Traveling with Kids in Salt Lake City: Fun, Safe, and Educational Spots

You need destinations that are fun enough to keep them excited, safe enough for peace of mind, and educational enough to add real value to the trip. On my recent family getaway to Salt Lake City, Utah, I discovered that this city offers exactly that mix.
What struck me most about Salt Lake City was its blend of outdoor beauty and child-friendly cultural attractions. The Wasatch Mountains form a dramatic backdrop, but within the city, you’ll also find aquariums, museums, gardens, and parks that make traveling with kids a joy rather than a chore.
I’ll share three activities I personally experienced with my family and then recommend four more family-friendly spots. Each section includes real details: location, how to get there, costs, what worked well (and what didn’t), plus my honest impressions.

My Personal Experiences

  1. Hogle Zoo – A Day of Animals and Adventure
    Location: 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
    How to Get There: From downtown Salt Lake City, it’s about a 15-minute drive by car or rideshare. You can also use the UTA TRAX Red Line to University Medical Center Station, then transfer to bus #228, which drops you close to the zoo entrance.
    Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM (summer hours), closes earlier in winter.
    Tickets: Adults $22.95, Children (3–12) $18.95, under 2 free. Tickets available online via [Hogle Zoo’s official website] or at the gate.
    My Experience
    I’ll admit it—I was almost as excited as my kids when we arrived at Hogle Zoo. The entrance alone is inviting, with playful animal sculptures and shaded seating for parents juggling strollers and snack bags.
    The first stop was the Asian Highlands exhibit, home to Amur leopards, tigers, and snow leopards. My daughter was mesmerized when the tiger walked right up to the glass, pacing back and forth as if to say hello. I could see the spark in her eyes—this was more than just entertainment; it was a moment of connection.
    The zoo is compact but well laid out, which is a blessing when traveling with kids. Unlike sprawling zoos that require marathon walks, Hogle feels manageable. We strolled through African Savanna, where giraffes stretched their necks above the treetops, and zebras grazed peacefully.
    The highlight for my son was the Rocky Shores exhibit, featuring polar bears, sea lions, and grizzly bears. Watching the polar bear swim underwater, pressing its enormous paws against the glass, made both kids squeal with delight.
    Kid-Friendly Extras
    • Carousel & Train Ride: A fun way to break up walking—tickets are $3 each, and kids never say no to a ride.
    • Playgrounds: There are shaded play areas where kids can run free while parents grab a bench.
    • Food Options: Several cafes serve standard zoo fare (burgers, pizza, chicken strips). Prices are around $10–$15 per meal.
    Pros
    • Manageable size (you can see the zoo in 3–4 hours).
    • Excellent mix of exotic animals and interactive exhibits.
    • Family facilities: stroller rentals, family restrooms, shaded seating.
    Cons
    • Food is expensive and fairly basic—better to bring your own snacks.
    • Parking can fill up quickly on weekends.
    My Tip
    Buy tickets online to skip lines, and aim to arrive at opening time to see animals most active before midday heat.
  2. The Leonardo Museum – Science, Art, and Hands-On Learning
    Location: 209 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
    How to Get There: A central downtown location—if you’re staying nearby, you can walk. Otherwise, the TRAX Red Line to Library Station leaves you just steps away.
    Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
    Tickets: Adults $12.95, Children (3–12) $9.95, Seniors $9.95, under 2 free. Special exhibits may cost extra. Tickets available on The Leonardo’s website.
    My Experience
    If Hogle Zoo was about animals, The Leonardo was about unleashing creativity and curiosity. My kids love interactive museums, and this one didn’t disappoint.
    The first exhibit we entered was Flight, where kids could step into a real C-131 aircraft cockpit and “fly” a plane simulator. My son, who’s obsessed with airplanes, could barely contain his excitement. I had to gently negotiate turns between him and other children—it’s clearly a star attraction.
    Another hit was the Think Leonardo exhibit, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches. Kids can build structures, experiment with gears, and test bridges. I joined in too, and I’ll admit—it’s fun for adults as well.
    The museum is not overly large, which is perfect for kids who get overstimulated easily. Two to three hours is enough for most families.
    Kid-Friendly Extras
    • Maker Space: A crafting zone where kids can create with LEGOs, art supplies, and recycled materials.
    • Café: A small café on-site offers sandwiches, salads, and coffee at reasonable prices ($8–$12).
    • Gift Shop: Full of educational toys and quirky souvenirs.
    Pros
    • Highly interactive, with learning disguised as play.
    • Central location—easy to combine with other downtown attractions.
    • Affordable ticket prices.
    Cons
    • Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so plan accordingly.
    • Can get crowded during school field trips.
    My Tip
    Go on a weekday morning for fewer crowds. If you’re visiting during summer, check for special traveling exhibits—we caught an art-tech fusion show that blended light, sound, and motion, and it was mesmerizing.
  3. Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens – Birds and Nature in the City
    Location: Liberty Park, 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
    How to Get There: About a 10-minute drive from downtown. If using public transit, take TRAX to Central Pointe Station, then bus #205, which stops near Liberty Park.
    Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM (last admission 4 PM).
    Tickets: Adults $12.95, Children (3–12) $8.95, under 2 free. Family passes and memberships available.
    My Experience
    Located inside the leafy Liberty Park, Tracy Aviary felt like stepping into a natural oasis within the city. My kids immediately ran toward the flamingo pond, where the bright pink birds strutted around like they were on a fashion runway.
    We joined a bird show in the outdoor amphitheater, and it was a huge hit. Trainers brought out owls, hawks, and even a colorful macaw that soared over the audience. The kids gasped as it whooshed overhead, its feathers glinting in the sun.
    The aviary is beautifully landscaped, with walking paths winding through gardens. We particularly enjoyed the owl forest and the wetland habitats, which sparked discussions about conservation and ecosystems.
    What I loved most was how educational programs are woven seamlessly into the visit. For example, kids can participate in daily feedings (extra $3) and actually hand-feed pelicans or flamingos.
    Kid-Friendly Extras
    • Play Spaces: Small play areas with natural climbing structures.
    • Picnic Areas: Since Liberty Park surrounds the aviary, we packed a picnic and ate under a shady tree.
    • Seasonal Events: During summer, they host “Birds & Brew” for adults and evening programs for families.
    Pros
    • Compact, easy to explore in 2–3 hours.
    • Strong educational component without feeling overwhelming.
    • Combo of aviary + park = full day potential.
    Cons
    • Smaller scale than a full zoo (older kids might find it less thrilling after Hogle).
    • Some exhibits under renovation when we visited.
    My Tip
    Plan your visit around a scheduled bird show—they’re included in admission and really enhance the experience. Also, bring a picnic to extend your stay at Liberty Park after the aviary.

Why Salt Lake City is a Perfect Family Destination
When I first planned my trip to Salt Lake City with my kids, I’ll admit I was a little nervous. Cities often come with challenges—traffic, long lines, overpriced attractions—and traveling with children can magnify those issues tenfold. But Salt Lake City surprised me in the best way possible. It turned out to be one of the most family-friendly cities I’ve ever visited, and by the end of our stay, my kids were already asking, “When can we come back?”
Balance of Fun, Safety, and Education
One of the standout qualities of Salt Lake City is its ability to blend entertainment with learning. Hogle Zoo and Tracy Aviary are entertaining enough to keep kids engaged, but they also spark conversations about conservation and wildlife. The Leonardo and the Natural History Museum of Utah turn education into play, letting children touch, experiment, and question the world around them.
As a parent, I value destinations where my children can have fun and grow at the same time, and Salt Lake City delivers exactly that. It reminded me that travel isn’t just about ticking sights off a list—it’s about creating experiences that shape the way kids see the world.
Accessibility and Ease of Travel
Another big plus: Salt Lake City is easy to navigate. The downtown area is compact, public transportation is reliable, and attractions are well signposted. Driving felt stress-free compared to larger U.S. cities, and parking was generally accessible and affordable. From Salt Lake City International Airport, we were able to reach most attractions within 20–30 minutes. That kind of convenience is a gift when traveling with children who get restless quickly.
Costs and Family-Friendly Discounts
Traveling with kids often means budget matters more than ever. Salt Lake City is refreshingly affordable. Many attractions, like Liberty Park or Red Butte Garden during certain events, are free or low-cost. Museums and zoos often provide family passes, group discounts, or seasonal promotions. For example:
• Tracy Aviary offers discounted admission in the late afternoons.
• Hogle Zoo frequently partners with local businesses to provide coupon deals.
• The Clark Planetarium is completely free for most exhibits, with optional paid shows.
By planning strategically and booking tickets online in advance, I saved around 15–20% overall compared to just walking up.
My Kids’ Top Memories
When I asked my kids what they loved most about the trip, their answers warmed my heart:
• My son said, “The tiger at the zoo, because he looked right at me.”
• My daughter said, “The birds flying over my head at the show.”
• And both agreed that making silly art at The Leonardo was “the best thing ever.”
It’s a reminder that while adults often focus on logistics or costs, kids remember moments of magic—and Salt Lake City gave us plenty of those.
Tips for Parents Planning a Trip
To close, here are a few of my personal tips for traveling with kids in Salt Lake City:

  1. Stay central: A downtown hotel or vacation rental makes it easy to walk or take TRAX to most attractions.
  2. Mix indoor and outdoor: Alternate between museums and parks so kids don’t get overwhelmed or bored.
  3. Pack snacks and water: While most places have cafes, carrying your own saves money and time.
  4. Check schedules: Many attractions have special programs (feeding times, shows, seasonal events) that are worth planning around.
  5. Buy passes online: Whether it’s zoo tickets or aviary admission, online booking often comes with small discounts and avoids long lines.

Why I’ll Be Back
I don’t often repeat destinations—I prefer to keep moving forward to the next adventure. But Salt Lake City is an exception. It’s a city I can see myself returning to, not just because of its museums, parks, and family-friendly vibe, but because it created real connections and lasting memories with my kids.
The city may not shout as loudly as New York or Los Angeles, but it doesn’t need to. Salt Lake City whispers its charm through friendly locals, accessible attractions, and the laughter of children running through Liberty Park. For me, that’s more powerful than any flashing billboard.
If you’re considering a family trip that is fun, safe, educational, and surprisingly affordable, then don’t hesitate—Salt Lake City is the place to go.

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