Salt Lake City, sometimes referred to as "The Crossroads of the West", remains the most populous city in the state. It is recognized for its rich history, religious buildings and monuments, gorgeous properties, and wealth of attractions.
For some, Salt Lake City is a tourist destination, but a number of new homebuyers are choosing to make this metropolitan area home. With a strong job market in the industries of education and tech, families looking to move to SLC don’t have to worry! The city has plenty to offer, including great schools, parks, and kid-friendly attractions.
Utah's Hogle Zoo
A much-beloved attraction for all ages, Utah’s Hogle Zoo is an accredited organization dedicated to the conservation of both local and global wildlife. It is located within the neighborhood of Sunnyside East, with the entrance via East Sunnyside Avenue.
The zoo itself has general admission day tickets, as well as a number of education programs and events. Most notably, the zoo runs summer camps for pre-kindergarten all the way to grade eight. Their most popular events include BooLights (the Halloween light exhibit) and members-only Sunset Safaris—which allow for more private zoo experiences at the end of select days. Animals in the zoo include lions, giraffes, polar bears, and even a red panda exhibit. Additionally, there is a train that runs through the park, two play areas for kids, and a splash pad.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
Liberty Park
Second in size (only surpassed by the beautiful Sugar House Park), Liberty Park is an urban oasis. At eighty acres in size, featuring a 1.4-mile looping trail, this is a popular escape and not limited by age.
Liberty Park has a few notable amenities. It is home to a mill, which is one of the oldest buildings (and the oldest commercial building) in the state, the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts, and a plethora of other features. In its southeastern corner is the Liberty Pond with a gazebo, but other highlights include sports fields (sand volleyball, basketball, bocce ball, and tennis courts), a greenhouse, a swimming pool, a picnic area, and a large playground.
While admission to Liberty Park is free, the Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens does require admission. This child-friendly attraction showcases a wide variety of bird species, including flamingos, peacocks, and eagles.
Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
Located in the Downtown District of Salt Lake City, the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum makes for an excellent day trip—especially on a rainy or cold day. This attraction is best for younger children, as its exhibits are centered around hands-on learning experiences, including climbing on and through different play structures, archeological digs, building, and more.
Visitors can select from one-time admission or memberships. The center also runs STEAM-focused programs and summer camps. For kids who may require it, there are also sensory inclusive mornings scheduled for select days.
The Discovery Gateway Children's Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
Natural History Museum of Utah
Similar to the Discovery Gateway Children's Museum (but suitable for older kids as well) the National History Museum of Utah is considered a must-see for those in the area. At 160,000 square feet in size, this museum houses exhibits focused on local and Utah state history—such as the land formations, First Peoples, and dinosaur exhibits.
For adventurous kids, families might also explore the area’s walking/hiking trails. However, right next door to the Natural History Museum of Utah is the Red Butte Garden. Also suitable for kids, this outdoor experience allows one to connect with nature (like Japanese wisteria, Tiger Lilies, Foxglove, a number of species of roses, and so much more) along the botanical garden trails. The garden also has an amphitheater which has concerts throughout the warmer months.
Other Kid-Friendly SLC Highlights
- This Is The Place Heritage Park
- Sugar House Park
- Clark Planetarium
- Capitol Theatre
Thinking of making the move to Salt Lake City or the surrounding area? Start your search with Plumb & Co. Realtors, your SLC real estate experts. Connect with us today or view all homes here.
Posted by Plumb and Company on
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