After spending the afternoon weaving through the trees and shredding the gnar, you pick up the kids from ski school and begin the long walk to the parking lot. As you listen to your youngest describe her “sick” run down Blanche at Park City Mountain Resort, your oldest child asks, “What are we going to do now?”
Before the panic sets in, stop and take a long, deep breath. While Park City may be known for its pristine trails and epic terrain parks, it’s also home to a plethora of entertaining, family-friendly activities. Whatever family pursuit you decide to participate in, the truly important part is that you are doing it together. Studies have shown that spending time with family increases happiness and satisfaction and reduces the occurrence of depression and anxiety, according to Highland Springs Specialty Clinic.
Beaches, Umbrellas and Sleighs
For starters, après ski does not mean for adults only despite its reputation. In fact, except for at bars and saloons, children are welcome to attend most after-ski affairs. These include hanging out at Deer Valley’s Ski Beach or Canyon’s Umbrella Deck. Both locations provide plenty of space for kids to run around and play in the snow, while they nibble on turkey chili or a grilled cheese sandwich. The little ones will delight in a delicious cup of hot cocoa or apple cider, while mom and dad can relax as they sip on a seasonal hot toddy. This also provides the perfect opportunity to talk about the day on the mountain and compare any “war wounds.”
Additionally, at the Umbrella’s fire pit, a special après ski event happens every Saturday around 3 p.m. This is the time when young and old can snuggle up on the benches and warm their insides with gooey, scrumptious fire-toasted s’mores. S’mores fixings — marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers — are free while supplies last. Or if you’re feeling really naughty, you can indulge in a fluffy, tasty donut too.
If you happen to spend your ski day at Sundance Mountain Resort, the base of Outlaw Express is home to a huge fire pit with benches. Here you can delight in the awe-inspiring views of Mount Timpanogos while you enjoy a grab-and-go snack from The Lookout restaurant.
Parents hoping for a truly unforgettable evening should book a horse-drawn sleigh ride on the slopes of Park City Mountain Resort. You can choose between a 20- to 30-minute sleigh ride with Snowed Inn Sleigh Co., or opt for the two-hour experience that includes a sleigh ride up to the Snowed Inn lodge, a country-style dinner and live music.
Games and Books
If you’re feeling a bit chilly and prefer to spend some time out of the brisk mountain air, then the Champions Club at Stein Eriksen Lodge might be the ideal family après spot. The 3,500-square-foot location is filled with both retro video games and the latest blockbuster titles. Enjoy a Maui Boy Pizza or grilled chicken avocado sandwich while showing off your awesome gaming skills.
Or perhaps you’re looking for a more active way to spend your quality time? Might we tempt you with a family outing to a bowling alley? Both Montage Deer Valley’s Daly Pub & Rec and Holiday Lanes in Heber City provide their own unique atmosphere and ambience. Daly’s offers an upscale approach to bowling night, with multiple flat-screen TVs and a gourmet pub menu. Meanwhile, Holiday Lanes will have you feeling like you walked into a classic 1950s movie, with its mid-century ball returns, pinball machines and homemade shakes and burgers.
You also will want to check out the activities calendar for Park City Municipal Athletic and Recreation Center – aka The MARC. “We always have fun activities for youth and families,” says Jessica Moran, recreation, marketing and IT division manager. These include options like NERF wars, youth archery, gingerbread house making and flashlight candy cane hunts.
Park City Library also offers wonderful activities for parents and their little ones. Preschool storytime encourages early reading and language skill development through stories and poems while Music and Movement is a spirited hour of exploring a variety of musical instruments, dances and songs. For youth ages 5 to 11, the library offers Crafternoons, where children make fun creations using free craft kits, and Minecraft Club so kids can interact and learn problem-solving skills while playing Minecraft.
Beauty and Balloons
On a day when you’re taking a break from skiing or snowboarding, why not treat the family to some well-deserved pampering? Call Anny’s Nail Salon in Prospector and book everyone a spa pedicure. The service starts with a warm foot bath followed by nail trimming, shaping and buffing, and cuticle care. Next, enjoy a sugar scrub to smooth the feet, followed by a relaxing foot and leg massage with oil and lotion. Finish it all off with a warm towel and choice of polish.
Or if you really want to surprise everyone, reserve a hot-air balloon ride high above the majestic Utah mountains. Bigfoot Balloons offers excursions that the whole family can enjoy, with the setup, flight and champagne/juice toast lasting about three hours. “Although you have to get up at the crack of dawn, the view from up there is stunning. It’s a very peaceful and tranquil feeling. My nephew, who was eight at the time, absolutely loved it. It was a wonderful family experience that we reminisce about to this day,” says local Linda Finnegan.
Equines and Canines
If you happen to have a household full of animal lovers and you want to spend some time in nature, consider an afternoon horseback ride with KB Horses through the red rock outcroppings at Red Ledges. Every guided ride is private and individualized and begins with a short introductory exercise that helps riders get to know the horses. Once mounted, KB Horses provides a comprehensive riding lesson, which enables riders to be participants with the horses, not just passengers. All skill levels are welcome, and participants are placed with the animal that fits their abilities the best. Families can choose between one-hour excursions or half-day adventures.
What if you want to keep the energy and excitement level high? We recommend checking out Rancho Luna Lobos. This is not your typical dog-sledding company. Plan on a complete experience, including a tour of the kennels, play time with the dogs and a sled ride. Participants are even encouraged to take a turn driving the sled with the help of the musher. Although all ages are welcome, it is recommended that children be over age 3.
Gather up the brood, put together a family bucket list and enjoy making memories and spending time together. It’s good for your soul!
