Educational Family Adventures in Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC, is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Utah. Here are fabulous family adventures in Salt Lake City for a wonderful vacation in the beautiful mountains and diverse landscapes.
Salt Lake City offers a variety of outdoor activities. These include skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, hiking, climbing, downhill biking, and fishing in the winter. Salt Lake City offers a variety of outdoor activities during the summer, too. Here are some options:
- Red Butte Botanical Gardens: Explore impeccably landscaped gardens with plants worldwide, including local desert flora. The paved pathways are wheelchair—and stroller-friendly, making the gardens accessible for everyone.
- Bike the Jordan River Parkway: Discover a 45-mile trail linking Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake. Enjoy scenic views along the neatly paved parkway while cycling or walking. Check out the trailheads and plan your adventure.
- Explore New Parks: Salt Lake City has numerous parks waiting to be discovered. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s a picnic at the International Peace Gardens, takeout in Sugarhouse Park, or card games in Liberty Park’s island gazebo.
- This is the Place Heritage Park: Nestled in the foothills, this park commemorates where pioneer settlers decided to settle after their cross-country journey. Enjoy pony rides, Native American history, and historic buildings.
Family Adventures in Salt Lake City
This Is The Place Heritage Park
One family adventure that stands out is “This Is The Place Heritage Park“ in Salt Lake City. It’s open year-round and a must-visit family-friendly attraction. The park offers a wealth of knowledge about Utah’s early development stages. All buildings were relocated from their original sites or reconstructed for park use. See a few activities you can do there (below).
There are countless hands-on activities for children (and adults). Here are some favorite activities families will love.
- Cool Off at the Irrigation Station: Make a splash and learn about the beginning of western irrigation at the brand-new Irrigation Station Splash Bad! For when your kids are looking to cool off in the summer, this is a must!
- Saddle up with Pony Rides: Before cars, there were horses, and no child’s visit is complete without a quintessential pony ride. Just like children, the ponies come in different sizes.
- Cultural experiences at the Native American Village: Before early settlers arrived in Salt Lake, like the Morman pioneers, five other tribes, Shoshone, Piute, Ute, Goshute, and Navajo, called this land home. Guests can see and walk into the new Shoshone Teepee, the largest teepee in America, and can seat 110 guests (with the comfort of air conditioning in the hotter months and heat in the colder months).
- The Heritage Village has a variety of buildings to explore, including cabins, farmhouses, barns, saddleries, blacksmith shops, chapels, and stables. You’ll also be able to watch and ask questions as leatherworkers, woodworkers, blacksmiths, and spinsters work.
- Indulge in sweet treats from The Donut Shop and enjoy Brigham Donuts. These donuts are made with a secret ingredient used by the Pioneers, giving them a taste you can’t find anywhere else.
Hiking in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City has no shortage of scenic hiking trails. One favorite for an easy hike is the Donut Falls Trail. This 1.5-mile out-and-back trail winds through trees in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and treats hikers to a beautiful waterfall that flows through a hole in a rock. Walk or hike, either way, it’s a nice trail for the whole family. Here are a few more hiking trails in Salt Lake that we recommend.
- Lake Mary Trail: Located in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this 2.3-mile trail leads to a beautiful subalpine lake above the Brighton Ski Resort. The lake’s boulders and slabs make it an excellent spot for picnicking. However, swimming and dogs are not permitted due to the protected watershed.
- Living Room Lookout Trail: This 2.3-mile trail in the Foothills Natural Area leads to a fantastic overlook with interesting rock formations. Many people think the rock features resemble chairs and couches, giving the trail its name.
- Grandeur Peak East Trail: A more challenging option, this trail offers stunning views. It’s approximately 4.7 miles long and provides a rewarding experience for hikers who enjoy a more challenging ascent.
Where To Stay In Salt Lake City
Then, round out the day with your stay at evo Hotel Salt Lake—the adventure-driven oasis downtown where you can experience indoor bouldering, a skate park, and a scenic rooftop. The hotel’s beautiful interior features over 50 works by local artists. This hotel fits right in with the theme of family adventures in Salt Lake! With designer decor in every room, the chic theme throughout the hotel, and all the adventures for the kids (and adults), this hotel sets the pace for your adventure getaway!
The city also has plenty of outdoor dining patios to continue your family adventures. So, whether you’re into nature, history, or dining, Salt Lake City has something to offer for an enjoyable summer experience!