When it comes to family vacations, finding the perfect mix of fun, education, and excitement for children is key. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Salt Lake City multiple times with my family, and I can confidently say that it is a fantastic destination for families. From wildlife adventures to interactive museums, this vibrant city has something for every age group.I’ll take you through three activities I personally experienced and absolutely loved, and I’ll also recommend four additional spots that are ideal for family-friendly fun.
Table of Contents
Our Family Adventures in Salt Lake City
- Hogle Zoo: A Day with the Animals
- Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens: Birds, Nature, and Beauty
- The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: Underwater Wonders
Additional Family-Friendly Recommendations
- Clark Planetarium: Exploring the Universe
- Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum: A World of Hands-On Fun
- Sugarhouse Park: Relaxing and Playing in Nature
- This Is the Place Heritage Park: A Journey Back in Time
Final Thoughts on Family-Friendly Fun in Salt Lake City
1. Our Family Adventures in Salt Lake City
Hogle Zoo: A Day with the Animals
One of the best family-friendly spots in Salt Lake City is undoubtedly Hogle Zoo. Located at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, this zoo offers a wide variety of animals and exhibits that make for an unforgettable experience.
- Location: 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
- Getting There: The zoo is easily accessible by car, and there is plenty of parking on-site. If you’re using public transportation, several bus routes stop near the zoo entrance.
What I Loved:
As soon as we entered the zoo, we were greeted by lush greenery and wide pathways. It’s a great place to walk around with kids because the paths are stroller-friendly and there are plenty of benches to sit and relax. The highlight for my kids was definitely the African Savannah exhibit, where they could observe elephants, giraffes, and zebras in an open and naturalistic environment. The Rocky Shores exhibit, with sea lions and polar bears, also captured their attention.
- Exhibit Highlights: African Savannah, Rocky Shores, and Asian Highlands.
- Best Experience: Feeding giraffes and the interactive animal encounters. It was so exciting for my children to get close to these incredible creatures.
Pros:
- Great variety of animals.
- Interactive exhibits like giraffe feeding.
- Excellent educational programs for kids.
- Spacious, easy to navigate with a stroller.
Cons:
- Can be crowded on weekends, so I recommend arriving early in the morning.
- The zoo can get a bit hilly, so prepare for some incline walking.
Amenities and Services:
- There are cafes throughout the zoo, offering everything from snacks to full meals.
- Stroller rentals are available, which was a big plus for us since we had younger kids.
- Gift shops for souvenirs, which always adds a bit of fun for the little ones.
Personal Thoughts:
Hogle Zoo provides a fantastic balance of fun and education. We spent about three hours there, and my kids were thoroughly entertained the entire time. The variety of animals and the well-maintained exhibits really enhanced our visit. I would highly recommend it for families looking for a relaxed yet enriching day out.
Reservations and Discounts:
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and I recommend checking out any seasonal discounts or family passes on their website. This is a great way to save if you plan to visit multiple attractions in Salt Lake City.
Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens: Birds, Nature, and Beauty
Next on our adventure was the Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens in Liberty Park. This lovely attraction is a true hidden gem, especially if your kids are fascinated by birds and nature.
- Location: 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
- Getting There: Located within Liberty Park, Tracy Aviary is easy to access by car with ample parking available. Public transit is also convenient with several bus routes close by.
What I Loved:
My kids were absolutely enchanted by the exotic birds here. From the macaws to the adorable penguins, there was no shortage of interesting creatures to discover. The aviary has different habitats that mimic the birds’ natural environments, and the bird shows were a fantastic way to see these animals up close. The botanical gardens provided a peaceful respite, with lush plants and beautifully maintained paths.
- Exhibit Highlights: Free-flight birds, the Penguin Encounter, and the beautiful Rose Garden.
- Best Experience: Watching the bird demonstrations and seeing my kids’ faces light up when they fed the ducks.
Pros:
- Great educational programs for kids.
- Beautiful and serene garden spaces.
- Interactive bird encounters.
Cons:
- The aviary is relatively small compared to larger zoos, so it might not take all day to explore.
- Limited shade in certain areas, so visiting in the early morning or late afternoon is recommended.
Amenities and Services:
- Stroller access is available, making it easy for families with younger children to navigate the park.
- A small café offers snacks and drinks, perfect for refueling after a long walk.
- There’s also a gift shop for bird-themed souvenirs.
Personal Thoughts:
This was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable parts of our trip. My kids loved learning about the different species of birds and getting hands-on with feeding some of the animals. The peaceful atmosphere of the gardens was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Reservations and Discounts:
Tickets can be reserved on their official website, and they also offer family memberships, which provide access to the aviary throughout the year. The cost is fairly reasonable, especially if you take advantage of any promotions.
The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: Underwater Wonders
For a change of pace, we visited the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, located just outside of Salt Lake City. This is a fantastic destination if your family loves marine life, with a special emphasis on hands-on learning and exploration.
- Location: 12033 S Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper, UT 84020
- Getting There: It’s about a 20-minute drive from Salt Lake City’s downtown area. There’s plenty of parking available, and the aquarium is easily accessible by car.
What I Loved:
My children were in awe of the shark tank and the immersive exhibits. The Journey to South America exhibit was a highlight, showcasing exotic species like piranhas, turtles, and stingrays. They were also able to interact with sea creatures at the touch pool, where they got to feel starfish and rays, which was both educational and fun. The Ocean Explorer exhibit, featuring colorful fish and coral reefs, was simply mesmerizing.
- Exhibit Highlights: South American River, Ocean Explorer, and the Shark Tank.
- Best Experience: The touch pool and the 300,000-gallon shark tank. It was thrilling for the kids to see such large creatures up close.
Pros:
- Very hands-on and interactive for kids.
- Variety of sea life from all over the world.
- Stunning exhibits that teach about conservation and marine biology.
Cons:
- It’s quite a large aquarium, so it may take a few hours to fully explore.
- The entrance fee can be a bit high, but it’s worth the experience.
Amenities and Services:
- The aquarium has a café with a nice selection of snacks and beverages.
- Restrooms and family-friendly spaces are available.
- Stroller rentals are available for younger kids.
Personal Thoughts:
We spent a solid 3-4 hours here, and it was a perfect rainy day activity. The aquarium is one of the best we’ve visited, with its focus on education and interactive experiences. I could see why so many families make this a top destination when in Salt Lake City.
Reservations and Discounts:
We purchased tickets online in advance, and they offered a family pass that saved us some money. If you plan on visiting multiple times, I recommend checking for membership options.
2. Additional Family-Friendly Recommendations
Clark Planetarium
For an educational and awe-inspiring experience, the Clark Planetarium is perfect for curious minds. The interactive exhibits and immersive shows make it a hit for kids interested in space.
- Location: 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
- Highlights: IMAX and Dome Theater shows, space exhibits, and hands-on learning stations.
- Pros: Free exhibits and a fun IMAX experience.
- Cons: Limited to space themes, so it may not interest all children.
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
A world of imagination awaits at Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. Perfect for younger kids, this museum is full of hands-on exhibits.
- Location: 444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
- Highlights: Kid’s construction zone, water play areas, and art stations.
- Pros: Great for younger children with interactive exhibits.
- Cons: It can get crowded during peak times.
Sugarhouse Park
This large urban park is ideal for families looking for outdoor fun. With playgrounds, walking paths, and picnic areas, it’s perfect for a relaxed day.
- Location: 1300 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
- Highlights: Scenic views, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
- Pros: Free entry and lots of green space.
- Cons: Limited parking during peak hours.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
Take your family on a journey back in time at This Is the Place Heritage Park. This interactive history park brings pioneer life to life through hands-on activities.
- Location: 2601 E Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
- Highlights: Old-timey exhibits, animal encounters, and wagon rides.
- Pros: Educational and fun for all ages.
- Cons: A bit of walking is required, so be prepared.
3. Final Thoughts on Family-Friendly Fun in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City is undoubtedly a hidden gem for family-friendly activities. From animal encounters at the zoo to interactive science and space experiences, the city offers a great blend of education and entertainment. If you’re planning a trip with your kids, make sure to visit the places I’ve mentioned—they’ll leave you with memories that last a lifetime.