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SALT LAKE CITY — Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day happen to fall on the same long weekend this year, and the unseasonable weather may be just right to make great plans.
Whether it’s taking a beautiful hike or going to see a movie, Utah has plenty of versatile activities to offer this holiday weekend.
Here are a few suggestions:
Bryce Canyon Winter Festival
This three-day event offers a multitude of high-adventure entertainment. Cross-country ski tours, kayaking demos, a snow sculpture contest and a ski archery competition are just a few activities the festival offers. Most of the events are free, including the entrance into Bryce Canyon National Park. The festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 14-15 and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16. For more information regarding the event schedule, visit its website.
National Parks
Bryce Canyon isn’t the only national park that will be free of charge this weekend. Presidents Day weekend is one of the few times all U.S. national park sites are free. Utah has five national parks, including Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion. Additional national park sites in Utah include national monuments, Golden Spike National Historic Site and Glen Canyon Recreational Area. It should be noted that the fee waiver includes entrance, transportation entrance and commercial tour fees, but does not include reservation, camping, tours or concession fees, according to the U.S. National Park Service.
Related:
Utah promotes Mighty 5 national parks campaign
When you hear the term "Utah's Mighty 5," what comes to mind? The folks at the Utah Office of Tourism hope you think of Utah's five national parks. (Photo: Submitted through iWitness)Grizzlies vs. Steeleheads
Sporting events can be a fun way to celebrate holidays, and on Presidents Day, the Utah Grizzlies hockey team will skate against the Idaho Steeleheads at the Maverik Center in West Valley City. Tickets range from $10 to $45 and with a Maverik Adventure Club Card, guests can buy one, get one free. The game will begin at 1:35 p.m.
This is the Place Heritage Park
There are plenty of family activities to participate in at This is the Place Heritage Park, and celebrating Utah’s heritage may be a good tribute to Utah's forefathers. Winter still proves to be a busy season for the park, according to its website. Guests can watch a saddle maker “craft leather goods," visit the Stoddard Art Gallery, see the monuments and Mormon Battalion Museum, take a train tour around the village and more. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for children.
The Treehouse Museum
The Treehouse Museum in Ogden is a fun place to take children any day of the week, and the museum is extending its Monday hours for the holiday. Monday, the museum is welcoming the special traveling exhibit Curious George: Let’s Get Curious. “The exhibit features interactive elements inspired by the wonderful stories about the curious monkey by Margret and H.A. Rey,” according to its website. Also on Presidents Day, children can participate in a scheduled art project and a Treehouse Theater production. Admission for adults ages 13 and above is $5 and $7 for children ages 1 to 12.
