Park City is an easy choice for a long summer weekend, especially if you’re looking to keep travel simple. Just a short drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, it’s the kind of destination where you can spend less time getting there and more time outside.
When you’re here in the summer, you fall into a natural rhythm of relaxation and days built around being outside. For families, it offers just the right balance - plenty to do, without feeling like you need to overplan.
If you are planning a quick three-day escape to Park City, this itinerary brings together the essentials: trail time, a bit of adventure, good food, and those in-between moments that tend to be the most memorable.
Day 1: Hiking, Main Street & Pool Time
Back to Top Back to Top of ListMorning Hike
Start your trip by stepping straight into what makes Park City special: the miles and miles of trails.
Below are a few great options depending on how your crew is feeling. For families ready for a bit of adventure, Bloods Lake is a rewarding choice. The moderate hike winds through aspen groves and open meadows before arriving at a scenic alpine lake that’s perfect for a snack break or picnic. You might even spot some wildlife along the way, like a moose. Catch the bus up through Empire and Guardsman Pass. The ride itself is part of the experience, with wide, sweeping views of Deer Valley, Heber Valley, and the surrounding Wasatch peaks.
If you have younger kids or are looking for something more relaxed, the Farm Trail near the historic McPolin Barn offers a paved, stroller-friendly path with open views and plenty of space to explore. An unpaved option, the McPolin Nature Trail, branches off from there and is a great choice for first-time hikers. Both are easily reachable by bus from town.
For a slightly different vibe, head to Park City Mountain and take the chairlift up to effortlessly hike at higher elevation. On a clear day, you can catch views of the Uinta mountains stretching out to the east. Hike back down through aspen groves or ride the lift to the base and spend some time on the mountain coaster, mini golf, and other activities. Park City Transit connects directly to the resort base, so no car is needed.
Main Street & Afternoon
After your morning on the trail, Historic Main Street is the right place to reset. Grab a Summit Bike Share e-bike and cruise down to the Town Lift area for lunch on a patio, then make your way up the hill at your own pace. If time allows, duck into the Park City Museum for a quick look at how this place evolved from a silver mining town into one of the West’s most celebrated mountain destinations. After a bit of history, the whole family will be ready for a stop at one of the ice cream shops along the strip. Locally made flavors and generous scoops are a Main Street tradition.
Pool Time
In the afternoon, cool off with a swim. The Park City MARC outdoor pools are set to reopen in summer 2026 with newly renovated spaces and they’re on the bus route, making it an easy hop from Main Street.
Day 2: Mountain Biking & the Utah Olympic Park
Back to Top Back to Top of ListBefore heading out, grab lunch to go. Most delis and cafés near the villages open early and can put together a solid picnic spread.
Morning Ride
Start the morning at Trailside Bike Park, one of the most family-friendly riding areas in Park City. A network of beginner loops, pump tracks, and small features makes it easy for kids to build confidence, while more experienced riders can explore the nearby Round Valley trails. There’s also a skate park, a playground, and a picnic area, making it an easy place to spread out and settle in for a bit. Trailside is accessible by bus from town, or if the family wants to arrive on two wheels, Summit Bike Share e-bikes make the trip there part of the fun.
After your ride, take a break at the park with your packed lunch. From there, head back to your hotel for a quick reset or roll straight into the afternoon, depending on everyone’s energy.
Utah Olympic Park
Built for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah Olympic Park still carries that Olympic energy, and now it’s a place where you can step in and experience it for yourself. Start at the Alf Engen Ski Museum for an interactive look at Utah’s ski legacy, then head outside for the main event. The park is reachable by public transit. Check the Park City Transit schedule when planning your afternoon timing.
Give yourself a full afternoon here, and grab tickets ahead of time. If you’re planning to try a bit of everything, a multi-activity pass makes it easy: alpine slide, zip lines, ropes courses, drop tower, tubing, and more. There’s a good range of progression, too. Younger kids can build confidence on smaller features, while older kids and adults can lean into the faster, more adrenaline-driven options. And if you have teens or you’re up for it yourself, the bobsled experience is a standout. You’re riding with a professional driver down the actual Olympic track, and it moves in a very real way.
If your timing lines up, stay into the evening for the Flying Ace Aerial Show (typically Friday and Saturday nights at 6:30 PM on select summer dates). Watching athletes launch high into the air and land in the aerated pool below is impressive and genuinely fun for every age.
Day 3: Lake Day & Swaner Preserve
Back to Top Back to Top of ListAfter two active days, it’s natural to ease into a slower pace, but that doesn’t mean sitting still. Today is about getting on (or in) the water, Park City style.
On the Water
For something close to town, Pebble Beach at the Deer Valley ponds offers easy access to the water along with paddleboard rentals and a relaxed stretch of shoreline. In the summer, outdoor music series at nearby venues add a nice backdrop if your timing lines up. Grab a Summit Bike Share e-bike from town and you can be there in minutes.
Grab a picnic lunch to-go from a nearby Deer Valley Café before heading out. There are solid options near both Kimball Junction and downtown.
Swaner Preserve
After a morning at the beach, an easy afternoon feels about right. Spend an hour or so at the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. The protected wetlands offer a quieter side of Park City, with a boardwalk trail that winds into the marsh and plenty of opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife. Inside, the EcoCenter has interactive exhibits that tend to keep kids engaged. On Sundays, free nature-themed crafts run from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Take your time wandering around, and climb the observation tower before you leave for a bird’s-eye view of the preserve. The preserve sits right along the transit corridor, making it easy to fold into a car-free day.
If the afternoon warmth is still lingering, the nearby Basin Recreation splash pad is an easy add-on, especially in that mid-to-late afternoon window when everyone could use a quick cool down.
Family-Friendly Tips
Back to Top Back to Top of ListA few things to keep in mind as you plan your trip:
Events
Depending on your timing, there’s often something happening around town.
- The Park City Silly Sunday Market is a popular one. Main Street closes to cars and fills with local vendors, food, and live music.
- If you’re visiting around the Fourth of July, it’s worth planning your trip around the annual parade, along with Forum Fest at Canyons Village.
- Live music is easy to come by in the summer. Check schedules for the Deer Valley Concert Series, Canyons Village Music on the Slopes, and Mountain Town Music’s free concerts (Fridays at Newpark, Saturdays at Miner’s Park).
- You can always take a look at Park City’s event calendar ahead of time to see what lines up with your stay.
Getting Around
Park City’s free transit system makes it easy to get around without relying on a car, especially between Main Street, Kimball Junction, and the resorts. You’ll also see Summit Bike Share stations around town, which are great for short rides, and High Valley Transit if you’re coming from or heading toward the broader Wasatch Back area.
Where to Stay
Stay in an area that makes it easier to move through the day without feeling rushed. Canyons Village, Kimball Junction, and Deer Valley all offer convenient access to trails, dining, and activities.
Family-friendly options include the Waldorf Astoria Park City, Pendry Park City, Grand Summit, Newpark Resort, Montage Deer Valley, and Marriott’s Mountainside.
Where to Eat as a Family in Park City
Keep breakfast, lunch, and dinner easy. Park City has a solid mix of family-friendly spots in Historic Old Town and the surrounding neighborhoods, from casual pizza joints to more elevated options with seasonal menus. Look for restaurants with outdoor patios and live music to keep it fun and relaxed.
Keep it Flexible
This itinerary is meant to be a guide. Mix and match based on your family’s energy—some days will naturally move more slowly, others will fill up on their own.
More Adventures in Park City
For even more inspiration and stories from Park City—view our year-round visitor guide or request one in the mail.
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