Arches National Park Itinerary With Kids. I’m a momma and I’m from Moab, Utah. My mother worked for years as a park ranger at the National Parks and I grew up rolling around in the dirt in Arches.
These are my favorite hikes that I went on as a kid and I’ve included tips for hiking with kids in Arches National Park.
Considering the drive through the park and a lunch picnic this adds up pretty quickly to a Full Day of Fun in Arches especially if you have toddlers or more than one child with you and I always say more the merrier!
If you are visiting Arches National Park for the day you are probably staying near Moab. I’d recommend visiting in mid to late spring or early fall to avoid crowds and the summer heat which is pretty unbearable. The fee currently is $30 per car for 7 days of entrance into the park.
You don’t have to get an early start but it is best not to head out too late in order to avoid lines on entry to the park. I recommend getting the day started with a good breakfast.
The Visitor Center
I would start your morning at the Visitor Center to learn the history of the region. It is generally open from 8am to 6pm. Once you enter the park you will see the Visitor Center right away. There are some unique sculptures of wildlife that can be encountered while you are in the park visitor center and also exhibits. I’d spend 30 minutes or so looking around and getting a park map.
Arches National Park also has a Junior Ranger program and it is FREE for kids to participate. While at the Visitor Center grab each kid a pencil and a free Junior Ranger Booklet. The kids need to fill in 5 exercises and complete 3 adventures to earn their Junior Park Ranger Badge which you can pick up on your way out of the park at the Visitor Center.
TIP: Be sure to ask the little ones to use the restroom, yes again, before heading into the park.
Remember to be environmentally conscious when hiking in Utah’s National Parks.
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Viewpoint
Once driving into the park from the Visitor Center you start by winding up a rock cliff ledge. The roadway is small but can accommodate two vehicles. The first stop along the route for my itinerary is The Courthouse Towers Viewpoint.
I would skip this trail but the viewpoint is worth seeing. What you can see in the distance is three rock formations close together known as the Three Gossips and also a massive rock in the shape of a sheep which is, not ironically, called Sheep Rock. It can be really fun for kids to find Sheep Rock in the distance. Once you take in the fantastic views hit the road on your way to Balanced Rock which is about 9 miles from the Visitor Center.
Balanced Rock
This is the first hiking trail I’d recommend doing with kids. Even though you can see Balanced Rock from the road it is a short and easy trail and fun to see up close. It is a fun optical illusion for kids to see the huge rock balancing on a smaller base. It is a very popular trail and iconic formation in Arches National Park.
Balanced Rock is 128 feet tall and it won’t always be around as it is predicted that it will eventually collapse. The trail is perfect for kids especially toddlers and babies because it is pretty flat and is only 0.3 miles round trip.
While visiting the park it is important to remember not to step on the crusty soil as it is part of the ecosystem and not to climb on the arches. With that being said there is a lot of fun to be had on the trail.
TIP: There is also a Pit Toilet across the street from the Balanced Rock trailhead.
Lunch
It is probably still a bit early for lunch but that is because you are going to drive and admire the park views on your way to the picnic area.
I recommend driving to the Campground near Skyline Arch to enjoy a lunch picnic. There is only one Campground in the park. The campground has picnic tables and fire pits for day use. If you want to make a small fire for smores you can but be sure to bring a bit of your own firewood because it is not allowed to gather wood.
Once you get to the Arches National Park Campground you will probably be ready to start lunch and there is plenty of terrain for the kids to go exploring. You will want to have packed along a sack lunch or something to make. They do not have food there.
If it is still a bit too early for lunch try stopping at another nearby viewpoint or two.
Sand Dune Arch
This was my favorite arch in Arches National Park as a kid. I loved it because it is hidden within the canyons of sandstone and filled with red soft sand. The short hike is really fun because you get to climb between slot canyons. You also really cannot see the arch until the end of the hike so it does deliver a bit of a wow factor that I really enjoyed as a kid.
Sand Dune Arch is 0.4 miles round trip and takes about 30 minutes to hike however I would factor in an hour or two of play once you reach the arch. You can roll down the sand hill and explore the crevices behind the arch. This is also a great hike for the middle of the day because it’s cool in the canyons and it’s out of reach from the hot sun.
Remember the Park officials do not want you to climb on the actual arch. Help preserve the natural beauty by leaving no trace.
Do You Have More Time?
If you have quite a bit more time consider driving to Double Arch and adding that hike to your afternoon itinerary.
Double Arch is the tallest arch in the park and my parents were actually married there back in the 80’s when that was still allowed. The trail is 0.6 miles and when you hike to this arch you also have a view of some other awe-inspiring arches.
If you only have a little bit more time try stopping at another overlook, like the Fiery Furnace Viewpoint, on the way back to the Visitor Center to collect your Junior Ranger Badge!
Remember the Visitor Center closes at 6pm.
Tips For Hiking With Kids
Rember to bring snacks! The park can be very hot or cold depending on the time of your trip. I’d recommend going when it is warmer and not in the winter but also avoid the middle of summer. Here are some basic things to bring with you but be sure not to overpack either. When you are on the trail remember to bring with you a small bag with water and snacks while hiking.
- Bring snacks for the trail
- Water for the trail and extra stored in the car, at least 2 liters per person
- Sunscreen and do not forget to reapply it
- Hat to block the sun and protect your head from the heat
- Consider long sleeves even if it is hot you can try a light cotton long sleeve for children
- Good closed-toe shoes
- Your picnic lunch
A few things to remember for safety when hiking in the park
- If you get lost stay where you are
- Bring and drink water often on the trail
- Sandstone is slippery and can easily chip away, do not stand on cliff edges
- Flash floods are real so be cautious when it is raining, and do not hike in slot canyons
Have you been to Arches National Park? What was your favorite hike to do with kids?
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