Road trip from Denver to Moab with kids 5, 8, 10 - route ideas?

Dec 261 min read

Planning a long weekend and want to break it up so nobody loses their mind in the car. We're looking at about 8 hours total so I'm thinking stop somewhere halfway? Considering going through eastern Utah to see some smaller parks or towns. Need recommendations for kid-friendly stops, good overnight spots, and whether it's worth detouring to see anything specific. This will be our first time in that area. Also - are gas station snacks the only option or can I actually pack food that stays decent for a few hours?

5 comments358 views

Comments(5)

KKeith L.RegularDec 26

Green River is perfect halfway point - there's a decent rest area and a bunch of little diners. We stopped there going to Moab and the kids didn't melt down, which honestly felt like a win. Plus it breaks it up so it's not one long slog.

GGreg H.RegularDec 27

Do NOT skip the stop halfway. Do not. I did once thinking we'd save time and it was a nightmare. The kids need to burn energy. Green River has a little park area that's perfect for 20 min of running around.

NNolan J.RegularDec 27

going through eastern UT is the move - I-70 straight through is faster but way more boring for the kids. The landscape changes a lot which helps break up monotony

RRandy B.RegularDec 27

8 hours is rough with that age spread. Your 5yo will be fine, 8yo gets bored around hour 5, 10yo will have their head in a device the whole time lol. Download some podcasts or audiobooks that appeal to the 8 and 10yo - we did Percy Jackson on our Utah trip and it kept everyone engaged.

CCliff B.RegularDec 28

Bring SO many snacks. Like more than you think you need. The hangry stage hits around hour 4 and it's all downhill from there.