The Youngest State in the Nation

Youth & Family Resources in Utah

Utah takes pride in being the youngest state in the nation in contrast to an aging population across the country. Youth and families are critical to Utah’s future of innovation, service, and community connections. Investing in rising leaders provides opportunities for success now and for generations. Check out ways that Utah is supporting and uplifting children, youth, and families as the backbone of our state.

Starting at the State: Utah Office of Families

According to the Utah Office of Families, under the administration of Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox, “Utah is known as the most family-friendly state in the nation and Gov. Cox is committed to keeping it that way. In Utah, we haven’t forgotten the simple truth that when families win, we all win — economically as well as socially.” Opened in 2022, the office engages with state and community leaders and brings experts together to tackle complicated challenges.

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Minding Hearts and Minds: Youth and Family Services

Safety and wellbeing for youth and families is critical to a thriving state. Mental health and community support services help Utah families nurture healthy social connections. Examples include suicide prevention efforts, such as the SafeUT app and the LiveOn initiative; First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up Utah Intitiative, supporting educators and students through service; Utah’s Office of Chidren and Family Services; Encircle House for LGBTQ+ youth; The Family Place Utah; and a network of community-focused Boys and Girls Clubs. Learn more in the Utah Foundation’s recent report on the outcomes and state of wellbeing for the state’s families.

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Kids Explore and Learn: Children’s Museums and Experiences in Utah

Utah offers a variety of activities and resources for children, youth, and families. Some of the state’s hallmark family attractions are Salt Lake’s Children’s Discovery Gateway Museum; Hogle Zoo; Ogden’s Hill Aerospace Museum; Lehi’s Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point; and Vernal’s Dinosaurland activities. For information, check out the Utah Division of Arts & Museums database of children’s museums across the state.

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Additional Resources

For more organizations and resources, see our in depth list.

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Keep Making Connections: News and Stories

Statewide Social Media Harms campaign aims to strengthen and protect kids, families (ABC4)

Utah teen receives Congressional Award Gold Medal for outstanding community service (KSL)

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Magnify Utah’s Community Pages capture organizations that support communities through resources, connections, and opportunity-building. The information does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement (CCE), Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, or divisions associated with CCE. The intent of this resource is to centralize information, not to endorse. The Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs reserves the right to accept or reject any submission or suggestion that does not align with the mission of Magnify Utah.