21 Best Things to Do in Utah in Winter in 2024
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN UTAH IN WINTER?
We can help! We’ve both been traveling to Utah since we were kids and we love to visit with our family now. Utah is a bit of a winter wonderland. We love spending time there during the snowy and cold months.
People from around the United States know the Beehive State for its amazing snow that attracts ski and snowboarding enthusiasts in droves. But the truth is, we’ve come across so many other things to do in Utah in winter that are just as fun.
We’ve made things simple by offering up our advice on what cities and towns offer the most fun things to do in Utah in winter. And from there, we’ve broken down the best outdoor and indoor adventures to consider in each location.
Things to do in Park City, Utah in Winter
1. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Park City, Utah, is a beautiful mountain getaway, only about 40 minutes outside the busy metro of Salt Lake City. It’s a wonderful place to visit if you’re looking for a fun yet serene winter vacation.
Utah is world-renowned for having some of the best ski resorts, especially in Park City. Skiing is one of the most fun things to do in Utah in winter. It can be a fun activity for the whole family or a nice way to spend time as a couple. Hitting the slopes can be a refreshing and highly enjoyable experience.
Some of the top ski resorts in Park City include Deer Valley Resort, Woodward Park City, and Park City Mountain. Both the snow and beautiful scenery will make for a wonderful day in Utah’s mountains.
Enjoy the powder, the sun, and the soothing mountain air as you spend a day shredding the slopes!
2. Take a Snowshoeing Adventure
Utah is considered one of the best places in the world to ski. But if you’re traveling as a family, that might not be an enjoyable option for everyone in the group. Snowshoeing is a less complex snow-based activity that offers many of the same fun-filled benefits of skiing and snowboarding. It really is one of the best things to do in Utah in the winter.
You can find several commercially operated snowshoeing trails in Park City. These trails are a great way for beginner snowshoers to get their feet wet. The needed equipment can be rented in town, and the trails are well-marked and maintained, making sure that everyone has a safe and fun time.
We’ve found that snowshoeing offers a great opportunity for family bonding. It’s a unique way to enjoy the snow in Utah while learning a skill and practicing perseverance when things get challenging. We love spending time together and enjoying the crisp mountain air!
3. Visit Utah Olympic Park
The Utah Olympic Park is a great place to spend some time and is one of our favorite things to do in Utah winter. Because Park City is so pretty, the views at the park alone are worth a visit. But there’s actually so much fun to be had here too!
Utah Olympic Park is an active Olympic training site, which means participants in the Winter Olympics train here to prepare for the next games. The park has a bunch of different activities that allow families to get in on the action and train just like star athletes do. It’s a wonderful experience for any up-and-coming athletes or those who miss their heydays.
A visit here is one of the best family things to do in Park City, Utah in the winter. Kids and adults alike will love the opportunity to ride in a bobsled, go ziplining, or even do extreme tubing! The park also features some thrilling adventure courses for the really brave at heart.
Admission into the park is free; however, the different activities and events do have charges.
4. Take a Sleigh Ride
Nothing screams winter wonderland like a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Whether you’re planning a romantic gesture or just want to make a family memory, it’s quite fun to live out your fairytale dreams on a cozy and magical sleigh ride.
The snowy passages of Park City never look more beautiful than when you’re taking them in on a carriage ride. Cold temperatures aside, this is one of the most fun things to do in Park City, Utah, winter style.
Things to do in Midway, Utah in Winter
5. Go Tubing at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center
Midway is the most fun Utah winter vacation spot. Families of all ages and interests will have an amazing time here because the attractions are so varied. Whether you want to play in the snow or get cozy and relax, Midway can fit any vacation mood.
We’ve never met a kid who doesn’t love tubing and sledding during the wintertime. The tubing set up at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center is super convenient for families as the center provides the tubes and features an escalating conveyor belt that carries participants up the hill for each run. We love that this helps the whole family retain their energy and enjoy the thrilling adventure for as long as possible.
Keep in mind this is a very popular attraction and requires advanced reservations to secure a spot in a timed session. Also, the tubing runs are very slick, making the tube move very fast. It’s a fun and thrilling experience as long as you can adequately slow yourself down. We recommend making sure children are fully aware of how to do this before going on a run.
6. Explore the Ice Castles
The Midway Ice Castles are a big hit, landing toward the top of the list of things to do in winter in Utah every year. This popular attraction is crafted, entirely by hand, by a team of 20 to 40 ice artists. Each year the manmade icicles offer a unique and memorable experience, so even if you’ve visited before, you can be sure the next experience will be just as special and awe-inspiring.
Best of all, these castles are not just pretty things to look at. The tunnels, thrones, and slides are meant to be explored and played upon. Kids will have the best time chasing each other through icy passageways or racing one another down the slippery ice slides. The ice castles really are a winter dream come true for the little ones in your life, and they are pretty magical for adults as well.
You can visit during the day, but at night, the castles are dramatically lit with colorful lights, adding to the magical atmosphere. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to visit, go! Trust us, you won’t regret it. It’s an icy wonderland that people of all ages will absolutely love!
7. Unwind at Homestead Crater
A visit to Homestead Crater is one of the most unique things to do in Utah during winter. There’s a large limestone dome on the Homestead Resort property, and deep inside the dome is a geothermal spring.
Adults and kids can enjoy the warm mineral water (typically fluctuating from 90-96°F) with a relaxing soak or swim. If you want to explore the crater further, you can also scuba dive here. There’s a whole different and fascinating perspective to capture below the water’s surface. We didn’t do any scuba diving here but had a great time swimming with our kids.
Rather not get wet? That’s totally fine. Self-guided tours are also permitted for families who opt just to look around.
8. Catch a Ride on the Heber Valley Railroad
A ride on the historic Heber Valley Railroad is a fun and entertaining break from all of the outdoor activities Utah offers. Because kids today are so accustomed to riding around in vehicles all the time, the chance to take a ride on an old-school locomotive can be a very special event.
The most popular train ride during the winter season is the North Pole Express. The 90-minute round trip train trip carries families from Heber City to the North Pole and back. The nighttime route will showcase some of Utah’s beautiful scenery under a blanket of snow, lit by the light of the moon. It’s a core memory moment, for sure!
Expect lots of caroling, hot chocolate, chocolate chip cookies, and maybe even a visit from Santa Claus himself along the way!
Things to do in Kanab, Utah in the Winter
9. Explore Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
If you’re planning to spend some time checking out the sights in southern Utah, Kanab is a great place to start. It’s one of the warmest places in Utah during the winter, and given the nice climate, it features lots of outdoor recreational options year-round.
We haven’t come across a national or state park we didn’t love, so it shouldn’t be surprising that we think visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park is one of the best winter things to do in Utah.
The park is a sizable 3,730 acres and is the only place you’ll find a sand dune field on the entire Colorado Plateau. If you’ve got any bug-crazy kids in the family, they might be interested to know that this park is the only place in the world where Coral Pink tiger beetles live.
We love hiking and sledding on sand dunes. And the weather here during the winter months is perfect for it! Much cooler than the hot summer months, but definitely not cold, Kanab’s winter weather makes this a much more enjoyable experience than during other times throughout the year.
Sandboard and sand sled rentals are available on-site. We learned from our sledding adventures in White Sands National Park that you’ll save more money by bringing your own sled instead of renting one at the park.
10. Buckskin Gulch
At 20 miles long, Buckskin Gulch is famous for being one of the longest and deepest slot canyons in the world. It’s a popular route for backpackers, who often stay overnight as they make their way through the canyon.
Keep in mind that, given variable weather conditions, this is not a winter adventure to take lightly. The route can be dangerous with obstacles like rock jams and quicksand, not to mention the potential for flash floods.
We recommend dressing accordingly for the cold weather and terrain, as well as checking the status of the area and weather reports for the time you plan to be hiking. This will help you determine whether moving forward is a safe choice at that time. Or whether the shorter version of the hike, Wire Pass to Buckskin Gulch, is a better option.
Things to do in Ogden, Utah in the Winter
11. North Fork Park
Odgen, Utah, is a great place to escape to if you’re staying in Salt Lake City but would like to enjoy some of the winter activities in Utah. The town is only about 35 minutes north of Salt Lake City and definitely offers a more small-town vibe than that of the city, which can be really nice if you’re looking for more of a rest and relaxation atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a little outdoor adventure in Ogden, North Fork Park is where the fun is. The landscape of this park makes it a perfect place for your family to try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
And if you’re looking for a fun way to spend the evening, bundle up and head out to the park for an amazing look at the night sky. Stargazing is one of the best things to do in the winter in Utah, and North Fork Park has been distinguished as an International Dark Sky Park, so you can bet on top-notch skies here.
12. Ogden Dinosaur Park
The Ogden Dinosaur Park is a wonderful place to visit once everyone has grown tired of the snow activities. Kids can spend hours following the walking paths, each leading to a new, astoundingly life-like dinosaur statue. They even feature robotics and sound effects, bringing them back to life for all to see! There’s also a more traditional-style museum full of dinosaur facts to enjoy as well.
Thankfully, this isn’t a completely hands-off type museum, there are points throughout the park where kids can climb and play to their heart’s content.
If you’ve ever visited Moab Giants, this park has a similar feel. It’s a really fun place to spend a morning or afternoon in Ogden.
Things to do in Provo, Utah in the Winter
13. Enjoy a Soak in Fifth Water Hot Springs
Provo, UT, is about 45 minutes south of Salt Lake. Utah, in general, has some great family-friendly attractions, but no portion of the state is more family-centric than Utah County, where Provo is located.
This is a great part of the state to visit if you’re looking for lots of fun and creative attractions to keep your little ones engaged and busy. Provo and the surrounding area also feature some of the state’s best family-friendly outdoor recreational opportunities.
Visits to hot springs are some of the most popular and best things to do in Utah in winter. Access to Fifth Water Hot Springs near Provo requires a 2.5-mile moderate hike. The road to the trailhead may be very snowy, so we recommend traveling in a vehicle with four-wheel drive.
The hike itself will likely be packed down since it’s a busy spot. It’s a steep but beautiful journey up to the hot springs, featuring lots of pine trees. You’ll know you’ve reached the spot when you see the bright blue pools.
There are several different pools to soak in that will likely be different temperatures. There are also some beautiful waterfall areas that are really beautiful to see during the winter.
14. Luminaria
Thanksgiving Point is located in Lehi, near Provo. It’s a hub for family fun with multiple museums and attractions for the entire family to enjoy. You definitely recommend a visit, it’s one of our favorite things to do in Salt Lake City in winter.
The Ashton Gardens portion of Thanksgiving Point gets all decked out with millions of colorful lights and other holiday decorations for visitors to enjoy during Luminaria, the garden’s winter festival. There are so many interactive activities for the kids as well as bonfires to warm up by and delicious holiday concessions to devour!
15. Rock Canyon Park
Not all family adventures have to be big ordeals. Sometimes a big park with picnic areas, a playground, and some sunshine is all you need. Rock Canyon Park is a beautiful park in Provo that is perfect for letting the kids get some wiggles out and just enjoy simply being outside.
If there is some decent snow on the ground, be sure to bring a sled along. This park is known for its killer sledding hill!
16. Go Snowmobiling in American Fork Canyon
Snowmobiling is an excellent winter activity for the thrill seekers out there. There’s something about the wind blowing through your hair and the wisps of powdered snow that rush by your cheeks that always keeps you coming back for more!
American Fork Canyon, near Provo, has some amazing trails to follow as you zoom through the snow. This is a great area to explore on a snowmobile to catch glimpses of famous Utah landmarks like Lone Peak and Mount Timpanogos.
Things to do in Sundance, Utah in the Winter
17. Sundance Film Festival
Sundance, Utah’s biggest claim to fame is the Sundance Film Festival. Every January, hopeful independent filmmakers, film studio representatives, and cinephiles congregate in Sundance to watch movies. Feature films, documentaries, and shorts are shared with the world for the first time in Sundance. It’s an event that brings moviemakers and celebrities alike to Utah.
But everyday people can partake in the fun too. If you’re a fan of movies and some time in the snowy mountains sounds good to you, sign up for notification for when tickets to the 2024 festival go on sale. Just don’t forget the popcorn!
Things to do in Salt Lake City in Winter
18. Visit Clark Planetarium
Salt Lake City is the state capital of Utah. This is the place we recommend for families looking to enjoy the city when visiting Utah in the winter. There are so many things to do in Salt Lake City with kids, it’s full of museums and other attractions for visitors of all ages.
We love spending time in Salt Lake at any time of year, but it’s especially beautiful during the winter. We love the excuse to get bundled up in our coats and gloves and walk around enjoying all the city has to offer.
The Clark Planetarium is one of the top things to do in Salt Lake City in winter with toddlers and kids. The planetarium offers some of the most impressive hands-on learning exhibits featuring our Earth, the moon, space, weather, and more. Plus, it’s always nice to have a place for the kids to be free to explore while everyone can stay warm!
We had a lot of fun here. Rowen and Raven especially loved the Restless Planet Exhibit. We got to stand inside a tornado, watch lightning strike, watch the earth rotate, and touch real geological items from the Earth.
The best part of the Planetarium is that general admission is free. There are some movies that you can watch that do require a purchased ticket. This is one of the great indoor winter activities in Utah to enjoy with kids!
19. Visit the Animals at Hogle Zoo
In almost every city we visit, we try to make it to the zoo. Utah’s Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake was a zoo that Rowen and Raven loved. It may seem crazy to think, but a trip to the zoo in the winter can be just as fun as one in the summer. Just make sure to bundle up!
There are eight different exhibits that give the kids the opportunity to get close to the animals. And with fewer crowds during the winter, your kids can get up close easily. We also loved how active the animals were during the colder weather months instead of hiding in the shade like they often do on hotter days.
We loved seeing the giraffes, elephants, and polar bears. When you first get to the zoo, get the schedule of the daily programs. They are a good break from walking around, and the kids will love the presentation.
Keep in mind that Hogle Zoo often offers discount days during the winter as well. If you’re planning to visit Salt Lake City, check out the zoo’s website to see if you can snag tickets as low as $5! This is a great attraction to consider when looking for things to do in Salt Lake City.
Free Things to Do in Utah in Winter
20. Check Out Temple Square
Temple Square is a 10-acre center owned by the LDS Church. The square is found in the center of Salt Lake City and is the base for the road names found throughout Salt Lake.
In 1964 it was designated as a national historic landmark district to recognize the Mormons settling in Utah.
There is so much to do and see on Temple Square, especially during the winter. The entire block is adorned with millions of colorful Christmas lights, making a stroll through here one of the best free things to do in Salt Lake City in winter at night. The lights can be enjoyed beginning the day after Thanksgiving and stay on display through New Year’s Day.
You can find information for a self-guided tour of Temple Square here or request a free tour here.
21. Go on a Hike
There are so many beautiful trails to explore in Utah during the winter. We recommend Ensign Peak if you’re in Salt Lake or Bridal Veil Falls if you’re in Provo, just to get you started!
Unique Things to Do in Utah in Winter
Visit the National Parks
Utah’s national parks are some of the most beautiful and fun places to visit during the winter. They are most commonly visited in the warmer months, so exploring the parks during the winter makes for a very unique and memorable experience.
Moab is a great home base to consider for a visit to Utah to explore nearby Arches and Canyonlands national parks. We love visiting Moab because of the great hiking trails and off-roading adventures.
Aside from the parks, it’s a great place to visit because there are so many great places to eat and things to do with kids in Moab.
Moving outside the Moab area, there are so many wonderful things to do in Zion National Park during the winter too. Bryce Canyon, like all the other Utah national parks, will have fewer crowds during the winter, and this park even features a winter festival that families will love!
FAQ: Things to do in Utah in Winter
What are Some Fun Things to do in Park City, Utah During the Winter?
Skiing is the top wintertime activity in Park City. Aside from that, families might also enjoy tubing, snowmobiling, or just enjoying a walk down Main Street!
Is Utah Worth Visiting in Winter?
Utah is a wonderful place to visit during the winter if you enjoy winter weather and the associated activities. Even if your family isn’t super outdoorsy, there are cozy and comfortable ways to enjoy the wintery landscape too!
Where is the Warmest Place in Utah in the Winter?
Kanab is the warmest place in Utah. The town sits on the border between Utah and Arizona, and its winters definitely benefit from the southwestern heat.
Is Salt Lake City Fun in the Winter?
There are so many fun and free things to do in Salt Lake City in winter. Whether you want to enjoy snow-based activities or hang out downtown, you’re sure to have a good time in Salt Lake City in the winter.
What is Utah Like in the Winter?
Visitors should expect cold and snowy conditions when visiting Utah in the winter. The weather can change on a dime, but the state does enjoy a lot of sunshine alongside the freezing temperatures too.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Utah in Winter
We really love exploring Utah during the winter. Whether you’re looking for a snowy mountain getaway or a red rock adventure, you’re bound to find things to do in Utah in winter that your family will love. This state is full of outdoor activities to enjoy during the winter, so we hope you plan your own adventure soon!
