Salt Lake County transforms into a winter playground when the snow blankets the Wasatch Mountains. On top of the frosty yet stunning scenery, the abundance of engaging activities will keep your winter blues at bay. In this guide, we’ll explore various wintertime experiences that cater to all interests, ensuring that everyone can make the most of the season.
Glide Across the Ice
Salt Lake embraces the winter spirit with several ice skating rinks where you can showcase your skills or learn the art of gliding. Popular spots like the Salt Lake County Ice Center in Murray offer a delightful skating experience for all skill levels. Moreover, the County Ice Center provides skate classes for kids and adults as well as hockey programs.
Salt Lake City’s Gallivan Center’s rink will stay open into March. Their public skate admission starts at $3.50 and they have a variety of sweet and savory treats. Please note that all of the center’s public (open) skating is first-come-first-serve.
Embark on a Family Winter Hike
Winter hiking in Salt Lake is a great wintertime experience for families due to milder weather and the availability of scenic trails. The trails take on a different allure this season, with crisp air and serene surroundings. Some must-try trails include:
- Avenue Twin Peaks: Provides opportunities to enjoy snowshoeing and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and mountains.
- Bell Canyon Trail: Offers a gradual incline and leads to a beautiful waterfall, making it a rewarding experience for families.
In addition to hiking, winter fishing in Provo River is also an amazing family bonding experience. The river is a popular fly-fishing spot, providing a tranquil setting for fishing enthusiasts to cast their lines and enjoy the solitude of winter by the water.
Take the Plunge
For brave souls willing to take on a daring winter challenge, the Polar Plunge in Hyrum awaits. The 2024 Special Olympics Polar Plunge will be held on March 8th at Hyrum State Park Boat Ramp located about 80 miles north of Salt Lake City.
This event is not only an adrenaline-pumping adventure but also a noble cause. Participants are encouraged to ask their friends and families to support them “Freezin’ For A Reason!”, with proceeds going to support the local athletes of Special Olympics Utah. On top of supporting and spreading awareness, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn incentives, show off your costumes, and play with loved ones.
Engage in the World of Fly Fishing at The Wasatch Expo
March in Salt Lake brings the Wasatch Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo, uniting fly fishers, tyers, guides, and equipment vendors. This expo features a diverse array of educational, conservation, travel, and humanitarian activities. This not only offers an immersive experience but also supports vital conservation and education initiatives.
On top of the educational sessions from nationally recognized experts, you can also acquire tying skills and try your hand at casting with new fly rods provided by vendors. Moreover, kids can immerse themselves in the world of fly fishing through hands-on fly-tying sessions and casting technique lessons. This event is a great winter activity that allows enthusiasts to hone their skills and connect with the fly fishing community even during the colder months.
Indulge in Indoor Fun
Salt Lake offers numerous indoor attractions suitable for kids of all ages. Here are some of the popular spots:
- K1 Speed: Adult and junior electric karts, arcade with billiards (pool tables) and air hockey, Glo-Karting, and Pit Café serving drinks and snacks.
- Getout Games: A variety of kid-friendly, exciting escape rooms that help develop critical thinking skills.
- All Star Bowling & Entertainment – Draper: Mini golf, bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, arcade, and Escapology, Draper’s original premium escape game experience.
- Altitude Trampoline Park: Provides a unique and enjoyable experience for children, helping them to expend energy and have a good time.
These venues provide options for both thrill seekers and those in search of a more laid-back experience. It’s the ideal solution for group gatherings or family outings when the chill in the air makes outdoor activities less appealing.
Enroll Your Kids in Skiing and Snowboarding Camps
For parents navigating the challenge of keeping young minds engaged during the colder months, skiing and snowboarding camps near Salt Lake present an enticing solution. These camps skillfully strike a balance between entertainment and learning. Renowned camps near Salt Lake include:
- Snowbird Youth Lessons (Ages 3-17, various age brackets): Expose your kids to the love of skiing and snowboarding. Let them discover new passion, skills, safety awareness, and more while having fun on the mountain.
- Brighton Kids Camps & Workshops (Ages 4-15): With a focus on learning, fun, and safety, their goal is to give the kids the skills they need to get your family riding together. They also offer freestyle ski and snowboard camps for ages 7 to 15.
- Woodward Park City Ski & Snowboard Camps (Ages 7-17): Includes three days of coaching and skill progression with a healthy mix of games, fun, prizes, and ride-alongs with top snowboard and ski professionals.
Parents can rest easy knowing that their children are not just being entertained but are also embarking on a journey of discovery and skill development. The snowy landscape of the region provides fun and valuable experiences even for the little ones.
Enjoy Downtown Salt Lake’s Must-See Art Installation
GLOW, an art experience created by In Theory Art Collective at the Gallivan Center, stands out as a captivating wintertime marvel in the city. The event showcases numerous LED-lit sculptures, making it even larger and more magical than its past iterations. The broadened theme celebrates the state’s diverse social, natural, and cultural landscapes.
The interplay of line, artistry, and the winter scenery contributes to an enchanted ambiance, creating an atmosphere that is bewitching for both families and individuals to revel in. This transformative art experience pairs nicely with dining at nearby bars and restaurants or ice skating with friends or family at Gallivan Plaza. It’s free, open to the public, and will remain on display until the end of February.
Whether it’s the thrill of outdoor adventures, the comfort of indoor entertainment, or the warmth of community events, Salt Lake stands ready to embrace the wintertime. What winter activity are you most excited to try in Salt Lake County? Share your thoughts or ask for recommendations in the comments below!
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