There are a lot of reasons to smile in Park City, whether you’re a long-time local or first-time visitor. And while the list of restaurants, shops and activities that will take your green backs is as high as Jupiter Peak, sometimes it’s nice to mix in some free attractions. This list of 15 fun and free activities is the icing on the Park City cake. From transportation to indulgences, with a little planning, you can get out and enjoy this beautiful resort town without spending a dime.
1. Canyons Cabriolet
A fun way to get a good view on the cheap is the Cabriolet located at the base of Canyons Village. Bus or drive to the base and go for a spin on the Cabriolet, or “The Cab” ask locals like to call it. No pass is required for a roundtrip spin. This is a great activity for folks who don’t like to ski but still want to get in on the lift-served action.
2. S’mores at the Montage
Complimentary s’mores are offered every night at the Montage. Be warned, these are not your typical s’mores. House-made marshmallows and your choice of milk or dark chocolate really sweeten this deal. Hours change seasonally, from 4-5pm in the winter to 8-9pm in the summer. Check their website for availability.
3. Park City Transit
Tour the town on Park City’s free transit system. Check out the White line, a new fleet of electric busses complete with wi-fi. If you are feeling extra adventurous head to the East side of Summit County on the Kamas Commuter.
4. Champagne Sabering at the St. Regis
Bottle sabering is a tradition at many St. Regis hotels and our local outpost is devoted to the ritual. Every night at the St. Regis Deer Valley, a Bar Tender trained in sabrage slices the cork off of a bottle of champagne with a great flourish and a “POP!”: awed bystanders are then invited to a glass of bubbly.
5. Mountain Town Music
Most weekend afternoons there is a live musical performance at either Park City Mountain or Canyons Village, and sometimes both. In the summer season, you’ll hardly be able to keep up on all the free live music. Presented by Mountain Town Music, this nonprofit knows how to keep our toes tapping. I am a proud partner of this organization.
6. Art Gallery Stroll
Did you know that Park City is an art hub? Create your own gallery stroll any time of the year by visiting more than 20 local galleries. If you happen to be here on the 4th Friday of the month, there is an organized gallery stroll between 6-9pm where light refreshments are served.
7. Kimball Art Center
Speaking of art, the Kimball Art Center remains a cornerstone of culture for Park City. Now off-Main in the Prospector/Kearns area, the center is open every day, year-round and is free to the public. They also offer wonderful classes and events throughout the year including the annual Park City Arts Festival held each August.
8. Utah Olympic Park
The Utah Olympic Park is a must-see. You might hear screams of joy as you drive up the winding road. These screams could be coming from a zip line, a ski jumper or an extreme tubing enthusiast. What many people don’t know is that the Park is home to the Alf Engen Ski Museum—a facility that highlights all things skiing—as well as the Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum. Admission to both museums is free.
9. Kimball Junction Circulator
The Kimball Junction Circulator will give you a tour around the Kimball Junction area from 9am to 10pm every day of the week. A van drives by on the route every 15 minutes. Simply flag one down and hop on. You can hop off at any time, say to drop by the Outlet Mall or hit your favorite sushi place for lunch.
10. High West Distillery and Saloon
Everyday at 2:30 p.m., guests 21 and older are invited to tour the High West Distillery and Saloon. Make sure to call in advance because tours are popular and fill up fast. This lively gastro-pub is housed in the historic Ellsworth J. Beggs House and the old town Livery.
11. Main Street Trolley
The most stylish of Park City’s free transit offerings is the Main Street Trolley. Hint, the Trolley drivers tend to be just as friendly and jolly you’d imagine in the postcard version of the shining red trolley that they drive. Be sure to snap a quick pick inside. The cozy brass railways and oak seats are truly treasures from the past.
12. Park City Library
If quiet is what you crave, head on over to the Park City Library. With a coffee shop on the main floor and newspapers and comfy seats on the second floor, this place is a great place for a peaceful afternoon.
13. Wetland Discovery Trail
The Wetland Discovery Trail might be the town’s best kept secret. It is located in the Swaner Nature Preserve and includes 8 trail marker posts that correspond to a brochure explaining the wetlands. Simply stop by the EcoCenter for the brochure and a combination code into the entry gate. The trailhead is about 1/8 mile south of the EcoCenter.
14. Willow Creek Park
All year-round, Willow Creek Park has something fun for everyone. From ice-skating in the winter to the large dog park (complete with a dog playground and seasonal swimming), there is no shortage of fun. Pack some sun screen and snacks because a quick visit can easily turn into a long afternoon.
15. Park City Film Series
The Park City Film Series offers three programs that are completely free and open to the public. Their Books 2 Movies is partnership with local libraries and screens movies on the first Saturday of the month at 4pm. They also offer a Foreign Cinema for Kids on the second Saturday of the month at 3pm. This program is the only one of it’s kind in the State. The Reel Community Series are films presented with local nonprofits and reflect the interests of the community.
Don’t worry about forgetting your wallet at home, this community-minded town has got fun, free activities in spades.