Utah, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities, is an ideal destination for a family vacation. Whether your family enjoys outdoor adventures, educational experiences, or simply relaxing in beautiful surroundings, Utah offers something for everyone. Here are some top places to visit in Utah this summer with your kids.
1. Arches National Park
Arches National Park, located near Moab, is a wonderland of natural rock formations that will captivate both kids and adults. The park is home to more than 2,000 natural stone arches, as well as a variety of other geological formations.
Activities
- Hiking: There are several family-friendly hikes, including the short walk to Delicate Arch Viewpoint and the Windows Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of multiple arches.
- Junior Ranger Program: Kids can participate in the Junior Ranger Program, where they can learn about the park’s geology, plants, and animals through fun activities.
- Stargazing: Arches is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. Bring a telescope and enjoy a night under the stars.
2. Zion National Park
Zion National Park, Utah’s first national park, is renowned for its towering sandstone cliffs, narrow canyons, and diverse ecosystems. It’s a great destination for families who love nature and outdoor activities.
Activities
- Riverside Walk: This easy, wheelchair-accessible trail follows the Virgin River and is suitable for young children. It ends at the beginning of the Narrows, where kids can splash in the river.
- Emerald Pools Trail: A moderately easy hike that takes you to a series of beautiful pools and waterfalls.
- Ranger-Led Programs: Attend ranger-led talks and walks to learn about the park’s history, wildlife, and geology.
3. Bryce Canyon National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park is famous for its unique geological formations called hoodoos—tall, thin spires of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins. This park offers a magical experience for families.
Activities
- Scenic Drive: Drive along the park’s scenic road and stop at various viewpoints to marvel at the colorful hoodoos.
- Hiking: The Navajo Loop Trail is a kid-friendly hike that takes you down into the canyon among the hoodoos.
- Astronomy Programs: Bryce Canyon is also an International Dark Sky Park, and the park offers astronomy programs where families can learn about the night sky from park rangers.
4. Dinosaur National Monument
Located on the border of Utah and Colorado, Dinosaur National Monument is a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts. The monument features rich fossil beds and spectacular scenery.
Activities
- Quarry Exhibit Hall: See over 1,500 dinosaur bones embedded in the rock at the Quarry Exhibit Hall. Kids can touch real fossils and learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area.
- Junior Ranger Program: Similar to other national parks, kids can participate in a Junior Ranger Program tailored to the monument’s paleontological treasures.
- River Rafting: For families with older kids, consider a rafting trip on the Green or Yampa Rivers, which offer both scenic floats and whitewater adventures.
5. Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island
The Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, and Antelope Island State Park is the perfect place to explore this unique ecosystem.
Activities
- Swimming and Floating: The high salinity of the lake makes it incredibly buoyant, allowing for a unique swimming experience. Kids will love the sensation of floating effortlessly on the water.
- Wildlife Viewing: Antelope Island is home to bison, pronghorn antelope, and a variety of bird species. Take a drive or hike to see these animals in their natural habitat.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake’s shoreline. The calm waters are ideal for beginners.
6. Park City
Park City, known for its ski resorts, is also a fantastic summer destination with a wide range of family-friendly activities.
Activities
- Alpine Slide and Coaster: The Park City Mountain Resort offers an alpine slide and mountain coaster that provide thrilling rides down the mountain.
- Hiking and Biking: Explore the many trails in the area, suitable for all skill levels. The trails offer stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
- Utah Olympic Park: Visit the park to see where the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. The park offers guided tours, zip lines, and a bobsled ride.
7. Bear Lake
Bear Lake, often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” because of its turquoise-blue water, is a beautiful destination for a family summer vacation.
Activities
- Swimming and Boating: The clear, warm waters of Bear Lake are perfect for swimming, boating, and water sports. Rent a boat, jet ski, or paddleboard and enjoy a day on the lake.
- Raspberry Days Festival: If you visit in early August, don’t miss the Raspberry Days Festival, which celebrates the region’s raspberry harvest with parades, games, and delicious treats.
- Fishing: Bear Lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Kids can try their hand at catching trout, whitefish, and other species.
8. Goblin Valley State Park
Goblin Valley State Park, with its unique rock formations known as goblins, offers a surreal landscape that kids will find fascinating.
Activities
- Exploring the Goblins: Let your kids roam among the goblins and use their imaginations to turn the rock formations into fantastical creatures.
- Hiking: The park has several trails that are easy to navigate, making them perfect for families with young children.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars at one of the park’s campgrounds. The remote location provides excellent stargazing opportunities.
9. Lagoon Amusement Park
Lagoon Amusement Park, located in Farmington, is Utah’s largest amusement park and offers a fun-filled day for the whole family.
Activities
- Thrill Rides and Roller Coasters: The park has a variety of rides, from thrilling roller coasters to gentler rides suitable for younger children.
- Lagoon A Beach: Cool off at the water park, which features slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live shows and entertainment throughout the park.
Conclusion
Utah is a treasure trove of family-friendly destinations that offer a mix of outdoor adventure, educational experiences, and pure fun.
While planning a family trip is an exciting endeavor, it’s also essential to be prepared for unexpected emergencies. Traveling to new locations, engaging in outdoor activities, and exploring unfamiliar terrain can sometimes lead to accidents. In rare and unfortunate cases, these accidents can be severe. Knowing what steps to take in such situations, including hiring a Salt Lake City wrongful death lawyer, is crucial.
From exploring national parks and state parks with unique geological features to enjoying water sports on picturesque lakes and the thrills of amusement parks, there’s something for every family to enjoy. This summer, pack your bags, load up the car, and head out to explore the wonders of Utah with your kids.
