Kanab with Kids: 11 Easy & Fun Things to Do (+ Best Day Trips)

Planning a Utah road trip? Here are the best things to do in Kanab with kids, including sand dunes, slot canyons, Zion, and easy day trips to Page, Arizona.

Let me just say this upfront, because I didn’t fully realize it before our trip:

Kanab is one of the best “home base” towns in southern Utah if you’re traveling with kids.

Not the most famous. Not the flashiest. But quietly? One of the easiest places to build a really fun, really manageable itinerary.

Because here’s the thing—when people plan a Utah road trip, they usually anchor in Zion or Moab. And those are great… but they can also be crowded, logistically annoying, and kind of exhausting if you’re trying to do this with actual humans (kids, tired adults, people who don’t want to hike 8 miles before lunch).

Kanab hits a different balance.

It’s a small town
It’s easy to get around
It’s close to multiple national parks and major attractions
And it has a surprising number of short hikes, quick stops, and guided tour experiences that actually work for families

We ended up doing some of our favorite things of the entire Utah trip from Kanab—and not one of them required a “hardcore hiking” mindset.

Here’s exactly what I would do again.

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Why Kanab Works So Well as a Home Base

Kanab, Utah sits in a really strategic pocket of southern Utah and northern Arizona.

You’re within:

30 minutes of Zion National Park (east entrance)
About 1.5 hours from Bryce Canyon National Park
About 1 hour from Page, Arizona (Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell)
Surrounded by Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

That means you can do full day trips in multiple directions without constantly packing up and moving hotels.

And honestly? After doing this trip…

That matters more than you think.

If you’re planning a bigger trip, don’t miss my full Utah Mighty 5 itinerary, which shows exactly how to connect Kanab with Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Capitol Reef, and Canyonlands in one smooth road trip.

If you want everything mapped out for you (including driving times, daily flow, and realistic pacing), my Utah Mighty 5 travel planner walks you through exactly how to structure this trip without the overwhelm.

1. Zion National Park (But Do It the Easy Way)

Let’s start with the obvious one.

Yes, Zion National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. And yes—it can feel overwhelming.

But staying in Kanab changes the experience a little.

Instead of coming in through Springdale (where all the crowds and parking headaches are), you can enter from the east side, which is quieter and, in my opinion, prettier on the drive in.

What to do with kids (realistically)

If you’re visiting Zion with kids—or just don’t want a grueling day—focus on:

Riverside Walk (Temple of Sinawava)
Flat, scenic, and one of the best “effort vs reward” trails in the park
Canyon Overlook Trail
Short hike (about 1 mile round trip) with jaw-dropping views
Scenic drive + shuttle stops
Hop on/off without overcommitting to long hikes

Travel tip

If you go early morning (especially in spring or fall), you’ll get:

Cooler temperatures
Easier shuttle access
A much calmer experience

And honestly, that’s the difference between “that was amazing” and “that was exhausting.”

zion national park itinerary 1 day itinerary for families riverwalk trail in the morning light

If you’re continuing your southern Utah road trip, my Arches National Park itinerary breaks down exactly which arches are worth your time (especially if you don’t want long hikes).

2. Coral Pink Sand Dunes (Where Kids Go Completely Wild)

Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is one of those places where you immediately realize:

“Oh. This is why we came here.”

It’s just… miles of soft, orange-red sand dunes. No rules. No trails. Just space.

What makes this so great for families

Kids can run, climb, roll, jump… whatever
You can bring or rent sand sleds or sandboards
It doesn’t feel restrictive like a typical park

The sand itself is made from fine grains shaped by iron oxides, which is why it has that intense coral color.

The UTV Tour (Do This If You Can)

We booked a tour with ROAM Outdoor Adventure Co., and I’m not exaggerating when I say:

This was one of the most fun things we did on the entire trip.

You ride through deep sand at speed
You climb and drop over dunes
You don’t have to worry about driving (huge win)

And yes… I did attempt sandboarding.

I lasted about 10 seconds, wiped out dramatically, and then spent the rest of the time cheering everyone else on.

Still 10/10.

If the dunes are high on your list, I share all the details (including our UTV tour experience) in my full Coral Pink Sand Dunes guide.

Capitol Reef is often overlooked, but it’s one of the easiest parks to explore—this Capitol Reef itinerary shows how to experience it in a relaxed, low-effort way.

3. Peekaboo Slot Canyon (The “Wow” Moment)

This was probably our favorite experience near Kanab.

We booked a guided sunset tour with Dreamland Safaris to Peekaboo Slot Canyon.

And this is one of those situations where I strongly recommend a guided tour.

Why a tour is worth it

The access road is a rough dirt road (you need the right vehicle)
You don’t have to worry about getting lost
Your tour guide explains what you’re seeing

What it’s actually like

You walk into these narrow, winding canyon walls that feel almost sculpted.

Smooth sandstone curves
Light filtering down from above
Colors that shift from orange to red depending on the sun

At sunset, it gets even better.

Everything glows.

It’s quiet.

And it’s one of those moments where even kids kind of stop and go, “whoa.”

4. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (Unexpected Favorite)

I wasn’t sure how this would fit into the trip.

And then it ended up being one of the most meaningful stops.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the largest animal sanctuary in the United States, set in a beautiful canyon just outside Kanab.

What you can do here

Take a guided tour (great overview)
Sign up to volunteer (we did this)

We volunteered in the Cat Colony, and I cannot overstate how much my daughter loved this.

Why this works so well with kids

It’s interactive (not just looking at animals)
It’s calm and low-pressure
It breaks up the intensity of hiking and sightseeing

Also… the setting is stunning.

Red rock canyon walls, open space, and this really peaceful vibe that’s hard to explain until you’re there.

If you have animal lovers in your group, this is a must.

5. Moqui Sand Caves (On Our List… But We Ran Out of Time)

The Moqui Sand Caves were high on our list—and honestly, this is one of the few things near Kanab I wish we had squeezed in.

From everything I researched (and from talking to other travelers), this is a quick stop with a big payoff.

Short walk from the parking lot
A little bit of scrambling to get up into the caves
Huge carved-out openings in the rock that feel way more dramatic than the effort required

These aren’t natural caves—they were created from sand mining—but that actually makes them more accessible.

If you’re tight on time, this is the kind of place you can:

Stop for 30–45 minutes
Let kids climb and explore
Get some really fun photos

We skipped it because something had to give in the schedule… but if you have even a little extra time, this is one of the best “low effort, high reward” stops in Kanab.

6. Belly of the Dragon (Another Quick Stop We Didn’t Quite Get To)

Belly of the Dragon

This is another one that almost made the cut for us—and in hindsight, probably should have.

Belly of the Dragon is basically a man-made tunnel under the road that looks and feels like a cave.

Very short walk (literally just a few minutes)
Cool textures and lighting inside
Kids usually think it’s pretty fun (it feels like exploring something hidden)

It’s located right off the main road near Johnson Canyon, which makes it an easy add-on if you’re already heading out toward Coral Pink Sand Dunes.

Real talk: this is not a “destination” stop.
But it’s exactly the kind of quirky, quick experience that adds personality to a trip—especially when you’re traveling with kids.

If I were doing this again, I’d pair it with the dunes or Moqui Sand Caves and knock out both in the same window of time.

7. Little Hollywood Museum (A Nice Change of Pace—If You Have Time)

Little Hollywood Museum

We didn’t make it to Little Hollywood either, but it’s one of those stops that gives you a completely different side of Kanab.

Before it became a base for national park trips, Kanab was known as “Little Hollywood” because so many Western movies were filmed here.

From what I’ve seen and heard:

You can walk through old movie sets
It’s very low-key and easy to explore
There’s a small gift shop and some historical context

This is a good option if:

You need a break from hiking
You want something quick and indoors/out-of-the-sun
Your kids like exploring and pretending (mine definitely would have)

That said… if your schedule is packed, this is probably a “nice to have” rather than a must-do.

8. Stargazing (Don’t Skip This)

Kanab is located in a dark sky area, and this is one of those things people forget to plan for.

But you should.

What to do

Step outside after dark
Let your eyes adjust
Look up

That’s it.

No tickets and no planning. And non-existent crowds.

And the sky is packed with stars.

Sometimes this ends up being the thing kids remember most.

Short on time? My Canyonlands itinerary focuses on the Island in the Sky district, where you can see incredible views with minimal hiking.

9. Day Trip to Page, Arizona (We’ve Done This—And It’s Worth It)

About an hour drive from Kanab, Page is one of the easiest and most worthwhile day trips you can add.

We’ve done this area on a separate trip, and it’s one of those places where the highlights actually live up to the hype.

Horseshoe Bend

This is one of the most iconic views in the Southwest—and it’s surprisingly accessible.

About 1.5 miles round trip
Wide, well-defined trail
Huge payoff at the end

You walk out to this massive overlook where the Colorado River curves almost completely around a rock formation.

What stood out to me:
It feels big. Like… really big. Photos don’t quite capture the scale.

Just keep a close eye on kids near the edge—there are sections without guardrails.

If you’re trying to plan a trip like this without committing to long hikes, my Utah Mighty 5 without hardcore hiking guide shows how to hit the highlights in a much more relaxed way.

Upper Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon

We visited Upper Antelope Canyon, and it’s a completely different experience from Peekaboo.

Guided tour only
Much more structured (you move through as a group)
Famous for its light beams and smooth canyon walls

It’s more crowded than the Kanab-area slot canyons, but:

The shapes. The light. The colors.

It’s still incredible.

If Peekaboo feels more adventurous and relaxed, Antelope Canyon feels more like a bucket-list, iconic experience.

Both are worth doing—they’re just very different vibes.

Glen Canyon Dam + Overlook (Quick but Impressive)

Glen Canyon Dam
Lake Powell

This is one of those stops you don’t need to overthink.

Easy parking
Short walk to viewpoints
Big, dramatic views of the dam and the Colorado River

It’s not a long stop, but it rounds out the Page day nicely—especially if you’re already heading between Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon.

10. Toadstool Hoodoos (Easy Hike That Feels Fun)

If you want a simple hike that still feels interesting, this is a great option.

Details

About 1.5 miles round trip
Minimal elevation gain
Unique “mushroom-shaped” rock formations

It’s one of those places where kids can explore a little without it feeling like a long trek.

11. A Few More Adventurous Options

If you’re traveling with older kids or want to go a little further:

White Pocket (requires 4-wheel drive or guided tour)
Buckskin Gulch / Wire Pass (longer slot canyon hikes)
Toadstool Hoodoos + Great Chamber combo (if you have the right vehicle)

These take more planning—but they’re incredible.

How I Would Structure a Kanab-Based Trip

If you’re using Kanab as your home base, here’s a realistic flow:

Day 1: Zion National Park (easy hikes + scenic stops)
Day 2: Coral Pink Sand Dunes + UTV tour + Belly of the Dragon
Day 3: Peekaboo Slot Canyon tour
Day 4: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Day 5: Page, Arizona (Horseshoe Bend + Antelope Canyon)

This gives you:

A mix of activity levels
Time to rest between bigger days
Variety (which matters with kids)

Final Thoughts: Is Kanab Worth It With Kids?

Yes. Absolutely.

Kanab isn’t trying to compete with the big-name national parks.

And that’s exactly why it works.

It gives you:

A quieter home base
Easier logistics
A surprising number of fun things to do

And most importantly—it lets you experience southern Utah without feeling completely worn out by it.

If you build your trip around Kanab, you’ll still see the highlights.

You’ll just enjoy them more.

FAQs About Visiting Kanab with Kids

Is Kanab, Utah a good place to visit with kids?

Yes—honestly, it’s one of the best places in southern Utah for families.

Kanab is a small town, but it’s surrounded by fun things, short hikes, and easy day trips that don’t require a huge time commitment. You’re also close to major destinations like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Page, Arizona.

What makes it especially great with kids:

Less crowded than bigger hubs
Easier parking and logistics
A mix of adventurous things (like slot canyons) and low-effort stops

It just feels… more manageable.

How many days should you spend in Kanab with kids?

I’d recommend at least 2–4 days, depending on how many day trips you want to include.

A realistic breakdown might look like:

1 day for Zion National Park
1 day for Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
1 day for a guided tour (like Peekaboo Slot Canyon)
1 day for Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or a Page, Arizona day trip

If you’re using Kanab as your home base for a southern Utah road trip, you could easily stay longer and not run out of things to do.

What are the best things to do in Kanab with kids?

Some of the best things (based on both experience and practicality) include:

Visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park for sand sledding and UTV tours
Taking a guided tour to Peekaboo Slot Canyon
Spending time at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Exploring Zion National Park (easy hikes and scenic stops)
Taking a day trip to Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon

There are also quick stops like Moqui Sand Caves and Belly of the Dragon that are easy to add if you have extra time.

Do you need a guided tour for slot canyons near Kanab?

For most visitors—yes, it’s the best way to go.

Many slot canyons (like Peekaboo or areas near Buckskin Gulch) require:

Driving on a rough dirt road
Navigating areas that aren’t clearly marked
Awareness of weather conditions (flash flood risk)

A guided tour makes things much easier and safer, especially if it’s your first time.

For comparison:

Peekaboo Slot Canyon = more relaxed, less crowded
Antelope Canyon = more structured, very popular

Both are incredible, just different experiences.

Is Coral Pink Sand Dunes worth visiting with kids?

Absolutely. This is one of the most fun stops in the area.

At Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, kids can:

Run up and down hills of sand
Use sand boards or sand sleds
Just explore without staying on a trail

If you want to level it up, an ATV or UTV tour is one of the best ways to experience the dunes.

Can you visit Antelope Canyon from Kanab?

Yes—it’s an easy and very popular day trip.

From Kanab, it’s about an hour drive to Page, Arizona, where you can visit:

Horseshoe Bend
Antelope Canyon
Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell

Just be sure to book your Antelope Canyon tour in advance—spots fill quickly, especially in peak season.

What is the best time of year to visit Kanab with kids?

Spring and fall are ideal.

March–May: Mild temperatures, great for hiking and exploring
September–November: Cooler weather, fewer crowds

Summer (June–August) is still doable, but expect:

Hot midday temperatures
Needing early morning or evening activities

If you’re planning a full Utah Mighty 5 trip, late April and early October are especially great times to go.

Do you need a 4-wheel drive vehicle in Kanab?

Not for most of the main attractions.

You can easily reach places like:

Zion National Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Horseshoe Bend

However, for more remote spots (like White Pocket or certain trailheads), a high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle may be required—or you can book a guided tour instead.

Is Kanab better than Moab for families?

They’re different—but for many families, Kanab is actually easier.

Kanab tends to be:

Less crowded
More relaxed
Better for shorter, flexible activities

Moab has bigger-name parks (Arches and Canyonlands), but Kanab gives you:

Better access to a wider variety of experiences
Easier day trip options
A quieter, less hectic home base

If you’re traveling with kids or want a more laid-back pace, Kanab is a really strong choice.

Are there enough things to do in Kanab to stay multiple days?

Yes—and this surprises people.

Between:

National parks
Slot canyon tours
Sand dunes
Animal sanctuary experiences
Day trips to northern Arizona

You can easily fill 3–5 days without feeling rushed.

And because many activities are shorter (not full-day hikes), it’s easier to mix and match based on energy levels.