Fun-Filled Family Activities In Downtown Ogden
Families come in all shapes and sizes with varied interests. So does family adventure in Ogden, Utah.
Every family is bound to have varied ages, passions and interests. We’ve compiled some of our favorite kid-friendly family activities to fill a quick day trip, a short staycation, or an action-packed summer in Ogden.
The Paleontologist
At some point in life, every kid goes through a dinosaur phase. If you think back, you can probably remember your favorite dinosaur. Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park features more than 100 life-sized dinosaur sculptures that are both accurate and impressive, providing a hands-on learning opportunity for children of all ages. Additionally, the park offers interactive exhibits, paleontological workshops, and guided tours that allow families to delve deeper into the fascinating world of dinosaurs.
The Dreamer
Ogden’s Treehouse Museum features hands-on exhibits that encourage imaginative play that allow kids to make meaningful connections through stories, literacy, and the arts. Kids can explore, discover and interact with a myriad of exhibits including a Science Circus, a pretend grocery store, a World Village featuring examples of houses from around the world, giant maps of Utah and the United States, and much more. Additionally, the museum offers a wide range of workshops, story times, and special events that provide unique and educational experiences for families.
The Airplane Fanatic
One of the most visited attractions in the area is the Hill Aerospace Museum. This fascinating and educational experience is sure to inspire a love of aviation and military history. The museum features a large collection of aircraft, including famous planes like the SR-71 Blackbird and the B-17 Flying Fortress. Kids can climb into the cockpits of some of the planes, learn about the science behind flight, and participate in special events and workshops that provide an in-depth look at the history of aviation.
The Artist
Downtown Ogden is home to a vibrant public art scene including dozens of colorful murals, many depicting the city's history and culture. A summer mural stroll will also take you past dozens of beautifully painted horses that are scattered throughout the city, each with their unique design and personality. The horses are a bit wild, so please don’t try to ride them.
For more a “hands-on” art experience, check the Summer schedule at the Eccles Community Art Center, or pop into Art Box Ogden at The Monarch and make a candle. While you’re there, explore dozens of working artist studios and check out Ogden Contemporary Arts.
Check our events page for up-to-date performance events at theaters, galleries, and public spaces.
The Train Lover
Ogden’s historic Union Station is an iconic landmark that showcases the rich history of the city and its role in the westward expansion of the United States with the Transcontinental Railroad. The station houses four museums that include railroad history and vintage trains, a cowboy history museum, early firearm designs from Ogden’s John M. Browning, and an impressive collection of antique cars. Additionally, the station hosts special events and performances throughout the year, providing families with a unique and engaging experience.
The Daredevil
When it’s time to get the wiggles out, head over to Ogden’s High Adventure Park along the banks of the Ogden River. With dozens of unique ways to climb, swing, and slide, this isn’t your typical municipal park playground. Keep a close eye on kids around the river, especially with this year’s higher-than-normal run-off flows.
If your kids crave an even bigger adrenaline spike, let them try indoor surfing, rock climbing, or skydiving at the Salomon Center. While there, you might as well let them hit the large arcade or bowl a few games at Skinny Dogz.
The Sports Nut
If you’ve got a budding athlete in the family, take in an Ogden Raptors home game at Lindquist Field. This is small-town baseball at its best in a stadium that consistently ranks as one of the most scenic in all of baseball.
Looking to participate and not just spectate? Try a round of disc golf at Fort Buenaventura. The course hosted the World Championships in 2020 that included what literally every expert and pundit still maintains is “the greatest shot in disc golf history.” It was even ESPN’s “Play of the Day” when it happened.
Sk8er Boi
Got a skater in the family? Any kind of skater? Skateboarders will love the skate park at Lorin Farr Park as well as the Ogden River Parkway that leads to it.
A brand new indoor skate park recently opened as part of the new Neptune Skating. The new establishment includes roller blading and old-school roller skating. Check their website for hours, pricing and schedule of special events.
Or cool off by lacing up a pair of hockey or figure skates during open skate hours at the Weber County Ice Sheet. Click here for more information.
No matter what your day of adventure includes, virtually every family can agree that the best way to cap it off is with ice cream. In Ogden, that means a trip to Farr’s Ice Cream. Take a number. Wait your turn. It’s worth the wait.
Farr Better Ice Cream has been an Ogden institution for 99 years. With a constant rotation of dozens of flavors, it may take several trips to finally settle on your favorite. This is pure speculation, but it’s likely that they’ll trot out even more flavors as they ramp up to their centennial celebration next year.
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