Park City is one of the most fun places to visit in Utah during the summer. Living just down the road from Park City, we come here all the time and never run out of fun things to do. The summer weather in Park City is PERFECT with highs that are usually in the 80’s, making you want to get outside and explore the mountains that are all around you. Whether you’re looking for some great Park City trail recommendations, adventure activities in Park City for kids, outdoor concerts, or the best places to cool down in the water, we’ve got plenty of fun suggestions.
Unless otherwise stated, these activities are great for all ages of kids and teens. These are the exact activities that we do with our own 5 kids and have been doing them since they were toddlers, and our oldest is now 17. If you’re adventurous and love being outside, there are few better places to be in the summer than Park City Utah for a family trip.
Getting to Park City and Getting Around
Park City is one of the most easily accessible mountain towns in the United States. Just 30 minutes from Salt Lake International Airport and a drive down the interstate will have you right in the heart of Park City. After living and traveling all over the US, I’m always amazed that Park City is so easy to get to from Salt Lake City.
For most things in Park City in the summer, you’ll want to have a car. Getting to trailheads, parks, lakes, and rivers can get pretty complicated with hiring an Uber or Lyft. While getting around Park City in the winter can be really difficult with all the ski traffic (and we don’t recommend a car for ski visitors), coming in the summer is much less busy.
High Valley Transit does have a free shuttle that goes all around town and into Heber Valley as well. It will get you to most major areas of town, but not to trailheads or a lot of our favorite summer in Park City activities.
There is an E-Bike share program in Park City that you can join, but this really only works for shorter trips of about 30 minutes or less. If you want to get around Park City by bike, consider renting bikes for your whole stay at a local bike shop.
Where to Stay in Park City With Kids
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Park City with kids, you’ll be glad to know there are SO MANY OPTIONS!
Hands down our favorite place to stay is at the Marriott Mountainside. It has large family friendly rooms with a kitchen, and the facilities are perfect for families. It has a game room, daily movies, snacks, and the pools and hot tubs are fantastic! Plus you’re right at Park City Mountain Resort so in addition to quick access to trails, you can just hop on the alpine slide or mountain coaster. Even though we live close by, we have stayed here almost every year for over 10 years since it’s so great (their summer rates are really good).
If you can’t get a room at the Marriott, we also really like the Doubletree and the Grand Summit. If you are looking for great itinerary for Park City make sure to read our 3 day itinerary here.
Action Sports Classes at Woodward Park City
Woodward Park City was designed just for kids who love action sports. Whether you’ve got a downhill mountain biker, a skateboarder, or a parkour lover in the family, Woodward Park City has a place for them. Set up with an outdoor skills park for bikers, several skate and scooter areas, as well as indoor training including a full skate park and a ramp with a foam pit to practice tricks, Woodward Park City is perfect for kids.
If you have a specific skill your kids are looking to improve, check the schedule in advance and consider signing up for a summer skills camp. For the best value at Woodward, a group clinic is a blast and a deal at only $25/session. Our kids have taken TONS of summer and indoor camps and clinics at Woodward and they always love going back for more!
Hit the Trail and Hike in Park City with Kids
The easiest thing to do on a Park City trip with kids is to get out and go hiking. There are TONS of hiking trails around Park City that are great for kids. Here are our top recommendations for easy hikes near Park City for families.
Swaner Preserve Wetland Discovery Trail – An easy, flat trail perfect for families, offering a mile-long walk on boardwalks through wetlands and meadows, ideal for wildlife spotting and learning about local ecosystems. This short nature hike is perfect when you visit the Swaner Nature Preserve.
Round Valley Trail System – A network of over 30 miles of trails with varying lengths and difficulties, allowing families to choose routes that best suit their abilities. The area provides gentle terrain with scenic views, perfect for beginner hikers and mountain bikers. There is no shade here, so don’t hike here during the heat of the day.
Jenni’s Trail – Starting from the base of Park City Mountain Resort, this trail offers a moderate hike with gentle inclines, leading to beautiful overlooks. It’s especially good for families looking for a slightly challenging but manageable hike and one of our favorite Park City hike near downtown that’s perfect for the entire family.
Iron Canyon Trail – A bit more challenging due to its incline, but very rewarding with stunning views of Park City and the surrounding mountains. The trail is about 2 miles round trip, suitable for families with older kids or younger kids with no shortage of energy.
McLeod Creek Trail – This trail offers a flat and easy path, making it perfect for kids and even strollers. It stretches from Park City to Kimball Junction, winding through meadows and aspen groves, with several playgrounds and parks along the way for breaks and playtime. Our favorite is to park at the Mcpolin Barn and take one of the loop trails near there.
We also love hiking the Nobletts Creek trail. You can read all about the trail here.
Ropes Course at the Utah Olympic Park
This iconic venue from the 2002 Winter Olympics offers year-round activities, but our kids favorite to participate in is the Ropes Course. There are three different ropes course of different difficulties and heights. The smallest one was perfect for my 5-year-old while the older kids went on the larger and much higher courses. Your ticket to the park will be good for 4 hours and includes ziplining, an alipne slide, a summer tubing course, an airbag jump and a scenic lift ride.
Mountain Biking at Trailside Bike Park in Park City
Our family LOVES to mountain bike and it’s easily our biggest warm-weather obsession. With kids of all ages, it can be really difficult for us to find a place that everyone can ride AND still be challenged. The Trailside bike park is our favorite for families. Here you’ll find a series of short skills trails that are perfect for getting used to the trail or for brushing up on your skills. Our youngest started riding the easy trails and pump tracks when he was just on his balance bike, and even our high schoolers and their friends on the mountain bike team love coming here to practice. From the top, I can keep an eye on all of my kids on different trails and lines, which makes it so great for parents too.
At the bottom, you’ll find a skate park, and an incredible playground (likely the best playground in Park City). Plan ahead and pack a picnic to eat in the large covered pavilion near the playground. Between the trails and the park, we can easily spend half a day here!
Other Kid-Friendly Mountain Bike Trails in Park City
There’s no shortage of bike trails in and around Park City, but many of them aren’t great for kids. Make sure to read our top recommendations for mountain bike trails for kids in Park City to figure out the best trails for your kid’s biking abilities.
Alpine Slide and Mountain Coaster at Park City Mountain Resort
The Park City Mountain Resort becomes a playground for adventure seekers in the summer. The Alpine Slide—the longest in Utah—winds down the mountainside, offering thrilling rides for both kids and adults. The alpine slide is great for teens and even toddlers riding with a parent. The Mountain Coaster, a gravity-driven coaster, zips through scenic forests and meadows, providing an exhilarating experience with breathtaking views. The first time I rode the alpine coaster, I was expecting a ride similar to the alpine slide, but it really is more similar to a small roller coaster, so be prepared for a bit of a wild ride. The ride is short, but really fun! Kids need to be at least 38″ to ride with an adult and at least 54″ to ride alone.
Visit a State Park near Park City
Park City is surrounded by incredible Utah State Parks that are perfect for a summer visit. While they’re all outside of town, they’re a great place to escape the crowds of Park City and enjoy a day outside.
Rockport State Park is a haven for water enthusiasts and anglers, centered around the serene Rockport Reservoir. It’s a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping, with picturesque landscapes and tranquil waters. This is the least crowded State Park near Park City.
Jordanelle State Park boasts a large reservoir with an array of recreational activities. From paddleboarding and kayaking to hiking and camping, Jordanelle is a favorite for families and adventurers alike, offering breathtaking views and endless fun on the water and trails. Jordanelle is the closest state park to Park City.
Wasatch Mountain State Park provides a more diverse landscape with opportunities for golfing, mountain biking, and hiking against the backdrop of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains just over the mountain in Midway Utah.
Deer Creek State Park, known for its large, inviting reservoir and scenic vistas, is ideal for windsurfing, sailing, and fishing. The park’s trails and picnic areas make it a perfect spot for a day out with family and friends, enjoying the mountains around Park City. Deer Creek is located just past the town of Midway in Heber Valley.
Summer Concerts at Deer Valley
The summer concerts at Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, are a vibrant part of the summer season, offering an enchanting mix of musical genres set against the backdrop of the stunning Wasatch Mountains. These outdoor events feature performances by the Utah Symphony at the Deer Valley Music Festival, showcasing classical, pops, and chamber music, alongside popular guest artists and conductors. You can also see a variety of artists across genres like rock, country, and jazz on the stage, making it one of the top local events of the summer.
Plan on bringing a folding chair of picnic blanket to sit on, and if you want to simplify dinner that night, you can purchase a gourmet picnic basket on site. Dress warm, since these evening concerts get chilly.
Swaner Nature Preserve
The Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter, located at Kimball Junction in Park City, is a nature preserve and environmental education center that’s perfect for kids. Dedicated to conservation, the center offers a range of activities aimed at engaging visitors with the natural world, including interactive exhibits, educational programs, and guided tours of the preserve. Check their calendar as it’s well worth visiting when they are having a presentation since everyone will learn so much. While you’re there, make sure to go up to the observation tower for some incredible views of Park City. While you’re there, you can explore walking and biking trails, participate in bird-watching, and attend workshops and events focused on environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation. This is a great activity for families with kids about ages 12 and under, and is one of our favorite rainy day park City activities since most of it is inside.
Go Rafting on the Weber or Provo Rivers
If you’re looking for a great way to introduce your family to rafting, consider taking a rafting trips down the Weber or Provo Rivers. Both of these rivers offer easy class II rafting that’s a great introduction to the sport. These rafting trips are pretty mild but plenty of fun. If you’re looking for more adventure, consider going tubing down either the Provo or Weber Rivers. There are several outfitters that offer tube rentals and life jackets as well as a shuttle service so you can get super wet and have a more adventurous trip down the river.
Aerials Show at Utah Olympic Park
The aerials show at the Utah Olympic Park is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. At the Flying Aces show at Utah Olympic Park, elite athletes soar through the sky with jaw-dropping flips and twists on skis! This thrilling show features Olympic-level skiers and snowboarders executing gravity-defying aerial stunts, launching from Olympic ski jumps into a massive pool of water. These athletes train year round, and when there’s no snow in Park City, this is how they train for winter freestyle events. This is probably the most unique and memorable Park City activity for families. While you’re there, consider buying a pass to explore the other adventure activities at the Utah Olympic Park, and don’t forget to go inside to stop at the FREE Olympic Museum.
Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking in Park City
There are plenty of great places to go paddling near Park City for days when the weather gets hot. The Deer Valley pond is a small pond at Deer Valley and you can rent both kayaks and SUP’s from Deer Valley SUP. The pond is pretty small, but it’s a great option if you only have limited time. For a larger paddling experience nearby Jordanelle State Park and Reservoir offers calm waters ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking, as well as a beach area to swim and an inflatable obstacle course. Rentals are available on-site, making it easy to get out on the water. It’s a peaceful way to explore the area’s natural beauty and one of the best ways to cool down on a hot day in Park City.
Fly Fish The Provo River
With the Provo River and other nearby streams teeming with trout, Park City is a fantastic place to introduce kids to fly fishing. Guided tours can cater to families, providing all the equipment and instruction needed for a successful day on the water. It’s not only a relaxing activity but also a great way for kids to learn about local ecosystems and the importance of catch and release. We recently took our 9-year-old on a guided fly fishing trip in Park City and it was such an incredible experience that got him totally hooked on the sport!
Take a Ride on the Heber Valley Railroad
Located in the next valley over, the Historic Heber Valley Railroad is such a great time, and a must visit for any train lovers in the family. Most of the train rides are about 90 minutes in length and are an absolute delight with kids ages 12 and under. Onboard, you’ll find snacks, live entertainment, and often you’ll get to witness a wild west shootout. Check the schedule for any themed trains that might be running during your stay, since they’re absolutely wonderful!
Swim at the Kamas Pool
If you’re looking for some fun swimming, head 10 minutes down the road to the Kamas Pool. This public pool is our families favorite with a kiddie play area, a large twisty slide, a lazy river, and a rock climbing wall. It’s rarely crowded and really affordable for a family day of swimming. The small town Kamas pool is indoors so it’s even great on a rainy day!
Enjoy the Park Silly Sunday Market
Every Sunday, Main Street transforms into a bustling street fair with the Park Silly Sunday Market. This event features local artisans, farmers, live music, and interactive kids’ activities, making it a perfect family outing. The market is a great place to sample local foods, shop for unique crafts, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Park City’s historic downtown. Park Silly happens most Sundays in the summer and is a free event open to the public. Parking downtown can get quite crowded on Sundays, so consider taking the free public shuttle into town.
Stop at Java Cow for Ice Cream
Java Cow is an iconic stop on Park City Main Street. The store is stocked full of cow merchandise and of course the highlight is the ice cream counter. Our kids love coming here for a treat after a long day on the trail! This is the best Park City ice cream shop!
Park City Summer Weather
During the summer, daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24°C to 29°C), though it’s not uncommon for the mercury to occasionally dip into the 60s (15°C to 20°C) or peak in the low 90s (32°C+), especially in July and August, which are the warmest months. Nighttime temperatures can cool down significantly, often dropping to the 40s or 50s Fahrenheit (4°C to 15°C), so bringing a range of clothing to layer. Trust me! It’s not uncommon for us to head out of the house in a jacket and sweats in the morning and to be in shorts and a tank top in the afternoon. Layers are your best friend in Park City.
Park City’s summer weather is predominantly sunny and dry, offering ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without the interruption of frequent rain. However, afternoon thunderstorms can occur, particularly in July and August. These storms usually pass within about an hour, leaving the rest of the day clear but wet.