Best Parks for Families

Liberty Park: Where Kids Can Run Wild

600 Harvey Milk Blvd | Open 5 AM - 11 PM

Liberty Park isn't just any green space—it's 80 acres of pure family fun right in the middle of the city. Two massive playgrounds? Check. Scenic pond with ducks to feed? Absolutely. Spacious lawns for impromptu cartwheels? You bet. In summer, kids splash in the water features while you stretch out with a good book. Want to kick it up a notch? Rent a paddleboat for a small fee and cruise the pond while the mountains frame your family selfie.

Stroller Friendly: Yep, with paved paths galore.

Tip: Grab a snack at the concessions Thursday-Monday, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Miller Bird Refuge and Nature Park: Nature Walk with a Side of Quiet

Miller Park Path | Open 5 AM - 11 PM

Need a break from city buzz? Miller Bird Refuge offers a peaceful 0.8-mile loop where kids can whisper-spot rabbits and robins while you breathe in that crisp mountain air. This isn't a rush-through kind of place—it's where Salt Lake families slow down and actually hear the birds singing and leaves rustling.

Stroller Friendly: Some parts, so make sure to bring a rugged stroller for the off-path spots.

Tip: Pack binoculars and see what feathered friends you can spot.

Memory Grove Park: History + Nature = Family Fun

300 N Canyon Rd | Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Tucked against the foothills just minutes from downtown, Memory Grove Park blends lush green spaces with Salt Lake history. While the kids zigzag through the trees, you can admire the historic monuments honoring military heroes. Follow the paved path alongside the bubbling City Creek, then look up—those mountain views framing downtown make for perfect family photos.

Stroller Friendly: Yes, it’s all paved.

Tip: Take the main trail into City Creek Canyon (not paved) for a wildlife-spotting adventure!

International Peace Gardens: Passport to Fun

1160 Dalton Ave S | Open 7 AM to 10 PM

Why book flights when your kids can "visit" 28 countries in a single afternoon? (Talk about really saving money!) At International Peace Gardens in Jordan Park, each country's garden displays native plants, cultural symbols, and colorful flowers. Challenge the kids to a garden scavenger hunt while you all learn about world cultures just minutes from downtown.

Stroller Friendly: Totally, just watch out for the grass.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring your camera—those gardens are gorgeous.

Ensign Peak Trail: Big Views, Short Hike

Off Ensign Vista Dr. | Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Not every memorable hike needs to take all day. Ensign Peak delivers jaw-dropping panoramas of downtown, the Great Salt Lake, and the Wasatch Front in just 0.8 miles round-trip. In 20 minutes, you'll climb from neighborhood streets to a historic summit where pioneers first surveyed the valley in 1847. Come at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle and the mountains glow pink.

Stroller Friendly: Nope, but perfect for kids to walk.

Tip: Hike early or late to dodge the heat and crowds—oh, and pack water!

Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge: Where Adventure Meets Views

12625 Highland Dr, Draper | Open daily, sunrise to sunset

What kid doesn't love a bouncy bridge? The 2.3-mile round-trip trail to Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge delivers exactly that, plus canyon views that make the journey worthwhile. The gentle grade makes it manageable for elementary-aged hikers, with enough rocks and sticks along the way to keep younger explorers engaged. Once you reach the bridge, let the kids test how much it sways while you frame up that perfect family shot with the Wasatch Mountains as your backdrop.

Stroller Friendly: Nope, but great for older kids.

Tip: Pack snacks, water, and take a breather at the bridge—those views are worth it.

Free Days at the Natural History Museum of Utah: Explore the Past (For Free!)

301 Wakara Way | Open 10 AM to 5 PM

Where else can your kids stand beneath 80-foot dinosaurs before playing paleontologist in a dig pit? On free admission days, the Natural History Museum of Utah becomes Salt Lake's best family deal (Check the calendar before your trip). Kids can press their noses against cases of glittering minerals, touch real fossils, and learn about Utah's native peoples—all within a building that seems to grow right out of the foothills.

Stroller Friendly: Yes, with elevators for easy access.

Tip: Stop by the Canyon Café for a snack before or after your museum adventure.

Clark Planetarium: Space Awaits!

110 400 W | Open 10 AM to 7 PM

No spaceship needed—just step into Clark Planetarium where your budding astronauts can touch a real meteorite, create their own gravity wells, and watch as lightning dances inside plasma spheres. The exhibits are completely free, making this downtown destination perfect for curious kids (and adults who still wonder about black holes). For a few dollars extra, the IMAX and dome theaters make space feel close enough to touch.

Stroller Friendly: Yes

Tip: Park underground at The Gateway for easy access. Discount parking validations are available at the ticketing desk and Planet Fun Gift Shop.

Wheeler Historic Farm: Old-Time Fun (With Animals!)

6351 S 900 E, Murray | Open daily, sunrise to sunset

Cows don't milk themselves—just ask any kid who's visited Wheeler Historic Farm. This working farm lets families step back in time while staying firmly in the present. Little ones can peek into historic barns, wave at grazing cattle, and explore tree-lined paths at this Murray landmark. When you need a break, spread a picnic blanket beneath 100-year-old trees while kids count passing tractors.

Stroller Friendly: Yes

Tip: Bring water and sunscreen—it’s a great place to spend a couple of hours outdoors!

Utah State Capitol Tours: History + Art + Mountain Views

350 State St | Open 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday - Friday

The Utah State Capitol isn't just for politicians—it's where marble corridors lead to massive rotunda domes and kids can whisper secrets across the room through architectural acoustics. Follow a free guided tour to discover hidden art pieces, historical treasures, and stories that bring Utah's colorful past to life. Step outside to the memorial walkways where those famous Salt Lake views frame the city that pioneers built.

Stroller Friendly: Yes

Tip: Parking is free and easy on-site!

Temple Square: A Family-Friendly Educational Wonderland

50 North Temple | Open 9 AM to 9 PM

At the heart of downtown Salt Lake, Temple Square packs centuries of history into one walkable 10-acre block. Follow free guided tours past reflecting pools and manicured gardens while kids marvel at the gothic spires of the Salt Lake Temple. Duck into the Tabernacle to hear how a pin drop can be heard throughout the building's unique acoustic design, then explore the Beehive House where Brigham Young once lived. In winter, thousands of twinkling lights transform the grounds into a holiday wonderland.

Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Stroller Friendly: Yep

Tip: Visit during the holidays to see the breathtaking light displays.

Exploring Salt Lake with the family and working up an appetite? Good news—you’re never far from a delicious, kid-approved meal. City Creek Center, an open-air shopping destination downtown, has something for everyone, from The Cheesecake Factory’s endless menu to J Dawgs’ simple-but-perfect hot dogs (just add that famous sauce). Across town, the Gateway, another outdoor mall packed with entertainment, offers plenty of options too—HallPass lets picky eaters choose from burgers, sushi, and tacos, while Dave & Buster’s serves up dinner and an arcade fun in one stop.

Craving a little local flavor? The legendary Red Iguana (or its sister spot, Red Iguana 2) is famous for rich, complex mole sauces—kids will love dipping chips into all the different flavors, and the lively, colorful atmosphere keeps things fun. If unlimited skewers of grilled meats sound like your kind of feast, Rodizio Grill in Trolley Square offers a never-ending parade of options—perfect for growing kids (or parents) with big appetites. Plus, their grilled pineapple is a must-try! And for a nostalgic, carb-loaded family dinner, The Old Spaghetti Factory serves up classic pasta dishes in a historic trolley car—because eating inside a train just makes spaghetti taste better, especially when you top off your meal with an Italian cream soda.

Beat the Elements:

• High elevation means stronger sun – apply sunscreen even on cloudy days
• Pack water bottles – the mountain air is drier than you think
• Layer clothing – mornings can be cool even when afternoons heat up

Timing Your Adventures:

• Early mornings (before 10am) mean fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
• Sunset outings offer dramatic mountain backdrops for family photos
• Check websites for free days at normally-paid attractions

Stroller Strategy:

• Downtown and major parks offer smooth paths for standard strollers
• Trails and natural areas often require all-terrain wheels
• Many attractions offer stroller parking or free rentals

Parking Pointers:

• Downtown meters are free after 8pm and on Sundays
• Library Square garage offers affordable central parking
• Most parks have free lots, but arrive early on weekends