Escape to Snowbird's Summer Paradise

9385 Snowbird Ctr Dr, Snowbird

A 40-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake takes visitors to mountain trails capped with wildflowers and the Snowbird Center complete with plenty of family-friendly activities. Spend a day, or even a weekend, escaping the heat to the Snowbird Resort. Take a Scenic Tram Ride (included on the Connect Pass) to 11,000 foot Hidden Peak and take in the 360-degree views. Enjoy refreshments at The Summit while taking in the views at the peak. That’s not all Snowbird Resort offers, check out the Mountain Coaster, Alpine Slide, ZipWhipper ®, Ropes Course, Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampoline and more!

Parent tip: From quick bites to sit-down restaurants, Snowbird's got your crew covered for meals. There's even a general store for those inevitable "I forgot to pack..." moments.

Salt, Sunsets and Adventure at Great Salt Lake State Park and Antelope Island

13312 W 1075 S, Magna | Open Sunrise to Sunset from April to September and 8 AM - 5 PM from October to March (No holiday closures)

The Great Salt Lake is more than just a salty wonder—it’s an adventure! As the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi, this iconic spot is perfect for exploring. Boat tours are back, offering everything from quick group rides to private excursions and even saltwater floats. Prefer paddling? Rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide across the shimmering water. A new trailhead now makes it easier to access Black Rock, just a short walk from the start. And don’t miss the sunsets—they’re pure magic. Whether you're sailing, birdwatching, or just soaking in the views, the Great Salt Lake is calling and here’s how you can experience it.

Located in the southeast point of the Great Salt Lake, Antelope Island delivers family adventures that feel worlds away. Open 6:00 am to 10:00 pm year-round, you can wander the Buffalo Point Trail with the kids in the morning, where the Great Salt Lake stretches to the horizon in shimmering blues, then spot free-roaming bison by afternoon—no safari jeep required.

Flock with the Birds at Tracy Aviary

589 E 1300 S | Open 9 AM - 5 PM

Want to see what 350 birds from 129 species look like in one spectacular setting? Tracy Aviary's got you covered. Arrive at 9 am when the aviary opens to take part in their daily programs that include Bird Talks, Bird Shows, Plants of the Rainforest Tour, Roaming Encounters, Lorikeet Adventure and educational programming (Summer only). 

Need to refuel? The Bird Feeder Café serves up eco-friendly snacks and drinks. Better yet, you're already in Liberty Park – popover to the legendary The Park Cafe before exploring 80 acres of giant trees, playgrounds, and picnic spots. It’s great for burning off that energy.

Admission is included in the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass.

Explore Red Butte Garden

300 Wakara Way | Open 10 AM - 5 PM

When spring hits Red Butte Garden, 534,000 bulbs burst into bloom across 100 acres of award-winning gardens and five miles of hiking trails, all set against our signature mountain backdrop. 

Smart parent tip: Mark your calendar for their six free admission days throughout the year. And if you're feeling ambitious? The Living Room trail starts right nearby – perfect for catching that golden hour glow over the valley.

Hike to The Living Room

383 Colorow Rd. | Open 24 hours

Want to show the kids what happens when nature meets creativity? The Living Room is a mile-and-a-half trail near Red Butte Garden that leads to a collection of rocks arranged like furniture, serving up the best views of the Salt Lake Valley and Great Salt Lake. Don't let the few steep sections scare you – they're short and manageable for most skill levels. Pack some snacks and make it a sunset picnic spot your family won't forget.

Meet the Wild Ones at Utah's Hogle Zoo

2600 Sunnyside Ave S | Open 10 AM - 5 PM

Forget screens – at Hogle Zoo, your kids can lock eyes with a lion, snow leopard cubs and the famous gaia cat through floor-to-ceiling glass or watch polar bears dive in Rocky Shores. With 800 animals spread across 42 acres of hillside terrain, you'll travel from the African Savanna to the Asian Highlands without leaving Salt Lake.

Parent pro tip: Four restaurants throughout the zoo mean you're never far from a soft-serve break on a hot day. Kids under two visit free, and military families get special discounts. Even better? It's included in your Connect Pass.

Step Back in Time at Wheeler Historic Farm

6351 S 900 E | Open 9 AM - 6 PM Monday to Saturday

Just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake, Wheeler Historic Farm offers 75 acres of hands-on history and outdoor fun! Meet friendly farm animals, explore scenic trails, and tour a historic farmhouse. Kids will love the playground fort, gardens, and activity barn. Enjoy seasonal events and a Sunday Farmers Market (May–Oct, Jan–Mar). Pack a picnic and take in the farm vibes! Open daily for self-guided visits (free), with farmhouse tours by reservation (June–Nov, Dec–May, 11 am–1 pm).

 

Step Back in Time at This is the Place Heritage Park

2601 Sunnyside Ave S | Open 10 AM - 5 PM

History might sound boring to kids, but trust us – This is the Place Heritage Park makes Utah's settlement story come alive. Just minutes from Hogle Zoo, and also included on the Connect Pass, this 450-acre time machine lets kids ride ponies, pet farm animals, pan for gold, and yes – even score some old-fashioned donuts baked fresh daily at Brigham's or sweets from the past at ZCMI Mercantile.

Walk with Giants at the Natural History Museum of Utah

301 Wakara Way | Open 10 AM - 5 PM

Did you know Utah is one of the world's richest dinosaur fossil hotspots? The Natural History Museum of Utah shows off our prehistoric residents in style, with 163,000 square feet of interactive exhibits that'll have kids forgetting they're actually learning something. From minerals to mammals, it's a journey through billions of years that somehow fits into one afternoon.

Not only is there an extensive dinosaur collection on display, but there are also several hands-on experiences such as the Sky exhibit focusing on space and weather, and the Life floor with microscopes and live animals like ants, spiders, and fish. And on the third-floor kids can engage with a sand/water table and build earthquake-safe structures, learning about geological processes.

Bonus: Their café serves up locally made Utah snacks when you need to refuel. Open daily until 5 PM (9 PM Wednesdays), and yes – it's on your Connect Pass.

Spark Curiosity at The Leonardo

209 E 500 S | Open 10 AM - 6 PM Tuesday to Sunday

Downtown Salt Lake's answer to Leonardo da Vinci's creative spirit, the Leonardo Museum is a hands-on museum that turns science, technology, and art into a family playground. From brain-bending STEM activities to cultural discoveries, The Leonardo proves learning is more fun when you can touch everything. Connect Pass? You're covered.

Dive Deep at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT | Open 10 AM - 6 PM

Ocean exploration in the Mountain West? You better believe it. Just minutes from downtown in Draper, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium brings 4,000 animals from across the globe right to Salt Lake. Walk through a 40-foot shark tunnel, meet clouded leopards, and watch Utah's only penguin colony waddle their way into your heart.

The highlights? Ocean Explorer's shark tunnel, Expedition Asia's otters, and Journey to South America's free-flying birds and sloths. Kids under 2 visit free, and everyone else gets special discounts.

Reach for the Stars at Clark Planetarium

110 400 W | Open 10 AM - 7 PM

At The Gateway in downtown Salt Lake, Clark Planetarium turns space exploration into an unforgettable adventure. With 10,000 square feet of free exhibits plus mind-blowing shows in the Hansen Dome Theatre and Northrop Grumman 3D IMAX® Theatre, it's an out-of-this-world experience that's surprisingly down to earth. Your Connect Pass includes one show in each theater – perfect for making those space dreams come true.

Get Hands-On at Discovery Gateway Children's Museum

444 W 100 S | Open 10 AM - 6 PM Wednesday to Monday

Right next door to the Planetarium, Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum packs 60,000 square feet with pure kid-powered fun, with admission included on the Connect Pass. From the Honey Climber to a life-size rescue helicopter, derby car building, and a 38-foot water play area, every exhibit is designed to keep young minds (and bodies) moving. With year-round programs celebrating everything from science to global cultures, it's where learning feels like playing – exactly how it should be.

Gold-Medal Fun at Utah Olympic Oval!

5662 S Cougar Lane | Open 5:30 AM - 9 PM Monday to Friday, 6 AM - 8 PM Saturday

Built for the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns is still bringing the heat—well, the ice! Just 16 miles from downtown, this world-class venue is home to Utah’s only 400-meter speed skating oval, two massive ice sheets, and a high-tech running track. Whether you're gliding through a public skate session, learning to curl like a pro, or getting your laps in on the 442-meter track, there’s plenty of action for every age and skill level. Lace up and experience the legacy!

Discover a World of Art at Utah Museum of Fine Arts

410 Campus Center Drive | Open 10 AM - 5 PM Tuesday, Thursday - Sunday, 10 AM - 8 PM Wednesday

Located on the University of Utah campus, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is your ticket to a world of creativity! With nearly 20,000 original works spanning ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, there’s something to wow every age. Explore fascinating art from around the world through engaging interactive exhibits. Need a break? Recharge at the Museum Café or kick back in the cozy conversation areas with built-in charging stations. Whether you're here to explore, discover, or just have fun—UMFA makes art an adventure! That’s right, admission is free as part of the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass.

Every third Saturday, the UMFA transforms its Emma Eccles Jones Education Center into a creative playground where art-making knows no age limits. This completely FREE family event connects hands-on projects directly to treasures in the museum's collection, giving your creations real artistic context. No artistic experience needed—these activities are thoughtfully designed for everyone in the family.

Learning and Creativity Come Together at the Salt Lake City Public Library

210 E 400 S | Open 10 AM - 8 PM Monday - Thursday, 10 AM - 6 PM Friday - Saturday, 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday

In the heart of downtown, the Salt Lake City Public Library is a vibrant cultural hub for all ages, offering over 500,000 books and a mix of activities that spark creativity and curiosity. Spanning 240,000 square feet, the architectural gem features a six-story walkable wall, a rooftop terrace with 360-degree views, a community garden, and public art throughout. Beyond books, it’s a place where you can play, learn, and create—whether you’re crafting with Cricut machines, recording music in a sound booth, or exploring hands-on experiments in the Tinker Club. With natural light throughout and a focus on community engagement, it’s a dynamic space where creativity and learning thrive.

From downtown discoveries to mountain adventures, Salt Lake serves up family fun that's as easy to access as it is unforgettable. With the Connect  Attractions Pass unlocking admission to many of these attractions, you can focus on what really matters – making memories with your crew. Ready to start planning your family's next great adventure? Trust us – the hardest part will be deciding what to do first.