36 Hours in SLC This Summer

By Adventure Mom Aug 15, 2019
Breakaway from smartphones and technology with these six things to do in SLC with your family.
36 Hours in SLC This Summer

Back to school is right around the corner, but there's still plenty of time to spend outdoors this summer. Here are a few of our favorite ways to break away from technology and get your kiddos outside and active in and around Salt Lake City.


Red Butte Garden

If you haven't already, you have to check out Red Butte Garden. Here you can learn about plants and gardens, as well as take some scenic pictures of the colorful patches of beauty throughout the garden. Let your kids run free and tire themselves out and take a break in the shade -- that's my favorite trick.

Of course, looking at the beautiful gardens isn’t all that Red Butte Garden has during the summer. You can come for a variety of different events this summer, including yoga in the garden, free outdoor movies, camping, festivals and more.



Topgolf

If you want to experience something the whole family can enjoy, head on over to Top Golf. Top Golf is a golfing extravaganza that’s perfect for all ages. The great thing about Top Golf is that walk-ins are always welcome, but you can also plan your trip ahead of time by booking your own climate-controlled hitting bay with HDTV. You will also find full restaurants and bars so you can eat and drink without leaving the facility. If you are looking for a great experience, this is the place to go.


The Living Planet Aquarium

Home to over 4,000 animals from around the world, the Living Planet Aquarium is only minutes from downtown Salt Lake City. Walk through a 40-foot tunnel and enjoy an underwater view of sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and more. There is also a 300,000-gallon shark exhibit if you dare to see it.

During your visit, you can actually explore five different animal habitats from the rainforests to the deep blue oceans, and even the Antarctic. You can get an up-close and personal with playful penguins, clouded leopards, adorable otters, sloths, and other animals from the sea.


Hogle Zoo

Of course, you don’t just have to visit the deep-sea creatures. You can see animals from all over the world when you visit Hogle Zoo. This incredible zoo is a gateway to animals, connecting you with the natural world, engaging you in wildlife conservation locally and worldwide.

On top of all that, Hogle Zoo has even more for you to do including:

  • Animal Encounters: You can get an up-close and personal experience with rhinos, the great apes, giraffes, orangutans, a giant tortoise, or an elephant (prices will vary for each).

  • Rides and Attractions: Ride the express train, take a ride on the carousel, or enjoy some water fun at the Lighthouse Point Splash Zone.

  • Shopping: You can’t leave Salt Lake City without a souvenir to take with you. There are four stores for your shopping habits: Wild Zootique, Karibu Quick Shop, Sherpa Stop, and Rocky Shores Gift.




Do a City Scavenger Hunt

You can see all of the best of Salt Lake City in just three hours! You can see all of Salt Lake City’s top sights, hidden gems, and explore the local streets on a walking tour of the city. This unique family experience starts at the Union Pacific Depot and takes among historic monuments, down the streets of Salt Lake City, through the great artwork, around Temple Square, and up to the Capitol building. Using your Smartphone as your guide, you can play at your own pace. Book your city scavenger hunt, here.


Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah

Walk underneath towering dinosaur skeletal reconstructions, learn about gems, minerals, the first peoples and the sky. The learning opportunities and amazement at the NHMU are certainly limitless. Fun fact: they offer $5 admission after 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and $2 off the price of admission when you purchase tickets online ahead of time. If your little ones are in love after their first visit, check out the discovery classes, birthday parties and more to continue to grow their interest in history and science.



How have you spent your time in Salt Lake City this summer? What kind of fun experiences did you have? Share them in the comments below!