When Spring Break rolls around, most people think beaches or visiting relatives. But Spring Break in Salt Lake? That's where things get interesting. Imagine a destination just 15 minutes from the airport to downtown, where your kids can time travel back to the prehistoric age in the morning and hit world-class ski slopes by afternoon. Salt Lake delivers family adventures without the logistical headaches—and we're about to make your planning even easier.
Salt Lake Will Surprise You
Your Salt Lake experience starts before you even land—those mountain views from your plane window are just the appetizer. No, we’re not kidding. Once on the ground, our straightforward grid system makes navigation almost intuitive (even with backseat drivers). Most attractions sit within a 30-minute radius, whether you're hopping on TRAX or loading up your own vehicle.
If your kids are the “can’t-stand-still” type, we’ve got places they can freely explore without being told not to touch anything. If you have a family that likes to learn when they travel, we’ve got immersive and impressive experiences to show them Salt Lake. And if you’re more of a “wild child,” literally or figuratively, our backyard is the greatest of the outdoors. Best part? Tons of these options are low-cost, free, or available at a discount through our Salt Lake Connect Pass.
Why Salt Lake Shines for Spring Break
Easy Accessibility:
Skip the complicated transfers. With Salt Lake International Airport just minutes from downtown and neighborhoods connected by TRAX light rail, you'll spend less time navigating and more time creating memories..
Urban Meets Outdoor:
Enjoy mornings on the slopes at family-friendly ski resorts like Brighton or Solitude, then spend your afternoons exploring museums, strolling through vibrant neighborhoods, or dining in kid-friendly restaurants.
Affordability and Variety:
From public transportation to free public parks, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that let you maximize your family fun without stretching your wallet.
Seasonal Splendor:
Experience mild spring weather, seasonal events, and even spring skiing, making March and April an especially appealing time to visit.
Cultural and Educational Experiences for Curious Kids
Take Your Next Spring Break Out of This World
At Clark Planetarium, space exploration isn't theoretical—it's tactile. Kids can touch authentic moon rocks, manipulate Mars rover models, and dive into the science of black holes through interactive displays. The best part? The main exhibit hall is completely free to explore.
For the full experience, catch a show in the Hansen Dome Theater or Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre ($8–$15). Every first Saturday from 8–11 a.m., Sensory Friendly Saturday adjusts lights and sound while offering free sensory tools for those who need.
Yes, Kids Allowed
The Discovery Gateway Children's Museum turns "don't touch" into "please explore" with exhibits custom-designed for children 3–12. Kids can role-play adult jobs in a miniature town, conduct science experiments, and burn energy on the giant climbing structure—all while learning through play.
Open every day except Tuesday with admission between $10-$15 (free for children one and under). Sensory bags available daily, with dedicated sensory-inclusive sessions every Monday 3-6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Go Way, Way Back in Time
The Natural History Museum of Utah isn't just exhibits behind glass—it's dinosaur fossils your kids can get close to, indigenous cultural displays, and geology exhibits that bring Utah's natural history to life. The copper-clad building itself, perched on the foothills with panoramic valley views, is worth the visit alone.
The museum's Discovery Classes let kids dig for actual fossils and explore Utah's distinct geological history hands-on. Open seven days a week with tickets ranging from $15-$25 (free for children under two). Sensory bags and autism resources available for families who need them.
Spring Skiing
Spring skiing in Salt Lake means t-shirt weather on the slopes—the perfect combination for families. Our four resorts offer varying levels of family-friendly perks:
- Alta: Children 12 and under ski for $80-$105 daily
- Brighton: Up to two free tickets per day for children six and under with adult lift ticket purchase
- Snowbird: Kids six and under ski free
- Solitude: Kids four and under ski free
Pro tip: Book the kids into ski school for a few hours and enjoy some well-deserved adult time on the mountain.
Kid-friendly hikes
Traveling with a stroller? The paved Jordan River Trail stretches through multiple neighborhoods with numerous access points. Porter Rockwell Trail and Sugar House Park offer similarly smooth paths for wheeled adventures.
For young hikers (ages 3-10), the Bonneville Shoreline Trail delivers vast views experiences with pick-your-own adventure lengths and turns—walk 1 mile or 8 miles with minimal elevation gain. More energetic kids will love Living Room Hike—a 2.5-mile round-trip journey on the edge of the University of Utah campus with spectacular views of the valley. Bring water and get ready to climb!
Teens and adults seeking a challenge should try Bells Canyon Trail to Lower Falls, a moderate 4.8-mile roundtrip with 1,515 elevation gain. Get ready for breathtaking views and a rewarding waterfall.
Remember: This time of year trails may be a bit icy, snowy and muddy. Keep watch of the weather and look out for swift rivers due to any run-off.
Playgrounds When You Need Them
Salt Lake's parks go beyond basic swing sets. Sugarhouse Park and Liberty Park offer expansive urban green spaces minutes from downtown, while Magna Regional and Wardle Fields Regional Park feature elaborate playground structures and open fields perfect for impromptu family games.
For more unique play experiences, check out the farm-themed Wheadon Farm Park in Draper or go Western at Wild West Park in West Jordan.
Indoor Fun for Rainy Spring Days
If you already checked Salt Lake’s unique museums off your to-do list, and are suddenly caught without a rain plan, don’t despair as there are many, many more options that will surprise you!
Animal Experiences:
If weather shifts your outdoor plans, Salt Lake's indoor animal encounters are ready to fill the gap. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium lets kids get hands-on with stingrays, marvel at jellyfish, and watch penguins waddle—all in climate-controlled comfort.
At Scales & Tails Utah, reptile enthusiasts can meet snakes, lizards, and exotic birds up close. For a more farmyard experience, Aunt B's Barn brings the petting zoo indoors where little ones can interact with gentle barnyard animals regardless of weather.
Uniquely Utah:
For first-time visitors, a rainy day in Salt Lake is the perfect excuse to try something new! Instead of hitting the trails, you can head to Luv2Play, just a short drive from downtown, which offers 10,000 square feet of indoor climbing, sliding, and exploring. Or, check out some of our wacky indoor trampoline parks to get some sick air, like at the Airborne Trampoline Area.
Day Trips and Nearby Adventures
Antelope Island State Park:
Just a 40-minute drive from downtown, Antelope Island offers wildlife viewing unlike anywhere else in the region. Spot free-roaming bison herds, pronghorn antelope, and hundreds of bird species against the backdrop of the Great Salt Lake. The minimal entrance fee makes this a budget-friendly day trip option.
Why Spring is the perfect time to visit: Springtime on Antelope Island is your perfect destination for all things wildlife. Bring the binoculars and experience the bird migration. Because it is a lower elevation than the nearby mountains watch as the island begins to bloom or stick around because it's calving season!
Park City
Park City is packed with family adventure at Utah Olympic Park, where families with kids 13+ can experience a thrill of a lifetime in a bobsled on the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games Sliding Track or explore the interactive Olympic museum to learn about Olympic history before the games come back to Salt Lake in 2034.
Need to Know: Operating hours for activities will be open dependent upon weather and season, see here for more. Ziplines, Rope-courses, alpine sled, extreme tubing and more open in May.
Practical Travel Tips for Out-of-State Families
Where to Stay:
Choose family-friendly hotels in central locations that offer amenities like pools, spacious suites, and kid-centric facilities to ensure both comfort and convenience.
Transportation:
While renting a car is ideal for exploring beyond the city limits, downtown Salt Lake also provides efficient public transit and walkable neighborhoods.
What to Pack:
Spring weather in Salt Lake can be variable—pack layers, a light jacket, hiking shoes, and essentials like sunscreen. Bringing along travel games or portable entertainment can help make the journey smoother for kids.
Is Spring a Good Time to Visit Salt Lake City?
Yes, Spring in Salt Lake offers mild weather, fewer crowds, and opportunities for both skiing and outdoor excursions.
How Many Days Is Enough?
A 4 to 5-day trip is ideal to experience the city's urban attractions, outdoor adventures, and nearby day trips without feeling rushed.
Where Do Most Kids Go on Spring Break?
Families tend to flock to interactive museums, expansive parks like Liberty Park, and outdoor adventures such as hiking or spring skiing.
What to Wear in March and April?
Dressing in layers is key—cool mornings can transition into pleasantly warm afternoons.
Is April Too Late to Ski in Utah?
Not at all. Many resorts continue to offer excellent spring skiing conditions well into the month of April (depending on the year, some even into May!).
Ready to Make Unforgettable Memories in Salt Lake?
Salt Lake City is a vibrant blend of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and practical conveniences, making it one of the best spring break destinations for families. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or an extended vacation, the city's ever-evolving offerings ensure that every family member finds something to love. Start planning your Salt Lake City adventure today and create unforgettable spring break memories for your family—your perfect getaway is just a flight away!
