Salt Lake City Family Adventure: Peaks, Parks & Pioneers Tour

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Lehi

Family-Friendly Adventures in Lehi!

Thanksgiving Point

Family-Friendly view of Thanksgiving Point in Lehi

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah, a vibrant cultural hotspot with a rich array of activities and attractions suitable for all ages.

Morning: Museum of Ancient Life

Start your day at the Museum of Ancient Life, one of the world"s largest displays of mounted dinosaurs. Open from 10 AM, you can explore interactive exhibits, dig for fossils, and watch a 3D movie, bringing prehistoric creatures to life. Engaging fact: It houses more than 60 complete dinosaur skeletons!

Directions: Located at 2929 N. Thanksgiving Way, it"s just inside the main entrance of Thanksgiving Point. Parking is available on-site.

Midday: Farm Country

Around noon, head to Farm Country, just a short walk from the Dinosaur Museum. Here, children can delight in pony rides, feeding farm animals, and learning about farm operations. Don’t miss the cow milking demonstrations! Engaging fact: The farm hosts a variety of animals, including peacocks and alpacas.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic at the nearby pavilion or dine at one of Thanksgiving Point’s eateries, offering everything from fast food to sit-down meals.

Afternoon: Ashton Gardens

Post-lunch, make your way to the 50-acre Ashton Gardens via a pleasant 5-minute drive or a 15-minute stroll from Farm Country. Revel in the stunning beauty of themed gardens, the largest manmade waterfall in the Western Hemisphere, and the seasonal Butterfly Biosphere. Engaging fact: The garden features 15 themed gardens including a Secret Garden and a Light of the World sculpture garden.

Evening: Museum of Natural Curiosity

Conclude your visit at the Museum of Natural Curiosity. Just a shuttle ride away from Ashton Gardens, this museum offers more than 400 interactive experiences focusing on science and art. Engaging fact: Don’t miss the High Ropes Course, offering a bird’s-eye view of the museum!

Thanksgiving Point is a treasure trove of exploration and amusement, promising a day packed with educational fun and family bonding.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Family-Friendly view of Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Lehi

Why Visit?

Family Itinerary for Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

- Morning: Arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport and take a 40-minute drive to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort. Check into The Cliff Lodge, featuring family-friendly amenities and breathtaking mountain views.

- Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing lunch at The Atrium with panoramic Alpine views. Post-lunch, take a leisurely scenic tram ride up to Hidden Peak. The Aerial Tram reaches an elevation of 11,000 feet, offering stunning views of the Wasatch Range.

- Evening: Dine at The Summit, located at the top of the tram, which provides a unique dining experience with an extensive menu suitable for young palates.

Day 2: Adventure Day

- Morning: After breakfast, head to the Mountain Coaster. Families can enjoy the twists and turns through the scenic Peruvian Gulch. Children must be at least 42 inches tall to ride with an adult.

- Afternoon: Grab a quick meal at Mid-Gad Restaurant, then spend the afternoon at the Woodward WreckTangle, a ninja obstacle challenge tailored for all skill levels and ages.

- Evening: Return to the lodge for some downtime before enjoying a family dinner at Steak Pit, known for its cozy atmosphere and kid-friendly menu.

Day 3: Nature and Departure

- Morning: Start with a guided nature hike. Learn about local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides who tailor the experience to be educational for kids and adults alike.

- Afternoon: Have a final lunch at the Lodge Bistro, enjoying European-style cuisine. Post-lunch, check out from the lodge and head back to Salt Lake City for your departure, filled with memories of a mountain adventure.

Throughout your stay, enjoy Snowbird’s family-friendly atmosphere, with activities designed to delight every member of the family, from toddlers to grandparents, making it an unforgettable mountain getaway!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Brighton Resort

Family-Friendly view of Brighton Resort in Lehi

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary at Brighton Resort

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Start your adventure at Brighton Resort, located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. Accessible via a 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, you can rent a car or take a shuttle directly to the resort. Upon arrival, check into one of the cozy, family-friendly lodges.

Morning Activity: Skiing and Snowboarding

Kick off the morning on the slopes! Brighton is renowned for its ski-friendly terrain, making it perfect for beginners and young learners. The resort offers a variety of kids’ ski lessons that focus on safety and fun, allowing you to comfortably explore the adult trails.

Lunch

Enjoy a family lunch at the Alpine Rose cafeteria, known for its variety of options that cater to all dietary needs, ensuring a quick, delicious, and hassle-free meal for the whole family.

Afternoon Activity: Snowshoeing

Post-lunch, head to the rental shop to pick up snowshoes and explore the scenic trails. The easy-to-follow Silver Lake Trail is a family favorite, offering breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife.

Day 2: More Fun and Departure

Morning Activity: Terrain Parks

Brighton boasts several terrain parks. The Explorer Park is great for kids and beginners. It"s a safe place for young ones to try small jumps and features, building confidence in a fun environment.

Lunch

Grab a bite at Molly Green’s, a cozy pub with a warm fireplace, offering hearty meals perfect for a snowy day.

Afternoon Activity: Ice Skating

Before heading home, visit the nearby outdoor ice skating rink. It’s a wonderful way to wrap up your trip, gliding across the ice surrounded by the stunning mountainous landscape.

Brighton Resort not only provides thrilling ski slopes but also ensures a family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages, making it an ideal location for a memorable family winter getaway.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Park City Mountain Resort

Family-Friendly view of Park City Mountain Resort in Lehi

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary at Park City Mountain Resort

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

- Morning: Start your adventure by driving or taking a shuttle from Salt Lake City Airport to Park City, just 35 minutes away. Check into one of the family-friendly lodges near the base of the mountain.

- Afternoon: Acclimate to the charming surroundings by taking a leisurely stroll around Historic Main Street. Dive into local history at the Park City Museum, where interactive exhibits make the city"s mining and skiing past come alive for kids.

- Evenial: Enjoy a hearty dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants offering everything from gourmet pizzas to local specialties.

Day 2: Hit the Slopes

- Morning: After renting equipment at the resort, begin your skiing adventure. The resort boasts over 7,300 acres of terrain suitable for all skill levels, including a variety of kids’ ski and snowboard schools.

- Afternoon: Take a break with a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain, providing stunning views and perfect photo ops. Grab lunch at Summit House, known for its panoramic vistas.

- Evening: Warm up with some hot chocolate and s’mores by a fire pit in the resort village.

Day 3: More Outdoor Fun

- Morning: Experience the thrill of the Alpine Coaster. This toboggan-style coaster winds through snowy curves and loops, offering excitement for the whole family.

- Afternoon: Switch gears and try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on well-marked trails, both offering a peaceful way to explore the snowy landscape.

- Evening: Cap off your visit with an early dinner followed by a family-friendly magic show or a movie at the local theater.

Departure Day

- Enjoy a final leisurely breakfast in the village before heading back to the airport, full of wonderful memories and plans to return next year!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kennecott Copper Mine (Bingham Canyon Mine)

Family-Friendly view of Kennecott Copper Mine (Bingham Canyon Mine) in Lehi

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary for Kennecott Copper Mine (Bingham Canyon Mine)

Morning: Arrival & Visitor Experience Center

Begin your family adventure to the Kennecott Copper Mine by driving approximately 25 miles southwest of Salt Lake City. The mine offers a Visitor Experience that provides a fascinating overview of the mining operations. Ensure to buy your tickets online in advance as this popular attraction can get busy, especially during weekends.

Visitor Experience Center Highlights

- Exhibits: Start at the interactive exhibits where kids can learn about the mining process, equipment used, and the mine’s environmental commitments. It"s educational and engaging for all ages.

- Theater Presentation: Don’t miss the short film that delves into the history of the mine and its global significance in copper production.

Midday: Overlook & Photo Op

Post the indoor learning experience, head to the overlook point. Prepare your camera to capture the breathtaking views of one of the largest man-made excavations in the world. The vastness of the open pit is awe-inspiring with colorful terraced levels that showcase various stages of mining.

Lunch Break: Picnic with a View

Pack a picnic to enjoy at the designated picnic area near the visitor center, offering stunning views of the surroundings. It’s a perfect spot to relax and discuss the morning"s discoveries.

Afternoon: Educational Walk & Gift Shop

Wrap up your visit with a guided educational walk led by one of the mine’s knowledgeable staff. This walk provides further details about the geological aspects and the mine"s current operations. Conclude your day at the gift shop, where you can pick souvenirs such as mineral samples which serve as a unique memento of your visit.

Interesting Facts

- The mine has produced more copper than any other mine in history.

- It"s visible from space due to its massive size.

Enjoy your educational and fun day out at the Kennecott Copper Mine, where learning and breathtaking sights combine for a memorable family experience!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.