I wasn’t sure what to expect when my 8-year-old son and I arrived in Salt Lake City for our first solo parent-child adventure. Utah’s capital surprised me in more ways than one. Known for its world-class skiing, the Wasatch Mountains are just as stunning without their snow caps. Plus, from hands-on museums to lush gardens and even a mountain roller coaster, there are so many things to do in Salt Lake City with kids—much of it free or low-cost. We left convinced: Salt Lake City belongs on every family’s radar, no matter the season.
The writer was hosted.
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
This hands-on gem in Salt Lake City best suits kids 10 and under. The giant honeycomb climbing structure is a huge hit, as are other exhibits, like a construction zone, a grocery store, the First Utah Bank Discovery Branch and a family farm — all of which inspire interactive and creative play.
Sure, I left a little damp from standing too close to the 38-foot water table, but I also got a one-of-a-kind beaded bracelet handmade by my son in the Art Room.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Buy the Salt Lake City Explorer Pass. You’ll save money and get access to 14 attractions for $99.99 – $119.99.
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Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum of Utah is a fantastic spot for all ages. We found everything from minerals and metals to flora and fauna, but the main attraction here is definitely the dinos.
Utah is one of the world’s richest areas for dinosaur fossil discovery, and the museum impressively highlights its findings.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Stop for a snack in the on-site cafe. It overlooks the valley, offering spectacular views.
Clark Planetarium
Exploring the three floors of scientific exhibits in the Clark Planetarium is easily one of the best free things to do in Salt Lake City with kids.
On the first floor, learn about the earth through exhibits on wind, volcanoes and cosmic impacts. The second floor is all about space weather. Think magnetic fields and auroras. The third floor delves into what lies beyond Earth, such as black holes and alien landscapes.
Afterwards, stick around for a show in the IMAX or dome theater.
This Is the Place Heritage Park
One of the top outdoor experiences in Salt Lake City, This Is the Place Heritage Park let us experience what life was like for early settlers in Utah. Start with a train ride to get a lay of the land. Then, explore the grounds on foot.
In the Heritage Village, we washed clothes like Pioneers, brushed wool and cleaned rugs. The park also has pony rides, a playground, a new Native American Village (where you can see the largest teepee in America), a petting corral and soft-serve ice cream at the Huntsman Hotel.
Bonus: We left This Is the Place Heritage Park a little bit richer than we arrived — my son got lucky panning for gold!
Snowbird
We whizzed past gorgeous mountain scenery, greenery and a few waterfalls on the scenic 30-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City to the world-class ski resort, Snowbird.
Summer attractions, which run from late-spring through October, open at 11 a.m., so we started our mountain adventure with a wildflower hike. Colorful flowers adorned the dirt trails, creating a gorgeous, quiet natural setting for one-on-one time with my son.
When the activities opened, we attempted a little bit of everything: a mountain roller coaster, an Alpine slide, a ropes course, a climbing wall, bouncy houses and a bungee trampoline. We also rode the 13-minute Summer Scenic Tram Rides to 11,000-foot Hidden Peak. The views here are spectacular and worth the trip, even for those who don’t want to hike the trails at the top.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Purchase Snowbird day passes online and print your tickets at kiosks to avoid waiting in line.
Red Butte Garden
Located at the University of Utah, Red Butte Garden’s lush surroundings offer a lovely place for a stroll. We enjoyed the themed gardens, blooming bulbs, wooden bridges and panoramic views of the city from the top of the garden.
Places to Eat with Kids in Salt Lake City
Moz Artisan Pizza
Moz Artisan sits in the far corner of the lively Woodbine Foodhall. Here, we dined on wood-fired cheese pizzas on their outdoor patio. Surrounded by local art atop concrete walls, I sat across from my son, chatting about all the fun things we’d done that day, and thought, “Why don’t we do this more often?” The casual, no-fuss eatery was my favorite meal in Salt Lake City.
Caputo’s Market
For sandwiches, salads, soup and sweet treats, you can’t beat Caputo’s Market. Try “The Caputo” — prosciutto, mortadella, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, olive oil and balsamic. The kids’ menu includes every little ones’ favorites, like pasta and grilled cheese.
Red Rock Brewing
The menu at Red Rock Brewing is loaded with kid-friendly favorites. Think elevated pub grub, like fries, burgers, pizzas and macaroni and cheese. The downtown patio is casual, and the lively vibe means kids don’t have to be quite so quiet. Parents can enjoy the craft beer selection while kiddos try the house-made cream soda and root beer.
Eva’s Bakery
It’s hard to go wrong with baked goods, and Eva’s Bakery is the spot to go in Salt Lake City. Charlie Perry opened this gem in honor of his great-grandmother. Every piece feels like it is baked with love.
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City
The Grand America Hotel
When we pushed through the golden doors and into the chandeliered lobby of The Grand America Hotel, my son whispered, “I could see a wedding happening here.” And he wasn’t wrong. I could picture it, too.
A few minutes later, settled in our room, he peeked out the window and gasped when he spotted the pool flanked by lounge chairs covered in yellow and white striped towels and framed by the Wasatch Mountains.
More hotel highlights include the cutest hotel toy shop I’ve ever seen, and the bright on-site restaurant “The Laurel,” where we ate breakfast every morning. The food is delicious (especially the sausages) and the staff were attentive, paying particular attention to my son’s food allergies, which is always appreciated.
Getting To (and Around) Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is one of the West’s most efficient and traveler-friendly hubs, offering nonstop flights from dozens of U.S. cities.
When you land, getting around Salt Lake City is easy—Uber is the most practical option since the city is fairly spread out.
If plans include heading into the Wasatch Mountains — whether for hiking or skiing — renting a car is the best choice. Major rental companies operate right at the airport, making it simple to pick up your vehicle and be on your way in minutes.
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