Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens

Tracy Aviary is a gem tucked inside Salt Lake City's beloved Liberty Park, housing over 400 birds from around the world in a compact, accessible setting. It is one of only two free-standing aviaries in the United States, and its location inside a public park with playgrounds and splash pads makes it ideal for a half-day family outing.

The Lorikeet Encounter is the highlight. For $3, kids receive a cup of nectar and enter an enclosed space with dozens of brightly colored Australian lorikeets. The birds land on arms, hands, shoulders, and heads to drink from the cups.

The sensation of tiny bird feet gripping your finger while a vivid green-and-red parrot drinks from a cup in your hand is magical for kids of all ages. Even toddlers (with parent help) can participate.

The bird shows feature trained raptors -- hawks, owls, and falcons -- flying low over the audience. The birds pass close enough to feel the wind from their wings. Trainers explain each bird's adaptations and conservation status. Show times vary by season -- check the daily schedule.

The flamingo exhibit places you close to a flock of Chilean flamingos wading in a pond. The backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains behind pink flamingos is a distinctive SLC photo opportunity. Other notable residents include bald eagles, Andean condors, and various parrots and songbirds from around the world.

The aviary is compact -- most families see everything in 1.5-2 hours. But its location inside Liberty Park extends the outing naturally. The park has a large playground, a splash pad (summer), a duck pond (bring stale bread), walking paths, and open green space for picnics and play. A family can easily spend a half-day between the aviary and the park.

The 9th & 9th neighborhood (a 5-minute walk from the park's east side) has cafes, restaurants, and shops that add a pleasant urban walk to the outing.