3-day Salt Lake Family Itinerary

Day 1: Mountain Exploration & Hands-On Learning

Start your trip with a mix of outdoor adventure and interactive indoor fun.

Morning: Easy Family-Friendly Hike, Donut Falls

Start with the Donut Falls Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon—perfect for ages 5 and 7! This 3.3-mile out-and-back trail features a unique waterfall cascading through a donut-shaped rock formation. The gentle elevation gain won't wear out little legs, and the payoff is incredible. Pack plenty of water and snacks!

• What it is: A 3.3-mile out-and-back trail leading to a waterfall flowing through a donut-shaped rock
• Why it’s worth it: Unique scenery with a manageable trail for younger kids
• Time needed: 1.5–2.5 hours

Afternoon: Hands-On Learning at Discovery Gateway Children's Museum

Head to Discovery Gateway Children's Museum downtown—60,000 sq ft of interactive magic! Kids can dig for dinosaur fossils in "I Dig Dinos," explore the massive model train exhibit, or operate construction equipment. Adults find it just as engaging.

• Address: 444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City
• What it is: 60,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits including a helicopter, dinosaur digs, trains, and construction play
• Why it’s worth it: Kids stay engaged for hours—and adults do too
• Time needed: 2–3 hours

Dinner: Kid-Friendly & Adults Happy Too 

Try The Old Spaghetti Factory at Trolley Square—kids dine in actual vintage trolley cars (they love this!), meals include soup/salad/ice cream, and parents get quality food without complicated ordering. Or grab Rodizio Grill for Brazilian churrasco—the tableside carving fascinates kids while adults get excellent meat and that award-winning salad bar.

• The Old Spaghetti Factory: Dining inside vintage trolley cars with full kid-friendly meals
• Rodizio Grill: Brazilian steakhouse with tableside carving and a large salad bar

Day 1 Tips:

• Pack water and snacks for the hike
• Go early to avoid canyon traffic
• Plan indoor time mid-day for a break from the sun

Day 2: Parks, Nature, & Museum Adventures

Combine outdoor play with educational experiences.

Morning: Nature & Learning Combined 

Visit Liberty Park—80 acres of pure family fun! Two playgrounds, duck ponds, splash pads (perfect for summer!), and paddleboat rentals. It's FREE and keeps kids happy for hours. Bonus, inside the park you'll find Tracy Aviary where you can watch and learn about the amazing birds there.

• Address: 600 E 900 S, Salt Lake City
• What it is: 80-acre park with playgrounds, splash pads, paddleboats, and bird exhibits
• Why it’s worth it: The Park is free, the Aviary is included on Salt Lake Attractions Passes, flexible, and perfect for letting kids run and explore
• Time needed: 2–3 hours

Afternoon: Choose your Museum Experience 

Depending on your families specific interests, check out one of these great museums:

• Natural History Museum of Utah – Stand beneath 80-foot dinosaurs, dig for real fossils, explore Utah's natural wonders
• Clark Planetarium – Free interactive exhibits (meteorites, gravity wells, plasma spheres), plus affordable IMAX shows that blow kids' minds
• Loveland Living Planet Aquarium – Walk through the 40-foot shark tunnel, touch stingrays, watch penguins

Why it’s worth it: These museums make learning feel like play.

Dinner: Upscale-But-Still-Fun 

Copper Canyon Grill House & Tavern or Red Beryl Kitchen & Bar – Both have full kids' menus, thoughtful cuisine for adults, and relaxed atmospheres where kids are genuinely welcomed (no judgment if they're wiggly!).

Day 2 Tips:

• Liberty Park is great early or late in the day during summer
• Choose ONE museum to avoid burnout
• Check showtimes if visiting the planetarium

Day 3: Urban Exploration & Final Adventures

Wrap up your trip with easy outdoor access and downtown experiences.

Morning: Urban Hike or Park Time 

Take the Jordan River Trail (paved, stroller-friendly if you need it) or explore City Creek Canyon—transition from downtown to mountain views in just minutes.

• What it is:
  • Jordan River Trail: paved, flat, and family-friendly
  • City Creek Canyon: quick escape from downtown to mountain scenery
• Why it’s worth it: Flexible options depending on energy levels
• Time needed: 1–2 hours

Mid-Day: Free Cultural Experience 

Temple Square offers FREE guided tours, beautiful gardens, and the acoustically amazing Tabernacle. Kids love the echo experiments! If you are looking for other free activities downtown the space exploration at Clark Planetarium is free, or venture further out to Wheeler Historic Farm to soak in some historic farm vibes.

• What it is: Free guided tours, gardens, and historic buildings
• Why it’s worth it: Educational, scenic, and completely free
• Bonus options:
  • Clark Planetarium (free exhibits)
  • Wheeler Historic Farm

Afternoon: Downtown Fun 

Browse City Creek Center for shopping, street performers, and outdoor dining. Grab ice cream or a local treat.

• What it is: Shopping, fountains, street performers, and casual dining
• Why it's worth it: Great spot for a relaxed afternoon and treats

Evening: Farewell Dinner — a Special Treat 

Splurge at an upscale spot where kids feel fancy:

• Log Haven – Seasonal, ingredient-driven, offers special kids' experiences
• Market Street Grill –  premier destination for fresh seafood, and their oyster selection is particularly impressive  
• Archibald's - family energy is welcome, and the menu hits that sweet spot between predictable and inventive

Day 3 Tips:

• Start early to maximize cooler temps
• Downtown attractions are close together—easy to combine
• Save room for dessert or a local treat