Dee
Zion National Park is one of our absolute favorite family friendly national parks to visit, and it’s also the first national park we took our daughter to at 6 months old. Now, after wrapping up another season working at Lake Powell, we headed back to Zion for another visit with our now 20-month-old girlie.
Stunning red rock scenery, charming shops and restaurants, amazing campground vibes, and family-friendly walks make Zion a great place to visit with your family.
Whether you’re navigating park shuttles, looking for stroller-friendly paths, or just trying to figure out the best way to explore with a baby in a carrier, it is totally doable with the right game plan. In this post, we are sharing 5 best things to do in Zion National Park with babies and toddlers.
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What to Know Before You Go: Zion with Babies & Toddlers
Visiting a massive red-rock canyon with a little one takes a little extra strategy, but it is entirely worth it. Keep these quick logistical tips in mind as you plan your trip:
- Mastering the Shuttle System: During peak season, private vehicles aren’t allowed on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, meaning you will rely on the park’s free shuttle. It runs frequently, but you’ll want to aim for an early morning start to beat the mid-morning lines.
- The Stroller Rule: Yes, strollers are allowed on the park shuttles, but they must be folded up and loaded onto the exterior bike rack at the front of the bus. Because you have to mount them there yourself, a lightweight, easy-to-fold travel stroller is a lifesaver compared to a bulky jogger.
- Stroller vs. Baby Carrier: While paved paths like the Pa’rus Trail and Riverside Walk are wonderfully stroller-friendly, having a structured baby carrier or hiking backpack is a lifesaver for uneven dirt paths or quick side-trails where pushing wheels just isn’t practical.
- Pack Smart for the Desert Sun: Shade can be sparse on many of the valley trails, so pack plenty of water, heavy-duty sunscreen, hats, and extra snacks to keep meltdowns at bay.
- Food Options in the Canyon: Keep in mind that food options inside the main canyon are limited primarily to the Zion Lodge area, so packing a picnic lunch or plenty of grab-and-go snacks for your daypack makes life much easier.
#1. Explore the Pa’rus Trail
If you are looking for an easy way to get some stunning Zion views while bringing a stroller with supplies and your pups, then the Pa’rus Trail is your trail! This popular 3.2-mile trail is a paved path that starts from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and meanders along the Virgin River all the way to Canyon Junction. The path is stroller, wheelchair, and bike-friendly, so you can explore this trail in whichever way suits you best.
There are 5 different bridge crossings over the Virgin River which make for spectacular views for the whole family to enjoy. We took our time looking at all the different plants and the various holes in the dirt where many animals make their home. Best of all, this is the only pet-friendly trail in the national park, making it a must-do if you are traveling with a furry companion.
Because the trail is fully exposed, I wouldn’t recommend tackling this on a scorching summer afternoon. However, if you do find that you need some shade or a break, there are several overhangs with benches and plaques to rest and learn about the landscape. Along the trail, you can also stop by the Zion Nature Center for Junior Ranger activities or pop into the Zion Human History Museum to learn more about the area’s history.
#2. Have a Picnic at Zion National Park Lodge
The Zion National Park Lodge is a great spot to bring a soccer ball, pack a picnic, and spend the afternoon admiring the park’s stunning canyon walls. This has become one of our favorite things to do in the park because it allows the family to experience the beauty of Zion while giving the kids some much-needed space to run around and be outside.
You can easily visit the park lodge via the park’s free shuttle system (Stop #5), or if you happen to book a room at the lodge, you’ll have a parking pass to drive right up. If you didn’t pack a lunch, you can also grab a quick bite or ice cream at the seasonal Castle Dome Café, or sit down for a meal at the Red Rock Grill.
#3. Visit the Animals Behind the Bumbleberry Inn
The Bumbleberry Inn is a fantastic place to stay during your visit to Zion if you are looking for family-friendly accommodations just outside the park gates. It boasts a large gift shop with tons of unique souvenirs, an ice cream parlor which is a big win on a hot summer day, and a prime location for walking to nearby restaurants and cafes in Springdale. My parents stayed here on our first visit and absolutely loved it, especially the great view of the canyon walls from their patio.
But what you might not know is that hidden right behind the inn is a property with tons of farm animals! They have goats, chickens, ducks, and several other animals for kids to see and feed. There is a sign posted on the fence indicating what the goats like to eat and what they shouldn’t have. Our toddler loved seeing all the animals, and they even came right up to the fence looking for treats. It made for a really fun, low-key stop in our day and is definitely something we will continue to do whenever we visit Zion.
Note: The owners kindly ask that you respect their property and do not venture past the animal pens, as it is private property.
#4. Spend the night in Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is one of the best national park campgrounds we’ve stayed in and is a fantastic spot for either RV or tent camping. There is water available throughout the campground, clean restrooms, dishwashing stations, and many electric sites available. Best of all, it’s just a short walk to the visitor center and Zion Canyon Village, where you’ll find the Happy Camper Market stocked with any last-minute supplies you might need.
There are also pay showers available right outside the park in Springdale if you need them, though we haven’t used them ourselves. Staying right inside the park made our days so much easier with a little one, and watching the moon rise over the red rock walls every night while enjoying the peaceful campground ambience was an absolute highlight.
#5. Explore the Town of Springdale
If you’re planning a trip to Zion National Park with young kids, you have to spend some time exploring the town of Springdale. Springdale is the gateway town to Zion, located just steps from the park entrance station. One of our absolute favorite things about Springdale is how walkable and bike-friendly it is; we felt extremely safe walking around even after dark. Plus, there is a free town shuttle that makes multiple stops throughout Springdale, including right at the entrance to Zion National Park.
Grab a cold, refreshing treat from Desert Ice, enjoy a dinner with a view at Thai Sapa, or let the little ones burn off some energy at the playground in Springdale Town Park. You will absolutely love your time here!
Quick Packing Checklist for Zion with Babies & Toddlers
- A Lightweight, Easy-to-Fold Stroller: Essential for the shuttle bike racks and flat paths like the Pa’rus Trail. For our walks along the paved Pa’rus Trail and around town, we used the Mompush Nova Baby Stroller. While it’s a full-sized all-terrain ride rather than a micro-travel stroller, it folds down easily, handles uneven ground smoothly, and features a massive UPF 50+ canopy that offers incredible sun protection.
- Ergonomic Baby Carrier: A game-changer for uneven terrain or shuttle lines where strollers aren’t practical. We personally recommend the Tula Mesh Explore Baby Carrier because it transitions seamlessly from a newborn to a toddler, supports three versatile carrying positions, and features breathable mesh panels with a removable sun hood that folds up compactly in your pack.
- Sun Protection & Cooling Gear: Desert sun and warm temperatures require reliable defense. Pack the family-friendly Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 (available in both lotion and stick formats) for safe, gentle, broad-spectrum coverage. To beat the heat on the stroller rides, attach the Gaiatop Mini Portable Stroller Fan, Small Clip on Fan 3 Speed Rechargeable featuring 3 adjustable speeds and baby-safe narrow gaps.
- Plentiful Snacks & Reusable Water Bottles: High-energy, mess-free snacks are a must to prevent midday meltdowns on the trails or shuttle lines. Staying hydrated in the canyon is also a must. We love using Simple Modern Kids Water Bottle with Straw Lid because their double-walled vacuum insulation keeps water ice-cold for hours, and they come in fun, kid-friendly patterns that make staying hydrated exciting.
- Layers for Changing Temperatures: Canyon mornings can start crisp and cool, but temperatures climb quickly under the desert sun.
Conclusion: Ready for Your Zion Family Adventure
Visiting Zion National Park with a baby or toddler might take a little extra planning—from folding up strollers for the shuttle to keeping everyone shaded and hydrated—but the memories you will make are so worth it. Whether you are splashing along the Pa’rus Trail, feeding goats behind the Bumbleberry Inn, or relaxing under the canyon walls at Watchman Campground, Zion is a magical place to introduce little ones to the great outdoors.
Have you visited Zion with young kids yet? What was your favorite spot, or what questions do you have before your trip? Let me know in the comments below!
Helpful Resources & Planning Links
- Zion National Park Official NPS Website – Check current park alerts, entrance fees, and trail conditions before you go.
- Zion Canyon Shuttle Schedule & Info – Review seasonal timetable changes and shuttle rules for planning your day.
- Zion Lodge Official Website – Explore in-park lodging options, historical info, and seasonal dining menus at Red Rock Grill and Castle Dome Café.
- Bumbleberry Inn – Look into family-friendly rooms, check out the property layout, and plan your stay right outside the park gates.
