When you search images of Lake Atitlan you will find photos of a large, picturesque lake surrounded by volcanoes in the highlands of Guatemala. There is a reason why so many people retire or move here–it’s peaceful, culturally rich, and offers stunning landscapes and nature. We’ve come up with 8 family outdoor activities in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala that will keep you entertained and leave a lasting impression on you.

We spent a little over two weeks there, and never got bored. As a family who craves epic outdoor experiences, we were not disappointed to learn that this lake offers it all. From hiking volcanoes, to mountain biking and rock climbing, to paddleboarding and kayaking, and even paragliding, we’ve come up with the top 8 family-friendly outdoor activities to do around Lake Atitlan. And the good news is most of them are budget conscious too!

1. Go paddleboarding

You may know that paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports across the world. And for good reason, it’s incredibly easy to learn, good exercise (it works the entire body!), and a great way to travel over a body of water whether that be a lake, river, or even ocean. Plus, it’s FUN!

When we searched paddleboarding on Lake Atitlan, there were a few options, but when we stumbled on SUP Atitlan and met Marshall (the owner), we knew we made the right choice. Marshall has run this company for a few years now out of Santa Cruz La Laguna (our favorite town around Lake Atitlan!) and goes above and beyond to ensure his guests are well taken care of, SAFE, and most importantly, have a memorable time.

First off, Marshall always checks the weather conditions to make sure that you go on a day where the weather is nice, but also the water is calm. It is often choppy in the afternoons/evenings on Lake Atitlan, so going first thing in the morning is usually best. After we arrived to Santa Cruz (where you start), we were equipped with our own paddleboards (if you have kids with you, you can double up), life preservers and dry bags for our things (like sunscreen and camera equipment).

Then we hit the water and made our way to a hidden spot where we could jump off rocks! We couldn’t get over how calm and peaceful it was on the lake as we paddled–we were practically the only ones out on the water!

After a couple of hours of paddling and jumping off rocks, we made our way to the quaint village of San Marcos La Laguna where we ate lunch and walked around the town for a bit. San Marcos is well known for it’s yoga-loving, vegan, bohemian vibe that attracts backpackers and travelers looking for an eco-conscious escape.

We had a yummy lunch at Moonfish Cafe, a local fave and relatively economical compared to others you may find here. Once we finished lunch, we made our way back to Santa Cruz via boat ferry (otherwise known as a lancha) since the wind had picked up by then and we would’ve been paddling in a headwind.

Out of all the things we did here, paddleboarding with SUP Atitlan was by far our favorite outdoor activity while staying in Lake Atitlan! To top off the experience, Marshall gave us some photos he had taken of us as part of the excursion as well. We also love that he can customize the tour based on your group’s needs and desires, while keeping the group size small. You simply can’t miss this tour if you come to Lake Atitlan!

2. Explore Reserva Natural Atitlan

Located just outside of the bustling town of Panajachel on the northeast side of Lake Atitlan, is Reserva Natural Atitlan, a nature reserve that offers something for everyone here. Here you can zipline, hike the various trails, visit the butterfly Geodome, walk across the hanging bridges, and witness wildlife such as coatis and monkeys.

We spent almost an entire day here and absolutely loved it. We came during the dry season so the waterfalls were dried up, but it was still gorgeous and relatively green and lush. The kids loved the wildlife especially–the coatis are quite friendly and will often come up to you and if you look carefully, you will see spider monkeys hanging in the trees. The butterfly preserve is a must-visit too, as it is filled with thousands of different species of beautiful butterflies.

We also loved hiking the easy trails here and were quite surprised by the variety of terrain. On one trail you feel like you’re in the jungle as you cross hanging bridges, and on another, you’re treated with more “pine” forests and scenic overlooks of the lake. There is also a trail that goes down to the beach on the lake and if it’s not too choppy, you can go for a swim!

Reserva Natural Atitlan makes for the perfect family outdoor activity in Lake Atitlan, suited for all ages!

3. Watch the sunrise on the lake

This activity will be the cheapest, but you can’t miss a sunrise on Lake Atitlan. The sunsets are quite spectacular as well, but often the water is choppy in the evenings. If you’re staying on the northeast side of the lake, such as Panajachel, you will have one of the best vantage points for amazing sunsets. For sunrises, Santa Cruz La Laguna is ideal.

We took a private lancha (public lancha boats don’t typically leave until 7 or 8 in the morning, however you can hire one to take you across the lake at any time for a little bigger fee) over to a dock near Santa Cruz. Just ask your lancha driver to stop at any of the public docks along the lakeside!

4. Hike El Pico de Cielo

When we searched for trails that offered panoramic views of Lake Atitlan, there were a few that came up, however we wanted a hike that was close to where we were staying in Panajachel and El Pico de Cielo fit the bill. You start in the town of Santa Cruz and then make your way through the village before ascending on the trail.

One thing to keep in mind is that most trails that offer views around the lake are going to be a bit of a climb (it is surrounded by volcanoes after all!), so be prepared for a little thigh burn! However, this hike is entirely do-able with kids that have experience hiking. The total elevation gain is around 1500 feet and the mileage is about 5 miles round trip from the town up to the “peak”. Once you start gaining elevation on the trail, you will start seeing some remarkable views and they only get better as you go higher!

One thing to note about hiking in Guatemala, you should always try to go with a guide! This is mostly for safety reasons as there are some known trails where bandits like to hang out and rob tourists, but also, a lot of trails (such as this one) aren’t well marked!

There are only a few companies such as Pedro’s Tours in Atitlan that take people up El Pico de Cielo, however you can also ask around and find a local to take you for much cheaper (which is what we did). It is well worth the effort!

Side note: Another great hike to do in the same area that might be a little easier on kids is the trail from Santa Cruz to Jaibalito. This trail takes you along the side of the mountain along the lake to the quaint village of Jaibalito with less elevation gain than El Pico de Cielo. Either way, both of these hikes are great outdoor activities in Lake Atitlan!

5. Go mountain biking

This is the one activity we really wanted to do, but didn’t get a chance to because we ran out of time. Lake Atitlan has some awesome mountain bike trails, so whether you want mostly downhill or a variety of terrain and difficulty, you can easily find a day tour that can accommodate your family and/or needs.

We would recommend going with Old Town Outfitters who offer some great tour options all over the lake. They even have one that combines biking and paddling if you want to mix it up. A great outdoor activity in Lake Atitlan that the whole family will be talking about for a long time!

6. Kayak

Kayaking is another awesome family outdoor activity to experience in Lake Atitlan, but like paddleboarding, we would recommend going in the morning when the lake is calmer. We chose to go with Kayak Guatemala, who operates out of Santa Cruz La Laguna. We spent a couple of blissful hours kayaking along the lakeshore and stopping at Jaibalito on our way back where we jumped off the dock and swam with the local kids.

Our guide was amazing and taught us a lot about the local villages (being a local himself!) surrounding the lake, but the real highlight was interacting with the children who live in Jaibalito and visit the dock everyday to swim! They loved climbing in the kayaks with us, and showing off their jumping skills off the dock! A true highlight for us on this tour.

Another thing worth mentioning about Kayak Guatemala is how the company started. Twenty years ago the owners started a non-profit called Amigos de Santa Cruz in which they provide support for education and economic empowerment to 7 indigenous villages around Lake Atitlan. They do this through various educational programs in the local schools to support higher education, build fair economies, teach employment skills and empower women entrepreneurs.

It was so cool to hear some of the success stories that have come from Amigo’s efforts and how it has helped the communities here and we love supporting companies that are doing good in their communities. It was really neat to hear the backstory of this company and how important it is to them to build sustainable tourism in Guatemala, particularly around this lake.

Kayak Guatemala not only offers kayaking tours, but also provides kayaks for rent, along with other various activities such as rock climbing, hiking and other family-friendly excursions.

7. Try paragliding

We didn’t go paragliding while in Lake Atitlan, but we definitely wish we would have! What an epic experience to witness this lake from above while floating across the sky! Roger’s Tours and Real World Paragliding both offer tandem paragliding trips, and if you have a group of at least 4, we’ve heard that often they will give you a good discount!

8. Hike Volcano San Pedro

If you only have time for one hike while staying in Lake Atitlan, Volcano San Pedro should be top of your list. This volcano sits above the town of San Pedro La Laguna, located on the southwest side of the lake.

The best way to hike this volcano is to start early. For one, you will beat the heat, but also, you will experience less people on the trail if you start first thing in the morning (no later than 7AM!). This hike also has quite the elevation gain, so it’s best suited for kids who are experienced hikers or perhaps a little older. The trail climbs about 4,000 feet and is 5 miles round trip, so you do the math–that’s a lot of climbing!

It’s worth the effort though because you can experience some of the best views of the lake and also get to say that you did it! There is also a swing that is perfect for kids. Just like many other hikes around the lake, you will need a guide to hike San Pedro, but can hire a local one for cheap when you get there. San Pedro is an outdoor activity you will never forget in Lake Atitlan!

Bonus: Visit Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango, is worth mentioning here, even if it isn’t considered an “outdoor adventure” as the others on this list are. But is an experience you should definitely add to your list while visiting Lake Atitlan.

Chichicastango, otherwise known as “Chichi” to the people here, is a Mayan village located about 90 minutes away from Lake Atitlan tucked in the beautiful highlands of Guatemala. This vibrant village is made up of indigenous Mayans (something like 98% of the population) and their history and culture is truly fascinating with customs dating back centuries!

This church was built in 1540 over a Mayan temple (the steps in front of it are from that old temple). It is here where you can observe Catholic-Mayan rituals both inside and out. There are always people praying, swinging incense and chanting. We also visited their special ceremonial hill where they come to make offerings. And of course, the market was a feast for all the senses—from spices and traditional Mayan foods to colorful textiles and other handicraft everywhere you look.

The market at Chichi is only on Sundays and Thursdays and there are several companies in the towns around the lake that offer shuttle service (or even tours) to the village. It is truly an incredible cultural experience!

A Few More Important Notes

A few extra things to include in this guide. First of all, where should you stay? While all the major villages along the lake offer accommodations from hostels, hotels to Airbnb‘s (which is what we did) for ALL budgets, it depends on what you want in a town. If you book a hotel, make sure to book through Booking.com for the best rates!

If you like more of that hippie vibe, definitely consider staying in San Marcos or even San Pedro. If you enjoy a good nightlife, San Pedro might also be your spot. And if you want a bigger town with variety and access to more places, Panajachel is your best bet. Lastly, if you want to get away from it all, stay in Santa Cruz or even Jaibalito.

What time of year to visit? Any time is good as the temperature hovers about the same all year, however June-August is their wettest season. We heard from a few expats that live here that October and November is the best time of year to come because you beat the busy season, but you also get to enjoy lush greenery leftover from the wet season, while also enjoying good weather.

How long to spend at Lake Atitlan? Give yourself a few days at least, but most likely, be prepared to think that it isn’t enough time! Lake Atitlan has so much to offer both outdoors-wise and culturally, so if you can stay a week, that would be ideal! You can also combine with a trip to Semuc Champey, one of the most beautiful places in Guatemala, so make sure to check out 3 Days of Adventure in Semuc Champey.

We would also recommend spending a few days in Antigua, Guatemala (3 hours from Lake Atitlan) and Hiking Volcano Acatenango. One of the most epic experiences we’ve ever had!

For a family who has done our fair share of “epic” hikes in our lifetime, we had high expectations for Acatenango, a dormant volcano in Guatemala that sits 14,000 feet high (or 4,200 meters). People had warned us that this trek was difficult for most adults, let alone kids, but that it was worth it. Since we like a challenge, we figured we needed to go for it and prove that hiking Volcano Acatenango with kids is not only do-able, but an experience that is unforgettable for the whole family.

What makes hiking Acatenango so epic? Well for starters, if you time it just right, you might get lucky and see one of the most beautiful sunsets (or sunrises) of your life on the summit. But the real reward and reason why people make this trek? To witness the neighboring volcano, Fuego, erupt in close proximity to you as you stand at the top of Acatenango.

It will take your breath away, and maybe even bring you to tears when you realize not only the feat you just accomplished, but how this experience of seeing such an active volcano in its rawest and most volatile form truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

There are truly no words to describe it.

So, how does one make this epic trek? With kids even, I might add? We’ve got you covered here with everything you need to know and prepare for if you decide to brave the trek to Acactenango.

How to Get There

First of all, you need to know how to get to Acatenango. The best way to get there is to fly to Guatemala City, which has some direct flights from certain cities in the States (if you’re coming from the U.S.) or often, a layover such as Houston, like it was for us. From Guatemala City, we recommend staying in the colonial and picturesque town of Antigua, which is also a UNESCO world-heritage site.

We absolutely loved Antigua! In fact, we spent 6 weeks there and it was fantastic. Lots of outdoor recreation, plenty of great cultural opportunities, and excellent food. Another reason why Antigua is a great base, is you are surrounded by volcanoes here such as Volcano Agua, Pacaya (a great day trip hike we would also highly recommend!), Acatenango and of course, Fuego.

There are plenty of hotel options in Antigua, and we like use Booking.com because we always find the lowest prices on hotels. But if you’re like us, you might consider staying in an Airbnb. From Antigua, it’s about a 45-60 min drive to the base of Acatenango where you will start your hike.

Preparing for Acatenango

As mentioned earlier, Acatenango is no small feat. It’s not that you’re putting on serious mileage, it’s that you’re climbing steep terrain almost the whole way. In around 6 miles (or 10K, you climb over 5100 feet (or 1500 meters). And don’t forget about the altitude change. The summit sits at just under 14,000 feet, so be prepared for your lungs to burn a little. Or a lot.

If you are in good shape, exercise frequently (especially lots of strength and endurance), you will be fine on this hike. That doesn’t mean it won’t be difficult, just that your preparation doesn’t have to be more than what your regular exercise routine consists of.

But that’s to say that you shouldn’t do more. In fact, if you can, the best way to prepare for Acatenango is do a lot of hiking beforehand–preferably with some elevation gain and if and when possible, some altitude training too.

If you’re not super fit, or exercising regularly, Acatenango will be much more challenging. We saw people quit and turn around, or hire a horse to take them up to base camp. It’s not the worse thing in the world to ride a horse vs hike, but personally, I believe this trek is best experienced when you accomplish this feat with your own two feet.

Now a note on hiking Acatenango with kids. Even though we believe that kids are capable of doing this hike, here is our disclaimer: Leave small children at home (we would probably recommend kids under the age of 8). Unless you have kids who do a lot of backpacking and hiking and are used to high altitude and elevation gain, this will be extremely hard on them. And the last thing you want to do is carry them.

For kids older than 8, try to prepare them physically and mentally too, as you would yourself. Do some harder family hikes together beforehand and try doing it wearing a backpack, since you will be hauling up your own water, food, clothing, etc. Make sure to check out our top tips for hiking with kids.

What to Bring

Now, what to bring with you for this trek? Well, for starters, it depends on if you want to haul all your gear to Guatemala. We chose not to since that’s a lot of gear for a family of 4. The good thing is that several guided companies in Antigua provide you all the gear you need. We’re talking tents, sleeping bags, mats, even warm layers like coats, and gloves and hats (yes, believe it or not, it can be very cold on the summit of Acatenango and also at night at base camp!).

We chose to go with OX Expeditions, because not only do they provide all the gear for you, they also include meals (lunch, dinner and breakfast for the following day) and most importantly, experienced guides who are professionally trained and speak English. They are also super fun!

What to pack for this trek:

• Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes or boots (with good traction!)
• Tent
• Sleeping bag and mat
• Backpack
• Warm layers such as pants, wool socks (and extra socks), down jacket or warm coat, beanie, gloves, t-shirt and thermals for nighttime
• Trekking poles (not required, but helpful)
• Water bottles (we prefer double insulated ones)
• Snacks for the trail

As mentioned earlier, most of the gear you can borrow if you go with a company such as Ox Expeditions, however it’s always a good idea to bring some of your own gear (especially clothing). We would recommend bringing your own mats too, since theirs weren’t great (at least for us adults).

The Hike

As mentioned earlier, the hike itself is very challenging and physically demanding. In fact, we’ve done some pretty tough hikes with our kids such as Havasupai and Half Dome, but this one takes the cake. But it’s also AWESOME and one of the coolest experiences we’ve had as a family.

The trail starts out uphill and pretty much climbs for most of the hike. Our guides with OX Expeditions were great at making sure we weren’t rushed though and could take breaks whenever we needed to (which was necessary for our youngest!). Another thing I will mention about going with Ox, is they keep the groups smaller and they have their own base camp separate from the rest of the tour companies!

It took us about 6 hours to make it from the starting point to base camp (about 6 miles), but that was with plenty of short breaks and also an hour-long lunch break. Once we arrived to base camp, our tents were already set up for us, so all we had to was put our backpacks and gear inside our tent.

After about a two hour break, our guides gave everyone the option of climbing to the summit of Acatenango for the sunset. The final push to the summit is about 1 mile (maybe a little less), but it took us nearly two hours because this part of the hike is the toughest!

Besides the steepness, much of the trail (especially as you get close to the top) is small, loose, volcanic rock which feels like walking up a giant sand dune. You take two steps up and slide back one. It’s frustrating to feel like you aren’t making much progress! The altitude added to the difficulty level too, but ultimately, reaching the summit is rewarding beyond measure!

If you are fortunate like us, you will witness one of the most incredible sunsets above the clouds standing on top of Acatenango at 14,000 feet. It’s definitely one of the most surreal experiences!

After you enjoy the sunset and watch Fuego erupt (which seems to be about every 12-15 min on average), you will make your way back down to basecamp in the dark. This is where the headlamps come in handy! Once you reach basecamp, your guides will have dinner prepared for you and you get to sit around a campfire scarfing down a yummy pasta dish while watching the REAL show–Fuego erupt in the dark!

You will be mesmerized for hours as you watch lava explode from the cone of Fuego. This the reason why you do the overnight hike on Acatenango and not the day hike–so you can witness the lava of Volcano Fuego at NIGHT. During the day, you just see flumes of smoke, but at night, you get to witness nature in its purest form. It’s truly spectacular.

Beware that the eruptions can sometimes be quite loud and unpredictable, and can even occasionally rumble the ground. In fact, while we were sleeping, we were woken up by a very loud “BOOM” that shook the ground pretty intensely below us. (Don’t worry, you are still at a safe distance from Fuego though.)

The next morning, you will eat breakfast and pack up before heading down the trail. There is an option to wake up at 4AM and hike to a ridge on Fuego to get a closer look, but we opted not to as we were pretty exhausted from the hike the day before.

Getting down the trail takes about half the time as getting up, so thankfully, the second day is much easier. When you finish, you will feel exhilarated knowing that you completed such a tough hike, but also got to see something in nature that so few can say they’ve experienced!

If you’re looking for additional outdoor adventures in Guatemala, make sure to check out our blog post on 8 outdoor adventures in Lake Atitlan, as well as our 3 day adventure itinerary in Semuc Champey (both a must if you are traveling to Guatemala)!

St. George, UT located in beautiful Southern Utah is the perfect gateway to explore some of the Southwest’s best desert gems, including one major national park and four state parks all within an hour’s drive or less. It’s also the ideal place to take a family vacation with a plethora of outdoor activities and adventures suited for any age! St. George, Utah is the gateway to outdoor family fun!

This post is sponsored by Visit St. George and Travel Mindset, however all content and opinions are our own.

The view from the top of Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

In our opinion, the best time of year to travel to Southern Utah is Spring and Fall because the temperatures are just right (not too hot, nor too cold) and you’ll enjoy the outdoors without the hordes of tourists that often flock here in the Summer. During the Spring months, you can enjoy the lush green growth on the trees and grasses and in the Fall, the colorful golden hues of the leaves.

Fall color in Zion National Park, Utah

There are plenty of fun family activities and things to do right in St. George, Utah with bike paths, restaurants and shops, and museums, but if you’re like us and crave outdoor adventures in incredibly scenic landscapes, you will love it here.

With places like Zion National Park and four state parks in the surrounding area–Snow Canyon State Park, Sand Hollow State Park and Reservoir, Quail Creek State Park and Gunlock State Park and Reservoir, St. George is a one big giant playground. And if hiking isn’t your thing, there is an adventure for everyone here from biking, zip lining, canyoneering, rock climbing, fishing and more.

Canyoneering is a popular outdoor recreation activity in Southern Utah.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is by far the biggest attraction in the St. George area and for good reason–it’s one of the most uniquely breathtaking and unforgettable national parks in all of the U.S. And the bonus is it sits just an hour outside of St. George, Utah. With hiking trails to fit any fitness level and age, red rock to scamper and climb, slot canyons to explore, and incredible vistas all around, Zion is truly a feast for the eyes.

When you first step foot in Zion, you will most likely wonder how this place is real. From the towering sandstone canyon walls, to the glimmering Virgin River that cuts through the park, to the scenic overlooks, it’s easy to fall in love with Zion.

Hiking up the spine to Angel’s Landing

There are a few famous hikes in Zion that are definitely worth the hype and effort but trust us, you’ll want to get an early start in the day (catch the first shuttle at 7AM!) to beat the crowds depending on the time of year you’re here. These trails are popular for a reason. If you’re in search of epic views, don’t miss Angel’s Landing, but be forewarned–this hike isn’t for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights. We also wouldn’t recommend taking young children on this trail.

Observation Point is our favorite hike for the amazing vista at the top, and Emerald Pools is a great, easier hike for young children. This trail is especially beautiful in the Spring if there is a lot of water runoff, creating gorgeous waterfalls. The Canyon Overlook trail is another easy trail suitable for families with little kids.

If you’re here in the Spring, you might see more than just a trickle of water cascading over the Emerald Pools.

Rated one of the world’s best slot canyon hikes and arguably the most famous trail in all of Zion National Park is The Narrows. The narrow, steep canyon walls that surround you the entire 16 miles as you slosh your way down (or up if you hike from the bottom) the Virgin River will mesmerize you.

If you choose to do this hike from the top down, be aware that permits are required (for overnight camping) and either a shuttle service or another car will be needed in your group. This hike is EPIC in every way though and we definitely recommend adding this hike to your bucket list. It is one trail you will be talking about for a long time.

It’s hard to forget the narrow, tall canyon walls of The Narrows. This hike will undoubtedly become one of your all-time favorite hikes.

Snow Canyon State Park

Known for its unique geological features, Snow Canyon State Park is made up of volcanic cones and layered rock, sand dunes, and red sandstone cliffs. Less than 45 min away from the hub of St. George, Snow Canyon makes for a great day trip with tons of hiking and walking trails, campgrounds, caves to explore, and wildlife viewing.

Some of our favorite trails include Scout Cave, the Lava Tubes, Jenny Canyon, and the Hidden Pinyon trail (all less than 4 miles long). All of these trails are very family-friendly and super fun for kids. If you do the Lava Tubes, make sure to bring headlamps!

Hidden Pinyon Canyon is a scenic hike in Snow Canyon that is perfect for a half day adventure.

There are some awesome sand dunes at Snow Canyon State Park and as long as they aren’t too hot, kids can spend hours upon hours playing in the sand here. There are also equestrian tours if you want to ride horses and lots of great spots to just pull over and have a scenic picnic lunch or dinner. Snow Canyon is not to be missed!

Jenny’s Slot Canyon is a great, easy hike for kids with places to climb the rocks!

Sand Hollow State Park

This desert oasis located just outside of St. George, UT, Sand Hollow State Park rests mostly on BLM land and is one of the most visited (and largest) destinations within the Utah State Park system. In the Summer, Sand Hollow is a refreshing escape from the intense heat providing ample recreational opportunities for boating, swimming, waterskiing, wakeboarding and fishing on its sprawling lake.

If you love to ride ATV’s, Sand Hollow has over 15,000 acres of sand dunes, as well as miles of hiking and equestrian trails too. Camping is popular here as well, so if you are looking to go camping at Sand Hollow during the peak season of Summer, make sure to secure reservations.

Sand Hollow State Park is a welcome escape from the Summer heat just outside St. George, Utah.

Quail Creek State Park and Gunlock State Park

Not nearly as big as Sand Hollow, but equally as refreshing in the Summer months lies Quail Creek State Park. With excellent fishing and camping all year round, this lake is a fisherman’s haven as it is always stocked with rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. In the heat of the Summer, Quail Creek is a paradise for boaters, paddle boarders and swimmers alike.

You can even rent paddle boards right on the lake at Dig Paddlesports or Outdoor Rush in St. George.

Quail Creek Reservoir. Photo courtesy of Joe Newman via Visit St. George.

Lesser known Gunlock State Park is not to be overestimated. Like Sand Hollow and Quail Creek, this awesome state park provides camping, swimming, boating and other water sports.

Other Areas of Interest Near St. George

One of our favorite areas and hidden gems to explore near St. George is the Red Cliffs Recreation Area, just north of St. George in Leeds, UT. It’s the perfect place for a half or full day adventure with kids offering short hiking trails, slot canyons, petroglyphs, swimming holes and rocks to climb. We love the Red Reef trail especially because it combines hiking with swimming (if you choose), and a section of trail that requires holding onto rope. Kids will feel a little like Indiana Jones for the day!

Exploring the Red Reef trail in Red Cliffs Recreation Area

Another great outdoor family activity for kids of all ages is the St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site located at Johnson Farm. This rare site preserves a 200 million year old lake ecosystem that includes dinosaurs, plants, fishes, and other prehistoric animals. In addition to a museum with real-life restorations of animals from the early Jurassic era, there are lots of hands-on activities and a Dino Park where kids can discover dinosaur footprints and bones.

Last but not least is Kanarra Creek Falls, a stunning hike located in Kanarraville, UT about 45 minutes from St. George. This moderate hike takes you up a creek in a beautiful slot canyon up to Kanarraville Falls where there is a wooden ladder. It’s definitely worth going to and a fun day’s adventure!

Kanarraville Falls, one of the most scenic hikes around St. George.

If you’re looking for more outdoor adventures in Southern Utah, make sure to visit Visit St. George for loads more activities to do with kids! And if you really love hiking, we have 10 more epic family-friendly hiking trails not to be missed in the area, most of which are unknown to most tourists, so if you’re looking to get a little off-the-beaten path, these are some good suggestions!