Winter is officially here but that doesn't mean you are limited to skiing and snowboarding. Utah is one of the friendliest states and has many developing areas. There are lots of different options for entertainment and adventure even if you're not a skier. Here are some activities to try while you're in Utah County:
Bird Watching
A great, relaxing activity, bird watching in Utah offers sightings like the Anna’s Hummingbird and White Ibis. To help you get started, visit Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park or a hike around the Bear River visitor center. Or you can go on a mountain biking adventure to spot Desert Bighorn Sheep in Utah Valley.
Art Galleries
Utah County has plenty of art galleries for every taste. The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art is a great stop and asks for donations rather than an admission fee. This museum even arranges stroller tours for those traveling with small children. And give the Kimball Art Center a try in Park City. Their rotating exhibits will awe and inspire you.Visit Temple Square
Even if you are not religious, your visit to Utah is not complete without visiting Temple Square. Considered home to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Temple Square has several structures, the most notable being the Salt Lake Temple. There are visitors centers, beautiful grounds, and awesome views of the city. Before leaving, do not miss your chance to visit the dome-shaped tabernacle, where you can listen to the 360-member Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The tabernacle also has an organ made of over 11,000 pipes.
Jump in a Hot Spring
The extreme pleasure derived from visiting the beautiful locales of Utah can be amplified by jumping in the many hot springs. Every tourist, local or foreign, should try them to resurrect their inner nomads. One of the hot springs to try is the Crystal Hot Springs. It is open from noon to 10 pm, Monday to Thursday. If you come here on Friday, it is open from 10 am to 11 pm. It has waterslides that are accessible daily, except on Mondays. Other hot springs you can go to would include the Fifth Water in Diamond Fork Canyon and the Saratoga Springs in Lehi.Off-road Riding
Do you love riding ATVs or 4x4s? If you do, then Utah has plenty of places where you can go off-roading in the winter. One great place to try is the Knolls Recreation Area situated in the east part of Wendover. If you are in southern Utah, go to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and experience the shifting sea of red sand. It has areas for non-motorized adventures and ATV enthusiasts.
Dog Sledding
If you have not tried dog sledding yet, you should! You can take your special animal on a dog sledding adventure. One of the best places to do so is All Seasons Adventures. Only 15 minutes away from Park City, a team of huskies will help you glide through the meadows covered with snow. It offers both tailored family or group outings. Your kids will love the friendly sled dogs who primarily come from rescue shelters.Tubing
Are you ready for outdoor fun in the snow while sliding down the mountain without a snowboard or skis? Well, Utah County has got you covered. Jolley’s Ranch, for example, showcases groomed tubing grounds for only $2. Rock Canyon Park, on the other hand, has no fee and is a longtime local favorite spot. Or go and visit the Peteetneet Academy. It has some well-worn paths that allow you to slide down without tubes or sleds. The Soldier Hollow Nordic Center provides the longest tubing paths. It was the venue for the cross-country skiing events during the 2002 Olympic Games.Swimming
You may think it is weird to swim in the winter but Utah County has various fine indoor pools that include water slides and lazy rivers. You can go to Dimple Dell Fitness and Recreation Center in Sandy, Gene Fullmer Fitness & Recreation Center in West Jordan, or Marv Jenson Recreation Center in South Jordan. Swimming will keep you in shape and provide lots of family fun during the holiday season. The indoor pools of the Salt Lake City Sports Complex and the Steiner West Pool will give you the motivation to swim despite the cold weather.Instead of staying indoors this winter, Utah County gives you lots of excuses to get outside! No matter where you're staying, Utah has plenty of affordable entertainment and adventures nearby.