Where to Stay Near Zion with Kids: 17 Kid-Friendly Lodging Options
Heading to southern Utah for a family vacation and wondering where to stay near Zion with kids? Well, the options abound, but I have taken my kids on so many staycations around southern Utah that I can give you all the details on the places the kiddos will absolutely love…and those that will make things easy and comfortable for parents, too.
The 17 Best Spots to Stay Near Zion with Kids
When choosing where to stay near Zion with kids, these are my top 5 kid-friendly lodging options:
Zion Wildflower
Zion Ponderosa
Timber & Tin
Cable Mountain Lodge
Ardella Cottage
And here are 12 more excellent places to stay near Zion with kids:
Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch
Basecamp 37°
Open Sky
The Dwellings
Inn on the Cliff
AutoCamp Zion
Cliffrose Lodge
East Zion Resort
Zion Glamping Adventures
Under Canvas Zion
Zion Lodge
Best Friends Roadhouse
All of these accommodations make great options for where to stay near Zion with kids, so let’s go into the details of what makes each spot awesome for the whole family!
1. Zion Wildflower
I love absolutely everything about Zion WIldflower! With a stellar location, an excellent property layout, and several different lodging options, it is truly the perfect place for families wondering where to stay near Zion with kids.
At Zion Wildflower, you can choose to stay in a glamping tent, a charming bungalow, or even a covered wagon! My kiddos and I stayed in one of the Grand Mesa tents, which had a king bed, a bunk bed, and a pullout couch, so there was plenty of room for the whole family.
But the kids favorite part of staying at Zion Wildflower was the complimentary bikes they could ride around the property…well, that and the amazing swimming pool. You can also use the communal barbecues to grill up dinner, and then play games like cornhole on the lawn. Trust me, the kids will not be bored here!
***One small downside of Zion Wildflower is that they don't have a full kitchen in the tents so you have to plan around that. You have a small fridge and a microwave and enough storage space for some snacks and cereal but that's about is. I do love that they have a communal barbecue area though. The front desk even supplies paper plates and condiments.
Find out more details about my stay with my kiddos at Zion Wildflower here!
LOCATION
Zion Wildflower sits atop a hill in Virgin, UT, providing stunning views of the surrounding mesas. It’s just a 20 minute drive from the Springdale entrance to Zion National Park, and even closer – about 10 mins – from the Kolob Terrace section of Zion.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Pool & hot tub to splash & soak in (BEST POOL)
Yard games for everyone
Fire pits to use in the evening
Complimentary bicycles to borrow
2. Zion Ponderosa
My kids and I come to Zion Ponderosa every year to spend some quality time together while having an absolute blast with all the available activities. The resort is huge, with a wide range of accommodation options to fit your family from vacation homes to cabins to glamping tents and more.
The pool is our favorite place to spend the day at Zion Ponderosa. It’s an amazing two-tiered pool with two water slides and two hot tubs. Beyond the pool, Zion Ponderosa offers kayaking in a pond, a climbing wall, a miniature golf course, a bungee trampoline, and a playground for the littler kids.
And that’s just what’s on the property! You can also book guided adventures to explore more, including a sunset Jeep tour, a horseback ride, an abandoned mine hike, and a slot canyon UTV tour.
Read more about all the things to do with kids at Zion Ponderosa here!
LOCATION
Conveniently located on the east side of Zion National Park, Zion Ponderosa is in a perfect spot where you can easily get to the less crowded east entrance of the park in just 15 minutes.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Access to all the resort facilities, including a pool and hot tub, activity barn, playground, kyaking, and trampoline (BEST ACTIVITIES)
Guided experiences available to book, such as canyoneering & Jeep tours
Wide variety of lodging options from fully furnished homes, cabins, glamping tents, and even a campground.
Complimentary continental breakfast to start the morning fed
3. Timber & Tin Kanab
If you want to make Kanab your home base in Southern Utah (and you should!), Timber & Tin Kanab is a fantastic place to stay with kids. Kanab is my favorite little town in the area, and Timber & Tin is right on Main Street, so it’s easy to walk to great restaurants, cute shops, and the grocery store…older kids can safely head out on their own here.
The Timber & Tin property is also full of plenty of things to entertain the kiddos! The pool is awesome and has a hot tub, too. Plus, there’s a unique old restored barn that has tons of games, a ping-pong table, and a theater room to watch movies.
Find out more about all the fun we had while staying at Timber & Tin Kanab here!
LOCATION
Timber & Tin is located right in the center of Kanab. It’s about 35 mins from the east entrance of Zion, and there are tons of incredible hikes and things to do in Kanab, too.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Great pool & hot tub for kids to play in
Restored barn with games, ping pong, and a theater room
Pavilion and picnic area for eating meals al fresco
Excellent location for walking around town (BEST LOCATION FOR OLDER KIDS)
4. Cable Mountain Lodge
When you’re choosing where to stay near Zion, you seriously can’t get closer than Cable Mountain Lodge! The park entrance is just a 3 min walk from the lodge, so you won’t have to worry about traffic backups (and full parking lots) to get into the park, which is a blessing when you have impatient kiddos.
Cable Mountain Lodge has some lovely amenities as well. The pool is great for cooling down on a hot day, and while the kids splash around, you can appreciate the views of the red rock walls of Zion in the distance. And, believe me, tired parents will appreciate an indulgent experience at The Spa at Cable Mountain Lodge.
LOCATION
Cable Mountain Lodge is literally steps outside the entrance to Zion National Park in Springdale. You truly can’t beat the location for easy access to the park, as well as restaurants and shops.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
The closest hotel you can get to the west entrance of Zion (BEST LOCATION)
Easy access to shops and restaurants in Springdale
Outdoor pool & hot tub with views of the rock formations in the park
Riverside picnic area with grills available for use
5. Ardella Cottage
If you have a big family, Ardella Cottage offers plenty of room for everyone to spread out and have their own space. The historic cottage has been fully renovated with all the modern amenities while keeping its heritage charm. It has four bedrooms and lots of beds, including a cute little indoor tent area with two single beds that the kiddos will totally adore.
The property is designed to be family-friendly, and it shows, with all sorts of fun things for the kids to discover. They can get their energy out by bouncing on the trampoline or playing outdoor games like cornhole and giant Jenga. The gardens on the property are also beautiful and great for wandering and hiding in.
LOCATION
Located in La Verkin, UT, Ardella Cottage is just a 30 minute drive from Zion National Park.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Trampoline to bounce around (and get that energy out!)
Outdoor games like corn hole, and giant Jenga to play
Big fire pit and cooking area to enjoy time outside
Secret gardens to discover & explore
6. Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch
Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch is a magical glamping resort nestled in a private canyon where you can escape the crowds but also conveniently get to both Zion and Bryce National Parks. The luxury canvas cabin has a king bed and two bunk beds for the kids, and smaller families could fit in one of the glamping tents.
The property is extra special because only your family and the other guests have access to explore the trail through the private canyon, featuring ponds, caves, and natural springs. The kiddos will enjoy the yard games and swinging in the hammocks, and you can book a fun tour for the whole family through ROAM Outdoor Adventure Company.
Read more about my experience at Cave Lakes here!
LOCATION
Cave Lakes Canyon Ranch is tucked away in a private canyon near Kanab, UT. It’s about a half an hour from the east entrance to Zion National Park.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Hammocks in the hoodoo caves
Yard games and paddle boarding
Trail access to explore the private canyon with ponds and water springs
Adventure tour company offering horseback riding, UTVing, canyoneering, and a via ferrata
7. Basecamp 37°
Get off the beaten path at BaseCamp37°, which only has 5 tents on the secluded property, so you can spend some unspoiled quality time as a family. Each tent has a king bed, and some have a futon for extra sleeping space. My younger kiddos cuddled in the big bed with me!
Beyond the beautiful views at this desert sanctuary, the highlight for the kids might just be the s’mores supplies that are always stocked in the communal kitchen to use at the fire pit. The two hammocks are also fun for hanging out in.
Find out more about my experience glamping with my kids at Basecamp 37° here!
LOCATION
BaseCamp37° is located 10 minutes from downtown Kanab, in the Chocolate Cliffs of the Grand Staircase. It’s just under an hour from the east entrance of Zion National Park.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Fire pit with s’mores supplies stocked in the kitchen
Each tent has a private porch to relax on & soak in the views
WiFi & solar-powered charging bank to keep electronics charged
Two hammocks and other outdoor seating areas
8. Open Sky
Indulge in 5-star glamping at Open Sky, which features amazing accommodations in their safari tents. These tents (which sleep 2-5 people, depending on the tent) are so luxurious, you really won’t even feel like you’re in a tent. But I would recommend a stay at Open Sky more for families with older kids, since the littlest ones won’t fully appreciate it.
Open Sky offers 5 miles of hiking trails right on the property, so you can go on a little adventure without having to actually go anywhere. And the view of Zion’s West Temple Mountain from just above the property is the most incredible view of this formation I have ever seen! The kiddos especially enjoyed exploring around this area.
Read more about how my kids and I enjoyed our stay at Open Sky here!
LOCATION
Open Sky borders the far west side of Zion National Park in Virgin, UT, so it’s just a half hour drive to the west entrance to the park.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Each tent has a private patio with gas fire pit to enjoy time outside (MOST LUXURIOUS)
WiFi and bluetooth speakers provided for entertainment
Private ensuite bathrooms plus indoor & outdoor showers
Small refrigerator & microwave to keep food in the tent
9. The Dwellings
The Dwellings is a collection of tiny homes sitting on the rim of the Virgin River in a truly spectacular setting. Each of the 13 dwellings has a small kitchen, a private patio, and a cocktail bar in the backyard, so your family will feel right at home.
And the location can’t be beat! The property has its own access point to Confluence Park, which runs along the Virgin River with plenty of spots to play and swim. There’s even a fun area with a sandy beach, picnic benches, a great swimming spot, and a rope swing which the kids absolutely love.
Read about my family's staycation at The Dwellings here!
LOCATION
The Dwellings is located in La Verkin and is just a half hour away from Zion National Park. It’s also just 5 minutes from a Walmart, which is very handy when you’re traveling with kids, trust me!
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Private access point to Confluence Park
Outdoor patio with an awesome view
Fully stocked kitchen
Pack 'n plays available for the little ones
10. Inn on the Cliff
The boutique hotel Inn on the Cliff is a wonderful place to stay in the city of St. George. The modern amenities make for a very comfortable stay, and the kids will definitely appreciate the big flatscreen TV in each room. But the views from the rooftop pool and hot tub will help entice them to get out of the room…seriously, this stunning perspective of St. George is a must-see!
Also, you don’t have to worry about breakfast when staying here, because a box filled with pastries, a yogurt parfait, cheese, and hard-boiled eggs is brought to your room every day. And the Cliffside Restaurant on-site is an excellent option for an upscale dinner.
LOCATION
Inn on the Cliff is located in St. George, UT, about an hour drive from Zion National Park.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Pool & hot tub with a gorgeous perspective on the city below
Free breakfast box delivered to your room every morning....so yummy!
Private balcony in each room
WiFi & a 50-inch flatscreen TV for entertainment
11. AutoCamp Zion
While staying in an Airstream trailer might not sound family friendly, AutoCamp Zion makes it possible with their BaseCamp Suite which features an Airstream and a tent so it sleeps six. The trailer has a private bathroom with a rain shower, and more bathrooms and showers are available in the communal Clubhouse. The property has a community firepit and lounge area, and you’ll also have your own patio with a fire pit so you can hang out as a family.
The kids will love splashing around in the pool, and they can dip their feet in the Virgin River, too, since it runs right through the AutoCamp. The General Store also makes it easy to pick up a quick snack, and The Kitchen offers hot food to grab & go throughout the day, as well as grill kits (with s’mores) if you want to cook over the campfire.
LOCATION
AutoCamp Zion is situated right along the Virgin River in Virgin, UT, only 20 mins from the west entrance to Zion National Park.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Modern clubhouse and a general store to grab groceries
Complimentary mountain bikes to use on the property
Swimming pool (which is heated seasonally)
Adventure tours you can book, from rock climbing to canyoneering to stargazing
12. Cliffrose Lodge
Stay within walking distance of Zion at Cliffrose Lodge, with rooms, suites, and villas options to fit your family. You really can’t beat the convenience of staying right in Springdale when visiting Zion with kids. The riverside pool and hot tub will be a big hit with the kiddos, and the views with a backdrop of Zion will take your breath away.
LOCATION
Cliffrose Lodge is right on the main boulevard in Springdale, just a 10 minute walk from the entrance to Zion.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Pool and hot tub right on the Virgin River
Can walk into Zion and skip the entrance traffic jams
Easy to walk to restaurants and shops
Botanical garden and beautiful grounds to pay and wander around
Small playground
13. East Zion Resort
East Zion Resort is an awesome place to make your home base for a family vacation to visit both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Park, since it’s located right between them. The resort has several lodging options, and one of the treetop cabins was perfect for me and my kiddos.
The big windows and deck offer great views of the red rock cliffs, canyons, and mesas around Orderville. We also loved spending time in the heated pool and hot tubs, and East Zion Resort is adding a new pool and lazy river soon which kids will surely love.
Get all the details about our experience at East Zion Resort here!
LOCATION
Sitting right between Zion and Bryce National Park, East Zion Resort is located in Orderville, UT. It’s about half an hour to get to the east entrance of Zion from the resort.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Easy access to Red Hollow Canyon for a great family-friendly hike
Heated pool and two hot tubs (with a second pool and lazy river opening soon)
Via ferrata experiences available for booking
Small kitchen in each treetop cabin for convenient meals
14. Zion Glamping Adventures
You might not think glamping and a baby go together, but my stay with a 9-month-old at Zion Glamping Adventures proves that it’s not only possible, but amazing! The location is absolutely perfect for a getaway, and the views are simply stunning.
The glamping amenities, including hot showers and pancake breakfasts, were a wonderful convenience when staying with a baby. And the communal outdoor spaces and yard games like cornhole and tetherball are great for older kids.
Read more about my experience glamping with a baby at Zion Glamping Adventures here!
LOCATION
Zion Glamping Adventures is located in Hildale, UT, about an hour away from Zion.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Hang out areas with picnic tables, fire pits, grills, and yard games
WiFi, electrical outlets, heat, and A/C (except in the dry tents)
Cribs and pack 'n plays available
Pet-friendly so you can bring your furry family members, too
15. Under Canvas Zion
Under Canvas Zion welcomes families with glamping tents with 4 single beds, and some with additional teepees right next to the tent for more space for the kiddos. You can get a luxury tent with an attached bathroom, or walk to the communal bathrooms (with hot showers).
You’ll find plenty to keep the kids entertained at Under Canvas Zion, including outdoor games, a sand volleyball court, and fun teepee swings. My kiddos favorite thing about our stay was the hot chocolate that was available all day…and of course, the s’more around the firepit at night!
Find out more about my family stay at Under Canvas Zion here!
Note: Under Canvas Zion is only open from mid-March to early November each year.
LOCATION
Just 25 minutes from the Springdale entrance to Zion, Under Canvas is conveniently located in Virgin, UT.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Sand volleyball court, teepee swings, and board games to bring to your tent
Free hot chocolate available day
Nightly firepit w/complimentary s’mores
Convenient on-site restaurant with sack lunches available for hiking
16. The Zion Lodge
The Zion Lodge is surrounded by soaring canyon walls, wildlife, and world-class hiking. With cabins dating back to 1928, this unique lodge is full of history and rustic charm. It is also the only hotel in Zion National Park. The Lodge is open year-round and can be booked up to a year in advance. During the high season, May-October, I highly recommend booking 6 to 8 months in advance.
Lodging options include small cabins, hotel rooms, and larger suites. There is not a swimming pool or jacuzzi on the property, and the Wifi isn't great. The reason for staying at Zion Lodge is 100% about location. Staying inside the park is magical and very convenient. Being able to drive into the canyon and not have to take the shuttle is a huge bonus of staying at The Zion Lodge.
One downside of staying at the lodge is that the food options are very limited. There is an onsite restaurant, The Red Rock Grill, but the food is mediocre at best. You will need to drive to Springdale for food.
Find out more about my family stay at The Zion Lodge here!
LOCATION
The Zion Lodge is located inside the Zion Canyon and is the only hotel inside the park.
KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Huge lawn for running and playing
Lots of opportunities for wildlife sightings
Free bike rentals
Convenient on-site restaurant with sack lunches available for hiking
17. Best Friends Road House
If you are traveling with a pet or your kiddos are animal lovers, then this is the place for you. Best Friends Roadhouse provides pet-centric lodging that is a lovely place to stay for people, too. The Roadhouse is just 5 miles from the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in the heart of Kanab and makes a perfect homebase for other adventures in the area as well.
Plus, it has all sorts of amenities for your furry friends, including snuggling cubbies in the rooms and a dog park with a splash zone! The Mercantile also offers necessities, gear, and treats for both people and pets.
This is also the perfect place to stay if you are planning on doing an animal sleepover. CHECK OUT ALL THE DETAILS FOR PET SLEEPOVER'S HERE.
LOCATION
Best Friends Road House is located in Kanab, Ut. It is a 10 minute drive to get to the sanctuary and a 30 minute drive to Zion National Park.
KID & PET FRIENDLY AMENITIES
Free continental breakfast.....and it's vegan!
On site dog park
Easy walking distance to shops and restaurants
With all these fantastic choices available for lodging so close to Zion National Park, you are sure to find an amazing place to stay on your desert adventures that will make you vacation with your kids the best ever!
Happy Adventuring,
Arika
