St. George Children's Museum
One of the first places you should head with children in tow is the St. George Children’s Museum, officially opened to the public in 2014. You can easily spend an entire day here as your children explore all the interactive exhibits the museum has to offer — dress up like a postman and deliver the mail, go shopping at the grocery store and check out your own food, hop aboard an airplane ready to take flight, or, and this is so cool, head to the bubble room, where you can encase yourself in a big bubble before popping your way out.
The museum is a nonprofit with a mission to welcome all children, and “encourage them to appreciate the power of play and exploration.” In addition to their exhibits, they hold classes year-round, from music and storytime to science and language classes.
Note: Operating hours are subject to change based on time of year. For holiday hours, admission cost, and more information about the museum, please visit the St. George Children's Museum website or call 435-986-4000.
Pioneer Park
For those looking for a little more adventure, try one of the trails in Pioneer Park. You’ll feel the slickrock under hands and feet while taking in the sandstone formations all around. Keep an eye out for birds, mammals and turtles. There are also beautiful views as you hike around the red rock country. Trails in the park range from one-third of a mile to a 2.5-mile loop.
Managed by the city, the park is well-marked with lots of signage, and has well-maintained picnic areas. St. George parks are generally open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., but may vary by season.
The Crack
Also on the must-see list with kids is Pioneer Park’s The Crack, also known as the St. George Narrows and The Red Crack by locals. It’s the ideal place for kids in St. George to get a taste for the wonders and thrills of canyoneering and the natural environment surrounding them. It’s a super short .33-mile hike from the Pioneer Park lot to get to The Crack’s entrance, and it’s extremely kid-friendly; the one-way trail can be completed in less than 30 minutes. The St. George narrows mini-slot canyon is perfectly sized for children to squeeze through, so sorry, you adults may have to step back and let the kiddos have fun with this one.
It’s best to visit this hike spring through fall, and don’t forget to pack a lunch and sunscreen. The Sugarloaf Rock mural is right there as well, which is fun to see up close. Entrance is free and there is a bathroom, drinking fountain and picnic facilities.
GPS Coordinates:
St. George Museum
86 South Main Street, St, George
37.1068364,-113.5860287
Pioneer Park: 37.1151027,-113.5765701
