Best Things to do in Cedar City Utah

Families looking for opportunities to enjoy the scenic beauty of America’s national parks, learn about American history, and try new adventures will find all of this in Cedar City, Utah. Located in the heart of southern Utah’s National Parks, Cedar City is 90 minutes from Bryce Canyon and Zion, three hours north of Las Vegas and four hours south of Salt Lake City. There are so many things to do in Cedar City including festivals, skiing, a petroglyph site, and numerous hiking trails. Visitors of all ages will be delighted by the variety of outdoor options available in Cedar City year round.

Things to do in Cedar City Utah with kids

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1. Outdoor Adventures in Cedar City

Cedar City has plenty of hiking trails in the area enabling families to go off the grid and connect with nature. Cedar Breaks National Monument has hiking and biking trails, spectacular rock formations, and even a Wildflower Festival. Visitors will find plateaus and pinnacles and a scenic drive with four distinct overlooks. Trails wind through meadows and ancient forests, and at night the visitor’s center hosts “star gazing” parties. The experience sounds magical.

2.  Skiing in Cedar City

For those who love to ski, Cedar City is the place for you. Brian Head Resort is the highest base elevation in Utah at 9600 feet. With an annual snowfall of over 360 inches, powder seekers will not be disappointed. The resort has 71 runs and 8 chair lifts, tubing and a zip line, and the lowest lift ticket prices of any full service ski resort in Utah. Brian Head Resort is always a great option for spring skiing.

3. Learn about ancient cultures

North of Cedar City lies Parowan Gap, a petroglyph site featuring 90 panels and 1,500 figures, some possibly dating back 5,000 years. The gap is a three mile long pass between the Parowan and Cedar Valleys and the petroglyphs are believed to be one of the largest concentrated collections in the West. Families can explore the rock face carvings, including images of human figures, bear claws, and geometric shapes.

4. Enjoy a variety of festivals

Cedar City, Utah has been referred to as “Festival City” and is host to numerous theater, film, and art festivals throughout the year. One of the more well known festivals is the Utah Shakespeare Festival, which runs from June through October. It is one of the oldest and largest Shakespeare festivals in North America and offers many opportunities for families to enjoy the show, including the free nightly Greenshow.

Other festivals include the Utah Summer Games, Groovefest American Music Festival, and Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire. There’s truly something for everyone.

5. Live like the pioneers

At Cedar City’s Frontier Homestead State Park museum, families can experience life on the homestead. This living museum has a stage coach, log cabin, and sheep shearing shed, but kids might enjoy the hands on experiences the most. They can go panning for gold, make a rope, and even load a wagon, just like the pioneers. Talk about living history!

Cedar City, Utah not only offers an abundance of outdoor activities, but a large variety of choices for families. Whether your family wants to go out and explore or spend time with the bard, everyone can find the perfect fit in this scenic Utah town.

Looking for other places to explore in Utah? Don’t miss the best things to do in St George and exploring Capitol Reef with kids.