Aug 11, 2015 / Local Utah
Summer vacations are out; staycations are in. Why? A staycation offers all the fun of a traditional vacation but will cost you less time, money and headache. Salt Lake City offers plenty of ways to cool down, see the sights and socialize – all without having to pack a suitcase.
Here are three staycations that will make you happy to stick around this summer:
1. Cool Down at Seven Peaks Water Park
Beat the summer heat by taking the plunge at Seven Peaks. Take a mellow meander down the 1,200-foot Amazon River or listen to the waves at Tidal Beach. If you like an adrenaline rush, get your fill on water slides like Rainforest Rapids or Whitewater Drench. Seven Peaks also has water features just for pint-sized swimmers, like the popular Dinosaur Bay.
A basic all-day pass will cost $19.99-24.99 per person, plus $7.00 for parking. Or you can upgrade to a V.I.P. or Platinum pass – which will include parking, a tube rental, and a meal – for $27.99-29.99. If you want to soak up some rays in style, cabana rentals are also available.
2. Reach New Heights and See the Sights at Snowbird
Don’t waste your summer standing in two-hour lines at Disneyland. Instead, get your roller coaster fix with a breathtaking view of the great outdoors at Snowbird.
Ride the Mountain Coaster and Alpine Slide, then head over to Vertical Drop, Snowbird’s newest addition. You can also bounce around on the bungee trampoline, test your balance on the ropes course or get a workout on the climbing wall. Top off the day by taking in the sights on Snowbird’s aerial tram, which will elevate you 2,900 vertical feet during the ten-minute trip to Hidden Peak.
An all-day pass for Snowbird gives you access to all these activities from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and costs $34.00-44.00 each.
3. Make Friends Fishy and Furry at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Enjoy the air conditioning and aquatic ambience at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. The aquarium is home to more than 2,484 animals and 451 species including penguins, otters, clownfish, sharks, electric eels, toucans, and more. Hit the museum during feeding times for the sharks or penguins to see how our animal friends dine.
Tickets range from $12.95-17.95, although kids aged two and under are free.
Need a little cash to fund your staycation? For a limited time, you get $50 when you activate your new Utah First Platinum Rewards Visa credit card. Read more about it, or call (800) 234-0729.