This Is The Place Heritage Park is a wonderful place to visit any time of year—but it’s especially gorgeous in the fall. With acres of historical landmarks to explore, plus a few extra special holiday-themed events, families of all ages can have a blast immersing themselves in Utah’s pioneer history—all while enjoying the changing leaves and the cool crisp of the autumn air. Here’s what park attendees can expect to enjoy this fall at This Is The Place:
Little Haunts | October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28
Looking for a fun Halloween activity that won’t keep the kids up at night? Head to Little Haunts at This Is The Place Heritage Park. With fun things to do such as meet the Story Telling Witch, trick-or-treating, a pumpkin roll, the candy cannon, a costume parade with Alice the dragon, a scavenger hunt, a bubbling foam machine, and getting up close and personal with all sorts of spooky critters at Creature Encounters, there’s plenty of non-scary fun for the whole family to enjoy. The best part? Little Haunts attendees can indulge in the Park’s daily activities such as train rides, the petting corral, pony rides, etc. as part of their admission fee! Tickets are $18.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors (65+), $14.95 for children (3-11), and free for children under 2. Come in costume!
Horseback Riding | Thursday - Saturday
As the leaves begin to change, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of fall’s color than on the back of a horse. To see it for yourself, head to This Is The Place for one of the horse riding sessions that allow riders to explore Utah’s stunning fall foliage in real-time. With 450 acres of land to roam while saddled up, riders will experience gorgeous views of the Salt Lake Valley while exploring the base of Emigration Canyon.
Delicious Food | Daily
Hunger can quickly set in while enjoying a day at This Is The Place! Luckily, there are fantastic food vendors throughout the park that are available to satisfy cravings. The Huntsman Grill, which used to be an old hotel, serves up delicious, hearty burgers as well as other staples. For those with a sweet tooth, Brigham’s Donuts and Ice Cream Shop offers a variety of treats. For something truly special, check out Brigham’s Donuts, which are made fresh daily (with a secret ingredient straight from the Pioneer days) that makes them extra tasty. And for unseasonably warm days grab some Dole Whip or soft serve vanilla ice cream with flavored toppings as an option.
Unforgettable Souvenirs | Varies
Mark the end of a visit to This Is the Place with an incredible souvenir. The ZCMI Mercantile offers everything from candy to old-fashioned toys and is open Monday-Saturday during the Fall. Looking for a more elegant keepsake? Head over to The Gift Shop, located in a charming replica of a 19th-century sugar mill, open 7 days a week. The Gift Shop offers a wide selection of jewelry, books, and other exquisite items. A trip to one of the stores is a surefire way to end the trip on a high note!
Other Activities | Daily
Aside from the can’t-miss seasonal experiences like Little Haunts, This Is The Place offers an array of fun year-round activities such as panning for gold in the creek and digging for gems in the Prospector Pit. In addition, visitors can enjoy train rides, petting corals, and pony rides. Guests can also explore a Native American village and watch videos about Utah Native American Tribes and Native American dancing in the teepee.
Get Tickets
Tickets for Little Haunts are available at https://thisistheplace.org/todays-fun/little-haunts, and horseback riding sessions can be booked at https://thisistheplace.com/utah-trail-rides. Day passes start at just $18.95/adults, $16.95/seniors, $14.95/children 3-11, and admission is free for kids under 2. Additionally, This Is The Place offers season passes starting at just $95.00, which grants unlimited admission to activities, village events, and general day entrance during regular park hours all year long, for one fee. Holders also receive 10%-off discounts at the Huntsman Grill and the ZCMI Store.
Whether you’re looking for a non-scary Halloween adventure, an evening on horseback, or other family-friendly activities, This Is The Place is the perfect destination for fall fun in Utah, no matter your age. Mark your calendar, grab your costume, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable autumn experience—we can’t wait to see you there!