One of our favorite family vacations in the Spring in Utah is to visit Moab. There is so much to do in this area, and every time we visit, we add more things to this list. We put together all of the family-friendly things to do in Moab. From petroglyphs, to dinosaur tracks, to bird refuges, to museums, to ghost towns, you’ll find it here! Click on the links to find out more about each individual spot.
When is the best time to visit Moab?
So when is the best time to visit Moab is a common question. We think the best time is spring or fall. The weather is more tempered is the main reason for this suggestion. In the summer, the heat gets into the 100s and there is limited shade here, so it feels very hot. We have visited Moab in the winter, and it was fun, too. There were very few people around in January. Spring Break time (early April) can be very crowded, so March and November are probably the best months. But really, any time can be a great time to visit this fun spot in Utah.
THINGS TO DO IN MOAB
Arches National Park
This the reason that many families come to Moab. Plan to spend at least 2 days in the park if you want to visit all of the hikes on our Arches Kid Hikes list. This park is great for young kids.
IN TOWN
Moab DUP Museum
The small DUP museum in Moab has limited hours, but there is an original pioneer cabin with a brush and adobe roof. We enjoyed the pioneer artifacts, too.
Museum of Moab
The Museum of Moab houses objects from the history of Moab including dinosaur times, prehistoric people times, and pioneer times.
Rotary Park
We love playing at this musical playground in Moab. There are lots of different musical instruments, a playground, a creek, and fun bridges.
Mill Creek Waterfall
This easy waterfall hike is another favorite. It is only 1.6 miles roundtrip and mostly flat. There are some creek crossings, so be prepared for wet feet.
Kane Creek Petroglpyhs
Along Kane Creek Road in Moab, you can find several stops for petroglyphs. You can see Moon Flower Canyon and a rock with petroglyphs on all four sides including the famous “birthing scene.”
Matheson Wetlands Preserve
The preserve is located along Kane Creek Road and is home to many birds at the right time of year. To get away from the crowds, check out the boardwalks on the preserve.
La Sal Loop Scenic Drive
This scenic drive begins and ends in Moab. It takes you along the Colorado River and then up through the La Sal Mountains for beautiful views and scenery.
POTASH ROAD AREA
Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracks
There is a quick, steep climb to see these dinosaur tracks, as well as petroglyphs just behind the rocks. Located along Potash Road.
Longbow Arch
If you want to continue beyond the Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracks, there is an arch after a 2.2 mile moderate hike.
Corona Arch
One of the most popular trails, Corona Arch is a beautiful destination hike, and it has Bowtie Arch on this trail, too. One of our personal favorites.
NORTH OF MOAB
Canyonlands National Park
The north end of Canyonlands, called Island in the Sky, is located about 30 minutes north of Moab. We spend about a half day exploring all the hikes. The Needles district of Canyonlands is about 90 minutes to the south if you have an extra day in the Moab area.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Dead Horse Point is a short turn off on the way to Canyonlands: Island is the Sky. This state park has a few great vistas, a small visitors center, hiking, and a Junior Ranger program.
Sego Ghost Town
The town of Sego existed from 1910-1955. Located just 3 miles off I-70, you can easily stop and see some old coal town ruins on your way to Moab.. There are several mostly intact shacks and a huge company store.
Sego Canyon Petroglyphs
There are both painted and etched rock art panels located in Sego Canyon. Some beautiful examples of prehistoric work takes you just a few miles out of your way on your trip south to Moab.
Copper Ridge Dinosaur Track
Copper Ridge dinosaur tracks has three different kinds of dinosaur tracks. They are all well preserved in the mud. The hike is short, and the track is two miles off the main highway.
Mill Canyon Dinosaur Interpretive Trail
This short trail takes you past many dinosaur fossils embedded in the rock. Interpretive signs help you understand the fossils and their history.
SOUTH OF MOAB
Wilson Arch
Just south of Moab (about 25 minutes) is Wilson Arch. This arch is large and an easy climb. Just pull over on the side of the road and run to the top.
Canyonlands National Park: Needles
This part of Canyonlands is about 90 minutes south, but it makes for a great day trip from Moab. There are lots of short kid hikes and you see a different part of Canyonlands.
Newspaper Rock
This stop is along the way to Canyonlands, but it is a super interesting petroglyphs panel to check out.
We love this part of Utah! There are so many things to do in Moab, especially for families. There are guided tours and other recommendations on this link. If you are looking for more to do around Moab, then you will want to check out the Monticello area and Blanding area. Both of these spots are access points to a lot of great adventures.
Mill Creek. Kids love it! You can spend the whole day playing in the water and buttsliding down sandstone waterslides
the closest bathrooms are over 2 miles away, it’s a great place to play and pee out doors. Everyone else does. Enjoy your buttslide.
Thanks for posting this. Good stuff for people with kids. I reposted a link to here from the Discover Moab facebook page.