4-day Summer in Salt Lake for Families

Day 1: Mountain Adventure Kickoff

Start your trip with high-elevation views and adrenaline-filled activities at Snowbird.

Morning: Snowbird Aerial Tram

Ride the scenic tram to Hidden Peak (11,000 ft) for panoramic mountain views. You can ride back down or find one of the trails that leads back to the bottom.

• What it is: Aerial tram cable ride that goes up 2,900 vertical feet the Snowbird base to the top of Hidden Peak 
• Why it’s worth it: Instant "wow factor" and one of Utah's best Mountain peak views.
• Insiders tip: Add on the rooftop balcony to your tram ride for a unique experience
• Time needed: 1-2 hours, add another 1-2 if you decide to hike back down

Afternoon: Snowbird Adventure Park 

Choose from one of Snowbirds excellent restaurants to refuel with incredible mountain views, then refill on adrenaline with at Snowbirds summer adventure park.

• Choose from:
  • Mountain Coaster
  • Alpine Slide
  • Zipwhipper®
  • Ropes Course & Climbing Wall
• Why it’s worth it: High-energy activities perfect for teens.

Afternoon/Evening Options: Relax and Recharge

High elevation activities can take more out of you than you expect. Recharge at The Cliff Spa, right at Snowbird, or head back to your hotel to refresh after a full day on the mountain. 

• What it is: Day passes for spa facilities—including our renowned heated rooftop hot tub and pool—to fitness classes, luxurious manicures, facials, body wraps, massages 
• Why it's worth it: Mom and Dad get time to relax while the kids have fun. The Spa is for 16+

Day 1 Tips:

• Buy activity passes early. Salt Lake Attractions Passes include the Snowbird Aerial Tram.
• Bring layers—temps drop at elevation and the mountain resorts can be more than 20 degrees colder than the valley.
• Start early to avoid afternoon crowds

Day 2: Thrills + Learning

Mix interactive education with unforgettable animal encounters

Morning: Engage with Animals at Utah's Hogle Zoo

Located in the foothills next to the city, the Hogle Zoo brings animals out of storybooks and into real life. Giraffes, zebras, lions, bears, and more await.  

• Address: 2600 Sunnyside Ave S, Salt Lake City
• Hours: 9 AM–6 PM
• What it is: 42 acres with over 800 animals over 139 different species. 
• Why it’s worth it: Extensive opportunities to view animals up close in replicas of their native habitats.
• Time needed: 2–3 hours

Afternoon: ​Natural History Museum of Utah 

Dive into the whole history of the world at the Natural History Museum as you wind your way up through dinosaurs (watch real palentologists at work in their glass-walled lab), ancient peoples and places (simulate the rise and fall of ancient Lake Bonnevilled), and modern plants and animals.

• Address: 301 Wakara Way
• Hours: 10 AM–5 PM (9 PM Wednesdays)
• What it is: Dinosaur fossils, interactive exhibits, geology displays
• Why it’s worth it: One of the most engaging museums for kids (even teens) in the region
• Time needed: 2–3 hours

Dinner: Upscale-But-Still-Fun 

Keep up the Canyon experience with scenic patio views at Ruth's Diner. Their famous Mile-High Biscuits are sure to please. Or, head down into the city to experience any of the world-class cuisine options available there. 

Day 2 Tips:

• Start at the zoo early to avoid the heat of the day. The animals are most active and engaging then.
• The Natural History Museum is a great way to beat the heat of the day. 
• Add on a quick hike on the Bonneville Shoreline trail (right near the Natural History Museum) if you want to add more activity to the day.

Day 3: Outdoor Exploration

Get outside with easy hikes that deliver big scenery.

Morning: Donut Falls Hike 

The short, not too steep, hike to Donut Falls has a beautiful pay off at the end in the form of an unusual waterfall. 

• Location: Big Cottonwood Canyon
• What it is: Short, scenic hike to a waterfall flowing through a rock “donut”
• Why it’s worth it: Unique and fun for kids
• Time needed: 1–2 hours

Afternoon: Rocky Mouth Falls or Heughs Canyon Trail

These two options offer stunning waterfall views at the end. Choose based on your energy and skill level. 

Heughs Canyon Trail

• What it is: 3 mile out and back trail with 1,240 ft elevation gain
• Who it's for: Avid hikers in shape for steep trails
• Why it's worth it: a breathtaking waterfall and stunning views
• Time needed: 3-4 hours

Evening: Casual Dining

Choose from any of our family-friendly dining favorites. If you still have energy after the day's hikes, add some time at Boondocks Food & Fun for some go-cart racing.

• What it is: Theme park with arcade, go-carts and more
• Why it's worth it: High-energy place to grab theme park food and really wear out the kids for the night.

Day 3 Tips:

• Pack water and snacks. 
• If tackling the longer hike, pick up a boxed lunch from Caputo's or one of the other local diners to take with you for a great break at the top.
• Wear sturdy shoes that can handle rocky terrain
• Go early for cooler temps and easier parking

Day 4: Culture + Interactive Fun

Wrap up yourtrip with hands-on indoor experiences.

Morning: Clark Planetarium 

Dive into space headfirst at the Clark Planetarium as you walk on the moon, see how big the planets really are, and view the dome or IMAX theater.

• Address: 110 400 W
• Cost: Free exhibits; $8–$15 for shows
• What it is: Interactive space exhibits + dome and IMAX theater
• Why it’s worth it: Touch meteorites and explore space in a fun, engaging way

Afternoon: Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Grab lunch almost anywhere as you head across the valley to the Living Planet Aquarium, where you can walk through the shark tank, or rather, the tunnel through the tank as you take in the full variety of our living planet, not just the fish. 

• Address: 12033 Lone Peak Pkwy, Draper
• Hours: 10 AM–6 PM
• What it is: Shark tunnel, penguins, stingray touch pools
• Why it’s worth it: Hands-on, immersive experience for all ages
• Time needed: 2–3 hours

Day 4 Tips:

• Check showtimes in advance for the planetarium
• Make it extra special by adding an animal encounter at the aquarium
• Take this low-key day as a way to reset before heading home