Zipline Utah’s course is massive, allowing you to make a two-mile loop (yep, it’s the longest continual course in the world). The zip line is one in this list of nine ideas for getting out with your kids during the winter months. (Grant Olsen)
Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
WINTER WONDERLAND — There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to how much snow we’ll get in Utah this winter. But one thing that’s crystal clear is how important it is for parents to have an arsenal of ideas for family activities — because staying cooped up in the house for too long is no good for anybody.
Here are nine ideas for fun family activities — both indoor and outdoor — to enjoy during the winter months.
1. Browse the Winter Market at the Ogden Union Station
For six Saturdays in January and February, local growers and businesses showcase their offerings at the Winter Market. It’s a lively scene that offers something for everyone. Plus, there are two free art galleries at the Union Station to enjoy if you decide to head indoors for a bit.
The Winter Market is open to the public and there is no admission fee. Located at 2501 Wall Ave. in Ogden, it’s held every Saturday from Jan. 22 to Feb. 26. It’s open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2. Sled at Rock Canyon Park in Provo
There are plenty of sledding hills in Utah, but few are as perfectly designed as Rock Canyon Park. You’ll find steep runs for older kids to sled and tube down, as well as milder routes for those who aren’t quite ready for the big hill. In the middle of the bowl is a huge open space where you can make a snowman or just kick back and relax.
Rock Canyon Park is open to the public and there is no admission fee. It’s located at 2620 N. 1200 East in Provo.
3. Visit the Utah State Capitol
It’s free to visit here and your kids will be amazed by the grandeur of the building. Before you go, be sure to visit the Utah state Capitol’s website to download the scavenger hunt game (there are also downloadable flashcards and other activities available).
The state Capitol is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. On weekends and holidays, the hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can either take a self-guided tour or schedule a free guided tour.
4. Go exploring at Clark Planetarium
There are fascinating science and space exhibits for your kids to check out at the planetarium, starting with our Earth and then expanding into distant space. Be sure to check out the calendar of upcoming events, because there are great opportunities for interactive experiences.
The planetarium is located at 110 S. 400 West in Salt Lake City. It’s open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. Admission is free (unless you want to buy tickets to the IMAX theater).
5. Attend an event at Wheeler Farm
The farm is enjoyable enough, with animals of all shapes and sizes for your kids to interact with, but did you know that they offer free events during the winter? One of the most popular on the schedule is “Storytime at the Farm,” where young children can sing songs and hear fun stories.
Wheeler Historic Farm is located at 6351 S. 900 East in Murray. There is no admission fee. It opens at dawn each day and closes at dusk.
6. Swim in the Homestead Crater
There aren’t many places where you can swim in a geothermal hot spring (covered by a natural dome) that stays 90-96 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. But the Homestead Crater has always been unique. And it’s the perfect place to take your family for a rejuvenating soak on a cold day. Be sure to get snorkel gear to make your visit extra fun.
The Homestead Crater is located at 700 N. Homestead Drive in Midway. It’s open Monday through Thursday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A weekday swim costs $15 per person, and comfy lodging can be booked at www.homesteadresort.com if you want to stay the night.
7. Discover the BYU Museum of Paleontology
Did you know that there used to be thousands of fossils stored underneath LaVell Edwards Stadium? It’s true. But now most of them have been brought out of that dark dungeon to be displayed in the museum just across the street. The building isn’t particularly large, but it’s loaded with amazing fossils collected from sites in Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado.
The BYU Museum of Paleontology is located at 1683 N. Canyon Road in Provo. Admission is free. It’s open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m.
8. Go to the Hill Aerospace Museum
While the BYU Museum of Paleontology is small in size, the Hill Aerospace Museum feels downright massive to young visitors. Covering 30 acres between its outdoor and indoor exhibits, it features more than 70 aircraft. There are also thousands of aviation artifacts to check out, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to take it all in.
The Hill Aerospace Museum is located at 7961 Cottonwood St., Building 1955, Hill Air Force Base. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
9. Ride the world’s longest zip line course
For a totally unique winter excursion, you can head up to Deer Creek State Park for some zip lining. Zipline Utah’s course is massive, allowing you to make a 2-mile loop (yep, it’s the longest continual course in the world). The most intense line, dubbed the Screaming Falcon, stretches nearly 4,000 feet and takes you over the frozen waters of Deer Creek Reservoir. There are multiple zip line options, but just make sure your children meet the age requirement before booking.
Zipline Utah is located at Deer Creek State Park – Rainbow Bay on U.S. Highway 189. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter months. Prices start around $40 a person.
×