Start your trip with a visit to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Get oriented with the park by viewing the park movie, visiting the museum exhibits, and speaking with a ranger to learn about the hiking trails and any other events happening during your stay.
Take a scenic shuttle ride to the end of the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. Start with an easy hike on the Riverside Walk trail to the beginning of the Zion Narrows. This hike is great for all ages and abilities and offers wonderful views of the Zion scenery. If weather and water permits, wade through the Virgin River and take a walk through the Zion Narrows' stunning slot canyons.
Start your day with a short, steep hike to the Weeping Rock Trail for a refreshing misty view. Then take a hike on the Emerald Pools Trail, which features a series of cascading waterfalls and pools to relax and take a dip on a hot day.
On your last day, head over to the East Entrance of the park and hike the Canyon Overlook Trail. This short yet moderately difficult trail has a stunning view of the Zion Canyon and surrounding landscapes. After that head to Checkerboard Mesa a massive rock formation with many vertical and horizontal lines, resembling a checkerboard.
If you have additional time, consider taking a scenic drive along Route 12 to Bryce Canyon National Park for a day trip. If your kids are adventurous and up for a challenge, consider the challenging Angels Landing hike or Observation Point hike. Be sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, hats, plenty of water, and snacks to keep energy levels up. Zion can get crowded, so aim to start your hikes early in the morning to avoid the crowds.