Top 18 Family-Friendly Activities in Salt Lake City

Utah’s capital, bordered by its namesake lake and the Wasatch mountain range, is an exceptionally kid-friendly city that offers numerous entertaining activities to keep children engaged and active. Whether your kids prefer splashing in pools, learning at museums, or exploring nature through hiking, here are 18 favorite activities for children in Salt Lake City.

Visit the Hogle Zoo

Address: 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

Phone: +1 801-584-1700

Utah’s Hogle Zoo, established in 1931, is nestled at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Covering 42 acres, it is a leading attraction in Utah, with over 800 animals to explore. Major exhibits include Rocky Shores, Asian Highlands, and Elephant Encounter, along with a fun Zoo Train and Conservation Carousel. Be sure to experience the interactive World of Flight Bird Show during the spring, summer, and fall. Moreover, during the holidays, the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland featuring the annual Zoolights display.

Learn About Utah’s Natural History

Address: 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

Phone: +1 801-581-6927

The Natural History Museum of Utah, located near the University of Utah and Red Butte Garden, is not only a cornerstone of Utah’s scientific community but also a fantastic destination for families. Permanent exhibits highlight crucial aspects of archaeology, geology, paleontology, mineralogy, and zoology. Additionally, the museum hosts fun kids’ discovery activities every Saturday and a monthly free science movie night. It’s worth noting that a few free days are also available each year.

Visit a Restored Pioneer Park

Address: 2601 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

Phone: +1 801-582-1847

This Is the Place Monument in Emigration Canyon commemorates where Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers first entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. The park features a fully restored pioneer village with live demonstrations of pioneer life, as well as the Brigham Young farmhouse. This historic site is situated directly across from Hogle Zoo, making it accessible for a day full of exploration.

Hike at Red Butte Garden

Address: 300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

Phone: +1 801-585-0556

Red Butte Garden is a stunning botanical garden and arboretum located near the University of Utah. The garden features walking paths through 11 themed gardens and nearly four miles of hiking trails. Children-friendly activities, seasonal family events, and summer camps make this garden an ideal choice for families looking to connect with nature.

Play at Liberty Park

Address: 600 Harvey Milk Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA

Phone: +1 801-972-7800

Liberty Park, as Salt Lake City’s second-largest public park, hosts a variety of attractions including trails, playgrounds, a pond, paddle boat rentals, tennis courts, picnic facilities, amusement rides, and a water play area. The park also features the Chase Home Museum of Folk Arts and the eight-acre Tracy Aviary, making it a versatile destination for family outings.

Discover Science at The Leonardo

Address: 209 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

Phone: +1 801-531-9800

The Leonardo is a unique museum located in the heart of Salt Lake City, designed to connect science, technology, art, and creativity through interactive exhibits. One of the most engaging exhibits is FLIGHT!, where guests can experience sitting in the pilot’s seat of an aircraft, making it a favorite among children and families.

Spend a Day at The Gateway

Address: 110 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

Phone: +1 385-468-7827

The Gateway, found in downtown Salt Lake City, is rich with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Families will particularly enjoy the Clark Planetarium and the Discovery Gateway children’s museum. In addition, the Olympic Snowflake Fountain provides an exciting water play area for children during hot weather.

Visit the Living Planet Aquarium

Address: 12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020, USA

Phone: +1 801-355-3474

The Living Planet Aquarium in Draper showcases various exhibits, including Discover Utah, Ocean Explorer, Journey to South America, and Penguin Encounter. Notably, this aquarium ranks as the ninth largest in the United States, housing over 4,500 animals and more than 550 species, offering an exciting and educational experience for families.

Spend a Whole Day at Thanksgiving Point

Address: 3003 Thanksgiving Wy, Lehi, UT 84043, USA

Phone: +1 801-768-2300

Thanksgiving Point is a sprawling recreation area located near the Point of the Mountain, featuring stunning themed gardens, a farm and agriculture center, movie theaters, IMAX, dining options, a Museum of Natural Curiosity, and the world’s largest indoor dinosaur museum. With so many activities available, Thanksgiving Point represents a refreshing escape from routine family outings.

Ride an Antique Wooden Roller Coaster

Address: 375 North Lagoon Dr, Farmington, UT 84025, USA

Phone: +1 801-451-8000

Lagoon Amusement Park, situated about 15 miles north of Salt Lake City, has been entertaining visitors since 1896. The park boasts a charming blend of historic rides—including a carousel operational since 1906 and a wooden roller coaster from 1921—along with newer attractions. Additionally, Lagoon features a replica pioneer village and a water park called Lagoon-A-Beach.

Swim at a Local Pool

Address: 1325 S Main St, Kaysville, UT 84037, USA

Phone: +1 801-451-5379

If you’re visiting during the summer months, one economical way to keep kids entertained is by taking them to a local pool or splash pad. Cherry Hill in Kaysville features a waterpark complete with slides, a lazy river, and various attractions. For a less intense water experience, let the kids enjoy the interactive fountain at Valley Fair Mall, which creates a vibrant display of jets and lights.

Jump Around at the Wairhouse

Address: 3653 500 W, South Salt Lake, UT 84115, USA

Visit website

The Wairhouse trampoline park is a favorite among families in Salt Lake. With more than 35,000 square feet, it offers plenty of jumping options and additional activities like basketball and dodgeball courts, making it an ideal choice for an energetic day out.

Go Bowling

Address: 3739 S 900 E, Millcreek, UT 84106, USA

Phone: +1 801-262-9890

Fat Cats combines bowling, arcade games, and delicious food in a vibrant environment. With a clean setting and consistently good food, it is an excellent venue for birthday parties, reunions, or family fun days.

Tour Temple Square

Address: 50 North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA

Phone: +1 801-240-8945

Temple Square is Salt Lake City’s most iconic tourist attraction, where you can admire the breathtaking Salt Lake Temple amidst beautifully maintained gardens. The entire complex, including the Tabernacle and Family History Library, is free to visit and provides year-round engagement through various exhibits, especially stunning during holidays.

Hike Cascade Springs

Address: Cascade Springs Trail, Utah 84604, USA

Hiking with kids can be a challenge. For a manageable but engaging experience, visit Cascade Springs, characterized by terraced springs and small waterfalls along a boardwalk trail. The trail spans half a mile and is accessible via the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, making it convenient for families.

Go on a Treasure Hunt

A Double Key treasure hunt is an engaging way to explore Salt Lake City while solving a mystery. The kit serves as a self-guided tour, taking families through various historic sites, culminating in discovering real treasure—a fun and memorable group activity.

Spend Time on the Ice at the Utah Olympic Oval

Address: 5662 Cougar Ln, Kearns, UT 84118, USA

Phone: +1 801-968-6825

The Utah Olympic Oval, a legacy of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, offers exceptional sporting facilities. Children can enjoy ice skating, hockey, and even learn curling techniques, with all necessary equipment available for rent.

Visit Wheeler Farm

Address: 6351 S 900 E, Murray, UT 84121-2438, USA

Phone: +1 385-468-1755

Wheeler Historic Farm is a Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation facility, welcoming guests throughout the year. The farm features various animals—cows, horses, chickens, pigs, turkeys, goats, and rabbits—engaging visitors with agricultural activities. Daily demonstrations such as blacksmithing, wool spinning, and seasonal events provide an enriching experience for families. There’s no admission to explore the grounds, though some activities may require a fee.