Your Utah Family Winter Adventure

• Things To Do in Salt Lake City
• Clark Planetarium
• Ice Skating

Today is all about settling in and exploring the city's delicious and unique spots.

Morning: Sweet Treats & Hot Chocolate

Start your day at a local coffee shop like Coffee Garden, Loki Coffee or Publik Kitchen, known for their cozy atmosphere and housemade treats. Grab hot chocolate for the kids and a caffeinated pick-me-up for you.

Afternoon: Discovering Downtown Fun

Visit Clark Planetarium for an immersive, family-friendly show in the IMAX theater and interactive exhibits about space.

You can also enjoy an ice skating session at Gallivan Center, where the outdoor rink shines with holiday lights, crisp outdoor air and the heartbeat of the city. (Read: 5 Festive Activities to Brighten Your Utah Ski Holiday)

Evening: Family Dinner & Games

Choose from one of downtown's many family-friendly restaurants like Slackwater Pizza for a casual and fun meal.

For some classic family fun, you can visit arcades like Dave & Buster's or Nickelmania. 

• Alta Ski Area
• Snowbird

Today, we head up Little Cottonwood Canyon (LCC) to experience some of the deepest snow on Earth.

Morning: Head to the Slopes

To make it easy on the whole family, consider taking the UTA Ski Bus, which offers a stress-free ride up the canyon. Most resort passes offer free bus access.

Choose Your Adventure:

Alta Ski Area: A skier's paradise that's ideal for learning. It's a skier-only resort (no snowboards), which many families appreciate. The Alf Engen Ski School offers excellent programs for kids as young as three.

Snowbird Ski Resort: Offers diverse terrain for all skill levels. If you have an adventurous crew, the Aerial Tram is a thrilling ride to the summit. For lunch, The Summit restaurant offers incredible views. The Snowbird Mountain School is a great option for lessons.

Afternoon: Après-Ski Family Style

After a great day on the mountain, relax and unwind. Many of the lodges offer cozy spots for hot chocolate, s'mores and warming up by the fireplace. You could also consider a Hot Cocoa Crawl. 

Evening: A Sweet Treat

Head back to the city for a fun dinner. Grab a burger and fries from local favorite Hires Big H, known for their fresh cut fries and frosty mugs of root beer. End the night with ice cream at a local favorite like Dolcetti Gelato.

• Brighton Resort
• Solitude Mountain Resort
• Sporting Events in Utah

Explore the neighboring Big Cottonwood Canyon, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and value.

Morning: Downhill Fun for All

Take the UTA Ski Bus up Big Cottonwood Canyon and choose from one of these two great resorts:

Brighton Resort: Known as "the place where Utah learns to ski and ride," Brighton has a fantastic reputation for its ski school. Even better? Kids ages six and under ski free with each passholding adult.

Solitude Mountain Resort: With a charming, uncrowded atmosphere, Solitude is perfect for families looking for a more relaxed ski day. The European-style village is a fun place to explore.

Evening: A Night Out in Ski City

Catch a live Utah Jazz or Utah Mammoth game for a truly authentic Salt Lake City experience. You can also enjoy a family-friendly theater performance. Salt Lake City has a thriving performing arts scene with shows perfect for all ages.

• Utah Olympic Park
• Woodward Park City
• Natural History Museum of Utah
• Dining In Utah

Round out your trip with a few more fun activities before heading home.

Morning: The Olympic Legacy

Visit the Utah Olympic Park in Park City, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Here, you can watch skiers and snowboarders train and even try the thrilling bobsled ride with a professional driver. And when you're ready for a bit more activity, head over to Woodward Park City for some snow tubing. 

Afternoon: Science and Discovery

Explore the Natural History Museum of Utah, which has incredible dinosaur exhibits and interactive displays that are a blast for kids of all ages.

Evening: Your Final Farewell

Enjoy one last family dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants before heading to the airport. See our recommendations for Cozy Salt Lake Dining Spots. Short on time? Salt Lake City International Airport also showcases great local restaurants, like Market Street Grill, Red Rock Brewing, White Horse Spirits and Kitchen and more.