Fun Things To Do In Salt Lake City For Kids

Planning a day with kids in Salt Lake City? You’re in for a treat.

The city sits between mountains and a giant salty lake, so adventure is basically built into the landscape.

Translation: there are plenty of ways to tire out even the most energetic kiddo.

Start With Hands-On Museum Magic

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum downtown is a kid-powered wonderland.

Little ones can shop in a mini market, climb, build, and splash in water exhibits.

It’s indoors, which matters when Utah weather changes its mind every ten minutes.

Blast Off At The Planetarium

Clark Planetarium next door? Absolutely worth a stop.

Kids can touch moon rocks, watch laser shows, and wander through space exhibits.

The domed theater feels like a spaceship, minus the motion sickness.

Meet Animals, Big and Small

Hogle Zoo is a classic for a reason.

Elephants, giraffes, tigers, and a train ride keep everyone moving.

Check the schedule for feedings and keeper talks, because kids love a little behind-the-scenes drama.

Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park is smaller but totally charming.

You can meet owls, flamingos, and maybe a very polite pelican.

It’s a lovely mix of nature walk and animal encounter, right in the city.

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is a short drive south, but worth it.

Sharks, penguins, and jellyfish make for instant “whoa” moments.

The exhibits are interactive, so kids don’t just look—they learn by poking, pressing, and pretending.

Go Wild With Nature

Red Butte Garden offers kid-friendly trails, seasonal blooms, and plenty of room to roam.

73 fun things to do with kids in Salt Lake | Salt lake city activities

The Children’s Garden has digging spots, water play, and tiny hideaways.

Bring snacks, because fresh air plus discovery equals serious hunger.

Natural History Museum of Utah is another stunner.

Dinosaur bones, Utah’s ancient ecosystems, and hands-on labs make science feel like play.

The views from the terrace alone are worth the trip—yes, even kids might pause for a photo.

If you want a truly weird and wonderful outing, head to Great Salt Lake.

Antelope Island State Park has bison, hiking, and beaches that smell... memorable.

Go early, bring water, and prepare for a landscape that feels like another planet.

Simple City Fun

Liberty Park is the city’s backyard.

There’s a playground, a pond, a splash pad in summer, and plenty of grass for cartwheels.

You can also rent a surrey bike and pedal around like a goofy crew.

Sugar House Park is great for sledding in winter and picnics in summer.

The hills are steep enough for thrills but not so wild that you need a rescue team.

Basically, it’s a free ticket to giggles.

This Is The Place Heritage Park mixes history with hands-on fun.

Kids can pan for gold, ride a miniature train, and meet farm animals.

23 Things to Do in Salt Lake City with Kids - Utah's Adventure Family

It’s history class, but with less sitting and more yee-haw.

Rainy Day Rescue

Sometimes the weather says “nope,” and that’s okay.

Catch a show at the planetarium, bounce at a trampoline park, or bowl a few frames.

Salt Lake City has plenty of indoor options when the mountains disappear behind snow.

The Utah State Capitol is also a surprisingly fun stop.

The building is grand, the grounds are open, and kids can burn energy running up the steps.

History buffs young and old can peek into Utah’s past without feeling lectured.

Make It Your Own Adventure

You don’t need a perfect itinerary.

Pick one big attraction, add a park, and leave room for spontaneous ice cream.

That’s how family days become legendary.

The best part? Salt Lake City keeps surprising you.

One day it’s dinosaurs and penguins, the next it’s mountain views and salty shores.

Kids get to be curious, messy, loud, and amazed—all within a short drive.

So grab the stroller, pack the snacks, and say yes to a little adventure.

Whether you’re local or just visiting, this city has a knack for turning ordinary afternoons into stories.

Go find your favorite spot, then tell someone else about it.