Family Adventure in Moab, Utah

Outdoor adventures

Moab is meant for adventures because of its proximity to many Utah national parks, and you can bring your kids along for the fun. Go canyoneering in Medieval Chamber with Desert Highlights where you can rappel down waterfalls of about 100 feet. It’s quite amazing to go down these huge canyons and end up in flowing water. The hike itself is beautiful; you walk along the stream over rock formations that are quite slippery. Be sure to wear water shoes with rubber soles. 

Continue your water-centric adventure by going paddle boarding, river rafting or kayaking on a half-day trip with mild2wild on the Colorado River. One of the amazing things about river rafting or kayaking is you get a real sense of the geography. You can see petrified trees in rock formations from millions of years ago. The kids can jump into the water from the river, which is always super fun. On some rafting trips, you can see ancient petroglyphs on rock formations. 

If you prefer adrenaline-seeking on land, go rock climbing with Moab Cliffs and Canyons. Another option is a UTV tour on Onion Creek where you will be fully suited up and protected with a helmet. You’ll go over huge rocks and boulders and through streams and a part of the desert. There’s also the choice to go mountain biking either on the bike trails at the famous SlickrockBike Trail, Dead Horse Point State Park or by off-roading.

Hiking

Catch the famous and inspiring Delicate Arch sunrise over red rock at Arches National Park, north of Moab, before the hiking trails get very crowded – the early bird gets the worm. As you watch the sunrise, it’s hard to not reflect on how insignificant we are as the world continues turning round and round. There are few other sunrises that are better than the ones in Moab. It’s worth spending the full day there to explore all the different hikes, and you can get a map at the visitor center.

If you have a four-by-four in Arches, head over to Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail, a 1.8 mile family-friendly hike, to go hunting for dinosaur tracks, bones and fossils after sunrise.

Because Moab is a huge archaeological site, there is a dinosaur park, called Moab Giants, dedicated to educating visitors on the Mesozoic Era. The life-size dinosaur sculptures transport you to imagining a world where they are still in existence.

Finally, before you head back to the hotel for the night, go stargazing at either Arches National Park or Canyonlands National Park where there’s little light pollution to get the clearest sky.

Shopping

Pick up natural souvenirs at the Moab Rock Shop in downtown Moab on the edge of town. They have bins and bins of different types of rocks, fossils and teeth. 

Pick up locally created items at Moab Made or something exciting to read at the darling Back of Beyond book shop — all conveniently located on Main Street.

Breakfast

Snake Oil Coffee Company: A food truck coffee shop that opens early and makes delicious coffee. 

Jailhouse Cafe: The quintessential spot for a classic American breakfast in Moab.

Doughbird: Delicious donut place with freshly fried donuts paired with fried chicken.

Dinner

Thai Bella: This Thai restaurant is very famous in Moab – all the locals talk about it. Order the spring rolls and red curry.