25+ Fun Places to Spend Fall Break In Utah

Fall Break in Utah is October 19-22, 2023 for most public schools. Do you have plans yet?

If not, I have a few ideas. Most of them are in Utah, but there are also a few warm-weather destinations in neighboring states that we love. All are within one day's drive or a short flight away.

Here are my favorite destinations for Fall Break in Utah. I've also included links to other Tips for Family Trips where you can find more ideas and inspiration for your trip.

Utah

Moab – Arches

People travel from all over the world to hike and bike in the Moab area. Arches National Park is just six miles outside Moab and it's filled with fun things to see and do. However, I recommend that you get up early to beat the Fall Break crowds.

San Juan County – Four Corners

Consider planning your trip around the Southeast Utah Parks Pass, which costs $55 for an annual pass and includes Canyonlands, Natural Bridges, Hovenweep, and Arches. Stand in four states at once at Four Corners Monument.

Goblin Valley

Goblin Valley State Park is a treat for the eyes and imagination. Little Wild Horse slot canyon is nearby. Book Goblin Valley campsites early or do a day trip from Green River, Moab, or Capitol Reef.

Tips for Visiting Goblin Valley State Park

Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef is one of Utah's best national parks in the fall. In addition to beautiful scenery and hiking, this park has trees with colorful fall leaves and historic orchards full of apples that you are welcome to eat during your visit.

St. George – Zion

There are so many fun things to do in the St. George area, including Zion National Park, Snow Canyon, Tuacahn, and much more. Zion National Park is open and shuttle reservations are not currently required.

Kanab

Kanab is located on the east side of Zion National Park, on the Utah-Arizona border. It's warm in the fall and the scenery is gorgeous, but it's less crowded. We loved visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon National Park is my go-to park in every season. There is nowhere on earth that is more beautiful, and it's an easy and affordable weekend trip from just about anywhere in Utah.

Thanksgiving Point

Lehi's Thanksgiving Point has become one of my favorite Wasatch Front getaways. There are several hotels and lots of restaurants close by. The gardens, museums, and other activities are all fun for a day trip or an overnight getaway. Cornbelly's Corn Maze and other fall attractions are open for Fall Break.

Salt Lake City

There are always fun things to do in Salt Lake City. Consider building your itinerary around the Salt Lake Connect Pass, which includes 17 popular attractions and can be purchased for 1, 2, 3, or 365-days.

You can often get the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass for a discount on Groupon.

Davis County

Build a fun, diverse Fall Break itinerary around Lagoon's Frightmares and Antelope Island State Park. I'm also a fan of the dining and shopping at Station Park in Farmington.

Ogden

Ogden offers a nice mix of outdoor adventure and urban edge. Take younger kids to the Dinosaur Park or Treehouse Museum. Take older kids to the Salomon Center downtown. I love the restaurants and atmosphere on Historic 25th Street.

My Favorite Restaurants on Historic 25th Street

Brigham City

Have you been meaning to check Golden Spike National Historical Park and Spiral Jetty off your list? This is your chance. Add Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and the ATK Rocket Display to your list and you have an easy day trip or overnighter.

Vernal

Everyone knows about the big wall of dinosaur bones at Dinosaur National Monument but did you know about all the other fun things there are to do here? Think gorgeous scenery, hiking trails, petroglyphs, wildlife, and more.

Nevada

Las Vegas

You can have a fun Las Vegas family vacation, with or without visiting the famous Las Vegas Strip. I love both, but my kids prefer to book a non-gaming resort with a great pool and then visit Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and other fun off-Strip activities.

Ely

We visited Ely, Nevada for the first time this summer, and there are a lot of great things to do here! Nevada Northern Railway is especially fun. Book the Haunted Ghost Train early to make sure you get a seat.

California

Disneyland

Disneyland is open! The parks are filled with Utah families every Fall Break. The addition of Disneyland's annual Halloween celebration has made this an even better choice in recent years. Book through Get Away Today for the best price on a hotel and ticket package.

Universal Studios – Hollywood

Universal Studios and many other attractions in the Los Angeles area have reopened. You can still see the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and enjoy local beaches.

San Diego

Kids Free San Diego is back! Kids under age 12 get in free throughout the month of October at popular attractions like LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, and many more. San Diego is one of my top Fall Break picks for families.

LEGOLAND California – Carlsbad

LEGOLAND California is open, along with SEA LIFE Aquarium, Carlsbad beaches, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and other fun activities that will easily fill your school break. Don't forget to check out the special Brick-or-Treat event at LEGOLAND!

Yosemite National Park

This is what my family did for Fall Break 2020, and Yosemite is truly spectacular. October is the “off-season,” which means that crowds are lighter in this popular park. Reservations have been required to enter the park in the past, so check the official Yosemite website before you go.

Arizona

Phoenix

Are you missing summer already? Phoenix cools down by mid-October, but that just means that the weather is still great for swimming and not too hot for everything else. Book a resort with a great pool and plan hiking or golf for the cooler morning hours.

Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a fun college/ski town just 90 minutes from the Grand Canyon. You might be surprised how many other fun things there are to do here. I loved the ancient ruins. My kids loved the zipline course.

Sedona

Sedona, Arizona is a gorgeous destination for families who love the outdoors. Choose from dozens of hiking trails, historical sites, swimming holes, parks, and more.

15 Fun Things to Do in Sedona

Colorado

Denver

Denver is a fun city for families. It's bigger than Salt Lake City and it has many urban amenities and outdoor activities for families. And it's a cheap and easy flight.

10 Fun Things to Do in Denver

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park is a relatively short drive from Arches or Four Corners. The ancient cliff dwellings are amazing, and tours are available with reservations. Mid-October is the end of the regular season, so services may be limited in any year, but crowds are lighter.

New Mexico

Gallup

I didn't realize how cool Gallup is until I had a chance to visit in the fall. This small city is surrounded by the Navajo Nation and Route 66 runs through it. There are lots of outdoor activities nearby, and opportunities to experience the Navajo and Zuni Nations are exceptional.

10 Fun Things to Do in Gallup, New Mexico

Conclusion

Fall Break in Utah is a fantastic time for family travel! The weather is usually just right and the long weekend is just enough time to visit a long list of wonderful places. Whether your family prefers a scenic outdoor trip, a city break, or a resort with a great pool, I hope you've found a few ideas on this list that are a good fit.

Have I missed one of your favorites? Please share it in the comments!

Happy travels!

Allison

Hi there! I am the founder of Tips for Family Trips. I am a married mom of two children, ages 14 and 17, living near Salt Lake City, Utah. We took our first child on a two-week road trip when she was four weeks old and we have been traveling as a family ever since. We love to get out of the house to see and do fun things, both far away and in our own neighborhood.