big Springs Cabins are located within the Kiabab National Forest.
- Basecamp 37 Degrees: Try glamping under the stars in these luxury safari-style tents at Basecamp 37 Degrees.
Best Places to Eat in Kanab
- Peekaboo Canyon Wood Fired Kitchen: Enjoy savory wood-fired pizza on the outdoor patio.
- Brown Box: The best gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup! For dessert, order one of their custom kanookies (the Kanab version of a pizookie).
- Kanab Drug and Soda Fountain: Grab a sandwich and milkshake from this 1916 drug store.
- Rocking V Cafe: Hearty home-cooked dishes, try the meatloaf and homemade bread pudding!
- Sunny Creek Cafe: This permanent food truck serves some of the best coffee in town. Try their egg and avocado croissant breakfast sandwich and strawberry banana smoothie!
- Iron Horse Restaurant and Saloon: Fun atmosphere and the best mesquite-smoked BBQ!
- Sego: Amazing tapas-style restaurant with mouthwatering small plates to share. Located in the charming Canyons Hotel.
Best Things to Do in Kanab with Kids
Hike along Kanab Creek
The Kanab Creek water hike wades through a shallow slot canyon and is the perfect hike for a summer day!
It is located near the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and is easy to combine in the same trip.
You’ll need to drive for about 1 1/2 miles on a dirt road until you reach the small parking area, but it is well-maintained and doesn’t require a high-clearance vehicle.
We found a small sandy area above the creek which was the perfect spot to have a little picnic before the kids splashed in the water!
Visit the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary spreads over 20,000 acres and is the largest sanctuary for homeless animals in the US.
Visiting the sanctuary is a unique and memorable experience. They openly welcome visitors to take a free guided tour or volunteer to help care for the animals.
Your family can even sign up to take a dog out on a field trip for the day to hike and play.
Stop by the Angel Village Cafe where you can enjoy a $5 vegetarian buffet with spectacular views over Angel Canyon.
Explore the expansive grounds where you can walk the Angels Overlook Trail, have a picnic on the grass at the rock amphitheater, and see the Disney Barn that was once part of a movie set.
Take an ATV Tour to the Peekaboo Slot Canyon
This stunning sandstone slot canyon can only be accessed by 4WD. The trail is open to the public and can be found off Hwy 89 between mile markers 72 and 73.
However, the sand on the trail is deep at parts so only attempt it if you have the proper vehicle and experience driving in sand.
An ATV tour is highly recommended. We booked an ATV tour with the Kanab Tour Company and had such a great experience.
The slot canyon rivals in beauty to Page’s Antelope Canyon with swirls of pink sandstone and sun rays filtering through the roof.
Not only did we get to explore the slot canyon on the tour, but we also had the chance to try sandboarding, visit Indian ruins and petroglyphs, discover the Hidden Lake, and visit the Angel’s Resting Place pet cemetery.
You can also book a combo tour that will take you to the Peek-a-Boo slot canyon and the Great Chamber. See our guide 14 Amazing Things to Do in Kanab for more details.
Play at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
My boys had the best time playing on the sand dunes at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. They spent hours climbing, running, jumping, digging, and sliding down the dunes.
We brought boogie boards to slide down, but sand boards are available for rent at the visitor center. Saucer sleds also work great.
For more information about visiting these dunes, check out our guide The Ultimate Kanab, UT Bucket List.
Explore the Sand Cave
This unique man-made sand cave is easily accessible just off of Hwy 89. A short scramble up the sandstone mountain will lead to these caves that were once used to mine sand to make glass.
The large openings allow light to fill the cave, making for beautiful photos. Your kids will also like exploring back into the cave with a flashlight and playing in the deep sand.
Be sure to stop at the Moqui Cave museum just up the road from the cave. This museum and gift shop are housed in a cave within the mountain.
See Old Movie Sets at the Little Hollywood Museum
Over the years, Kanab has been a Hollywood hotspot for Western films. We loved stopping by the Little Hollywood Museum to see some of the old movie sets and memorabilia.
This outdoor museum is free to visit and is a great way to spend an hour or two exploring around. They also have a gift shop and a restaurant that serves mouthwatering BBQ!
Tour the Heritage House Museum
Stop by the Heritage House Museum and take a free tour of this beautiful 18th-century Victorian-style home.
This is one of Kanab’s oldest and finest homes. On the tour, you’ll learn some interesting stories about the families who once lived here.
The museum is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm, except it is closed on Thursdays. Check the calendar for monthly events and activities.
Book a Canyoneering Tour
Kanab is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts!
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of and adventure of Kanab is through a canyoneering tour with All Ways Adventures. They offer tours that are geared for ages 5 and up, so it’s fun for the whole family!
Our guide took us to the lesser-known Huntress Canyon. It was an incredible canyon and we only saw two other people the whole time we were there!
There are several different tours so you can choose one that will cater to your family.
Play at Jacob Hamblin Park
When traveling with kids, it’s nice to have a spot for them to run around and get their energy out. Jacob Hamblin Park is the perfect spot to do just that.
The shaded park offers a playground, splash pad, tennis courts, basketball courts, skate park, and the city pool.
Grab a pizza then relax and enjoy a picnic lunch or dinner while the kids play.
Take a Hike
Kanab is surrounded by countless trails just waiting to be explored. Our favorite hike is the Toadstools Trail about 40 minutes east of Kanab.
The short 1.5-mile round-trip trail leads to a sea of hoodoos and toadstools perfect for climbing and exploring.
Other Hiking Trails in Kanab:
- Tom’s Canyon Loop: This 3.5-mile round trip trail is easily accessible from town and follows along a fairly easy and scenic trail to Tom’s Canyon.
- K Hill Trail: Hike to the letter “K” painted on the mountain on this short 2-mile round trip trail.
- Squaw Trail: This 2.5-mile round trip trail climbs 800 feet up the Vermillion Cliffs through a series of switchbacks. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views and a picnic table to take a rest.
I hope this guide helps you discover the best things to do in Kanab with kids on your next family vacation!
Other posts you may like:
- Three Perfect Days in Southern Utah
- Utah Glamping Adventure at Whispering Pines
- First Time Guide to Lake Powell
Thank you! You had lots of new info I’ve never found about Kanab .
I’m so glad it was helpful, enjoy your trip!