The ultimate family adventure holiday!

Packed with the most amazing landscapes and thrilling activities, the incredible U.S. state of Utah is the perfect destination for a summer adventure holiday! Enjoy red rock adventures in southern Utah or hike the breathtaking Narrows in Zion National Park; go sand sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park or embark on an alpine adventure in the north; jump on a bike in Park City or go boating in the brilliant blue Bear Lake State Park, and then follow dinosaur footprints in Vernal!

Are you ready to make unforgettable family memories?
Let’s explore all Utah has to offer…

Discover together

Utah offers some of the most extraordinary and dramatic landscapes in the world, from the Rocky Mountains in the north (the Wasatch Range and Uinta Mountains) to the breathtaking red spires, arches and cliffs of its southern wilds, all guaranteed to inspire young minds.

Making mini explorers

Utah is all about learning through adventure. Here, your kid can become a Junior Ranger, Geologist, Astronomer or even a Palaeontologist!

Junior Ranger

Utah’s junior ranger programme aims to familiarise children with the duties and responsibilities of a park ranger, whilst engaging the whole family in the individual stories, unique features and conservation efforts of each state park. Budding junior rangers can collect an activity booklet from the visitor centre and join an educational hike or activity with the ranger in residence, exploring the wonders of each park to the fullest and learning as they go. After completing the booklet and a variety of activities every aspiring Junior Ranger is awarded with a badge for that park.

Full list of Junior Ranger programmes can be found here!

Junior Geologist

Families can schedule a tour of Timpanogos Cave National Monument or check out the family hiking guides for each of The Mighty 5® national parks of Southern Utah to discover the weird and wonderful hoodoos, monoliths, slots, dunes, arches and cones that form these iconic landscapes.

Junior Astronomer

Utah is home to the highest concentration of International Dark Sky Parks and places anywhere in the world and is set on encouraging budding astronomers to reach for the stars. The family friendly Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake is a hub for Utah astronomy. They aim to engage everyone in the science of outer space before they head out into one of many certified dark sky wildernesses in Utah’s national and state parks to view the expanse of the Milky Way.

Check park schedules for ‘what’s on’ and discover all of Utah’s certified International Dark Sky Parks here!

Junior Palaeontologist

Utah’s Dinosaur National Monument has one of the most complete geological records round anywhere in North America. The Junior Palaeontologist programme walks children through the giant footprints of the past, exploring how palaeontologists work and the methods and tools used to uncover fossils and piece together an understanding of ancient life. Kids will also learn about the Earth’s history, past plants and animals, the dramatic climate changes that have shaped these environments and the importance of protecting these valuable relics of the past.

For more dino adventures, road trip along the Dinosaur Diamond Highway and explore the new Utahraptor State Park.

Stop by one of the park visitor centres and ask for a free booklet or download a free copy here!

Get inspired with ready-made itineraries here!

Conquer their fears!

The Utah Olympic Park in Park City still buzzes with excitement and enthusiasm 24 years on from the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Games. Teenagers can relive the adrenaline rush of the Comet Bobsled Ride, or tube and zip line the Nordic jump, experiencing the same view as the Olympic Ski Jumpers, while youngsters explore the Discovery Zone, swing from ropes and manoeuvre through nets and suspended wires.

Alternatively they can explore the miles of hiking and biking trails surrounding the park or learn about past sporting heroes and the science of snow in the Joe Quinney Winter Sports Centre. All of the events in the Discovery Zone are free to the public and make for a day of non-stop fun.

How do you get to Utah?

Families can fly direct from London Heathrow to Salt Lake City with Delta Airlines: www.delta.com or travel via Las Vegas with British Airways www.britishairways.com and Virgin Atlantic: www.virginatlantic.com. Contact tour operator Trailfinders for more information and to help plan and book a family holiday to Utah.

When is the best time to go to Utah?

July and August are very hot in Utah but it means the National Parks and state parks may be quieter than other peak travel dates.  

For some top tips on how to adventure safely and have fun in the heat listen to Frank & Morris.

Click here for more ideas and inspiration to help plan the best summer adventure yet!