Canyonlands National Park - For Kids (U.S. National Park Service)

NPS Photo by Neal Herbert

A local school group visits Mesa Arch at the Island in the Sky

Things to Do

Both Island in the Sky and the Needles have several short trails great for children. At the Island, kids enjoy peeking through Mesa Arch and climbing the back of the whale at Whale Rock. In the Needles, the Cave Spring Trail, featuring a cowboy camp and prehistoric pictographs, is always a hit. Pothole Point is another popular hike, especially if the potholes are full of water and the creatures that live in these small ecosystems. Be attentive when hiking with kids in Canyonlands as there are unfenced overlooks throughout the park.

"Thanks for all the resources! These activities are always more fun when they're NOT mom and dad's ideas."
The Thompson Family
Ages 4, 5, 8, 10, and 12

JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM

There are a few ways to earn a Junior Ranger badge at Canyonlands. Free Junior Ranger booklets are available at park visitor centers. Filled with fun activities, these books reveal the wonders of Canyonlands to kids and parents alike. After completing certain exercises, participants earn a Junior Ranger badge and signed certificate. Activities are designed for ages 5 and up.

At the Island in the Sky, you may also earn a badge for attending a Family Program (in season) or completing three activities from the Explorer Pack.

FAMILY PROGRAMS

Enjoying a game of charades during a Family Program at the Island in the Sky

Rangers at the Island in the Sky offer family programs from late June through August. Everyone in the family gets involved with fun, hands-on activities about nature. Kids who participate will earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate.

Family Programs will resume in 2009.

EXPLORER PACKS

Both the Island in the Sky and Needles districts offer a unique tool for kids eager to explore and learn about the area: Explorer Packs. These packs contain many useful items, including binoculars, a hand lens, a naturalist guide and a notebook. Before you set out for the day, stop by the visitor center and check one out (deposit required).