Mountain-Prarie

The parks in Utah are an adventurous family’s playground. There are so many amazing things that you can do here with your family. The Utah landscape just shouts to be climbed on, hiked through and explored! We had a blast exploring the state and visiting all of the Utah National Parks plus one of the State Parks.

Here is our list of what to do at each of the national parks and what state park you should add to your list. Be ready to see natural bridges, red rock and amazing slot canyons.

Arches National Park

Fiery Furnace

You can only see the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park if you have a permit and in most cases, are with a guide (unless you have hiked it many times before and know your way around). For good reason. You could easily get lost in there and not be able to find your way out!

It was an unreal walk through rock formations where we had to jump across crevices in the rocks and fit through some pretty tight spaces. It said that kids had to be 5 to do it . . . we told them our 4-year-old was 5 and he did great.

Sign up and pay (there is a fee) for this hike at the visitor center. Spots fill up so head there first thing to see when you can get on the list.

Delicate Arch

This is the iconic Arch that you see on the Utah license plate. It is a popular trail but well worth it! Be prepared as it is a 3 mile hike straight up hill . . . seriously it is pretty tough. Then right when you get to the top you are walking along a ledge for a bit.

I kept telling the kids get your hand on the wall. HAND ON THE WALL! It was a little scary but totally doable and a hike we recommend when you are here.

Star Gazing

There are so many amazing places to go star gazing in Utah. The night sky gets so dark and if you are somewhere like Arches you can see the outline of the arches against the starry night sky. It is also really quite. Grab a blanket and take the family out to lay down and look up and count how many shooting stars you see!

Highway 128

Looking to rest your legs for a few hours? Then take the family on the scenic Highway 128 drive right outside of Moab. The drive takes you along the Colorado River and the views are amazing.

Nothing like rolling down your windows, playing some music and taking in the peace and beauty of the amazing state of Utah.

Canyonlands National Park

This park is close to Arches and is actually made up of 2 parks: Island In The Sky and the Needles District.

Island In The Sky

The Island In The Sky is a great park to drive through and stop to get out to take in the beautiful scenery. It really is amazing in Utah all of these parks and the different landscapes that they have.

Needles District

Next you can head to the Needles district. We did a couple of hikes here: Cave Spring which had a few fun ladders for the kids to climb. Plus you can see some artifacts that were left from cowboys of the past.

The other hike we did was slickrock. This one was a little bit more strenuous but beautiful! You are up high looking down into the Canyon. Quite a view!

Goblin Valley State Park

Goblin Valley State Park is out in the middle of nowhere, but it is well worth the trip. Plus, if you have an RV there is a really nice free camping place right down the road. What the kids loved about Goblin Valley State Park is that the park ranger said yes, go and climb on and over anything and everything out in the park.

Say what?! After visiting so many National Parks and State Parks where they had to stay on the trail and be careful where they climbed, they couldn’t wait to get out and climb, run and jump until their hearts content. The park is filled with hoodoos (it really is a word) and resembles something out of the Flintstone’s TV show.

Rock Climbing

Goblin Valley is also a great place to do some rock climbing! There is an eroded cliff that surrounds the valley and makes for a perfect place to climb. Without any rock climbing gear we were able to scale up the wall where there were large platforms to stand on but we didn’t make it too far. However, we did enjoy watching the rock climbers climb up to the top. We will definitely have to go back to do some real climbing in the future. To get more information on it check out their site: Goblin Valley State Park.

The Night Sky Team (yes it is a thing!) determined that Goblin Valley has one of the darkest night skies on earth. How cool is that! Don’t miss out on multiple nights of star gazing when you visit.

Capital Reef National Park

A lot of people skip this National Park when they visit Utah. Don’t. It ended up being our favorite of all the National Parks in Utah. It is much less busy than all the other parks and very beautiful and unique.

Capitol Gorge Trail

One of our favorite things was the Capitol Gorge Trail. It starts with an off road drive on a tight dirt road through the canyon back to the trail head. Take note – check the weather before hand – if rain is coming you don’t want to drive back here. It gets flooded. My parents drove it in their small car so no need for 4-wheel drive – if the weather is right.

Then the trail takes you on an old river bed with huge gorges reaching up on each side of you. At the end of the trail you can opt to climb up a mountain to check out these natural water tanks. To be honest we didn’t think it was worth it to take this detour. Instead just turn around and head back and if it is getting to be dusk keep an eye out for bats!!

Cassidy Arch

Another fun hike to do is Cassidy Arch. Here you can legally walk out on one of the arches. AMAZING and scary!! The hike is hard and a little questionable in a few spots for young kids but we were able to do it and just kept a close eye on the kids. Our youngest was 4 at the time.

Hickman Bridge

This hike has a 400 foot elevation gain in under 1 mile so you are trekking up hill but the beautiful scenery around you keeps you occupied so you don’t think about how hard it is. The Bridge is massive and you are able to walk down below and up over to the other side to get a closer look.

Ice Cream

There is a cute little shop in the park where you can stop to learn about the history of the park and area and also buy some pastries or ice cream. Great incentive for the kids if they know they are getting ice cream after one of the hikes!

If you are there in the right season they also have apple picking in this area.

Zion National Park

Zion National Park has a little bit of a Disney World feel to it. It is VERY busy and everything is organized by a bus system that takes you through the park. Given the popularity of this park and the location in southern Utah it has a LOT of visitors each year.

It makes sense how they have it laid out but our preference was the less busy and open feel of Capital Reef. All that aside it is still well worth it to visit. It is a beautiful park. Here are some places we recommend going:

The Narrows

The Narrows in Zion National Park is a very unique experience. The hike is through a river the whole time that is in an amazing slot canyon. Yes, your feet get very wet and cold. But it is worth it. The Narrows are beautiful with greenery growing on the sides of the stone walls and all the beautiful rock formations.

As crazy as it may sound you can go hiking down the river late in the season. However, it is recommended that you rent wetsuit boots and a wetsuit for the trip. If it is cold that is a good idea. There are multiple places around Zion where you can rent the wet suits.

Mountain Biking

Utah offers the perfect terrain to take your bike out for a spin. The state has hundreds of miles of biking trails. Looking for a thrill seeking ride how about a 3,000 descend on the Bunker Creak Trail in Zion National Park. The trail starts at over 11,000 feet and gradually takes you down to the Panguitch Lake.

Weren’t able to bring your bike with you? No worries there are multiple bike and gear rental places throughout the state.

Emerald Pools Trail

Along this trail you will come to a dripping cannon wall. I have seen pictures of it in winter and it looks amazing when the water is frozen into icicles. The hike continues and takes you to the emerald pools that are pools of water located up in the mountain.

They were cool but we weren’t overly impressed with it. Maybe it was because there were so many people . . .

Bryce Canyon National Park

Navajo Loop/Queens Garden Trail

Make sure to make a stop in Bryce National Park to hike the Navajo Loop/Queens Garden trail. You get to walk through the hoodoos and then make your way up Wall Street to get a view from the top. Wall Street is a set of switchbacks leading up the orange colored trail. It is so cool!

Take note, getting down into the canyon with the hoodoos is pretty easy – but getting back up is a work out. So be ready.

Mossy Cave

This hike is a little out of the way since you actually have to leave the park to find it. But at only 1 mile roundtrip with a gorgeous waterfall it is worth it to add it to your list.

View Points

There are a variety of view points throughout the park and if you want to observe those your best bet is to get in the car and drive around the park, stop at the viewpoints, get out and take a look and move on to the next one.

Utah is a state that makes you feel like you are on a whole other planet. The Landscape is out of this world and the vast open spaces make it a relaxing and fun place to visit. We were definitely sad when we drove out of the state and started to get into busier places with more people. We missed the quiet and unique beauty of Utah!

There are also a large variety of national monuments, the Grand Staircase, Glen Canyon, Monument Valley and a variety of national recreation areas like Glen Canyon, Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell to visit. Once you are done with Utah you can head right down to the Grand Canyon!

And if you are looking to take your kids hiking we have some great tips on hiking with kids here: 15 Tips For Hiking With Kids.

And here is a list of awesome National Park hikes with kids from around the country.

Pin This Post:

Before the littlest of our kids, Dan and I used to go snowboarding in the West Coast regularly. We’ve been to several resorts, but Park City was one of the most memorable. We loved the bohemian feel of the town and the surreal snow that Utah offers skiers and snowboarders. Here’s our perfect itinerary of things to do in Park City that your entire familyis sure to love.

Fly out on a Wednesday

I certainly can’t guarantee a Wednesday fly-out will be better for you financially, but after months of playing with dates and combinations in the Delta reservation portal, a Wednesday flight date saved us hundreds of dollars. So much, in fact, that it was significantly cheaper for us to get an extra day of hotel, rental car and meals than it would be to push closer to the weekend.

I packed in the morning, and we left before lunch. With the time change, we landed in Salt Lake City with plenty of time to grab our luggage and rental car before heading to dinner.

The SLC airport is small (only two terminals) and easy to navigate. The car rental company and cars are right on site.

Before heading for Park City (about a 45 min drive) we stopped for dinner at Red Iguana 2.  I highly recommend it! The mole is out of this world. Expect to wait a bit (grab a seat at the bar if you can) but you won’t regret it. You’re in the west – eat some authentic Mexican cuisine, won’t ya?

Before you leave, take a picture with the red iguana in the parking lot – one of Salt Lake’s most Instagrammed spots. And from here, you have only about a 30 minutes drive.

There are a number of places to stay, but we are partial to Hyatt Centric Park City. Click through to read the million reasons why, and here for reservations. Or check out these Park City Airbnb accommodations.

So check in, give your skis to the valet, don your swimsuit for the heated pool and relax. A big vacation awaits!

Schedule lessons on Thursday

Wake up, stretch, and then head downstairs for a HUGE buffet. You’re going to need your energy. The breakfast buffet at Hyatt Centric is diverse, delicious and affordable.

Hopefully you read our logistics post about skiing and snowboarding with kids and you know the value of a good all-day lesson. You scheduled this ahead of time, too, right? Park City Mountain is known for being the top ski and snowboard school in the state. Don’t take any chances – sign up as early as possible.

Head down and get them checked in…you’ll need to sign a few papers, get them fitted in their gear, and hug them bye until about 3pm.

Love this First Timer’s Guide to Park City from our friends at Trips with Tykes!

Now it’s time for YOU to explore. Park City Mountain is one of the country’s largest ski resorts, sitting grandly in Utah’s Wasatch Mountain Range.

For lunch, head to what is arguably the best place for lunch in Park City…Cloud Dine. You’ll need the fries and a donut… both are required for newbies. If you’re hungry, add a freshly made pizza from the wood burning oven. Get there via the DreamCatcher or Dreamscape lift. You’ll need to be able to tackle a blue slope for this, so it’s best to do without the kiddos.

After you pick up the kids, head back to the hotel to enjoy complimentary apres ski snacks in the main dining area of the hotel before dinner. That little hold-me-over allows you to take your time back in the room relaxing before grabbing your main meal.

For dinner, head down the mountain toward town. I know…you’re tired. Just do it. Versante is absolutely worth the effort. It’s connected to a hotel, but don’t let that turn you off. It’s delicious…and all the locals are here. I recommend reservations.

The cocktails are outstanding; we loved the Old Town Fashioned (but you know we always love the whiskey drink.) The pizzas looks awesome, but we went for the special and could not have been happier. Chicken parm that I still have sweet dreams about! The boys loved their burger and pasta…and we finished with an amazing dessert and a HOT White Russian.

Ride as a family on Friday

It’s your second day, and time to board with the kids. You’ll want to get them full-day lift tickets for this day, but don’t forget to plan for this before you head to Utah. Tickets purchased online and 7 days (or more) in advance will be the most affordable.

Get started with a great breakfast in the village. Murdock’s Cafe is popular…but that became obvious as we approached a long line. We headed a few doors down to Draft’s Burger Bar and loved it. No wait…sit-down service…and the bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns kept us satisfied until after the lunch rush.

If this is a first or second time for the kids, then just plan to take it slow. We spent all our time prior to lunch on the “bunny slope” — Sweet Pea. It’s at the top of the Red Pine Gondola, just to the right. It includes a gentle slope and magic carpet (uphill conveyor belt.) This particular area is not just for people taking lessons; you’re free to use it as much as you want.

I also like it because it is close to the Red Pine dining area, so we were able to run to the restroom or take a hot-chocolate break with ease.

For lunch, we made our way back down the mountain to The Farm. The food here was superb, and we loved it so much that we ate here a few times on our trip (something I never do.) The grilled cheese and tomato soup …it sounds simple and childish, but it was divine! Gourmet, in fact. And it truly hit the spot after being in the snow all day.

After lunch, the boys felt confident enough to try the super easy green lift back at the top of the gondola. They had tried it a time to two during their lesson the previous day, but needed the morning to build some confidence. I was so proud of them!

We boarded until the slopes closed, eating up every moment in the snow that we could!

After returning to the hotel room, we donned our swimsuits and headed to the pool. Yes, it’s an outdoor pool…and it was snowing…but the pool and the hot tubs (yes – there are two!) were warm and inviting. It was the perfect end to a great day.

But wait – the kids are going to be starving at this point…time for dinner. Use the shuttle and head to Wasatch Brew Pub. Pizza, burgers, steak – you can’t go wrong here. The kids loved the tater tots and the Bavarian pretzel (a theme we saw in most restaurants we visited.)

If you love beer, you have to plan an extended stay. The owner, Greg Schirf, hails from Milwaukee and brought their great natural resource (beer!) to Utah in the late 80s. Wasatch was the very first brewery in Utah, and he opened the first brewpub on Main Street. This man deserves all the gratitude.

Tasters are only 50 cents…you can try the Wasatch, the Snap Down, the Jalapeño Cream Ale. WOW! I’m a Porter girl, so I loved Polygamy – a Porter on Nitro. YUM!

Saturday is a rest day made for exploring

Get out of bed you sleepy head! Your muscles might be a little sore, but it’s time to get a move on.

Head to Historic Main Street for breakfast.  There is something for every taste and budget.

At 10am the Park City Museum will open – be sure to take the tour. I’m just going to be honest here – it doesn’t sound like it will be fun…but it is! The boys loved it.

You start with a “ride” on a train, then head downstairs where you should not miss the ski subway. This was my favorite story…Park City began as a mining town, and only settled into it’s ski resort status a short time ago, relatively speaking. In the beginning, skiers were taken to the tops of mountains via a “subway” and “elevator” that utilized the old mining tunnels. You can sit inside one of these transports and get a feel for how it must have been.

Other interactive exhibits include a history of skiing in the area (loved seeing the evolution of skis,) information on mining and a really cool model of what happens underground, a general store model, a history of the Sundance Film Festival and so much more.

Kids will also enjoy the Park City History Detectives activity hunt. If they don’t offer it, just ask the front desk.

Once you’re done, explore the other incredible stores along Main Street. We adored the art galleries. I wish we had had time for a stop at Kimball Art Center – you’ll want to visit if you can fit it in. They are an amazing institution dedicated to art education, but they also bring exhibits to the community on a regular basis. In fact, in August they sponsor the Kimball Arts Festival on Main Street. It’s HUGE and wonderful: 200+ artists, live music and great fun for the family.

With all the fun, it’s time to fill your belly. Head over to lunch at High West Distillery and Saloon. This was such a fun treat for everyone. The food was dynamite, and we loved the ambiance – and the drinks!

Dan and I enjoyed a cocktail while the boys chatted over appys – popcorn, a Bavarian pretzel and a charcuterie board. Yes, we were still amped up and starving from all the skiing yesterday.

So let’s discuss those cocktails. High West is known for their premium, top-shelf spirits – and boy are they good. I’m partial to the Double Rye and the Bourbon – and honestly, I ordered the Rye at almost every restaurant we visited during our stay. It was divine…and I learned recently that it’s also available here in Georgia.

While you are there, order a flight so that you can sample the wares…but then grab a cocktail, too. The Marooned Miner was my favorite – Double Rye, Plantation Rum, Crème de Cacao and Blueberry Cardamom Bitters. You’ll only need one. Trust me.

Pro tip: We were so excited to take a distillery tour, but they were completely booked! Bummer. Don’t make our mistake…you can make tour reservations before hand, and you’ll want to!

Ok – let’s not leave without talking about the food. This isn’t “bar food” friend…this is gourmet and delicious! Let me tell you the best bite we had: Braised Bison Short Rib. OMG. It was sitting on a corn and sweet pepper goulash…I can still taste every mouth-watering bite. If you are not super hungry, add a side of cheddar, bacon and jalapeno mac n cheese…and then split both between two people.

Now, if you can get someone to roll you out of High West (because gosh that food is amazing) then it’s time to explore Utah Olympic Park and the FREE Alf Engen Ski Museum. 

The Olympic Park includes ropes courses (all levels,) tours, and an exciting splurge for older kids –  bobsledding!

The Alf Engen Ski Museum celebrates the art of skiing, especially in Utah. I love the “Peak Conditions” display that explains how weather created this amazing American ski location, the science of snowflakes, and the virtual ski experience ride.

Before it got dark, we also took in Gorgoza Park for the kids. There are tubing hills ( a little smaller than those at Snow Mountain,) a toddler area and…what brought us here…snowmobiling for kids. It was really fun, and I’d recommend it if you just had an hour and wanted to try it out. The boys LOVED it!

BUT…of you have time, this is ideal. Take the 2-hour tour with Thousand Peaks. It will be tricky if you have more than 2 young kids, but for us…one driver and one kid on the back works perfectly.

Time for dinner. We loved the pizza pie and casual, family-friendly ambiance at Main Street Pizza & Noodle. A pizza and beer round out the day perfectly (even the boys had beer…root beer!)

Snow play again on Sunday

It’s your last full day of fun…no matter where you spend it, make sure it’s on the slopes. We opted to check out of Hyatt Centric and head to Solitude Mountain (staying at the bottom of the mountain at Hyatt Place Salt Lake City.) We have a post on that coming out soon.

You could, of course, add a day to Park City Mountain. If you ski then round out your trip at Deer Valley Resort. It’s in Park City also, so it gives you an opportunity to try another mountain without the extra hour of driving to get to Solitude.

Deer Valley does not allow snowboarders, so we were out. Honestly, I’ve boarded my whole life and have never donned a pair of skis…so this didn’t work for us. If you do ski, then this is a great place for families.

One final option for kids that might not be anxious to get back on their skis (or if you only want to purchase a half-day lift ticket): The Alpine Coaster! The cars sit on an elevated track, with loops, curves and turns taking you through the snow. You can reach over 30mph!!

After all those thrills, it’s time to call it a day. We at dinner in SLC at Porcupine Pub & Grill (delicious!) Then a soak in the hot tub and an hour spent drying clothes and packing up ended our whirlwind adventure!

Again, the best financial situation for us was flying out early Monday morning. We were back to Atlanta before dinner – all smiles!

We hope we’ve convinced you to visit Park City for your next ski vacation, but if you’re still undecided then keep reading. We’ve got the scoop on WHY Park City is the best option and how to pinch a penny when you come.

Why Atlanta Loves To Ski In Park City

It’s Fast and Affordable. Salt Lake City is only 35 minutes from the ski resorts, and the airport there is another Delta hub. That means you’ll find frequent, affordable direct flights on a regular basis. Total win!

It’s Family-Friendly. Park City and the surrounding ski resorts are exceptionally friendly – it’s just part of their culture. You’ll find family-friendly lodging and dining, ski and snowboard schools, plus TONS of exciting things to do in Park City.

I’m very excited to ride the scenic railroad, try out kids’ snowmobiles, visit the Olympic Park, take on dog sledding (what?!? how cool!) and even bobsledding! And that’s just winter…there are even more amazing things to do when the snow melts!

It’s Easy For Beginners. Yes, there are ski schools for both kids and adults. But here is what I love – the snow! There is just something special about the Utah snow…it is exceptionally soft and forgiving. This means that young kids (and grandparents) can feel a little more confident about getting on skis. Teens and adults can also push themselves a little harder, knowing there is a cushion (not an ice block) to catch their fall.

Best Timing Tip For An Affordable Vacation

Anytime you can head west and play in the snow or climb the mountains, it’s a good day – right? But here are some tips we pried from Visit Park City that can help make your vacation memorable and affordable.

Come Early. Ski season begins mid-November, but most families are not going to be hitting the slopes until after Thanksgiving. If you want to avoid the crowds, then come early in the season. In fact, consider ending your vacation over Thanksgiving, when Park City provides some great resources for celebrating the holiday (including multi-family lodging!)

Avoid Christmas. I know- you want snow on Christmas. So does everyone else! Christmas is the peak time for Utah’s resorts, and consequently, it is the most expensive. Unless you love hitting the slopes with half the western coast for peak prices, then give the gift of a ski vacation…just don’t take it until later in the season.

Avoid Sundance Film Festival Week. For 10 days in January, the rich and famous head to Park City for this world-famous film festival. Granted, the slopes are usually desolate…but hotels and more are priced for the luxury traveler. Need the scoop on which days to avoid? Check out the dates here.

Come Late. In late season, the crowds begin to thin out, but the snow is still great. In fact, you can sometimes ski in March with short sleeves (that’s what we want to do!) Prices also go down during this time, so you’ll get the best bang for your ski-vacation buck. Plan for late February to mid-March for the best prices.

Don’t Skip Summer. Don’t forget that affordable and easy flights are available all year round, and there is SO MUCH to do in Park City during the warm months, too. Hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, paddle boarding…it’s endless…the breathtaking views at every turn!

Come Back In Fall. “Autumn” in Park City happens much earlier than here in Georgia, so a short trip west is great way to escape the end-of-summer heat and humidity. Once the kids are settled into school, leave them with the grandparents and take a couples’ vacation. Because of the elevation, the leaves change colors in September. Plan your trip right, and you can see one of country’s rarest and most beautiful weather phenomena – brightly colored foliage covered in a blanket of the season’s first snowfall. Enjoy sweaters, scarfs, pumpkin lattes and blue-ribbon fly fishing.  Rates are low during the Fall and Spring ‘shoulder’ seasons, even though the vistas are breathtaking…it’s a little-known local’s secret (and you heard it here!)

Pin This Post

Post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you.