Great vacations and fun weekend getaways don’t always have to take you thousands of miles away to another country. A great time can be had in many unexpected parts of the United States, where many restaurants and attractions make it a worthwhile family vacation.
Salt Lake City, Utah, is an unexpected gem for a family-friendly vacation.
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Here are some of the best things to do and see in Salt Lake City with kids.
Is Salt Lake City Family Friendly?
Yes, Salt Lake City is one of the best family-friendly getaway destinations in the United States — and it gets more visitors from all over the country every year as more people discover that it can be both a hidden gem and an absolute joy.
Families on vacation in Salt Lake City can look forward to great attractions like the Hogle Zoo and the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum. More museum fans can continue their trip with the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum, both right in Salt Lake City.
There’s no lack of great restaurants, and most eateries and restaurants in Utah have a selection of menu items that will suit kids and adults with dietary restrictions, like vegetarians.
For parents who have never made their way through Salt Lake City, one of the best things about the area is the lower crime rate compared to some of the busier main cities in the United States.
If you know exactly where to go, then a vacation to Salt Lake City can be one of the best things you and your family can do.
Unique Things to Do in Salt Lake City
The Hogle Zoo
photo source: Flckr.com via Ken Lund
The Hogle Zoo is the largest zoological garden in Salt Lake City and certainly one of the most impressive zoos that take care of the animals around the clock. Exhibits show more than 200 animals in recreations of their natural habitat, with guided tours that will teach kids more about nature conservation — and why zoos can still have a role in modern society to protect nature.
The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
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The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is a natural history museum focusing on child-friendly exhibits. There’s a lot of information to learn here, and it’s all presented in a way that kids can enjoy and interact with. All the exhibits are up-to-date, and it’s one of the most interesting places you can hope to see during your stay.
The Natural History Museum of Utah
photo source: Flckr.com
The Natural History Museum of Utah is located at 301 South Wakara Way in Salt Lake City, and you can set your GPS to take you straight to the front entrance. A visit to the Natural History Museum shows visitors some of the great things around the area, with artifacts that even adults will love to see.
The Leonardo Museum
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
If you and the kids want to make a trip out of going to several museums in the area, then you should visit the Leonardo Museum, a special kind of place that has special summer and winter programs for children of almost all ages. Entrance to the Leonardo Museum is affordable, and there’s almost always something to see.
What is There to Do in Salt Lake City for Toddlers?
Tracy Aviary
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Tracy Aviary is one of the most incredible and extensive aviary locations in this part of the United States. No visit for nature lovers will be complete without a final stop at this place. Kids are welcome, and there are a lot of gorgeous sights you will want to take in at this aviary — open all day.
This is the Place Heritage Park
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Once you’re in Salt Lake City, you’re right in one of the United States cities with the most important history. This is the Place Heritage Park is a free-entry tourist and local destination that commemorates the contributions of the original pioneers who settled in this area and established the town as we know it today.
Temple Square
photo source: Flckr.com via Ken Lund
Utah has a lot of history, and Temple Square is one of the most important faith-based attractions to see. Even if your beliefs are not the same, you still have to take a step back and appreciate the wonderful architecture marvel for its beauty. For a kid-friendly vacation stop, Temple Square is excellent.
Where Should I Eat With Kids in Salt Lake City?
Eva
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Eva is one of the most famous local restaurants in Salt Lake City, and it opens later in the day — usually at 5:00 PM. It’s filled with great people, comfort food, and an atmosphere you want to stay longer to experience. There’s a kids’ menu for children and even some menu items for adults with a serious sweet tooth.
The Park Cafe
The Park Cafe is one of the best restaurants in this part of Salt Lake City, and you know that it’s a great five-star attraction because it’s where all the locals eat. There’s something on the menu for everyone, including snacks, desserts, and something for the kids. The restaurant is known for its breakfast dishes.
Red Iguana
photo source: Flckr.com via Kimberly Vardeman
The Red Iguana is a mix of great food and a wonderful atmosphere, with optional delivery if you prefer to dine elsewhere. Desserts are the star dishes of the Red Iguana, though many main dishes are recommended by frequent visitors of this great local Salt Lake City hangout.
Free Kid Activities Salt Lake City
Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo
The Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo are one of the great kid-friendly attractions for which Salt Lake City has become famous. When they light up, it’s something to see, especially at night. This free attraction is something no vacation visitor can afford to miss.
The Bonneville Salt Flats
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The Bonneville Salt Flats are famous in Salt Lake City, and they’re free to visit for anyone who would like a great day out to one of its most picture-perfect attractions. Remember to take plenty of photos to take the memory home with you!
Utah Olympic Park
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The Utah Olympic Park is located at 3419 Olympic Parkway, and this is one of the best places to visit if you want to see a local event or two while you’re on vacation. While entry to see the park is free, you can also find tickets for any of the special events hosted here.
Indoor Kid Activities Salt Lake City
Clark Planetarium
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If you have to spend a day indoors on vacation, one of the best places for you and the family to visit is the Clark Planetarium. From here, you can learn more about the environment up there – and even see some great views of the sky. It’s a learning experience that’s just as great for the adults on the trip!
Salt Lake City Public Library
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People can still have a great time at the public library even in the days of the Kindle. Kids are welcome here, and there’s a great selection of books to read — and often, there’s an event that parents and kids can enjoy. Time it right, and you might even see a book signing and meet a writer!
All-Star Bowling & Entertainment
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All-Star Bowling & Entertainment is one of the best Salt Lake City attractions for the whole family. If the kids are used to bowling on their smartphones or the Wii, then they have to experience the real thing at least once in their lives — and All-Star Bowling & Entertainment has a lot more to do than this, including on-site restaurants for the hungry ones.
Things to Do in Salt Lake City Winter with Kids
Fairmont Aquatic Center
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The Fairmont Aquatic Center is one of the best places that you and the kids can visit if you want a getaway that gets you close to nature — and that’s informative at the same time. Visits to the Aquatic Center are more than memorable, and some events show the animals and their keepers at their best.
Big Cottonwood Canyon
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Winter doesn’t always mean that you have to stay all the way indoors. If the weather is fair enough to still make it outside in the winter, you might want to go and see Big Cottonwood Canyon. The entrance is free, and walks are fit for younger kids and much older teens.
Things to Do in Salt Lake City in December with Kids
Jump Around Utah
Jump Around Utah is one of the great activity parks for busy kids and young ones, with supervised visits that take kids through many different age-appropriate fun courses. Entrance is affordable, and there are even some special events throughout most of December for kids and parents to attend.
