We can all agree that shoulder season isn't the most happening time, but there are still things to do if you want to get your kids out of the house for a fun adventure. Following are our suggestions for how to spend your time in Park City until the big summer events fill up the calendar. 

Hit the trail on foot or wheels 

Warm your legs up for the hiking and biking season by cruising some of the lower elevation trails around town. Prime spots for spring hiking and biking include the trails below the UOP and in Round Valley. These are great, shorter excursions for younger adventurers since you can connect trails to get the distance you want, but make a quick exit if fatigue sets in. On days following rain, try riding the excellent paved pathways of Poison Creek Trail and McLeod Creek Trail. Check out our Spring Hiking 101 for tips on hitting the trail during mud season.

Go on a whirlwind trip around the world at Park City Library

Want to get all the kids together for a spur of the moment vacation to Madrid or Hawaii? It might seem to good to be true, but you can actually do it when Park City Library hosts Armchair Travel Virtual Reality every first of the Tuesday of the month. Explore the world from the comfort of your own corner of the world on May 1 from 4 to 5 p.m. It might not be as good as actually climbing the Eiffel Tower, but at least you get to skip the plane tickets and hassles of traditional travel. 

Get your hands dirty at the Kimball Clay Open Studio

For an artsy afternoon, pop into the Kimball Clay Studio to try your hand at wheel throwing during their Open Studio sessions. Though technically not a class, the Kimball's experienced teachers to give a demonstration and are there to provide hands-on assistance if you need it. If you or your kids do end up wanting to take a class, there are several scheduled for a variety of ages and abilities during May. Kimball Clay Studio is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 to 5 p.m.; drop-in rates are $15/person, with a maximum of 6 people. To check availability and reserve your spot, call 435.649.8882.

Channel your inner Picasso with Paint Fusion PC

If making a ceramic pot isn't for you, why not try painting on one? At Pain Fusion PC (1635 West Redstone Center Drive, Ste 115) kids and adults can get hands on painting experience on ceramics or fused glass. The studio is open to everyone, from total beginners to experienced artists and the staff is ready to help you along the way. While the kids are creating masterpieces, grab yourself an espresso drink and crepe at the in-house café. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday & Saturday; and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. 

Challenge yourself with Utah Olympic Park's adventure courses

The summer activities haven't started yet, but that doesn't mean the Utah Olympic Park is shut down. Get your kids problem solving on the Discovery, Canyon, and Summit Adventure Rope Courses, open for exploring Wednesdays - Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. (until 6 p.m. in May). Spring Gold Passes for unlimited access are available for $45 for adults and $30 for kids; get a 10 percent discount when you purchase online. You can also revisit the glories of winters past and immerse yourself in skiing history at the free Alf Engen Ski Museum (open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). 

Learn the lay of the land with Swaner EcoCenter

Delve into Park City's ecosystem with your kids at the Swaner EcoCenter. Things don't slow down here during the shoulder season and there are plenty of activities to choose from. Discover the wetlands during the weekly Morning Nature Walks (every Saturday, 8:30 - 10 a.m.), learn to identify migratory birds on an Avian Adventures tour (April 29, 7 - 10 a.m.), or join in the City Nature Challenge to win prizes with the Swaner BioBlitz. Other continuing programs for the Swaner include the Climbing Wall and Craft Sundays.