Updated December 3, 2024
There are a lot of reasons to smile in Park City, whether you’re a long-time local or a first-time visitor. And while the list of restaurants, shops, and activities that will take your greenbacks 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 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” as 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 – 5 pm. in the winter and 8 – 9 pm in the summer. Check their website for availability.
3. McPolin Barn Nature Trail
Also known as the White Barn, the McPolin Barn is an iconic landmark of Park City. If you park on the other side of the road, you can access it through a tunnel under the highway that has a mural of the landscape. Next to the barn is a trail with signs that will teach you about the wildlife and plants in the area.
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 bartender trained in sabrage slices the cork off 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 with 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 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 last Friday of the month, an organized gallery stroll occurs between 6 and 9 p.m. where light refreshments are served.
7. Kimball Art Center
Speaking of art, the Kimball Art Center remains a cornerstone of culture for Park City. Located 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 Kimball 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 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. 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. 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 as you’d imagine in the postcard version of the shining red trolley they drive. Be sure to snap a quick pick inside. The cozy brass railways and oak seats are truly treasures from the past.
11. 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 is a great place for a peaceful afternoon.
12. 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 to the entry gate. The trailhead is about 1/8 mile south of the EcoCenter.
13. 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 sunscreen and snacks because a quick visit can easily turn into a long afternoon.
14. Park City Film
Park City Film offers a variety of programs that are completely free and open to the public. The Art on Screen Series features performing and visual arts. The Made in Utah series presents films made by Utahns. The Reel Community Series are films presented with local nonprofits and reflect the interests of the community. They also offer a Foreign Cinema for Kids. This program is the only one of its kind in the State. Another series for kids is the School Break Films series where films are screened at 4 p.m. on every weekday during Park City School District breaks.
15. Guardsman Pass
Open only during the summer and fall, Guardsman Pass is a popular scenic drive to see wildflowers or fall leaves. The drive is about an hour one way. Multiple hiking trails are available throughout this drive.
Don’t worry about forgetting your wallet at home, this community-minded town has fun, free activities in spades.