Salt Lake City is my hometown and we spend many of our weekends and school breaks exploring all the free ways to enjoy Salt Lake City with kids. Whether you're vacationing in Utah, or you're a local family looking for ways to get out of the house, we have a list of ideas.
Keep reading for descriptions and addresses for every activity. Here are my favorite FREE things to do in Salt Lake City with kids.
Parks and Gardens
Liberty Park – This is Utah's oldest and best known public park. Located a few blocks from downtown, Liberty Park has a large adaptive playground and tracks for walking, running or rollerblading. You'll also find courts for horseshoes, bocce ball, basketball, volleyball, baseball and tennis. The Chase Home Museum of Folk Arts is free. You can enjoy the Tracy Aviary, carousel, swimming or paddleboats for a fee.
Related: Tips for Visiting Tracy Aviary
Sugarhouse Park – Sugarhouse Park is another of Salt Lake City's most popular parks, but with 110 acres, there is plenty of room to spread out. There are two playgrounds, sport courts and a wide road to accommodate walking, running and biking. Sugarhouse Park hosts one of Utah's biggest Independence Day celebrations and has a great sledding hill in the winter too.
Wheeler Farm – This free urban farm is especially good for younger families. Wheeler Farm is a working farm and visitors are welcome to visit the cows, horses, chickens, pigs, sheep and other farm animals during daylight hours. There is a fee for activities like wagon rides, milking the cows, house tours and for special events. This 19th century farm has been preserved at 6351 South 900 East.
International Peace Gardens – Replicas of landmarks from 28 countries are represented at the Salt Lake City International Peace Gardens on the west side of the city. There is a playground, picnic area, and trail to the Jordan River Parkway nearby. Find the International Peace Gardens at 1000 South 900 West.
Gilgal Garden – This is a quirky public park that you probably won't find unless you know where to look. It was once the backyard garden of an LDS bishop who expressed his faith through stone and sculpture. Find Gilgal Garden at 749 East 500 South in Salt Lake City.
Related: What to Expect at Gilgal Garden
Red Butte Garden – Is a beautiful public garden near the University of Utah that is lots of fun for families and it is well worth the price of admission. However, Red Butte Garden hosts four FREE days each year. Here are the dates for 2015. If they are out of date, try this link for current information.
- Pioneer Day, July 24
- Labor Day, 1st Monday in September
- Dumke Day, 1st Monday in October
- Holiday Open House and Art Fair, 2 days in early December
Related: Why We Love Red Butte Garden
Library programs
The Downtown City Library – My kids enjoy visiting the library near our home anytime, but a trip to the City Library at 210 East 400 South is a special treat. It's fun to ride the elevator to the top floor to wander the rooftop garden and visit the beehive. The children's library has a large selection, with themed reading areas and a private outdoor waterfall.
Check the calendar of the Salt Lake Library or another local library to find fun, free programs for families that are bigger and better than story time. Look for free live animal presentations, movies, activities and more, especially during the summer.
Related: Spending the Day at the Salt Lake City Library
Museums
Clark Planetarium – The Clark Planetarium at the Gateway is always free. There is a charge for star shows and IMAX movies, but there are lots of fun and free hands-on exhibits to keep kids happy. My kids like checking their weight on other planets, watching metal balls flow through Newton's Daydream, or checking out the demo toys in the gift shop.
Utah State Capitol Building – Wow your kids with the marble halls of the Utah State Capitol Building. Tours are offered Monday-Friday, but the building is open to visitors seven days a week. It's a great opportunity to teach kids about government, but families can have fun by exploring the unique building and grounds and perusing fun exhibits about why Utah is the Beehive State and popular movies that were made in Utah.
Pioneer Memorial Museum – Operated by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, this free museum is located across the street from the Utah State Capitol Building. The DUP has an extensive collection of artifacts, photos and histories of the Mormon pioneers, who founded Salt Lake City in 1847.
This is the Place Heritage Park – Go back in time to learn what it was like to live in Salt Lake City in the late 1800's. There are lots of fun pioneer-themed activities for families here. This is the Place hosts one free day each year, sponsored by the Huntsman family. Visit this link for more information.
Utah Museum of Fine Art – Ask for an activity backpack at the front desk full of enrichment activities for families at this museum on the campus of the University of Utah. UMFA is free to the public on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of every month.
Natural History Museum of Utah This new and innovative museum is one of our family's favorites. It's full of interactive exhibits, educational play zones and lots of dinosaurs! Here are the free days in 2017. If they are outdated, try this link for upcoming free days.
- Monday, January 23
- Monday, May 15
- Monday, August 21
- Monday. December 11
Related: Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum of Utah
Hiking
There are a whole lot of nature hiking trails in and around the Salt Lake Valley. Here are a couple that I especially recommend.
Ensign Peak – This short uphill hike above the Utah State Capitol Building offers panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley. There is a monument at the top because Brigham Young hiked to this peak soon after arriving in the valley.
Temple Quarry Trail – This short, stroller-friendly hiking trail can be found at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. In addition to beautiful scenery, you can see where granite for the Salt Lake Temple was quarried.
Related: More Tips for the Temple Quarry Trail
Splash Pads
Many of Utah's public parks, including Liberty Park, now have free splash pads. Downtown Salt Lake City has two free splash pads in popular gathering areas. Find them at:
The Gateway – This downtown outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment center is located just west of Vivint Smart Home Arena, and is also home to the Clark Planetarium, Discovery Gateway Children's Museum, and Megaplex movie theaters. The splash pad is good sized and the water is sometimes choreographed to music.
City Creek Center – The small splash zone in Utah's newest and most stylish downtown mall is a fun and convenient place to blow off some steam on a warm day. City Creek likes to keep it classy by requiring kids to keep shoes and shirts on, so plan accordingly. Shaded seating is available for parents and others who want to stay dry. There is also a dry play area inside the food court.
Other fun free activities City Creek has to offer are: discovering “fossils” and animal tracks embedded in the sidewalks, checking out the live fish in the waterways, window shopping at shops like the Disney Store, and watching the fountain show at the top of every hour.
Church Sites
Temple Square – If you're a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or just interested in learning more about local history and culture, Temple Square welcomes families and is always free. You can take a tour, enjoy the gardens, walk around the temple, explore interactive exhibits, watch movies or catch an organ recital or Tabernacle Choir practice during your visit.
Temple Square is undergoing renovation in 2020, so expect some changes and disruption in this area.
Family History Library – This library across the street from Temple Square houses the largest collection of family history resources in the world. All of it is free for your use. There are lots of fun high-tech activities that can connect you with your family on the main level. These are fun and fascinating for kids and adults.
Related: Tips for Visiting the Family History Library
Church History Museum – The Church History Museum. It has some good permanent and rotating exhibits, including hands-on and high-tech exhibits for all ages. A new play area for kids will open in 2020.
Conference Center – The Conference Center to the north of Temple Square is a massive auditorium that holds more than 20,000 people. It also has a theater, rooftop garden, waterfall and an extensive collection of art. If you haven't seen it in person, you should. Free tours are given daily.
Joseph Smith Memorial Building – Take the elevator to the 10th floor and head either direction to enjoy panoramic views of Salt Lake City. On the bottom floor, relax in the beautiful lobby, see the movie or visit the family history center where you'll find a small play area.
Special Events
Living Traditions – This annual celebration of Salt Lake City's diverse cultures is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2015. Admission is free and it's fun to walk around and watch on-stage performances from local groups that perform music and dances from around the globe. If you'd like, bring cash for the food and craft fairs too. Living Traditions is held on a weekend in mid-May. Visit www.livingtraditionsfestival.com for more information.
Days of '47 Float Preview – We hit this free event at the South Towne Expo Center nearly every summer because it's so fun. It's scheduled a few days prior to the Days of '47 Parade on July 24th. You get to check out the beautiful floats up close, and many of the float committees also offer games and giveaways to get your vote for Crowd Favorite.
Related: Tips for Visiting the Days of '47 Float Preview
Star Parties – The Salt Lake Astronomical Society and the Ogden Astronomical Society both host free stargazing parties throughout the warm weather months. Check their websites for details.
What are your favorite FREE activities in SLC?
I know that there are plenty more splash pads, parks, hiking trails, events and museums in the area, but I haven't yet had the chance to try them all. Please share your favorites in the comments!
For low cost and discounted ideas of things to do in Salt Lake City, Groupon-Salt Lake is often a good resource.
Mike Orobona
SLC is possibly the easiest city in the world to drive in. Every road is clearly marked north, south, east, or west of the LDS temple. Find memories of visits from Elko, NV.
Allison
Thanks for pointing that out, Mike. Most downtown streets are unusually wide too!
Traveling Rockhopper
Great ideas!
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http://travelingrockhopper.com
Allison
Thank you!
Dana
Great round-up of things to do in Salt Lake City. Perfect for anyone visiting or those that just want staycation ideas for the summer.
Allison
Thanks, Dana! This is how we fill our open weekends.
Robin
Wow, that Gigal garden sphinx is an image I won’t soon forget! Thanks for the great list!
Allison
The sphinx is fascinating. The face is that of Joseph Smith, founder of the LDS (Mormon) Church.
Casual Travelers (@CasualTraveling)
Sounds like there’s quite a bit to do in Salt Lake City if you’re a kid! We’ve been there only once, and I had to work, while husband and son (then still very little) went exploring. We did rent a car and go to the Antelope Island State Park, but that’s a bit of a drive, plus it’s not free.
Allison
Antelope Island is a great example of cheap things to do beyond SLC. It’s not free or in the city, but it is an inexpensive day trip and definitely worthwhile.
Kate
What a great list! I spent a couple of months volunteering right after college with Americorps and our first project was in SLC with the Utah Food Bank & your post brings back some great memories of exploring the city. I haven’t been back since (it’s been almost 13 years!), but I hope to return soon and will keep this list in mind.
Allison
I’m delighted to know that you called SLC home for a short time. I hope you do get to return soon!
Sarah
Such great things – love the parks and would definitely like to check out the Pioneer Museum too!
lesleycarter
I was thinking about putting SLC on my 2016 list. I’m going to save this post and come back to it before I go. Great suggestions.
Katja - globetotting
I’ve never been to Salt Lake City but it looks like there’s an incredible amount to do for families! Wheeler Farm would be a huge hit with my kids as would the various parks with the splash pads. Great list!
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels)
Very comprehensive list! We haven’t been to SLC but I think I’d like to check out the hiking trails while the kids probably would be most interested in the splash pads 🙂
Brenda & Andrew (@DishOurTown)
Wow, so much activity for kids and adults alike in Salt Lake City. Will keep it in mind for our road trips. Thank you.
The Adventure Ahead
Such a great and comprehensive list! So much for kids to see and experience 🙂
Corinne
Salt Lake City looks pretty great!
Katie Dillon
I have never been to Salt Lake City! On the list.
Stargazer
Great family night is enjoying a movie under the stars. Snowbird ski resort as well as many surrounding cities and locations offer this. Every year right before school let’s out for the summer I create a list of several locations so we can decide where to go depending on the movies. The redwood drive in is also a great way to have a movie night.
Allison
Thanks for the recommendation! We have seen a free family movie outdoors at Snowbird and it really is a lot of fun!
Lisa
Hogle Zoo has several free days each year, but only in the winter months. Look for “Wild Wednesdays” the last Wednesdays of November-February.
Alisa
Looking for an evening activity for 65 High School kids from California who are on a band trip. Would love some suggestions.
Allison
Well, Temple Square comes to mind, simply because it is so “Salt Lake City.” You can walk through the grounds at your leisure. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir practices there on Thursday nights and there are often free concerts. The big family history library is across the street, as is the huge conference center and City Creek Mall, which has great shopping and a food court.
Another option is the Clark Planetarium, just a few blocks west. I’m guessing they would offer a group discount on an IMAX show and they have lots of free interactive exhibits on three floors. It is located in the Gateway Mall, which is not as lively as it was before City Creek opened, but it still has some shopping, dining and nice outdoor spaces.
If the weather is pleasant, I recommend the short hike up to Ensign Peak. It is a short distance from the Utah State Capitol Building, which you can also visit for free. Ensign Peak has great views of Salt Lake City and it is a historical site.
Hope these suggestions help. I also have a post with 90+ things to do in Salt Lake City. Here is the link. http://tipsforfamilytrips.com/utah/things-to-do-in-salt-lake-city-with-kids/
You are welcome to email me at [email protected]. If you can tell me where you’re staying, if you have a budget, and what type of activities you have in mind, I may be able to offer some additional recommendations. Best wishes!
Crystal CiCi Chambers
Sorry, but unless your kids are under 7, these will bore the life out of anyone else. Including their parents. TV stations give tours, the Aquarium can be informative for about an hour or so. Kinnecot has a museum, Cabella’s has lessons, Scuba shops offer introductory lessons to scuba on groupon for $15, there are pottery places, ceramic places, sushi making classes…tons of stuff outside of a park.
Crystal CiCi Chambers
Also, please….PLEASE mommy-bloggers….think beyond 4 year olds and church related monotony. There’s also Lagoon, Cherry Hill, Park City Olympic Park, Luge, Bobsled, ZipLines, Raging Waters (whatever name it is this year), Thanksgiving Point, Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden and the Rainbow store in Ogden.
Allison
Thanks for the feedback and for the tip about the TV station tours. I want to check that out. I’ll look into some of your other suggestions as well.
I disagree that these activities are only for younger children. My children are older, and we still enjoy many of these. There are activities that other families enjoy that we do not, so I understand if my list is not a good fit for every family.
This is a list of free activities inside Salt Lake City (not the Wasatch Front), so I could not include Lagoon, Living Planet Aquarium and other fun activities on your list. I agree that those are all great activities for families, and have included them in a different list: 90+ FUN things to do in Salt Lake City. This list includes all the great amusement parks, museums and other free and paid activities along the Wasatch Front.
LeeAnn Susbury
Just a heads up. Gilgal garden statue is not Joseph Smith. The man who originally owned the garden had the last name of Child and it is a statue tribute to himself. After he died, and about 20 years ago, his wife convinced the city and the current family who owns the garden to make it available to the public.
Allison
Thank you, but according to the park’s website, the face on The Sphinx is Joseph Smith. Here is a link: http://gilgalgarden.org/the-sphinx/. There is another sculpture in the park that is of Child. I agree that the park is an impressive tribute to Child, his art and his faith. I am grateful that it is open to the public.
Cherise
I’m very surprised no one has mentioned Thanksgiving Point’s Museum of Natural Curiosity! We’ve been for the last 2 years & my 13 year old still loved it!
Cherise from Texas
Allison
The Museum of Natural Curiosity is really fun! My older kids still like it too. 🙂 It’s not included on this list because it isn’t free, but I do have a dedicated review of it here: https://tipsforfamilytrips.com/utah/museum-of-natural-curiosity/ Thanks for the shout out!