If you’re looking for a fun day trip or an overnight getaway, I’ve got the perfect idea for you!
We love visiting Midway, ever since we went for the first time five or six years ago. And we’ve been back many times since, both on our own and with our kids. We love the small-town feel, the views, the air, the temperature and the fun and unique things to do up there. We’re hoping to make our visit a yearly tradition during the dreary months of winter when we just need to escape, enjoy the sunshine and have some fun! Our kids aren’t old enough yet to do a few of the activities listed below but we hope to do them on a romantic overnight getaway or as they get a little bit older.
8 Fun Winter Activities in Midway
The Ice Castles
This is our favorite winter activity in Midway and one that kids and adults of every age can enjoy. Each year the Ice Castles open up for a few weeks and you can walk through, slide, sit around the fire and enjoy concessions. We love to get to the castles late in the afternoon so that we can enjoy them in the daylight and stick around to see them after dark when the lights turn on and they take on a whole new look.
Sleigh Rides at the Ice Castles
You can add a horse-drawn sleigh ride to your Ice Castles visit when you’re in Midway. This scenic adventure will take you on a scenic winterscape alongside the mountains. The sleigh ride can start off your winter adventure before you explore Ice Castles or you can enjoy it after. Tickets for the sleigh rides are an additional cost, although kids ages 0-3 ride free.
Soak in the Homestead Crater
The Crater is Midway’s claim to fame. It’s a geothermal spring under a limestone dome next to The Homestead Resort. Inside is warm and the pool maintains a warm temperature while the hole at the top circulates air and lets in a little bit of sunlight. You can soak, swim or go scuba diving in the crater or take a self-guided tour of the cave-like area if you’d rather not get wet. You can grab a package to the Homestead Crater that includes tickets to the Ice Castles as well. They call it the Fire & Ice package, and you can book it through the Homestead Crater website.
Outdoor Ice Rink
While we were in Midway this year, I noticed a sign boasting Utah’s largest outdoor ice skating rink. I looked into the rink more and it seems like a really fun winter activity and something that we plan to add to our itinerary for future trips.
Ride the Heber Valley Railroad
Heber is Midway’s next door neighbor, and the home of the Heber Valley Railroad. They have scenic and fun themed trains that run all year long. Chocolate tastings, showtunes, holiday themes or scenic rides. Whatever you want, there’s a train ride for you, and they’re not terribly expensive.
Tubing at Soldier Hollow
With the ages of our kiddos and their hesitation with new activities, we weren’t able to make this happen during our last Midway day trip, but it’s at the top of my list for future years. The thing I love most about tubing at Soldier Hollow is that you don’t have to hike back up the hill after you reach the bottom. Soldier Hollow has a lift of sorts that you attach your tube to and ride it back to the top of the hill so you can go down again. It always looks like a lot of fun and is something that I’m really looking forward to trying out!
Eat Dinner in an Alpenglobe
Cafe Galleria added six Alpenglobes to their restaurant this year. This unique dining experience provides a private and warm setting with an amazing view. The restaurant itself serves Italian style food that looks delicious and perfect for date night!
Stay Overnight at Zermatt Resort
Our first visit to Midway included an overnight stay at Zermatt Resort. If you don’t know much about Midway, the entire town as a "Swiss” theme and Zermatt is no exception. It’s a luxury hotel with restaurants, a spa, beautiful property and other fun adventures and excursions available. We loved our stay at Zermatt and would definitely stay again as a couple or with our kids! One of our favorite restaurants is in the lobby of Zermatt. Wildfire Smokehaus has amazing smoked meats, yummy fries and really good pizza! We’ve also eaten there for breakfast and loved that as much if not more than their lunch and dinner menus.
Whether you want to adventure for the day or are looking for a fun overnight escape, Midway is one of our favorite places to hang out any time of year, but especially during the winter. Don’t let the inversion get you down, head up the canyon for some sunshine and cleaner air.
