Salt Lake City is a genuinely good base for a family trip. The mountains are visible from everywhere, the valley is easy to navigate, and the mix of free outdoor options with well-run paid attractions means you can calibrate the budget as you go. Here's a 3-day plan built around realistic timing and actual distances.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
Altitude: Salt Lake City sits at 4,330 feet. If you're coming from sea level, plan for kids (and adults) to tire more quickly on Day 1. Keep the first day lower-intensity.
Driving: You need a car. The valley is spread out and public transit doesn't connect most family destinations efficiently.
Parking: Most parks and attractions have free parking. The zoo has paid parking — budget $10–15 for that visit.
Sun: Higher altitude means stronger UV exposure. Sunscreen every day, including overcast days.
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Day 1: Historic and Nature Experiences
Start with lower-intensity activities to let everyone acclimate to altitude.
Morning (9:00–11:30AM): Wheeler Historic Farm
Wheeler Historic Farm is the single best introductory Salt Lake experience for kids. It's a working historic farm where walking the grounds and seeing the animals is free. Chickens, cows, goats, and pigs at close range — toddlers and big kids both react to this. Wagon rides and milking demonstrations are add-on activities that cost very little ($5–15 total for a family).
Budget 2–3 hours. The pacing is relaxed, which is what you want on Day 1. Pack your own snacks — no food vendors onsite.
Late Morning (11:30AM–1:00PM): Sugar House Neighborhood
The Sugar House neighborhood is 15 minutes north of Wheeler Farm and has the best lunch options in the city for families. There's a wide range of casual, affordable spots. Budget $35–55 for a family lunch.
Afternoon (1:30–4:30PM): Sugar House Park
Sugar House Park is right in the neighborhood — 4.7 stars, free, with a large pond, open fields, and good park infrastructure. 1–3 hours. The duck pond is the toddler move (bring bread), the open fields work for older kids with a frisbee or ball. Free parking.
After the park, walk or drive to Fairmont Park — a 4.3-rated playground also in the Sugar House area — if your kids still have energy. $0.
Evening: Sugar House has multiple casual family-friendly dining options. Easy dinner without driving anywhere.
Day 1 Total: ~$45–80 (paid lunch, one meal, optional paid farm activities)
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Day 2: Zoo + East Side Parks
Day 2 is the big paid activity day — anchor it around Hogle Zoo.
Morning (9:00AM–12:00PM): Hogle Zoo
Lighthouse Point Splash Zone at Hogle Zoo is the highest-rated family attraction in the Salt Lake Valley at 4.9 stars. Zoo admission runs ~$76 for a family of 4 (2 adults at ~$22 each, 2 kids at ~$16 each). Buy tickets online in advance to save $2–3 per ticket. Budget $10–15 for zoo parking.
In summer, the Lighthouse Point Splash Zone is the draw for kids 5–12 — plan extra time there. In cooler months, focus on the animal exhibits. A family membership pays for itself after 2 visits.
Budget 3–4 hours for the full zoo visit.
Afternoon (12:30–3:00PM): Richard K. A. Kletting Park
Richard K. A. Kletting Park is in the Lower Avenues neighborhood, about 10 minutes from Hogle Zoo. It's a 4.6-rated free park in one of Salt Lake's most walkable areas. 1–2 hours. The Avenues has good restaurants if you want to eat lunch in the neighborhood rather than packing it.
Late Afternoon (3:00–5:00PM): Evergreen Park
Evergreen Park on the east bench is a 4.6-rated free park — quieter and less crowded than the bigger parks. Good for a lower-intensity late afternoon. $0, open 24 hours. 1–2 hours.
Evening: The Avenues neighborhood (near Kletting Park) has good casual restaurants — easy to return there for dinner.
Day 2 Total: ~$120–160 (zoo admission, parking, one or two meals)
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Day 3: West Valley + Active Day
Hit the west valley's best parks and add the active indoor option.
Morning (9:00–10:30AM): Wild West Jordan Playground
Wild West Jordan Playground in West Jordan is a 4.7-rated free playground with a strong theme that actually holds the attention of 5–11 year olds. $0. 1–2 hours. Pack snacks and water.
Mid-Morning (10:45AM–12:00PM): Murray City Park Playground
Murray City Park Playground in Murray is 10 minutes from West Jordan. 4.7 stars, $0 for the playground. In summer, add the splash pad (separate fee — check murray.utah.gov for pricing). 1–2 hours. Well-equipped for multiple age groups.
Lunch (12:00–1:00PM): Murray has affordable casual dining options along the State Street and 900 East corridors. Budget $30–45 for a family lunch.
Afternoon (1:30–4:30PM): Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is the 4.7-rated physical climax of the trip. Budget $60–100 for a family of 4 (2-hour sessions at $15–25 per person). Book online in advance. The foam pits, climbing walls, and open trampoline floors are the kind of thing kids are still talking about on the drive home.
Late Afternoon: Lodestone Park
If anyone has energy left: Lodestone Park in Kearns is one of the largest free parks in the county. $0. 2–4 hours if you go all-in, but even 45 minutes works as a cool-down after Urban Air.
Evening: Head back toward the city for dinner. The Salt Lake City dining scene has affordable family options in Sugar House, the Avenues, and downtown.
Day 3 Total: ~$90–145 (Urban Air, lunch, dinner)
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3-Day Budget Summary
| Day | Main Activities | Estimated Cost | |-----|----------------|----------------| | Day 1 | Wheeler Farm + Sugar House Park | $45–80 | | Day 2 | Hogle Zoo + East Side Parks | $120–160 | | Day 3 | West Valley Parks + Urban Air | $90–145 | | Total | | $255–385 |
That's for a family of 4 across 3 days of activities — not including lodging, gas, or travel. Significantly less expensive than comparable mountain-city family trips.
To cut costs: Replace Day 2's Hogle Zoo with a free park day using Lodestone Park and Big Cottonwood Regional Park. That drops Day 2 to ~$35–55, bringing the 3-day total under $200.
To splurge: Double up Urban Air and Hogle Zoo on the same day for the highest-energy day possible — budget $140–180 for that single day.