Kids and snow go together like, well, kids and snow. It needs little explanation. Ski vacations are a good fit for kiddos. But Deer Valley Resort has made its way into our hearts as a particularly fitting place to go back to annually, as it offers the kind of old-fashioned fun any generation can enjoy. Together. You won’t find any water parks or laser-tag arcades—leave that to other resorts. You’re a little more likely to build a snowman, roast marshmallows over a fire, snag a board game from the concierge, and forge lifelong memories. Here are a few of our very favorite things that make the young set smile (and make adults’ lives a little simpler) at Deer Valley®.

1. Sign Up for a Day with Deer Valley Ski School

Do it in advance—Deer Valley’s ski school is world-renowned, and its kids’ ski program takes its reputation over the top. The slopes are laced with happy kiddos in their green ski school vests, singing, playing games, and generally making merry as they master their ski turns. It gives parents a well-deserved break from taking their children around the mountain, and it also is a huge boon for kids in their ski skill progression. Learning from a savvy veteran instructor can take a child’s skills up several notches in just one trip.

2. Spend Time at the Children’s Center

For the kids’ non-ski days or half-days off the hill, the Children’s Center is a delightful way to spend some vacation time. It’s not remotely traditional “childcare” although yes, your children will be cared for with superb adult-to-child ratios. It feels much more like a camp—kids are grouped with other kids of the same age, and supervised funtime reigns.

They can play indoors, outdoors, participate in art projects, singing, quiet reading, storytelling games, and eat delicious and healthy food crafted by Deer Valley chefs. It’s so fun, they may never want to leave.

3. Go Snowmobiling with Summit Meadows Adventures

You can arrange a thrilling snowmobile ride with Summit Meadows Adventures, which is operated by the resort. You’ll hop on complimentary transportation, get properly geared up, and jump on for the ride of your life. Children 8 and under ride free with a paying adult and you must be 16 years old to drive.

The experience doesn’t have to overly tax your adrenaline reserves—you can take it easy and enjoy stunning views of the Wasatch with your family. But maybe, just maybe, you’ll give in to the temptation to cut loose a little.

4. Stroll Main Street

Amenities within the resort are both lovely and plentiful—but you’ll want to take a day or evening to stroll Park City’s Historic Main Street—just five minutes away—with your family. There’s something to look at in every window, a shop to peek into on every corner. Besides interesting shopping, Main Street is home to several crowd-pleasing restaurants where you can snag an unforgettable meal to excite the whole crew.

5. Hit the Hot Tub

When you’re in the mountains, it’s the simpler comforts in life that mean the most. Once everyone’s in for the day, warm your muscles up in the hot tub, which is a guaranteed kid-pleaser and relaxing for adults, too. It’s hard to find a lodge or hotel without hot tub access—which is good news for mountain adventurers who feel a little chilled.

6. Ride a Horse-Drawn Sleigh to Fireside Dining

Here’s a highlight of any trip: Taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride while enjoying a fire-cooked meal. Not only does it make for an elegant evening for adults, but the experience is very family-friendly, and children are enthralled by the adventure. Anything that involves beautiful horses and an enchanting meal is pretty foolproof.

7. Hit the Skating Rink

Try your chops at ice skating at the Park City Ice Arena, just a few minutes away. You can rent a pair of skates—just bundle up and head out to the ice. It’s a great way to vary your exercise on a ski-break day, letting the kids get their wiggles out before you talk them into sitting through a proper dinner at one of Deer Valley’s six evening restaurants.

8. Go Snow Tubing at Gorgoza Park

Here’s one slopeside activity even non-skiers will adore—at Gorgoza Park, you’ll find seven lift-serviced tubing lanes to thrill kids of all ages. Smaller hills are available for kids age 3-4, while faster lanes are there for the older ones who want more speed. Also at the park are mini snowmobiles for kids (age 6-12) to zip around on a groomed track, plus a winter play area for kids 6 and under.

9. Make S’mores at Montage Deer Valley’s Fire Pit

Every day, a familiar sight arises mountainside for guests at Montage Deer Valley as happy families and couples assemble beside a fire pit and roast marshmallows. When you’ve been skiing all day, you and your family run quite a calorie deficit, and it’s scientifically proven that s’mores have restorative powers. If you’re not staying at Montage Deer Valley, make sure to check with your lodging

10. Go Dog-Sledding

Fifteen minutes away from the resort, you can embark on a truly delightful dog-sledding adventure. A local service, All Seasons Adventures, employs rescue huskies who definitely enjoy their “work.” (That is, the huskies are having a blast.) You can head out on an hourlong mushing experience together with your kids and explore the trails outside Park City, pulled by the power of adorableness.

Originally written by RootsRated for Deer Valley.

Featured image provided by All Seasons Adventures