Moab Adventures for Every Age: Family-Friendly Fun from 5 to 75+

Moab isn’t just for thrill seekers; it’s a place where families, friends, and explorers of every age can connect through adventure. At the Moab Adventure Center, our team of expert local guides has spent decades helping guests discover experiences that fit their pace, comfort level, and sense of adventure. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, celebrating a milestone, or organizing a group getaway, we’ll help you find the perfect trip for everyone in your crew.

To make planning easier, we’ve organized our most popular Moab adventures by minimum age requirement. From scenic river floats and gentle hikes to heart-pounding whitewater and canyoneering in hidden canyons, every trip delivers a safe, well-guided, and unforgettable experience in one of Utah’s most stunning landscapes.

Perfect for Families with Young Kids

Adventures for Ages 5 and Up

Mid-Day Colorado River Rafting Adventure

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: Moderate to High

This family-friendly rafting trip is ideal for children five and older. It blends scenic beauty with a few splashy rapids and includes a riverside BBQ lunch. Reviewers often describe this trip as “the perfect introduction to rafting,” praising the guides for their care, humor, and professionalism. It’s a great way to stay cool and see the red rock canyons from the water.

Colorado River Morning Half-Day Rafting Adventure

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: Moderate

A morning float down the Colorado offers cooler temps and fewer crowds. Guests love the balance of light paddling, swimming, and informative storytelling from guides. This trip stands out for families who want a short, well-paced adventure with high-quality service and stunning views.

Desolation Canyon 5 Day Rafting

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: Moderate

This five-day rafting expedition is perfect for families with young kids. Desolation Canyon offers a wilderness setting, mild rapids, and plenty of sandy beach campsites. Parents consistently mention how their children bonded with guides and gained confidence. It’s a rare mix of peaceful escape and authentic wilderness immersion.

Southwest Sampler

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: Mixed

This multi-day vacation package includes an Arches tour, a Hummer ride, and an overnight rafting trip. It’s specifically designed to help first-time Moab visitors see more with less stress. The trip earns top marks for being “well-organized,” “easy to book,” and “packed with variety,” making it an ideal choice for families looking to maximize a short vacation.

Arches National Park Morning Adventure

Physical Level: Easy

Adventure Intensity: Relaxed

Guided by a local expert, often a former park ranger, this tour explores Moab’s most iconic scenery. Guests enjoy short, educational hikes and excellent photo opportunities. Many say this tour helped them “understand what makes Arches so special” and avoid the hassle of navigating the park on their own.

Arches National Park Sunset Discovery

Physical Level: Easy

Adventure Intensity: Relaxed

This evening version of the Arches tour is a customer favorite, especially in summer. It features cooler temps, fewer crowds, and a golden-hour glow on the red rocks. Reviewers note the guides’ storytelling made the experience feel “like walking through a natural history documentary.”

Slickrock Safari Hummer Adventure

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

Short but action-packed, this ride over Hell’s Revenge trail is perfect for younger adventurers and nervous adults alike. Customers describe it as “exhilarating but not overwhelming,” and note how the guides’ humor helped ease any initial jitters.

Sunset Safari Hummer Tour

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

This tour combines stunning sunset views with thrilling off-road adventures. Parents love that the excitement keeps kids engaged while guides ensure everyone feels comfortable. Many reviewers say this tour was “the highlight of our trip to Moab.”

Moab Rock Climbing Introduction

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: Moderate to High

Intro to rock climbing gives beginners a chance to try something new in a low-pressure, high-reward setting. Guides are skilled at making kids feel successful and helping parents enjoy the challenge.

Moab Giants Dinosaur Park & Museum

Physical Level: Easy

Adventure Intensity: Relaxed

Interactive exhibits, life-size dinosaur replicas, and fossil digs make this a favorite for young explorers. Families love it as a fun, educational stop that rounds out their Moab adventure.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Physical Level: Easy

Adventure Intensity: Relaxed

Soar above the desert at sunrise with gentle winds and 360-degree views. The experience is peaceful and unforgettable, with reviews emphasizing the calm professionalism of the pilots.

Jet Boat Tours

Physical Level: Easy

Adventure Intensity: Moderate

From family-friendly “Fun Run” rides to the theatrical “Dinner & Light Show” experience, these trips are scenic, entertaining, and logistically straightforward. Guides often highlight petroglyphs, wildlife, and canyon lore

Mini Thrills for Early Explorers

Adventures for Ages 7 and Up

Courthouse Loop Introductory Mountain Bike Tour

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity:  Moderate to High

An ideal introduction to desert riding. The terrain is forgiving, and the guides provide tips along the way. It’s a great way to build biking confidence in kids while enjoying spectacular views.

Splashy, Zippy Fun for Confident Kids

Adventures for Ages 8 and Up

Ultimate Zip Line Adventure

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

Five zip lines plus 4x4 access equal a high-energy outing that’s equal parts thrill and scenery. Guides are frequently praised for making first-timers feel safe and empowered.

Spin & Splash Jet Boat Ride

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity:  High

Fast turns, surprise sprays, and dramatic canyon walls make this a top pick for kids who love action. Parents say the tour “felt like a rollercoaster on the river.”

Bigger Challenges, Deeper Discoveries

ACTIVITIES for Ages 10 and Up

Spin & Splash Jet Boat Ride

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

Run the Colorado River through Canyonlands National Park with Class III-V rapids and jaw-dropping scenery. Families rave about the camaraderie, food, and storytelling by expert river guides.

Morning Glory Canyoneering

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

Includes rappels up to 100 feet and a hike through a lush canyon. Guides support guests through every step, helping them face fears and gain confidence.

Canyoneering in Bow & Arrow Canyon

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

Tighter and more technical than Morning Glory, this route is ideal for families with older kids who are ready for a new physical challenge and stunning sandstone scenery.

Horseback Trail Rides

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: Relaxed

Ride through red rock country with skilled wranglers. The horses are well-trained, and the trails are scenic but gentle. Families love this for the unique perspective and slower pace.

Teen and Tween Friendly Adventures

ACTIVITIES for Ages 12 and Up

Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

Class III-IV rapids, black granite walls, and a remote wilderness setting make Westwater a rite of passage for adventure-minded teens. Guides consistently receive praise for confidence and expertise.

Cataract Canyon 2-Day Express Rafting

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

A great deal for early to mid-summer when flows are higher, this version packs whitewater, riverside camping, and canyon solitude into a shorter format. Great for teens or adventurous tweens

Cataract Canyon 4-Day Rafting (May-June)

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

Tighter and more technical than Morning Glory, this route is ideal for families with older kids who are ready for a new physical challenge and stunning sandstone scenery.

Dead Horse Point Mountain Biking

Physical Level: Moderate to High

Adventure Intensity: High

Ride along cliffside singletrack with unmatched views. Guests describe this as one of the most beautiful rides in the U.S., with well-paced coaching throughout.

Klondike Bluffs E-Mountain Biking

Physical Level: Moderate to High

Adventure Intensity: High

Explore dinosaur tracks and hidden viewpoints with the help of electric-assist bikes. This is a smart choice for riders who want more miles and less effort.

Electric Dirt Bike Tour

Physical Level: Moderate

Adventure Intensity: High

For teens interested in motorsports or outdoor tech, this guided tour is a thrill. Fast, responsive bikes offer an exciting ride through terrain that traditional tours can’t reach.