Utah Olympic Park | Overview | Adventurin'

 

Its summertime in Utah, we are constantly on the lookout for fun things to get out and do with the kids that will allow us to enjoy the outdoors. With the summer Olympics coming up in just a couple weeks, we decided it would be fun to explore Utah's Olympic Park and were thrilled when they agreed to host us up in Park City with all our kids (ages 6 weeks to 11 years). So 3 adults, 11 children and acres of open land and adventures activities to explore. Needless to say we had quite the experience and learned quite a few things we wished we would have known before hand that we can't wait to share with you so that you can have the best possible experience.

The first thing to consider is pricing, you can buy a gold pass, which allows you unlimited access to all the activities, except the bobsled, for the entire day. Depending on the day, the season and your age these range anywhere from $40 to $75. However, we've found that unless you want to go on a Saturday, there is often times a Groupon that you can use to cut that price in half, so make sure to check there first. You can also pay for each individual activity, but most activities cost $15-$20 each, so really if you get the Groupon and can get in for $20-$33 per person, it really is worth getting the all day pass.

The Comet Bobsled attraction was not included in the gold pass, and since none of the kids were big enough to try it, no one in our group made it over to that one, but we'll have to come back someday and experience that one as well.

Once you get the gold pass, you really need to sort of plan out your day to make sure that you get the most out of your day. Our kids commented that all the activities were "better than Disneyland!" and honestly it was a good comparison, because I felt like we were mapping out rides to make the most efficient use of our time while we there, much like people do at Disneyland! 

The Alpine Slide was a favorite for most of our kids, drivers must be 48" tall, riders must be 3 years old. You sit on a little sled and ride down a metal track. The kids thought it was like a safe version of the Skeleton sport, only sitting upright. There was a little stick that you can use to control your speed, so the braver kids could go fast while the more timid ones went slower. We freaked out a little at the bottom when one of our kids didn't show up after we'd sent them down. It turns out her sled had gotten stuck, but our 9-year-old was right behind her and helped her move safely to the side and then reported the incident to the attendant at the bottom. They then had someone bring her a new sled, which she was able to ride the rest of the way to the bottom.

There are multiple Adventure Courses, which are basically ropes courses that you can participate in depending on age and weight. Kids as small as 35 pounds and up to 215 pounds can do the easiest Discovery Adventure Course. The recommended ages are 5-12 years old, but parents are welcome to accompany their kids. My little one went on his 5th birthday and just tipped the scales right at 35 pounds. He was able to complete each obstacle without assistance, but needed help pulling his harness attachment from one platform to the next just due to his height, so make sure little ones are either next to mom or dad or an older sibling that can reach over and help out. The second Canyon Adventure Course kids need to be 7 years old and between 45-275 pounds to participate in. They do ask that kids complete the beginner Discovery Adventure Course prior to attempting this course. We again had a kid that was just barely 7-years-old and right at 45 pounds and she completed the course completely unassisted. Finally the Summit Adventure Course states that you must be at least 13 years old and also between 45-275 pounds. However after finishing the intermediate course the attendants allowed my 9-year-old to go through the course and he ended up completing the entire thing on his own without us even sending an adult up with him. He did comment that you were allowed to just use your harness to zipline across an element if it was too difficult, but he was the only one in our group to do this final course and he attempted each obstacle the intended way.

There are also multiple Ziplines throughout the park. There is a small one at the conclusion of the Discovery Adventure Course so our little kids were able to participate in at least one. Then the official lines include the Freestyle Zipline which is open to anyone 50-275 pounds and the Extreme Zipline which require that you weigh between 100-275 pounds. Our kids are all light weights and so none of them were able to try this one, but they absolutely loved the Freestyle Zipline, which never had too long of a line, so they ended up doing that one multiple times throughout the day. It was also pretty centrally located near where an adult was always with the toddlers so they could run over and enjoy a quick ride while they were waiting for someone else to finish up an attraction without needing us to go with them. They also have a Drop Tower, for anyone 45-260 pounds where you take a short zipline over to a platform then step off for a 65-foot free fall before slowing and landing back on the ground. The kids all tried this one, even our little 45-pound 7-year-old and they reported that it was the scariest attraction that they attempted in the park and also that it did jerk and and hurt more than the other elements when it finally catches you and starts to slow you down at the end.

There are 3 different hills were you can experience Summer Tubing. Ages 5 and up can ride the K40 hill. Ages 10 and up can ride the K64 hill. Individuals ages 13 and up who have first ridden the K64 hill can do the Extreme K90 Summer Tubing. None of our kids are 13 yet, so we didn't try the last one but all the kids over 5, including the brand new 5-year-old birthday boy all got to try one of the tubing hills and the boys that rode the K64 said it was way fun, but a little freaky at the highest point since the incline was so steep that they couldn't see over the tube and down the hill until after they got going. But once they got passed that initial starting sensation it was pure excitement all the way down.

 

There were also plenty of other smaller activities to participate in as well such as riding the Scenic Chairlifts, playing in the Discovery Zone playground, watching the athletes train, hiking the scenic trails, attempting the Mountain Challenge, catching a Freestyle Show, and exploring the two museums.

The Extreme Zipline and the Alpine Slide definitely were the most popular in that they always seemed to have the longest lines. So we discovered that the museum area opens at 9:00 am while the attractions don't open until 10:00 am (Tubing has a later start time and runs from 11:30-4:30). This allows you to get your tickets and get in line at the bottom of the chair lift so that you are ready to go right when things are getting started and opening up. We were in line by 9:45 and still had to wait for over an hour, so I would suggest getting there right at 9:00, getting tickets and heading straight over to the Nordic chair lift, which will take you up the mountain to both the Extreme Zipline and the Alpine Slide. If you're going to wait an hour anyway you may as well wait sooner, get to be one of the first riders and have more time to explore the park afterwards. 

Then we also noticed that the lines actually died down about an hour before the attractions closed at 6:00 as well, so right before you leave you can go back and do the other attraction, either the Extreme Zipline or the Alpine Slide, whichever one you didn't experience in the morning. One attendant told us that as long as you were in line by 6:00, they usually let you wait past closing hours and complete the activity. No matter what though, you do have to wait in lines, but that part actually wasn't too bad for us as it gave us a good chance to chat with the kids and have some good conversations while they were stuck standing next to us for as extended period of time... silver lining!

In between the two big attractions which are best done early or late in the day we took time to explore the rest of the park and were able to do all the activities the kids were interested in at least once. It really was such a fun and challenging day!

You'll be outside in the sun for most of the day, so be sure that you wear hats or sunscreen and bring plenty of snacks and water. You shouldn't take loose items with you on most attractions, so wear a small backpack to carry everything in and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must. Most of the elements are designed to physically challenge you, so basically dress like you are headed to the gym in comfortable clothing.

We loved getting to spend time together and watch the kids overcome obstacles that they thought were too difficult. They faced their fears and concurred new heights, while growing, gaining confidence and having a blast! We left the place at closing time both exhausted and so fulfilled, it was a blast, and now we are all ready to bunker down with Olympic fever and watch an overdose of televised sporting events with everyone around the world!

While we were there I couldn't help thinking that the park would be a perfect spot for a family reunion as it seemed to have something for everyone, definitely the kind of place that kids of all ages could enjoy as well as adults. Then shortly after voicing that idea we ended up seeing multiple large family groups in matching tee-shirts get in line and realized we were the first ones to come up with that brilliant idea!

 

Because the park is so big and has so much to offer to people of all ages we decided to break our suggestions and tips down into age specific posts and share exactly what each age level can and can't do at the park, so be sure to check back for additional details about exploring the park with toddlers, older kids and teenagers. We'll also be sure to post about all the things that you can participate in completely for free!

***************Giveaway***************

We are giving away 2 gold passes to Utah Olympic Park.

  • To enter, leave a comment.
  • Giveaway ends this Monday.
  • Extra entries on Instagram.
Melinda
Entrance Fee(s)
Groups of 25 people or more can receive a 20% discount off regular rates. To qualify for group rates: Your group must have a minimum of 25 people Your group must submit an order form 14-days in advance of your visit
Helpful Tips

Scenic Chairlift Ride

Ability Level All

  • It is recommended that riders be at least age 3.
  • Infant carriers are required for children under the age of 3.
  • It is recommended that children are accompanied by an adult.

Museums at Utah Olympic Park

Free for All Ages

Athlete Training at the Park

Free for spectators

Alpine Slide

Ability Level All

  • *Passenger: Must be at least age 3 and under 48" tall. Must be accompanied by a driver age 13 or older.
  • Ability LevelAll
  • Driver: Must be at least 48" tall.
  • Passenger: Must be at least age 3 and under 48" tall. Must be accompanied by a driver age 13 or older.
  • No open-toe shoes or shoes without heel straps. No handheld objects. Secure loose clothing, hats, hair, and personal articles.
  • This activity is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or for those with high blood pressure; back, neck, or bone injury; heart conditions; recent surgery; or any physical or mental ailment.
  • Dress comfortably, hiking/tennis shoes recommended.

Extreme Summer Tubing

Ability Level All

  • Rules + Requirements:
  • Age Requirements: 5+ on the K40 | 10+ on the K64 | 13+ on the K90.
  • All participants will be required to ride the K64 first before progressing to the K90
  • Helmets required and will be provided
  • No open-toe shoes or shoes without heels straps.
  • No handheld objects such as cameras, video cameras, phones, etc.
  • All participants must fit properly when seated in the inner tube with bottom reaching the seat base.
  • For your safety and that of others:
  • Extreme tubing is a high-speed activity that takes place in an inner tube on the K90 and K64 Nordic Ski Jump landing hills. The landing hills are made of a synthetic plastic material, which can cause cuts, abrasions and burns when exposed skin comes into contact.
  • Participants must secure loose clothing, hats, hair and personal belongings.
  • Participants are advised to keep both hands on the tube handles at all times and must remain seated in the tube until stopped. Once stopped, participants much exit tube and carry it to the side of the outrun.
  • This activity is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or for those with high blood pressure; back, neck, or bone injury; heart conditions; recent surgery; or any physical or mental ailment.
  • Reckless participation may result in injury.

Extreme ZipLine

Ability Level All
AgeAll (See Rules + Safety Below)
  • Participants must weigh between 100 - 275 lbs.
  • Shoes without heel straps must be removed and secured. No handheld objects. Secure loose clothing, hats, hair, and personal articles.
  • This activity is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or for those with high blood pressure; back, neck, or bone injury; heart conditions; recent surgery; or any physical or mental ailment.

Freestyle Zipline

Ability Level All
Age All (See Rules + Safety Below)

  • Participants must weigh between 50 - 275 lbs.
  • The Freestyle Zip is a high-speed cable ride that occurs at heights with a sudden abrupt landing.
  • Shoes without heel straps must be removed and secured. No handheld objects. Secure loose clothing, hats, hair, and personal articles.
  • This activity is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or for those with high blood pressure; back, neck, or bone injury; heart conditions; recent surgery; or any physical or mental ailment.

Drop Tower

Ability Level All
Age All

  • Participants must weigh a minimum of 45 lbs. and a maximum of 260 lbs.
  • Participants must be able to step off the 65-foot tower without assistance.
  • Adult participation recommended for youth ages 12 and under.
  • No open-toe shoes or shoes without heel straps. No handheld objects. Secure loose clothing, hats, hair, and personal articles.
  • This activity is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or for those with high blood pressure; back, neck, or bone injury; heart conditions; recent surgery; or any physical or mental ailment.

Discovery Adventure Course

Ability Level Beginner
Age 5+

  • UOP STRONGLY RECOMMENDS adult participation with those ages 7 + younger.
  • Participants must weigh a minimum of 35 lbs and a maximum of 215 lbs to participate.
  • Participants must be able to pull themselves back onto the element in case of a fall.
  • No open-toe shoes or shoes without heel straps. No handheld objects. Secure loose clothing, hats, hair, and personal articles.
  • This activity is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or for those with high blood pressure; back, neck, or bone injury; heart conditions; recent surgery; or any physical or mental ailment.

Canyon Adventure Course

Ability Level Intermediate
Age 7+

  • Ages: 7 & older. UOP STRONGLY RECOMMENDS adult participation with those ages 12 & younger.
  • Youth under 7 years of age MUST complete the Discovery Course and receive an Adventure Card from the course operator prior to attempting the Canyon Course.
  • Participants must weigh a minimum of 45 lbs and a maximum of 275 lbs.
  • Participants must be able to pull themselves back onto the element in case of a fall.
  • UOP strongly recommends that participants begin with the Discovery Course prior to attempting the Canyon Course.
  • No open-toe shoes or shoes without heel straps. No handheld objects. Secure loose clothing, hats, hair, and personal articles.
  • This activity is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or for those with high blood pressure; back, neck, or bone injury; heart conditions; recent surgery; or any physical or mental ailment.

Summit Adventure Course

Ability Level Advanced
Age 13+

  • Youth under 13 years of age MUST complete the Canyon Course and receive an Adventure Card from a course operator before progressing to the Summit Course.
  • Participants must weigh a minimum of 45 lbs and a maximum of 275 lbs.
  • Participants must be able to pull themselves back onto the element in the case of a fall.
  • UOP strongly recommends that ALL participants begin with the Canyon Course prior to attempting the Summit Course.
  • No open-toe shoes or shoes without heel straps. No handheld objects. Secure loose clothing, hats, hair, and personal articles.
  • This activity is not recommended for guests who are pregnant or for those with high blood pressure; back, neck, or bone injury; heart conditions; recent surgery; or any physical or mental ailment.

 

 

 

 

Colleen Steffen (not verified)

Thu, 07/21/2016 - 17:09

We have yet to do these activities. Looks like great fun especially to get out of the heat of the valley ;)

Emily (not verified)

Thu, 07/21/2016 - 19:30

This is great!! Several years ago we watched ski jumpers summer practice but haven't been back. Our foreign exchange students come tomorrow and this would be so fun

Kathy (not verified)

Thu, 07/21/2016 - 20:44

My family have enjoyed so many of the activites and events you talk about on Instagram and would love to have a fun filled day exploring Utah Olympic Park. Thanks for all of the fun suggestions!!!

Kathy ison (not verified)

Thu, 07/21/2016 - 20:49

Our family has enjoyed participating in many of the summer activities you have shared on Instagram. Puppies for Rent at Liberty Park was the littles favorite. Utah Olympic park would be a fun filled day of adventure and new memories!!!

Lizzie McCreary (not verified)

Thu, 07/21/2016 - 21:45

Your blog is honestly the best page around to learn about Utah and the vast array of things to see and do, regardless of age and abilities! No wonder friends and family love coming to visit. I'd like to try this Olympic Park, since I now have the time!!!!
Thanks for all your hard work in putting this great blog out..
Lizzie

Leigh A Hallford (not verified)

Fri, 07/22/2016 - 12:05

This looks fun and definitely want to do all the activities. I'm a Facebook follower for the Salt Project. We have taken a few hiking trails that was on the 25 top easy hiking trails.

Shannon Andrus (not verified)

Fri, 07/22/2016 - 18:43

I love all the stuff you guys talk about. Just the other day we visited a park you guys recommended and a friend said asked how I knew about all the cool parks. And I told her about The Salt Project!! Thanks for all the fun tips. We would love to try the Olympic Park. It looks amazing!!!

Jessica (not verified)

Wed, 08/03/2016 - 01:31

Thank you for all your tips and info. Been a lifetime resident of UT and never headed up to the Olympic Park. Kind of embarrassed to admit.
The alpine slide is different than the one at park city mountain resort then?

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