Nothing beats summers in Utah, but beating the heat is key to fully enjoying Utah from June to September. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay cool and still enjoy the sunny Utah summers.

Robert J. DeBry and KSL teamed up to provide a list of a few “cool” places to visit with your family to beat the heat this summer.

Splash pads

Dozens of splash pads — outdoor play areas with sprinklers, fountains and other water-spraying devices — have popped up all over the state over the past few years, and most are free. Splash pads don’t usually have any standing water and are a fun activity for children of all ages. A quick online search can show you which splash pads are nearest you.

Public pools

Create some classic memories with your child or family by spending time at a public pool this summer. Public pools dot the Salt Lake Valley and many feature water slides, lazy rivers, diving boards and zero-depth (beach-like) entry and more. Check out a list here.

Water parks

There’s nothing more magical for kids (or adults) in the summer than a water park. Visit one of the state’s great water parks for a special occasion or consider a season pass if you live nearby and want to make regular trips with the family.

Pull out the hose/sprinklers

Grab the hose, flip on the sprinklers or invest in a nifty kids sprinkler to stay cool in your backyard. It’s quick and cheap and sure to provide some slips and giggles for the kids (and we dare you to stay dry).

Get into the mountains

Most Utahns are no more than an hour away from a significant degree temperature drop in the mountains. When it gets hot in the valley, escape to the mountains for cooler temperatures and green, wildflower-covered peaks. Visit a local ski resort for summer activities like a stroll, hike, bike, zip-line, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, slide and more. Find a close-to-home camping spot and enjoy a beautiful summer evening and cooler temps in the mountains.

Go north

Can’t stand the heat in Utah County, Salt Lake County or Davis County? Start driving north. Visit Cache Valley, Ogden Valley or take a day trip to the beautiful (and often chilly) Bear Lake for noticeably cooler temps.

Hit a river

Looking for an adventure? Have fun and keep cool riding a river in Utah this summer. Visit Provo or Weber River to stay close to home, or take a trip to Moab, Green River or Flaming Gorge for more of a get-away.

Spend a day at a lake or reservoir

Visiting a lake or reservoir is a great way to cool off and enjoy nature in Utah, and fortunately, there are several great options less than an hour from many areas in the Salt Lake Valley. Play in the sand, swim, float in a tube and enjoy an escape from the heat but don’t forget the sunscreen. If you’re looking for adventure, do some research to find a lake/reservoir that offers rentals for paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, water toys, boats or other watercrafts.

Take a break

Some days you may just need a break from the sun and heat. Visit a library (many offer summer programs for kids and teens), take a trip to a museum or gallery, or catch the latest movie and soak in some air conditioning.

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