Winter Activities for Family Fun in Utah
- Posted on January 14, 2019
Your house may just be returning to normal after the holidays and your festive home decorations are now packed away. But while you might feel like your home decor is looking a little empty without all the festive cheer, there are still plenty of ways you can enjoy the winter season outside. Utah is a winter wonderland at this time of year. The ski resorts are open and there’s a crisp feeling in the air; perfect for a little family fun.
Christmas in the Wizarding World
If you or your kids are into Harry Potter then the Christmas in the Wizarding World event should definitely be on your to-do list. Taking place at The Shops at South Town, in Sandy, you and your family can be transported into the magical world of the Harry Potter books and movies. There are photo opportunities where you can choose your background and you can have a go at tossing a quaffle to see how you might fare at a game of Quidditch. Running through January 21st, it’s just a short distance from the communities in South Jordan and West Jordan.
Outdoor Ice Skating
Ice skating outside is one of the many exciting activities you can do in Utah in the winter. If you don’t want to travel far, you and your family can skate in downtown Salt Lake City at The Gallivan Center right through February 24th. If you’d prefer a little more of a wild skating experience, Ruby’s Inn at Bryce Canyon has a fantastic ice rink with some stunning winter scenery to boot. Don’t forget there’s also the Winter Festival at Bryce Canyon from February 16th through 18th if you want to combine your skating with additional winter fun.
Sleigh Rides
Sleigh rides aren’t just for Santa Claus, especially at Hardware Ranch WMA, just a few miles east of Hyrum. You and your family can hop aboard a horse drawn sleigh and head off on an adventure to see wild Rocky Mountain elk up close. Be sure to wrap up warm though.
Snowboarding
There’s no shortage of places to ski and snowboard in Utah, particularly around the Salt Lake City area. But if you want to see some of the best in the world, head over to watch the 2019 FIS World Championships taking place in Park City, Deer Valley and Solitude. You’ll get to see the world’s best freestyle skiers and snowboarders performing tricks and maneuvers that will keep the whole family entertained. Plus there will be fireworks to mark the opening ceremony on February 2nd. The competition runs from February 1st through 10th.
Ice Fishing
A true winter sport, ice fishing can test even the most experienced anglers. If you’re looking for a bit of competition and want to help get rid of invasive species, head over to Lake Flaming Gorge in Manila, near the Wyoming border for the annual Burbot Bash. Take your family or friends for a team of between two and four people, where you can earn cash for the tagged Burbot fish you catch and there are cash prizes to be won in several categories.