UTAH FAMILY VACATION GUIDE
→ WHY UTAH
→ VACATION PLANNING
→ BEST THINGS TO DO IN UTAH
→ FREE THINGS TO DO IN UTAH
→ BEST FOOD IN UTAH
→ WHERE TO STAY IN UTAH
⇒ FULL UTAH FAMILY VACATION GUIDE
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WHY UTAH
You can fully discover Utah with kids using this very helpful Utah Family Vacation Guide!! Year-round adventures is what makes Utah such a unique family vacation destination. Home to five national parks, world-renowned skiing, historic and immaculate temples, unbelievable dinosaur collections, and incredible scenic beauty that varies greatly from north to south, Utah really is an incredible place to make lasting family memories together.
Whether you’re seeking a cheap family vacation in Utah or a luxury getaway, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for!
Let me be honest, I love every part of Utah. The rolling mountains, the red rocks in the south, the snowy adventures in the summer, the Bear Lake getaways, and so many more!
We raised our little family for eight years in Utah. A month before our oldest child started kindergarten, we moved our then five-person family to a town just north of Salt Lake City. I became a mom to three more kids in Utah, while we raised the others and made so many great memories together in this astonishingly beautiful state. Exploring our stomping grounds on the weekends, school breaks and summers was what really kept us going and kept us sane.
To say that Utah has a soft place in my heart is an understatement. It in no way disappoints!!
A FUN UTAH MEMORY
One of my favorite memories was at Zion National Park.
When we arrived in the afternoon on an August day, it was 95 degrees. The kids wanted to go explore and wander around, but we insisted that we should just get camp set up and then we would take a little walk. And setup the tent we did! Additionally, the sleeping bags were rolled out and pillows nicely placed, with backpacks of clothes placed in the corners.
The decision was made to not put the rain cover on the tent, so that air could more freely flow through and hopefully not be nearly as sweltering when it was time to sleep later that night. You see where this is going, right?!
Venturing through Zion National Park is breathtaking. We opted to take a 3 mile hike on a flat trail through an immensely beautiful canyon. When we made it to the end and started turning back toward camp, the rain started. At first it was light, so we started walking fast. Within about 5 minutes, the downpour began! My husband Chad, with a baby strapped to his back, made sure I could handle the other three kids, and then took off sprinting the rest of the way to our unprotected tent and belongings.
We laugh about it now. And we always put on the rain cover now. No matter what!!
Thank goodness the rain passed just as fast as it came and we were able to dry most of our belongings under the evening sun in the hot, dry air of Southern Utah.
So many great memories were made in Utah and even though we have moved a two-day drive away, I know many more will be.
UTAH AT A GLANCE
Utah Weather:
Northern Utah – In Salt Lake City and other northern parts of Utah, the summers (June – mid-September) are hot, dry, and mostly clear with an average temperature of 81°F. The winters (November – February) are very cold with rain and snow and an average temperature below 47°F.
Southern Utah – Where most of the national parks reside in southern Utah, the summers (June – mid-September) are sweltering and mostly clear with an average temperature of 92°F. The winters (November – February) are very cold and partly cloudy with an average temperature below 62°F. Southern Utah is dry year round with only an average of 8 inches of annual rainfall.
Large Cities in Utah: Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, Saint George, Logan. Around 80% of the population in the state of Utah lives in the towns and cities surrounding Salt Lake City. This metropolitan area runs along the Wasatch Mountains and is called the Wasatch Front.
Hours to Drive across Utah: North to South – 5.5 hours from Snoville, Utah to Saint George, Utah. West to East – 5 hours from Wendover, Utah to Dinosaur National Monument.
Elevation: Average 4,330 feet above sea level. Highest elevation is Kings Peak at 13,528 feet.
UTAH FAMILY VACATION PLANNING
The best time to visit Utah is truly anytime!
If you visit while it is warm, there are so many Things to Do in Utah in the Summer that include hiking, swimming, biking, boating, or just relaxing.
If snow and cold is what you seek, we provide your family tips for all 14 of Utah’s Ski Resorts from the world-renowned Park City Mountain all the way to even the newly opened small ski resort, Cherry Peak in northern Utah.
Utah is a perfect family vacation location during any season!
FAMILY VACATION BUDGET
How much will this trip cost?
How much money do you need for daily expenses while you’re traveling?
When can you afford to go on this vacation?
Travel expenses can vary greatly depending on how you like to travel, so it’s important to make a travel budget early on. Don’t let the cost blindside you as it quickly adds up.
We’ve created an easy, one-page free travel budget printable the make that dream vacation possible!
SLEEP
Budget Hotel: $60+ per night
Mid-Range Hotel: $120+ per night
Luxury Hotel: $200+ per night
EAT (per person)
Fast food: $3-10
Sit-down Restaurant: $8-15
Luxury restaurant: $20++
GO AND SEE
Compact Car Rental (varies): ~$20/day
Train or Bus: $5 round trip
Uber or Lyft: ~$1 per mile
TRANSPORTATION
Renting a car is always a great option to explore Utah and there are many options to choose from. Check out Travelocity or CheapOAir for some amazing deals on rental cars.
However, if public transportation is what you are looking for, there are a few options available. Along the Wasatch Front (Salt Lake City area), there are many public transportation options and a few limited options in other areas of Utah.
Wasatch Front
Arrive by Plane – Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake City International Airport are at the heart of the Wasatch Front. Shop around to find the best flight deals. We always have great luck finding family flight deals with Skyscanner or CheapOAir or LookupFare.
Arrive by Bus – A network of Greyhound buses serves various Utah locations.
Arrive by Train – Amtrak’s California Zephyr cuts across the state serving several Utah stops along the route from Chicago to San Francisco.
Around Town – Both Salt the City and the airport are connected with quick and convenient light rail public transportation. If arriving by plane, the light rail takes you downtown from the airport. From downtown, there are a few options.
The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) serves the Wasatch Front with regular bus, light rail and commuter rail schedules. FrontRunner commuter rail links Salt Lake to both Ogden in the north and Provo in the south, while TRAX light rail serves Salt Lake County including the airport. TRAX also serves the University of Utah, Vivint Smart Home Arena (home of the Utah Jazz), Temple Square and Rio Tinto Stadium (home of Real Salt Lake).
Cache Valley
Arrive by Plane – To visit Cache Valley, Northern Utah, flights into Salt Lake City International Airport are what you’ll need to search. Find flights with.
Once you’ve landed in Salt Lake City, if you aren’t renting a car, there is a great option to get to Logan via the Salt Lake Express!
Arrive by Bus – A network of Greyhound buses serves various Utah locations.
Around Town – Cache Valley Transit District (CVTD) serves the city of Logan and the surrounding area. Check their routes to determine if you they serve your vacation destination in Utah.
Southern Utah
Arrive by Plane – Saint George, Utah has a Regional Airport, but many people visiting Southern Utah and the National Parks fly into Las Vegas International Airport (about 120 miles away) or Salt Lake City International Airport (about 300 miles away) and then rent a car. If you buy a package deal the total is usually considerable lower.
Try any of these sites for some great flight, hotel and car deal: Skyscanner or CheapOAir or LookupFare.
Around Town – Renting a car is advisable if you’re visiting Southern Utah. If you plan on staying in Saint George, SunTran is public transportation that can get you around town.
If you want to explore the numerous National Parks in Southern Utah without renting a car, there are various group tours that explore National Parks and points of interest. Here are a few providers of group tours:
Southwest Adventure Tours
Southern Utah Scenic Tours
Grand Circle Tours
Utah Luxury Tours
Mighty 5 Tour
DISCOVER UTAH WITH KIDS
Family vacations don’t need to be stressful. They really can be full of joy and relaxation (yes, even for parents) if you follow a few tips and put in the preparation time before the vacation!
Our main tip for traveling with kids is to BE FLEXIBLE with your schedule and leave plenty of time for adjustments if needed. And it will be needed!
For detailed tips on family travel, check out this great article 33 Best Tips for Traveling with Kids!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN UTAH WITH KIDS
Every season has something to offer a family vacation in Utah! There are family activities for the adventurous, the historian, or for relaxation. You name it and you can probably find it in Utah. Yep, even beaches too!!
Here is our list of the best things to do in Utah with kids.
ZION NATIONAL PARK
One of five national parks located in southern Utah, Zion National Park preserves 229 square miles of stunning red rock cliffs. Shaped by the Virgin River and its tributaries, the canyons are continuously being carved by running river water, especially during flash floods. Visitors can drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Scenic Highway, wind through the canyon along a paved trail on the Riverside Walk, venture one of the most talked about adventures at Zion - hike the Narrows, access the beautiful Emerald Pools, or do a variety of other attractions at Zion National Park!
HISTORIC TEMPLE SQUARE
Built in 1893 and still in use today by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Salt Lake Temple sits on a block of land that is referred to as Temple Square. Free tours are given of Temple Square daily. Other activities to do on the square or nearby include viewing the Christus statue at the North Visitor Center, watching the famous Choir on Temple Square perform, visiting the free Church History Museum, eating at any of the acclaimed restaurants: The Roof, The Lion House or Nauvoo Cafe, and many more ideas.
PARK CITY
Park City is home to the largest ski area in the United States. Additionally, the city is the main location of the country's largest independent film festival, the Sundance Film Festival, home of the United States Ski Team, and provides a great attraction from the 2002 Olympics that is accessible to anyone, Utah Olympic Park. Park City is a winter playground for hundreds of thousands, but also provides various summer activities including fishing, hiking, golfing, biking, and attractions such as the alpine coaster and slide.
Looking for ideas of things to do in Utah?
FREE THINGS TO DO IN UTAH
Looking for free things to do in Utah for families? There are so MANY ideas for kids of all ages to enjoy free Utah activities that we’ve again split it up into regions.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN SALT LAKE CITY
FREE THINGS TO DO IN UTAH VALLEY
FREE THINGS TO DO IN DAVIS COUNTY
FREE THINGS TO DO IN SOUTHERN UTAH
FREE THINGS TO DO IN PARK CITY
FREE THINGS TO DO IN OGDEN
FREE THINGS TO DO IN LOGAN
BEST FOOD IN UTAH
Utah has some very unique dishes that are surprisingly different than food found in other parts of the United States. Of course you will find the same fast food and chain restaurants as you will in other states, but there are some fun foods that are popular and considered staples in Utah.
Recipes for these uniquely Utah foods can be found in our Copycat Recipes for Utah Food article.
Fry Sauce
A mix of mayo and ketchup with a few simple spices and you have the most divine dipping sauce for french fries, burgers, chicken, you get the picture – pretty much anything!
Funeral Potatoes
A potato-based dish in casserole form—the ultimate comfort food—that is usually mixed with cheese and cream of some variety and is served hot at potlucks. The dish gets its name from being widely associated as a dish served after funerals.
Bear Lake Raspberry Shake
A visit to the best beach in Utah can not be complete without a raspberry shake from any number of locations in Garden City or a food truck along the road. I’m still dreaming about my shake from LaBeau’s over 8 years ago, so yeah, they really are that good!
Lion House Rolls
The Lion House restaurant makes rolls that are so dreamy, you’ll want to create them the next day and the day after that! What sets these rolls apart is that they are so moist and light and the texture is absolute carb perfection!
Dirty Soda
Soda shops have popped up all over Utah and serve your favorite carbonated drink spiked with flavored syrups and creams. For instance, a dirty Diet Coke at a popular shop usually has added coconut syrup and a bit of lime juice to your Diet Coke. Find out the 10 Best Mixed Sodas in Utah!
Fry Bread
Pretty much exactly like it sounds, fry bread is simply rolled-out dough that is fried in hot oil. It can go by various names in Utah such as Indian Fry Bread, Navajo Fry Bread, Navajo Tacos (served with taco ingredients on top of the fried bread), and Scones. Yes, I realize that the word “scone” means something completely different everywhere else in the world, but in Utah, scones are fry bread.
Rootbeer
When I lived in southern California, I really wanted to make Rootbeer Float Cookies. After hunting through 5 different grocery stores, I finally found root beer concentrate in a speciality restaurant store. While I lived in Utah, I could have a selection of 5 variations of root beer concentrate in one grocery store. Utahans are serious about their root beer!
Want more information on what to eat in Utah? Look at our 10 Best Mixed Sodas in Utah list and also the Copycat Recipes for Utah Food!
WHERE TO STAY IN UTAH
Camping in Utah is magical! You can find hideaways in the mountains of northern Utah or the red sands of southern Utah. But camping, or budget accommodations may not be what your family is looking for. Here are ideas on where to stay in Utah, split up into the major cities of Utah.
After traveling and living in Utah, we created this complete Utah guide for families to have the best time discovering Utah with kids based on our family’s own personal experiences.
Featuring the best museums to go to, the best family hikes to take, with money-saving tips throughout, and so much more, our Utah Family Vacation guidebook is the best way to make the most out of your family trip to Utah.
BOOKS TO READ ABOUT UTAH
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