Things to do in Moab

Over Spring Break 2014 our family went to Moab. We found all the best adventures for children located in and around the National Parks in the area (We didn't go south. There is SO much more to do in Monticello). From petroglyphs, to dinosaur tracks, to bird refuges, to museums, to ghost towns, you'll find it here! Click on the link to find out what to do in Moab:

Arches National Park: This the reason that many families come to Moab. Plan to spend at least 2 days in the park in you intend to hike Delicate Arch. There is a Junior Ranger Program and many small hikes.

Canyonlands National Park: The north end of Canyonlands, called Island in the Sky, is located north of Moab. There are hikes to several interesting places including prehistoric buildings, a geological feature called the Dome, and an arch. Plan to spend a little more than a half day at Canyonlands.

Dead Horse Point State Park: Dead Horse Point is across the street from Canyonlands. Between the two parks, plan to spend a day. Dead Horse Point has a few great vistas, a small visitor's center, hiking, and a Junior Ranger program.

Sego Ghost Town: The town of Sego existed from 1910-1955. Located just 3 miles off I-70, you can easily stop and see some old coal town ruins. There are several mostly intact shacks and a huge company store. Make sure to stop by the Sego Canyon Petroglyphs, too.

Sego Canyon Petroglyphs: There are both painted and etched rock art panels located in Sego Canyon. Some beautiful examples of prehistoric work takes you just a few miles out of your way on your trip south to Moab. Turn off at the little town of Thompson, and check out the ghost town, too.

Copper Ridge Dinosaur Track: Copper ridge dinosaur tracks just north of Moab has three different kinds of dinosaur tracks. A huge sauropod, an allosaurus and and a small track are all well preserved in the mud. The hike is short, and the track is two miles off the highway.

Mill Canyon Dinosaur Trail: This short trail takes you past many dinosaur fossils embedded in the rock. Interpretive signs help you understand the fossils and their history.

Poison Spider Dinosaur Track: Poison Spider dinosaur track is located on the road to Potash. There are interesting petroglyphs to see along the drive to the trackway. A short fairly challenging climb leads you to one of the most perfect dinosaur sites we've ever seen (you can also see it through binoculars if the hike is too much).

Matheson Wetlands Preserve: The preserve is located on the outskirts of Moab and is home to many birds at the right time of year. To get away from the crowds, check out the boardwalks on the preserve.

Moab DUP Museum: The small DUP museum in Moab has limited hours, but there is an original pioneer cabin with a brush and adobe roof. We got to ring the bell by pulling a rope, too!

Museum of Moab: The Museum of Moab houses objects from the history of Moab including dinosaur times, prehistoric people times, and pioneer times. Our boys really enjoyed playing the player piano and looking for toy lizards hidden among the displays.

Kane Creek Petroglyphs: Along Kane Creek Road in Moab, you can find several stops for petroglyphs. Moon Flower Canyon and a rock with petroglyphs on all four sides including the famous "birthing scene," can all be found by driving along Kane Creek Road.