Bryce Canyon Attractions
Bryce Canyon Attractions
 | Astronomy Programs Bryce Canyon National Park, UT In Bryce Canyon National Park, about 7,500 stars are visible each night -- and a trip to Bryce isn't complete without an evening at one of the park's renowned ranger-led astronomy programs. Rangers host astronomy presentations in the park on Thursday and Saturday nights from spring through fall, during which families can peer at planets and stars through high-tech telescopes and learn about the science of astronomy. If you plan your trip during the right time of the month, you can take your family on a ranger-guided full moon hike (this hike lasts two to three hours and isn't suitable for young children). There are also multimedia presentations given by the rangers at the Lodge at Bryce Canyon, which include the popular "Scared of the Dark" program, a humorous educational lecture about nocturnal animals. Donât be turned off by idea of bringing your kids to an educational talk -- the presentations are immensely entertaining and the rangers captivate kids of all ages (even teens!). All astronomy programs are free. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo Bryce Canyon National Park, UT From Memorial Day through the end of August, the Bryce Canyon Country Rodeo puts on a fun, family-friendly show every evening from Wednesday through Saturday at 7 p.m. at Ruby's Inn Rodeo Grounds. Rates start at $10 for adults and $7 for kids ages 3 to 12. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12) |
 | Bryce Museum Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Visitors are not permitted to touch or feed animals in national parks. So if your little ones are just itching to get a closer look at some local wildlife, Bryce Museum is worth a stop. The museum houses more than 800 mounted animals, plus ancient Native American artifacts. Kids can pet and feed spotted European deer in an outdoor pen next to the museum. Admission to the museum costs $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Kids ages 3 and under may visit the museum for free. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12) |
 | Canyon Trail Rides Bryce Canyon National Park, UT An alternative to hiking, horseback riding is a fantastic way to get an up-close look at Bryce Canyon's famous hoodoos. Canyon Trail Rides offers two-hour and half-day guided horseback tours of Bryce Canyon National Park, which start at $50 per person for the two-hour tour and $75 per person for the longer tour. There is a 7-year age limit for the two-hour tour and a 10-year age limit for the half-day tour. During the tour, you'll get an overview of the park's history and geology from experienced guides. Tours start at Bryce Canyon Lodge, and it's best to make reservations ahead of time, especially during summer. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Hiking in Bryce Canyon Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Grab a map at the Visitor Center and hit the trails! There are a number of moderate hikes in the park that are suitable for families with small children. Some notable ones include Mossy Cave, a 0.8-mile trail that takes hikers along a sparkling blue stream and up to a small waterfall, and Queens Garden, the easiest trail in the park, which winds past some spectacular viewpoints. For families with older kids who want to try a more challenging hike, the Queens Garden/Navajo Loop is a great choice. This 2.9-mile loop has been dubbed "the world's best three-mile hike" and is one of the park's most popular trails. Because the park's high altitude makes hiking more strenuous, you may want to start off on a more moderate trail. Best For: Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Kids' Programs Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Ranger-led kids programs are available in the park daily during summertime. The hour-long programs include crafts, educational talks and other activities, which vary. Children must be accompanied by an adult, so you'll have to attend with your little ones (it's a great way to meet other parents who are vacationing at the park). Reservations are required, and you can sign up at the Visitor's Center before you go. The best part? The programs are free! Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9) |
 | National Scenic Byway 12 Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Pack the kids in the car and spend a few hours driving along National Scenic Byway 12, a beautiful 124-mile stretch of road that passes through sites including Bryce Canyon National Park, the Anasazi State Park Museum, Capitol Reef National Park and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. You'll see alpine forests, striking red rock formations and quaint country towns pass by outside the car window. There are designated stops along the route where you can pull over and spot wildlife or take photos, and hiking and biking trails on the byway are clearly marked. Maps of Byway 12 are available at any visitor center along the route. Best For: Tots (0-2)•Kids (3-6)•Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Ruby's ATV Tours Bryce Canyon National Park, UT ATV tours are all the rage in the Bryce Canyon National Park area. We like Ruby's guided ATV tours because they travel up to the rim of Bryce Canyon where riders can see some fantastic scenery. One- and three-hour guided tours of the park are available. Kids ages 7 can accompany their parents on an ATV, but to operate an ATV, riders must be at least 16 years old and have a driverâs license. Tours start at $15 per passenger and $40 per driver. Use of helmets, goggles, and the ATV are included in rates. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
 | Southern Utah Ballooning Bryce Canyon National Park, UT Soar over Bryce Canyon in a hot air balloon and get a unique bird's eye view of the park. Bryce Canyon is an ideal place to try a hot air balloon ride. Because the mountain air is so clear, itâs possible to see for hundreds of miles in every direction. One-hour flights depart during sunrise throughout the year from Cannonville, which is about a 15-minute drive from the park. Afraid of heights? The experience isn't as scary as you might think. Balloon rides are smooth and stable during flights, which makes ballooning feel more like standing on top of a mountain than flying through the air. Kids ages 4 and older can ride in the balloons. Rates start at $299 per person. Best For: Kids (7-9)•Tweens (10-12)•Teens (13+) |
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