Park City Family Fun
Yes, you came to ski or snowboard. But did you know that there is so much to do in Park City, it really is the ultimate winter vacation destination? Add a few of these activities to your itinerary and your kids will be begging to come back every year!
Are you the only one in your family who doesn’t like to ski?
The kids love it, as does your better half, but it is just not for you. You have tried and you can see what a great time the rest of the family has – but try as you might, it is just not your gig.
I have some good news for you. Park City would have to be one of the best ski resort towns for you and your family to visit. There are plenty of things to keep you busy during the day but more importantly plenty of ways for you to still be involved with your family during and after a day on the slopes.
I would recommend that on one of your days you arrange to meet up with your skiers at the base-of-town lift for lunch. You can watch them ski down the run and over the bridge and then all meet for a nice lunch before they head out again for the afternoon. There are loads of dining choices around the town lift for lunch. My kids love Davanza’s for their student special – slice of pizza, fries, and soda for $6 (prices subject to change). They are also happy with some Sushi from Flying Sumo and we have been known to ski into The Bridge for a great late breakfast at 11 am and call it brunch. This could be the perfect meet up on a day you spend wandering up and down historic Main St enjoying the great boutiques and galleries dotted all along. A visit to the Park City Museum is also recommended.
You have to meet up one afternoon with your family and all ride the Alpine Coaster. Rug up with a beanie, scarf, and gloves and have the ride of your life. I was so surprised by how much fun we all had riding the coaster. The most fun was had when we left the kids in charge of the speed – boy do they know how to put the pedal to the medal!
Gorgoza Tubing Park is another fun activity you can all do together. Better still it is open until 8 pm so there is plenty of time to head out there after the ski day is over. This too is a huge blast for the whole family – particularly when you connect as many of the tubes together as you can and you all fly down as one big connected family. The laughter is so good for your soul.
There is also the Outdoor Ice Rink found at the Park City Mountain Resort. This is another great activity that can be done together, after a day of skiing. The best part about this is that you don’t have to go anywhere else and you don’t need to bring any other clothing. Swap the ski boots for ice skates and you are good to go!
So while the family is all on the slopes what else can you be doing?
If you want to have a day of activity you could always contact White Pine Touring. These guys offer all sorts of tours and lessons in snowshoeing, cross country skiing and hiking which are all lovely ways to be outside, get the heart rate up and see parts of Park City that you normally would not.
There should also be a day of pampering and fortunately, there are loads of options to be found in Park City. From the full day spa experience found at the Golden Door Spa – Waldorf Astoria, to a Very Kneady 90-minute massage at Knead a Massage. There is no doubt you are spoilt for choice in Park City when it comes to pampering and relaxation.
Tubing at Gorgoza Park
About a 10-minute drive from the heart of Park City is an unbelievably fun, lift-serviced tubing park. Have little ones with you? Fort Frosty has a snow tube carousel gentle enough for the smallest tyke. Mini snowmobiles for kids ages 5-12 will leave any adult a little jealous that they can’t go on! Insider tip: Crowds are low and lanes are FAST between 6-8 pm. For dinner, pick up a pizza on the way at the Park City Pizza Company and enjoy the Warming Yurt at the park upon arrival.
Alpine Coaster and Flying Eagle Zipline
Located at Park City Mountain Resort. Open daily from noon to 4 pm, the coaster and zip line are fun rides for almost any age (*height restrictions apply). For the best value, buy the combo ticket available for purchase before 3 pm, which gives you one ride on each.
Jupiter Bowl Bowling Alley
There’s a new Jupiter Bowl in town, and you can’t skip this one. Located in the Redstone shopping area, it’s a short drive from the resort and on the free bus route. It’s the nicest bowling alley our family has ever seen. Fabulous food, great decor, and comfy seating make for luxury bowling.
Utah Olympic Park
You can’t miss the sight of the ski jumps when you enter Park City. The host for many events in the 2002 Winter Olympics, admission is free for the guided tour and interactive museum. Many days you can watch athletes train on the jumps and bobsled runs. You can even sign up for a bobsled ride, although this is not for kids or the faint of heart!
Ice Skating
On a nice day, hit the Resort Center Ice Rink at the base of Park City Mountain Resort. If the temperatures drop or the weather is not ideal, head over to the large indoor Park City Ice Arena for a fun-filled day!
These are just my top 5, but the list of other activities is endless. Try cross country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, or hot air ballooning. There are movie theaters and even an indoor play place, Monkey Mountain. Not to mention endless shopping and eating! If your lodging has a pool or hot tub, it’s quite possible your kids won’t want to go anywhere else. But it’s great to have options, and Park City has something for everyone!