Part three of our epic summer family road trip landed us in Moab Utah. While we had originally picked a point on the map between Aspen and Las Vegas, this destination turned out to be so much more than a pit stop. We spent a mere 24 hours there but probably could have stayed for a week exploring the top 5 things to do in Moab Utah.

1. Arches National Park

I have been fortunate to have visited quite a few national parks in the United States (Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone) and they always amaze me with their natural beauty. My kids hadn’t yet been given the opportunity to experience something of this magnitude so Arches National Park was the main Moab attraction for us.

I pre-purchased our timed entry into the park months before our arrival. It was $2 to make a reservation and then once we arrived, we had to pay $30 to enter the park as a vehicle. This is not a park in a lot and explore experience. Arches is huge with breathtaking rock formations that span miles through the park. We drove from one formation to another and got out at specific parking lots to explore more. We spent most of our time at Windows, which had amazing circle arches, that were quite an easy hike for our crew. There was also a bathroom area at this pit stop.

We packed lots of water and snacks as there are no efficiencies throughout the park. While we only arrived at 2pm, I would recommend going earlier in the day to avoid the crowds and scorching hot temperatures.

2. Moab Giants

If you have a dinosaur fan in your family, stop here. Moab Giants is a dinosaur park in the middle of the desert with breathtaking views. The coolest part of the park for both Leo (6) and I was the fact that it is on the actual site where dinosaurs walked years ago. The park features a walking trail with realistic replicas of dinosaur figures along the path. Each one features a plaque with interesting information about the species, including where they lived. We went early in the morning but it was already warm upon arrival so we appreciated the sprinkler systems along the trail to cool off.

We paid extra to experience the 3D theatre and the 5D prehistoric aquarium (no real fish here, all computer generated), as well as the interactive tracks museum. The park features a small restaurant and gift shop as well.

3. Moab Food Truck Park

We didn’t know what time we would be rolling into Moab so I pre-planned to stop at the food truck park for dinner, one of the top 5 things to do in Moab, Utah. We arrived on a Sunday when unfortunately many of the trucks weren’t open. However, the kids still enjoyed ice cream from Miss Gelato. If we had more time we would have definitely come back to experience a culinary adventure, from paninis and avocado toast to tacos and hot dogs.

4. Waterpark at the Springhill Suite Moab

As mentioned in other blog posts recapping our amazing road trip, this vacation was largely made possible by our Marriot Bonvoy points. The Springhill Suites in Moab was one of the hotels where we stayed free with points. Our room featured two beds and a pull-out couch as well as a small kitchen area with a fridge and microwave. But the highlight was the waterpark that replicated the beautiful arches of the national park in the background. The kids spent the night in the pools, and then the big kids went back the next morning while Leo and I were at Moab Giants. The pool is shared between Springhill Suites and the neighbouring the Fairfield Inn & Suites, also a Marriot property.

5. Eat at Thai Bella Moab

While the kids played in the waterpark, mom and dad got takeout food from Thai Bella. Definitely not local cuisine but absolutely delicious, as recommended by our hotel concierge. We enjoyed Pad Thai and Pad Si Ew by the pool but if you’re looking for a dine out experience you can eat on site as well.