SALT LAKE CITY — Winter break is a looked-forward to time of year, but the days following Christmas can often be a letdown with no more parties or presents.

This year, keep the memories flowing by participating in some of these family-friendly happenings. Readers are encouraged to verify information of date-sensitive and ticket-required events.

Outdoor activities

1. Go sledding or tubing

Check out this list of free sledding hills from North Ogden through the Payson area. This other list includes ski resorts with designated tubing hills.

2. Soak in Crystal Hot Springs in Honeyville

These naturally occurring outdoor mineral hot springs have temperatures up to 134 degrees Fahrenheit and are a great way to enjoy a huge, hot tub-like experience during the winter. Prices vary, with a family special on Wednesday evenings.

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3. Ice skate outdoors

Try this Park City ice rink, which offers complimentary ice walkers for learners, or Gallivan Center’s ice skating rink.

4. Go on a winter train ride

On Dec. 28, your family can ride South Weber Model Railroad Club’s Snowball Special in South Weber. From 4-7 p.m., families can ride a train around Canyon Meadows Park. While this event is free, donations are appreciated.

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5. Enjoy a parade

Enjoy the Kids’ Torchlight Parade at Snowbird on Dec. 28. This event starts at 6 p.m. with signups several hours earlier. Kids ages 3-12 ski down Chickadee while parents follow along.

6. Visit Temple Square

Experience the 35 Christmas-decorated acres at Temple Square at this free venue. While the lights are on from 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. most nights, they will stay lit until 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 to celebrate New Year’s.

7. Search for elves

Print out this free scavenger hunt and scout out the elves around Gardner Village. The activity is free and available through Dec. 31.

8. Look for yetis

Find the hidden yetis inside the many decorated houses at Ogden’s Christmas Village. This free event includes train rides Friday, Saturday and Monday nights through Jan. 1.

9. Enjoy holiday lights

Enjoy Luminaria at Lehi’s Thanksgiving Point. This 1-mile walk is decorated with thousands of lights. Open now through Jan. 4, from 5 p.m until 8:30 p.m., tickets range from $8 to $17 and should be purchased in advance.

Indoors

1. Ice skate indoors

This link lists indoor ice skating rinks in Salt Lake Valley. Other indoor rinks can be found in: North Logan, Bountiful, Ogden, and Provo.

2. Visit a playground

Find a free indoor playground near you with the help of this list, which covers areas from Layton to Provo.

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3. Learn about Kwanzaa

On Dec. 28, you can explore Kwanzaa’s seven principles at Discovery Gateway. This event is from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and tickets are $12.50.

4. Celebrate Noon Year's Eve at a museum

Celebrate with activities and live music at the Noon Year’s Eve festival on Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Held at the National History Museum of Utah, tickets for this event range from $7.95 to $12.95.

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5. See an IMAX movie

Embrace nature by watching a movie for only $5 on Dec. 31 in either the Dome or IMAX theaters at Clark Planetarium in Salt Lake City.

6. Celebrate Noon Years Eve at an aquarium

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium’s Noon Year’s Eve celebration has many activities and giveaways. It's happing on Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tickets are between $14.95 and $19.95.

7. Attend a Night Bright party

Night Bright at Thanksgiving Point’s Museum of Natural Curiosity’s celebration starts at 8 p.m. on Dec. 31. Tickets range from $10 to $20, and guests are encouraged to wear blacklight-friendly neon.

8. Enjoy a Holiday Stroll

Check out the Grand America’s Window Holiday Stroll and giant gingerbread house. The exhibit is open until Dec. 31, and parking is complimentary the first 30 minutes.

9. Picture This Utah

Picture This Utah at Trolley Square is a pop-up exhibit featuring photo ops that range from ugly Christmas sweaters to a life-size snow globe. The exhibit is on display until Jan. 5, and tickets for the rest of the season have been reduced to $8 a person.

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Share any other family events you know of in the comments below.

Thank you to Utah Fun Activities, Utah With Kids, Visit Salt Lake, The Salt Project and Utah Outdoor Activities for many of these ideas.

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