The best family vacations are often those that bring you to a destination where it’s easier than ever to balance recreation and relaxation. When you’re looking for a place that provides exactly that and so much more this year, Park City, Utah, is a must.
Here, there’s no shortage of impressive landscapes to explore, shops and eateries to check out, and an overall feeling of small-town charm to embrace every step of the way. It’s a destination that’s adored by families of nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those who are hoping for a scenic and tranquil stay, too.
No matter what your interests might be or what your picture-perfect itinerary might entail, Park City promises to provide unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages. When you’re ready to turn travel plans into reality this year, the following works as the ultimate family things to do in Park City, UT vacation guide so you can maximize every single moment you’re in town.
Getting Here Is a Breeze for Families from Near and Far
Making Park City, Utah your family vacation destination of choice means treating yourself to time in a place that’s truly an all-seasons oasis of opportunity for fun. That said, the beauty of booking a trip this way also lies in the fact that it’s a city that’s easy to reach, no matter what your point of origin might be. That’s because Park City, Utah, is just a 35-minute drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport.
This airport is well-served by major and discount airlines year-round, making Park City an accessible mountain destination whether you’re here in the winter for skiing or you’re planning a family getaway in the warm weather months. There are plenty of rental car options on-site when you land, which allows you and your entire traveling crew to hop in and find yourself getting a great vacation underway in no time. Add to that the fact that the drive between Salt Lake City and Park City is gorgeous, giving road trippers a chance to get inspired for the adventure ahead along the way.
The Family-Friendly Benefits Across Park City Abound
Successful family vacations are all about flexibility, opportunity, and enjoying a place that’s packed with options for interests of all types. Whether you’re heading to Park City with an infant, toddlers, school-aged kids, or teenagers, you’ll find it’s easier than ever to customize your stay.
A winter getaway to Park City is a chance to take to the ski slopes in style when your family shares a passion for downhill thrills. Of course, these resorts also provide options for tubing and snowshoeing fun, giving everyone even more to look forward to during their stay. If it’s warmer seasons that have you heading to Park City with the whole family, you can always add activities like hiking, biking, and alpine coaster rides to your lineup!
In general, families love their time in Park City thanks to the walkable setup they find upon arrival. Places like Main Street are particularly appealing thanks to the wide variety of treat shops, restaurants, museums, and galleries that are all located in one convenient area. Park City is considered a safe vacation destination for a family getaway, and there are opportunities to learn something new here as a family as well. Whether you sign up for ski lessons or you book your place on a guided hike, there’s always a lot to look forward to enjoying together.
Winter Adventures Await
Every season in Park City shines for families traveling this way, but there’s something a little extra special about wintertime. That’s when the mountain peaks put on their best show, and the runs and trails at the world-class resorts offer families access to one-of-a-kind thrills! Here, you’ll enjoy access as a family to no less than two incredible ski resorts with options to explore Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, or a bit of both during your stay.
When your family loves to mix and match skiing and snowboarding, you’re going to want to be sure to focus your fun on Park City Mountain. Both activities are permitted here, and there are trails and runs for every skill level. You can also easily book lessons or simply ride the lifts and enjoy great views.
Over at Deer Valley Resort, families can enjoy a ski-exclusive day on the slopes if you’re looking to focus on more specific outdoor fun along the way. Deer Valley also hosts ski lesson opportunities, while both destinations are known and loved for their delicious après-ski scenes.
Expand Your Winter Recreation Horizons
If you’re a family heading to Park City who is looking to add as much as possible to your itinerary this winter, you’re in luck. Here, you can enjoy ice skating at Park City Mountain Village this time of year, and follow it up with a hot cup of cocoa for everyone. Park City also has winter sleigh rides offered seasonally, when your family is looking forward to a unique form of sightseeing when the fresh powder falls. For an afternoon of snow tubing thrills, consider making your way to Woodward Park City, where magic carpets, vast tubing lanes, and even night tubing sessions are hosted throughout the winter months.
Set Your Sights on Park City in the Springtime
A spring getaway to Park City with the entire family is a wonderful time to admire your surroundings, coming into full, seasonal bloom. As the snow begins to melt away and temperatures rise, a spring family vacation comes with options to start hiking and biking your way to fun. There are many trails that are easily accessible right from the heart of Park City Mountain Resort, and you can book a guided hike as well when you’re looking to learn more along the way.
This time of year, wildlife spotting is prime with opportunities to spot everything from deer and elk to even moose along the way. Spring is a great time to head to Park City when you’re looking to enjoy sightseeing, but want to avoid the crowds that typically roll in by mid-summer. There might just be great shoulder season deals at downtown shops, and you can follow up your retail fun with a scenic drive through Guardsman Pass when you want to make the most of the springtime views together.
Embrace a Vibrant Summer Getaway
Your family trip to Park City will be best enjoyed in the summertime if you’re a group that loves warm weather, a vibrant atmosphere, and mixing and mingling with fellow tourists. The endless sunshine here this time of year encourages visitors to head out and explore as much as possible!
Your family’s summer getaway is the ideal time to add scenic hiking outings to your itinerary. To that end, the kid-friendly McPolin Farm nature trail often sits at the top of the list for visitors with little ones. You can also consider checking out the Round Valley Trail, Jenni’s Trail at Park City Mountain, or Willow Creek Trail while you’re in town.
If you find yourself in Park City on a family getaway with older kids who enjoy mountain biking, you’re in the perfect place to embrace their hobbies. That’s because Park City is a gold-level IMBA Ride Center, and you won’t have any trouble finding trails that are suitable for all ages and skill levels. While the Trailside Bike Park is a must-visit, you also won’t want to miss out on the challenges that await throughout Round Valley. For a more beginner-level experience, be sure to make your way to Deer Valley’s many inviting trails.
Afterward, there are fantastic opportunities to travel to the local Jordanelle Reservoir to cool off in style. Here, visitors can treat themselves to quality time out paddleboarding, boating, or swimming in designated areas. If you’re traveling with little ones, this stop can be replaced with a late afternoon visit to the Park City Splash Pad instead.
Find Your Way to Park City in the Fall
If it’s captivating colors and days dedicated to leaf peeping that would make your family vacation most memorable, a fall getaway to Park City is the way to go. This time of year, the mountainous landscapes are bright with changing hues, giving landscape photographers and hikers alike a lot of inspiration to get out and explore more. The crowds are typically thinned out this time of year as well, making it easier to move along the trails with young kids in tow.
A great way to get everyone in on the leaf viewing when you don’t want to hike is to hop on the chairlifts at the ski resorts, which typically operate year-round. If you’re up for more of an adventure, you might consider booking your place on a family hot air balloon ride and getting a bird’s eye view in the early morning hours out over the colorful landscapes.
In addition to the incredible vistas, fall in Park City is a time when the annual calendar is packed with fall and harvest festivals for families to attend. If you’re heading here with older kids who love sightseeing, don’t overlook the fun of a family horseback riding tour alongside a local guide.
Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss
No matter when you arrive in Park City for your family vacation this year, there are some attractions you simply won’t want to overlook. There’s a good chance that places like Utah Olympic Park might just end up being the highlight of your stay! This is a great place to spend time for children and adults alike, offering up easy access to ropes courses, ziplines, museums, bobsled rides, and athlete training sessions to watch as well.
When you’re looking to pair history and fun, be sure to make time on the itinerary for a stop at the Park City Museum while you’re in town. Located right on Main Street, this interactive museum is a great place to learn more about Park City’s mining past, and you can even tour the city’s original jail right on-site!
For families who are creatively inclined, a trip to the Kimball Art Center is sure to thrill. Here, you can take part in workshops or art classes together, or simply browse the impressive galleries at your own pace.
When your family shares a love for nature, a trip to the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter comes with opportunities to enjoy great wildlife watching or to participate in ranger-led nature programs throughout the year.
Try This Sample 3-Day Summer Itinerary
Day 1: If you have a weekend to spare in the name of a family vacation this year, it’s plenty of time to pack your Park City getaway with fun. Above all, make sure to arrive early on day one so you can watch the sunrise over the mountains before heading to Main Street for breakfast. From here, you’ll be in the right place for a stop at the Park City Museum before heading over to Park City Mountain Resort to check out the hiking trails. Your evening ends with a family-friendly meal in your luxury rental, followed by time in the hot tub!
Day 2: The second day of your stay takes you out for a morning family hike at the McPolin Farm after a hearty breakfast in your home-away-from-home. This is followed up by lunch on Main Street before spending the rest of your day at Utah Olympic Park. Give yourself the gift of dessert before dinner by picking up ice cream here, and then enjoying stargazing from your private rental property patio.
Day 3: The third day of your family vacation starts with quality time enjoying the beauty of nature at the Swaner EcoCenter. This is followed by a family horseback riding tour that includes a picnic lunch on the trails. Wind down in your rental and be sure to capture photos together as the sunsets. Tonight, you can treat yourself to a movie and popcorn before resting up well for your journey back home.
Book Your Getaway Today
Now is a great time to turn your family vacation plans into reality. When you’re excited to experience the best Park City has to offer, Summit Luxury Vacations has the family-friendly rental property you need to top off your stay in comfort and style. Reach out today to learn more and to get your next adventure underway soon!
