25+ FUN Places to Spend Spring Break in Utah

Most Utah schools schedule spring break for an entire week in March or April. It's a great time to enjoy perfect weather at many fun family destinations in and near Utah.

Do you have Spring Break plans yet?

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

I live in Utah and have been planning spring break vacations for my family for 20+ years. My youngest is a high school senior this year and he planned his own spring break Jeep trip to Moab, Utah with friends this year (I've trained him well). Since my husband is a principal, we are still on the school calendar and are planning a romantic spring break trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Here are my favorite Spring Break destinations in Utah. I've also included links to other Tips for Family Trips articles 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 Spring 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. This small, but popular state park can get overcrowded quickly.

Tips for Visiting Goblin Valley State Park

Capitol Reef

Capitol Reef is Utah's most diverse national park and it's less crowded than Zion or Arches. In addition to beautiful scenery and hiking, this park has historic petroglyphs and a restored pioneer “ghost town.” The town of Torrey is just outside the park and it's also a great base for other adventures along Utah's Scenic Byway 12.

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.

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.

Park City-Heber City

Spring Break is still ski and snowboarding season in Utah! It's that time of year when you can count on bluebird days on the slopes. There are a lot of other fun and unique things to do here too, like swimming or diving in Midway's Homestead Crater, riding Heber Valley Railroad, or fly fishing with a local outfitter.

Tips for Visiting Utah Olympic Park

Davis County

Build a fun, diverse Spring Break itinerary around Lagoon and Antelope Island State Park. Lagoon opens on weekends, starting in late March. 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. Or go skiing at Powder Mountain, Snowbasin, or Nordic Valley. I love the restaurants and atmosphere 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.

What to Expect at Spiral Jetty

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.

Tips for Visiting Dinosaur National Monument

Nevada

Las Vegas

You can have a fun Las Vegas family vacation, with or without visiting the famous Las Vegas Strip. I like 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 discovered Ely, Nevada when we were looking for uncrowded, outdoorsy destinations during the pandemic. And I'm so glad we went! There are a lot of great things to do here and it's an affordable, low-stress vacation. Nevada Northern Railway and Great Basin National Park are especially fun.

California

Disneyland

Disneyland is open and Spring Break is a great time to go. Book through Get Away Today for the best price on a hotel and ticket package. Consider adding Genie+ to your ticket and spend a lot less time in ride lines.

Universal Studios – Hollywood

Universal Studios and many other attractions in the Los Angeles area are open, and Spring Break is a great time to enjoy the Southern California sunshine. You can still see the Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Sign, and enjoy local beaches.

San Diego

San Diego is one of my top Spring Break picks for families because of popular attractions like SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, the beach, and many more. It's still a little cool for swimming in the ocean, but it's great for beach play – and the weather will be perfect for your hotel pool.

LEGOLAND California – Carlsbad

LEGOLAND California is so fun, along with SEA LIFE Aquarium, Carlsbad beaches, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and other activities that will easily fill your week. One year, we spent our whole Spring Break in Carlsbad – saving San Diego for a different trip.

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is on California's less-crowded Central Coast and it's a world-class destination for spotting otters, sea lions, whales, and other wildlife. We booked a vacation rental right on the water and enjoyed a fun-filled spring break in this gorgeous part of California.

Yosemite National Park

Spring is a great time to see Yosemite's waterfalls in all their splendor. Yosemite Valley is a must for most visitors, and that's where you'll find most of the lodges and other amenities. We were able to book the Yosemite Valley Lodge and thought that the great location was 100% worth it.

Arizona

Phoenix

Ready for some sunshine? It doesn't get better than Spring Break in Phoenix. This area is filled with great resorts that have exceptional pools and water parks. If you like baseball, don't miss the MLB Spring Training games.

10 Fun Things to Do in Phoenix

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 and warm Spring Break weather. 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. Spring Break is too early for cliff dwelling tours, but there are a lot of other things to do and you can enjoy off-season prices and crowds.

Tips for Visiting Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

New Mexico

Gallup

I didn't realize how cool Gallup is until I had a chance to visit for a conference. 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.

Conclusion

Spring Break in Utah is a fantastic time for family travel! The weather is usually just right and a week is plenty of 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 17 and 20, 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.