The Right Activities for You

It can be hard to search for what you are exactly looking for when everyone is so unique and has different interest. At times those who are coming out aren’t looking to do family activities and some who are looking for a good time with family are not interested in the night outings. Here is a guide for families, couples, friends out and for the adventurous. What ever you are coming out to Utah for we have it!

Family and Kid- Friendly Activates in Utah

There is a lot to do with the family for all age ranges. A fun center for families and those with children is stopping at The Gateway. Here they have the Gateway Children’s Museum, located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake! Their primary goal is to offer children captivating and hands-on experiences that revolve around the realms of art and science. During the winter, Gateway is home to the Salt Lake ice skating rink. Conveniently situated within a shopping mall, parents and kids alike can relish the museum’s engaging exhibits while having easy access to various eateries, refreshing beverages, and delightful shops. The excitement doesn’t stop there! Adjacent to the museum, you can catch the latest film at the nearby movie theater or embark on a cosmic journey at the Clark Planetarium, making it a day filled with endless adventures at The Gateway. For those visiting during the warmer months, don’t forget to dress your little ones for a splashing good time in our entertaining splashpad.

Another fun place to bring the family is the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA), an extraordinary destination boasting five distinct ecosystems spanning from South America to the Antarctic. Housing over 4,000 fascinating creatures, from playful penguins to gentle sloths, from majestic sharks to graceful leopards, and even charming otters to endearing porcupines, this one-of-a-kind aquarium promises an awe-inspiring experience. Ranked as the nation’s ninth largest, LLPA stands as a world-class attraction that you simply cannot miss during your visit to Utah. Prepare to be captivated by the diverse wonders of marine life and terrestrial marvels that await you within its walls.

For exploring Utah’s unique sites and experiencing fun hikes with the family, here are 5 of the best highly recommended trails that promise to create lasting memories. first family adventure is by visiting the Donut Falls Hiking Trail.

Nestled approximately 9 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Take a right turn, pass the Jordan Pines Picnic Area, and the trailhead parking lot awaits you. The hike is fun and  reaches a beautiful and unique waterfall. Another favorite hike is the picturesque Silver Lake situated in American Fork Canyon. The trail, spanning 2.3 miles one way, starts with a gentle stroll amid tall aspen trees. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For fishing enthusiasts, don’t forget to bring your fishing poles, as the lake teems with pan-sized brookies. The other recommended hike is the another Silver Lake gem that awaits you, this time in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The lake is encircled by a boardwalk, ensuring accessibility for individuals of all ages and abilities. The less than a mile-long boardwalk offers convenient benches, picnic spots, and a fishing dock. It’s a popular hiking destination throughout spring, summer, and fall, promising a delightful experience for the whole family. The other family favorite is mere 7 miles up Payson Canyon lies the Grotto Trail, known as Grotto Falls among locals. This family-friendly trail is short, wide, and has minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for all ages. The hike commences from the parking area near Mount Nebo Loop Road and meanders alongside a charming stream, weaving through the forest. Kids will find added excitement when crossing the stream on large timbers placed by the forest service. Upon reaching the trail’s end, a captivating waterfall cascades into a small pool, surrounded by steep rock walls, creating a memorable sight for the entire family. Lastly, Double Falls – Payson Canyon.  If you’re up for a bit more adventure, head approximately 9.8 miles from the mouth of Payson Canyon to discover the Double Falls trailhead. Starting from the parking lot, you’ll notice a road heading east/northeast, leading to a vast primitive camping area. Look for the trail entrance amidst the aspens on the east/northeast side of the camping area to embark on your hiking journey.

One last and must place to go as a family is the Homestead Crater in Midway. Nestled about an hour outside Salt Lake City in Heber Valley, The Homestead Crater is a hidden underground cave, boasting a geothermal hot spring enclosed within a 55-foot dome of limestone rock. With temperatures maintaining a pleasant 90-96 degrees year-round, this unique destination offers a range of activities beyond the traditional hot springs soak. From scuba diving and yoga to swimming and snorkeling, adventurers, tourists, and divers flock here to explore the 65-foot deep, 400-foot wide waters. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are provided and often mandatory for the immersive experience. For more family-friendly activities, click here!

Couples Outing

If you are out on a date or out on vacation with your significant other here are some of the top must places to visit and activities to do. A popular one is a romantic, exciting and unforgettable hot air balloon adventure in Park City, UT, with Bigfoot Balloons. Enjoy a one-hour flight during sunrise, revealing stunning Utah landscapes. The balloon rides promise a romantic and awe-inspiring journey. Book your flight now and create lasting memories high above the beautiful scenery here. And speaking of Park City that is the well known getaway destination for couples who enjoy cozy cabins and nice stays, wine and art galleries and delicious restaurants to eat at. During  January from 18-28 is well-known Sundance Film Festival.  The largest independent film festival in the United States, it draws an impressive crowd, with over 46,660 attendees in 2016.

The Light Festival is another really romantic activity to do. With live music, roasting marshmallows and making smores, enjoying food trucks and time spent with your partner at the end you’ll be mesmerized by the magical sight of all the lanterns at once glimmering  in the sky.

Explore the Downtown Farmers’ Market in Salt Lake City for a delightful Saturday activity! Situated in Pioneer Park, this vibrant market offers a wide array of offerings from local vendors. From farm-fresh produce and exquisite flowers to unique craft items, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse and thriving market scene. Visit their website for more information and directions here.

Capture stunning photos amidst the picturesque landscapes of Red Butte Garden – a must-visit destination in Salt Lake City. Embrace nature’s embrace as you stroll through lush greenery and delightful floral exhibits. Don’t miss the opportunity to immortalize your moments together against the backdrop of these exquisite gardens.

Choose to embark on a romantic journey with your date through Logan Canyon Scenic Drive when in Logan. This picturesque road winds through majestic mountains like the Bear River Mountains, adorned with enchanting forests and charming lakes with sandy shores, perfect for a leisurely picnic stop. Let the scenic drive create beautiful memories for both of you. There is a link bellow with some hikes to visit.

Some other fun activities to do together that you two might like are create some soap, jewelry, paint or do pottery together. At Gem studios is a silversmithing workshop where we teach you how to design and create your own unique piece of jewelry right here in the heart of Salt Lake City. We supply all the materials you’ll need and our instructors guide you step by step through the whole process. We offer a variety of options to ensure that you leave with a one-of-a-kind piece that you love! Make some of your own soap at the Soap Factory or paint while sipping whine at Painting with a Twist.  Another fun thing to try and will have fun while making it is taking a pottery class at Workshop SLC. With an abundance of outdoor activities in Utah, you will have no trouble finding the perfect date.

To know where the most romantic night out to eat at is please visit this page here.

Places to go with Friends

If you are visiting with a group of friends and are looking for things to do, here are some highly recommended suggestions.

First you have to experience the thrill of a Real Salt Lake FC game at America First Field (formerly Rio Tinto Stadium), just 20 minutes from downtown SLC. Whether you’re a soccer fan or not, attending a match between March and October promises an exciting date filled with cheers and lasting memories. Check out their website for more information and directions to the stadium.

If you are more into basketball than soccer than you will love the the thrill of a Utah Jazz game with your friends!  Head to Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City and enjoy an exciting date night filled with NBA action. Games are held from October to April, and you can even catch afternoon matches on weekends. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to bond over sports and create lasting memories together. Visit the website to get directions and plan your unforgettable date!

As we mentioned before The Gateway is for families but it’s also a great place for everyone to come to and hang out. There is the Dave in Busters Arcade and Sports bar,  Hall Pass that is a hob spot for watching sports and a great food along with other fun shops and restaurants. In the summer there are yoga nights, live music, outdoor movie nights and comedy club. We highly recommend checking out their Instagram to receive the update events and exciting new openings.

Close to Gateway is Downtown Salt Lake City with the best restaurants and bars. Here is a link to the best bars to visit in Down Town. You will also find theaters, galleries, escape rooms and other fun places seen here.

If you and your friends are getting a bit hungry, Utah is the best place to have brunch, as it offers a wide range of delightful restaurants and cafes serving delicious morning meals. Whether you’re craving classic American breakfast fare or adventurous international flavors, Utah’s brunch scene is sure to satisfy all appetites. Click here to find locations for brunch!