The Area around ZNP is Packed with Kid-Friendly Trails with Breathtaking Zion Views!

After a long work week, if your weekend is looking open and screaming "adventure time!" and "I wanna get away!", consider a weekend trip down South! There are so many wondrous spots to hit, but a can't miss excursion awaits you and your kids in Zion, a family-friendly (dog included) adventure near Zion National Park. 

Zion National Park is kind of a BIG DEAL here in Utah, but for the uninitiated here's a brief overview of what this gem has to offeer. It's a happening place full of beautiful scenery and varying levels of adventures tailored to families of all sizes and adrenaline thresholds! 

Want an inside look at the amazing spots just outside of Zion, where you can take your family and enjoy Zion's breathtaking views, fresh air and majesty? You can save some money by not actually entering the park, and your furry friend is welcome! These hikes are great options for a weekend at Zion, when you need kid and pup-friendly options that will still give you the perfect dose of Zion's atmosphere. 

I have to send a shout out to my good friend and owner of Wild Utah Tours, Shanti Hodges. She is the founder of the well-known company Hike It Baby, which encourages families with young children to get outside and explore nature! Shanti has introduced me to tons of amazing spots as she lives right outside of Zion National Park and is an outdoor enthusiast like myself! If you are visiting Zion, I highly recommend connecting with Shanti. She will help you make the most of your trip and introduce you to hidden spots you don't want to miss! 

There is a lot of land near Zion where you can camp for free! So if camping is your thing, take your gear and make it a camping weekend! I recommend downloading the Dyrt App to find a place to camp. But if you want an Airbnb or camping trailer, Shanti with Wild Utah Tours can help you out there as well!  One area worth exploring that's outside of Zion that's a little lower key but still can be busy, and has super unique views is the Yant Flats Trail. This is a 3.4-mile trail that is family-friendly and has rolling marble-like rocks that will keep kids entertained for hours. All Trails has a great review of this trail and I personally would go back to Yant Flats Trail to explore even without ever going to Zion National Park! 

Near Yanti Flats is Red Reef Trail in the Cottonwood Forest Wilderness. This is a great trail for pups and kids that offers beautiful scenery to get all your Instagram moments captured. Red Reef Trail is short but good entertainment. Another great place to explore even if you don't set foot in Zion National Park. 

These trails will give you plenty to do for the weekend, but if you want another fun option, we recommend going to Snow Canyon State Park! We really enjoyed taking our pup to Scout Cave Trail and exploring the trails in that area. My son is only fifteen months and he was able to walk a lot of the trail. I carried him in my Onya Baby Carrier for part of the trip. But having the option of letting him walk and the trail not being too challenging was perfect! 

Zion National Park has many great trails to explore! But you can enjoy a weekend getaway or even a day adventure just by visiting some of the less talked about areas of Zion. Your photos will still be amazing and no one will ever even know you didn't technically go to Zion National Park! Your kids will enjoy the adventure, and no matter the skill level of the hiker, everyone can get a good experience! Check these gems out and let us know your experience when you do!