Just south of the largest body of saltwater in the country is Salt Lake City, one of the foremost metropolitan cities in the west. Located in the center of a mountain bowl, this family destination has both outdoor adventures and urban attractions to keep energetic children and touristy parents satisfied. As the home to a number of universities and an American ecclesiastical headquarters, there are tons of historical and cultural landmarks no visitor would want to miss. For a day of informative, innovative, and memorable experiences, be sure to leave enough time for kid-approved family fun in Salt Lake City.
Best Things To Do With Kids in Salt Lake CityView All
Salt Lake City is brimming with things to do with kids. Consider purchasing a Salt Lake City Connect Pass to visit 13 different major attractions in town, including museums, galleries, science centers, and gardens. Here are some of the top activities for kids:
Have a picnic by the Great Salt Lake at Antelope Island State Park
Knock down all the pins at Bonwood Bowl
Learn about snakes, lizards, and turtles at Scales and Tails Utah
See sharks and penguins at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
Bounce in the inflatable playgrounds at Jump Around Utah
If you’re looking for something both parents and kids enjoy, head to downtown Salt Lake City. The Gateway is a downtown attraction that offers different dining, shopping, and entertainment options for people of all ages. Other great kid-friendly activities include:
Milking a cow at Wheeler Historic Farm
Relaxing on the lazy river at the Seven Peaks Salt Lake City Resort waterpark
Dining on home-style fare at the Lion House Pantry
Riding the roller coasters and bumper cars at Lagoon
See the latest family feature at Brewvies Cinema Pub
Temple Square is the most popular tourist spot in Salt Lake City. This privately owned historic district in home to a number of visitor centers, art galleries, monuments, and historical landmarks. Don't miss these other great sights to see with kids:
Admire the latest blooms at the Red Butte Garden
Explore the city aboard the TRAX light rail
Watch athletes of all ages and types at the Utah Olympic Park
One of the most fun things for children to do is meet new animals. Luckily, there are multiple specialized zoos in town and plenty of wildlife in the nearby mountains and parks. Here are some of the top kids activities in Salt Lake City:
Front flip into a pile of foam at The Wairhouse
Visit the barnyard animals living at the petting zoo at Thanksgiving Point
Observe the exotic birds at Tracy Aviary
Fall in love with red pandas and leopards at the Utah Hogle Zoo
Watch a performance of a fairy tale at the Hale Centre Theatre
“The more the merrier” is practically the town motto of Salt Lake City. If you’re looking for something to do with a large group, check out some of the best family restaurants, weekend getaways, and local festivals in the area. Here are some great things to do as a group with kids:
Pan for gold and trade like pioneers at This Is The Place
Spend the day skiing at the Snowbird Resort
Pig out on fried food at the Utah State Fair
Compete in a friendly battle at Dart Nation
Crack the code before time is out at the Mystery Escape Game
Thanksgiving Point is the most popular family-friendly educational center in Salt Lake City. Visitors can play in the petting zoo, learn in a museum, stroll through the garden, and enter a butterfly house. Other kid-approved places to learn include:
Understanding geology, life, land, and the sky at the Natural History Museum of Utah
Checking out the machine, rainforest, and plane exhibits at the Museum of Natural Curiosity
Building a sturdy tower at the Blockmania exhibit in the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum
Viewing all of the collections at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Appreciating the exhibit about flight at The Leonardo
Salt Lake City is a great place for expressive children. There are plenty of classes for every interest a kid could have, including music, dance, art, and theatre. Here are some of the top kids classes in town:
Master a somersault at tumbling classes with Highjump
Create a watercolor masterpiece with Petersen Art Center
Practice your breakdancing moves with The School of Dance
Join a rock n’ roll band with Musicgarage.org
Bring your tutu and ballet shoes to classes with Children’s Ballet Theatre
Looking for an adventure indoors? Take advantage of the city’s bustling culinary scene by letting the kids taste foods from all around the world, including roast duck at Little World and injera at Mahider Ethiopian Restaurant. Other indoor fun for kids include the following:
Beating a digital fantasy game at Virtualities
Making a hole-in-one on the mini golf course at Fat Cats
Leaving your mark on the opposing team at Paintball Addicts
Racing from one end of the pool to the other at the Steiner Aquatic Center West
Spotting different constellations at the Clark Planetarium