Where to Eat
For the most part, locals stay away from Main Street because of the touristy prices. But if you don't have a car and don't want to ride the bus to get to the grocery stores (which are on the edge of town), these are your best options.
Davanza's
This pizza-and-burger joint was our favorite place to eat by far, primarily because of the fun beer-can decor and the fact that you can feed a family of three here for less than $30. Go with the thin-crust pizza. 690 Park Ave.
Zona Rosa
We liked this midrange Mexican restaurant because (a) the food came very quickly, (b) the staff was friendly, and (c) the staff gave us a sippy cup and crayons without our needing to ask. 501 Main Street, (435) 645-0700.
Java Cow Café & Bakery
Homemade ice cream provides the perfect dessert bribe to get a tired kid out of the hotel room so everyone can go have dinner. 402 Main Street, (435) 647-7711.
Chimayo
At this famed southwestern joint, two appetizers and two margaritas cost us around $50. The atmosphere is a little too upscale to be small kid-appropriate, so we ate our goat-cheese chiles rellenos in haste. Still, the food is delicious, and the place feels like the "real" Park City—you should go if you can get a sitter and want a date night. 368 Main Street
Other Activities
Alpine Coaster
For those who don't—or won't—ski, this roller coaster, which weaves through the trees, provides downhill thrills. $20 a ride for riders 54 inches tall and up, $7 for riders under 54 inches.
Gorgoza Park
About 10 minutes from Park City (via shuttle service from town), it has seven lanes of excellent snow tubing, plus a not-too-scary "tubing carousel" for younger children. Snow tubing: $3 a ride for ages 3 to 6, $8 for ages 7 and up.
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Steamboat Ski Town, U.S.A.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
The light, dry powder that makes this area a popular training ground for Olympians also makes it ideal for far-from-Olympic-level skiers. Based in a charming former ranching town, the resort offers classes for kids as young as 2 1/2, five children-only lifts, dogsledding, and a log-cabin-and-teepee play area. Stay less than 400 yards from the slope at the Bear Claw condominiums (from $215 a night for a studio). Thirty minutes from Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
Mountain Washington Resort
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Nearly 800,000 acres of national forest surround it, making for spectacular views, even from the beginners' slopes. Kids will go wild for the carousel at the new play area; parents will enjoy the grand slopeside Mount Washington Hotel, built in 1902 (visit the lounge even if you're not staying at the hotel, which is on the pricey side). For space and value, reserve a Townhomes condo (from $259 a night for a two-bedroom). Two and a half hours from Boston's Logan International Airport.
Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort
Lake Tahoe, California
Of Lake Tahoe's seven major ski resorts, Northstar has best captured the family niche. Along with dozens of highly specialized classes, including one that teaches parents how to teach their children to ski, Northstar has 10 children's parks and an enormous ice-skating rink surrounded by fire pits for s'mores-making. All activities are within walking distance of one another; stay at the Aspen Grove condos by the slope (from $216 a night for a studio) and you won't need to rent a car. Forty minutes from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (shuttle service available).
