If you want to maximize your leisure time to include exercise for you and family time, there are plenty of fun, fit family outings in Salt Lake City. Anything that gets you moving counts as a healthy activity, so simply going to the Boondocks Fun Center walking the entire 8 acres and participating in all the activities can provide quite an active day. If you want to save money, consider the Connect Pass as an option for a multitude of activities like the Discovery Gateway or hiking the over 100 acres of the Red Butte Garden. Just walking can tire you out and be good exercise. Find activities your kids will enjoy that involve covering larger areas.
Visit Great Salt Lake State Park and Marina and Antelope Island State Park.
Whether you just want to experience how easy it is to float on salt water or spend the day hiking or kayaking, there's plenty to do at this area. Remember, just walking is a great exercise and you'll get plenty of it here. Hiking to watch the wildlife on Antelope Island and taking a healthy picnic basket along can be a great family getaway.
Spend a day at the slopes all year around.
It doesn't have to be winter to enjoy Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort. During the winter it has trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels of proficiency. In the warmer weather of spring and summer it's time to hike or bike the trails. In fact, you might even pick up some healthy snacks at the local farmer's market to take on your hike or bike ride. Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort offers the same type of fun. If you're the adventurous type and have teens or tweens, consider zip lining, the rope course, climbing wall or bungee trampoline while you're there just for an extra challenge.
Big Cottonwood Canyon has a lot to offer the active family all year.
Whether rock climbing, canoeing, hiking or skiing, all year long there's something to do just 20 minutes away from Salt Lake City. It's located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and Solitude and Brighton ski resorts are part of it. You can visit Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Dog Lake. If Rover is part of the activity, don't go. No dogs are permitted in the canyon area.
- Riding a bike in the city is good for the beginner. The area is relatively flat and there's lots of special bike lanes to ride safely. If you don't own a bike, use the Bike Share Program, GREENbike. You can get a 24 hour pass for as little as $7 with discounts for seniors, military, teachers and students.
- Spend a day at Tracy Aviary or Utah's Hogle Zoo. It's lots of walking and a great time for younger children, too.
- Visit one of the botanical gardens. Whether choosing GilgaSculpture Garden (free but smaller), International Peace Garden at Jordon Park or Red Butte Garden with five miles of hiking trails.
- Enjoy a day at home. Rake leaves, do yard work and follow it up with a game of tag, dodge ball or shooting baskets. You can have fun anywhere, even when working, and it supplies a healthy outlet for energy.