There is no shortage of incredible activities to enjoy in and around Zion National Park. But you can’t hike, bike, and sightsee 24/7. At the end of a long day on the trails, you’re going to want to relax and unwind when you get back to your vacation rental.

Keep reading for 10 great ideas for spending a chill evening at Watchman Villas.

1. Movie Night

After a long day of hiking, biking, or otherwise enjoying your time in Zion National Park, nothing beats a movie night in.

With flatscreens in each of our villas, you and your family can relax with a different film each evening. If bad weather strikes during your visit, turn it into a movie marathon of your favorite series–just don’t forget to stock up on popcorn ahead of time.

Each of the bedrooms in our villas also feature a television, so if you can’t agree on a film, you can always split up so everyone can watch something they like

2. Stargazing

With outdoor living space, either in the form of balconies or patios, at each of the units at Watchman Villas, you can enjoy some of Zion National Park’s famous stargazing in your pajamas.

The South Entrance of the park might be a mile drive away from your villa, but the boundaries of Zion surround you. When the sun goes down, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the night sky, just as long as the sky is clear.

If you have a smartphone, log in to your Villa’s WiFi and download a stargazing app. For just a few dollars, or in some cases, for free, you can get a full guide to spotting stars, constellations, and more. Some even interact with your map to show you which stars are directly overhead.

3. Enjoy a Home Cooked Family Meal

One of the biggest perks of staying at a vacation rental is access to a full kitchen and all of the amenities that come with it.

Whether you want to whip up a few midnight snacks or a full meal your family can enjoy together on your patio, you’ll have everything you need from pots and pans to dishes and silverware. With several markets and stores without walking distance, you can stock up on everything you need to surprise your family with their favorite home-cooked staples.

4. Order Carry Out

Not in the mood to cook? That doesn’t mean you can’t still relax with a tasty meal in the comfort of your villa! With tons of delicious dining options within walking distance or a short drive, you’ll have no shortage of foods to choose from. Order carryout and take home your tasty meal to enjoy at your dining room table, curled up on the couch with a good movie, or under the stars on your patio!

5. Read a Book

Another great way to relax after a long day of outdoor fun is by curling up with a good book. Even better yet, why not bring along a read that’ll help you learn more about Zion during your visit? 

There is an endless number of books on the history of Zion National Park, the culture of the area’s original settlers, and the geography of the region. Check out a few great titles that the park service recommends here.

6. Host a Game Tournament

Nothing brings a family together quite like a little healthy competition. If you know that you’ll be spending some time in your vacation rental each evening of your vacation, with a little pre-planning you can host your very own fun game tournament during your stay!

All you’ll need is some paper, a tablet, or even your smartphone to create a bracket and keep scores. Then, bring along your favorite game. Whether your family loves old staples like Monopoly, some trivia on your favorite subjects, or even just simple card games, this simple tactic is great for filling time and creating some more lasting memories together during your vacation.

7. Share Your Favorite Vacation Stores

While you’re enjoying this latest vacation, why not spend some time reminiscing on other great trips your family has taken together? Celebrate spending time together by swapping your favorite stories from previous trips. You can even throw in any new ones you’ve made while at Zion–after all, these will be the stories you share on your next vacation!

8. Go Over the Day’s Photos

If you’ve got a photographer in your family who spends their days snapping shots on a digital camera or smartphone, going through the day’s photos can be a fun way to spend your evening. In the rush of enjoying the sights or taking on a tough trail, it’s easy to overlook the little moments. But going back through your photos together and talking about your day can help you appreciate everything you had the chance to experience.

9. Plan Your Next Day’s Adventure

With changing weather and conditions in the park, it can be a bit of a challenge to plan your entire trip ahead of time. While it’s a good idea to have a rough outline of the things you’d like to do and see during your visit, planning each day the night before can help you adapt ahead of a rainy day or adjust for sore feet from a long hike.

Get out your maps or guidebooks, and bring the family together to make a plan for your next day.

10. Start Planning Your Next Vacation

If an incredible visit to Zion National Park has you eager to return, you can always start planning your next vacation before this one is even over!

Whether you enjoy spending downtime enjoying the company of your family or want close and easy access to Zion National Park, Watchman Villas is the perfect basecamp for your next vacation. Book your next stay today!