Top Ten Things to do with Kids in Salt Lake City

 

Salt Lake City is known for its towering mountain ranges, freshly fallen snow, and family friendly environment. Throughout the city, there are many hidden gems (some free!) where children are not only welcome, but celebrated. From basketball games to high tea, there is something for everyone, teenagers and toddlers alike. 

1. Afternoon Tea at the Grand America

Every Monday- Saturday, afternoon tea is served at Salt Lake City’s finest hotel, The Grand America. Upon entering, it seemed as if we had stepped back in time into a grand English affair. The women were dressed in elegant clothing, many with hats to match. Upon being seated, we were given berries with cream Chantilly with lemon water.  After proper introductions, the server poured some hot water into a wine glass with a small bud at the bottom wrapped in a green tea leaf. Within a minute, a beautiful chrysanthemum had bloomed before our eyes. Next, our server presented us with an assortment of finger foods, including five finger sandwiches, raspberry scones with clotted cream, strawberry jam and lemon cream.  The menu has four different flavors of hot chocolate for the little ones and over 12 types of tea to chose from, caffeinated and non-caffeinated. I decided on the Coco Chai Rooibos and my girls ordered the hot chocolate. Each drink came in its own separate teapot, which allowed the girls to easily pour their own, and top it with whipped cream.  After the main course, we were presented with an array of pastries and chocolates. The raspberry macaroons were to die for, but the homemade gum drops were our favorite. This event is perfect for any special occasion, a girls day out, or teaching the little ladies in your life proper manners. Weekdays are the best times to come, whereas the weekends tend to get crowded.Time estimate 1.5-2 hours. Seatings at 1pm and 3:30pm

Prices:Adults: $24, Children: $20 (12 and under)

2. Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz made a home in Salt Lake starting in 1974. As Utah’s first professional sport team, they have built up an enormous fan base. The games are interactive, mostly in part to the mascot, the Jazz Bear. His hair-raising stunts are a big crowd pleaser. Also the Utah Jazz dunk team, Jazz dancers and cheer stunt team keep the fans entertained.

Prices start at $15

3. Gateway Mall

Located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, Gateway Mall is an outdoor mall featuring many upscale shops and eateries.  With over 100 retailers and restaurants and hosting 50 community events each year, there is something for everyone at the Gateway.  Throughout the mall, there are little streams and water fountains where kids can cool off on a hot summer day.  Some of the attractions include the Clark Planetarium,  Megaplex movie theatres,  Discovery  Gateway children’s museum, and the Depot where you can catch live entertainment. Even though newer and bigger outdoors malls have been built in Downtown SLC, Gateway is a great place to skip the crowds.

4. Salt Lake City Main Library

If you are looking to head indoors, the Salt Lake Main Library is a great place for kids and adults.  It has been names a ‘must see for architectural buffs and view seekers.’ The new building has rooftop viewing of the city and 360 degree views of the mountain ranges that surround Salt Lake.  Also in the summertime, there is a real beehive on display. The lower level has shops and some simple food vendors. Also there are many workshops and areas to host events of many sizes.

Yearly Membership Prices: Resident: free, Non Resident $80.00

 

5. Hiking at Stewart Falls

If you are looking to take your activities outdoors, Utah has a plethora of kid friendly hikes. Our family’s favorite hike is located up Provo Canyon that starts at Sundance Resort. Stewart Falls is a relatively short hike with a small elevation gain of 887 feet. It should only take about an hour to hike to and from the falls.  Once you get to the falls, there are a few spots you can stand in the waterfall to cool off. Also there aren’t any slopes or areas that could be dangerous for younger kids.  Don’t forget to stop at the Sundance Deli and buy a homemade sucker!

6. Tracy Aviary

Like the Hogle Zoo, the Tracy Aviary is open every day of the year. With two daily bird shows, a wetlands tour, and a pelican encounter there is always something to see.  Peacocks roam the grounds freely and the owls are a must see.  It takes about 2-3 hours to see everything the park has to offer.  I suggest to bring a picnic lunch as there are many great spots outside of the aviary to enjoy on a nice summer day.

Prices: Adults $7, Children (3-12) $5

7. Red Butte Garden

This community-funded garden attracts visitors from all over the country.  Set in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains,  Red Butte Garden has been in operation since 1985 boasting over 18 display gardens and five miles of hiking trails. In addition to be opened year round, this is home to an outdoor concert series, featuring artists such as Rob Thomas and Hank Williams Jr.  There are also many programs for children including Saturday garden walks; summer kids camps, and preschooler programs. The gardens are a popular place for book clubs, relaxing lunches and a great place to view the Salt Lake Valley.

Prices: Members are free, Adults: $10, Children : $6

8. Take a dip in the Great Salt Lake

Did you know that the Great Salt Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere? Due to the high amount of salt in the water, floating is very easily done.  One of my earliest memories is heading out to the Great Salt Lake with my cousins and floating in the salty water. Not all of the lake is accessible but the best area to take a dip in is by Antelope Island State Park.  This park is a very rural area, where wild animals such as bison, pronghorn and bighorn sheep roam freely.  Picnic areas and outdoor showers are there for your convenience.  Also there is a nice beach where the little kids can play in the sand, so don’t forget your sand toys! This is an outing that your kids will surely remember for a long time to come.

Price: $9 per car to enter the state park

 

9. Museum of Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point

Since opening only one year ago, 700,000 people have walked through the doors of this museum. With over 400 hands on exhibits, kids learn while they play. In the first exhibit Water Works, there are many hands on water experiments. There is even a water play table for toddlers (don’t forget a change of clothes).  Kids can experience 85 mph winds, the force of an earthquake and learn about the topography of the earth.  Kidopolis is another exhibit where kids can discover secret passageways, perform magic tricks, and plant a pretend garden.  Lastly kids can crawl inside a 45 foot tall monkey head and walk across swaying bridges at Rainforest.  What sets this museum apart from others, is the ability to entertain children of all ages. While my older kids were swinging from ropes and exploring fun things, there was always something for my toddler to do as well. This museum has plenty of separate places for the little ones to explore on their own. 

Prices:Adult $15, Children $12

10. Hogle Zoo

With the recent renovations to the zoo, there are many new and exciting exhibits. One of the three newly completed projects is Rocky Shores, which features bears, sea lions and otters. Visitors can see up close, underwater action from the animals as they swim around in this new habitat. Asian Highlands is the Zoo’s new cat exhibit. Amur leopards, snow leopards and Siberian lynx are on full display. During the month of December, the zoo hosts Zoo Lights, which is at night and these big cats are far from asleep. Since they are nocturnal this is when you get to see them in action! Completed last summer, the Elephant Encounter, is the zoo’s largest new animal exhibit in 25 years.  It brings the Serengeti to Sale Lake with the recreation of the African plain that features three African Elephants and two white rhinos. One other activity that is a kid pleaser is the bird show daily during the summer. I have been several times and it is very entertaining.  

Prices Adults $14.95, Children (3-12) $10.85