Salt Lake City Kids Attractions: Top 8 Things to Do

Award-winning Salt Lake City, Utah, has garnered worldwide attention among the best places to live and visit. Part of its appeal is the number of attractions, especially those tailored to families with children. From museums and zoos to professional sports, it’s easy to keep kids entertained. To find fun things to do, here are the top Salt Lake City kids attractions for families.

Salt Lake City Kids Attractions for Vacationing Families

Travel Billions of Years

See billions of years of history on display at Natural History Museum of Utah. This attraction serves as the state’s national history museum and aims to educate guests of all ages. The museum houses 11 permanent exhibits showcasing Native American Tribes, dinosaurs, science, weather and special collections. Past examples include: Vikings, ancient civilizations, Utah’s wilderness and DNA.

In addition to interesting exhibits, Natural History Museum of Utah hosts family-friendly events and classes. For added fun, take a discovery class, participate in family late-night and schedule a guided wildflower walk.

See Stars and Beyond

Clark Planetarium is the place to learn about space and science. Through hands-on exhibits and theaters, families explore galaxies far away. The planetarium is separated into three segments located on three floors: Earth, near Earth and beyond. Earth features a tornado, volcano, meteorites and the moon. Then explore space weather and magnetic fields in near Earth. End the journey with solar system exhibits such as Jupiter and space shuttles.

After roaming the museum, see a show. Clark Planetarium hosts 30- to 40-minute movies in IMAX and Hansen Dome Theater. A few titles include Deep Sea, Incoming! and The Story of Earth in 3D.

Roam Utah’s Hogle Zoo

At Hogle Zoo, families get up-close and personal with animals from around the world. The zoo aims to nurture animals while connecting visitors to the natural world and wildlife conservation. While visiting, guests see different exhibits. Giraffes, zebras, polar bears, sea lions, seals, tigers, leopards, elephants, primates and birds await animal lovers.

When not learning, families ride a train and carousel, and play at Lighthouse Splash Zone in the summer.

Let Them Discover the World

Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum caters to families with children younger than 12 years old. Exhibits and galleries welcome families to discover how the world works using art, science and literacy. Learn about car maintenance, play at DG Derby and STEM Studio, and move in the giant play space. In addition, kids enjoy learning about construction, farming, theater, building and engineering.

This interactive museum also hosts events. Younger kids can take a curiosity shop class, watch puppet shows or make memories during the World Connections cultural program.

Enjoy Nature at Tracy Aviary

Families visiting Tracy Aviary get a different wildlife experience. This top Salt Lake City kids attraction inspires care, education and conservation for birds. The aviary is separated into over a dozen exhibits  — such as owl forest, swan pond, amazon adventure and chase mill. While roaming, see pelicans, condors, eagles, flamingos and dozens more. Children also love feeding ducks and swans.

Tracy Aviary hosts daily shows as well. During these events, learn about different birds and environments, and even have an encounter with birds.

Ride and Splash

Looking for thrilling adventures? Head to Lagoon Amusement Park, among the top Salt Lake City kids attractions for rides, shows and water park. The amusement park caters to all ages with rides for tots, school-age, teens and adults. Younger children can try baby boats, speedway jr, teacups and water fountains, to name a few. Families can amp up the excitement on Bombora, Cannibal and Colossus coasters. However, that’s not all. Lagoon Amusement Park houses over 50 rides.

In addition to rides, Lagoon Amusement Park has a separate water park with rapids, lazy river and tubes. Don’t forget to stop by Pioneer Village, where families wear Old West apparel and learn how residents lived in the 1800s.

Take a Break

Open year-round, This is the Place Heritage Park provides a place to play and learn about Utah’s early settlers. Visitors are encouraged to see everything at the park. At Treasure House, dig for gemstones, pan for gold and learn about mining. Other things to do at This is the Place Heritage Park include pony and train rides, touring Native American Village, and splashing at Irrigation Station.

Those with more time should plan a guided horseback ride. The park manages over 450 acres, and offers rides in summer and winter for ages 8 and older.

Catch a Game

Families with sports fans have several options, but two Salt Lake City kids attractions are Vivint Smart Home Arena and Smith’s Ballpark. Both venues host sporting events where everyone cheers for their teams. Vivint Smart Home Arena is home to NBA’s Utah Jazz and big names in basketball. Smith’s Ballpark is home to Salt Lake Bees, a minor league baseball team affiliated with Los Angeles Angels.

Need more Salt Lake City kids attractions? Learn more about Salt Lake City and read why it’s a top vacation destination in Utah.