Let’s be honest: planning a ski vacation with little kids can feel like a massive logistical undertaking. The gear, the lessons, the early bedtimes, the altitude — it’s a puzzle. But Park City, Utah just might be the most family-friendly ski destination in the country, and our recent trip with our little ones (ages 4–7) proved it beyond a doubt.
We flew out of LAX into Salt Lake City, rented a car right at the airport — which honestly could not have been easier with a pre-booked reservation — and set off for our split stay between the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kimball Junction and the ski-in/ski-out Grand Summit Hotel at Canyons Village. Here’s everything you need to know.
Getting There: LAX to Park City is Surprisingly Easy
Flying out of LAX into Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is one of the more painless travel routes for Southern California families. The flight is roughly 1.5–2 hours, and once you land, you’re only about 35–45 minutes from Park City. Our rental car pickup at SLC was seamless — pre-booked, on-site facility, no shuttle buses, no long waits.
Parent Tip: Pre-book your rental car and choose a larger SUV if you’re traveling your skis/snowboard. Park City also has a fantastic free bus system once you’re in town.
The AC Hotel by Marriott Park City and the Grand Summit at Park City Mountain — two properties that make a family ski trip genuinely easy. The AC Hotel by Marriott has a shuttle service to the Park City Mountain. The Grand Summit's ski in ski out access is the real game changer — step outside and the lifts, ski school check in, and snow play are right there.
Where We Stayed: Two Hotels, Two Different Experiences
AC Hotel by Marriott, Kimball Junction — Sleek Base Camp
The AC Hotel was our arrival-day home base — modern design, cozy lobby fireplace, and rooms that feel polished without being over the top. The indoor pool with mountain views was an instant hit with the kids after the travel day. The hotel is also steps from a Whole Foods, Walmart and Tanger Outlets, perfect for stocking up on snacks, layers, or any last-minute gear.
Grand Summit Hotel, Canyons Village — The Ski-In/Ski-Out Dream
This is where the trip elevated entirely. We shared a two-bedroom, three-bathroom suite with another family — eight people total — and the spaciousness genuinely surprised us. Full kitchen, large living room, multiple bathrooms. No one tripping over each other. Ski-in/ski-out access meant clicking into skis at the front door and being on a lift in minutes. No shuttles, no parking chaos.
The outdoor heated pool and hot tubs are open year-round and the free shuttle to Historic Main Street made evening excursions completely effortless.
Beyond the Slopes: Park City Has So Much More for Families
This is the part most ski trip guides skip — but Park City is genuinely packed with non-ski activities that are perfect for families, rest days, or the grown-ups who need a break from the mountain. Here’s what we did and loved:
There are breakfast spots and then there is breakfast in a private heated glass globe at Café Galleria in Midway Utah. The original Alpenglobe Experience — eight reservable private dining globes, available October through April.
Breakfast in an Alpenglobe at Café Galleria (Midway)
Midway is a charming European-inspired mountain town just 20 minutes south of Park City, and Café Galleria offers heated alpenglobe dining. We booked a weekday breakfast reservation for $35 and spent 90 minutes eating and enjoying the warmth. Each globe holds up to 8 guests, so it’s perfect for a group.
Important to know: Reservations go fast, so book well in advance. If you want a more splurge-worthy version, Stein Eriksen Lodge at Deer Valley also offers alpenglobe dining with stunning views — but reservations run $200–$250. We prefer Café Galleria for the nearly identical experience at a fraction of the cost! Butcher’s Chop House on Lower Main Street in Park City also offers private alpenglobe dining if you want to stay in town.
The baby calves at Heber Valley Artisan Cheese in Midway Utah — about 20 minutes from Park City.
Dairy Farm Tour at Heber Valley Milk & Artisan Cheese
The tour starts with a scenic hayride to the barn, where the kids get to interact with baby calves, then moves into a state-of-the-art robotic milk barn where you see modern dairy farming in action. Adults are $18, kids 4–12 are $10, and children 3 and under are free. No reservations required — walk-ins welcome on most days (closed Sundays). We did this on the same morning as the alpenglobe breakfast and it made for an incredible day in the valley.
Mountain Coaster & Zip Line at Park City Mountain
If you have kids who are a little older or taller, the Mountain Coaster at Park City is Utah’s longest guest-controlled coaster — over a mile of track through the trees at speeds up to 25 mph. The Flying Eagle Zip Line runs alongside it and lets riders soar above the ski runs. Both operate 11AM–4PM weather permitting.
Height note for families: Kids 38″–53″ can ride the mountain coaster as a passenger with an adult driver 54″+ and at least 16 years old. For the zip line, kids 42″–53″ must be accompanied by an adult. Check heights before you go — it avoids disappointment at the ticket window!
Snow Tubing at Soldier Hollow
For pure, uncomplicated family fun, snow tubing at Soldier Hollow is unbeatable. It’s located about 20 minutes from Park City in Midway, runs in 2-hour sessions, and welcomes all ages. Pricing is dynamic (they use “Plan Ahead Pricing” so earlier booking = better rates). Reservations are strongly recommended — sessions do sell out.
If you want the longest tubing run in Utah, Woodward Park City also has a tubing hill — but be aware: the price for a family of four is comparable to what a group of 12 would pay at Soldier Hollow. We think Soldier Hollow is the better value for most families.
Sleigh Rides with Broken Arrow at Deer Valley
Broken Arrow Sleigh Rides operates out of Deer Valley — you can meet at Stein Eriksen Lodge or Silver Lake Lodge, and the experience is classic, cozy, and magical for kids.
Logistics tip: Allow 20 minutes travel time from Canyons Village to Deer Valley. Valet parking is available at Stein Eriksen Lodge. Book well in advance — the sleigh rides fill up, especially on weekends. If you want to go all-out, Snowed Inn Sleigh Rides in Park City also offers a sleigh ride + fireside Western dinner + live music experience that is absolutely enchanting.
Midway Ice Rink — Utah's largest outdoor ice skating rink, right on Midway Town Square with the Wasatch Back Mountains as the backdrop. Skate rentals, hot chocolate, gourmet treats, and a heated warming hut on site. Open seasonally — check midwayicerink.com for hours before you go.
Ice Skating
Park City has two great options: the Resort Center Ice Rink right in Park City Mountain Village, or the Midway Ice Rink — the largest outdoor ice rink in Utah, located near all the Midway activities. Great for an afternoon when the mountain closes or for a rest-day activity. Season dependent, check ahead for hours of operation.
Utah Crater (The Homestead Crater)
For something truly unique — the Utah Crater is a geothermal spring inside a 55-foot natural limestone dome in Midway. The water stays at 94°F year-round. All ages are welcome (swim diapers required for non-potty-trained guests), and minors must have an adult in the water with them. Reservations are required. It’s one of those experiences that feels completely otherworldly.
Dining Highlights
The Pendry Park City — Après and Dinner
The Pendry was one of our favorite dining experiences of the trip. Classic dishes done really well, excellent cocktails, and a great mountain energy. Key note: seating is first come, first served — no reservations. Arrive early or go on a weekday evening to minimize your wait. The Pendry also does a killer après scene — Party on the Playa runs Thursday–Saturday 2–5PM with live DJs on the plaza, and the rooftop Pool House Bar & Grill does DJ sets Friday–Sunday 3–7PM with panoramic mountain views. Both are worth a stop after ski school pickup.
Kuchu Shabu, Canyons Village
For a cozy dinner right in the village after a ski day, Kuchu Shabu is a great option — hot pot–style dining that’s fun and interactive for families.
High West Distillery — Winter Dinner Series
For a special adults-only or date-night moment (or a grown-up group dinner), High West Distillery runs a Winter Dinner Series on select Thursday–Saturday evenings. It includes a welcome cocktail, culinary action stations, a full dinner buffet, and live music. Adults $85, kids under 12 $50. Reservations required. It’s a memorable Park City experience.
Annex Burger, Main Street
For a casual, no-fuss dinner on Main Street — especially with tired kids — Annex Burger at 449 Main Street is a crowd-pleasing option. No reservations accepted. It sits right next to No Name Saloon (which is 21+ only, just FYI for the adults in your group).
Snacks, Groceries & Stocking the Suite Kitchen
One of the biggest perks of a suite at the Grand Summit is the full kitchen. We stocked up at Whole Foods near the AC Hotel and used the kitchen for meals and snacks throughout the trip — a huge money-saver and time-saver with young kids.
Canyons Village at Park City Mountain — 7,300 acres of world class terrain and one of the most family friendly ski resorts in the United States. The Red Pine Gondola delivers you to Moose Camp, the newly reimagined Ski and Ride School learning zone at Red Pine Lodge, where two magic carpets and thoughtfully designed beginner terrain give young skiers the best possible start on snow.
Ski School: Worth Every Penny
Park City Mountain Resort’s children’s programs are exceptional — our instructor was highly qualified, genuinely passionate, and remarkably patient. The day runs 9AM–3PM, giving parents a real window to ski. We watched our youngest go from being nervous to more confident.
- Book online in advance — spots fill fast and you save money
- Pick up rentals the day before your first lesson (book via Rentskis.com)
- Kids 7 and under ski FREE at Park City Mountain Resort
- Epic Passholders save 20% on group lessons
Après-Ski & Spa
The Grand Summit’s outdoor heated pool and hot tubs were our daily decompression ritual — kids in the pool, adults in the hot tub with mountain views. The free shuttle to Historic Main Street made evening excursions seamless.
