The last bell has rung on another school year, and as a parent with young kids, I always feel the pressure to maximize my summer memory-making with them. Just google "18 summers," and you'll know what I'm talking about. I'm here to make sure you leave the panic and pressure.
Whether you are a local Utah family wanting kid-friendly activities to fill your summer weekends or vacationing in the Beehive State from another wonderful part of the world, I've got you covered with this adventure-packed list.
I'll be doing one Utah adventure a weekend (leaving a few weekends to do nothing or flexibility to head out of state). From indoor skydiving to natural hot springs to horseback riding, Utah is a treasure trove of family-friendly fun, so let's dive in (these are not in a specific order or ranking, but a list just seems right).
1. Homestead Crater
The Homestead Crater is a geothermal spring hidden inside a 55-foot tall, beehive-shaped limestone rock in Midway in Heber Valley. The water is about 90-96 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, yoga, and standup paddleboarding. (Pro Tip: you can do yoga on a paddleboard inside the crater.) It's a unique experience where you can float in warm mineral water while looking up at the sky through the crater's natural opening. The crater is open seven days a week. Reservations are required, and you can book them here.
2. Lagoon Amusement Park
Admission: I have lived in Utah for 18 years and have never been to Lagoon, so this adventure might be more for me than the kids. I keep hearing about the funnel cakes, so this will be the summer to finally get my hands on some and also enjoy a day of classic amusement park fun. With over 50 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, a water park, and live entertainment, Lagoon has something for the entire family. You can find hours and ticket information here.
3. Crystal Hot Springs
About an hour north of Salt Lake City in Honeyville, Crystal Hot Springs is a hidden gem that offers a rejuvenating retreat for families and adventure seekers alike. Known for having one of the highest mineral contents of any hot spring in the world, the water is both therapeutic and invigorating. It's unique because it sits at the convergence of a hot and cold spring. There is a pool area that consists of three jetted hot tubs, a soaker pool, a lap pool, an Olympic-sized pool, and two 360-foot water slides. The combination of water from the two springs fills all the pools except the water slide pool. No reservations are required, but anyone entering the pools must pay full price. More info here.
4. Antelope Island
This won't be our first time visiting Antelope Island State Park. There is so much to do it feels like a new adventure each time we visit. Families can hike, bike, or horseback ride the backcountry trails for spectacular views of the Great Salt Lake and island scenery. Kids particularly enjoy the historic Fielding Garr Ranch with its many original structures and demonstrations of ranch life from the past. Seeing the island's free-ranging bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn (antelope) never gets old. Visitors can camp on the island for an extended adventure if they'd like. More island info here.
5. iFly Indoor Skydiving
Want to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of an actual airplane? You can with iFly in Ogden. This indoor skydiving facility uses a vertical wind tunnel to simulate free-fall conditions. Forget your good hair day with wind speeds up to 150 mph. Anyone age three and older who meets their health restrictions can fly. Prices and booking info here.
6. Horseback Riding at Sundance Horseback Riding
If you want a guided horseback riding tour with breathtaking scenery in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges, look no further than the Sundance Stables at Sundance Mountain Resort. The 1-hour Elk Meadow Ride is perfect for first-time riders and/or kids and takes you through aspen groves and beautiful alpine meadows. Bring everyone age eight and older to make magical mountain memories. Info and pricing here.
7. Hill Aerospace Museum
Located on Hill Air Force Base near Ogden, the Hill Aerospace Museum has over 70 military aircraft on display and thousands of historical Air Force artifacts. You don't need to be an aircraft aficionado to be fascinated by the history of aviation and technical advancements over the decades. This no-cost adventure will bring out the kid in all of us. More info here.
8. Bear Lake
Smack in the middle of the Utah-Idaho border and known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" for its stunning turquoise waters, Bear Lake is perfect for water activities. With plenty of options to rent boats, jet skis, canoes, or standup paddleboards, it's every lake enthusiast's dream. The fun doesn't stop at the beach. The surrounding area offers hiking and biking trails with picturesque views. (Pro Tip: Don't leave without a famous Bear Lake Raspberry Shake!)
From high-flying adrenaline to sun-soaking relaxation, this ultimate Utah summer adventure list is sure to give everyone in your family a new experience, giant smiles, and a summer they'll remember forever.
