Salt Lake City has a fantastic downtown – large enough to give that big city feel, but small enough for things to be accessible and not overwhelming. You can easily spend an entire day in the main city center without having to spend a penny on entertainment. Pick through this list of free things to do in Salt Lake City with kids and start planning a visit today!
Planning a trip to Salt Lake? Check out this post all about where to stay and eat in the city.
Clark Planetarium
Located at The Gateway, there is plenty to see and do at the planetarium to pass a few hours in the morning or afternoon. Interactive displays will entertain kids, and there is plenty of rich information for parents to read and share. It’s a great choice for not only space enthusiasts, but the whole family.
Additional Costs: Shows in the theater do have a charge, but you can still have a fantastic trip even if you skip the films.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check out the super-sized Rube-Goldberg machine. You can’t help but be entranced by the variety of mechanisms used to move a variety of balls from beginning to end.
The Gateway
When you’re finished at the planetarium, head into The Gateway – Salt Lake City’s outdoor shopping venue. It has an outdoor art gallery, fun seating areas, and free events throughout the year.
Additional Costs: Because it is a shopping mall with restaurants as well, you may be tempted to spend more than you want. Keep a budget in mind, pick out restaurants ahead of time, or leave your credit cards at home if you’re trying to save money.
Salt Lake City Public Library
This is a fun building to simply walk around due to its interesting architecture, but take a few minutes to go in and explore the library’s children’s section with your kids. While you can’t check a book out without a card, find a cozy spot and read together.
Pro Tip: Enjoy a free tour of the library on the 1st Wednesday of each month at noon.
Utah Museum of Contemporary Art
Open Wednesday-Saturday, UMOCA is a great way to introduce kids to modern art. The museum also offers some amazing educational resources on its website that you can use at home. Stop by and spend a little time trying to beat the heat or stay warm in the winter!
Additional Costs: There is an $8 suggested donation, so if you’re feeling generous consider bringing some cash along to donate.
Pro Tip: About once a month, UMOCA hosts Family Art Saturday where families can create works of art of their own. Check the calendar and see if you can plan your visit to line up with one!
Temple Square
Even if you aren’t a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a visit to historic Temple Square is quite the experience. Despite renovations that are expected to last until 2026, there is still quite a bit to see and do. Plus, kids and adults alike might find the large-scale construction site interesting in and of itself! Find a pair of Sister Missionaries to give you a tour of the grounds and answer any questions you may have, walk across the street to tour the Conference Center, or enjoy the always beautiful landscaping in the area.
FamilySearch Center
This is a fantastic stop for families, particularly the Discovery Center. Volunteers at the center will assist you with creating an account that will help you link yourself to family members who have gone before. By linking to a FamilySearch account, you can see famous people you are related to, where your family is from, and participate in several interactive displays catered to your family.
Pro Tip: If you want to be able to see extended family relations, come to the center with the names and birthdates of a few relatives that have passed, preferably parents or grandparents.
Church History Museum
While members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may find more personal connection to the displays, there is still lots to see and learn about for everyone at this museum. The second floor offers a children’s play area that is religiously themed, but a welcome break for kids and parents alike. There are many beautiful works of art and exhibits to enjoy as well.
City Creek Center
Another fun shopping center, not too far from The Gateway, City Creek Center has much to offer. A nod to the actual City Creek not too far away, a small stream runs through a large part of the center with plenty of benches to sit on and animal prints to find. Even in the cold of winter, visitors can enjoy feeling like they are outside with the see-through retractable roof above them. Kids can burn off energy at the children’s play area in the food court or in a mini splash pad during the summer while parents can relax and watch a fountain show that plays every hour. This is probably one of my favorite free things to do with kids in Salt Lake City.
Additional Costs: Just like The Gateway, there will be plenty of spending opportunities so proceed with caution!
Pro Tip: Enjoy the fountain show at night if at all possible, when there is the added element of fire. Also, be sure to check out the Macey’s candy window displays during the Christmas season.
Ride Trax
The Utah Transit Authority offers a Free Fare Zone in a large section of downtown Salt Lake City. You can access all of the above locations for free using Trax (if you get on within the free zone). Save your legs and let the kids enjoy a free ride on the train.
A Little Further Out
The following are still very close to Downtown, but will probably require a car, bike, or scooter to access.
State Capitol
Not only is the Utah State Capitol building beautiful, but it has incredible views of the city as well. If it’s open, take a peek inside and snap some fancy photos of your family on the grand staircase. In the springtime, enjoy blossoming cherry trees.
Pro Tip: Check out some of these great resources that are provided to make your visit more engaging and meaningful.
Ensign Peak
If your family is up for a relatively short, but steep, hike Ensign Peak offers some fantastic views of the Salt Lake Valley. There is no entrance fee, and you just park in the nearby neighborhood. Bring water, snacks, and a can-do attitude.
Memory Grove
Memory Grove is a beautiful park with trails and walking paths along City Creek. Several monuments and plaques that share about Utah’s military history can help create a quick learning opportunity. Many people enjoy bringing their dogs to run and play as well. It’s a nice way to feel a part of nature without leaving the city.
Liberty Park
This is an expansive park with green space, playgrounds, and a large pond. Liberty Park is a great place to picnic or ride scooters and bikes. The Tracy Aviary is located at the park and offers free admission to Utah Indigenous Tribes members and those who receive Utah Horizon/EBT/WIC benefits.
Bonus
Museum of Fine Arts
- Free admission 1st Wednesday and 3rd Saturday of each month
- Also free for:
- Active-duty military families
- Bank of America Cardholders (first full Sat/Sun weekend of the month)
- Utah Horizon/EBT/WIC beneficiaries
Parking in Salt Lake City
If you’re driving your car into the city, try these lots for less expensive parking:
- City Creek Center: First 2 hours are free, $3/hr after. Daily Max: $24*Closed Sundays*
- Regent Street Garage: $2/hour
- Salt Palace Convention Center Parking: Rates vary based on events near Downtown
