Spring Break in Utah varies, but most schools schedule a full week in late March or early 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. 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.
All destinations on this list are OPEN in 2022, but many may still have special requirements and limitations due to COVID-19. Be sure to check official websites for current policies.
Here are my favorite destinations for Spring 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 Spring Break crowds.
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Moab
- Top Things to Do in Arches National Park
- Tips for Visiting Canyonlands' Island in the Sky
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.
- 12 Fun Things to Do in San Juan County
- What to Expect at Natural Bridges National Monument
- Tips for Visiting 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.
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.
- 5 Fun Things to Do at Capitol Reef National Park
- Best Family Hikes at Capitol Reef National Park
- 7 Fun Things to Do on 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.
- 10 Fun Things to Do in St. George
- Fun Things to Do at Zion National Park
- Where to Stay at Zion National Park
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.
- Tips for Visiting Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
- 6 Ways to Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
- Review of Zion Ponderosa Ranch and Resort
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.
- Top Things to Do at Bryce Canyon National Park
- Tips for Your First Trip to Bryce Canyon
- Where to Stay at Bryce Canyon National Park
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.
- 25 Free Things to Do in Salt Lake City
- 100+ Fun Things to Do in the Salt Lake City Area
- Our Review of the University Guest House
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.
- Best Utah Ski Deals for Families
- Tips for Visiting Utah Olympic Park
- Review of Zermatt Resort for Families
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.
- Fun Things to Do at Antelope Island State Park
- Tips for Making the Most of Your Day at Lagoon
- Tips for Visiting Rush Funplex in Syracuse
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.
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
- Tips for Visiting the Utah Field House of Natural History
- Our Review of Springhill Suites in Vernal for Families
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.
- Best Family Activities on the Las Vegas Strip
- Tips for Visiting Hoover Dam
- Review of Tahiti Village Resort
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.
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Ely, Nevada
- What to Expect at Nevada Northern Railway
- Tips for Your First Trip to Great Basin National Park
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.
- Tips for Visiting Disneyland during Spring Break
- 30+ Ways to Save Money at Disneyland
- 15 Tips for Picking a Great Hotel Near Disneyland
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.
- Tips for Your First Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood
- 9 Fun Things to Do in Hollywood
- What to Expect on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour
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.
- Best San Diego Beaches for Families
- Tips for Visiting the San Diego Zoo
- Tips for Visiting SeaWorld San Diego
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.
- 11 Tips for Visiting LEGOLAND California
- Tips for Visiting SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND California
- Tips for Visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
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 week in this gorgeous part of California.
- 12 Fun Things to Do in Morro Bay
- 6 Otters Ways to See Otters in Morro Bay
- Tips for Visiting Hearst Castle
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.
- Tips for Your First Trip to Yosemite
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Yosemite National Park
- One Day in Yosemite
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
- Our Review of Wigwam Resort
- Our Review of Arizona Grand Resort and Spa
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.
- 15 Fun Things to Do in Flagstaff
- Tips for Planning a Flagstaff Family Road Trip
- Tips for Your First Trip to the Grand Canyon
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.
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.
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 Mesa Verde National Park
- 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!
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