Cedar City, Utah, offers year-round activities for visitors. From mountain biking at Brian Head in the summer to skiing in the winter, has these nine free and family friendly attractions to help make a family vacation in Cedar City more affordable.

1) Visit Parowan Gap Petroglyphs – Wind, water and sand carved out this natural passageway that was once used as a major thoroughfare by ancient Native Americans. The different cultures are evident by the hundreds of petroglpyhs carved into the Gap. Researchers have identified solar and lunar calendars, hunting and cultural glyphs. It’s North America’s version of Stonehenge.

2) “Red Hill” and Cedar Canyon: Open all year, weather permitting. Cedar Canyon Park is located on both sides of Coal Creek. Two pavilions are available for group gatherings. Volleyball court and playground are also available. The paved, scenic walking trail is located along the banks of Coal Creek and weaves its way up into Cedar Canyon for 3.5 miles. The trail starts at the Cedar City Baseball Complex, goes past the Cedar Canyon Park and ends just above Rusty’s Ranch House. The trail is good for roller-blades, bikes, and strollers.

3) Park Discovery: On a hill just above Cedar City stands an assembly of wooden towers, mazes, slides, dinosaur digs, play volcanoes and rocket ships. This is Park Discovery, a fun, educational place where kids of all ages can learn and play. Concepts from over 4,000 local kids where integrated into the design concept of the park. Along with educational play elements, there’s an outdoor classroom, stage area, a separate play area for toddlers, handicap accessible ramps and swings and a ¾ paved walking trail that surrounds the park.

4) Exit 59 Skateboard Park:- Features several ramps and rails and is open all year round, weather permitting.

5) Daughters of the Utah Pioneers – Free Museum with a collection of pioneer artifacts

6) Veterans Park– Established in 2006 to honor Cedar City’s veterans, the monuments have been constructed for both World Wars, the Afghanistan, Iraqi wars, as well as the Korean and Vietnam war. The park is located next to the Canyon Trail, which is a scenic walking trail that goes up the canyon about 3 miles. The trail is perfect for bikes and strollers and has many benches where you can sit and enjoy the scenery.

7) Woods Ranch– Open late May through September. Located 12 miles east of Cedar City, the park has an area for picnics, volleyball and hiking (Virgin River Rim Trailhead). The Kids Pond is available to kids 12 and under for free. Kids must be accompanied by an adult with a valid Utah fishing license that can be purchased ahead of time online.

8) Old Iron Town: Explore the remnants of an old mining town that includes the firing kiln.

9) Main Street Park – Saturday afternoons pending good weather, watch the Mid Evil Jousting Club practice; or free outdoor music concerts during the summer and fall. Established in 1886, the park also features swings, a covered pavilion and newly constructed bandstand.

Hilary Thomas is an intern for travelingmom.com