Free Things to Do in St. George, Utah

Dozens of activities that cost absolutely nothing — hiking trails, parks, splash pads, ghost towns, concerts, art walks, and more across Southern Utah.

14
Free Activities
3
Free Trails
3
Free Parks
5
Free Events

All Free Activities(14 activities)

Pioneer Park Trails & Views

FREE

Hike to the top of Pioneer Park for 360-degree views of St. George, the red cliffs, and the Pine Valley Mountains. Multiple trail options from easy walks to scrambles through lava tubes.

Downtown St. George Family Friendly Year-Round

Red Cliffs Desert Reserve

FREE

Over 60,000 acres of protected desert with free hiking trails. The Red Reef Trail leads to seasonal waterfalls and pools. Paradise Rim offers stunning views. No entry fee.

North St. George Family Friendly Year-Round

Virgin River Trail

FREE

Paved multi-use trail along the Virgin River through St. George. Perfect for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading. Connects multiple parks and neighborhoods.

Along the Virgin River Family Friendly Year-Round

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park

FREE

Massive inclusive playground and park designed for children of all abilities. Splash pad (summer), dinosaur-themed play structures, walking paths, and picnic areas. Completely free.

Washington City Family Friendly Year-Round

St. George Town Square Events

FREE

Free concerts, festivals, movie nights, and community events throughout the year at Town Square. The Concerts in the Park series runs during warmer months. Art walks and holiday celebrations are popular.

Downtown St. George Family Friendly Year-Round

Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

FREE

View actual dinosaur tracks preserved in sandstone from the Early Jurassic period. The outdoor track site is free to visit (museum has a small admission). One of the best dinosaur track sites in the Southwest.

St. George Family Friendly Year-Round

Sunset at Padre Canyon Overlook

FREE

Drive up to the Padre Canyon overlook for stunning panoramic sunset views over St. George and the surrounding desert. Free parking and a short walk to the viewpoint.

East St. George Family Friendly Year-Round

St. George Art Museum (First Friday)

FREE

The St. George Art Museum hosts free First Friday art walks with exhibitions, artist talks, and refreshments. Regular admission is minimal, but First Fridays are completely free.

Downtown St. George Family Friendly Year-Round

Splash Pads & Water Parks

FREE

Multiple free splash pads across the area including Thunder Junction (Washington), Bloomington Hills Park, and Tonaquint Nature Center. Perfect for cooling off in summer heat.

Multiple Locations Family Friendly

Grafton Ghost Town

FREE

Explore a beautifully preserved 1860s ghost town near Springdale. Wander among historic buildings, a cemetery, and the iconic church used in the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Completely free.

Near Springdale (35 min) Family Friendly Year-Round

Silver Reef Ghost Town & Museum

FREE

Visit the ruins of a once-booming silver mining town — the only place in the world where silver was found in sandstone. The Wells Fargo building and art gallery are free to visit.

Leeds (20 min) Family Friendly Year-Round

Washington County Library Events

FREE

Free story times, craft sessions, book clubs, movie screenings, and educational programs for all ages. The St. George library branch regularly hosts community events and author visits.

Multiple Locations Family Friendly Year-Round

Petroglyph Park

FREE

View ancient petroglyphs carved by indigenous peoples hundreds of years ago. A short interpretive trail explains the rock art. Located near the Santa Clara River Reserve.

St. George Family Friendly Year-Round

Tonaquint Nature Center & Trails

FREE

Free nature center with exhibits on local wildlife, desert ecology, and conservation. Surrounding trails loop through desert habitat. Splash pad open in summer months.

South St. George Family Friendly Year-Round

Upcoming Free Events

Parks, Trails & Free-Entry Locations

FEATURED

McMullin Injury Law

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Legal ServicesOpen Now (MDT)

Southern Utah's largest personal injury law firm with 8 attorneys and 100+ years combined experience. Free consultations...

301 N 200 E, Suite 3C, St. George
(435) 673-9990
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St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm

VERIFIED
Things to DoOpen Now (MDT)

Natural history museum built over 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks featuring over 6,000 fossilized footprints, life-...

2180 East Riverside Drive, St. George
(435) 574-3466
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Majestic View Lodge

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Premier Zion National Park lodge in Springdale with 69 individually furnished rooms, offering stunning canyon views and ...

2400 Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale

Jellystone Park™ Zion

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Southern Utah's best family camping and RV resort near St. George and Zion National Park. Features water park, themed we...

505 South Sand Hollow Rd, Hurricane
(866) 934-5267
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St. George Art Museum

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Arts & EntertainmentClosed (MDT)

Free admission art museum featuring exhibitions from all periods, cultures, and media

47 East 200 North, St. George
(435) 627-4525
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Muddy Bees Bakery

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BakeryClosed (MDT)

Family-owned bakery in Hurricane featuring comfort foods, vegan and gluten-free options, signature cinnamon rolls, and i...

Hurricane Location, Hurricane
(435) 467-4898
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St. George Children's Museum

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Things to DoOpen Now (MDT)

Interactive children's museum with 15 hands-on exhibit spaces designed to inspire learning through play, featuring disco...

86 South Main Street, St. George
(435) 986-4000
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Zion Human History Museum

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Things to DoOpen Now (MDT)

National Park Service museum showcasing Zion's geological and human history with American Indian culture exhibits, pione...

1 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale
(435) 772-3256
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M.A. Munson Law

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Effective advocates in Cedar City providing criminal defense, bankruptcy, estate planning, and personal injury with tran...

970 S. Sage Dr., #109, Cedar City
(435) 238-7734
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Simple Moves

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Award-winning St. George moving company with 15+ years experience and 350+ five-star reviews, serving Washington County ...

1594 Sweetgum Circle, St. George
(435) 705-9241
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Snow Canyon State Park

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ParksClosed (MDT)

Snow Canyon State Park in Ivins, Utah features stunning red and white Navajo sandstone cliffs, lava tubes, sand dunes, a...

1002 Snow Canyon Dr, Ivins
(435) 628-2255
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Utah Shakespeare Festival

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The Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City presents Tony Award-winning professional theater from June through October, ...

351 W Center St, Cedar City
(435) 586-7878
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Zion National Park

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ParksClosed (MDT)

Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah is one of America's most visited national parks, featuring Angels Landing, The Na...

1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale
(435) 772-3256
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Bryce Canyon National Park

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Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah features the world's largest collection of hoodoos — towering red rock spire...

Highway 63, Bryce Canyon City
(435) 834-5322
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Beehive Flooring Utah

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Southern Utah's trusted flooring experts offering carpet, hardwood, tile, vinyl, and laminate installation. Quality prod...

897 E St George Blvd, St. George
(435) 673-6767
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Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

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DessertsOpen Now (MDT)

Unique liquid nitrogen ice cream experience creating custom-frozen desserts with spectacular flash-freezing process in C...

1390 S Providence Center Dr, Ste 2, Cedar City

Free Activities FAQ

What are free things to do in St. George, Utah?

Free activities include hiking at Pioneer Park, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, and the Virgin River Trail; visiting Thunder Junction splash pad and playground; attending free concerts at Town Square; exploring Grafton and Silver Reef ghost towns; viewing dinosaur tracks at Johnson Farm (outdoor area); using the free splash pads; visiting the St. George Art Museum on First Fridays; and enjoying the many free parks and nature preserves.

Are there free hiking trails in St. George?

Yes, dozens of free hiking trails. Pioneer Park, Red Cliffs Desert Reserve (Red Reef Trail, Paradise Rim), the Virgin River Trail, Padre Canyon, and many BLM trails are all free. Snow Canyon State Park charges $10 per vehicle but offers outstanding trails. Zion National Park is $35 per vehicle.

Are there free splash pads in St. George?

Yes! Thunder Junction All Abilities Park in Washington has a large free splash pad. Bloomington Hills Park and Tonaquint Nature Center also have free splash pads. These typically operate from May through September during daytime hours.

Are there free events in St. George?

St. George hosts many free events throughout the year including concerts in the park, holiday celebrations at Town Square, First Friday art walks, community festivals, farmers markets, library programs, and outdoor movie nights. Check the SGWOM events calendar for upcoming free events.

Can I visit ghost towns near St. George for free?

Yes! Grafton Ghost Town (near Springdale, 35 min) and Silver Reef Ghost Town (Leeds, 20 min) are both free to visit. Grafton has preserved 1860s buildings and was a filming location for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Silver Reef features mining ruins and a free art gallery.

Free Things to Do in St. George, Utah

One of the best things about living in or visiting St. George, Utah is how much there is to do for free. The region is surrounded by public lands, parks, and trails that offer world-class outdoor experiences without any admission fees. From the expansive Red Cliffs Desert Reserve with its free hiking trails to the splash pads and playgrounds scattered across Washington County, families and visitors can fill entire days without spending a dime.

Downtown St. George hosts free community events throughout the year at Town Square, including Concerts in the Park, holiday celebrations, art walks, and seasonal festivals. The Washington County library system offers free programs for all ages, and historic sites like Grafton Ghost Town and Silver Reef provide fascinating free attractions just a short drive from town.

For outdoor lovers, the dozens of free hiking and biking trails across the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, BLM land, and city parks provide year-round recreation in one of the most stunning landscapes in the American West. The Virgin River Trail connects neighborhoods with a paved path perfect for walking, running, and cycling.

Free Activity Types:

  • Hiking trails and nature walks
  • Parks and playgrounds
  • Splash pads (seasonal)
  • Community concerts and events
  • Ghost town exploration
  • Art walks and museum free days
  • Library programs and events
  • Scenic viewpoints and drives
  • Biking and running trails
  • Petroglyphs and historical sites

Free Activity Locations: