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Spring break is almost like your payoff for having made it through those long, cold winter months. But if your plans include staying home this year, the last words you want to hear are "I'm bored." Luckily, there's plenty to do and see throughout the state that's fun, free or relatively inexpensive.
Aside from Utah's bounteous ski resorts and national parks, here are a few other ways to entertain yourself and your family this spring.
Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolate Factory tour
No matter what age you are, there's never a bad time for chocolate. Touring Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolate Factory is the closest you can come to a Willy Wonka-like experience in Utah because you get to see firsthand how all that delicious chocolate is made. (And you even get to sample some of it!)
Factory tours are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and last about 45 minutes. Tickets cost $5 per person, but you get $4 back at the end of the tour to purchase chocolates from their vast selection. Make sure to call ahead to book your appointment!
Holi Festival of Colors
A word of warning: If you don't like messes or large crowds, this probably isn't the activity for you. But if you're the type of person who's been looking for a good excuse to get covered in brightly colored chalk while you celebrate the advent of springtime, the Holi Festival of Colors is right up your alley!
Holi is a popular Hindu holiday celebrating the triumph of good over evil and the transition from winter to spring. At the Festival of Colors at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, you can take part in the merriment by purchasing a bag of chalk and tossing it into the air with everyone else. This year's festival takes place on March 26–27. You can find out more information from the Festival of Colors website.
Spiral Jetty
"Breathtaking" and "must-see" are some of the most common words you'll find in the Tripadvisor reviews about visiting Utah's famous Spiral Jetty earthwork sculpture. It's a great option for those days when you just want to get out of the house, hit the road and enjoy something that won't cost a dime. While you soak in the views of the sculpture and pink water, your kids will enjoy the rocks and sand crystals. Be aware that there are no restrooms nearby and you'll also want to bring your own water and snacks if you plan to stay awhile.
Cherry blossoms at the Utah State Capitol
Looking to fill your Instagram feed with swoon-worthy spring photos? From late March to early April, the cherry blossoms at the capitol provide that picture-perfect opportunity you've been waiting for. Take a stroll along the 0.7-mile Memorial Walkway around Capitol Hill while you bask in the beauty of 433 Yoshino cherry trees in full bloom.
Even more beautiful than the trees themselves is what they symbolize, however. According to the Utah State Capitol, the cherry trees were a gift from Japan following World War II as a symbol of friendship and reconciliation. (That's why you'll also see cherry trees in other states, as well as the U.S. Capitol Building.)
Little Sahara Sand Dunes
It turns out that you don't need "the greatest snow on earth" to enjoy some good skiing and boarding in the Beehive State. Smack-dab in the middle of Utah is the 60,000-acre Little Sahara Recreation Area (LRSA), where ATV riders, sandboarders and sand-skiers flock for some high adventure fun.
The dunes are 115 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, which makes this an easy day trip. The fee is $18 per day for each vehicle entering the park and all riders under the age of 18 are required to wear helmets. (It's a good idea for adults to bring them, too.)
Baby Animal Festival at Cross E Ranch
Nothing says springtime like the arrival of brand-new baby animals! Combine that with apple cider donuts, jump pads, ziplines, mega slides and other attractions and you've got the popular Baby Animal Festival at Cross E Ranch. The festival usually begins in April, but keep an eye on their website for updates.
Or just have a cozy day at home
Leaving your home isn't required in order to have an enjoyable spring break. The break part might just entail curling up on the couch with a blanket and a good book or movie!
Whether you're staying indoors or venturing out into the brisk spring air, Minky Couture has a blanket to fit every member of the family. Shop their website or one of their storefronts for new patterns and colors.
