What Not to Miss When Exploring Salt Lake City with Teens
One thing that surprised me about visiting Salt Lake City with teens was the exceptional amount of outdoor recreation activities and its vibrant downtown. Utah’s state capital is tucked away in the Salt Lake Valley with the Wasatch Mountains to the east and the Great Salt Lake to the west. It’s the perfect place for summer hikes or winter sports, but some of the best things to do are in downtown Salt Lake City.
It’s surprising how many parks, gardens, zoos, museums, and other family-friendly attractions there are! If you’re planning a family vacation here for the first time and want to experience the real Salt Lake City, this is your guide to visiting with teenage kids.
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**We were guests of Visit Salt Lake City for this review. As always, opinions are 100% our own.
Where To Fly Into Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City International Airport is a busy, mid-sized airport and a great place to arrive for your vacation. Over 80 airports around the US offer direct flights to SLC. It took us less than 15 minutes to take an Uber from the airport to Temple Square in the heart of downtown.
If you don’t want to rent a car or Uber/Lyft, you can hop on a 704 Green Line tram/street car from the Airport Station to Temple Square Station. Services depart every 15 minutes with a journey time of around 20 minutes. Single tickets cost less than $3.
How To Get Around Salt Lake City
Speaking of public transit, you could get around Salt Lake City with teens quite easily without a car. Traveling further afield into the mountains is a bit tricky, but it’s doable.
TRAX is Utah’s light rail system connecting the city and other fun places in the valley. You can pay for multiple tickets using the Transit app so it’s easy for families.
While Uber is readily available, we would recommend renting a car to explore Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. Most family-friendly attractions are a quick drive away and everywhere has ample parking. Choose whichever option is better suited for the family-friendly attractions you want to visit.
15 Best Activities in Salt Lake City With Teens
1. E-bike Tour With Salt Lake eBikes
The Wasatch and Uinta Mountains offer plenty of mountain biking trails, but an e-bike tour is less terrifying! We loved this fun, easy bike ride while learning about Salt Lake City’s history.
Salt Lake eBikes is located adjacent to Liberty Park and it is where you start your tour. The employees ensure your bike is the right fit before sending you off to explore.
Along the way, you will stop at historical and religious sites like Memory Grove, Gilgal Sculpture Garden, the Utah State Capitol, International Peace Gardens, and Temple Square. Our two-hour tour took us through some of the coolest neighborhoods and nature preserves in the city. It was a great way to get an in-depth overview of Salt Lake City.
While this might not be an ideal tour for young children, it’s perfect when visiting Salt Lake City with teens. Helmets are included and they will love this unique city perspective.
2. Wander Around Red Butte Garden
Red Butte Garden is a botanical garden covering 21 acres with five miles of trails. If you visit in spring, you’ll be greeted by 560,000 blooming flowers including a field of golden daffodils.
There are themed gardens, sculptures, and some tree-covered paths to keep you cool on hot days. It’s also included in the Salt Lake Connect Pass which offers discounts on 18 attractions throughout the city.
One of the best things to do in Salt Lake City with teens is to catch live music shows at the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater. They have an unbelievable line-up of concerts in the summer but there are also plenty of events year-round.
3. Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah
Next door to Red Butte Canyon is the Natural History Museum of Utah, another university property that is made for teens with a variety of interests. General admission passes give you access to 10 exhibit galleries.
See massive replicas of mammal and dinosaur skeletons, taxidermied animals native to Utah’s high desert landscapes, and learn about the state’s history and the Great Salt Lake.
You can also discover more about cultures indigenous to these lands including costumes, weapons, and stories. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring.
4. Learn at This is The Place Heritage Park
We did not have a chance to visit This is the Place, but it was highly recommended by others in our group. This living history museum has a pioneer center, Native American Village, and even demonstrations from pioneer tradesmen (and women)! Learn what life was like when the early settlers arrived in Utah.
For younger kids, there’s a splash pad, miniature trains, and pony rides. Older kids will enjoy seeing the tinsmith and saddle maker and trying their hand at some pioneer crafts. Be sure to leave some room to sample the ice cream and yummy Brigham Donuts!
5. Hike the Living Room Trail
The Foothills Natural Area near the University of Utah and This Is The Place Heritage Park has great hiking trails. It is one of the best free places to visit in the city! You can enjoy time together in nature and it’s only a 10-minute drive east of downtown.
One of the easier trails is the Living Room Trail. Hikers think the rock formations look like chairs and couches, hence the name. This 2.8-mile loop trail has a 1,003 ft elevation gain. It’s considered moderately challenging, but it’s a very popular route.
An alternative is the Living Room Lookout Trail. This is a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail with a 978 ft elevation gain. This route follows the trail to the top of the peak and back down.
6. Explore the Universe at Clark Planetarium
If your kids are interested in visiting planetariums they are sure to love this one! Clark Planetarium is a state-of-the-art space and science venue. It boasts three packed floors of free interactive experiences and exhibits for kids (and adults) of all ages to enjoy.
Be sure to check out a movie in the 360-degree Hansen Dome Theater and Northrop Grumman 3D IMAX Theater. Both display purpose-made films about nature, science, star fields, and even laser shows.
Clark Planetarium is also part of the Salt Lake Connect Attractions Pass. This city card gives you access to several different family-friendly attractions in the Salt Lake Valley. It includes entrance to either a Dome or IMAX movie which are scheduled throughout the day, every day.
7. Discover The Leonardo Art & Science Museum
This unique museum is next to Washington Square Park and Salt Lake City Public Library. The Leonardo is a special art and science museum with touring interactive exhibits. While the abstract nature of some art installations here may go over younger kids’ heads it’s a great place to visit in Salt Lake City with teens.
Since every exhibition at the Leonardo is temporary, you never know what you’re going to see! One gallery might focus on Artificial Intelligence. Another might examine the history of flight and display airplanes and other flying contraptions.
8. Hike the Bonneville Shoreline Trail
The Bonneville Shoreline Trail is another great hike in the Foothills Natural Area. The full trail is 2.92 miles with an elevation gain of less than 200 feet. It’s quite a narrow, rocky route that’s still moderately challenging so it’s ideal for teens/young adults.
You can hike an even easier variation of this trail if you’re short on time. The Bonneville Shoreline Loop is 2.3 miles long with wide, open paths and constant views of Salt Lake City. It’ll take you an hour, tops, to walk the whole loop for most families. Unless you’re stopping every five minutes to take photos, of course!
9. Visit the Museum of Natural Curiosity
If you’ve rented a car, there is much more to explore in Salt Lake Valley outside the city. Thanksgiving Point is just a 30-minute drive south of downtown Salt Lake City. This is where you’ll find the beautiful, sprawling 50-acre Ashton Gardens and the Museum of Natural Curiosity.
Wondering what’s inside a Museum of Natural Curiosity? Surprisingly, it’s a modern, lodge-style building with over 400 fun displays. Some permanent spaces include Rainforest, Discovery Garden, and Water Works. Innovation Gallery is where you’ll find rotating experiences. Like a box of chocolates, you don’t know what you’re going to get at the Museum of Natural Curiosity, but it’s going to be original.
10. Visit the Best Salt Lake City Shopping Spots
If your teen loves to shop, you won’t want to miss City Creek Center. Located across the street from Temple Square, there are over 100 stores and restaurants to explore with your teens including Vuori, lululemon, and Cotton:On. This is one of the more unique shopping centers in the country as it has a retractable roof, evening fountain shows, and a fish-filled stream meandering through the property.
Families looking for more of a local vibe will want to head to the city’s 9th and 9th Neighborhood. This district is filled with artwork and murals, restaurants, and local businesses. There is a cat café, record store, and multiple ice cream shops. Grab a bite to eat at Pizza Nono or Laziz Kitchen.
If you are visiting on a Thursday, don’t miss a chance to join in the 999 Ride with hundreds of cyclists, skaters, and rollerbladers and explore the city on wheels. We would also recommend their free neighborhood street festival which happens every September.
11. Fill Up at a Food Hall
If you have picky eaters, head to one of the food halls where there are a variety of quick-serve restaurants to choose from. Some to explore are Woodbine Food Hall and Tavern, The Local Eatery & Bar, and HallPass.
12. Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park
Liberty Park is one of the best outdoor spaces in Salt Lake City (and it is only a couple of blocks from the 9th and 9th district). The park has a swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and a pond where you can rent boats. Tracy Aviary & Botanical Garden is the best place to visit in this park if anyone in your family is an animal lover.
The aviary covers nine acres and is home to over 300 birds. Local and exotic birds call this sanctuary home including the vultures, owls, flamingoes, and vibrant lorikeets. Tracy Aviary schedules year-round events so check out one of their bird talks, shows, or feedings. Yes, you can even feed the pelicans and lorikeets!
13. Enjoy Summer in Snowbird
While Snowbird is mostly known as a ski resort, there is so much to do in the summer months. Best of all, it’s only a short 40-minute drive from Salt Lake City.
Hiking is always a great time as the meadows are filled with blooms (check out the Wildflower Trail) and the higher elevations guarantee cooler weather. We were pleasantly surprised with how many outdoor activities it has to offer.
Take the Aerial Snowbird Tram to Hidden Peak (included in the Salt Lake Connect Pass). We recommend booking a ride on the roof of the tram for epic 360-degree views. When you are finished you can try their ropes course, climbing wall, tree climb, vertical drop, and the ZipWhipper; a very unique experience where you’re racing against the clock.
Two favorite summer outdoor activities at Snowbird are the roller coasters. Ride the twists and turns of the Alpine Slide. Afterward, head to The Mountain Coaster where you will enjoy a fast-paced ride down the mountain!
For a quick bite to eat, we recommend heading to The Cliff Lodge. Their restaurant SeventyOne pays homage to the early days of Snowbird Resort and serves delicious burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
Of course, you should also head to Snowbird if you’re visiting Salt Lake City in winter. It hosted many of the competitions at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games! Teens with little winter sports experience can join their snowboard and ski school.
14. Shop the Saturday Farmers Market
Every Saturday from June to mid-October, the city hosts a massive farmers market in Pioneer Park. I was overwhelmed with the number of stalls (and people) but loved the variety of booths showcasing everything from pet food to wood crafts and handmade jewelry.
Grab yourself a bite to eat or drink at one of the food stalls before walking the square. We promise this farmers market is worth a visit!
15. Utah Olympic Park
Just 30 minutes by car is Utah Olympic Park, a 400-acre venue built for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. This place is an adventure-loving teen’s dream!
Imagine riding down a bobsled track where speeds reach up to 70mph, burning off some energy on a ropes course, or zip lining above the trees. Families can buy attraction passes for individual activities or a 3.5-hour Gold Pass that covers everything but the bobsled.
When you’re finished with the high-energy activities, you can explore the on-site museum with artifacts from the Olympics or watch people training on the freestyle ramps. If you visit on a summer weekend, don’t miss the Flying Ace All-Stars Freestyle Show where athletes show off their acrobatic skills.
Where to Eat in Salt Lake City With Teens
Salt Lake City might not be famous for its foodie scene (yet), but it should be! Downtown SLC is bursting with classic diners, food halls, and indie coffee shops. It’s not difficult to find several restaurants that will please the whole family.
Breakfast
Central 9th Market
Harvey Milk Boulevard has some of the best independent casual eateries in the city. That includes Central 9th Market. This community-driven sandwich shop uses fresh farm produce and top imported ingredients. Their ‘breakfast sandos’ are a great way to start the day. The rest of their menu is perfect for lunch on the go.
Eva’s Bakery
Only a block south of City Creek Center Mall, Eva’s Bakery couldn’t be more centrally located. This cute, Instagrammable bakeshop wouldn’t look out of place on a charming Parisian street. Enjoy their croissants, quiches, French toast, and more delicious treats.
Publik Kitchen
Publik Coffee Roasters are renowned as one of the best in the city. Enjoy a cup alongside their breakfast menu. They cater to different dietary requirements with staples like tofu rancheros and signature granola and potato hash dishes. It’s also located on the foodie-friendly Harvey Milk Boulevard.
The Rose Establishment
Opening in 2010, The Rose Establishment started as a no-frills coffee shop. Today, it’s a popular brunch spot and bakery with a ton of seating inside and out. They serve an all-day breakfast menu with a huge selection of tea cakes, Scandinavian pastries, and other sweet treats.
Lunch/Dinner
Chile-Tepin
Chile-Tepin is less than a 10-minute walk from Clark Planetarium, so it’s a great stop before or after a visit. This casual Mexican restaurant is a local favorite and can get busy on weekends, but it’s worth the wait. The restaurant serves everything from burritos and quesadillas to small plates and combinations, so we recommend you arrive with an empty stomach.
Italian Graffiti
The Gateway is a fun shopping and entertainment center with fabulous restaurants like Italian Graffiti. This is a slightly elevated Italian restaurant if you want to eat a nice dinner during your trip to Salt Lake City with teens. Dishes like salmon carpaccio and mushroom arancini are perfect starters before digging into the pappardelle carbonara or chicken parm.
Eva
If you are a tapas fan, this is the place to go. Serving small plates family-style, be sure to order a variety of options for your group. We recommend the crispy calamari, fig and pig pizza, and the crispy trout, but you honestly can’t go wrong with anything!
Red Iguana 2
Another Salt Lake City Valley institution, Red Iguana 2 opened its doors in 2008 down the street from the original. Locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of their world-renowned mole and colorful interiors. Order a mole sample platter to find your favorite, and give yourself some time to peruse their extensive menu. We are sure you will find the perfect combination!
Where to Stay in Salt Lake City With Teens
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
We stayed at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center and loved its comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and stunning city views. The property has an enviable location that is close to the Salt Palace Convention Center, tons of restaurants, Temple Square, and City Creek Center.
On-site amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and two restaurants. There is also a coffee shop where you can grab breakfast on the go.
evo Hotel
If you are looking for a unique place to stay, evo Hotel might be a good place for families with teens. This is a modern, laid-back hotel with an industrial lodge design. It offers a lounge, rooftop bar, coworking space, and coffee shop.
Although it’s not in the mountains, the hotel mostly caters to outdoor lovers. Two sporting goods stores, sports gear storage, and bike and ski/snowboard rentals are also available.
One of the main reasons why evo Hotel is a great option for families with teenage kids is the fun activities onsite. The Bouldering Project is their 26,000-square-foot indoor rock climbing gym with a yoga studio and fitness center. Their main attraction has to be All Together Skate Park, a 5,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor skatepark. Skaters of all ages and abilities are welcome!
Exploring Salt Lake City With Teens
Sometimes in larger cities, families try to squeeze in too many activities and attractions. When visiting Salt Lake City with teens, you can take a relaxed approach. There’s always a new hiking trail or cool museum to explore, so getting bored won’t be an option!