Visiting Park City with Kids

Jennie Utsinger:  When thinking of vacation activities, heading to the library is not always a popular choice. However, as book lovers, my kids and I can always appreciate a good library and for long trips or rainy days, a library can be a great place to relax for a bit. The beautiful Wasatch County Library in Heber City is a favorite spot for locals, due to the popular story times and the stunning views from the second floor over the Uinta Mountains.

Jennie Utsinger:  It's not a visit to Main Street without a stop at Java Cow Coffee & Ice Cream. I've been visiting this shop since I was a child, back before they introduced the coffee and espresso portion! Great in both winter and summer, Java Cow serves up delicious ice cream, espresso drinks, crepes, baked goods, and other quick bites. There's a huge black and white cow statue in the middle of the store for kids to pet and a good selection of other small toys, gifts, and trinkets to browse if there's a line.

Jennie Utsinger:  Dolly's is a wonderful bookstore and a pleasant stop while strolling along Main Street. A favorite of mine since I was a child, Dolly's has a curated selection of children's books, as well as a few toys and games, and plenty of choices for adults as well. The entrance leads you through Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, so we usually end up leaving with both books and fudge!

Jennie Utsinger:  The Park City Museum is a wonderful little museum highlighting Park City and regional western history. Exhibits cover the early days of Park City, mining, and the evolution into a ski town. My kids love all of the interactive exhibits: pretend to blast some dynamite, journey into a mine, and lock yourself in a jail cell!

Cost: $5 (aged 7-17); $12 (adults); free (aged 6 and under)

Jennie Utsinger:  The Park Silly Sunday Market is held most Sundays during the summer and early fall seasons. The popular open air market and street festival stretches along Main Street in Park City and features music and performance art, goods, prepared foods, and activities for kids. Kid favorites may include face painting, a rock climbing wall, stilt walkers, and of course lots of treats!

Jennie Utsinger:  If your kids are anything like mine, a pizza lunch or dinner is always appreciated. Vinto, located on Main Street in Park City, is a popular pizzeria with innovative pizzas and a variety of other Italian inspired offerings, including pasta, meatballs, and chicken parmesan. Particular eaters will be happy with a cheese pizza or spaghetti.

Jennie Utsinger:  The warmer months are a great time to go horseback riding in the mountains. Boulder Mountain Ranch offers three different rides: the Jordanelle Lookout Ride, the Aspen Grove Trail Ride, and the Sunset Trail Ride. The trail rides offer the best chance of spotting some wildlife, but the Jordanelle Lookout Ride, with stunning views of the Jordanelle Reservoir, is my top choice. Rides are appropriate for all levels.

Ages: 6+

Cost: from $65/ride

Jennie Utsinger:  If you're looking for more of a roller coaster experience as opposed to a slide, try Park City Mountain's alpine coaster. The track is longer than the Alpine Slide (over a mile long), but you can control the speed of your coaster if you're not ready for the fastest ride. Drivers must be at least 16 and 54" tall. Passengers must be between 38" and 53" tall.

Cost: $11-26 per person

Jennie Utsinger:  During the summer, Park City's mountains are home to one of the longest alpine slides in the world. Choose from two tracks, climb aboard the sled-like structure, and whiz down over 3,000 feet of track. Drivers must be at least 48" and passengers must be between 35" and 47" in height. Make sure your kids like speed, because you'll fly down the slide!

Cost: $9-22 per person

Jennie Utsinger:  Deer Valley Resort has some of the best runs for beginner skiers and is known for its excellent grooming. The short green slopes, Wide West and Solid Muldoon, on Bald Eagle Mountain are excellent for beginners. Once you're ready for a longer run, try out one of the long groomed green runs on Bald Mountain, Flagstaff, or Bald Eagle Mountain. Flagstaff also has some of the widest, gentlest blue slopes on the mountain, accessible from several chair lifts.

Jennie Utsinger:  Park City is the largest ski resort in the US and has one of the longest green runs (Home Run). Start out on the aptly named "First Time" to get your ski legs, then take Crescent Express farther up the mountain and ski some of the longer beginner slopes, then progress to the 6 person King Con Express chairlift, from which you can access almost a dozen easier intermediate runs. The Canyons side of the mountain also has a few wide beginner slopes off of the High Meadow Chair.

Jennie Utsinger:  If your kids want a break from skiing, or you still have some energy at the end of your ski day, take a spin at the Resort Center Ice Rink. The rink is located at the base of the mountain, so you can walk over after storing your skis, and browse the surrounding shops and restaurants after you skate. Skates are available for rent and beginning skaters can use complimentary ice skate walkers.

Ages: all

Cost: $9-18

Jennie Utsinger:  Kids will love relaxing around the fire pit outside the Vista Lounge at the Montage Deer Valley for nightly s'mores. Choose from dark or milk chocolate and a variety of gourmet marshmallows. S'mores are offered during both winter and summer seasons! Overlooking Deer Valley Resort, enjoy a gorgeous view of the mountain while you eat.

Cost: free

Jennie Utsinger:  The McPolin Farm is a Park City landmark, recognizable by the large white barn on the property, built in 1908. Located along Highway 224, the farm is a great spot to head with the kids for a couple of easy hikes. There is a half-mile hiking trail loop from the farm, as well as the McLeod Creek Trail, a paved pathway several miles long. Kids will love the bridges and creek along the hike and there is beautiful scenery for adults to appreciate as well!

Jennie Utsinger:  If your kids are longing for a playground, take a quick trip to Willow Park. Willow Creek has a lovely farm-themed playground with a barn and tractor jungle gym, including low play areas for little kids . There are also basketball courts, pavilions, tennis courts, and lots of large grassy areas to play,