Outdoor Adventures

• Red Butte Garden Trails – Where kids can run through wildflowers, explore nature paths, and soak up some sun while parents can indulge in botanical beauty and learning.

• The Living Room Trail – A short but rewarding hike with “furniture” made of rocks at the summit. The summit provides spectacular views of the sunset for families who don’t mind the extra adventure of hiking back in the dark (bring a flashlight!).

• City Creek Canyon – Where downtown Salt Lake transitions to the wilderness in about 200 steps. Start at Memory Grove Park and follow the paved path alongside a mountain stream that drowns out any hint of city noise. The beauty of this trail? It's an out-and-back, so whether your five-year-old makes it half a mile or your teenagers want to push all the way up, you're never committed to more than you can handle.

• Liberty Park and Tracy Aviary – Offers paved paths for riding, walking, or running, and open grass areas to burn off any pent-up energy plus the option to wander through the Aviary and gawk at birds from around the world.

• The Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park – Got kids who love owls, birds, and bison? How about stars and the Milky Way? By day, Antelope Island State Park’s wildlife (with over 338 species and 10 million birds) can be seen as your kiddos climb the rocks, play in the sand, or even dip a toe or two into the salty water. As evening comes, some of Utah’s most stunning sunsets dance on the water and when night falls, you’ll find yourself in an International Dark Sky Park—the perfect place for making wishes. Make this great outdoor adventure easy with a daytime or dark-sky tour that picks you up at your hotel. 

Arts & Culture

• The Leonardo Museum – the perfect place for families that have a mix of interests in art, science, and creativity. The mix of traveling and permanent exhibits includes plenty of hands-on activities geared toward families with kids of all ages.

• Dreamscapes – An interactive immersive art exhibit that feels like stepping into a dream as you go on a surreal journey from the bottom of the ocean, through caves and forests, and into dreamscapes out of this reality.

• This Is the Place Heritage Park – Disconnect from the 21st century as you enjoy live demonstrations and hands-on activities that bring Utah’s pioneer history to life. Pan for gold, celebrate Utah’s first people, and explore over 60 original or replica structures with costumed interpreters that help bring the old west alive.

• Cultural Festivals – Salt Lake is a place where many cultures come together and we love to learn about and celebrate them! Starting in April and May with food to folk dancing at events like the Living Traditions Festival and continuing through the summer with the Utah Arts Festival, Pioneer Day Celebrations in July, and into the fall with Oktoberfest at Snowbird and other fall festivals across the valley.

• Utah Museum of Fine Arts – Start at the welcome desk to check out a free family backpack with hands-on and close-looking activities for a kid-friendly introduction to art with exhibits from all over the world. And every month there is Third Saturday for Families where kids and their parents can join in on making art, not just seeing it. 

Science & Nature

• Clark Planetarium – Blast off into space with interactive exhibits and larger-than-life IMAX shows.

• Natural History Museum of Utah – Dig up fossils, explore interactive science exhibits, and meet Utah’s ancient dinosaurs.

• Loveland Living Planet Aquarium – Walk through underwater tunnels, touch stingrays, and even see sharks up close.

• Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum – A playground for curious minds, where kids (and grown-ups!) can tinker, experiment, and let their imaginations run wild.

• Hogle Zoo - Summer brings a fun splash pad and playground to cool off or let off steam as you gawk in wonder at all the animals,

Need a little self-care? Salt Lake's spa scene is here to help, whether it's a quick massage or a full day of pampering. Want to stay immersed in the mountains? Snowbird's cliff-side lodges offer family-friendly accommodations with spa treatments, heated pools, and the reward of a 5-star meal, plus hot shower and comfortable hotel bed at the end of your adventure-filled day.

If sports are more your speed, catch an NBA Jazz or NHL Hockey Club game, an MLS Real Salt Lake match, or even a summer ski-jumping event at the Utah Olympic Park. And let’s talk budget—family travel adds up, but Salt Lake helps you stretch your dollars with our discount attraction passes and the many family-friendly free things to do. So go ahead, plan a trip your kids will remember forever—the best school report they’ll ever give and the first vacation you return from actually feeling like you had one.

This spectacular setting comes with a few practical considerations to keep your crew comfortable:

• Pack Layers - high altitude and dry air means that the temperature can be a bit chilly in early mornings and in the evening, even if the daytime is toasty.

• Bring sunscreen - there’s less atmosphere so you may be more prone to sunburn than normal.

• Bring chapstick and lotion - while Salt Lake itself isn’t technically a desert, your skin will think it is. Bring it with you or stock up at a local store when you get here.

• Water bottles are essential - there’s usually somewhere to refill them and you will want to make sure you and the kiddos drink more water than usual. 

• Hiking? - bring a day pack with snacks and basic first-aid, and check the weather forecast. Afternoon thunderstorms can pop-up quickly, so keep an eye out. And bring plenty of water with you. Trailheads usually do not have water available.

No matter what your family enjoys on vacation, Salt Lake has an option that is sure to satisfy. Get outdoors, learn unique history, and then relax and unwind with all the comforts of a big city. Then get up and do it all again the next day. Your family adventures in Salt Lake will be a hit with kids young and old.