7 Fun-Filled Places in Utah to Take Restless Kids (That Parents Will Love, Too)

If you have your own kids or kids in your family you know how much energy those little beings have. Many kids, like mine, get bored easily or seem to want constant entertainment, especially on the weekends. So as a parent, each weekend I try to find at least one activity for us to enjoy as a family. Here is a list of fun-filled places in Utah to take your restless kids so they can burn off some of their excess energy:

1. Explore the awe-inspiring landscape of Goblin Valley State Park (Emery County)

There are some incredibly unique landscapes throughout Utah, including what you'll find at Goblin Valley State Park. Thousands of hoodoos dot the park's landscape, and walking along the trails is like walking on another planet. In addition to hiking, you can go fishing, camping, boating, and mountain biking here. Oh, and there's even a Junior Ranger program your kiddos may want to participate in!

2. Spend a day at Utah's Hogle Zoo (Salt Lake City)

Zoos are among the most family-friendly places you can go, so why not take the kids to the Hogle Zoo in SLC? Spending a day walking around the zoo to discover all sorts of animal species can tire out any child. You can also add a giraffe feeding or a VIP Cart Tour to your zoo experience.

3. Ride the rides at Lagoon Amusement Park (Farmington)

Roller coasters, Tipsy Tea Cups, Rattlesnake Rapids, and Dinosaur Drop... these are just a few of the rides you'll find at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington. Open late March through early November, this family-friendly park also has shows, events, seasonal attractions, a beach area, and Pioneer Village. This place is so much fun for kids and adults alike!

4. Check out all the attractions at Thanksgiving Point (Lehi)

Thanksgiving Point is a unique place that offers five attractions including Ashton Gardens, the Butterfly Biosphere, Farm Country, the Museum of Ancient Life, and the Museum of Natural Curiosity. With so many attractions in one, perhaps a family weekend getaway is in order. You can always make a reservation at Hyatt Place Salt Lake City/Lehi located just over a half mile away from Thanksgiving Point.

5. Go sandboarding or sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (Kanab)

With incredible sand dunes throughout the park, kids will love playing in the sand at Coral Pink Dunes State Park. Rent a sandboard or a sand sled, climb up a hill, and have a thrilling ride to the bottom. Boarding or sledding down sand dunes is one of the most unique things you can do in Utah, and you know kids will be occupied for hours on end!

6. Have fun while learning at This Is The Place Heritage Park (Salt Lake City)

Learn about the pioneer history and culture of Utah at this living history museum in Salt Lake City. This Is The Place Heritage Park offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities to keep children busy as they learn, and costumed characters walk around the attraction. In addition to the museum, there's an on-site restaurant, a donut shop, and a toy and candy store.

7. Get an adrenaline rush at The Rush Funplex (multiple locations)

With four locations in West Jordan, Syracuse, Orem, and Pleasant View, The Rush Complex is the place to go for family-friendly fun. Between the go-karts, bowling, mini golf, rock climbing, roller skating, bumper cars, foam pit, and other fun-filled attractions, kids will want to spend hours upon hours here. Visit The Rush Funplex website for the location closest to you.

Which of these fun-filled places in Utah will you take your kids to first? Do you have any favorite family-friendly attractions you'd like to share? You can do so through our nominations page.