I love Utah! I loved it when I lived there, and I still love it there even though I live in Texas. I was lucky enough to spend time there last month, and I’m going back next week! Woohoo! This post is inspired by my most recent trip to Salt Lake City.
Going to Utah is great because not only do we have friends and family there, there is also so much to do! The bulk of our time last month was spent just hanging out with people we love, but we did get out and go do something unique to Utah almost every day that we were there. Keep reading for ideas on how to get out with your family for just a few hours a day if you are staying along the Wasatch Front.
Adam’s Canyon Lower Falls
Notice this is “Lower” falls, not THE Adam’s canyon waterfall! Lower falls is only about a 1.5 mile hike round trip, opposed to the 5-6 mile hike that takes you to the higher falls. This hike in Layton was so awesome! My 2 yo did need some help getting up the switch backs, so we took turns carrying him, but for the most park he hiked this himself! The pool at the bottom of these falls is very shallow- perfect for splashing and for throwing rocks (a favorite activity of Owen’s).
I love this picture! Me touching the waterfall, while Owen is over in the corner about to make a splash. Thanks to my brother Jake for snapping it!
American Fork Marina
My whole family joined in on my dad’s office party here at American Fork Marina. I’m lucky it worked out for me to be able to go, otherwise I never would have known about this place! It’s the American Fork Bay of Utah lake. There’s a beach where you can set up camp chairs, docks where you can launch boats, and plenty of water toys to rent and play with! We had so much fun with these paddle boards, a water trike, and a kayak! More info about location and rentals here.
Lakes Mary, Martha, and Catherine
Last time I hiked to Lake Mary, I was carrying Owen on my back. If I had known that getting to the other two lakes was so easy from Lake Mary, we would have continued on the trail! Anyways, you start this hike at Brighton Ski Resort. The trail-head is right next to the ski lodge. It’s a steep mile to Lake Mary, but smooth sailing after that to go to the next two lakes. We took a little snack break at Lake Catherine before we headed back down. Just sitting there, breathing mountain air, listening to birds chirp, the breeze, the smell, you guys… it was so serene.
7 Peaks Waterpark
Ok… this place is no secret if you live in Utah. It’s a big waterpark with a ton of fun slides, a wave pool, and a couple different kid areas. It’s not like “best waterpark in the whole world” status, but I think you get pretty good bang-for-your-buck. I was hesitant about taking Owen, so I went with the midset that we may be just sticking our toes in the water the whole time. Not the case… he loved it! He could not get to the top of the slides fast enough! It was so fun seeing him have a blast here. There were only a few “big slides” he was tall enough to ride, but he loved them all. He was also in heaven going down all these miniature water slides.
Battle Creek Falls
I have taken Owen on this hike before… it is definitely family friendly! This time though, I went sans children (which made it a really quick and easy hike). I love this hike because the trailhead is right at the bottom of the canyon. My friend and I went to Pleasant Grove to visit some people, and we were able to hop on over to this waterfall in between being at a friend’s house, and going to get food with them. We even did this adventure in our regular day clothes.
That’s it for my list of 5 mini family adventures! If you want more ideas of what to do in the Salt Lake Valley, believe me, I have them! Anyone else have family in Utah? What do you like to do when you go visit? I love doing things that I can’t do in Texas- like hike! I also love sitting in a hammock in my parent’s backyard, watching the sunset like this…
