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Looking for things to do with kids in the Salt Lake Valley without burning a whole weekend on planning? These are the spots across Salt Lake County that locals take their kids back to, again and again.
This is the big one. Kids walk under a long shark tunnel with sea turtles and stingrays gliding inches overhead, then meet penguins and otters in the other halls. It is one of the largest aquariums in the country and easy to spend half a day in. The newer building gave it even more room to roam.
A Salt Lake tradition since 1931, set on 42 acres at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Kids can see elephants, big cats, and apes, with the African Savanna and the newer Wild Utah exhibit being favorites. It is the kind of place that feels like a real outing, not a quick stop.
Tens of thousands of square feet built entirely for hands-on play, from daily science experiments to art projects to a large model train layout. There is even a real bus exhibit where kids climb into the driver's seat. Everything here is meant to be touched, so nobody hears the word no all day.
Three floors of space exhibits with Mars rovers kids can drive, and admission to the exhibit space is always free. Save your money for a dome theater or IMAX show if you want the big experience. The free floors alone can fill an hour or two on a cold day.
Built into the foothills with huge windows looking over the whole valley, this museum lets kids dig for fossils and stand under towering dinosaur skeletons. The Utah dinosaur collection is a real point of pride. The building itself is worth the trip for the views alone.
A living pioneer village with more than 50 historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on activities. Kids can pan for gold, watch a blacksmith work, and take pony and train rides. It is the rare history stop that keeps little ones busy instead of bored.
A working farm right in the middle of the valley where kids can meet cows, goats, pigs, and rabbits, feed the ducks at the ponds, and run the playground. Best part: it is free to walk in. It is a go-to when you want fresh air without a plan or a ticket.
Tucked inside Liberty Park, this is one of the oldest public bird parks in the country, home to hundreds of birds across many species. Kids love the daily bird shows, the close-up encounters, and the sand play area. It is small enough for short attention spans and pairs naturally with a Liberty Park afternoon.
The valley's go-to summer water park, with a wave pool, a lazy river, and slides ranging from gentle to the pitch-black Mondo tube. There are separate shallow areas built for little ones too, so toddlers and teens can both find their speed. It gets busy fast once school is out.
An 8-acre family entertainment center with go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats, bowling, laser tag, and a big arcade. There is enough variety that a wide range of ages can each find their thing, and the on-site food means nobody melts down from hunger. A reliable pick for birthdays and group days.
A large foothill garden and arboretum above the University of Utah with a dedicated Children's Garden built for exploring. Kids can roam themed gardens and open lawns while parents take in the valley views. It is a calm, pretty way to spend a morning outside.
The best things to do with kids in the Salt Lake Valley usually come down to three things: the weather, the ages in your crew, and how far you want to drive. The valley is long, so a Draper family and a downtown family will pick different go-to spots, and that is fine. Pick by neighborhood first, then by interest.
For rainy or cold days, lean on the indoor giants like the aquarium, the children's museum, and the planetarium, which hold little ones for hours. On nice days the free outdoor spots win: a working farm, a foothill garden, and the valley's many parks let kids burn energy without a ticket. Toddlers do best where everything is touch-friendly and the pace is slow, while older kids want the big slides, dome shows, and hands-on history. Stack two nearby spots on one trip, go on weekday mornings to dodge crowds, and always check that seasonal places are open before you load the car.
Keep exploring Salt Lake Valley: The Best Splash Pads in the Salt Lake Valley · The Best Indoor Activities for Kids in the Salt Lake Valley. Need a local pro? Browse Valley Approved businesses. Planning the weekend? See the Events Hub.
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