This post was written in partnership with Visit Salt Lake. We received connect passes to visit some Utah attractions. All content is my own.

I love family vacations in Utah. We were lucky to add Utah to our summer travel list and were surprised as always at how much there is to do there.

We had something on our to-do list every day for our kids and they had a blast playing and exploring!

Don’t miss the tips below for making your next family trip to Utah a success!

10 Family Vacation Tips for Visiting Utah

1. Every Time of Year Offers Something Different

   Utah has varying weather and things to do year round. When we visited at the beginning of the summer our trip started with snow and ended with warmth.

   There are lots of different activities for your family during the summer and winter months. When it’s snowing you can go tubing, snowboarding, or skiing. The summer time is a great time to attend outdoor events, visit the lake, and walk around the zoo.

2. Check Out Events Ahead of Time

   Make sure to check out the Utah calendar of events before your trip to see what is going on. There are always festivals, plays, concerts, and more going on year round. Many of them are free or low cost and are great for families!

3. Pack for the Weather

   Don’t forget that it snows in Utah during the winter. This is foreign to us here in Southern California. Utah weather in the spring and fall can also get quite chilly, so make sure to pack layers and a jacket just in case!

4. Explore the Outdoors

   One of my favorite things about Utah are all the beautiful mountains. When we visited the Utah Natural History Museum the surrounding mountains were so beautiful. Our toddler couldn’t help exploring a bit!

   If you love the outdoors check out the various hiking paths and trails available in Utah. There are even easy trails for families with small children!

5. Take Advantage of the Connect Passes

   Visit Salt Lake has amazing Connect Passes for families! These include admission to many of the major attractions in the area. You can get a pass for the length of your trip and see all the sights on your vacation.

   We were amazed with our connect passes and just how much there was to do in Utah. The passes included our admission to the zoo, several museums, and even lunch at the Lion House!

6. There are Activities for Every Age

   With all the activities and attractions in Utah you can definitely find something for every age. Since we have a toddler we loved the Museum of Natural Curiosity. She could play to her hearts content without worrying about messing anything up.

   The zoo and other museums were all great for kids and had exhibits that catered to all ages! 

7. Take the Trolley

   Salt Lake City has great public transportation! We had the best experience taking the trolley up to the planetarium with our kids. Definitely check out this option while you explore so you don’t have to drive from one place to the next to find parking.

8. Bring Comfortable Shoes

   If you are getting the connect pass or plan to see tons of sights don’t forget comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking at the zoo and museums alone. There are also lots of outdoor activities and hiking paths that would require comfortable shoes to explore in.

9. Take at Least 3 Days to Explore

   You’ll definitely want to extend your Utah trip because there is just so much to do and see. I would plan on taking at least 3 full days to see the sights in Salt Lake City alone.

10. Extra Planning Tips

    Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat. It can get very hot and sunny in the summer time and you can still get a sunburn while it’s snowing.

    Get the whole family involved in your vacation planning! Let each member pick something they want to see on the connect pass. Or plan a family hike together. There really is something for everyone to enjoy!

Are you planning a trip to Utah? What do you want to see most? If you have traveled to Utah what attractions do you suggest seeing?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!