Family Activities in Salt Lake City, UT — 2026 Guide
Salt Lake City sits at the doorstep of stunning national parks and ski resorts while offering families excellent museums, botanical gardens, and outdoor adventures. The gateway to Utah's incredible landscape is surprisingly family-friendly and affordable.
Get personalized ideas — text Emmie at (877) 703-6643Indoor Activities
Natural History Museum of Utah
Over 5,000 artifacts across 163,000 square feet highlighting Utah's incredible geological and natural history on the University of Utah campus.
301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Visit websiteDiscovery Gateway Children's Museum
60,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on fun for kids 10 and under, including pretend-play areas and creative studios.
444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Hogle Zoo
Walk through a 40-foot shark tunnel, meet Utah's only penguin colony, and see polar bears, clouded leopards, and more.
2600 Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Visit websiteClark Planetarium
Free exhibit galleries, Hansen Dome Theatre shows, and a 3D IMAX Theatre at The Gateway downtown.
110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Museum of Natural Curiosity
Over 400 interactive experiences at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, including an Exploratorium exhibit and classes.
3003 Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043
Outdoor Activities
Red Butte Garden
The Intermountain West's largest botanical garden with kid-friendly areas, workshops, and summer concerts.
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Visit websiteLiberty Park
SLC's oldest park with two playgrounds, a splash pad, a pond with paddle boats, and Tracy Aviary.
600 E 900 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
This Is the Place Heritage Park
A 450-acre historical park where kids ride ponies, pet farm animals, pan for gold, and explore pioneer life.
2601 Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Utah Olympic Park
Tour the 2002 Winter Olympics facilities, ride the alpine slide, zip line, and try the bobsled experience.
3419 Olympic Pkwy, Park City, UT 84098
Tracy Aviary
Bird exhibits and interactive play areas inside Liberty Park, with flight shows and bird encounters.
589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Free Things to Do
Liberty Park
Free playgrounds, splash pad, and pond at SLC's oldest and most loved park.
Clark Planetarium Exhibits
Free science exhibits at The Gateway downtown.
Temple Square
Free tours of the historic plaza, gardens, and visitor centers in downtown SLC.
City Creek Canyon Trail
A shaded canyon trail starting right from downtown, perfect for family hikes.
Rainy Day Plan
Natural History Museum of Utah
5,000 artifacts and interactive exhibits about Utah's geology and nature.
Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
60,000 sqft of interactive play for young kids.
Clark Planetarium
Free exhibits, dome theatre, and IMAX.
Museum of Natural Curiosity
400+ interactive experiences at Thanksgiving Point.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring
- •Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point
- •Hiking season begins in the Wasatch
- •Red Butte Garden blooms
Summer
- •Splash pads at Liberty Park
- •Alpine slides and zip lines at Olympic Park
- •Pioneer Day celebrations (July 24)
Fall
- •Fall foliage in Big Cottonwood Canyon
- •Cornbelly's Corn Maze
- •Pumpkin patches across the valley
Winter
- •World-class skiing within 30 minutes
- •Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo
- •Ice skating at Gallivan Center
Nearby Day Trips
Park City
30 miles east
Olympic ski jumps, mountain biking, alpine coaster, and a charming historic Main Street.
Antelope Island State Park
40 miles northwest
Free-roaming bison, hiking, horseback riding, and Great Salt Lake access.
Timpanogos Cave National Monument
35 miles south
Guided cave tours through three spectacular caverns, plus a scenic hiking trail.
Local Parent Tips
SLC is at 4,200 feet elevation with ski resorts at 8,000+. Stay hydrated and acclimate.
Utah has the highest average family size in the US. Everything here is built with families in mind.
The TRAX light rail is free in the downtown zone.
Explore More Family Resources
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