You’ll want to try all these winter activities!
Before the family goes stir crazy this winter, now is the best time to get outside to embrace some of the best adventures Utah has to offer.
Lisa Stanworth rounded up six winter activities that embrace a little holiday magic all month long. Plus, save a little money while you’re doing it.
Ice Skating at the Gallivan Center
One of the must-do winter activities is ice skating, and the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City is a prime spot. “It’s fun because it’s right in the heart of downtown. There’s Christmas lights around it right now and fun food options,” Lisa mentioned. They have extended hours leading up to Christmas and discounts for bringing your own skates, as well as for military personnel and seniors.
Skiing Deals for Families
Skiing in Utah is a must, but it can be expensive. Lisa said there are ways to save. From December 7th to 13th, Solitude and Deer Valley offer free skiing for kids 12 and under. Additionally, the Ski Utah Pass for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders is a great deal at $89, allowing three visits to every ski resort in Utah. “With the passes, you kind of get stuck at one resort. So it’s fun to be able to explore and see all the different resorts,” Lisa said.
Skiing is fun, but it can be quite a task to get the whole family out there. “For anyone that’s a parent, you know the struggle of getting them all bundled up and stuffed in their ski outfits,” Lisa said. “It just takes forever.” Here are her three tips for making the outing easier on everyone.
- Start your kids young to get them used to the process.
- Make sure they’re warm
- Be consistent
Dining at Stein Eriksen Lodge
For a special dining experience, the Stein Eriksen Lodge offers Alpenglobes, which are essentially snow globes where you can dine outside. This magical setting is perfect for an occasion. “They are for something that would be more of a special occasion,” Lisa mentioned. “They’re more a little bit bougie.”
Stein Eriksen has a lot of other fun things to offer, too. “They have gingerbread houses inside and horse-drawn carriages that take you to the lodge,” Lisa said.
Snow Globe Stroll in Park City
Park City offers a free Snow Globe Stroll on Main Street, where different snow globes are placed around with various Christmas song themes. “It’s a free activity. We do it every year for sure,” Lisa emphasized. This is a fun way to explore the town and enjoy the holiday decorations.
Christmas Lights Displays
Utah boasts several impressive Christmas light displays. Temple Square is iconic, with more lights than last year despite construction. “A lot of people try to stay away, but they’re open,” Lisa said.
Draper Park’s Tree of Life is another favorite. “They keep expanding,” Lisa mentioned. “They keep putting more and more lights around there.”
The World of Illumination at the Utah State Fairpark offers a drive-through light show synchronized to music, you can enjoy from the comfort of your car.
Hiking in St. George
For those seeking out the warmer weather, St. George has lots of fun hiking opportunities. Pioneer Park is a favorite, with slot canyons, arches, and overlooks. “It’s my kids’ favorite. We go there every single time,” Lisa emphasized. This area is a perfect escape from the cold December Utah cold.
For more ideas from Lisa, listen to her podcast, “Choose Your Happy Place,” and visit her Instagram, @chooseyourhappyplace for Utah-based travel inspiration.
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