Winter is the perfect season to create lasting family memories. Whether you bundle the kids up for an ice skating party, sled down powdery hills or enjoy a cup of warm cocoa, this season reminds us to embrace togetherness and make the most of these cold months. Here are some thrilling winter activities your family and friends will love.

Snowshoeing in Millcreek Canyon

Visit your favorite trails in the winter for a snowshoeing adventure. Millcreek Canyon has lots of fun trails that take you past waterfalls and rivers as you snowshoe through the area. The Church Fork Trail in Millcreek is highly recommended for winter adventures. Snowshoes can be purchased or rented for the entire family and dogs can join you on these trails. The Church Fork trailhead is located about 3 miles up the canyon at the north end of the picnic area. Dress appropriately and bring water and snacks. There is a $5 fee to enter canyon.  

Herriman Ice Ribbon, 13082 S. Fort Herriman Pkwy.

Celebrate winter with a trip to the Herriman Ice Ribbon for outside skating at J. Lynn Crane Plaza. Take a lap, or two, around the ice ribbon, then warm your hands by the fire pits. Opened in 2017, the skating location has grown in popularity and reservations are required. Skaters of all levels are encouraged to participate and there are walkers to help beginning ice skaters. The cost for an adult (14+) with skate rental is $10, children (3-14) cost $8 with skate rental and children 2 and under are free. Visit Herriman.gov/ice-ribbon for daily schedules and to reserve skating time for your group. 

Sledding at Sugar House Park, 1330 E. 2100 South

Sugar House Park is the perfect location for a family sledding experience. The park spans more than 100 acres and popular hills provide a variety of steepness offering the perfect mix of thrill and safety for sledders of all ages. With the Wasatch Mountains towering in the background, the park becomes a winter wonderland. Convenient parking makes it easy to enjoy the fun. Finish the day with a cup of hot chocolate from local vendors in the area.

Fat tire biking in the canyons

Don’t let the snowy roads put your cycling on ice. Jump on your fat tire bike (rentals are available) and head to the hills. Millcreek Canyon (fee), Corner Canyon and Butterfield Canyon offer numerous cycling trails for cyclists of any level, with the bigger, less-inflated tires providing better grip to keep you riding safely in the snow. The best time to ride is after the trails are tramped down, so powder days are not a good option. Be sure to dress in layers, carry water and snacks and watch the weather forecast!

Visit the Homestead Crater

If you’re done with snowy, cold activities, take a trip to Midway and warm up in the Homestead Crater at the Homestead Resort. This geothermal spring is hidden within a beehive-shaped rock and stays at around 95 degrees all year. While in the crater, you can soak in the therapeutic waters, swim, scuba dive or take a paddleboard yoga class. Reservations are required so visit HomesteadResort.com to schedule your adventure.