Heading out on a family trip soon? If you’re looking for an affordable destination with plenty of fun things to do, consider Green River, Utah. This small city along the banks of the Green River offers beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace of life. Here are some of the top family-friendly activities and attractions to enjoy during your Green River getaway.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Green River provides easy access to stunning natural landscapes perfect for outdoor adventures. Load up the family into the car and make your way to the San Rafael Swell, a geologic wonderland filled with colorful rock formations, steep canyons, and arches. Grab your hiking boots and set out to discover some of the trails and sights. Cedar Mountain Trail rewards you with panoramic views from the summit, while the Little Grand Canyon lives up to its name with deep, vibrant layers of rock.
Not far away, Goblin Valley State Park is another family favorite with its strange goblin-shaped hoodoos emerging from the valley floor. Let the kids’ imaginations run wild as they explore the trails and climb on the formations. The park also has great stargazing opportunities on clear nights.
Back in Green River, head out on the river itself. Grab kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards and enjoy a relaxing float along the waters. It’s a great way to take in the scenery and maybe spot some wildlife too. Companies like Expedition Utah offer rentals and guided tours.
Learn Local History
In between outdoor adventures, check out Green River’s museums and historic sites to soak up some regional history and culture. The John Wesley Powell River History Museum tells the story of early river explorers and researchers. See artifacts from expeditions down the Green and Colorado Rivers and learn about the first river runners. The museum brings to life what life was like for those early adventurers.
For a peek into the past, visit the Old City Hall Museum. Housed in Green River’s first municipal building, it recreates what a typical Main Street looked like in the early 1900s. Inside are historic artifacts, storefront replicas, and exhibits spotlighting the city’s origins. Kids can practice writing on old-fashioned slates and try their hand at the antique printing press.
The town also has fun public art installations like the Dinosaur Water Park and Yellow Submarine. Let the kids climb on and explore these larger-than-life play structures. They make for great photo ops!
Attend Local Events
One of the best ways to experience Green River is by attending its many community events throughout the year. In late winter, bundle up for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade to watch festive floats make their way down Main Street.
As summer kicks off, look for craft fairs, rodeos, and cruise-in car shows where you can mingle with locals over brisket sandwiches and live music. The big event is Melon Days in mid-September when the town celebrates its agricultural heritage with contests, carnival rides, and lots of fresh melon treats. It’s a fun county fair-type atmosphere the whole family will enjoy.
Call First Choice Inns at the Swell to book your hotel reservation in Green River, Utah today and start planning an unforgettable family getaway full of adventure, learning, and quality time together. The great outdoors, history, and small town charm are waiting to be explored.