Why Visit Salt Lake with Kids This Summer?
Ever tried explaining to your kids that they can swim in the morning, hike after lunch, and catch a dinosaur exhibit before dinner (yes, we have plenty of kid-friendly restaurants)—all in the same day? In Salt Lake, that's not vacation fantasy—it's Tuesday. Our rare urban-mountain combo means you'll spend your time making memories, not sitting in traffic. While other destinations promise "something for everyone," we're busy delivering experiences your family will actually remember (and won't break your travel budget). Ready to trade screen time for mountain time? Salt Lake summer adventures are just a 15-minute airport-to-downtown drive away.
Salt Lake Summer Activities for Every Age Group
Hogle Zoo: More Than Just Animals
2600 Sunnyside Ave S | Daily 9 AM – 6 PM
At Utah's Hogle Zoo, giraffe and zebra roam the African Savannah area with the Wasatch Mountains as their backdrop—a view you won't find at your hometown zoo. Your kids will still be talking about watching sea lions glide past the massive underwater viewing windows in the Rocky Shores tunnel long after you're home. Pro tip from local parents: start your visit early to catch the animals when they’re most active, then cool off at the splash pad mid-afternoon and wrap up with a relaxing ride on the zoo train. And yes, you can easily make it back downtown for dinner with time to spare—we're talking minutes, not hours.
Lagoon Amusement Park: Worth the Drive?
375 North Lagoon Drive, Farmington | Summer hours: daily 10 AM - 9 PM, open until 10 PM Fridays and Saturdays
Absolutely! North of downtown, Lagoon delivers thrills without the epic lines of bigger parks. Where else can you ride a wooden coaster that's been terrifying visitors since 1921, then cool off at a waterpark, all before lunch? The Pioneer Village section gives parents a breather while kids explore authentic 19th-century buildings—history that doesn't feel like a school field trip. Our favorite hack? Hit water rides during dinner hours when lines disappear faster than ice cream on a July afternoon.
Discovery Gateway: Indoor Fun on Hot Days
444 W 100 S | Wednesday-Monday 10 AM - 6 PM
When the summer sun cranks up to "too much," Discovery Gateway Children's Museum becomes every parent's secret weapon. Located in the heart of downtown (literally blocks from your hotel), this interactive playground lets kids pilot planes, build skyscrapers, and run their own city while you enjoy the air conditioning. Unlike many children's museums, this one keeps older kids engaged too—the STEM workshop actually had our teenager forgetting about their phone for a solid hour (we timed it).
Tracy Aviary: Nature Meets Education
589 E 1300 S | Daily 9 AM – 5 PM
Hidden inside Liberty Park (Salt Lake's answer to Central Park), Tracy Aviary offers an intimate bird experience you won't find at larger zoos. Watch kids' faces light up during the daily bird shows where hawks swoop inches above their heads, or time your visit for the flamingo feeding—those pink birds have more personality than most reality TV stars. The shaded pathways make this a perfect mid-day activity when other attractions would leave you sunburned. Bonus: grab lunch at one of the food trucks often parked along the park's edge, then picnic under century-old trees.
Liberty Park
600 E 900 S | Daily 5 AM – 11 PM
Need a mid-trip breather that won't break the budget? Liberty Park is where Salt Lake families have been recharging for generations. This 80-acre green space offers the perfect mix of activity and relaxation—rent paddle boats on the small lake, challenge locals to a game of basketball, or simply spread a blanket under century-old sycamore trees. Let the kids work up an appetitie on the well-maintained playgrounds that cater to all ages (with enough shade for parents who need a moment). Then grab takeout from nearby 9th & 9th neighborhood restaurants for an impromptu picnic dinner.
Antelope Island: No Filter Needed
4528 W 1700 S, Syracuse | Daily 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
A short drive from downtown lies a wild landscape that feels like you've driven to another continent. At Antelope Island State Park, bison roam freely against the backdrop of the Great Salt Lake—creating those "I can't believe this is real" family photos - just remember to admire these massive icons from a safe distance. The island's white sand beaches offer the perfect spot to wade into the unusually buoyant waters (you literally can't sink in the Great Salt Lake). Come at sunset when temperatures cool and the mountains glow pink—a scene that even your teenagers will deem "Instagram-worthy."
Pioneer Park Farmers Market: A Taste of Utah
350 W 300 S | Saturdays 8 AM – 2 PM (June-October)
Want to experience Salt Lake like a local? Saturday mornings mean one thing here: the Downtown Farmers Market. This isn't just produce—it's a cultural festival disguised as a market. Kids can sample Utah's famous honey while you grab Emigration Market's legendary breakfast burrito. Local tip: arrive before 9 AM to beat both the crowds and heat, then walk one block to Main Street and hop the free TRAX train to explore downtown after your market adventure.
Great Salt Lake: A Unique Natural Experience
13312 West 1075 South, Magna | Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Let's address the obvious: yes, it's salty (like, way saltier than the ocean). And yes, there might be a distinctive aroma on some days (blame the algae). But floating effortlessly in the Great Salt Lake creates the kind of quirky family memory that outlasts any souvenir. The sunset views from the marina rival anything you'd see in coastal vacation spots, but without the coastal price tag. Pack water shoes for the salt-crusty shoreline and plenty of fresh water to rinse off afterward—trust us on this one.
Red Butte Garden Concerts: Kid-Friendly Tunes Under the Stars
300 Wakara Way
Think outdoor concerts with kids sounds stressful? Not at Red Butte Garden. Their summer concert series includes family-friendly shows where kids can dance on the grassy hillside while parents enjoy local craft brews and mountain sunset views. Unlike cramped venue seating, Red Butte gives families room to spread out picnic blankets and let wiggly kids be wiggly kids. The garden setting means you can explore winding paths and secret spots before the music starts, turning an evening concert into a full adventure that doesn't require a babysitter.
Natural History Museum of Utah
301 Wakara Way | Daily 10 AM – 5 PM, Wednesday open until 9 PM
Perched on the foothills overlooking the valley, the Natural History Museum is as much architectural wonder as it is educational powerhouse. Kids who yawn at traditional museums perk right up when they see the two-story dinosaur skeletons (all discovered right here in Utah). Budding scientists can peek into a real paleontology lab where fossils are carefully uncovered, the head to the hands on geology area to experiment with erosion and earthquake-proof building designs. On Wednesday evenings the museum is open late, making it the perfect place to round out your summer day. The sunset views of the city from the outdoor terrace make for a perfect family photo op.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
2601 Sunnyside Ave S | Daily 10 AM – 5:00 PM
History sounds boring to kids, right? Not when they're churning butter, riding ponies, and panning for "gold" at This Is the Place Heritage Park. Unlike static museums, this living village puts your family right into 1800s Utah with costumed staff who never break character (even when your modern kids ask if they have Wi-Fi). The splash pad and mini-train ride offer welcome breaks from pioneer life. Located just minutes from Hogle Zoo, you can easily combine both in one day—perfect for maximizing those vacation days.
Snowbird Mountain Coaster & Alpine Slide
9385 Snowbird Center Dr, Snowbird | Daily 11 AM – 6:00 PM.
When we tell visitors they can experience a skier's paradise without winter gear, they usually look confused—until we show them Snowbird's summer transformation. The resort's Mountain Coaster sends families zooming through alpine meadows and pine forests on a track that follows the winter ski runs. The open-air chairlift ride alone is worth the trip, offering eagle-eye views of the canyon that most travelers only see in postcards, or step it up a notch with the Tram ride to 11,000 feet Hidden Peak. But you might want to bring a light jacket even in summer—the mountain air stays refreshingly cool when valley temperatures soar.
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper | Daily 10 AM – 8 PM
Think Utah's landlocked status means a second-rate aquarium? The 400,000-gallon shark tunnel at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium will quickly change your mind. Unlike the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at coastal aquariums, this spacious facility gives families room to linger at favorite exhibits without feeling rushed. The rainforest dome featuring free-flying birds and butterflies creates those magical moments when kids forget they're learning. Just 20 minutes from downtown via I-15, it makes a perfect morning activity before temperatures peak.
The Leonardo
209 E 500 S | Tuesday-Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM
When summer afternoon thunderstorms roll in (usually brief but spectacular), The Leonardo offers the perfect creative shelter. This isn't your traditional "don't touch anything" museum—it's a hands-on playground where science, art, and technology collide. One moment kids are creating digital art projections with their bodies, the next they're piloting flight simulators or building engineering challenges. Located directly on the TRAX line across from Library Square, it's easily accessible without a car and surrounded by family-friendly dining options for after your museum adventure.
Tips for Traveling to Salt Lake from Out of State
Planning a Salt Lake family adventure from afar? We've got you covered with insider knowledge that makes the difference between a good trip and a great one:
- It’s sweet during the summer: Book accommodations for late June through early August to hit peak season for outdoor attractions without the school-year crowds.
- Pack smart: Our mountain climate means 90°F days can drop to comfortable 60s by evening—light layers are your family's best friend here.
- Hotel strategy: Downtown hotels put you within walking distance of museums, dining, and free transit, while staying near the university gives you quicker access to mountain adventures. Either way, you're never more than 30 minutes from any attraction on this list.
- Skip the rental car: If your itinerary focuses on downtown attractions and mountain resorts, our airport TRAX line and rideshare services can save you rental fees and parking hassles.
How to Get Around Salt Lake Without a Car
Forget the family vacation transit headache. Our TRAX light rail runs directly from the airport to downtown in 20 minutes flat (with free service throughout the downtown zone!). Traveling with stroller-age explorers? You'll appreciate our wide sidewalks and compact downtown where major attractions cluster within a few blocks of each other. For trips to the zoo or Natural History Museum, you can hop on TRAX's Red Line and be there in 15 minutes (plus a little walking)—about the same time it takes to buckle everyone's seatbelts in a rental car. Bike rentals turn transportation into an adventure, with family-friendly routes connecting Liberty Park to downtown via tree-lined neighborhood streets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best month to visit Salt Lake with kids?
While the secret among locals is September (warm days, cool nights, smaller crowds), families tied to school schedules will love July—when you can slide down ski runs in the morning (they convert to alpine slides in summer), splash in mountain lakes after lunch, and still catch the Salt Lake Bees baseball game that evening. Unlike humid coastal destinations, our summer evenings cool down perfectly for outdoor concerts and stargazing. Pack light layers and plenty of sunscreen—our mountain sunshine is the real deal, even when temperatures feel comfortable.
Are there free summer activities for kids in Salt Lake
Absolutely! Beyond the obvious parks and playgrounds, Salt Lake offers free activities that would be top attractions elsewhere. Catch the Tabernacle Choir's free Thursday rehearsals, explore the Utah State Capitol's impressive marble halls, hike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for postcard-worthy city views, or splash in the Olympic-inspired fountain at Gateway Plaza. Summer evenings bring free concerts to parks citywide, and many museums offer no-cost admission one evening each month.
What are some family-friendly hotels near downtown Salt Lake?
Top family-friendly hotel choices include Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Downtown, Marriott City Creek, and Kimpton Hotel Monaco.
Is Salt Lake safe for traveling families?
Absolutely. Salt Lake consistently ranks among the safest major cities for visitors, with well-lit streets, clean public spaces, and a visible downtown ambassador program. The compact downtown means you're rarely alone on sidewalks, even during evening hours. Our extensive public parks are actively maintained and family-focused, while the free downtown fare zone on public transit means you're never stranded if little legs get tired of walking..
What’s the best itinerary for a 3-day family trip to Salt Lake?
Day 1: Start downtown at Discovery Gateway and Clark Planetarium, then hop the free TRAX to Temple Square gardens before ending at City Creek Center's unique indoor/outdoor mall with a child-friendly food court.
Day 2: Head to the foothill attractions—Natural History Museum and Red Butte Garden in the morning, then Hogle Zoo in the afternoon (they're all within minutes of each other), followed by a sunset picnic at This Is the Place Heritage Park.
Day 3: Experience the Great Salt Lake at Antelope Island in the morning when wildlife is most active, then cool off at Liberty Park's splash pad before venturing across the valley on TRAX to catch an early evening baseball game at The Ballpark at America First Square.
Plan Your Trip Now
Make this summer unforgettable with your family in Salt Lake—where mountains meet urban adventure, and memories are measured in moments, not miles.
