St. George with Kids: Best Must-See Destinations and Hidden Gems

Let’s start at the St. George Children’s Museum! This interactive wonderland is designed to ignite curiosity and creativity in kids of all ages. From building blocks to science experiments, each exhibit is hands-on and encourages learning through play. 

We love taking Ollie there when we are in St. George and just letting him play and learn. He can be an engineer and construct towering structures, a musician creating the next hit song, an actor on stage, an airline pilot, and so much more! Each room in this two-story play wonderland has a different theme that lets your kids explore and learn! If you go at the right times, you can also have your kids join MusicTime, Storytime, or several other classes and events that the Museum puts on for kids. The St. George Children’s Museum is a haven of fun and learning, making it the perfect place to visit if you are headed to St. George with your kids! 

One of our favorite places to visit when in St. George with kids is the Thunder Junction All Abilities Park! It is a park where kids of all abilities can come together for a day of inclusive fun and excitement. It is definitely geared more towards younger kids 12 and under though, so if you have older kids, they may not like it as much.

The park has fully accessible park features and dinosaur-themed structures, sensory play areas, and a splash pad! Oh, did I mention there was a train as well? Even though the train does cost money, playing in the playground is completely free! The Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is a great way to spend a day (or even just an afternoon) in St. George with kids. I mean, how many times will you be able to let your child climb on a T-Rex fossil, slide down volcano slides, or climb a kid-sized rock wall? With its focus on inclusivity, Thunder Junction All Abilities Park creates a welcoming and joyous environment for children to make new friends and create lasting memories.

While we are in St. George with kids, take a little drive now to Snow Canyon State Park! This state park is a natural wonderland that is truly so pretty! With its huge red cliffs, unique rock formations, and picturesque trails, this park offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The best part is that there are plenty of kid-friendly trails at Snow Canyon State Park. Here’s a list of our favorite trails and how long they are!

• Pioneer Names Trail (0.4 miles)
• Petrified Dunes Trail (1. 2 miles)
• Jenny’s Canyon Trail (0.5 miles)
• Johnsons Canyon Trail – Closed between March 15 to September 14 every year (1.8 miles)
• Whiterocks Amphitheater Trail (0.9 miles)

Hiking with kids, especially with little kids, is a great way to get all of the wiggles out and unleash their inner explorers as they hike through scenic landscapes and discover hidden caves and arches. Any of the trails you choose would also be a great place for a picnic! So don’t forget to pack a picnic and enjoy a family lunch surrounded by breathtaking views. 

Last, but most certainly not least is the Tuacahn Amphitheater! When in St. George with kids, this is a must-see! Prepare to be amazed by not only the world-class entertainment but also the amphitheater itself! This stunning outdoor venue puts on shows from Broadway musicals to concerts, all set against a backdrop of towering red rock cliffs. Watching a show at Tuacahn is unlike anything you can do on this trip and it will for sure leave you in awe after a magical evening under the stars. Tuacahn offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave your kids in awe and inspire their love for the performing arts. Make sure to check the schedule and book your tickets in advance to secure your spot at this must-visit attraction.

If you aren’t able to make it to a show, there are other events they do in the area that are worth a visit!

Here’s another outdoor activity to do in St. George with kids: the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve! This incredible natural reserve offers endless opportunities to explore. Take your kids on a hike through breathtaking red rock canyons, where they can spot desert wildlife and learn about the unique desert ecosystem. You can also cool off in the refreshing waters of the Virgin River, perfect for a family dip and a chance to observe the native fish species. 

The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve is pretty unique and I would even call it a little hidden gem of St George with kids! It’s a great place for some family adventures and for an opportunity to connect with nature.

Alright, another hidden gem in St. George with kids is Gunlock State Park! This park offers a picturesque reservoir surrounded by stunning red rock cliffs. The most unique thing about Gunlock is the waterfalls that occur during the spring runoff. They are beautiful! And also dangerous, so if you are planning a trip there, be careful!

Aside from the waterfalls, there is plenty to do in the reservoir! You can let your kids cool off by swimming in crystal-clear waters or building sandcastles on the sandy beach. Bring some fishing gear and teach them how to cast a line or rent a kayak and paddle around the reservoir for a memorable adventure. With its scenic beauty and water activities, Gunlock State Park is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family outing.

If you’ve been to Gunlock State Park and are itching for another trip back, try Sand Hollow State Park! This reservoir is a dream come true for families seeking a day of sun, sand, and water adventures. With its pristine blue waters and sandy beaches, Sand Hollow State Park is the perfect spot to cool off and have a blast with your little ones. Let your kids build sandcastles, splash in the shallows, and take a dip in the inviting lake. For the more adventurous ones, there are thrilling water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. 

There is also a designated swim area that ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for kids of all ages. It can get busy though, so our favorite thing to do is go around the north side of the lake and find a little beach within the rocks to camp out at! The rocks make little inlets that make small and shallow beaches for young kids. With its wide range of water-based activities, Sand Hollow State Park guarantees endless entertainment and unforgettable memories when in St. George with kids.

Prepare for a wild adventure at the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum! This hidden gem in St. George with kids offers a captivating experience for kids and animal enthusiasts alike. The lifelike exhibits showcase a diverse range of wildlife from around the world. Bring the animals to life for your kids as they come face to face with lions, elephants, bears, and other animals from their books! 

Kids can also participate in hands-on activities and learn about conservation efforts. A visit to the Rosenbruch Wildlife Museum is not only entertaining but also offers a wonderful opportunity to instill a love for nature and wildlife in your little ones.

If you are looking for some more museums while in St. George with kids, I recommend the St George Art Museum! This charming little museum showcases the work of local and regional artists, offering a diverse collection that will inspire creativity and appreciation for the arts. Wander through the exhibits together and engage in conversations about the different styles and techniques. The museum will often host art classes for kids so check their website!

From paintings to sculptures, the St George Art Museum provides a cultural experience that will ignite your children’s imagination and deepen their understanding of artistic expression.

We’ve talked about Tuacahan, but what if you are in the mood for an indoor show? Head over to the St George Musical Theater! Treat your kids to a unique performance, from classic Broadway musicals to family-friendly plays. Watching a play or musical is definitely more for older kids though! But if you have a patient toddler or a family-friendly play, it may be worth it to take young kids to the St. George Musical Theater!

With talented actors, lively music, and colorful costumes, the St. George Musical Theater provides an excellent opportunity for kids to experience the joy of live entertainment and ignite their passion for the performing arts.

If you just can’t get enough of the dinosaurs, then head over to the Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site! This hidden treasure in St. George with kids offers a really cool glimpse into the ancient world of dinosaurs. We loved being able to see real dinosaur tracks embedded in the rocks. With its unique blend of adventure and education, the Warner Valley Dinosaur Track Site is a must-visit destination for families with curious young minds and lovers of dinosaurs.

To get there, you will drive along a dirt path for about 9 miles, but it’s a pretty mild road that most cars can make it through. There is also not much out there except for the dinosaur tracks and some information signs and guides, so make sure you are prepared with water and good walking shoes! And, if you can, go to the bathroom before you head out there.