Experience the stunning natural beauty of southern Utah in St. George, a friendly town that lies less than two hours by car from Las Vegas, Nevada. Spend your vacation hiking in the red rocks, exploring underground wonderlands, or cooling off in a local swimming hole. Whether you’re visiting with toddlers or teenagers, you can find a variety of exciting activities for a fun-filled getaway. Browse through many incredible vacation rentals in St. George, and book your stay today. Here are the most prominent family-friendly points of interest in St. George.
1. Hike in Snow Canyon
Start your vacation with a visit to the lovely Snow Canyon State Park, which sits on the outskirts of St. George. Drive the park road, stopping at the many parking areas to explore the beautiful red cliffs. See the names of early pioneers carved into the rocks at the short Pioneer Names trail, and be sure to let your little ones run around on the towering petrified dunes that are scattered throughout the canyon.
2. Explore Lava Tubes
While you’re in Snow Canyon, plan to visit the underground lava tubes. For comfort and safety, wear heavy-duty shoes and outfit each person with a headlamp. Park in the Butterfly Trail lot, and walk down the trail until it connects with the Lava Flow Trail. If you’re visiting with little ones, it’s fun to climb around the opening to each cave; if you have teenagers, head into the caves to navigate climbs and drops under the earth.
3. Watch a Musical
Spend an evening at St. George’s Tuacahn Amphitheatre, a professional venue that produces a series of family-friendly musicals each summer and fall. Arrive early to get snacks and marvel at the spectacular outdoor theater, which nestles into tall red-rock cliffs. Many productions feature special effects, including aerial performances, stage flooding, and live animals. Make sure to sit close to the front for the best views.
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4. Check out Dinosaur Tracks
Bring ancient history to life with a visit to the Red Cliffs National Conservation area. Here, you can explore gentle rock cliffs and see a set of well-preserved dinosaur tracks embedded into the rock. Look for the signs to the Dino Cliffs Trail; the hike is short and easy, so it’s suitable for the whole family. After you touch the tracks, head to the park’s shaded day-use area for a picnic and exploring.
5. Visit the Children’s Museum
Escape the intense Utah summer heat with a visit to the St. George Children’s Museum. Here, kids and adults can explore 10 different rooms, each designed for interactive play. Dress up in costumes and explore the castle, make an original work of art, or get the experience of milking a cow in the farm room.
6. See the Views from the Dixie Sugarloaf
Join the St. George locals in a visit to the town’s most iconic rock formation: the Dixie Sugarloaf. This red rock rises high above the town, and features the word “Dixie” painted in tall letters. Access the area at Pioneer Park and enjoy the views over the city. Kids and adults enjoy climbing the many small red rock formations and hiking the short trails.
7. Go for a Swim
If you’re visiting St. George in the summer or fall, cool off in the reservoir at Sand Hollow State Park. Go for a swim, or simply enjoy exploring the dramatic rocky shoreline. At the Beach at Sand Hollow, you can rent paddleboards and kayaks to get out on the water. The shop also sells snacks and rents ATVs, which are great for exploring the nearby terrain.
8. Check Out a Desert Garden
Immerse yourselves in the desert environment in the Red Hills Desert Garden. Join local families in walking the well-marked paths, stopping to admire beautifully maintained cacti and succulents along the way. A small river creates a peaceful atmosphere, and several small waterfalls keep little ones entertained. The garden is particularly beautiful to visit at sunset or sunrise when the red sand appears to glow in the soft light.
9. Visit Zion National Park
St. George is the gateway to Southern Utah’s spectacular national parks. Get out of town for a day trip to Zion National Park, which lies less than an hour away. Hop on the park bus for an informative tour, and stop off at the kid-friendly Emerald Pools, Weeping Rock, or Riverside Walk trails. If your kids are older and experienced hikers, don’t miss the stunning Angels Landing hike. Afterward, stop at the Zion Lodge and cool off with ice cream cones.
10. Experience Shakespeare
When you’re in the mood to get out of town, head up to nearby Cedar City for an afternoon or evening of Shakespeare at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Catch the free, family-friendly Greenshow on the lawn before the evening plays begin. Then, head for a performance in the outdoor Englestad Shakespeare Theatre, which is built as a replica of the Globe Theatre in London. The festival also puts on musicals and plays throughout the season.
11. Hike Kannarraville Falls
Make the most of your kids’ adventurous spirit with a hike up the Kannarraville Creek Trail. Wear durable, water-resistant shoes for the hike, which crosses the creek multiple times and includes a section of walking in the water in a slot canyon. At the end, your kids can cool off in Kannarraville Falls. This hike is best for older children, but, it’s also accessible for toddlers riding in hiking backpacks.
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