Things to do in Utah with kids
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28 Amazing Things To Do In Utah With Kids

Are you looking for things to do in Utah with kids? Awesome, you are in the right place! Utah is one of the most family-friendly states in the USA.  There are so many family activities in Utah! 

If you search on Google “which state has the most kids per family in the USA,” Utah wins!  It is true, Utah is a great place to raise a family and has plenty of entertainment options for all these kiddos. 

I am raising my four kids in Utah, so I will show you all the fun things to do in Utah! 

Let's explore all the Things to do with kids in Utah! 

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Fun Things to Do in Salt Lake City with KidsSalt Lake City with Kids

The Salt Lake City area is where the majority of the population of Utah lives.  There are tons of museums, zoos, and family activities in Utah.  This post will concentrate primarily on Northern Utah.  Let's explore some of the best things to do in Utah with kids. 

1. Temple Square salt Lake City Temple Square

Temple Square is the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.  5 million people a year visit this lovely area of Salt Lake City. 

Things To Do

Temple Square is home base to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  This area includes the Salt Lake Temple, two visitor centers, a family history library, the tabernacle, the conference center, and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day saints values families so there are plenty of interactive exhibits that your kids will love. 

(Please note that Temple Square is currently undergoing major renovations, and accessibility is limited.)

Sister Missionaries

The grounds at Temple Square are beautiful, don't be afraid to talk to the sister missionaries.  These sisters are serving an 18-month mission for the church and are volunteering their time.  They will give you a tour around the complex.  If English isn't your first language don't worry.  These tours are offered in 40 different languages! 

This area of Salt Lake City is safe and a great family attraction in Utah.  

2. Discovery Gateway Museum 

Things to do In Salt Lake City with kids - Discovery Gateway Museum

The Discovery Gateway Children's Museum is located in downtown Salt Lake City.   It is a great museum and is a lot of fun for kids in Utah. 

There are areas for both very young kids as well as older kids.  On the main level, there are lots of opportunities for play. The second floor incorporates many STEM activities. 

Museum Hours

  • Thursday – Saturday – 10 am – 6 pm
  • Sunday – 1 pm – 6 pm
  • Monday – Wednesday – Closed

Admission Prices (per person)

  • General (Everyone Ages 1-64) – $12.50
  • Members & Children under 1 – FREE!
  • Senior Citizen (Age 65+) – $10

My Opinion 

If you are in the area and are looking for things to do in Salt Lake City with kids this is a great choice. However, be aware that it is not located in the best area.  Some homeless people have made their homes in this area. It is a high theft area. 

Inside the museum, you will be fine but your car might not be!   I don't want to sound too negative. The museum is amazing, I took my kids all the time when they were little but the area is not what it used to be.  

3. Clark Planetarium

Things to do in Utah with Kids - clark planetarium

The Clark Planetarium is located in downtown Salt Lake City right next to the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum.  It is a great place to have some family fun in Utah. 

Admission

This is a county-run facility so admission to exhibits is always free. Patrons may enjoy exhibits from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. by reservation and may purchase tickets to the educational documentaries and star shows in the afternoon.

The highlight of the planetarium is the star shows so purchasing tickets would be a fun option. 

Star Show Tickets

  • $7 before 5:00pm
  • $9 after 5:00pm

This is a great family activity in Utah, especially if you are planning to spend a day in downtown Salt Lake City. 

4. Hogle Zoo

Things to do in Salt Lake City - Hogle Zoo
Image Courtesy of desertnews.com

The Hogle Zoo is one of the best things to do in with kids in Utah.  It is right across the street from This is the Place Heritage Park (which is next on the list).  

Admission and Hours

  • Adults (13 and older) – $19.95
  • Children (3-12) – $15.95
  • Children 2 and under are free

Hours – 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Admission is slightly cheaper during the winter.  

The Hogle Zoo has a wide variety of animals: polar bears, lions, giraffes, elephants, and tigers.  There are also splash pads, train rides, and shows. 

The Hogle Zoo is great for all ages.  I put this on my “things to do in Utah with kids” list because no one will complain! 

5. This is the Place Heritage Parkgold panning at this is the place heritage park

If you love historical travel, This is the Place Heritage Park will rank on the top of your list of things to do in Utah with kids!  Located in Salt Lake City, Utah,  it is an interactive step back into pioneer times.

When Brigham Young and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints crossed the plains from Illinois in the 1800s, Brigham Young looked out over the valley, which is now Utah, and said, “This is the Place.”

This park is a tribute to the history of Utah.  You could easily spend an entire day here. The hours of operation are from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, year-round. (hours are slightly different because of Covid – double check) 

Admission

  • Adults: $15.95
  • Seniors: $13.95
  • Children: $11.95
  • Children under 2 are free

This is one of my favorite kid activities in Utah!

6. Gardner VillageThings to do in Utah with Kids - Gardner village

Gardner Village is one of the best places for family fun in Utah kids! Gardner Village is a boutique shopping area located in West Jordan, Utah. There are few annual events that make this location a kid's dream. 

During Halloween, witches are hiding throughout the village.  You can do a scavenger hunt to find them all.  Once you complete the hunt you can go get a cookie at the bakery. 

During Christmas, elves are hiding and during spring it is the fairies who are hiding.  Same idea!  This is a fun place to take the kids and it is free.  

Hours

10:00am – 6:00pm

There is a farm located on this property, so the kids can pay a small fee and pet the animals.  

Gardner Village is a great thing to do in Utah with kids!

7. Loveland Living Planet AquariumThings to do in Salt Lake City with kids-Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is so fun! It is located just south of Salt Lake City, just off of the highway in Draper.  This is one of the most fun things to do in Draper Utah with the kids.

Admission

  • Adult: $19.95
  • Seniors, Teens, Military, College Student: $16.95
  • Child: $14.95
  • Children under 2 are free

Hours

10:00 am – 6:00pm

Mondays are extended hours to 8:00 pm plus a family discount of $5 off per ticket.

The Aquarium

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

The aquarium is divided into different sections:

  • Ocean Explorer
  • Expedition Asia
  • Journey to South America
  • Discover Utah
  • Penguin Research Station
  • Deep Sea Lab.

You can start at any section. The aquarium is pretty impressive and is the perfect thing to do in Utah with kids.

Tuki's Play and Party Center

Things to do in Utah with kids - Aquarium
Image Courtesy of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Tuki's play and party center is an indoor massive playground.  It is an additional charge but so worth it.  I know my kids have spent hours playing here.  

New Plaza

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Expansion
Image Courtesy of the Salt Lake Tribune

There is also a new outdoor science area!   There is a command center, which offers ecology-themed, interactive experiences that encourage guests to learn about our natural world.

8. Sea Quest Aquarium

There is another aquarium located in Northern Utah.  It is smaller but still offers a lot of fun for kids. 

Location: 1201 N Hill Field Rd #1072, Layton, UT 84041, USA

Admission:

  • Adults: $16.99
  • Kids: $11.99

9. Thanksgiving PointThings to do in Utah - Biosphere

Thanksgiving Point is incredible!  It is one of the best places to go in Utah with kids! There are five museums or venues located in close proximity.  These include:

  • Dinosaur Museum
  • Butterfly Biosphere
  • Curiosity Museum
  • Garden
  • Farm

Admission

Admission is different at each museum.  In August all museum and venue admissions on Tuesdays are $2.  

Museums

Things to do in Utah - Thanksgiving Point

The Dinosaur Museum has interactive exhibits and a sand digging area as well as a water play area.  This is my little boy's favorite museum! 

The Curiosity Museum is a hands-on children’s museum.  This is a two-story building with different areas for play. 

The Butterfly Biosphere has over 100 species of butterflies. There is also an indoor play area located near the biosphere. 

At the farm, you can feed animals, ride a pony, and go on a tracker ride.  It is really a perfect place if your kids love animals.  

The Garden at Thanksgiving Point 

Thanksgiving Point Garden Utah

The Garden at Thanksgiving Point is beautiful!  During the Spring the tulip festival is held.  There are over 280,000 tulips! It is a breathtaking experience!   The garden is massive and if your kids like to roll down hills this is the place! 

Be sure to bring a stroller or you can rent golf carts to get around and explore!  There are also food carts and booths, and live music during festival times.

Thanksgiving point is one of our favorite things to do in Utah with kids!

10. Local Theatre in Utah 

Hale Center Theater
Image Courtesy of roofingcontractor.com

One of the things to do in Utah with kids is going see a play.  There are some excellent theaters in Utah. 

Hale Center Theatre

Hale Center Theatre is located in both Sandy and Orem, Utah. I highly recommend this theatre.  It is one of my favorite places to take my kids.  They offer a variety of shows.  They offer high-quality performances.

Admission

The ticket prices vary depending on which seat section you would like. 

11. Kid-Friendly Hikes in UtahBell Canyon Hike

One of the best things to do in Utah with kids is hike! Utah has amazing landscapes.  Near Salt Lake City are the mountains with many kid-friendly hikes.

National Parks

Utah has some of the best West Coast National Parks.  The Mighty 5 Utah parks are awesome for hiking with kids.  There are also 7 National Monuments and many amazing state parks. Our favorite state park is Goblin Valley

We also like going to Moab and riding UTVs at Hell's Revenge.  

If your family loves the outdoors they will love Utah.  

In Northern Utah, summer and fall are the best times to hike.  In Southern Utah, you can hike all year round although summer is hot. 

Things to Do in Utah with Kids – North of Salt Lake CityThings to do in Utah with kids - lagoon

There are some family activities in Utah North of Salt Lake City.  Let's explore some of these options!

12. Hill Airforce Base MuseumThings to do in Utah - Hill Air Force Base

Hill Airforce Base is located about 35 minutes North of Salt Lake City.  This is an active air force base that has an airplane museum.   

Admission 

  • FREE

Hours – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

If you have a kid that is obsessed with airplanes this is a fun stop!  There are over 70 airplanes you can observe.  This museum is not fancy,  but it is one of the things to do in Utah with kids!  

We have been to the Air and SpaceMuseumm in Chantilly, VA outside of Washington DC and the concept is the same but it is not near as big or nice. Your little kids will love it though. 

13. Ogden MuseumsThings to do in Utah - Ogden union station

The Treehouse Museum and the Ogden Union Station – train museum are located 45 minutes North of Salt Lake City in Ogden, Utah. 

Treehouse Museum

The Treehouse Museum is a children's museum that has two stories of play areas.  There are lots of hands-on exhibits to keep your children entertained! 

Admission 

  • Children (1-12) – $8
  • General Admission – $5

14. Ogden Union Station

The Ogden Union Station is a train museum.  Located outside are actual trains that you can check out.  Indoors there are hands-on interactive exhibits.  This is a fun place to take the kids.

15. Indoor Play Places in Utahthings to do in Utah - Obstacle warrior

Like I said earlier, Utah has a lot of kids so there are some fun places for them to get their energy out. These places are in my children's activities Utah kids love category!

16. Impact Ninja Gym – Obstacle Warrior

Obstacle Warrior is based on American Ninja Warrior and is located in Sandy, Utah.  This facility consists of obstacle courses.

Admission

  • Kids (2-4) – $8 an hour
  • Kids ( 5+) – $12 an hour

17. Kidstopia

Kidstopia is an indoor playground designed for younger kids.  It is located in Bluffdale, Utah.  This is one of our favorite things to do with kids in Utah. 

Admission

  • Kids (0-2) – $5.99 – 2 hours
  • Kids (3+) – $9.99 – 2 hours

18. Coconut Cove

Coconut Cove is an indoor play place.  It is located in Vineyard, Utah. 

Admission

  • Kids (0-2) – $5
  • Kids (3+) – $8.50

19. Kangaroo Zoo

Kangaroo Zoo has three locations: Pleasant Grove, North Salt Lake, and Ogden.  If a whole warehouse of inflatable bounce houses sounds fun then this is where you will want to go. 

Admission

  • Kids (0-3) – $5
  • Kids (4+) – $10

20. Jump Around Utah

Jump Around Utah is a combination of indoor playgrounds as well as inflatable jump houses.  It is located in Salt Lake City.

Admission

  • $10/child (ages 3 and up)

  • $4 for 2-year-olds

  • $2 for 1-year-olds

  • under 1 free

21. Jumping Places in UtahThings to do in Utah with kids- Airborne

Airborne

Airborne is a trampoline park.  It is located in Draper, Utah.  Airborne caters to both little kids but also teenagers.  There are separate sections with age requirements. 

Admission

  • Kids (6 and under) – $10
  • Kids ( 7+) – $14 per hour

22. Get Air Trampoline Park

Get Air is a Trampoline Park located in Salt Lake City and Kaysville. 

Admission

  • Kids (under 46″) – $12 per hour
  • Kids (over 46″) – $16

If you purchase tickets ahead of time on the website there are discounts available.

23. Amusement and Water Parks in UtahThings to do in Utah- amusement Park

Utah really only has one amusement park called Lagoon. There are quite a few water parks to enjoy as well.  Lagoon is one of the best family attractions in Utah. 

Lagoon

Things to do in Utah with Kids- Lagoon

Lagoon is Utah's amusement park located in Farmington, Utah just 20 minutes north of Salt Lake City.

Things to do at Lagoon

There are 10 major roller coasters.  There are also plenty of rides for those who aren't into roller coasters.  The kiddie land is phenomenal! There is also a water park located within Lagoon called Lagoona Beach.  It is included in the admission price.  There is also a small zoo at Lagoon.

Admission

  • General Admission ( over 48″) – $69.95
  • Seniors – $63.95
  • Youth (under 48″) – $51.95

24. Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill is a small amusement park in Kaysville, Utah.  There is a water park, mini-golf, jungle maze, playground, and much more. It is a great place to have some family fun in Utah! 

Admission

  • All Day Pass (ages 4-59) – $29.99
  • Seniors – $20

25. Cowabunga Bay

Things to do in Utah with kids - cowabunga bay

Cowabunga Bay is located in Draper, Utah. It is a water park.  This park consists mostly of water slides.  There aren't many areas to swim at. It is one of the best things to do in Utah with kids.

Admission

  • General Admission ( 48 ” or above) – $21.99
  • Child (Under 48″) – $16.99
  • Seniors – $10

26. Splash Summit

Splash Summit is a waterpark located in Provo, Utah.  This is probably the best water park in Utah.  There are lots of slides and places to swim. You

Admission

  • General Admission (over 48″) – $21.99
  • Child – $14.99
  • Seniors – $14.99

27. Provo Beach

Provo Beach is an indoor fun area with a FlowRider, bowling, and arcade games.  

Admission:

$30 for an All-Day Pass including Flow Rider or you can purchase individual attractions.

28. Things to Do in Utah with Kids – Ski Trip

Deer Valley ski school
Image courtesy of Deer Valley

If you are visiting Utah during winter, take the kids skiing. A Salt Lake City Skiing trip is the best!   

You can also visit the ski resorts in the summer. There are fun mountain coast slides, alpine slides, and rope courses.  Snowbird in summer as well as Park City, and Bryce are great places to have family fun in Utah. 

Snow Ski

  • Alta
  • Snowbird
  • Brighton 
  • Solitude
  • Brian Head
  • Park City
  • Deer Valley
  • Snowbasin
  • Powder Mountain 
  • Beaver Mountain
  • Cherry Peak
  • Sundance
  • Eagle Point
  • Nordic Valley

All of these resorts offer lessons for your kids.  If you are looking for things to do in Utah in Winter, skiing is at the top!   

Fun Things To Do in Utah with KidsThings to do in Utah with Kids

I hope this gives you some fun things to do in Utah with kids.  I love all the choices however there are so many more I could not even list! The plan is to add to this post frequently! 

What is nice about all the activities I have mentioned is that they are fairly close to Salt Lake City.  And believe me, coming from a local, these are the top things to do with kids in Utah.

There really are so many family activities in Utah! 

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72 Comments

  1. I love all the variety of activities to do with kids from the planetarium to play space to science museums to hiking. Very cool list of activities.

  2. Sounds like there are some awesome things to do in Utah with the kids! I’m a bit of a space geek, so the Planetarium caught my eye. And I know my little guy would LOVE the aviation museum. Both have been added to the list! Thanks for the great suggestions!

  3. Wow! There is a ton of things to do with kids in Utah! You would probably catch our family at the museums, zoo, and aquarium!

  4. Love this country. Who would have thought that Utah would have so many great places and things to do. I am adding this to the list of “Must See” places. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Looks like there’s lots to do in Salt Lake. I caught some of the new season of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City & I’m happy to see there’s more to do there than what they portray, haha.

  6. Wow so many amazing things to do with kiddos in Utah- I had no idea there was so much diversity in activities. The water parks look so cool. And my kiddos would love the Kangaroo Zoo!

  7. There is SO much hiking in Utah that I’d love to do with my kids (and my husband as we’ve never been)!

  8. Wow so many things to do! I’m so overwhelmed! I’ve never been to Utah so this is totally on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!

  9. Thanks for sharing all of these great things to do in Utah with kids! I’m totally putting Hill Airforce Base Museum on our list of places to visit with my grandson and my teenager! They will both love it!

  10. I love SLC, and I didn’t even know about a lot of these places. Sounds kid-friendly, for sure!

  11. Wow! What an extensive list of fun things to do! I’d like to do a lot of these without my kids, lol.

  12. So many fun and interesting things to do in Utah! I don’t have kids living at home but the grandkids would love visiting Utah with me.

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