It's like going from the bottom of the ocean to the canopies of the Amazon Rainforest in one day. Camping & Backpacking, Climbing & Canyoneering, Cycling, Fishing, Glamping, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Stargazing. Well, you should absolutely watch Utah Shakespeare Festivals world-class outdoor performances for an unforgettable time! Either choice is good, or even better, try out both. You and your family can head over to check out the lights. Red Hills Desert Garden is a cute introduction to Utahs grand, out-of-this-world terrain. Previous Group How about you take that fascination to the next level by going where dinosaurs once roamed? You can explore by location, what's popular, our top picks, free stuff. But these days libraries are humming with activity. . There are several trails to hike, thousands of geological wonders to photograph, sites to camp for the night and watch the stars, areas to ride horses, ranger-led programs to enjoy from spring through fall, and so much more to expect at Arches National Park. New location this year. For most travelers, Southern Utah winters prevent comfortable camping, and occasional snowfall can make outdoor adventure a little more challenging. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. There are so many things to do in Utah, we wish you the best of luck trying to decide what to exclude from your itinerary. Theater nerd or not, youll find that witnessing the Shakespeare Festival can be surprisingly one of the best things to do in Utah. Christmas Town Utah(Helper): No dates yet. Imagine an old-fashioned theater experience, with costumed vendors all around selling snacks and drinks. Pleasant fall wraps Utah in colorful foliage along the scenic drives. I will move on . During the holiday season, Utahs Hogle Zoo lights up with over 200 lighted animal and holiday-themed displays in the evenings. Theres no better way to experience a bit of everything Utah offers. Dont miss the cliff wall at Carnegie Quarry, where more than 1,500 dinosaur fossils are embedded, frozen in time even after millions of years. MDRS sometimes schedules visitor days on their Facebook page during the spring too, so go check out their page. With a little extra planning, good layers, and the right equipment, however, you can enjoy Utah's national parks in the solitude of winter. Whether youre glamping or choosing a simpler option, yurt camping in Utah during the wintertime is a fun, unique experience you wont want to miss out on. And you can visit Santa as part of your admission price to Zoo Lights. Hardcore hikers and climbers brave Zion National Park for its challenging terrains, while families come for outdoorsy trips and easy trails. Now you are ready for total snowball war. Dont forget to wear long underwear under your Olaf costume. Whether youre looking for a break, vacation or quest for fun this winter, Utah is the place, as always, for adventure whatever you plan to do or wherever the trail takes you along the way. But with some advanced planning and a good set of layers, these small impediments are easily handled. You must reach Springdale in Utah to lodge and explore the high canyon walls, Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, and forest. Ride the glass elevator toward the rooftop for a panoramic view of the entire library and an arguably more beautiful sight of the whole citys mountains once you reach the sky deck. We all have been entranced by the existence of dinosaurs at some point of our lives. 6 followers 6 connections. Enjoy winter hikes, scenic drives and some of the best stargazing in the world. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection By Hilton, US Highway 160 & US Highway 163Monument Valley, UT 84536(928) 871-6647. North Pole Festival: Rio Tinto Stadium. All rights reserved. Learn more about why Bryce Canyon and the surrounding areas are the perfect place for winter hiking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Whether you come to ski or snowboard, to mountain bike Slickrock in Moab Utah, to take a summer whitewater rafting splash down Cataract Canyon, or to visit the Old West with a tour of outlaw hideouts and stickups, Utah has adventure waiting. (Salty and sweet? In the winter months, Utah's five national parks and their surrounding country are full of solitude and with an adventurous spirit to shrug off mild doses of moody weather you can count on having red rock country all to yourself. Channel your inner figure skater as you race and twirl around the rink. The water is comfortably warm and shallow enough for toddlers. When winter blasts its arctic forcefield, the Utah ice castles a frozen fairytale of ice and snow emerge on an acre of land at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway. They bloom during the spring, by the way! Rileys Family Christmas(Genola): Monday, Friday, & Saturday starting November 29 from 5:30-8:30. Youll step into two national parks, three state parks, and all the scenic winding roads your heart could desire. Whether you are a participant or spectator, the calendar is bursting with celebrations, festivals and athletic events - providing plenty of things to do for everyone, no . FREE, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive: 6 stops in Draper and Sandy that you can do all in one night. Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? At the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, you can learn all about our Olympic heritage, watch future Olympians train for competition and reach over 60 mph on the Comet Bobsled Ride. All Rights Reserved. Utah Winter Activities & Things To Do in Winter | Visit Utah Visit Hogle Zoo in the Winter: Tips for Families, Christmas in Downtown Tree Lighting and Parade, West Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive, East Salt Lake Valley Christmas Light Drive, Larry H Miller Christmas Carole Sing-Along, Benson Grist Mill Lighting and Live Nativity, Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting, Santas Grand Arrival at University Place, Young Living Family Farm Country Christmas, Christmas In Dixie Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Hedgehog Electric Christmas Light Display Map, Picture This Utah: An Interactive Photo Experience, What to Expect When Visiting Historic Nauvoo, Joseph Knight Home and Josiah Stowell Home, FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM FOR ADVENTURES ALL YEAR. This insider's guide video highlights their unparalleled access to both the outdoors and the city's "fun counterculture vibe" at the foot of the mighty Wasatch Mountains. Their boat launch is perfect for families who want to motor or sail atop the salty waters. Watch current conditions, as unsettled winter weather can bring storms. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Wear the appropriate clothing for the season, and do not drive over the salt flats. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Best Western PLUS Rubys Inn, 13312 West 1075 SouthMagna, UT 84044(801) 828-0787. Guests can eat smores and drink hot chocolate while they explore the zoo, including a lighted walkway that stretches 135 feet. Zion offers horseback riding, glamping, scenic drives, nature walks, picnic sites, and lodging. The Midway Ice Castles are sculpted entirely from ice and span several acres of space, enough to pack in tunnels, ice slides, and magical spaces that kids and adults alike are sure to love. The ski lift may be closer, but the Provo River, one of the best fisheries in Utah and the country, is mere minutes down the road from Sundance Mountain Resort. Heres how its spending your money, Parents know best: Rep. Burgess Owens wants to fund school choice at national level, Sterling Scholars: Here are Utahs 2023 semifinalists, 2023 Sterling Scholars semifinalists: Southwest Region. People can bid on trees, wreaths, quilts and more at FestivalofTreesUtah.org. The historic park transforms for the season with costumes, decorations, treats, sweets, and arts and crafts of all kind available for purchase. See red rock hoodoos coated with a dusting of snow against a stunning scenic backdrop on an unforgettable winter visit to Bryce Canyon National Park. From snowmobiling to skiing, snowshoeing to sledding and fishing, Bear Lake in the winter is everything youll want from your next winter vacation. However, the tough choices arent over yet. Recommended Hotel Nearby: University Guest House & Conference Center, 12033 Lone Peak ParkwayDraper UT, 84020(801) 355-3474. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sandy - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Needless to say kids love it! Say hi to the toucans, then stare at the mesmerizing sharks. Utahs award-winning waters hold some of the best ice fishing in the country, and with so many large lakes and reservoirs, its easy to grab your gear and join in. Written October 2, 2021. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Salt Lake Marriott Downtown at City Creek, 110 400 WSalt Lake City, UT 84101(385) 468-7827. Its time to plan your winter break, a break from everything, and were going to make it easy by choosing Utah. Copyright 2023 Utah Office of Tourism. Follow His Star Creche exhibit (Midway): exhibit of over 500 creches. Utahs 800+ miles of groomed trails offer winter snowmobiling fun for all find out more! Use code AdventureFamily15 to save 15% off tickets. If you dont feel like trudging up a hill 17 times (itisgood exercise though) head up to Woodward Park City to their state-of-the-art tubing lanes. It spans over a million acres, dates back to 200 million years in the distant past, and bears an incredible wealth of fossils and artifacts. Completed in 1998, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple was inspired by Rajasthani architecture from India and caters to the Hindu population of Utah. Explore all the different shelves offering some of the best books, stories, and novels. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. For maps and assistance, theres a visitor center. Walk through time on a switchbacking boardwalk through the fossil record at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Ride the Heber Valley Railroad with Santa. Go as far as you want on Little Cottonwood Trail up Little Cottonwood Canyon. If you think about it, Utahs terrain kinda looks a bit like Mars. If you're into thrills, and wondering what to do in Park City, Utah, try the Utah Olympic Park bobsled ride aptly called "The Comet" - one of the longest slides in the world, with over 3,000 feet of fast and furious gliding and sliding. . Dan Craner, Festival of Trees executive board member, puts signs on trees for the 51st annual Festival of Trees at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. 4:30-8:00 pm at Zootah with reindeer encounters. Home to more than 2,000 gigantic sandstone arches, this national park sees more than 1.6 million curious visitors every year. You can also watch scientists as they prep new specimens and be a paleontologist for a day at the dinosaur dig! I'll be graduating with my associate's degree in December of 2021 after 2 years of school. Just be sure there arent any cops watching. Start making summer vacation plans today. Tour around the 19th-century temple and surrounding architectural wonders as you take a trip back in time to the historical events and the religion that shaped the city. Dinosaur National Monument Extreme Sports Events Fishing Golfing Hiking & Backpacking Horseback Riding Hunting Canoe & Kayak Mountain Biking Museums Old West Mormon River Rafting Rock Climbing Shopping Skiing Snowmobiling Spas Stand Up Paddle Boarding Utah Olympic Park Latest Articles & Itineraries Travel Guides and Brochures View Brochures No matter what kind of winter adventure youre looking for, youre sure to find it in Ogden. So if you miss out this year, feel free to check them out in 2022. The Cox Performing Arts Center is located at 225 S. 700 East, St. George, UT 84770. You can now visit the iconic house from the tear-jerking film Up at 13218 Herriman Rose Boulevard in Herriman, Utah. This beautiful event brings the light and joy of the holiday season to the South Valley. Next Group. Yep you read that right. In fact, its the only warm water scuba destination in the continental United States. Capitol Reef - 1.8 days / 2.2 inches. Utah heli skiing and snowboarding are perfect for those who want to ride some of the best backcountry in the world. Utah's metropolitan areas are situated right by our snow-packed mountains, offering visitors unparalleled access. Book a dog sled tour with the pups and witness their story as they pull your sled through the area's snow blanketed open spaces. Dec. 11 & 13 from 6-8:30 pm. Hiking, Non-ski Winter Activities, Scenic Drives/Road Trips, Ski and Snowboard, Stargazing. Tickets include sleigh ride, cocoa, and sledding hill. Southern Utah comes alive in winter with unexpected experiences for those who are well-prepared and solitude for those who want to expand their view. It's quaint and cute just like Midway. The museum is home to 5,000 desert plants, a replica slot canyon, a stream with native and endangered fish, and prehistoric dinosaur tracks from 200 million years ago. Come enjoy More Mountain Time, whether it is on a ski slope, a snowshoeing trail or in an alpine spa destination. Try these indoor and outdoor winter activities for kids and parents alike. Things can be a little quieter down here this time of year. Whether you're a local, new in town or just cruising through we've got loads of great tips and events. Things to Do in Park City, Utah | Utah Olympic Park, Skiing, Golf There is a live nativity, indoor and outdoor nativity displays. Use that energy to build a snow fort. While winter weather in Southern Utah can be mild youll still need to deal with cooler and widely fluctuating temperatures as well as intermittent rain and snow. Whether youre in northern or southern Utah, as long as there is snow there is very likely an outfitter that can rent the gear you need; or better yet, guide you to their favorite spots. Let it all go on a walk through the Ice Castles in Midway. 131 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Utah - Atlas Obscura Contact Info. Learn more about Utah's Olympic legacyand best spots to relive the games. Who wouldve thought that amidst a rocky desert landscape with cities inhabited predominantly by Mormons a grand Hindu temple would rise? Hiking, rafting, and camping are some of the most popular activities at Dinosaur National Monument. And the 2021 holiday season offers a slew of new activities for you and your family. Since we live in Utah County, you will notice that we have visited many more spots in Utah and Salt Lake counties. St. George Gingerbread House Parade (St. George): Nov. 29-Dec. 11 Different businesses have gingerbread houses on display. Outlets at Traverse Mountain Virtual Tree Lighting(Lehi): November 20 @ 5:30 pmFREE. Families, on the other hand, have an endless array of cultural institutions to choose from. It's just a natural way to release that pent up winter energy. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Ramada by Wyndham Cedar City. More info here. Festival of Trees(Virtual): No dates, but virtual again this year. Each year artists hand-place thousands of icicles to create magical castles, sculptures and playgrounds that shine bright in front of a rainbow of LED lights. (And true enough, this isnt the only time Utah was chosen for Martian simulations.). Holiday Choices Are Abundant in Salt Lake City, 10 Best's Top Freebies in Salt Lake City: Highly Recommended, Regardless of Budget Size, 10 Best's Top Choices for Salt Lake's Mormon - and Minority - Historic Sites, Salt Lake City's Best Kid-friendly Attractions: Just as Fun for Adults as for the Wee Ones, History, religion, and bizarre landscapes: sightseeing as diverse as it is interesting, Salt Lake City's top activities, in any season, Photo courtesy of The Grand America Hotel, Photo courtesy of Park City Mountain Resort, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Here are a few of the most popular places to go, from north to south: "City Slicker" trail at Soldier Hollow in Heber Valley, Another winter activity with seemingly endless boundaries, cross country skiing is one of the best ways to soak up Utahs wide open spaces. Additional skating venues can be found throughout the valley and include the Olympic-level facilities that are open to the public. Give yourself at least five days to combine the thrills of Southern Utah skiing and boarding with exploring the wintertime wonders to be found in Utahs red rock country. The performances will happen throughout December. Box 750027 75 East 100 North Torrey, Utah 84775 Get More Mountain Time Take a contemplative walk around the grounds and catch the hourly docent-led tours inside the Utah State Capitol. Admission is free to this annual Christmas market in Salt Lakes Foothill District. While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, weve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks. Recommended Hotel Nearby: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Salt Lake City Draper, 350 State StreetSalt Lake City, UT 84103(801) 538-1800. The Utah State Capitol sits atop Salt Lake Citys Capitol Hill, which overlooks the capitals downtown area. And camping is an excellent option for those who want to explore the lake at a leisurely pace. Sled for free at the iconic hill at Sugarhouse Park inSalt Lake City. Things To Do In Utah In December - Clegg Auto Moqui Caves temperatures never go beyond 65 degrees, and theres a nice outdoor cafe that serves refreshing snacks and cold drinks. Provo River Cruise(Provo) Dec. 1-23. Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity. Here are just a few of our favorite annual holiday events to check out here in Salt Lake. Pro tip:Pack your own lunch and a thermos of hot chocolate to keep spirits up and costs down. However, as more dogs joined the pack Team G Sled Dogs was born. A museum where kids can touch and play with everything! Arts & Museums Backpacking Camping Cycling Dinosaurs Festivals & Events Filmed in Utah Fishing Food & Nightlife Hiking History Mountain Biking OHV & Off-Road Rafting Road Trips Rock Climbing Skiing Slot Canyons Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Stargazing Tribal Cultures Urban Experiences ExploreToggle Menu Close Menu Forever Mighty Itineraries Southern Utahs wilds are wearing their winter splendor. Kelli Gard - Executive Administrative Assistant - ARUP Laboratories Walk around downtown and vote on your favorite gingerbread creations. This desert is dramatic. Friday-Monday1-7 pmthrough Dec. 20. Lightwalk at Liberty Park: SLC Dec. 3-18 from 5-10 pm. Spring boasts active wildlife and blooming flowers. Park City Electric Light Parade: December 4 @ 4-6:30 pm FREE, Park City Snow Globe Stroll: Park City, November 25-January 5 FREE, WhoLiday Lighting in the Orchard: November 15 @ 6:00-8:00 pm FREE, Lighting of the Riverwoods (Provo): November 19 @ 6:00-9:00 pmFREE. Experiencing the peace of canyon country in the winter is an attraction of its own. Payson Community Creche: (Payson): Dec. 3 & 4 from 4-9 pm. Built in 2011, this modern museum has a collection of exotic butterflies, minerals and indigenous masterpieces. Browse through Lovelands educational exhibits and experience one-of-a-kind animal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins! FREE. Things To Do In Utah 2023 - Activities & Attractions | Travelocity Characterized by red rocks and natural amphitheaters carved by frost weathering and stream erosion, Bryce Canyon attracts almost three million visitors every year. Evermore Park Aurora Winter Festival:Pleasant Grove. Christmas at the Homestead(Cedar City): Frontier Homestead Museum has decorations, including the Twelve Trees of Christmas. We are a family of 5 with three boys who love to be outside. All Rights Reserved. Where: Utahs family-friendly ski resorts. Take a cruise on the Provo River and Santa rows up in a row boat. There are thousands of books to explore, fireplaces on all four floors, an art gallery, a coffee shop, a spiral grand staircase, and three glass elevators. Experience a world unlike anything youve ever imagined in the high desert mountains and plummeting canyons of south-central Utah. 25 Best Things to Do in Utah Fun Activities & Stuff to Do! The holiday season is here again, and theres no question that people will be enjoying the outdoors after spending much of the 2020 holiday season indoors. The 2002 Winter Olympics helped put Utah on the map, and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, proved that Utah is a hub for Winter Olympic glory with Utahns collecting 11 medals. Written December 2, 2022. . Ski tracks wind through millions of acres in the national forests across the state, and can even befound in the higher elevation regions of Southern Utah like Bryce Canyon and the Manti-La Sal Mountains.