St. George is one of those cities that I could totally picture ourselves living in. The growing city is filled with so many fun things to do and is surrounded by unparalleled beauty.
The mild weather also makes it the perfect family destination any time of year. There are so many awesome things to do in St. George with kids, here are a few of our favorites!
Best Things to Do in St. George With Kids
Table of Contents
- 1. Play in the water at Red Reef Trail
- 2. Climb the Rocks at Pioneer Park
- 3. Visit historical sites downtown
- 4. Play at Thunder Junction Park
- 5. Spend a day outdoors at Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon
- 6. Go hiking at Snow Canyon State Park
- 7. Cool off at Sand Hollow State Park
- 8. Go Skimboarding at the Virgin River Skimboard Park
- 9. Test your skills at Canyon Park
- 10. Discover real Dinosaur Tracks
- Best places to eat in St. George
- Other things to do in St. George with kids:
1. Play in the water at Red Reef Trail
One of the best things to do in St. George with kids is to take advantage of one of the many stunning hiking trails. The Red Reef Trail, also known as the Red Cliffs Trail, is such a fun and gorgeous hike.
The trailhead can be found at the Red Cliffs Recreation Area Campground in Leeds, about 25 minutes northeast of St. George. There is a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle.
The Red Reef trail is an easy hike with little elevation gain. The trail consists mostly of packed dirt and red rock.
This is a popular hike in the spring when the weather warms up and the runoff creates pools and streams to play in.
The full Red Reef Trail is about 6 miles out and back, but most people just hike to the falls and swimming hole that can be found a little less than one mile up the trail.
When there is running water, expect a few water crossings and several opportunities to play and get wet in the water. Kids could easily hike in water shoes and swimsuits.
We visited in the summer hoping to play in the water but unfortunately, by June most of the water had dried up. In the photos below you can see the waterline and where the falls flow.
You’ll find moki steps and a rope located alongside the waterfall that can be used to assist in hiking up the rocks.
If there has been a lot of rainfall it may be too dangerous due to high water levels and a fast current. If you are uncertain, consult a ranger before attempting the hike.
There were still a few small ponds that were teeming with tadpoles that my boys loved trying to catch.
There were a few advantages to visiting in the summer. Since there was no running water, we could freely explore further up the dry creek bed.
The kids also had a great time climbing rocks and finding caves.
Another advantage was that there were no crowds. In the spring the trail is packed, but we only saw two sets of hikers the entire time we were there.
However, it is hot during the summer, and although the trail does offer shaded areas, be sure to bring plenty of water!
2. Climb the Rocks at Pioneer Park
I have to admit that the first time I pulled up to Pioneer Park I was underwhelmed. It didn’t look like there was much to it.
However, after just a few minutes of exploration, we discovered a kid’s wonderland and now it is one of our favorite things to do in St. George with kids! This 52-acre “rustic community park” is located next to Dixie Rock and has so many cool places to explore!
I don’t know about your kids, but my boys could spend ALL day climbing rocks. They immediately fall into an ongoing dialogue that involves hideouts and plotting to escape the enemy.
Pioneer Park is the perfect spot to let their imaginations run wild while exploring the outdoors.
One of their favorite spots is The St George Narrows, or “The Crack”. You can find it only a short distance from the parking lot, no hiking is required.
To get there, you’ll enter the park next to the Red Hills Desert Garden (a free botanic garden that is worth a stop if you have the time).
You’ll follow along a loop road until you come to a dirt parking lot in the back that faces this rock formation.
The crack can be found inside that rock. The small slot canyon looks too narrow to fit all the way through, but it is possible! I didn’t attempt it, but my kids had no problem.
As you continue to the end of the slot canyon, it will climb up until reaching the exit at the top of the rock.
You can also climb around to the left to reach the top of the rock from the outside.
The top of the rock offers spectacular views across the city, it is also one of the best spots to watch the sunset.
If you continue to drive along the loop road, you’ll reach another larger paved parking lot with restrooms, covered picnic pavilions, BBQ grills, and fire rings.
From here you can find access to the “Boy Scout Cave”, an old pioneer homestead built into the rock.
Pack a picnic and set aside a day to explore this fantastic park!
3. Visit historical sites downtown
St. George was settled in 1861 and has a rich pioneer history. Downtown St. George is scattered with historic buildings and museums.
Here are a few recommended places to visit and things to do in St. George’s historic downtown:
Brigham Young Winter Home
Brigham Young was the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when St. George was settled. He helped turn the dry desolate desert into a habitable home.
He later built a winter home in St. George and became one of the first “snowbirds”. Today you can tour his home for free, as well as a collection of other nearby pioneer homes.
The informative tour is led by volunteer missionaries. You’ll get a chance to view what life looked like in the 1800s and learn interesting tidbits of history.
The Jacob Hamblin Home located in Santa Clara is also worth a stop.
Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum
The Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, also known as the McQuarrie Memorial Museum, is a great place to learn about the city’s early pioneer history.
Entrance to the museum is free. Here you’ll find displays of pioneer artifacts including clothing, household items, tools, photos, and even personal letters and stories.
The knowledgeable docents are happy to answer questions and share stories. They really help enhance the experience as they share insights into the history behind the artifacts and photos.
Pioneer Courthouse
Across the street from the museum, you’ll find the Pioneer Courthouse.
The historic building served as a courtroom, school room, jailhouse, and a venue for plays and dances, and a multitude of other activities and purposes.
Free tours are offered on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 am – 3pm.
St George Tabernacle
The St. George Tabernacle is referred to as the “jewel of the desert”. This historic meetinghouse can be toured free of charge.
The tabernacle was constructed in 1869 out of locally sourced red sandstone. It served as a place of worship and community gatherings.
Free guided tours are offered where you can learn more about the history of the Tabernacle and the Latter Day Saint pioneers.
St George Temple
The St. George Temple was built by the hands of Latter-Day Saint pioneers and completed in 1877.
It was the first temple built in Utah and the longest-operating temple in the history of the LDS church.
The temple is not open to the public, however, you can tour the beautifully landscaped grounds and learn more about the history at the visitor center.
The visitor center offers hands-on exhibits and informational displays.
St George Children’s Museum
This fantastic interactive play museum is housed in the historic Dixie Academy building.
You’ll find a variety of themed rooms and exhibits that spark imagination and creativity. Entrance is only $5!
St George Art Museum
What once was a sugar beet seed storage facility is now home to a beautiful art museum.
The museum features exhibits from international and local artists, as well as a Family Discovery Center. Entrance is only $3 for 11 yrs+, $1 for kids 3-11 yrs, and free for under 3 yrs.
Thomas Judd’s Store
Judd’s General Store first opened its doors for business in 1911 and is the oldest ongoing business in St. George.
It offered supplies for local cattlemen and sweet treats for the students of the adjacent Woodward School.
Today you’ll still experience a sense of nostalgia as you walk through the frontier facade and find colorful displays of old-fashioned candy and sodas.
They also offer a lunch menu and are known for their breadsticks and cheese sauce.
Town Square Park
This beautiful city park has a fun and innovative water playground. You’ll find a small waterfall feeding into a shallow pond and creek.
Kids can hop across rocks while splashing and playing in the water. The creek is also a great place to race homemade sailboats!
You’ll also find a splash pad, plenty of grass and shaded picnic areas, and a vintage carousel offering rides for only $1.
The public library is also located adjacent to the park in a beautiful historic building.
4. Play at Thunder Junction Park
Thunder Junction Park is one of the most impressive city parks that we’ve ever visited! If you’re looking for things to do in St. George with kids, this is a must.
This prehistoric-themed park boasts several play structures,
a waterfall and splash pad,
an “erupting” volcano that doubles as a shaded picnic pavilion,
and even a train that takes you around the park for only $1! The train goes through tunnels and past dinosaurs at play, it really is remarkable.
What makes this park even better is that through necessary adjustments they have made it an “everybody plays” all abilities park that caters to kids with disabilities as well.
We had a little trouble finding this park using our GPS. You’ll need to turn into the Tonaquint Cemetery to reach the park. Also, there is a large parking lot, but only one entrance into the park. I would recommend parking closest to the entrance.
5. Spend a day outdoors at Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon
Veyo is located about 20 minutes northwest of St. George. I have vivid memories of coming to Veyo Pool and Crawdad Canyon as a kid and have been anxious to bring my boys.
The Veyo pool has been a long-running tradition. Families have been flocking to this pristine spring-fed pool every summer since the 1920s. The small pool is set among the beautiful canyon walls and shaded trees.
It is a simple pool, unlike many public pools decked out with slides and splash pads that you’ll find today.
However, it has a sort of nostalgic vintage vibe that you can’t find anywhere else (although, unfortunately, over the years it has become more commercialized).
The water is clean, cool, and refreshing. It is an all-natural spring-fed pool, but keep in mind that it is not a hot spring. Even in the summer, it was a bit chilly for us Arizonians!
A concession stand and pool toy rentals are also available.
Crawdad Canyon is the big draw and the main reason we came to visit. The small springs that feed into the river create an ideal environment for crawdads to thrive.
Crawdads can be found year-round, however when we visited there was an excessive amount of run-off causing the river to be higher and faster than normal.
As a result, we had no luck catching a single crawdad. The boys were pretty disappointed, but we hope to come back another time under better conditions.
Crawdad kits are available for $10. They include a crawdad catching pole, net, bucket, and hotdog bait. You can also bring your own supplies, which I would recommend doing to save money. Especially with multiple kids.
To access the pool and canyon, you’ll need to purchase a Canyon Access Pass. The cost is $9.50 for 14yrs+, $7.50 for 2-14 yrs, and free for kids under 2 yrs.
Waiver forms can be filled out online prior to your arrival and must be filled out by each child’s legal guardian. Keep that in mind if you are planning to bring friends.
Rock climbing is also offered at an additional cost. RV and Campsites are available for reservation as well.
*Related post: for another underrated place to visit in Southern Utah, check out our guide A Weekend Getaway in Bluff Utah!
6. Go hiking at Snow Canyon State Park
I always thought that the name “Snow Canyon” had some implications to snowy weather. This always seemed odd since clearly it is located in a desert.
However, it made much more sense when I learned that the park is named after two prominent Utah pioneers, Lorenzo and Erastus Snow.
Visiting this beautiful red rock state park is one of the most popular things to do in St. George with kids.
It offers over 38 miles of hiking trails, sand dunes, petroglyphs, slot canyons, and stunning overlooks. Admission to the park is $6 per vehicle.
What we love about Snow Canyon is that you don’t have to venture far to discover really cool places. Our favorite hike is Jenny’s Canyon. The 0.5-mile roundtrip trail leads to a small but impressive slot canyon.
For more details, refer to our guide to Jenny’s Slot Canyon. Please note, the trail is closed annually from March 15- June 1.
Another easy kid-friendly hike is the Pioneer Names Trail. This is not so much a trail as it is just scrambling up rocks.
From the parking lot, you can see an arch over the names of pioneers written in wagon axle grease.
My boys loved scrambling up, but it is steep in places and harder to get down than up, so use caution.
I would also advise not going in the summer. You’ll need to use your hands to climb up and down, and after the sun has been beating down on the red rock it can be too hot to the touch.
Once you get to the top it is pretty cool to see the names and dates of pioneers that have come before.
The view from the top is also pretty impressive.
A few more recommended trails in Snow Canyon State Park:
- Petrified Dunes: This 1.2-mile roundtrip trail leads to rolling petrified Navajo sandstone dunes. There are plenty of places to explore of the trail, and is considered to be one of the most photographed places in the park.
- Sand Dunes: Thankfully there is no hiking required to visit the sand dunes. They can be accessed just off the main road. You’ll find two parking lots, a small one closest to the dunes and a larger one just down the road with restrooms. Bring some sand toys for hours of fun!
- Johnson Canyon Trail: This easy 2-mile roundtrip trail leads to the impressive Johnson Canyon Arch, one of the largest arches in the area. Please note, the trail is closed annually from March 15 to October 31.
- Lava flow overlook Trail: This 2.5-mile roundtrip trail traverses through an ancient lava field and leads to the entrance of three different lava tubes/caves that can be explored with a flashlight.
- Snow Canyon Overlook Trail: This 4.8-mile roundtrip trail leads to the best view of Snow Canyon. The trail itself is not too scenic, but the lookout point at the end is worth it.
7. Cool off at Sand Hollow State Park
Sand Hollow State Park is one of Utah’s newest state parks and is located about 15 minutes east of St. George near Hurricane.
Here you’ll find the intoxicating combination of clear blue water and red sandstone cliffs.
This reservoir is a popular spot to cool off on hot summer days with several places to cliff jump. The best cliffs for jumping can be found past the boat launch on the far north end of the parking lot. Just use extreme caution if you choose to jump.
You’ll also find sand dunes and trails popular for ATVs and mountain biking.
For all of the details about visiting Sand Hollow, be sure to check out our guide 4 Epic Things to Do in St. George This Summer!
8. Go Skimboarding at the Virgin River Skimboard Park
The Virgin River Skimboard Park is perhaps the only place where you can go skimboarding in the desert! This shallow portion of the Virgin River creates the perfect conditions for skimboarding.
It’s a great place for beginners and ramps and obstacles have been installed for more advanced boarders.
There is also a waterfall and shallow pools for kids to play in with plenty of tadpoles and frogs to catch!
Be sure to check out our guide 4 Epic Things to Do in St George for directions and details.
9. Test your skills at Canyon Park
Canyon Park is a fairly new community park that is geared more for older kids. It is so great having a place for older kids to burn off some energy!
The highlights include an American Ninja-style obstacle course. The course has a timer so that you can race your friends or just try to improve your own time.
There is also a timed running lane for competitive races.
You’ll even find a series of slides leading down the hillside that are fun to race down as well.
The park may not pull up on all maps as it is new, but the address is 20 N Red Trail Lane, Washington.
It is located at the mouth of Hellhole Canyon, also known as Kayenta Canyon. Here you’ll find seasonal waterfalls and a 3.4-mile roundtrip trail through the beautiful red rock canyon.
10. Discover real Dinosaur Tracks
Two of the best places to see dinosaur tracks near St. George are at the Dinosaur Discovery Site and the Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site.
The Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm is located on the east side of town. It has the word “farm” in its name, but it is actually an indoor museum built on the discovery site where real fossils have been discovered.
A lake once existed in this spot and you can view 200 million-year-old sandstone fossils of prehistoric fish and plants in the museum, as well as thousands of fossilized dinosaur footprints.
The museum also has life-sized models on display, a working fossil preparation lab, and a children’s exhibit called Dino Park. In Dino park, kids can dig for fossils and play on life-sized dinosaur replicas.
Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for kids 4-16 yrs, 3 and under are free.
You can also book a half-day Archeological Adventure to learn more about the history and see more tracks!
Warner Valley is also a great place to view dinosaur tracks in nature. You can discover over 400 fossilized tracks from three different types of dinosaurs!
From the parking lot, the short 0.2-mile trail leads up over a small hill then down into a dry wash that leads to the dinosaur footprints.
The Warner Valley Dinosaur Tracks is located about 35 minutes southeast of St. George.
Best places to eat in St. George
Of course, if you come to St. George with kids you’ll need some recommended spots for refueling! Here are a few great places to eat in St. George with kids:
- The Crepery: This boutique cafe and coffee shop is a fun and unique place to stop for lunch. They serve the most delicious savory and sweet crepes, you’ll want to try one of each!
- Rigatti’s Wood-fired Pizza: Indulge in handmade pizzas baked to perfection in a wood fire stove. Be sure to save room for their peach cobbler pizza too!
- George’s Corner: This historic restaurant used to be the “Big Hand Cafe” in the 1930s. It sat on this corner with the only traffic light in town and was one of the first buildings in St. George to get air conditioning. Today you’ll find a warm and inviting atmosphere serving up hearty homecooked comfort food.
- Even Stevens: Delicious sandwiches and the menu has a wide variety for even the pickiest eaters. They also have a kid’s area where they can play cornhole.
- Crowshaw’s Gourmet Pies: These homemade pies are out of this world! They offer a variety of both sweet and savory pies so you can come for lunch or just a treat.
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Other things to do in St. George with kids:
- Yant Flat: Yant Flat is also nicknamed “Candy Cliffs”, due to the swirling candy-colored sandstone. The unique landscape looks like you’re walking on another planet! The trail is located about 18 miles northeast of St. George near Leeds. Plan for about a 45-minute drive due to some unpaved roads. The trail starts out at the base of Pine Valley Mountain and follows through the forest for about 1 mile before reaching the sandstone formations. From here you can explore as far as you would like and take as many pictures as you can imagine! If you don’t have a high-clearance vehicle, consider booking a tour.
- Babylon Arch Trail: This trail is located about 20 miles from St. George in the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. The trailhead can be found at the Sand Cove campground. This short 1.5-mile round-trip hike is along a sandy trail and offers spectacular views all along the way. The arch isn’t too large, but the sandhills and climbing rocks make it a fun hike for kids.
- Scout Cave Trail: This 3.5-mile trail is fairly easy and leads to a cool cave offering spectacular views over the St. George Valley.
- Glitter Mountain: “Glitter Mountain” is an Old Gypsum Crystal Mine located about a half-hour from St. George just across the border in Littlefield, Arizona. Visitors can collect the sparkling gypsum but must stay out of the pit and refrain from using any tools to extract the gypsum.
- Silver Reef Ghost Town: This 1800s silver mining boomtown now stands as a deserted ghost town near Leeds. Visit the museum located in the historic Wells Fargo Express Stop building and take a walking tour to view the remains of the once-thriving town. Entrance to the museum is $3 per person or $10 per family. Grafton and Old Irontown are two other ghost towns in the area.
- Washington City Rec Center: Features the largest indoor aquatic center in Southern Utah with slides, a lazy river, and a water playground.
- Gunlock Falls: The Falls at Gunlock State Park can only be seen under certain conditions when the spring snowmelt is high enough that the dam overflows. But when it does, it is a beautiful sight to behold! Even if you aren’t able to see the falls, Gunlock State Park is still a beautiful and serene reservoir perfect for an afternoon picnic.
- The Vortex: Also referred to as “The Bowl”. Located about 15 miles north of Snow Canyon. The 2.3-mile roundtrip trail leads to a massive sunken red rock “bowl”. The trail is rugged and can sometimes be hard to decipher.
- Tuachan Theater: Attending a play at the Tuachan Theater is a one-of-a-kind experience. This scenic outdoor amphitheater is located at the mouth of Padre Canyon. Check Groupon for discounted tickets.
- Zion: And of course you need to make time to visit Zion National Park located less than an hour away. Be sure to discover our favorite Zion hidden gems!
I hope this guide has helped you discover the best things to do in St. George with kids!
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I love that you guys were able to find some tadpoles! My boys would LOVE that too!
It’s such a boy thing!
St George looks like a fantastic place to take the kids. So many things to explore and activities to try. That homestead in the rock is so cool!
It really does have so much to offer, we find something new every time we go!
Love all of the hiking and the landscape in Utah is just amazing.
It really is such a beautiful state!
Hey u,
I think I might know you. LOL
Kris
I am definitely saving this!! SO Beautiful!
Thank you! It’s such a beautiful part of the state!
I loved this list, thank you! I’ve been considering a trip to St. George but my boys are still young (8, 6, 3, and 1) and all of the steep rocks and cliff cause me some (ok a lot of) anxiety. Do you think any of the things from your list would be safe/suitable for younger children? Yours look a bit older than mine.
Hi KaLyn!
I totally get it, travel looks so different when you have younger kids! Snow Canyon and Pioneer Park both have fun places to explore for all ages. I would recommend Jenny’s Canyon it’s a short hike to a small slot canyon. Grab a picnic and let them play in the splash pad at Town Square Park, visit the nearby children’s museum and ride the carousel. Thunder Junction also has such a fun playground for all ages. The Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm would also be a great option. Hope that helps, have a wonderful trip!
This was a fantastic post! I’ve lived in St George 28 years and haven’t heard of a few of these places. Your photography is beautiful and I’m looking forward to taking my grandkids to explore more of St George. Thank you!
Hi Kati, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment that really means a lot! I’m so glad it was helpful and I’m excited for the adventures you’re going to have in St George with your grandkids!