There isn’t much a family of four can do for $150 anymore when heading out on the road. Or is there? This year cities and resorts across the state are looking to lure Utah locals away from their home and out to enjoy some of the best Utah has to offer. From package hotel deals to free national park admission weeks during the summer, this guide will cover the latest deals to date. As the summer heats up, expect even more deals to pop up.
Why the sudden trend in Staycation deals? The general decrease in travel for one. Many forecast less out of state tourism traffic to Utah this summer. Creeping gas prices also leave many cautious. And many families still continue to keep their wallets drawn tighter. Staycation deals from many cities and tourist areas aren’t just being marketed in Utah, but around the country as well in an effort to get locals out. Staycation marketing efforts have grown in popularity as the recession grows deeper.
So what can you do this summer as a family of four for only $150? Plenty. Here are some fantastic Staycation ideas:
Ogden City Staycation Adventure Pass
801-778-6250
http://www.ogden.travel/content/view/54/289/
Ten years ago, the city began a major revamping of the downtown area. And not many outside of the Ogden/Davis County area seem to know about it, or get up that way. This year, Ogden is offering an incredible $160 Staycation deal to get you up to see why their city is one of the best. For this price, you’ll recieve one night for a family of four in the Best Western High Country Inn, the Comfort Suites, Hampton Inn and Suites, or the Marriott Ogden. Many of these hotels offer free breakfast too. In addition, you’ll receive admission for four to the Treehouse Museum, the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, the Ogden Nature Center, Hill Air Force Space Museum, the Union Station Museums that host firearms, cars, and railroad memorabilia, and the iRock 55 foot climbing wall. To help out with dinner costs, the city is also throwing in a Fat Cats pass that includes one lane of bowling for four, shoe rental, one large topping pizza from Pizza Factory, six breadsticks, and two pitchers of soda. And if your family still has energy after your busy day, you’ll receive a 50% discount to an Ogden Raptors game or a 25% discount to experience the iFly indoor skydiving venue, or the Flowrider indoor surfing experience.
Cherry Hill Campout
1325 South Main
Kaysville UT, 84037 801-451-5379
www.cherry-hill.com
Every year, we have friends who head up this way with their trailer to enjoy a fun filled weekend up at Cherry Hill. The waterpark may not rival larger waterparks in the state, but it has seemed to keep it’s quaint mining town charm while still delivering plenty of fun. With an earlier park closing time, attention to personal detail, and fun for all family members, the park appeals to many with children. Many parents hail this as one of their favorite places to bring their trailer because the kids love the excitement, and parents love the quiet tree lined peacefulness of the camp area. With a gigantic Pirates Cove play area for the youngest swimmers, and beginner to advanced slides for the older crowd, everyone can find something fun to do. At night after a long day in the sun, the family can enjoy a slice of Cherry Hills world famous pies and some family fun miniature golfing, hitting the batting cages, playing on a gigantic outdoor play structure, or playing a game of Aeroball together. Camping rates start at $30 a night. They offer deep discounts for those who camp and play with all day passes starting at $9 per person! That’s a huge deal off the $16+ for regular day passes.
Fee Free Weekends
http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm
National Parks across the country are cutting fees this summer. On three weekends during the summer, you can get into the parks to play and not have to pay! The National Park Service is hoping that more families will be able to head out to the parks this summer and enjoy many of the treasures the state has to offer. Park fees are often close to $25 which for many families could be the cost that keeps them from coming out and enjoying many of Utah’s best treasures. So whether you’re heading out for a day trip to enjoy one of the National Parks, or for an entire weekend, you can be sure to enjoy it–fee free! Just a note: the National Park Service does recommend booking camping sites as early as possible as these weekends will be extremely popular for campers.
Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort
Marysvale, Utah
866-999-9961
http://www.candymountainresort.com/
Nestled along the Piute Trail and only 3 hours from Salt Lake lies a hidden gem to many. ATV lovers often mention this resort as being one of the best for the budget. Here at the Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort, you can rent affordable ATV’s or bring your own. You can choose to bring your own trailer, or depending on your budget you can choose to stay in one of the incredible resort cabins. The Miner’s Cabin starts at only $30 a night and gives you an “outdoor” tent camping experience minus the dirt in your sleeping bag from little ones tracking it in all day. You can also stay in a true log cabin. Log cabin prices start at $59 a night. Kids love the ATV trails. The owners have plenty of easy trails to take the kids on. They can even ATV up to old mining cars and spend a few hours exploring! Later on, Dad and Mom can tear up the trails on some of the more challenging and fun trails the Piute offers. A fantastic weekend can be had by everyone for one affordable price! You can’t beat the friendly owners and gorgeous views of this beautiful hidden area of Utah.
Saint George Spa-Golf-Tuacahn Staycation Package
800-892-1203
http://www.hamptoninn.net/packages.html
The Hampton Inn offers some incredible Staycation packages for those heading down to the summer heat of Saint George. The Tuacahn Theater is one of the most incredible outdoor theaters you will ever have the chance of going to. Nestled among the beautiful red rocks of Saint George in Snow Canyon you’ll love escaping the heat and enjoying an outdoor musical like Annie, High School Musical 2, Footloose, or Aida. For $150, you receive two adult tickets and one nights lodging to the hotel. You can also choose from the golf or spa package if you choose. Pick the spa treatments you want, or choose to golf at popular sites like The Ledges or Entrada. (Spa and golf packages are not included in the Tuacahn Package). Other hotels in the area offer advertisements through sites like Valpak, so look for hot summer Tuacahn family deals to continue through the summer.
There are plenty of staycation deals to be found in the state of Utah. Much of what draws people to Utah is our affordable family centered fun. Book one of these popular staycations, or make your own. The site utahstaycation.com has some other fabulous staycation ideas available around the state.
