These 15 Utah Attractions Are Perfect For Your Staycation This Summer
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Sure, vacations are tons of fun…but they’re also expensive and can be pretty stressful. If you want to save your cash this summer (and enjoy a stress-free vacation), stick close to home and find some cool things to do in the Beehive State. A staycation is all about staying home…and having fun while you do it! Here are 15 cool attractions to check out.
You can easily spend an entire day at the Gateway Discovery Children’s Museum. The hands-on exhibits and play areas will wear your kids out (and give you a moment of free time). Before you leave Gateway, take ‘em over to the fountains on the north side to cool ‘em off.
There are 800 animals to see here...including these adorable baby lion cubs! If you haven’t been to Utah’s Hogle Zoo in awhile, you’ve got to go check it out! Several new animal enclosures have been added over the last few years, and the new playground and splash pad are super fun.
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There’s something for everyone in the family at Lagoon. From the kiddie rides to the big coasters to Lagoon-A-Beach, you’re sure to enjoy an entire day at Utah’s amusement park. Take advantage of the bounce-back special and return for a second day of fun!
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Get out of the heat at Snowbird, where you can ride the alpine slide, zip line, mountain coaster, lifts and tram. Take the tram up, then hike back down. Navigate the ropes course or climbing wall, and try the bungee trampoline. Enjoy free concerts, too.
The Utah Shakespeare Festival just opened the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts, which includes three theatres: The new Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre, the Randall L. Jones Theatre and the new Eileen and Allen Anes Studio Theatre. Take in a Shakespeare play, or opt for one of the more modern plays or musicals. Don’t miss the green shows - they’re free!
When you wish you were in Hawaii surfing...but your budget keeps you in Ogden, you head for Flowrider. Surf indoors, where you won’t get sunburned and there’s no danger of shark attack.
Float the Provo River and cool off in the heat. Start just below the dam bridge and float all the way to Vivian Park.
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When it’s hot outside, this cave is the perfect spot to cool off! First, you’ll hike up to the top (take your time...those switchbacks are STEEP), and you’ll enjoy an amazing view of American Fork Canyon along the way. Then, take your tour of the cave to learn more about its history and features.
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Bear Lake is just one of many Utah lakes that are perfect for watersports. Enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing. Grab a raspberry shake before you head for home!
Donut Falls is the perfect hike for a hot, summer day. This short hike takes you to an amazing hole-in-the-rock waterfall in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Read this article for more info.
You might have a bigger water park near you, but Cherry Hill is worth checking out. It’s located in Kaysville, and is often less crowded than some of the better-known parks. Ride the slides, swim in the pool, float the lazy river and hang out on the pirate ship.
Satisfy your need for speed by watching someone else race around the track. Check out Rocky Mountain Raceway’s events calendar for race schedules.
Splash in the Seven Canyons Fountains, feed the ducks in the pond, play on the playground, ride the amusement park rides and frolic about on the grass. While you’re at the park, visit Tracy Aviary, too. Read more about Liberty Park.
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Gilgal Garden is quirky, whimsical and downright weird. And, it’s FREE! Wander around the garden and check out the sculptures.
The hiking, fishing and sightseeing along this gorgeous scenic byway is simply unparalleled. The weather is cool, the air is scented with pine trees and the scenery is stunning. Choose a lake (or two..or three), set up a picnic, then fish, hike and explore to your heart’s content.
Looking for some more staycation ideas? Check out these 7 Utah Swimming Holes so you can cool the kiddos off when it’s hot outside. How about a hike? Here are 10 Incredible Trails In Utah.
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