Utah has emerged as one of the most popular family tourist destinations in the country for several reasons. Utah has beautiful scenery, lots of interesting events and offers all kinds of activities and special events throughout the year. Here are five reasons why Utah is such a great choice for a family vacation.
Amazing National Parks
Utah has some of the nation’s most magnificent national parks and outdoor activities near Cedar City. The Mighty 5 refers to the state’s five most outstanding parks: Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, Capitol Reef and Zion. These parks offer thousands of miles of hiking, camping, mountain biking, and other activities. Utah’s national parks are especially known for their unusual geological formations, known as fins and hoodoos. These formations, formed by rainwater pouring into rocks, creates a colorful and surreal landscape that will make your trip unforgettable.
Festivals and Cultural Events
Utah has many interesting festivals and annual events that make it a fascinating destination all year round. In Cedar City you can see the Utah Shakespeare Festival that runs from June through October, where you can see this award-winning theater company put on some of Shakespeare’s timeless plays in both indoor and outdoor theaters. Other festivals include the Utah Arts Festival in Salt Lake City, a four-day event that has exhibits and performances showcasing all of the arts. Another festival worth attending is the famous Sundance Film Festival in Park City, where you’re likely to see at least a few celebrities.
Some of the Nation’s Best Skiing
If you’re a fan of skiing or other winter sports, Utah is the place for you. With world class ski destinations such as Park City, Deer Valley, Snowbird and others, you have access to thousands of miles of skiing and snowboarding. Ski resorts are also fun for their beautiful scenery, great food, entertainment and nightlife. Many resorts offer attractive packages that include accommodations, car rentals, equipment, lifts and more. Ski areas in Utah are also great for hiking and mountain biking in the summer months.
Lots of Fascinating History
In Utah, you can explore millions of years of history and pre-history. Utah is full of dinosaur fossils. In Kanab, you can see fossils in museums and quarries. The Eccles Dinosaur Park on Ogden River Parkway is another popular family attraction, with more than 50 reconstructed dinosaurs. In Moab, an exhibit called Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracks was recently opened.
Utah also has lots of Native American history. You’ll find a variety of artifacts in many areas, such as Fremont Indian State Park and Museum. The Natural History Museum of Utah in Salt Lake City has exhibits on all historic eras. While in Salt Lake City, you can also explore that city’s rich Mormon tradition at places such as The Salt Lake Tabernacle and Temple Square.
Rivers for Boating, Fishing and White Water Rafting
Lovers of water sports appreciate Utah’s many rivers, including the Colorado River, Green River, Yampa River, Snake River, and many others. The state is an especially attractive destination for white water rafting enthusiasts, who will find rapids on every scale, from 1-6, to accommodate people of all skill levels. Whether you want to take a short rafting trip to enjoy the scenery or a challenging multi-day adventure, Utah has lots of options.
These are some of the reasons why families enjoy visiting Utah. This is a state with a rare variety of historic, cultural and natural wonders. You can enjoy trendy restaurants and clubs in Salt Lake City, go skiing in the mountains or explore one of the state’s amazing national parks. There are few places that offer as much diversity and excitement for the whole family.
