Zion National Park may be an outdoor enthuiast’s paradise, but that doesn’t mean that it’s only for those who are young or athletic enough to take on its tougher trails. In fact, this iconic park is a must-see for people of all ages, demographics, and abilities. Not only does it have something for everyone, but it’s also possible to plan a vacation to the park that includes the entire family, from the youngest children to the grandparents.

But while it is possible to plan a fun multi-generational visit, you’ll need to do a bit of work to make it happen and to ensure that everyone is happy and healthy throughout your vacation. Keep reading to learn more.

Plan a Mix of Activities

The best way to bring your diverse family together and ensure that everyone has a fun, memorable trip is to plan a mix of activities. Don’t just go sightseeing or take a few short hikes. Instead, look for a variety of other options that all or most of your family can enjoy together.

Go horseback riding. Take a guided Jeep or off-road tour. Plan a day trip to one of the area’s reservoirs for a day on the water. Visit the Zion Human History Museum.

With a little creativity, you’ll find no shortage of things that all members of your family can enjoy together.

Break Off Into Groups

Odds are that there are going to be things that some members of your group want to enjoy that others simply can’t handle. Don’t deny anyone the opportunity to experience Zion in their own way. Instead, split into a couple of groups for the day or even just for the afternoon.

One group might choose to take on a challenging hike, while another enjoys a leisurely stroll on an easier trail. For the oldest and youngest generations on your vacation, even an afternoon spent relaxing in your vacation rental can be fun, not to mention much-needed on long days.

Just because you split up for a while doesn’t mean that you can’t come back together later in the day. Plan to meet up for dinner, or better yet, cook a fun family meal back in your vacation rental. Host your own game night. Put in a movie and pop some popcorn for a family movie night. That way, everyone gets to enjoy the activities that they choose, and you’ll still make some memories together as a family.

Practice the Buddy-System

When you’re traveling with a group, the individual needs of those who can’t or won’t speak up for themselves can easily get overlooked. An older grandparent who doesn’t want to ruin everyone else’s hike by mentioning that he or she is tired. A young child who hasn’t been drinking any water, despite running and hiking all afternoon.

Practicing the buddy system is a great way to make sure that no one gets overlooked. Assign each member of your group a “buddy.” Be sure to assign those who need a little extra help a buddy who is able to provide that. For instance, young children and older adults should be paired with an adult who will know how to watch for signs of trouble.

Give Everyone Their Own Space

No matter how close your family is, too much “together” can cause some problems. Especially when multiple generations aren’t used to traveling together, tension may rise, particularly after long, hot days. If you choose to stay in a hotel, it’s likely that these tensions will boil over as your family members fight over turns in the bathroom or space on the couch.

A spacious vacation rental will solve this issue. You’ll have plenty of space for each member of your family, with less sharing. While you’ll want to spend plenty of quality time together, when everyone has their own space to retreat to at the end of the day, they’ll wake refreshed, relaxed, and ready for more family fun.

Don’t Forget Room to Hang Out Together, Too

A vacation rental is great for giving each member of your family their space. But its also great for bringing everyone together. When everyone stays in separate hotel rooms, you’re left with few options for hanging out as a group. You can either crowd into a single room, split off into several groups, or share a crowded public lobby.

With a vacation rental, you’ll get a kitchen, dining area, and living room that everyone can enjoy together when you host that movie and game night or home-cooked meal.

Planning a Multi-Generational Family Vacation

Just like any vacation, planning a multi-generational family vacay requires a bit of thought and work. But if you’re willing to try, you can plan a rewarding, fun vacation that every member of your family will enjoy, regardless of their age!