Summer in the Mountains
5 Fun and FREE Things to Do in Park City this Summer
Yes, ski towns are expensive. But it's also true that, in Park City, some of the best things in life are still free.
Park City's reputation as a luxury destination is well documented, and there are endless things to do for those with a bottomless wallet or purse. But Park City is also a very community-minded enclave and both residents and visitors can take advantage of plenty of free activities offered throughout the year, especially in the summer. Following are five activities that should be a part of your summer bucket list, all of which cost absolutely nothing.
1. Hike
A sturdy pair of shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle is all you need to get out on Park City's 400-plus-mile trail system.
Image: Deer Valley Resort
While both Park City and Deer Valley offer lift-served mountain biking and hiking for a charge, anyone can access the resorts' trail systems--and the miles and miles of connecting trails--for absolutely free. A list of our favorite 21 area hikes can be found here. And after you do the heavy lifting of walking up the mountain, both Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain allow hikers to catch a ride down the mountain on the chairlift free of charge.
2. Yoga
Why pay upwards of $20 to get centered when you can join the good folks from lululemon (located at 333 Main St) for a free outdoor yoga class? Join certified local instructors for a little namaste at City Park every Tuesday at 6 p.m. starting the second week in June. Bring your own mat and layers as evenings in Park City can be chilly. For details, call 435.649.3485.
3. Museums
A glimpse inside the 2002 Winter Olympics Museum at the Utah Olympic Park.
Image: Utah Olympic Park
Three of Park City's most beloved and well-executed museums--the Kimball Art Center, Alf Engen Ski Museum, and Eccles 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum--are free and open to the public year-round. Recent exhibitions at the Kimball include work from world-renowned sculptor Richard Serra, contemporary printmaker Nicole Pietrantoni, and multi-media artist Jimmi Toro. And the world-class Alf Engen Ski Museum and 2002 museum--housed at the Utah Olympic Park--include interactive touch screen displays, videos, virtual reality ski theater, games, and topographical maps.
4. Sundance in the Summer
The world renowned Sundance Film Festival draws thousands of filmmakers and cinephiles to Park City every January, but you don't have to brave the snowy weather to get a dose of indie film. As part of the community program for Utah, the Sundance Institute puts on a free Summer Film Series. Split between Park City's City Park and the Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City, the series showcases a mix of old classics, audience picks, and recent selections from the annual festival. Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and watch movies under the stars!
5. Outdoor concerts
Sitting on a grassy hillside with a picnic dinner is a standard part of life in Park City, thanks in large part to Mountain Town Music, which programs venues ranging from Deer Valley Resort and the Farmer's Market to Woodenshoe Park in Peoa and the Dejoria Center in Kamas with local and regional acts on a weekly basis, free of charge. For a month-by-month glimpse of Mountain Town Music's free concert schedule, click here. Though they have not yet released the line-up, Park City Mountain will be offering free concerts every Friday from May 25 to September 1 in their village.
