If you are like me, you know how important it is to get your kids outside when the weather starts getting warmer.
If you are ready to get your kids active and out of the house, here are the top summer hiking trails for kids of all ages!
Ogden/Layton
Birdsong Trail
With birds chirping, a little pond, and only 1.5 miles roundtrip, Birdsong Trail is a great trail to start your kids on. It's short and easy but has some great views.
Lagoon Trail
If you are looking for a stroller-friendly trail, Lagoon Trail (2.6 miles round trip) is perfect for younger children. It’s located right behind Lagoon and the Lagoon Zoo. Sometimes you can spot animals along the trail!
Adams Canyon Waterfall
Many people have hiked the Adams Canyon Waterfall, but few actually know about the Adams Canyon Lower Falls which is kid friendly. The entire hike is only 1.5 miles, and the waterfall is totally worth it.
Salt Lake Valley
Ensign Peak
Look out over Salt Lake Valley when you hike Ensign Peak. It also has some great pioneer history that you can teach your kiddos along the way. The trail is .8 miles out and back but can be steep in sections. There is little shade, so go early or late in the evening.
Lower Bells Canyon Reservoir Loop
With a little bit of a rocky climb at the beginning, Bells Canyon isn’t too tricky of a trail. Once you get to the reservoir, you can take a break and skip rocks, watch the ducks, or have a picnic with the kiddos. The whole trail is just under 1.5 miles out and back.
Silver Lake
Located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon at Brighton with a boardwalk and dirt trail, your kids will love running around spotting animals and breathing in the fresh air. Grab a bite to eat at Brighton for an extra special trip.
The Livingroom
Located behind Red Butte Garden and the University of Utah, The Livingroom is a steep climb but short trail. 2.2 miles out and back will bring you to a fun hang-out area at the top. The trail can get very busy and hot, so I suggest going early!
Cecret Lake
This trail is perfect for kids. A little less than 2 miles up from the Albion Campground, you can spot salamanders in the lake, birds buzzing by and the occasional moose. Please note that the Albion Base Area is closed during 2019 due to construction. Hikers must park at the Wildcat base area at Alta Ski Area with an option for a $5/per person shuttle to the campground.
Willow Lake
The hike is short (just over 2 miles), but has high elevation gain that takes you to a beautiful mountain lake. This is one of our favorite spots to watercolor with the kids.
Bonneville Shoreline Trail
Currently, this 100-mile trail offers great views of the valley. You can jump on (and off) the trail at numerous places including The Hogle Zoo, Red Butte Garden and the University of Utah.
Parley's Trail and Dog Park
Parley's Trail is an 8-mile paved trail connecting Parleys Canyon to the heart of Sugarhouse. The dog park, one of the many highlights along the trail, is one of the best off-leash trails in the city. Since this path is paved, it's great for strollers and kids on strider bikes.
Utah County
Dripping Rock Trail
Another great trail that is completely paved is the Dripping Rock Trail. This trail is near the Spanish Fork Golf Course. It is only 1 mile around and it takes you to a unique waterfall where water seeps out of the ground and drips into the creek.
Stewart Falls
Stewart Falls is located at Sundance Mountain Resort and is a moderate out and back trail. Park at the Mt. Timpanogos trailhead and follow signs to the left.
If you're still on the search for the perfect hike, check out some of our other hiking related posts:
Salt Lake City's Top Trails in the Cottonwood Canyons
6 Spectacular Fall Hikes (hint, you don't have to wait for the fall to enjoy them!)
Top 10 Trail Runs in Utah
5 Hikes to Help Your Toddler Love Hiking
Utah's Best Wildflower Hikes and Walks
