We have 5 nights to spend in Las Vegas during Easter break with two teens. It is supposed to be a relaxing trip but I'd love to see one or both of the parks. We are thinking of staying at the Marriott resort and then maybe one or two nights at the parks. Is it doable or should we just closer jaunts such as Valley of Fire and Lake Mead?

Zion from Vegas is quite doable. So is Bryce is you have two full days.

Zion is 4,000 feet lower than Bryce and it will be warmer. Bryce could be a little cool in the eveneings at Easter, which is on April 11, but the sun usually shines brightly and solar heat can warm you up during the day.

I like both parks, but Bryce is my favorite. Others will vote for Zion.
Take a look at the National Park Websites; viewing the information there may help you decide.

At Bryce, the cabins inside the park are nice, and the motel style rooms are spacious. Neither one is a bad choice, although I prefer the cabin style rooms more. They are already full for the summer on most days, but perhaps you could reserve one for April.

You can easily drive from Bryce back to Vegas in a day. No problem.

I think you will enjoy the trip.

I'm one of those that likes Zion best. Bryce is going to be a lot colder so I would be inclined to spend the two nights at Zion or Springdale, Utah. You can always make a day trip to Bryce to check it out.

At Bryce you have to go to the rim to see the canyon...in Zion you are in the canyon and all you have to do is open your eyes to see the beautiful canyon walls...that's why I prefer Zion and find it more relaxing.

If your two teens like the outdoors at all, I would definely make the trip to Zion &/or Bryce.

Utahtea

I agree with Utahtea: in Zion, you are surrounded by these amazing red cliffs! Bryce is beautiful, but I was there one year in late Spring and it was COLD. All the Utah parks are pretty spectacular, however.

You should do both. Three days two nights will give you enogh time in both parks. Zion is about 160 miles from LV; Bryce is about 90 miles from Zion.

I also vote for Zion and Valley of Fire. There is a ranch near Las Vegas worth checking out that is open to the public--formerly owned by the widow of a wealthy German. Lake Mead isn't all that interesting, in my opinion.

Zion and Valley of Fire is a great combination. Valley of Fire is on the way. I, too, prefer Zion over Bryce, but Bryce is definitely worth a stop if you have the time.

Whatever you decide, I will second brookwood's recommendation of checking out the Nat'l Park lodging inside the parks. We visited last summer and spent one night in Zion in one of the cabins and one night in Bryce in one of the "motel" type rooms (cabins were booked). Our stays were very short (too short for Zion), and being inside the park really enhanced our limited time at the parks. The location of the cabins in Zion is awesome.