Hey there!

It is common knowledge that Utah is one of the best places to ski or snowboard. However, Utah's not-too-cold winters and outdoorsy attitude mean that there are many fun ways to play in – and out of – the snow. Whether you don't enjoy skiing, or you are just taking the day off, here is a few other fun things to do in Utah this winter.

Sledding

Sledding is one of Utah's top family activities because it is inexpensive and fun for all skill levels. You just need to buy a sled and then ask around to find the best local sledding hills. Hills at public parks like Sugarhouse Park in Salt Lake City are free and popular.

For serious sledding thrills, try a commercial sledding hill like Soldier Hollow, Gorgoza Park or Brian Head. These hills provide tubes, groomed hills, lanes and rope tows so you don't have to walk back to the top. You typically pay a per-person fee to tube all you want during a two-hour session.

My family tried the sledding hill at Soldier Hollow near Midway and it was a blast. Click the button below to read more about our experience.

Soak up the Olympic spirit

Take a train ride

My son has a winter birthday. When he turned two we celebrated with a ride on Frontrunner to Ogden's Union Station where historic trains are on display. This is just one of many fun Wasatch Front destinations you can reach via Frontrunner and Trax. Click the button below to get more ideas for Frontrunner day trips.

My family enjoys taking Frontrunner into downtown Salt Lake City during the winter because we don't have to worry about driving in snow or finding parking. This is a really fun day trip during the Christmas season.

Finally, Heber Valley Railroad has fun itineraries for families year-round. Their Polar Express trip is popular throughout the holiday season, and other fun and scenic options are available on select dates after the New Year. We enjoyed a trip on the Heber Valley Railroad for a family reunion one year. Click the button to read more tips.

Explore an Ice Castle

The Midway Ice Castles are an engineering wonder where families are invited to explore ice tunnels, cathedrals and slides. They are lit with colorful lights at night and there is something new to see in every room and courtyard. Be sure to wear your snow boots.

We've tried this one too and are looking forward to returning this year. For more information, click the button below.

If you've started to notice that Midway has a lot of interesting winter activities, you're right. Here's one more.

Go SCUBA Diving

Have you heard of the Homestead Crater in Midway? It's the only warm water SCUBA diving destination in the continental United States. Who'd have guessed?

You don't have to be a diver to try the Homestead Crater's geothermally heated mineral water. Soaking and swimming sessions are available year-round and the bathwater-warm underground pool feels especially nice in the winter. We tried it on a winter weekend getaway in Heber Valley. Click the button to get more tips for the Homestead Crater.

Ski resorts without the skis

National Parks

Winter is one of the best kept secrets of Utah's national parks.

My husband and I visited Bryce Canyon National Park last winter and if you thought the orange hoodoos were beautiful in the summer, you should see them when they are capped with fresh snow! Bryce Canyon offers fun ranger programs like stargazing and snowshoe hikes throughout the winter. In mid-February, Ruby’s Inn – just outside of the park – will host a winter festival. They’ll have an ice skating pond, snow sculpture contest, activities for kids and a lot of other fun activities.

The red rocks of Arches National Park soak up the sun year-round and winter is an excellent time to hike there. Temperatures are often a sunny 40-50 degrees (F) in January and February and all you may need is a light jacket. For me, there is no better time to make the hike to Delicate Arch.

Canyonlands National Park is just a few miles from Arches. It is at a higher elevation, so it's chillier, but that has never stopped us from enjoying the amazing views. Moab hotel rates and crowds are at their lowest in the winter so it's not too difficult to get those views all to yourself.

Winter doesn't have to be dreary when there is so much to do and so many fun places to go!