This past spring, we set off on an adventure to Southern Utah with our baby boy, eager to explore the national parks and soak in the wild, rugged beauty of the West as a family.
We spent time visiting Zion and the Grand Canyon, both breathtaking in their own right—but while they were undeniably stunning, navigating packed shuttles, long lines, and long waits at the parks with our baby was a bit challenging at times.
When in Kanab, we took advantage of the other amazing things to do in this area to make sure we built in some more relaxed, chill, and well-rounded days experiencing the full picture of Kanab, and this time spent away from the parks was one of the top highlights of our entire vacation.
From pink dunes to quirky coffee shops that kids will adore, this little desert town is packed with incredible adventures, jaw-dropping landscapes, and endless opportunities for family fun.
After experiencing it all firsthand, here are the very best things to do in Kanab, Utah, with kids, aside from visiting the national parks:
Kanab With Kids Quick Reference:
Where to Stay in Kanab, Utah, with Kids:
First, one of the best things about Kanab is that the lodging options are just as adventurous as the landscape itself.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, make sure to take advantage of some of the unique opportunities here to get a real, local, unique experience like glamping tents, retro inns, and peaceful riverside retreats.
Note: These Airbnb stays aren’t sponsored or influenced— just our all-time favorites from our time in Kanab. You really can’t go wrong with any of them!
Glamping at Shash Dine EcoRetreat
Shash Dine EcoRetreat is a Native American-owned, off-grid B&B on a working sheep ranch in the Navajo Nation. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s an experience. You’ll glamp in a cozy tent, complete with all the essentials you need for a cozy night under the stars.
One of my favorite parts of staying here was the communal fire pit, where guests could gather, swap stories, and enjoy snacks and s’mores throughout the day. It added such a fun and welcoming atmosphere to the stay.
Also, especially if you’re traveling as a family with a little one, the massive, spotlessly clean, and wonderfully warm shower building is a game-changer. After a long day of hiking, it made refreshing ourselves—and our baby—so much easier.
As a heads-up, the tents don’t have electricity, but with plush beds and thick Pendleton blankets (IYKYN), you’ll be more than perfectly set up to bundle up and enjoy a crisp (but incredibly cozy!) night beneath the desert stars.
The Bus Stop Inn
This lodging option on Airbnb is a more traditional hotel-room style option but is still super cool and packed with personality. Your stay here features access to an old-school VW camper right outside your room, where you can eat meals, relax, or just hang out.
The host of the airbnb, Happy (yes, that’s his actual name), takes the unbeatable vibes here up to the next level. He was truly the best.
After booking, he sent us pages and pages of his own personal local recommendations—enough to fill a week’s vacation. And to top it off, one night he even surprised us with homemade ice cream, delivered right to our room!
If you’re looking for a cozy, chill stay that radiates good vibes, don’t miss this place for sure!
Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch Glamping Suites
Another excellent glamping option is at Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch.
Here you’ll find peaceful, waterfront, riverside canvas suites with decks and fire pits—ideal for roasting marshmallows under the stars.
The setting is serene, with the river flowing right by your tent, making it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring. Plus, if Zion is part of your itinerary, this location is a great home base just a short drive from the park.
Best Things to Do in Kanab, Utah, with Kids: Best Outdoors and Hikes
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park:
Picture a landscape straight out of a sci-fi movie about Mars with vast, rolling dunes in a surreal shade of pink, stretching as far as the eye can see.
This is what you will find during a visit to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. True to its name, the sand here is a mesmerizing pinkish, coral hue, and the entire area feels like an otherworldly playground.
For little ones, simply sitting in the soft, fine sand is a sensory experience like no other—our baby was completely enthralled, happily digging and sifting through it for what could have been hours.
Meanwhile, older kids (and let’s be honest, parents, too) will have a blast renting sandboards or sleds to surf down the dunes. If you have adventurous little ones, or you’re a surfing fan like me, this is an absolute must-do!
Buckskin Gulch Via Wire Pass Hike:
If you’ve never hiked through a slot canyon before, let me just say: this is one of the most magical hikes you’ll ever do.
Buckskin Gulch, one of the top rated slot canyon hikes in the world, takes you into a towering, twisting world of smooth sandstone walls in stunning shades of red, orange, and pink.
This insanely beautiful and immense canyon feels almost fake, like walking into another planet. If you’re even a little artistic or enjoy photography, this is a place you’re going to love to get creative. The canyon walls create the most incredible lighting and crazy angles, making every turn feel like a new adventure.
BUT!—Big but—slot canyons are super dangerous in rainy weather. Flash floods in a slot canyon can happen anytime and are deadly, so always check the forecast before heading out. If there’s any slight chance of rain, save this hike for another trip.
P.S. Remember to bring the canopy for your kid carrier for this hike as the majority of the hike has 0 shade!
Zion Canyon Overlook Trail:
Just outside Zion National Park, the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail offers all the breathtaking scenery of Zion without the stress of crowded shuttles or long entrance lines.
The hike is located right before the Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel East Entrance, and it’s one of the best ways to soak in Zion’s beauty without the extra logistics, making it a perfect choice for families looking for a more relaxed adventure.
Even the drive to the trailhead is a full experience in itself with winding roads that weave through the towering pink and white sandstone cliffs, making you feel like transported to another world.
Once you arrive, the hike is short and sweet, only about a mile round trip, and totally manageable with kids. We carried our baby in our hiking backpack and it was a piece of cake.
The mostly flat trail meanders past arguably some of the best views of Zion, with nonstop views of gorges and peaks of Zion throughout the entire hike (offering tons of perfect photo ops for family photos), before ending with a spectacular overlook of Zion Canyon.
(P.S.. This hiking carrier is my favorite one for women btw; its smaller size fits me so much better than others I’ve tried.)
Best Things to Do in Kanab, Utah, with Kids: Best Cafes, Coffee, Shops, and Animals:
Nomad Cafe:
If you’re into quirky, offbeat spots (btw, if you’re not, maybe this isn’t the blog for you), with great food and an even better vibe, Nomad Cafe is a must-visit.
This place is awesome and like no cafe you’ve been to before I promise. It’s alien-themed and otherworldly, with funky décor and unique art displays that give it an eclectic, laid-back feel and honestly a super welcoming vibe. There are tons of indoor or outdoor seating options and even live music on some days to add even more fun energy to the experience!
But it’s not just about the atmosphere. The coffee drinks are delicious and the pastries are SO TASTY and made fresh daily by the owner.
Finally, if you’re looking to stretch your legs after your treat, there’s a hiking trail right out back that leads to real dinosaur tracks, which your kids will go wild for!
Willow Canyon Outdoor:
Willow Canyon Outdoor is a perfect blend of bookstore, outdoor gear shop, and cafe, and it’s one of those local places that you just can’t skip.
It’s packed with great local finds, outdoor gear, supplies, and a fun and unique book selection with books on adventure, nature, and anything in the wild—many of which I’d never seen or heard of before, but would definitely be interested in reading.
While I was here, I picked up an amazing book about the role of plants in human desire, along with a fun bookmark created by a local artist to go with it.
Also, tucked inside, is a small, but great, café that’ll surprise you with its killer coffee! Even the simple black coffee here was fresh and really tasty, so make sure to grab a coffee of sorts while here if you’re craving a little pick me up.
Angel Village Cafe:
Angel Village Cafe is a hidden gem tucked inside the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, and if you’re looking for a lunch that’s both highly tasty and full of heart, this place is it.
With seating that overlooks a stunning canyon, you can enjoy a peaceful meal while taking in the views—whether you’re inside or outside.
The $5 all-you-can-eat vegan lunch is a steal, and trust me, even if you’re not vegan, you’ll love it. It’s a set menu with a delicious main dish, sides, salad, fruit, and dessert that will have you feeling full and satisfied without missing a thing. The flavors are spot on, you’ll likely even forget it’s all plant-based.
The other highlight here is the opportunity to hang with tons of animals!
After your meal, head to the Welcome Center and Roxy’s Room to meet loving cats, kittens, dogs, and birds. Kids (and adults!) will love giving them some attention and cuddles.
Also, if you want more animal time, you can also book a volunteer shift or guided tour to get up close with the furry (and feathered!) residents. You could really spend an entire day here and it’s the perfect combo of yummy food and heart-melting animal encounters!
