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Family-Friendly Activities Zion: Tubing Near Zion National Park & More

Writer: Lydia SchuldtLydia Schuldt

Visiting Zion National Park in Southern Utah is the perfect vacation for families traveling with children. The red rocks of Utah, towering cliffs and unique rock structures of Zion Canyon are full of easy-access trails and views to leave children and their parents in awe. The heat of Southern Utah can be intense for traveling with kids, so once you’ve explored the national park, tubing in the Virgin River with Zion Tubing is an excellent way to cool off. 


Why Zion Tubing is the Safest Place for a River Float near Zion with Children


tubing near zion national park

Safest Section of the Virgin River

What makes us unique at Zion Tubing is that our section of the Virgin River is the safest stretch of the river in Virgin, making it ideal for families with children ages four and up. Unlike other areas up river and down river from us, this section is calm, making it a perfect location for a lazy river on your Utah family vacation. The natural flow of this section of the river provides peace of mind for parents and is the perfect place to escape the heat in Zion with kids.


Staff Check the Route Daily

Finding a section of the Virgin River that is safe enough to go river tubing in Utah can be hard to find, but luckily, our river oasis near Zion Tubing is very calm and regularly monitored. Safety is our top priority at Zion Tubing and we know that embarking on a self-guided tubing tour can feel intimidating for parents. Every day, our staff thoroughly inspects the route to ensure it’s free of hazards and debris and that the water levels aren’t too high. We keep a close eye on weather and any changes in the river’s flow so families can feel comfortable. We won’t send anyone out tubing if the river conditions are not safe. 


Lifejacket Requirements at Zion Tubing & Comfortable Tubes

To prioritize safety, at Zion Tubing we require life jackets for all children aged 12 and under, which is also a Utah state law. Each tube is designed specifically for just one rider; it is unsafe for parents to hold children while navigating the river. The tubes we provide at Zion Tubing are the most comfortable tubes you will ever come across! They are ideal for a relaxing river float and they come with sturdy handles, making it easy for parents to stay close to their children guiding them safely on this river floating adventure.


Season Float Pass for Families Available

For families that are local to the area or are looking to go tubing with young kids near Las Vegas, St. George or Springdale, purchasing a Season Float Pass makes it easy and more affordable to float the Virgin River multiple times a season. This season pass will give you and your family unlimited access to tube rentals and shuttles with Zion Tubing throughout our entire season that runs from May to early September every year. With the extensive heat in Las Vegas, St. George and other areas of Southern Utah, cooling off and tubing down the river in the summer is a great family-friendly activity near Zion.


Other Activities for Families Besides Tubing Near Zion National Park


what to do in Zion

Stargazing Zion

If you are looking for an evening activity to do with your family, Zion National Park is known for having some of the clearest skies in the country. Book a family-friendly stargazing tour with Stargazing Zion to learn more about the stars in our galaxy and enjoy the dark skies of Utah with your kids.


Junior Ranger Program at Zion National Park

If you want to deep dive into the geography of Zion and the cultural history with your kids, consider the Junior Ranger Program at Zion National Park. Your children can complete a variety of fun and educational activities such as wildlife observations, environmental education and filling out the Junior Ranger Handbook in order to earn their official Junior Ranger Badge. 


Hiking the Riverside Walk

If you’re looking for an easy hike or a place to go swimming near Zion with kids, the Riverside Walk is a family-friendly trail in Zion that is paved and follows the Virgin River for a round-trip trail of a little over 2 miles. This is a perfect place for children to splash in the water along the edge of the flat and accessible trail and see views of the towering canyon walls in the national park. 


Visiting Grafton Ghost Town

Another fun family activity near Zion is visiting the Grafton Ghost Town to learn more about the history of early settlers and explore the preserved buildings. This is a fun place to walk around sight-seeing with kids in a safe environment where kids can explore a spooky and adventurous outing with the family. 


Zion River RV Resort

If you are looking for the best place to camp with your family near Zion, stay at the Zion River Resort RV Park and Campground. This is a top-notch place to stay for families visiting the Utah national parks because of its proximity to Zion and the kid-friendly amenities such as a pool, playground and direct river access. In a vista surrounded by colorful mountains and views of towering cliffs, this is the perfect mix of relaxation and convenience because of its natural beauty and the nearby hikes and family-friendly adventures in Zion.


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If you are looking for more information on planning a family trip to Zion or tubing near Zion National Park on the Virgin River, head to Zion Tubing’s Ultimate Guide to Zion Tubing & Other Adventures near Virgin, Utah.

 
 
 

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