7 Family-Friendly Things to Do in St. George

St. George is located in the southwestern corner of Utah. It takes around four hours to drive there from Salt Lake City and roughly two hours from Las Vegas. St. George is a charming city that is also home to an abundance of exciting activities and attractions. The pleasant year-round climate also makes it an excellent holiday destination for families. Here are just a handful of our favorite family-friendly adventures in St. George: 

1. Tuacahn Amphitheatre

The Tuacahn Amphitheatre is a must-see for any family vacation in Southern Utah. The breathtaking scenery of Snow Canyon State Park serves as a beautiful backdrop for performances at the Tuacahn Amphitheatre. It hosts concerts annually and puts on family-friendly musicals from May through October. 

The peak tourist seasons in Tuacahn are summer and fall. Prices tend to drop when the number of visitors is low, such as in the middle of the week or at the end of the season. So if you have a tight budget, this hack will come in handy. 

2. Fiesta Fun Center

The Fiesta Fun Center, a beloved local spot for birthday parties and clean family fun, has recently undergone a makeover and added some thrilling new features. It currently has 20 bowling lanes, including four private bowling lanes for continuous group play, which is perfect for family gatherings. 

The st George Utah golf courses are among the best in the states.  Fiesta Fun Center has you covered as well. You can enjoy the outdoors and the scenic surroundings of palm trees and waterfalls as you play a round of miniature golf on a fun 18-hole course. The go-kart course is also a fan favorite. The two-story circuit will get your heart racing with its twists and turns. 

3. Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park, located on top of St. George and covering 52 acres, makes for a pleasant outing. This park is an excellent destination for those in search of both tranquility and excitement. The place is a wonderland for climbers and boulderers of all skill levels. Excellent rock climbing routes abound; the best part is that they do not cost a dime. 

Dixie Rock is hands down the most well-known trail in Pioneer Park, and for good reason. Dixie Rock, formerly Sugarloaf, is a massive red rock that dominates the landscape and offers one of the greatest vistas in all of St. George. In addition, the Dixie Hike is one of the most family-friendly activities in the area because it is short and simple. 

The rock stairs will assist you in reaching the top. Between the two massive rocks is a bridge for your convenience. Thankfully, the trailhead is conveniently located adjacent to the parking area, so getting to the rock is a breeze. Another option is to go through the Red Hills Desert Garden to reach the main entrance. This route can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on your speed and the number of stops you make along the way. 

4. Vernon Worthen Park

Vernon Worthen Park is a popular place for people to unwind or engage in recreational pursuits. This park is one of the oldest in St. George. It spans 8 acres and features a gazebo, four picnic spaces, a restroom block, a playground with swings, and much more. In addition, this park is home to the St. George Marathon Finish Line and several recreational events and holiday celebrations hosted by the city. Wireless Internet access is available throughout Vernon Worthen Park. 

The vast grassy area is perfect for frolicking with a pet dog. You may find picnic tables and grills at each designated picnic area. To accommodate children of varying ages, the playground features a wide variety of gear, such as swing sets, slides, and jungle gyms. For added convenience, there is no need for a reservation. 

5. Grafton Ghost Town

Located 7 miles from Zion National Park and the contemporary Utah communities of Rockville and Springdale, Grafton Ghost Town is worth visiting. It was founded in 1859, but the history of this abandoned town is not without a fair share of tragedy. In 1862, floods wiped the town out, prompting its 28 residents to start over the following year by constructing a new set of buildings, including a post office, school, community center, and church. 

By 1866, the village had effectively been deserted due to Indian raids. By 1920, only three families remained, and they too soon moved for the safety of nearby Rockville, Utah. You can learn more about the ghost town’s history as you wander its streets, see inside some of its remaining structures, and explore its surrounding environment. A few additional abandoned structures dot the landscape, but most are on private property and are, therefore, off-limits to the general public. 

6. Glitter Mountain

What a great and descriptive name for a mountain! You can reach Glitter Mountain in less than half an hour by driving southeast of St. George, just across the Arizona border. Glitter Mountain’s popularity among families has increased due to the quantity of gypsum, a mineral that sparkles in the sun. It is like diving into a bottomless pit of gold for kids. 

Any crystals you find on the ground are yours to keep, but you may not use any tools to dig them out. It is worth mentioning that a few of the hills are very steep and slippery and comprise sharp rocks and minerals. So keep a tight check on younger children and make sure to wear shoes that are suited for the terrain.  

7. St. George Children’s Museum

This is a wonderful place to take the kids on days when the weather forecast calls for hot, humid weather or even just the possibility of rain. Every member of your group is guaranteed to discover something of interest among the museum’s more than 15 displays. The museum’s standout feature is the way it fosters communication between young visitors and adults. Except for Wednesdays, you can visit between 10 AM and 6 PM every other day of the week. 

Whether visiting with kids or grandparents, you will find plenty to do and see in St. George. However, the abundance of options might overwhelm you, especially if you have never been to this magnificent city. Since we have covered popular family-friendly destinations in this post, you can use it as a guide next time you plan your visit to St. George.