Visiting Cedar City with Kids - The 12 best summer activities
Cedar City is the perfect way to cool off from the intense summer heat that engulfs much of Southern Utah. Since Cedar City sits at a higher elevation than the majority of Southern Utah towns, summer temps average in the 90's.
Along with cooler in temperature, Cedar City has a ton of family-friendly activities in town and close to town, making it the perfect summer destination with kids.
Check out my list of 12 things to do with kids on your next trip to Cedar City.
1-THE SOUTHERN UTAH MUSEUM OF ART
I know what you're thinking, an art museum with kids? But yes! The Southern Utah Museum Of Art located on the campus of Southern Utah Univerisity is excellent for kids, and such a wonderful way to get out of the mid-day summer heat. The art is changed out often, and once a month they do a family art day.
We happened upon a family art day this winter, and it was so much fun. Click here to find out when the next family art day is.
2-Shakespearean Festival
Cedar City is world-famous for the Utah Shakesperean Festival that comes to town every summer. Even though the festival isn't for the small kids, only 7 and up allowed, no worries because childcare is provided for the littles. Purchase childcare at the time of ticket booking.
My nine-year-old, Lucy and I went to Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She loved it! It was such a fun mommy-daughter date!
3- Shakespearian Festival Green Show
Held in the courtyard next to the Engelstate theater this free 30-minute Greenshow is fun entertainment for the whole family. The show includes music, dance, juggling, and puppets. My kids loved the show so much, and I loved that it was free......haha!!!
There are snacks available for purchase. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to spread out on the lawn. The performances are held June through early September. Monday through Saturday.
4- Park Discovery
Park Discovery in Cedar City sits above the city and has killer views along with tons of interactive play opportunities for the kids. A rocket, boat, some cars, swings, slides, and climbing walls will keep the littles entertained for hours of play.
5-Frontier Homestead State Park Museum
Frontier Homestead State Park Museum is such a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about early pioneers and the history of Cedar City. With 13 hands-on activities like washing laundry, playing dominoes, panning for gold, and writing using the Deseret (Mormon)alphabet, kids with be having fun and learning at the same time.
Several preserved historic structures are scattered through the park for exploring. These structures are so great for imagining the life of early pioneers.
6 - Ice cream at Bulloch's Drug Store
Bulloch Drug Store, located along the historic downtown area of Cedar City is so much fun and a must-do when visiting Cedar City with kids.
The candy and ice cream shop inside the drug store has a fun old school retro feel. I loved how it had so many favorite candies from my childhood. And when I paid for four ice creams the total was only $5.75!!! I thought I had literally stepped back in time.
7 - Cedar Breaks National Monument
Located just 30 minutes from Cedar City, Cedar Breaks National Monument features a massive amphitheater with stone spires, columns, arches, pinnacles, and intricate canyons. The monument, often referred to as a mini Bryce Canyon, is open from late May to mid-October and the visitor center is open from mid-June to mid-September (weather permitting).
Visitors are encouraged to stop by and check out the Junior Ranger Program or sign up for a ranger-guided hike. There are also educational programs where visitors can learn about geology and history of the monument.
8 - Parowan Gap Petroglyphs
Another great learning opportunity for the kids is a visit to the Parowan Gap Petroglyphs. Located just 20 minutes from Cedar City the petroglyph site is easily accessible and contains some of the most fascinating and visible petroglyphs in Utah.
Make sure to pick up a Parowan Gap brochure at the Cedar City Visitor Center before you head out. The booklet contains a detailed history of the petroglyphs, possible meanings, and things to look for while at the site.
9 - Kolob Canyons
This less busy section of Zion is 30 minutes from Cedar City and the perfect day trip for hiking and sightseeing. My two favorite family-friendly hikes to check out when visiting Kolob Canyons is Taylor Creek Trail and Pinecreek Trail.
Taylor Creek is a 5-mile round trip trail with minimal elevation gain a beautiful little stream to cool off in, 2 amazing historic cabins along the trail and a stunning double arch alcove at the end.
At the end of the scenic Kolob Canyon Road, Timbercreek Overlook Trail is one-mile round trip. This trail is short and easy with minimal elevation gain and stunning views all along the trail.
10 - BRIAN HEAD
Brian Head is not just for winter sports, it is also a premier summer destination. Filled to the brim with activities on the weekends in the summer, Brian Head offers mountain biking, hiking, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, zip lining, archery, and ATV riding. There is a little something for everyone for a full day of family adventure.
Brink your own or rent a bike and Join in for a complimentary mountain bike tour at Brain Head Resort or sign up for mountain bike lessons.
11- Duck Creek Village
Duck Creek Village is a thriving community with shops and restaurants, lodges, inns, cabin rentals, and a campground. Sitting at the edge of a large mountain meadow at an elevation of 8,400 feet Duck Creek Village is a popular summer destination with hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding, ATV riding, and mountain biking.
A great family-friendly hike you don't want to miss when visiting Duck Creek is Cascade Falls. A one mile out and back trail will take you to a 100-foot waterfall fed by Navajo Lake. Along this well-maintained trail you will see several varieties of plant life and incredible views of the Zion/Kolob Terrace.
My favorite alpine lake, located super close to town is Aspen Mirror Lake. It is the perfect spot for hiking, fishing, or watching a beautiful sunset.
12 - NAVAJO LAKE
This stunning alpine lake, centrally located 50 minutes from Cedar City is filled with activities like trout fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Navajo Lake was originally known to the Paiute Indians as “Pa-Cu-Ay”, meaning “Cloud Lake” and was formed when an ancient lava flow dammed the eastern side of the lake valley.
Navajo Lake is a popular camping destination but If camping isn't your thing you can book a cozy cabin just steps from the water at Navajo Lake Lodge. The lodge also offers rentals for pontoon boats, motor boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.
This summer we rented a canoe, kayaks and the pontoon boat at Navajo Lake Lodge and had such an amazing time with the family!
Where to Stay in Cedar City
Cedar City doesn't have a huge selection of interesting lodging choices. They have all the chain hotels but those are boring. We like to stay in a places with character. Something that the kids will love and that will be a part of the memories we make on our trip.
This Airbnb, just 10 minutes north of Cedar City is such a great place to stay with kids. We absolutely loved everything about our stay. The property is on a working farm and has all the amenities you need with all the comforts of home. We cooked, played games, and watched movies in the upstairs theater room. It can even fit up to 14 guests.
If you plan on visiting Cedar City with kids this is the place to stay.
So what do you think? Are you ready to head to Cedar City for some summer fun? I hope I have inspired you to add another Southern Utah town to your bucket list.
Planning to visit Cedar City this winter? Make sure to check out this winter itinerary.........
Happy adventuring,
Arika
