Okay, let's talk Salt Lake City fun. Seriously, this place surprised me. I moved here thinking it was just mountains and Mormons (no offense), but wow, was I wrong. Finding legit fun things in Salt Lake City isn't hard – it's just about knowing where to look beyond the obvious. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or you've lived here for years like me now, this guide cuts through the fluff. We're talking specifics: prices that won't shock you, parking hacks locals actually use, the spots worth your time, and yeah, maybe one or two I find overrated (you'll see). Ready to ditch the boring stuff? Let's dive into the real fun things Salt Lake City has hiding up its sleeve.
Nature & Outdoors: Where SLC Seriously Shines
You can't talk about fun things in Salt Lake City without starting with the outdoors. It's literally right there. Those massive mountains aren't just a pretty backdrop; they're your playground. I hike Ensign Peak almost weekly – cheap therapy, I tell ya.
Hiking & Views That Knock Your Socks Off
- Ensign Peak: The classic quickie. Drive up to the trailhead near the State Capitol (parking is tight, get there early or weeknights). It's a short, steep 0.8-mile round trip. Sunset views over the valley? Unbeatable. And free. Always open. Best for: Everyone, literally.
- Living Room Trail: My personal favorite after-work scramble. Trailhead starts near the Natural History Museum parking lot. 2.4 miles round trip, moderate. You earn those 'furniture' rocks at the top. Free. Open dawn to dusk. Pro tip: Parking fills up FAST on weekends. Try weekdays or early mornings.
- Grandeur Peak: Want a workout? This is it. Trailhead off Wasatch Blvd. 6 miles round trip, strenuous. Views are insane though – you see the whole valley. Free. Dawn to dusk. Bring way more water than you think, especially summer. I learned that the hard way.
Altitude Heads Up: Seriously, don't ignore this. Coming from sea level? Even easy hikes like Ensign Peak (~5,400 ft) can leave you winded. Hydrate like crazy the day before and during. That headache isn't just dehydration; it's the thin air. Take it slow.
Parks & Gardens: Chill Vibes Only
Not everyone wants to summit a peak. Salt Lake has killer parks perfect for picnics, reading, or just watching people.
| Park Name | Address/Gate | What's Cool | Cost & Hours | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Park | 600 E 900 S, SLC | HUGE pond (paddle boats!), Tracy Aviary onsite ($), playgrounds, tennis courts, Tracy Aviary ($) | Free entry (Aviary separate: Adults $15). Park: 6 AM - 10 PM. Aviary: Varies seasonally, check website. | Love it for running the loop. Feels like the city's backyard. Can get crowded Saturdays. |
| Memory Grove Park | Canyon Rd & 2nd Ave, enter near Capitol | Peaceful, creek-side walks, war memorials, connects to City Creek Canyon trail. | Free. Daylight hours (closes around dusk). | Hidden gem right downtown. Feels secluded fast. Great for quiet walks with the dog. Parking tricky. |
| International Peace Gardens | 1060 S 900 W, SLC | Gardens representing different countries/cultures, unique photo spots, quiet. | Free. Generally sunrise to sunset. | A bit quirky, sometimes needs TLC, but charming in its own way. Not huge, manage expectations. |
| Gilgal Garden | 749 E 500 S, SLC | Bizarre & fascinating sculpture garden hidden in a neighborhood (Joseph Smith Sphinx?!). | Free. Dawn to dusk. | WEIRDEST fun thing in Salt Lake City? Maybe. Definitely unique. Spend 30 mins max. Easy to miss! |
Gilgal Garden... man, that place is something else. It feels like stumbling into someone's very specific, slightly unsettling dream. Totally worth a quick look just for the oddity factor. Don't expect Versailles.
Beyond the City: The Big Mountain Fun
Within 30-60 minutes, you're in world-class territory. This is where the fun things in Salt Lake City scale up massively.
- Big & Little Cottonwood Canyons (Brighton, Solitude, Snowbird, Alta): Skiing/Snowboarding Mecca. Lift tickets are NOT cheap ($130-$180+ peak season), but the snow ("Greatest Snow on Earth") is real. Summer brings hiking, mountain biking, scenic drives, wildflowers. Alta is ski-only, just FYI. Check resort websites for exact pricing and hours. Tip: Look for "Summer Activities Passes" – often cheaper than individual gondola/lift rides.
- Park City (30-45 mins drive): Home to Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort. More resort-town vibe, Main Street shopping/dining, Sundance Film Festival (Jan). Skiing similarly priced. Summer: Alpine slides, mountain coaster ($20-$40 per ride), hiking. Honest Opinion: Feels more touristy/expensive than SLC proper, but Main Street is fun for an afternoon browse.
- Antelope Island State Park: Drive across the causeway into the Great Salt Lake. See bison herds (seriously!), antelope, stunning sunsets. Address: Antelope Island Rd, Syracuse, UT. Cost: $15 per vehicle. Hours: 6 AM - 10 PM. Bug Warning: Midges (no-see-ums) can be brutal spring/summer – seriously, cover up or avoid sunset then. Spring/Fall best. The lake smells sometimes, yeah, but the views make up for it.
That first time you see bison roaming free on Antelope Island... pretty incredible. Just don't get close. Seriously, they are *not* tame. And yeah, the lake has its... moments... smell-wise. Pick a windy day!
Culture, Museums & Indoor Fun Things in Salt Lake City
Rainy day? Scorching summer heat? Or just not feeling the outdoors? Salt Lake has got you covered with surprisingly cool indoor stuff.
Must-Visit Museums (Way More Than Genealogy!)
Forget the stereotype. Salt Lake has some world-class collections.
| Museum | Address | Adult Ticket Price (Approx) | Hours (General) | Top Things to See | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural History Museum of Utah (NHMU) | 301 Wakara Way, SLC (Near U) | $19.95 | 10 AM - 5 PM (Closed Mon) | Dinosaur fossils (AMAZING!), Native Voices exhibits, rooftop views | YES! Especially with kids. Architecture alone is cool. Parking $5. |
| Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) | 410 Campus Center Dr, SLC (U Campus) | $17.95 | 10 AM - 5 PM (Closed Mon, Open Late Wed) | Diverse collection: European, American, African, Asian, Contemporary | Solid collection. Check current exhibitions. Free first Wed & third Sat. |
| The Leonardo (Science & Tech) | 209 E 500 S, SLC (Library Square) | $16.95 | 10 AM - 5 PM (Closed Mon) | Hands-on exhibits, rotating big-name exhibits (check website) | Very kid-focused. Great if a special exhibit interests you, otherwise maybe skip. |
| Clark Planetarium | 110 S 400 W, SLC (Gateway) | Exhibits Free, IMAX/Shows $9-$12 | Mon-Thu: 10:30 AM - 8 PM, Fri-Sat: 10:30 AM - 10 PM, Sun: 10:30 AM - 7 PM | Free exhibits (cool!), IMAX Dome & 3D Space Shows | FREE exhibits are fantastic value. Shows are fun but optional. Parking at Gateway. |
NHMU is easily my favorite. Those dinosaur skeletons towering over you? Chills every time. Parking is a pain when school trips are in, though. Go weekday afternoons.
Temples, Tabernacles & City History
Like it or not, the Mormon history is woven into the city's fabric. Some sites are genuinely impressive architecturally and historically.
- Temple Square: The heart of it all. Address: 50 N Temple, SLC. Undergoing major renovation now (2023-2024+). Access is limited. Still see the outside, walk around grounds. Free. Outdoor areas generally open. Check website for current tour/visitor center status.
- Beehive House: Brigham Young's residence. Address: 67 E South Temple. Free tours (first come, first served). Hours vary, typically Mon-Sat. Interesting glimpse into pioneer life.
- Utah State Capitol Building: Address: 350 N State St. Free self-guided tours. Beautiful building, awesome views from the hill. Mon-Fri (& Sat seasonally). Parking available underneath ($2/hr). Worth popping in even just for the dome.
The Capitol view at sunset? Hard to beat. And free. Easy fun thing in Salt Lake City.
Is Temple Square construction a bummer? Yeah, kinda. But the Beehive House tour is genuinely interesting, even if you're not religious. The guides know their stuff.
Quirky & Unexpected Finds
Because standard museums aren't everyone's jam.
- The Gilgal Garden: Mentioned earlier, but it counts as quirky culture! Free. Weird.
- Ken Sanders Rare Books:
268 S 200 E, SLC. Hours: Tues-Sat 11 AM – 6 PM. Floor-to-ceiling books, cat usually napping. Feels like stepping back in time. Just browse, soak it in. No pressure to buy (though you might want to!). - Salt Lake City Public Library: Address: 210 E 400 S. Not just books! Amazing modern architecture, rooftop garden with views, cafes inside. Free. Hours vary (check, usually opens late, closes Sun). Seriously cool building.
Food, Drinks & Nightlife: Fueling the Fun
You're gonna get hungry exploring all these fun things in Salt Lake City. The food scene here? Honestly, way better than I expected when I moved. Don't sleep on it.
Local Bites You Gotta Try
Cuisine/Spot Example Restaurants (Address/Area) Must-Try Dish Price Range Vibe & Notes Pastrami Burgers Crown Burgers (Multiple, e.g., 377 E 200 S). Apollo Burger (Multiple) Crown Burger (Their signature!) $ (Under $10 burger) Utah classic! Greasy, delicious fast food. Counter service. Mexican (Legit!) Red Iguana (736 W N Temple), Blue Iguana (Across street) Mole (Pipian, Poblano... get sampler!) $$ ($15-$25 entree) Famous for a reason. Lines out door (call ahead/wait worth it? Debatable, but good). Fresh Doughnuts Banbury Cross Donuts (705 S 700 E) Maple Bar, Lemon-filled $ (Under $2/donut) Old-school, huge, fresh. Go early! Closes early afternoon. Fine Dining (Splurge) Valter's Osteria (173 W 300 S), HSL (418 E 200 S) Valter's Pasta, HSL Seasonal Plates $$$ ($30-$50+ entree) Valter's is an experience (owner is character!). HSL modern, inventive. Reservations essential. Beer & Brewpubs Squatters/Wasatch Pub (147 W Broadway), Fisher Brewing (320 W 800 S) Polygamy Porter (Joke beer, decent!), Fisher's Lagers $$ ($7-$10 beer, $12-$18 food) Squatters downtown staple. Fisher huge patio, good vibes. Utah beer laws: Lower ABV draft, bottles stronger. Banbury Cross donuts... yeah, they live up to the hype. Get there before 10 AM on weekends if you want the full selection. That maple bar is basically a meal.
Red Iguana? Delicious mole, absolutely. But that hour-long wait? I've done it once. Not sure I'd do it again when Blue Iguana (literally across the street, same family) often has less wait and very similar food. Just my two cents!
Fun Drinking & Nightlife Spots (Navigating Utah Laws)
Yes, Utah has quirks. No, it doesn't mean you can't have fun.
- Bars & Brewpubs: Mentioned Squatters, Fisher. Add Water Witch (163 W 900 S) - cool cocktail bar, small plates. Under Current (270 S 300 E) - speakeasy vibe, excellent cocktails ($$$). Remember: You must order food to get a drink in many places that aren't strictly bars. Beer on draft is capped at 5% ABV (higher ABV in bottles/cans).
- Wine Bars: BTG Wine Bar (404 S W Temple) - relaxed, good selection by the glass. Post Office Place (16 W Market St) - upscale, knowledgeable.
- Live Music: Metro Music Hall (615 W 100 S) - punk/rock/indie. The State Room (638 S State St) - more established indie/rock acts, great sound. Red Butte Garden (summer outdoor amphitheater - fantastic setting, $$$). Check venue websites!
- Comedy: Wiseguys Comedy (Multiple locations, Downtown: 194 S 400 W) - national & local acts. Tickets $15-$40+.
Water Witch is my go-to for a good, interesting cocktail without insane pretension. Small space though, get there early.
Family Fun Things in Salt Lake City
Traveling with the kiddos? Salt Lake is surprisingly awesome for families.
Top Kid-Pleasers
- Natural History Museum (NHMU): Dinosaurs. Enough said. See Museums table above.
- Clark Planetarium: FREE exhibits rock. Shows are a bonus. See Museums table.
- Tracy Aviary: Inside Liberty Park. Hundreds of birds. Engaging shows/talks. Adults $15, Kids $11. Hours vary seasonally.
- Hogle Zoo: Address: 2600 Sunnyside Ave SLC. Solid mid-sized zoo. Adults $21.95, Kids $17.95. Open 9 AM - 5 PM (summer), 9 AM - 4 PM (winter). Parking free.
- Discovery Gateway Children's Museum: Address: Gateway Mall, 444 W 100 S. Hands-on everything. Great for younger kids (under 10). $14.50/person. Hours: Mon-Thu & Sat 10 AM–6 PM, Fri 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 12 PM–6 PM.
- Lagoon Amusement Park: Address: Farmington, UT (15 mins north on I-15). Utah's main theme park. Roller coasters, water park (separate ticket). Tickets PRICEY ($85+ gate, buy online). Crowded summers/weekends. Open seasonally (Apr-Oct).
Lagoon... it's expensive. Like, seriously expensive for a family. And crowded. Is it fun? Yeah, if you like coasters. But that price tag stings. Clark Planetarium offers WAY more bang for zero bucks on the exhibit front.
Seasonal Fun Things in Salt Lake City
What's fun changes dramatically with the weather!
Season Top Fun Things in Salt Lake City Key Considerations Summer (June-Aug) - Hiking all canyons & peaks
- Antelope Island (bugs!)
- Outdoor concerts (Red Butte, Gallivan Center)
- Farmer's Markets (Downtown Sat, Pioneer Park Tue)
- Drive-In Movies (Redwood Drive-In, West Valley)
- Paddleboarding/Kayaking (Deer Creek Res, Jordanelle)
HOT midday. Hike early/late. Hydrate! Bug spray essential near water/lake. Book popular activities (Red Butte) WAY ahead. Fall (Sept-Oct) - Peak foliage drives (Big/Little Cottonwood, Alpine Loop)
- Apple picking (Allred Orchards, Perry UT)
- Haunted Houses (Nightmare on 13th, Fear Factory)
- Cooler, pleasant hiking
Best hiking weather! Canyon drives stunning. Apple picking popular weekends – expect crowds. Haunts open late Sept/Oct. Winter (Nov-Mar) - SKIING/Snowboarding (Resorts open ~Thanksgiving)
- Snowshoeing (rentals available, Millcreek Canyon groomed trail)
- Christmas Lights (Temple Square pre-renovation, now check Gallivan Center, ZooLights)
- Ice Skating (Gallivan Center downtown)
Check road conditions (canyons require traction devices often). Book ski rentals/lift tickets early. Dress in LAYERS. Inversions trap cold/smog in valley periodically. Spring (Apr-May) - Wildflower hikes (lower elevation peaks first)
- Waterfall chasing (after snowmelt - Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon)
- Opening of outdoor dining/patios
- Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point (Lehi, ~30 mins)
Mud season! Trails can be sloppy, especially high elevation. Canyon roads may have restrictions. Weather unpredictable (snow/hail/sun). Summer inversions aren't really a thing – winter is the smog trap. Summer is dry heat. Drink. More. Water. Than. You. Think. You. Need. Trust me.
Planning Your Fun: Logistics & Savvy Tips
Alright, let's get practical about actually doing these fun things in Salt Lake City.
Getting Around Salt Lake
- Car: Most convenient for accessing canyons, Antelope Island, suburbs. Parking Downtown: Metered street parking ($1.50-$2/hr usually), lots/garages ($2-$10+ depending on location/event). Sundays often free. Canyon Access: Cottonwood Canyons (Big/Little) require traction devices (chains or approved tires) during winter storms – UDOT enforces! Check UDOT Traffic before heading up.
- Public Transit (UTA): Better than you might think! Trax (light rail) great for downtown, University, South Salt Lake, Sandy. Bus system covers wider area. Key for Skiers: Ski Bus runs to major resorts from several park-and-rides – avoids parking hassles/canyon traction laws! Fares ~$5 each way. Check rideuta.com for routes/schedules/app.
- Rideshares (Uber/Lyft): Plentiful downtown/airport. Gets expensive for canyon trips (Snowbird ~$45+ one way from downtown).
- Biking: Downtown is fairly bikeable. Bike lanes increasing. Greenbike bike-share program available downtown/central city. Canyon biking is for serious road cyclists only (narrow, busy roads).
Honestly, for exploring downtown core fun things in Salt Lake City (Temple Square area, Library, Gallivan, Gateway), Trax or walking is easiest. Parking downtown annoys me personally.
Budgeting for Fun
Salt Lake can be done affordably, but costs add up fast with resorts/skiing.
- Free Fun: Hiking (Ensign, Living Room, countless others), Liberty Park, Memory Grove, International Peace Gardens, Gilgal Garden, Salt Lake Library rooftop, State Capitol building, Clark Planetarium exhibits, City Creek Center (window shopping).
- Low-Cost Fun ($5-$20 pp): Tracy Aviary ($15), Cheap local eats (pastrami burger ~$8, donut ~$1.50), Gallivan Center ice skating (~$10 skate rental + entry), Drive-in movie (~$10/adult), Natural History Museum ($20), UTA Ski Bus (~$10 roundtrip + lift ticket).
- Mid-Range Fun ($20-$50 pp): Most sit-down restaurants (entrees $15-$25), Brewpub meal/drinks ($25-$40), Leonardo/UMFA ($17), Zoo ($22), Lagoon single-day ticket ($85+ online is steep, falls here barely).
- Splurge Fun ($50+ pp): Ski resort lift tickets ($130-$180+), Fine dining dinner with drinks ($75+), Red Butte concert tickets ($50-$100+).
See? Plenty of free and cheap fun things in Salt Lake City. The mountains are the best free show in town. Skiing... yeah, that's the wallet-buster.
Your Fun Things in Salt Lake City Questions Answered (FAQ)
I get asked these a lot, or see them pop up constantly online. Let's cut through the noise.
Is Salt Lake City fun for non-Mormons?
YES. Absolutely. While the church influence is visible (liquor laws, Sunday quietness), the city itself is diverse, growing, and full of non-religious fun stuff – hiking, food, arts, sports, nightlife (within the legal framework). Most locals, religious or not, are welcoming. Focus on the outdoors, food, and culture – you'll have a blast.
What are fun things in Salt Lake City besides skiing?
Literally everything else in this guide! Hiking (year-round in valley), mountain biking (summer), museums (NHMU, UMFA, Clark), incredible parks (Liberty, Memory Grove), unique spots (Gilgal Garden), food scene (pastrami burgers, moles, donuts), live music/comedy, family attractions (Zoo, Aviary, Planetarium), seasonal events (farmer's markets, festivals). Skiing is big, but it's just one slice.
What are some fun things to do in Salt Lake City for adults without kids?
All the brewery/bar hopping (Water Witch, Under Current, Fisher, Squatters), sophisticated dining (Valter's, HSL, Urban Hill), live music venues (Metro, State Room), art galleries (downtown, Sugar House), adult-focused museum exhibits, strenuous hikes (Grandeur Peak, Mt. Olympus), scenic drives, couples spa day, catching a Jazz game (NBA season), exploring the coffee shop scene (Publik, Three Pines). Salt Lake has a thriving young professional/adult scene.
What unique fun things to do in Salt Lake City are off the beaten path?
Gilgal Sculpture Garden (weird!), Ken Sanders Rare Books (book lovers), International Peace Gardens (unique), Spiral Jetty (earth art, 1.5-hour drive), drive the Mirror Lake Highway (summer/fall), tour the Utah State Capitol (architecture/views), find the street art in the Granary District, catch a show at the Egyptian Theater (Park City, but close). Skip the obvious, find the quirky.
Is Salt Lake City fun for couples?
Definitely! Romantic hikes (Ensign sunset, Lake Blanche if fit), cozy coffee shops, great restaurants for date night (from Valter's charm to HSL chic), rooftop bars (Varley, Under Current vibe), couples massages (Grand America Spa), scenic drives (Alpine Loop fall colors), catching a performance (Ballet West, Utah Symphony), summer concerts at Red Butte. Mix adventure with relaxation.
What are free fun things to do in Salt Lake City?
Tons! Hiking (Ensign Peak, Bonneville Shoreline Trail sections, Millcreek lower), exploring Liberty Park, Memory Grove Park, International Peace Gardens, Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Salt Lake City Public Library (building & rooftop), State Capitol building (tours/views), Clark Planetarium exhibits, strolling downtown (Temple Square grounds, City Creek window shopping), visiting the Pioneer Memorial Museum (free, near Capitol), Sunday organ recitals at the Tabernacle (check schedule/renovation status).
What are fun things to do in Salt Lake City when it rains or snows?
Hit the museums: Natural History Museum (NHMU), Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA), The Leonardo, Clark Planetarium (free exhibits!). Explore the massive City Creek Center mall (indoor/outdoor mix). See a movie (Brewvies Cinema Pub serves food/beer!). Visit Tracy Aviary (covered areas). Cozy up in a great coffee shop (Three Pines, Sugar House Coffee). Go bowling. Brewery hopping (Squatters, Fisher covered). Relax at a spa. Catch a show at Eccles Theater.
Finding fun things in Salt Lake City is easy. Finding the *right* fun things for *you*? That's where this guide comes in. Forget the generic lists. Get out there and explore – the mountains, the quirks, the food, the hidden spots. That's the real Salt Lake fun waiting for you.
Recommended articles
Leave a Message