With its warm days and nights, it is easy to enjoy Utah’s outdoors all the time. The warm weather makes some of Utah’s most scenic wonders easy to explore, that are sometimes inaccessible in the winter.
Here is a list of 15 activities perfect for a family vacation in Utah this summer:
1. Park City - explore the largest resort in the US!
With over 7,300 acres, 341 trails, 7 terrain parks, and 41 lifts to explore, you will never get bored at the largest resort in the US. Your kids, specifically, have a ton of activities to choose from.Crisscross through the sky on zip lines, climb the rock walls, speed down an alpine coaster, bounce on the Legacy Launcher, and much more. This is your chance to go wild this summer.
2. Take a guided tour into the Timpanogos Caves
If you feel it's getting a little bit too hot this summer, then exploring the Timpanogos National Monument might be the very thing you need. The guided tour into the impressive cave system is no doubt going to leave you and your loved ones speechless.You might even need to consider bringing a jacket because it can be chilly once you hit the caves.
3. Sunday Blues Concerts at Snowbasin
Hosted weekly, Blues, Brews & BBQ at Snowbasin is a great atmosphere to have fun with your loved ones. There is hiking, biking, and gondola rides for the kids, and a selection of brews from local breweries for parents and adults. To complete the package is the delicious BBQ and a queued lineup of blues music.
4. Visit the Downtown Salt Lake City Farmers Market
Open on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm, the downtown Salt Lake City Farmers Market offers farm-fresh produce you can only find in Utah. It doesn’t matter whether you are on a mission to replenish your pantry, or in search of that perfect houseplant for your porch. We guarantee that you won’t go home empty-handed.
5. Hike Deer Valley
In addition to a number of luxurious amenities such as ski valets and child care, Deer Valley provides an endless list of fun activities to enjoy with your loved ones this summer. From lift-served mountain biking, outdoor dining, the Summer Adventure Camp for children, concerts at their outdoor Amphitheater, to hiking and scenic chairlift rides, there’s a way for everyone to get their fill.6. Float the Provo River
In the summer’s heat, an opportunity to get to cool off is always much appreciated, and floating on the Provo River is a local favorite.There are several outfitters in the area where you can rent the heavy-duty tubes, kayaks, and rafts that are much safer for a family with kids, and equally fun at the same time.
7. Free Yoga Sessions at Solitude Mountain Resort
If you're from out of town, you don't need to miss your regular yoga practice. In fact, you can try a free session on the mountainside. Bring your family to the Solitude Mountain Resort every Saturday and enjoy a free yoga session together.
8. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset on Antelope Island
With clouds moving over the surrounding mountains, buffalo grazing in sight, and waters reflecting the sunset, these sunsets might be the most epic view you will see in a long time.You may also want to bring your kayak or SUP along and paddle or drive onto the island during the few hours you will be there. Bring your family and pets to the closest thing to a beach in Utah.
9. Enjoy a Salt Lake Bees Ballgame
Who doesn’t love baseball? Treat your loved ones to a game at Salt Lake City’s minor league team - the Bees. There's plenty of great concessions and the atmosphere is great.At the stadium, Monday nights are Smith’s Family Night. Pick up discounted family tickets going for a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 per household. Because the Bees are currently an affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, you may be watching a few future MLB stars.
10. Attend the Star Party at Cedar Breaks National Monument
Come summer, Cedar Breaks National Monument sets aside Saturdays to host their Star Parties. Check out the large powerful telescopes and show your little ones various planetary wonders like craters on the moon or the alluring rings of Saturn.
11. Camp the Uinta Mountains
Just an hour east of Park City, lies the Uinta Mountains – home to some of the most scenic views in the state. This vast area of land is perfect for camping with your family. Don’t worry, you could spend an entire weekend without spotting more than a handful of people. So if you are looking for a calm time off with your loved ones, there’s no better place. And don’t forget your fishing gear, the outdoor fun is limitless.12. Explore the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Located in Draper, Utah, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium showcases more than 4000 animals from all over the world. Your kids will love exploring the 5 different animal habitats while enjoying face-to-face contact with playful penguins, adorable otters, and clouded leopards. This experience is one of a kind.13. Hike Peek-a-boo Canyon and Spooky Gulch
The 3.5 mile-long loop through Peek-a-boo and Spooky is not only relatively short but equally family-friendly as well. Along the way, you will get to explore these two stunning slot canyons. The most notable thing, however, is that the hike is not too technical – which means your little ones can do some scrambling and climbing without much effort.14. Zip Line, Climb, Slide, and Hike at the Utah Olympic Park
Open from Friday-Sunday, you can be assured of a crazy-fun experience zip lining, climbing, sliding, and hiking with your loved ones. The 2002 Olympic Sliding Track, with speeds topping over 60mph and notable g-forces, is definitely an experience you should not miss.15. Visit Sundance Mountain Resort
Extending over 5000 acres of wilderness, the Sundance Mountain Resort provides tons of outdoor summer activities ideal for a family vacation. From hiking, biking, horseback riding, to an exhilarating 2,100-foot vertical drop zip line, there's something for everyone.Sundance also features a Forbes four-star restaurant and the Foundry Grill, known for its to-die-for brunch.
Come summer, Utah offers an endless list of outdoor activities fit for everyone regardless of age or experience. More details on the above-listed destinations can easily be found on their respective official websites.