With a Covered Playground and Walking Path, This Family-Friendly Park in Utah Is the Best Summer Day Trip

St. George is home to some of my favorite city parks in Utah. This southern Utah paradise is home to the incredible Thunder Junction All Abilities Park and Pioneer Park. It is also where you can find Cottonwood Cove Park, one of the best family-friendly summer day trip destinations in Utah. This park has something for everyone, from the ultimate playground to a walking path, climbing wall, swinging benches, and so much more. It’s the type of place that everyone will squeal with joy to visit. So, grab the whole family and make plans to spend an afternoon at Cottonwood Cove Park this summer!

Cottonwood Cove Park is a local favorite in St. George. This beautiful community park spans 24.8 beautiful acres and is located at 1027 South Dixie Drive. Here, you’ll find many traditional park amenities like a covered pavilion, picnic tables, and lots of grassy areas to either relax or play.

I particularly love the swinging benches that look right over the playground. This is where I love to relax while my kids let loose and unleash their energy. And the playground at Cottonwood Cove Park is the perfect place for running and playing. This large playground offers several activities that all ages can enjoy, and even better, a significant portion is shaded, protecting your young ones from the hot southern Utah sun.

There is also a sand volleyball court and a horseshoe pit, perfect for unleashing your family's competitive side. Volleyball courts can be reserved for $10 per hour through the St. George website. Pavilions can also be reserved for family gatherings on the website.

You can also build some strength and have some fun on the two climbing walls in the park. Also, be sure to allow some time to walk along the Santa Clara River Trail, which runs through the park. This is a great place for walking or running, and since it's paved, it's also suitable for strollers and mobility equipment. This loop trail is only 0.5 miles long and mostly flat. You can check out the route on AllTrails. Dogs are allowed on the pathway and in the park, as long as they remain on a leash.

And despite being in the city, this park has elements of nature running through. It’s truly a little escape on a summer day. For more information on Cottonwood Cove Park, including volleyball court reservation fees and location details, visit the official website of the City of St. George.

What are your favorite city parks in the Beehive State? I absolutely love visiting parks around the state. What is your favorite summer day trip in Utah? Please send us a note telling us all about it through our nominations page. We are always on the lookout for new destinations to explore and share with our fellow readers.