We did not have a big plan for Spring Break. Just the usual mix of restless kids, the need to get out of the house, and a good excuse to visit the in-laws. So we booked a flight, packed way too many snacks, and made our way to St. George, Utah for a few days.
We had heard some nice things: red rocks, dinosaur tracks, warm sunshine. But we were mostly just looking forward to a change of scenery and some quality family time.
It ended up being so much more than we expected. Stunning views, fun adventures, and memories we will not forget anytime soon.
Here is what went down.
First Stop: Glitter Mountain aka The Sparkly Dirt Place
This one was totally my sister-in-law’s find. She came across it online and said we had to check it out, even though it was technically across the Utah border in Littlefield, Arizona. So after a few wrong turns and one “Wait, is this even a real place?” moment, we pulled up to what looked like a giant pile of dirt and rocks.
Then the sun hit it.
The ground glittered. I kid you not. Shiny crystals everywhere. The kids jumped out of the car like it was Christmas morning. Turns out Glitter Mountain is this old gypsum mine where selenite crystals literally grow out of the rock. The kids called them magic rocks, and honestly, they kind of are.
We spent a solid hour climbing, digging, and pretending we were treasure hunters. The kids were in heaven. They each picked out a few sparkly souvenirs to take home and declared this their favorite part of the trip… on day one. Hard to top magic rocks.
Quick side note: it is very dusty. Our youngest managed to get dirt in her ears. Bring water and wipes and maybe don’t wear your favorite white sneakers.
Next Up: Dinosaurs. Real Ones. Sort of.
Okay, we didn’t actually run into any live dinosaurs (thankfully) but we did get to see their footprints. Actual dinosaur tracks. Like… right there in front of us.
We went to the Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm, and I cannot recommend it enough. It’s not huge, but the kids were completely hooked. There’s this one big slab of sandstone with real tracks that have been preserved for millions of years. You just stand there thinking, “Whoa, an actual dinosaur walked right here.” It’s kind of mind-blowing.
Inside the museum, there are dino models, fossils, and interactive stuff the kids could touch and explore. There’s even a dig area where they pretended to be little paleontologists.
Our middle child, who went through a serious dinosaur phase last year, was basically vibrating with excitement. We even learned a few fun facts ourselves. Did you know some of those dinosaurs were the size of chickens? Wild.
Then… Thunder Junction. The Coolest Playground Ever
After all the dino stuff, we figured the kids would be tired. Wrong.
We pulled into Thunder Junction All Abilities Park just to “check it out” and ended up staying for hours. This place is a dream. Think dinosaur statues, volcano slides, splash pad, train rides, and the kind of open layout where you’re not constantly worried someone’s going to disappear behind a bush.
What I really loved was how inclusive the park is. It’s designed so all kids can play — wheelchair-accessible swings, ramps, soft turf, the works. It was so heartwarming to just sit back and watch so many different families enjoying the space together.
Also the train. Yes, there is a mini train that takes you around the park. It’s the cutest thing and only costs a dollar. We all rode it. Twice.
Last Stop: Pool Time
By the end of the day, we were all ready to cool off. So we hit the St. George City Pool, which turned out to be way more than just a pool. It’s basically a mini water park. There were waterslides, a lazy river, and even a shallow splash area for our youngest to safely wade around in.
We changed into swimsuits, grabbed some ice-cold drinks, and just… chilled. The kids made some new friends, we got to float a little, and it was the perfect way to wrap up the day. There was even a little grassy area to sit and relax while the older ones kept going down the slide over and over again.
Honestly, I think I needed the pool time as much as they did.
Little Moments That Made It Special
It wasn’t just the big stops. It was the little things too. Like when we pulled over on the side of the road just to take in the view and ended up with a spontaneous family photo that’s now my phone wallpaper. Or when we got giant pancakes at a local diner and watched the kids try to eat them with both hands. Or the way they all passed out in the car on the drive back to the hotel, sun-kissed and exhausted in the best way.
That’s the good stuff. That’s why we travel.
Would We Go Back? 100 Percent.
St. George totally surprised us. It’s a place that doesn’t scream tourist trap, but it has so much to offer. You’ve got outdoor adventure, cool history, fun spots for kids, and space to slow down. No rush, no crowds, just time together.
We left with dirty shoes, sparkly rocks in our pockets, and a ton of photos full of goofy smiles. If you’re looking for a family trip that’s a little different — no theme parks, no chaos — but still packed with fun, definitely put St. George on your list.
We’ll be back. I’m sure of it.
Travel With Your Tribe 