Top Picks: Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has a unique blend of nature and city excitement. It can give you a great family vacation, not just during ski season. Recently, we were invited to visit this popular city in Utah. In mid-July, we saw museums, important historical sites, and the zoo, and we even had the chance to visit a ski resort—all in the summer! We loved the different experiences.

SLC Connect Attractions Pass

Salt Lake City, or SLC for short, is a great place for a family vacation. You might want to look into the Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass when you go. This pass can help you enjoy your trip without spending too much. You can visit several attractions for less with the attractions pass.

With the Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass, you can explore Utah’s family history at This Is the Place Heritage Park, have an exciting adventure at the Clark Planetarium, or enjoy interesting exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Utah. The pass includes many great attractions, many of which cater to families.

Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City for Families

Salt Lake City offers many fun things for families to do. The Natural History Museum of Utah is a great place to discover Utah’s natural wonders. If you enjoy being creative, check out The Leonardo, which encourages creativity and new ideas.

To travel back in time, visit This Is the Place Heritage Park. You will feel what life was like for the pioneers in Utah. We loved experiencing what pulling a hand cart was like (hint: it’s not light)! You can also relax at the beautiful Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City. On Saturdays during the summer, a large farmer’s market brings together farmers, artisans, and food trucks at Pioneer Park. The market is a great place to support local businesses and try something new!

Outdoor Recreation

Salt Lake City is a great place for people who enjoy outdoor activities. It has beautiful nature areas close to downtown, and there are great walking tours of SLC. You can go to Antelope Island State Park or hike one of the many hiking trails in the area. Red Butte Garden is a lovely spot. It has different kinds of plants and stunning views of the nearby mountains. In the summer, Utah’s ski resorts offer exciting experiences on the mountains, including mountain biking, hiking, and birding.

Snowbird

Snowbird Ski Resort is an excellent place for skiing and snowboarding. It is known for its challenging hills and stunning mountain views. More than 2,500 acres are available for skiing, which means plenty of space to spread out! Beginners can learn to ski, while more skilled skiers enjoy exciting runs.

The resort is also a great place for hikers. When we visited in the summer, we explored the trails that passed through pretty meadows with beautiful wildflowers. The trails are plentiful, and you can choose from various degrees of difficulty. I recommend riding the lift up, and the chair lift back down!

This is the Place Heritage Park

Step back in time at This Is the Place Heritage Park. This living history museum lets you experience Utah’s pioneer days. You can visit more than 40 historical buildings, including a replica of the fort that Brigham Young and his followers built in 1847.

You can meet skilled artisans in costumes who share their traditional crafts. They show how they do blacksmithing, spinning, and weaving, showing how early settlers lived their daily lives. You can ride on a vintage train, pan for gold, or pet the farm animals. My daughter and I both agreed that the blacksmithing shop was our favorite.

Zoos & Gardens

Experience the animal world and peaceful nature in Salt Lake City’s zoos and gardens. At Utah’s Hogle Zoo, you can explore different habitats of various animals. You will see fascinating animals from all over the world. For a more peaceful experience, enjoy the calm in the Red Butte Garden. It is a beautiful place full of a variety of bright plants. You can stroll through different gardens, walk on winding paths, and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo in Utah offers a fun adventure into the world of animals. The zoo spans over 42 acres and features several different habitats. Visitors can discover amazing animals from around the globe. We were very surprised to see a polar bear at the zoo, especially considering the extreme summer temperatures! We also saw grizzly bears, sea lions, red pandas, elephants, and gorillas.

The zoo cares about protecting animals, participates in breeding programs, and shows visitors why saving endangered animals matters. You can have fun animal encounters, watch educational presentations, and learn how zoos help preserve biodiversity. With a focus on teaching and conservation, Utah’s Hogle Zoo is a great place for animal lovers to visit.

Red Butte Garden

Red Butte Garden is in the foothills. It has a nice view of Salt Lake Valley. This garden is a great place to spend a peaceful day in nature. It spans over 100 acres. You will see many different plants and colorful flowers. There are nice walking paths for you to enjoy too. Red Butte Garden offers a calm escape from city life for visitors of all ages. In the summer months, they host outdoor concerts with live music. Make sure to check out this lovely green space in Salt Lake City.

Things to Do in Salt Lake City with Kids

At the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum, kids can enjoy hands-on activities and exhibits encouraging creativity and curiosity. The small “city” made just for kids, Kid’s Eye View, was an impressive area of hands-on activities. Visit the Clark Planetarium for a fun journey into space. Exciting shows and exhibits reveal the secrets of space travel. You will also learn about the human body and see attractions like dinosaurs.

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum

Unleash your child’s curiosity at the Salt Lake City Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. This fun and interactive museum is perfect for visitors of all ages. Your kids can explore exhibits about science, art, and local culture. They can develop a love for learning while having a great time. With hands-on activities and interesting displays, this museum offers a wonderful experience for the whole family.

Clark Planetarium

Clark Planetarium in SLC is a great place to discover the wonders of the universe. It is in downtown Salt Lake City, across from Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. This interactive space shares exciting information about space exploration, astronomy, and more. Whether you enjoy science or want a fun learning experience, this attraction will undoubtedly inspire you. Don’t skip the opportunity to watch a show in their IMAX theater! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the film “T.REX 3D.” It was educational and attention-grabbing.

Free Things to Do in Salt Lake City

You can enjoy the charm of SLC without spending much money. You can discover the city’s history and culture for free at Temple Square. Stroll through lovely gardens, admire the beautiful Salt Lake Temple, and enjoy a famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance, all at no cost.

To enjoy local life, go to the busy streets of downtown Salt Lake City. You will find eccentric shops, see cool street art, and revel in the friendly atmosphere. Some shops and restaurants offer free samples or tastings, so you can try local flavors without spending too much money.

Temple Square

Temple Square is a 35-acre area in the heart of SLC. Here, you can discover the history and culture of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and admire the Salt Lake Temple. This stunning building represents faith and dedication. Walk around the well-maintained grounds. You will find fountains, flower gardens, and important historical spots. Check out the Lion House, the former home of Brigham Young. At the house, you can learn about his life and his work.

Downtown Salt Lake City

The vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Salt Lake City is a mix of historic allure and contemporary urban vibes. Wander along the expansive streets lined with various establishments like shops, eateries, galleries, and theaters, catering to diverse preferences. Unearth unique finds tucked away in the quaint alleys, including welcoming cafes and stylish stores. The Gateway is a walkable area with unique dining close to attractions like the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum and Clark Planetarium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a family vacation to SLC may feel overwhelming. What will you do to keep the kids or yourself entertained? These are some of the most frequently asked questions about planning a visit to Salt Lake City.

What should I see while in Salt Lake City?

You should definitely check out Temple Square, Utah’s Hogle Zoo, and This is the Place. Make sure to visit the Natural History Museum of Utah, too. It has great views of the Salt Lake Valley.

What are some non-touristy things to do in Salt Lake City?

Visit the Leonardo Museum for a quirky, small-scale adventure. Check out local food restaurants and stores. Enjoy some live music, or plan a day trip to some of the nearby ski resorts for summer activities.

What is the number one tourist attraction in SLC?

Temple Square is the top spot to visit. It draws close to four million visitors every year. Temple Square has a rich history and gorgeous architecture. Visitors can enjoy shows by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir or daily organist performances. 

Is Salt Lake City worth visiting?

Yes, Salt Lake City is worth visiting. SLC offers a good mix of fun outdoor activities and cultural events. There are many attractions for families to enjoy. You can explore the city center and visit nearby places like Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.

What are the top things to do in downtown Salt Lake City?

Downtown Salt Lake City has terrific shopping places, many local food options, cool historic sites, and enjoyable nightlife.