Zion National Park has some of the most famous trails in the country, but not every trail is a good fit for kids. Some routes are simply too long, while others strenuous uphill battles. Fortunately, Zion has plenty of family-friendly options. From paved riverside walks to short trails with petroglyphs, waterfalls, slot canyons and overlooks, there are plenty of hikes that will help kids thrive.

Preparations

Before heading to the trail, preparation is important. Water is one of the biggest concerns in Zion. Water cannot be filtered safely in the park, so families should carry water storage and refill bottles before getting on trail. Refill stations are available at the visitor centers, some trailheads and at Zion Lodge. Snacks are equally important, especially for younger kids who burn energy quickly and may need frequent breaks.

Note: Visitors should not filter water from the Virgin River because Zion has ongoing concerns about harmful cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in connected waterways, and the park specifically says, “Do not drink stream water anywhere in the park.”

Footwear also makes a difference. Tennis shoes are sufficient for some most of these hikes, but children should avoid flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs. Proper shoes help with traction, comfort and stability, especially on sandy trails, uneven rocks, creek crossings and paved sections that can still become slick.

Conditions

Weather is another key factor when hiking. Families should always check temperatures and current conditions before committing to a hike. If rain is in the forecast, slot canyons and river routes should be avoided, especially around slot canyons and streams. Conditions can change quickly in Zion, and trails that seem easy on a dry day can become risky when water levels rise or runoff increases.

Most importantly, as a parent you know your child better than anyone else. Trail descriptions can help set expectations, but each family still has to decide what fits their child’s age, confidence, and ability. A trail that feels short and simple to one family may feel long and demanding to another.

If you're looking to plan an epic trip to Zion, then check out our Zion National Park Travel Guide. It comes complete with itineraries, walkthroughs for each district, permit details and so much more! It's an essential part of planning a great trip to Zion!

Should Kids Hike Angels Landing and the Narrows?

When families start researching Zion, two hikes come up almost immediately: Angels Landing and the Narrows. They are the park’s most famous trails, so it's natural for parents to wonder whether they are kid-friendly hikes. There are better family options elsewhere in the park, but both trails are still worth discussing.

Angels Landing

The Angels Landing Trail is surprisingly reasonable for families at first, but only up to a point. Everything leading to Scout Lookout is much more family-friendly than the Chains Section. The trail is paved, easy to follow, and the views get better as elevation is gained. For older kids who can handle a climb, the route to Scout Lookout can be a rewarding challenge.

That said, the trail is almost entirely uphill, and at a four-mile round trip, it can be a long outing for younger children. There are also drop-offs in places, so parents need to stay attentive. The real dividing line is the Chains Section, which makes up the final 0.4 miles of the hike. This part of the route is narrow, steep, and exposed, with cliffs on both sides. It is not appropriate for children and should not be treated casually.

For most families, Scout Lookout is the right turnaround point. It has restrooms, incredible views of Zion Canyon. Plus, it has enough space to stop, rest and enjoy lunch before heading back down. Scout Lookout is perfect for families wanting a bigger hike without committing to the dangerous final stretch.
The Narrows

The Narrows

The Narrows is the trail that put Zion on the map, and it can be a great family adventure under the right conditions. Many kids love the idea of hiking in the Virgin River, and one of the best parts of the route is its flexibility. Families do not need to commit to a fixed destination. Families can just hike upstream until they've had enough, then turn around.

However, the Narrows still comes with several challenges. Hiking against the current is tiring, and kids can get worn out quickly. Water depth is another concern. Some spots can become deep enough that smaller children may need help or may need to be carried through short sections. Water temperature also matters, especially in spring and fall when cold water can turn an otherwise enjoyable hike into a difficult day.

Parents should also pay close attention to the strength of the current. The Narrows is a demanding hike on a normal day, so faster-moving water makes the hike much harder for children. If river conditions are elevated at all, it is usually better to do another trail.

The Best Kid-Friendly Trails in Zion

Fortunately, Zion has several better options for families. Many of the park’s kid-friendly trails are shorter, easier to manage and more varied than Zion’s headline hikes. Several are also outside the main canyon, which usually means lighter crowds and easier parking (not in all cases).

Pa’rus Trail

Location: Zion Canyon
Length: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 155 feet

The Pa’rus Trail is one of the simplest and most accessible family hikes in Zion. It begins at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and follows the Virgin River to Canyon Junction. The full hike is three miles round trip, and the entire route is paved.

This trail is not especially dramatic, especially when compared to Zion's headline hikes, but it's easy to follow and gives kids a gentle introduction to hiking in the park. The path stays relatively flat, follows the river through lower Zion Canyon, and offers open views toward the Watchman. For families who are unsure how much distance their children can handle, Pa’rus is a safe starting point.

Riverside Walk

Location: Zion Canyon
Length: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 420 feet

The Riverside Walk is another excellent family option, especially on warm days. This trail is the lead-in to the Narrows, but it also works well as a standalone walk. The route is mostly paved, easy to follow and shaded in several sections. Along the way, side paths branch down toward the Virgin River.

This makes the trail feel more interactive for children than a standard paved walk. Families can pause by the river, enjoy a picnic near the shoreline and let kids spend time near the water without committing to the full Narrows experience. The sound of the river also helps separate this trail from the busier atmosphere created by visitors heading deeper into the canyon. Riverside Walk is one of the best choices in Zion for families wanting a scenic walk with minimal difficulty.

Petroglyph Pools

Location: East Zion
Location: 1.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 185 feet

Petroglyph Pools is one of the more unusual short hikes for families. The trail begins from a small roadside pullout and quickly drops into a creek bed before passing through a tunnel under the highway. On the far side, families will find petroglyphs, a small slot section and a short walk that feels more adventurous than its distance would suggest.

The trail itself is fairly easy to follow, though walking through sand can become tiring for some kids. The main climb comes at the end when returning to the car. Still, because the route is short and includes a tunnel and rock art, it often feels more memorable to children than a basic out-and-back trail.

Northgate Peaks

Location: Kolob Terrace
Length: 4.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 425 feet

Northgate Peaks is one of Zion’s better hidden gems. Located on Kolob Terrace, the trail begins at the Wildcat Canyon Trailhead, which is about 45 minutes from Springdale. The drive keeps many visitors away, but that is part of what makes this hike appealing.

The trail is relatively flat and usually much less crowded than the routes in Zion Canyon. About a half mile in, the trail reaches a junction where hikers turn right. After another half mile, the path arrives at an overlook with views toward Guardian Angel and the Northgate Peaks. The trail continues beyond the overlook onto a rougher path that climbs up and down the peaks, but families with children should treat the overlook as the destination. It provides a worthwhile view without the rougher terrain beyond.

Taylor Creek Trail

Location: Kolob Canyons
Length: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 675 feet

Taylor Creek is one of Zion’s most underrated hikes, and it works well for families with children who can handle a little more distance. Located in Kolob Canyons, Zion’s northernmost district, the trail follows Taylor Creek through a narrow canyon with repeated creek crossings, small cascades, two historic cabins and a final destination at Double Arch Alcove.

It's a five-mile round trip, so it might be too long for some younger kids, but the hike is generally easy and the elevation gain is modest. What makes Taylor Creek especially family-friendly is that the scenery changes often enough to keep the walk interesting. Instead of one single destination at the very end, the route gives kids moving water, stream crossings, rock walls and historic structures.

Canyon Overlook Trail

Location: East Zion
Length: 1.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 165 feet

East Zion has several great family hiking options, and Canyon Overlook is one of the best. The trail is short and it has a small amount of elevation gain. Plus, it leads to one of the better viewpoints in the park. The route follows the cliffs above lower Zion Canyon and passes through a small alcove before reaching the overlook.

This trail has a good chance of rewarding families with more than just scenery. Bighorn sheep are often seen in this area, which adds another layer of interest for children. Still, parents should stay alert. There are ledges along the trail, and even though the hike is short, it is not one to treat casually with kids who like to wander.

The biggest challenge here is parking. The pullouts near the trailhead are limited, and finding a space can be frustrating during peak hours. Early morning or late in the day is usually the best time to attempt this hike.

Emerald Pools

Location: Zion Canyon
Length:  3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 595 feet

Emerald Pools is a classic hike for families that sits in Zion Canyon. It can be reached from either Zion Lodge or the Grotto, and the trail system leads to three different destinations: Lower Emerald Pool, Middle Emerald Pool, and Upper Emerald Pool.

The overall experience depends heavily on conditions. In the right season, especially during spring snowmelt, Emerald Pools is one of the most scenic family hikes in the park. Water spills over the cliffs, feeding the pools, which makes the trail feel alive. At other times of year, especially in winter, water flow may be minimal or absent, which changes the feel of the hike considerably.

There are three pools along the trail: the lower pool, middle pool and upper pool. The upper pool is the one that stands out most with a 180-foot waterfall. For the best experience, late spring through fall is generally the best window for hiking Emerald Pools.

Lower Clear Creek

Location: East Zion
Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 205 feet

Locals often call the Lower Clear Creek the Hobbit Hole. This is an hidden gem in East Zion. The trail begins from a very small roadside pullout, so parking can be the hardest part of the outing.

The hike starts with a quick downhill section that may feel a little awkward for younger children, but once at the bottom, the route becomes more interesting. The route follows a creek bed through a tunnel under the road, and after a short distance the entrance to a narrow slot canyon appears. The slot continues for a few hundred feet and ends at a small arch. The trail goes farther along the river, but for most families the slot canyon and arch are the most memorable landmarks.

This trail stands out because it feels adventurous without requiring a long day. For kids, walking through a tunnel and into a slot canyon usually makes a big impression.

Lower Pine Creek Falls

Location: Zion Canyon
Length: 0.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 65 feet

Lower Pine Creek Falls is a short water hike that hides in plain sight. The trailhead is located at the first switchback above Canyon Junction on the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Most visitors drive right past it without realizing what is nearby. For children who enjoy scrambling, splashing, and having a clear destination, this can be one of the more fun short hikes in the park. It is less polished than a paved family trail, but that is part of the appeal.

The trail is short, but it requires some rock hopping and creek travel. Families who follow the creek far enough will reach Lower Pine Creek Falls, a narrow, multi-tiered waterfall that drops into a small pool. Some families use this area as a place to cool off, almost like a little swimming hole, though it can become busier in peak season.