Utah knows kids. So it shouldn’t be any surprise that a trip to Salt Lake City is the ideal location for families. Get ready for an adventure! This city, framed by stunning mountains, is a playground for families.
It’s a place where learning feels like play and where every corner holds a new discovery. We’ve packed this guide with our favorite spots that promise giggles, wonder, and unforgettable memories for you and your little explorers.
Let’s dive into the best family-friendly activities Salt Lake City has to offer.
Exploring Family Fun in Salt Lake City
1. Salt Lake City’s Hogle Zoo
Address: 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Website: hoglezoo.org
A visit to Hogle Zoo feels like a trip around the world. Nestled at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, this 42-acre zoo is home to over 800 animals. Your family can come face-to-face with majestic elephants in the African Savanna, watch playful polar bears dive in the Rocky Shores exhibit, and marvel at the vibrant colors of big cats. It’s a wonderful journey into the animal kingdom that nurtures a love for wildlife.
The layout is easy to navigate with strollers, and there are plenty of spots to rest and have a snack. Beyond just seeing the animals, the zoo offers educational talks and interactive experiences. The train ride around the zoo gives you a behind the scenes view of some of the animals that you might not see from the paths, and gives little legs a chance to rest.
It’s a place where your kids can not only see their favorite creatures but also learn about the importance of conservation in a way that feels engaging and fun.
2. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
Address: 444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: discoverygateway.org
Prepare for your kids’ imaginations to take flight! The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is an interactive wonderland located in the heart of downtown. With over 60,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, it’s designed to let children learn through doing. They can become a news anchor in the media zone, pilot a real helicopter, or run a grocery store in the Kid’s Eye View town.
This museum is all about empowering children to explore their interests and passions. Each area is crafted to spark curiosity, from building structures in the construction zone to caring for animals in the vet clinic. It’s an environment that encourages problem-solving and teamwork, all while your family is having a blast together.
3. Tracy Aviary
Address: 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
Website: tracyaviary.org
Located within the beautiful Liberty Park, the Tracy Aviary is a sanctuary for bird lovers of all ages. This is more than just a place to see birds; it’s an immersive experience. You can walk through free-flight exhibits where birds soar overhead, feed colorful lorikeets, and be amazed by the intelligence of raptors during the daily bird shows. It’s a peaceful, nurturing space to connect with nature.
The aviary is dedicated to bird conservation, and that passion is evident in every exhibit. Strolling through the lush grounds feels like a gentle adventure, with new feathered friends to meet around every bend. It’s an opportunity for your children to develop a deep appreciation for our winged companions and the ecosystems they inhabit.
4. Natural History Museum of Utah
Address: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Website: nhmu.utah.edu
Get ready to journey back in time at the Natural History Museum of Utah. This architectural marvel, built into the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, offers breathtaking views and even more incredible exhibits. The star of the show for most kids is the Past Worlds gallery, which features an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons that will leave them in awe.
But the exploration doesn’t stop with dinosaurs. The museum guides you through Utah’s rich natural history, from ancient ecosystems to the cultures of its native peoples. Interactive displays allow kids to dig for fossils, feel the textures of different rocks, and understand the science behind weather. It’s a place that makes learning about our planet’s history a thrilling expedition.
5. Find a Visiting Exhibit to Salt Lake City
Address: Varies depending on exhibit and venue
Website: Check local event listings like visitsaltlake.com/events
Salt Lake City often hosts incredible, world-class traveling exhibitions that are perfect for families. These limited-time attractions, like the recent Harry Potter: The Exhibition, can offer a once-in-a-lifetime journey into magical worlds or fascinating subjects. These large-scale exhibits are highly interactive, blending artifacts and technology to create an immersive experience for all ages.
Before your trip, be sure to check the schedules at major venues like The Leonardo or the Clark Planetarium, which frequently host these special events. It’s a fantastic way to add a unique and timely adventure to your itinerary. Whether you’re stepping into a beloved story or exploring a scientific marvel, these exhibits provide a dose of wonder and create truly special memories.
6. This is the Place Heritage Park
Address: 2601 E Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Website: thisistheplace.org
Step into the past at This is the Place Heritage Park, a living history attraction that brings the 19th-century American West to life. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, this park allows your family to experience what life was like for Utah’s early settlers. You can ride one of three historic trains, try your hand at pioneer chores, and interact with costumed interpreters who share stories of the era.
The park offers a full day of discovery. Kids can meet farm animals, explore a real Native American village, and even pan for gold. It’s a hands-on history lesson that feels more like an adventure. This nurturing space fosters an appreciation for the grit and spirit of those who came before, all while providing plenty of room for fun and exploration.
7. Clark Planetarium
Address: 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Website: slco.org/clark-planetarium/
Embark on a voyage across the cosmos at the Clark Planetarium. This is the ultimate destination for budding astronomers and anyone who has ever looked up at the night sky with wonder. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art dome theatre that presents breathtaking star shows, transporting you to distant galaxies and the surfaces of other planets.
Beyond the dome, the planetarium offers three floors of free, hands-on exhibits about space and science. Kids can touch a real meteorite, learn about gravitational forces, and explore models of our solar system.
The Clark Planetarium makes the vastness of space feel accessible and exciting, fostering a lifelong love of scientific discovery. Don’t forget to check their Planetarium show times for the day and catch a little theatre action.
8. Thanksgiving Point
Address: 3003 N Thanksgiving Way, Lehi, UT 84043
Website: thanksgivingpoint.org
Just a short drive from Salt Lake City lies Thanksgiving Point, a massive complex dedicated to curiosity and exploration. It’s not just one attraction but a collection of amazing experiences.
You can wander through the stunning 50-acre Ashton Gardens, get your hands dirty at the Farm Country, or marvel at the world’s largest collection of mounted dinosaurs at the Museum of Ancient Life.
The options feel endless. The Museum of Natural Curiosity is a kid’s dream, with hundreds of interactive exhibits designed for play and learning. From water play areas to ropes courses, there is something to capture every child’s imagination. Thanksgiving Point is a destination in itself, several days worth of family adventure and discovery.
9. Catch a Rodeo at Andy Ballard Arena
Address: 1600 E Highland Dr, Draper, UT 84020
Website: draperutah.gov/rodeo
For an authentic taste of Western culture and excitement, there’s nothing quite like a rodeo. The Andy Ballard Arena in nearby Draper hosts thrilling rodeo events throughout the summer season.
You and your family can watch these competitive athletes in classic events like barrel racing, bull riding, and roping. The energy of the crowd and the skill of the riders make for an unforgettable evening.
This is more than just entertainment; it’s a window into a core part of Utah’s heritage. The experience is incredibly family-friendly, with food, fun, and a lively atmosphere. It’s a chance to put on your boots, cheer loudly, and connect with a tradition that’s all about courage and adventure under the big Utah sky.
10. George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park and Museum
Address: 1544 E Park Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401
Website: dinosaurpark.org
Take a journey to the prehistoric era at the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. Located a bit north of SLC in Ogden, this outdoor park features over 100 life-sized dinosaur sculptures, realistically brought to life with robotics and sound.
As you walk the winding paths, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life Jurassic world, with a T-Rex roaring from behind the trees.
The park seamlessly blends outdoor fun with education. Inside the museum, kids can get hands-on with real fossils, play in the dino-themed playground, and learn from paleontologists in the working laboratory. It’s an immersive experience that ignites a child’s fascination with these incredible creatures and nurtures their inner paleontologist.
11. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Address: 12033 S Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020
Website: thelivingplanet.com
Dive into an underwater world at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. This incredible facility, located just south of Salt Lake City, takes you on a journey through different ecosystems, from Utah’s own waterways to the depths of the ocean and the heart of the Amazon rainforest.
The 300,000-gallon shark tank, complete with a walk-through tunnel, is an absolute showstopper. The Amazon rainforest exhibit is by far our family favorite, its massive and each turn around a corner invites new discoveries – there is even a clouded leopard with its soulful eyes at this “aquarium”. Its truly a marvel not to be missed.
The aquarium is designed for discovery. You can touch stingrays, watch playful penguins, and get lost in the vibrant colors of the coral reefs. Each exhibit is thoughtfully created to be both mesmerizing and educational. It’s a place that inspires a deep sense of wonder and respect for our planet’s aquatic life, creating a magical experience for the entire family.
Salt Lake City Bonus: Visit the Great Salt Lake State Park
Address: 13312 W 1075 S, Magna, UT 84044
Website: stateparks.utah.gov/parks/great-salt-lake
The Great Salt Lake is an iconic natural wonder, known as America’s Dead Sea. At the state park, you can walk along the shores, take in the vast, otherworldly landscape, and marvel at the salt crust formations. The sheer size and stillness of the lake provide a moment of peaceful contemplation.
For kids, the real adventure is testing the water’s legendary buoyancy. Floating effortlessly in the super-salty water is a unique experience they will never forget. It’s a perfect spot to watch a sunset, learn about a unique ecosystem, and connect with the very essence of Utah’s natural identity.
As you plan your Salt Lake City adventure, let these 11 unforgettable spots spark curiosity and family joy at every turn. But why stop exploring here?
If your crew craves even more epic outings, be sure to check out my favorite family experiences in Park City, Utah—perfect for summer wanderings under wide-open skies.
And if your little paleontologists can’t get enough prehistoric fun, don’t miss my roundup of Dinosaur Museums of Salt Lake City. Here’s to many ROARING new discoveries, endless laughter, and cherished memories on your Utah adventures!
