Whether you’re a resident of Utah or just happen to pass by with your little ones in tow, this western US state is sure to offer you a wide range of activities to keep you all occupied.
Among numerous things to do in Utah with kids, you will likely find something that suits your youngsters’ taste while providing both you and them with tons of fun at the same time. From outdoor activities to fun centers all the way to the educational experiences and unforgettable memories, Utah will have the whole family covered.
1. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Draper
When we talk about top aquariums around the world, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is not the one to compete with Georgia’s Aquarium or the National Aquarium of Baltimore although it’s certainly the largest and the best in Utah. This is one of the state’s most unique venues for the whole family, offering a 40-foot shark tunnel, the Deep Sea lab where you and the youngsters can get face to face with the Antarctica animal habitats, explore tropical rainforests of South America, and so much more. The aquarium is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm.
Address: 12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper UT, 84020
Phone: (801) 355-3474
Website: Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
2. Seven Peaks Resort Water Park, Provo
What better way to cool off from the scorching summer heat than visiting one of the state’s best water parks, right? Seven Peaks Resort Water Park is located in Provo, Utah’s third-largest city, and it offers exceptional summer fun for the whole family. The park has gone through a lot of renovations lately and the grand re-opening is announced for the summer of 2019. With 11 water slides, 1 giant refreshing wave pool and 4 attractions tailored specifically for kiddos, Seven Peaks Resort Water Park is sure to provide the whole family with significant loads of fun.
Address: 1330 East 300 North Provo, UT 84606
Phone: (801) 377-4FUN
Website: Seven Peaks Resort Water Park
3. Clark Planetarium, Salt Lake City
If your idea of family fun involves learning something new about our universe and our planet, you should definitely head to Clark Planetarium. Not only has it existed for the past 50 years but during this whole time, this venue has been one of the best in Utah to engage visitors through hands-on exhibits, on-site programming, and creative processes that bring everyone closer to astronomy and science about space. You can explore the universe across this three-floor building, make a volcano, step inside a tornado, touch meteorites, and gaze at the real moon rocks. The planetarium is open Sunday to Wednesday from 10:30 am to 7 pm, Thursday from 10:30 am to 10 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 10:30 am to 11 pm.
Address: 110 S 400 W Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
Phone: 385-468-7827 (STAR)
Website: Clark Planetarium
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4. Hill Aerospace Museum, Roy
We are continuing down with awesome institutions Utah boasts and the next in line is Hill Aerospace Museum, one of the most spectacular attractions in Utah. With almost 100 aircraft on display and the outside airpark, this museum attracts more than 300 000 visitors on a yearly basis. The museum’s mission is to provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience, with a stress on the history of aviation of the United States Air Force. Opening hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm and the best part is that admission is free.
Address: 7961 Wardleigh Road, Hill AFB, UT 84056
Phone: (801) 825-5817
Website: Hill Aerospace Museum
5. George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, Ogden
There isn’t a better way to live up the adventure than wandering among the gigantic lifelike sculptures of ancient predators. With more than 100 of these realistic sculptures, including flying reptiles, crawlers, and predators, George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park offers an amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with these dinosaur replicas which are displayed across the 8.5-acre interactive park. The education center, historical items, and artifacts help shed light on the way these fearsome creatures once roamed the earth and this is definitely one of the top things you can do in Utah with kids. The park is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm and 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
Address: 1544 East Park Boulevard, Ogden, UT 84401
Phone: 801–393-3466 ext. 56
Website: George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park
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6. Ogden Nature Center, Ogden
No matter when you choose to visit Utah, Ogden Nature Center provides a unique way to explore the great outdoors and gives families with kids a chance to enjoy a wide range of activities all year round. It sprawls across 152 acres of land intertwined with hiking trails and amazing views of the surrounding landscape. Wildlife conservation is one of the most important missions of this nature reserve and you can teach your little ones the importance of environment protection by bringing them closer to various animal species that live in the reserve, including reptiles, birds, insects, and tortoises. Ogden Nature Center welcomes nature lovers from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
Address: 966 W. 12th Street, Ogden, Utah
Phone: 801-621-7595
Website: Ogden Nature Center
7. Bryce Canyon National Park
Being so geographically and geologically diverse, Utah is home to yet another vast expanse of land surrounding the Bryce Canyon. This national park defies description as no words would do it justice but at least we’ll try. First of all, it hides the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos – peculiar stone and rock formations which create an otherworldly sight to behold at every step. The Bryce Amphitheater is the most scenic and striking highlight of the whole 35 800-acre area. It is here that you will discover a rugged immensity of hoodoos colored in red and orange hues. There are four observation points throughout the park, offering breathtaking panoramas of the canyon. Hiking trails, horseback rides, astronomy and ranger programs are offered to visitors, making them ideal for a fun family outdoor exploration.
Mailing Address: P.O Box 640201 Bryce, UT 84764
Phone: (435) 834-5322
Website: Bryce Canyon National Park
8. Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City
Founded almost a century ago and located in Utah’s Emigration Canyon, 42-acre Hogle Zoo is definitely one of the best places to go for quality family time. This zoo is home to over 800 animals, including ostrich, giraffe, zebra, tigers, lions, and even white rhinos. It’s also a great fun center for the young and old alike as there is a special Conservation Carousel allowing the kids to ride on hand-made animal models and the zoo’s Rocky Shores let you gaze at polar bear and grizzlies, sea lions and otters, bellow and above water. There is a shipwreck to discover, slides and tide pools to keep the little ones occupied while parents can have a coffee or a refreshment in the zoo’s Beastro, Cat Wok Café, or have a great family meal at Shoreline Grill. Hogle Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.
Address: 2600 Sunnyside Avenue (840 South) Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Phone: (801) 584-1700
Website: Hogle Zoo
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9. Recreation Center, Provo
Provo’s recreation center is a great recreation facility, offering plenty of activities for everyone in the family. It has an indoor aquatic center, including lazy rivers, slides, and rock cliffs, topped with a recreation area that includes 4 basketball courts, a gym, and an outdoor pool. The kiddos will be thoroughly thrilled to discover the Zippy Interactive Tree House in the indoor pool, featuring 3 slides and a lazy river. This leisure pool is zero-depth although the deep water pool is 13’6″ and it features a diving platform and a climbing wall. Opening hours differ depending on the season.
Address: 320 500 N, Provo, UT 84601
Phone: 801-852-6600
Website: Provo Recreation Center
10. St. George Children’s Museum, St. George
This relatively new 5-year-old museum in St. George was founded with one thing in mind – to give the young ones an unforgettable adventure through engaging activities and encourage strong imagination and the power of play. The museum is divided into multiple themed rooms, all of which engage the kids through hands-on real-life settings. For example, in the Science Discovery Room, they can feel the tornado and perform scientific experiments. In the Prehistoric Room, they can follow the footsteps of dinosaurs or get artsy in the Art Room. Everyone can get into their roles and become a veterinarian, a postman, a musician, or a librarian for one day. The whole family can easily spend 3 – 4 hours exploring the premises while the fun is guaranteed. Admission hours differ depending on the month and the holidays so it’s always best to check their website for the latest updates.
Address: 86 S Main St, St. George, UT 84770
Phone: 435-986-4000
Website: St. George Children’s Museum
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Utah is truly a remarkable state, presenting visitors and residents with amazing family activities to keep everyone engaged for days, let alone a few hours.
Scenic drives through fascinating landscapes, outdoor exploration, recreation and fun centers, museums and educational sites, all make up for an awesome family pleasure trip. Not only will your little ones love the experience but you’ll also have a great time seeing them enjoy themselves to the fullest. You obviously can’t run out of things to do in Utah with kids, can you?