Attractions and Events Kids and Adults Can Do
in the Salt Lake City Area
Salt Lake City, often shortened to Salt Lake or SLC, is the most populous city in Utah and the state's capital. It is southeast of Great Salt Lake and west of the Wasatch Mountains. Two cross-country highways, I-15 and I-80, intersect in Salt Lake City, which has helped the city develop a strong economy with multiple industries, including tourism, healthcare, financial services, utilities, manufacturing and technology.
The Salt Lake City Metropolitan Statistical Area is part of a prominent metropolis stretching along the Wasatch Front known as the Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo Combined Statistical Area. The metropolis, often called Silicon Slopes because of the innovation, start-up culture and technology born in the region, is home to many of the most popular cities in Utah, magnificent outdoor adventures, prominent universities, well-developed suburban areas, plentiful natural beauty and world-class ski resorts.
A Strong Economy Brings About Continuous Growth
Salt Lake City is experiencing a growth boom, with droves of people relocating to exploit the area's thriving economy and enviable quality of life. In fact, according to a recent report, Utah was the fastest-growing state over the last decade, with new residents drawn to the area's modern amenities and jaw-dropping natural beauty.
With a backdrop of majestic Wasatch Mountains, the Salt Lake Valley area offers far more than scenic views and punches above its weight class for world-class attractions and events.
Salt Lake City has everything a family or individual would want when looking for a new home, whether you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, sports fanatic, or cultural connoisseur.
With that in mind, let's examine specific attractions and world-class resorts that convince people to move to the SLC metro area and make it difficult for tourists to leave.
Visit Salt Lake City's Top-Class Museums
After settling in Salt Lake City, two museums should be at the top of your must-see list: the Natural History Museum of Utah and Clark Planetarium.
Natural History Museum of Utah
The Natural History Museum's distinct and futuristic exterior makes it easily recognizable in the SLC cityscape. Inside, you'll discover fascinating exhibits on Utah's ecology, from native cultures and dinosaurs to hands-on displays explaining the region's diverse landscapes. With permanent and special exhibits rotating through, you're guaranteed fresh experiences on each visit.
The Clark Planetarium
Based in downtown SLC, the Clark Planetarium offers an out-of-this-world journey through space. Interactive exhibits reveal secrets of the cosmos—from our solar system's planets to the birth of stars lightyears away. Perhaps the main draw is watching spectacular space phenomena up close on Utah's first IMAX Dome theater screen. Whether you or your little ones are curious about eclipses on Earth or the universe's origins, the Clark Planetarium has enough to keep families engaged for hours.
Salt Lake City's Parks Offer Room to Roam
Salt Lake City offers expansive green spaces to stretch your legs or let the kids run wild. Liberty Park and Sugar House Park are two top contenders for the best park, which residents view as must-visit spaces.
Liberty Park
As the second-largest park in SLC, Liberty Park gives you room to wander. Attractions like the aviary, playgrounds, and paddle boat rentals make it a perfect spot for family fun. Pack a picnic or stroll the grounds, soaking up charming views of the cascading fountains and lush gardens.
Sugar House Park
Covering over 100 acres, Sugar House Park is SLC's largest and provides ample space for recreation and relaxing. Miles of tree-lined walking trails allow you to soak up gorgeous mountain panoramas, and substantial open grassy lawns welcome picnickers. Meanwhile, kids have a well-equipped play park, and this is a popular location when the snow arrives, providing hours of sledding fun.
Attend Annual Festivals and Events That Showcase Salt Lake City's Creative Side
Salt Lake City knows how to throw a good party. Its beloved annual festivals celebrate the community's creativity and diversity. Mark your calendars for these unmissable events.
Utah Arts Festival
The Utah Arts Festival is a can't-miss summer highlight. Local and nationally acclaimed talents converge to showcase the city's thriving arts scene across various creative mediums, from visual arts to music, dance, and film.
Living Traditions Festival
Toast to diversity at the Living Traditions Festival, where SLC's cultural richness shines. Immerse yourself in the customs of the city's global community through traditional music and dance performances, interactive demos, and ethnic cuisine.
Sundance Film Festival
Park City captures the world's attention for two chilly weeks every January when Robert Redford's Sundance Film Festival comes to Utah. As the most prominent indie film fest in the U.S., Sundance gives SLC metro residents a front-row seat to screenings, celeb sightings, and filmmaker panels.
Drive into the Mountains for World-Class Winter Sports
Boasting the "Greatest Snow on Earth," Salt Lake City's nearby ski resorts offer prime snow sports conditions across stunning alpine vistas. From Olympic runs to backcountry powder stashes, the four top-class SLC area resorts cater to winter adventurers of all styles.
Brighton Resort
Known as the most family-friendly resort in the SLC region, Brighton charms visitors with its relaxed atmosphere and terrain for all abilities – from gentle groomers to steep mogul runs. Kids love the interactive snow playgrounds while adults carve up acres of varied downhill and backcountry terrain.
Snowbird Ski Resort
Experts list Snowbird as a must-ski for its challenging slopes and off-piste terrain. This resort wows with its extensive snowfall, powder-coated bowls, and some of the steepest in-bounds descents in North America—all framed by breathtaking mountain scenery.
Park City Mountain Resort
One of the country's largest resorts, Park City Mountain dazzles with over 7,300 skiable acres catering to all skill levels. You'll find one of the top terrain parks on the West Coast, plus the 22-foot Eagle Superpipe, where athletes regularly catch big air, including Olympians during the 2002 Winter Games and multiple qualifying events.
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley sets the gold standard for luxury mountain vacations. As one of few North American ski-only resorts, Deer Valley meticulously grooms each run while limiting lift tickets to keep crowds down. Expect impeccable corduroy cruisers, fine dining, and white-glove service from ski valets.
Explore The Lakes That Define Salt Lake City's Landscape
Salt Lake City woos warm-weather fans with water sports adventures at the Great Salt Lake and Utah Lake. When the snow melts off the peaks, residents make a beeline for these iconic lakes, which define the region's natural beauty.
Great Salt Lake
As the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, the Great Salt Lake features dynamic ecosystems and hypersaline waters. Paddleboard across rose-hued waters saturated with minerals that keep you effortlessly afloat. Spot herons and pelicans during rewarding bird-watching excursions near freshwater marshes edging the lake. Alternatively, you can sail to spectacular sunsets on a pontoon boat cruise. With opportunities for swimming, sailing, hiking, and more, the "American Dead Sea" should feature high on your outdoor hit list.
Utah Lake
Activities for all ages make Utah Lake an easy choice for family fun. So many activities are available that solo adventurers and families have near-endless options. You can cast your fishing pole from shore or rent pontoons and cruisers to spend an afternoon angling for white bass and catfish. Paddle through tranquility as you kayak or stand-up paddleboard to hidden coves with Instagram-worthy mountain backdrops. Or spend time at the lakeside having a picnic and drinking from panoramic views of Mount Timpanogos.
Salt Lake City Hits Pro Sports Out of the Park
Despite its modest size as a state capital, Salt Lake City boasts devoted fan bases cheering beloved major league teams like the Utah Jazz and Real Salt Lake. Catching the thrills and spills of NBA and MLS action at their renowned venues is more than a mere pastime for many SLC residents.
Utah Jazz Basketball
Downtown's Delta Center is home to the NBA Jazz, a venue known for its infectious energy. Whether you grab last-minute seats to regular games or snag playoff tickets for edge-of-your-seat excitement, expect sensational dunks, nail-biting moments, and 18,000 screaming fans.
Real Salt Lake Soccer
Real Salt Lake boasts Major League Soccer's most intimate stadium, designed to keep fans on top of the action. At America First Field, formerly Rio Tinto Stadium, you can experience the beautiful game with diehard American fans who know how to bring the party. From the adrenaline rush of thrilling goals to family-friendly fan zones, RSL games score big as a Salt Lake must-do.
Enjoy Family Fun with Attractions for All Ages
When moving to Salt Lake City with kids in tow, you can rest assured that this region has ample family-friendly attractions. Must-see destinations for memorable days include Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary, and Lagoon Amusement Park.
Hogle Zoo
At Hogle Zoo, you can encounter exotic creatures, from tender flamingo chicks to mighty grizzlies, in thoughtfully designed habitats prioritizing animal welfare. Interactive programs like zookeeper chats, feedings, and touch exhibits delight children while educating families on conservation.
Tracy Aviary
While wandering Liberty Park's peaceful walking paths, it's always worth a pit stop to peek at Tracy Aviary's feathery residents. Here, you can get up close and personal with over 300 bird species, including rare saw-whet owls and buzzing hummingbirds. Daily bird shows and talks at this interactive aviary also showcase the incredible abilities of their resident birds and highlight environmental stewardship.
Lagoon Amusement Park
Lagoon Amusement Park has created smiles since 1896 and promises nonstop family fun with over 50 rides and attractions to match any thrill level. Adrenaline seekers brave roller coasters like Cannibal and Wicked while pint-sized riders can enjoy the Wild Kingdom train. Beyond rides, attractions like live shows, arcades, mini golf, and a water park offer full-day entertainment.
Salt Lake City: Your Gateway to a Dream Life
As highlighted, Salt Lake City offers endless adventure, culture, and family memory-making opportunities. From world-renowned museums, festivals, and ski resorts to stunning nature escapes at the lakes and foothills, boredom has yet to find a place for newcomers to SLC.
Whether you're relocating for cutting-edge careers or an unmatched quality of life, this region delivers on both fronts. With a range of affordable move-in-readynew homes in Eagle Mountain and higher-end residences with stunning mountain views in Santaquin, settling into your Utah dream life can happen on your timeline.
Check out our SLC new home communities today to find the perfect neighborhood for your family.