Leave Cheyenne around 6:00 AM and make this a true all-day I-80 run toward Moab. The drive is usually about 7.5–8.5 hours of wheel time, but with kids and teens you’ll feel much better if you plan on a couple of real stops in Rawlins and Green River for fuel, bathrooms, and snacks. Expect long open highway stretches, a lot of wind, and big-sky Wyoming and Utah scenery that gets more dramatic the farther west you go. If you can, keep your arrival in Moab for daylight so check-in is easier and you’re not hunting for dinner in the dark.
After you roll into downtown, stop first at the Moab Information Center on Main Street to get current trail conditions, park updates, and ideas that fit a family with mixed ages. They usually have maps, ranger info, and quick suggestions for things that are doable without overcommitting on day one; budget about 20 minutes. It’s a smart reset after the drive and a good place to ask about any closures or timed-entry rules before you start the rest of your trip. From there, everything in central Moab is easy by car or even a short walk if you’re staying downtown—parking is generally street or lot parking, and on a Friday afternoon it’s worth snagging a spot near your dinner stop before the evening crowd builds.
For dinner, head south to Milt’s Stop & Eat for the classic road-trip landing: burgers, fries, shakes, and plenty of space for a family that just wants something easy and familiar. It’s a casual counter-service kind of place, typically around $12–20 per person depending on what everyone orders, and it’s especially good when nobody wants a long wait or a fancy sit-down meal after a long drive. If the kids still have energy afterward, swing by Swanny City Park back in downtown Moab for 30–45 minutes of open space, playground time, and a proper leg stretch; it’s one of the easiest low-key ways to shake off the car miles. If the adults and teens want one last stop, Moab Brewery downtown is a solid laid-back option for hearty pub food and house-made drinks, with root beer for the kids and a relaxed vibe that feels very “we made it.” Allow about an hour, and then get some sleep—tomorrow is when the fun really starts.
Head into Arches National Park early from Moab so you’re at the Arches National Park Visitor Center around opening time, ideally before the temperature starts climbing and the parking lot fills up. From downtown Moab, it’s usually a quick 10–15 minute drive up US-191, then a short turn onto the park road; expect the entrance station to be a little slower than the miles suggest, especially on spring weekends. This is the best first stop for a quick bathroom break, water refill, map check, and any last-minute orientation before you head deeper into the park. If you’re not doing anything permit-based today, the main goal here is simple: get the lay of the land, confirm trail conditions, and beat the heat.
From there, continue to the Windows Section Trailhead for one of the best family hikes in the park. It’s a good fit for a mixed-age group because you get the big-red-rock payoff without committing to a punishing climb; plan on about 1.5–2 hours including photo stops and extra time for kids to wander. Start with the easier loop pace, and don’t rush the side views—this is one of those places where the real fun is stopping to look through the giant rock openings and spotting other arches in the distance. Bring more water than you think you need, wear hats, and if the sun is already warming up, take the shade breaks seriously.
After the hike, make the easy roadside stop at Balanced Rock. It’s one of the most iconic quick pulls in Arches National Park, and it’s exactly the kind of stop families appreciate after a bigger trail because nobody has to “earn” the view. Park, snap your photos, walk the short loop if the kids want a little stretch, and then move on—this is the kind of place that takes 15–20 minutes unless everyone gets caught doing the same photo from six different angles. If you’re hungry by now, save the real lunch for town; just keep snacks handy so nobody starts bargaining in the parking lot.
Back in South Moab, swing by Moab Rock Shop for a change of pace and a little air-conditioned browsing. This is a classic Moab stop for families because it’s equal parts souvenir shop and mini geology museum, with fossils, crystals, polished stones, and enough weird-looking rock displays to keep teens interested longer than they’d admit. It’s a good 30–45 minute break, especially after the morning in the park, and it sits close enough to the main corridor that you can get there easily without losing the whole afternoon. If you want, grab a drink or late lunch nearby afterward and just let the day slow down for a bit before dinner.
Finish with dinner at Pasta Jay’s in downtown Moab—a reliable family stop when everyone is tired, dusty, and ready for something filling. Expect a casual, busy atmosphere and prices in the roughly $15–25 per person range depending on what everyone orders; after a full day in Arches, pasta, pizza, salads, and big portions usually hit the spot. Downtown parking is straightforward but can be tight at peak dinner time, so it helps to arrive a little earlier than the rush if you want an easier start. After dinner, it’s a short drive back to your stay in Moab, and if you still have energy, a slow evening walk along Main Street is a nice way to end the day without adding anything else to the schedule.
Start early and head west out of Moab on UT-313 toward Dead Horse Point State Park; it’s usually about a 35–40 minute drive from town, and the first light on the canyon rims is the best time to be there. Plan on a state park entry fee of around $20 per vehicle for the day, and if you can, arrive before midmorning so the overlooks are cooler and less crowded. The main viewpoints are all close together, so this is an easy win with kids and teens: big scenery, minimal walking, and plenty of spots to pause without feeling rushed.
From there, continue into Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky for Mesa Arch Trail and then Grand View Point Overlook. Mesa Arch is a short, famous walk — roughly 0.5 miles round trip — but the last stretch is uneven rock, so wear real shoes and keep an eye on little feet; even outside sunrise, it still delivers that classic “hanging arch over the canyon” payoff. Then drive the short hop to Grand View Point Overlook, where you get that huge, open sweep of canyon country with almost no effort. National park entry is typically $30 per vehicle for 7 days, and the road from one stop to the next is straightforward, with lots of pull-ins and restrooms near the visitor area. By this point, you’ve done the family’s biggest “wow” stops without overcommitting to a long hike.
Head back into town for lunch at Peace Tree Juice Cafe on Main Street — it’s a good reset after all the red rock dust and driving. Expect fresh smoothies, wraps, salads, and lighter plates, usually around $12–20 per person, and it’s a solid choice if some in the group want something healthy while others just need a cold drink and a sandwich. After lunch, take the scenic, low-effort route out on the Colorado River Scenic Byway along Highway 128 east of Moab. This is one of the prettiest drives in the area: red cliffs, cottonwoods, river bends, and frequent pullouts where you can just stop, stretch, and take photos. It works especially well for a family afternoon because you can make it as active or as lazy as you want — just cruise, stop at a few overlooks, and enjoy the change of pace.
Loop back into town for dinner at Moab Diner — it’s classic, casual, and reliably family-friendly after a full day of viewpoints and driving. The menu is big enough to handle different appetites, with burgers, meatloaf, milkshakes, and comfort-food plates usually in the $12–22 per person range, and it’s the kind of place where nobody has to get dressed up or make a complicated decision. If you still have energy afterward, a short walk along Main Street is an easy way to finish the day before turning in, especially since tomorrow’s travel day is easier if everyone gets a decent night’s sleep.
For a low-stress last full day, head out early from town and start at the Slickrock Bike Trail parking area in southeast Moab. If your group doesn’t all want to commit to the full famous loop, this is still the perfect place to sample the terrain with a short intro ride or a guided beginner segment. The sandstone gets hot fast and the lot fills with riders, so aim to roll in around 8:00 AM if you can. If you’re renting bikes or bringing your own, double-check helmets, water, and brakes before you leave town; there’s not much shade out there, and a 1.5–2 hour window is usually enough for a fun family taste without turning it into a suffer-fest.
From there, make your way northwest to the Gemini Bridges Trailhead for a scenic backcountry detour that feels adventurous without eating the whole day. It’s an off-pavement area, so a high-clearance vehicle is ideal, and even if you’re just doing a viewpoint-style stop, the road itself is part of the experience. Expect about 1.5 hours total including time to get out, wander, and take photos; this is one of those places where teens usually end up loving the “we’re really out there” feel. Bring extra water, go easy on tire pressure if you’re airing down, and keep in mind there’s very little cell service once you’re off the main roads.
Head back into town and grab lunch at Quesadilla Mobilla in downtown Moab. It’s one of the easiest family lunches in town because it’s quick, customizable, and not fussy after a dusty morning. The menu is built for sharing, and with teens and a kid in the mix it’s a nice reset: you can be in and out in about 45 minutes, or linger a little if the line moves fast. Figure around $10–18 per person depending on drinks and add-ons, and if you’re trying to avoid the rush, arriving a bit before noon usually helps.
After lunch, drive north of town to Moab Giants Dinosaur Park, which is a solid pick for a mixed-age group because it works for the kid without feeling too young for the teens. Give yourselves 1.5–2 hours to wander the outdoor dinosaur trail, indoor exhibits, and photo spots; it’s more hands-on and entertaining than a quick drive-by stop. The site is easy to reach from town on US-191, and it’s a good late-afternoon activity because it gives everyone a break from hiking and biking while still keeping the day active. Once you’ve had your fill of dinosaurs, head back toward town and unwind with dinner at The Broken Oar, a relaxed river-adjacent spot with a broad menu that makes happy-ending decisions easier for families. It’s a good “last night in Moab” kind of place: casual enough for travel clothes, but comfortable enough to feel like a proper sit-down meal, and you’ll usually spend about 1–1.5 hours there.
If you have any energy left after dinner, take a final slow drive through downtown Moab for ice cream or a last look at the red cliffs in evening light, then get packed up for the move on tomorrow. Leaving Moab for Kearns is easiest with an 8:00 AM departure on US-191 N / I-70 W / I-15 N / UT-201 W, which should put you there by early afternoon with a few stops and a much calmer pace.
Leave Moab after breakfast around 8:00 AM so you can make the most of the daylight and still beat the worst of the Salt Lake–area traffic. The first long stretch is straightforward highway driving, and with a family group it’s smart to plan a quick break in Green River or Price for gas, coffee, and bathrooms before everyone starts getting restless. Keep snacks and water handy in the car, because once you get past the quieter desert miles, the day turns into a more urban run as you approach the Wasatch Front.
If everyone wants one last change of scenery before settling into the metro area, take the small detour to the Nine Mile Canyon Visitor area or one of the roadside pullouts near the Wellington/Price corridor for about 30–45 minutes. It’s an easy leg-stretcher rather than a big hike, so it works well for a road-weary crew. From there, continue toward West Valley City and stop near the Maverik Center for lunch; this area has plenty of no-fuss choices, from quick pizza and burgers to chain spots that are easy in and out with kids. Budget roughly $12–20 per person, and if you’re arriving around noon or 1:00 PM, parking is usually simple in the surrounding lots.
After lunch, head a short drive west to Kearns Oquirrh Park Fitness Center and the surrounding park grounds for an easy, low-pressure afternoon. This is the kind of place that helps everyone reset after a long drive: open green space, room for the kids to move, and a good spot to burn off road-trip energy without committing to anything too structured. Expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours here, then swing by Shops at Valley Fair in West Valley City for any last-minute groceries, drinks, sunscreen, or snacks for the next part of the trip. It’s a practical stop, but it’s also one of the easiest places near Kearns to restock without having to hunt around.
By late afternoon, keep the rest of the day light and flexible so you can check in, unpack, and let everybody recover from the drive. If traffic is light, you’ll be in good shape for an easy dinner nearby and an early night, which is honestly the best move after a five-plus-hour haul.
Leave Kearns around 6:00 AM and treat this as a full road day rather than a quick hop. The goal is to make steady progress on I-80 E while the kids are still sleepy and traffic is light, then work in real breaks so nobody gets fried by the afternoon. Expect a long but manageable day with wind possible across southern Wyoming; keep an eye on weather and fuel, and don’t let the tank get low between exits. Aim for a relaxed arrival into Cheyenne before dinner, not a white-knuckle late-night roll-in.
By late morning, break the drive at Fort Bridger State Historic Site in Fort Bridger. It’s one of those stops that actually feels worth the detour because it gives everyone a chance to walk around, stretch, and get a little history without committing to a big museum day. Plan on about 45–60 minutes here; admission is usually modest, and the historic buildings and grounds are easy for a family to cover without much effort. The site works well as a reset before the longer push east, especially after a morning on the interstate.
Continue east to Laramie and stop at The Chuckwagon Restaurant for a hearty, no-fuss lunch. This is the kind of place that understands road-trip families: big portions, quick service, and plenty of familiar comfort food so nobody has to negotiate too hard over the menu. Figure $12–22 per person and about an hour here, depending on how hungry everyone is. After lunch, it’s a simple drive across town and back out toward I-80, with just enough time to refill drinks, hit the restroom, and reset for the final stretch.
As you close in on Cheyenne, make one last stop at Vedauwoo Recreation Area between Laramie and Cheyenne. It’s a great “we made it through the long haul” break: giant granite towers, easy pull-offs, and short paths that let everyone wander for 30–45 minutes without needing a full hike. From there, it’s only about 30–40 minutes back into Cheyenne via I-80, so leave Vedauwoo in the mid- to late-afternoon and roll in before dinner. If you’ve got a little energy left, a celebratory late snack or takeout stop in town is a nice way to end the trip without pushing anyone past their limit.