The start of a new year is the perfect time to reset, refocus, and create healthy habits — especially as a family. While January in Utah brings cold temperatures and snowy days, it also offers a unique opportunity to embrace movement, adventure, and togetherness in ways that are both fun and fitness-focused.

Instead of staying cooped up indoors all winter, getting out and being active with your kids can boost physical health, improve mental well-being, and strengthen family bonds. The key is finding activities that fit the season, keep everyone engaged, and don’t feel like a chore.

That’s where Utah’s GetOutPass venues shine. From indoor entertainment centers to winter sports and hands-on museums, there are plenty of ways to stay active — even in the middle of January.

Let’s explore why family fitness matters, how activity impacts physical and mental health, and some of the best winter-friendly Utah venues to help your family kick off the new year strong.

Why Getting Out and Being Active With Your Kids Matters

As the new year begins, many of us are thinking about how to be healthier, happier, and more connected as families — especially after weeks of winter routines and indoor time. Yet across the United States, physical inactivity remains common: only about 1 in 4 adults — and just 1 in 6 high school students — meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Making time to get out and be active with your kids isn’t just a feel-good New Year’s resolution — it’s a powerful way to improve everyone’s health. From boosting heart and brain function to strengthening family bonds and building lifelong fitness habits, regular physical activity offers benefits that extend far beyond a single outing.

Between school, work, screens, and busy schedules, it’s easy for families to slip into sedentary routines — especially during the winter months. But being active together is about more than exercise. It’s about connection, confidence, and creating shared experiences that kids will remember.

When parents are active with their kids, they model healthy behavior. Children are more likely to view movement as something enjoyable rather than a requirement, setting the stage for a healthier future. Family outings also encourage teamwork, communication, and quality time — all while getting everyone moving.

Winter activity is particularly important. Shorter days and colder weather can lead to lower energy levels and seasonal blues, but getting out of the house — even for a couple of hours — can dramatically improve mood, motivation, and overall well-being for both kids and adults.

How Being Active Improves Physical and Mental Health

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Physical Benefits

Staying active helps:

• Strengthen muscles and bones
• Improve balance and coordination
• Support heart health and endurance
• Burn off excess energy (especially helpful for kids!)

Activities like skiing, skating, bowling, and even walking through interactive exhibits all contribute to movement that feels natural and enjoyable.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

Physical activity also plays a major role in mental health:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves sleep quality
• Boosts mood and confidence
• Helps fight seasonal depression

When families move together, these benefits multiply. Laughter, shared challenges, and new experiences release endorphins and strengthen emotional connections — something every family can use more of in the new year.

Winter-Friendly Utah Venues to Get Moving This January

Here are some January-appropriate GetOutPass venues in Utah that make staying active both easy and exciting for families.

Embrace the Snow: Winter Sports & Outdoor Fun

Brighton Ski Resort

Winter is peak season at Brighton, making it a perfect January destination. Skiing and snowboarding provide full-body workouts that improve balance, coordination, and endurance. Even beginners benefit from learning new skills and enjoying fresh mountain air.

Family ski days are a great way to stay active while embracing Utah’s world-class winter scenery.

Nordic Valley (Wasatch Parc)

Nordic Valley is known for being family-friendly and approachable, making it ideal for kids who are learning to ski or snowboard. Spending a day on the slopes keeps everyone moving, laughing, and challenged — all while enjoying the beauty of winter in the Wasatch Mountains.

Stay Warm Indoors With Active Entertainment

Not every January day calls for snow gear — and that’s okay. Indoor venues offer excellent ways to stay active while escaping the cold.

All Star Bowling & Entertainment (Multiple Utah Locations)

Bowling might not seem like exercise, but it involves walking, lifting, stretching, and coordination. It’s also inclusive for all ages, making it a perfect family activity where everyone can participate.

Fat Cats – Bluffdale

Fat Cats offers a variety of indoor activities like bowling and indoor mini-golf. These experiences encourage movement while keeping things lighthearted and fun. Kids stay active without realizing they’re exercising — a win for everyone.

Classic Fun Center – Sandy

Indoor roller skating is a fantastic cardio workout that improves balance and leg strength. It’s high-energy, music-filled, and perfect for burning off winter restlessness.

Skinny Dogz Entertainment Center (Ogden)

Bowling and laser tag keep heart rates up and smiles wide. Laser tag, in particular, is a sneaky way to get in cardio while encouraging teamwork and strategy.

Experience the Energy of Live Sports

Utah Grizzlies Hockey

Hockey season is in full swing in January, making Utah Grizzlies games a great winter outing. Attending live sports involves walking, cheering, and soaking in high-energy excitement — all of which contribute to an active, engaging family experience.

Watching athletes also inspires kids to try new sports and stay active themselves.

Learn, Play, and Move Together

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum (Salt Lake City)

Discovery Gateway is perfect for families with younger kids. Interactive exhibits encourage climbing, crawling, building, and hands-on play — all forms of physical movement disguised as learning.

It’s a great option for cold days when outdoor activity isn’t ideal but kids still need to move.

Making Family Fitness a Habit in the New Year

The secret to staying active as a family isn’t perfection — it’s consistency and enjoyment. Choosing activities that feel like fun rather than obligation makes all the difference.

A pass that gives access to multiple venues removes barriers, encourages variety, and makes it easier to say “yes” to spontaneous outings. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, rolling strikes, skating laps, or exploring interactive exhibits, every outing counts.

Final Thoughts: A Healthier, Happier Start to the Year

January is the perfect time to shake off old habits and build new ones together. Utah’s winter season offers endless opportunities to stay active, bond as a family, and support both physical and mental health — even when it’s cold outside.

By getting out, moving together, and exploring fun local venues, you’re not just creating memories — you’re building a healthier, happier foundation for the year ahead.

New year. New energy. New family adventures.