I believe people who fall in love with Park City are just big kids who can’t get enough of the outdoors and adventure. But Park City is a great place for real kids, too… both in terms of raising them and vacationing with them.
That said, when you’re a visitor in Park City, you may have times when you want to venture out without the littles. Whether it’s a night on the town or a ski date with a loved one, you shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting a little adult time on your vacation.
You have several options for childcare in Park City — the best one depends on the type of service you’re seeking.
Park City Babysitters for PNO: Parents’ Night Out
Park City nightlife is really something to write home about. Films, musical acts, dining, bars, and special events are just some of the reasons you’ll definitely want to head out after dark on your trip.
Park City Sitters
Park City Sitters is consistently rated “Best of Park City” by locals. Albeit pricey, this is a reliable service that vets sitters with a face-to-face interview, reference checks, and a background check. All sitters are CPR-certified. Rates range from $50 to $92 per hour depending on the date and number of children.
Mother Goose of Utah
Mother Goose of Utah is a local, Salt Lake-based service that also serves the Park City area. When you want the sitter to come to your rental house or hotel, you’ll trust their well-vetted team. Another great feature they offer is rentals of child gear such as toys, cribs, infant lay-down baths, and more in case you don’t want to lug yours!
Guardian Angels of Utah
Guardian Angels of Utah is another local Utah service with a Park City arm. Rates start at $40 per hour and go up for holidays and the number of children. In addition to renting baby gear, they also provide grocery delivery, which is a great service for parents!
Child Care for a Day Date
Skiing with your kids is one of the most magical things in the world. I love the quote from Oprah, “Skiing is the next best thing to having wings.” But sometimes you need to give your little ones the wings to venture out on their own. Luckily, Park City has a few great drop-in childcare options during the day.
Little Adventures at Canyons Village
The Little Adventures Children’s Center at Park City Mountain Resort (Canyons Village) is for children 6 weeks through 6 years. Two programs are available based on age range, with the older kids taking a gondola ride for snow play. You can choose a half-day or a full day, and activities are planned for your child every hour.
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort Children’s Center offers skiing and non-skiing programs for children 2 months to 12 years. The childcare includes a variety of storytelling, art projects, singing, and imagination activities. Ski programs are offered for potty-trained children starting at age 3, and go all the way to age 17 (“Teen Escape”).
Just Need Time to Get The Wiggles Out
If you don’t necessarily need to leave your child but just need an activity for them to get some energy out or some social time with other kids, here are a few great options.
Toddler Time at Basin Rec
Basin Recreation opens up the indoor fieldhouse for Toddler Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 to 12:00 noon for open play. They have bounce houses, and you can even bring your kid’s bike if they have one. Come chat with other parents and get a little adult time while your child runs around. They also offer a workout class called Power Hour where children are allowed.
Open Gym at Black Diamond
Black Diamond Gymnastics in Kimball Junction has a variety of programs for kids, including the ever-popular “Open Gym” that happens every Saturday from 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. for Ages 5 – 18. Let your small and big kids run around on the bouncy floors and jump in the foam pits. Advanced reservations are recommended.
Music Together Classes
Hello Music has a Park City branch that offers Music Together classes near the Spring Creek Trailhead in Kimball Junction. This is a fun, teacher-led time for parents to sit with kids and play together musically. You can sign up for a 10-week program on the Hello Music website.
National Sitter Placement Services
Although I have no direct experience with these options, national sitter services such as Care.com and Urban Sitter are available in Park City.
Like many things in Park City’s busy season, these services can fill up quickly. Be sure to reserve your spot in advance. If something changes with a service I’ve outlined above, please leave it in the comments for others to see!
Happy family vacationing!