Top 10 Attractions in Salt Lake City for Families with Kids — Summer 2025
1. Temple Square & Church History Museum
A family‑friendly walk around Temple Square gives kids wide open lawns, fountains, and maybe a brass band or organ recital. Learn pioneer stories at the Church History Museum—or spot the iconic Angel Moroni statue atop the Temple. Kids love spotting the lions guarding the grounds. It’s classic “things to do in SLC” for families.
2. Utah State Capitol
Majestic marble, sweeping staircases, free guided tours—all perfect for curious kids. Climb to the dome balcony for sweeping city views. Guides share tales of lawmakers, architecture, and quirky facts: “Yes, the eagle statue on top weighs hundreds of pounds!”
3. State Fair Fun at Fairpark (September)
Running every year the Thursday after Labor Day, the Utah State Fair (usually September 4–14 in 2025) brings amusement rides, petting zoo, duck races, Western rodeo, baking contests, and live children’s entertainers. A surefire hit for kids and parents alike .
4. Craft Lake City Festival (mid‑August)
Held second weekend in August, this outdoor DIY arts and crafts festival features street performers, hands‑on craft booths, kids’ interactive zones, and food vendors. A colorful, arty environment kids adore .
5. Railfan Paradise at Union Pacific Depot / Trolley Square
Kids amazed by trains? The old Union Pacific Depot and nearby Trolley Square let them spot vintage streetcars, models, and historic tracks. Perfect pre‑ or post‑trolley fun.
6. This Is The Place Heritage Park
Just a short ride away, this living‑history pioneer village features wagons, blacksmith demos, hands‑on western life. Kids can ride a pony, pan for gold, and say howdy to animals.
7. Capitol Theatre & Performing Arts Shows
Check local listings for family‑friendly shows at the historic Capitol Theatre or Eccles Theater. Often magic acts, musicals or children’s theater run in summer.
8. Main Street Plaza at Gallivan Center
Outdoor ice‑skating rink (seasonal), splash pad, public art. Pop‑up concerts and weekend kids’ events often happen here—great central family gathering place.
9. Utah Museum of Fine Arts or UMCA
The Utah Museum of Contemporary Art on the University of Utah campus often hosts exhibitions kids find intriguing—and UMFA offers family programs on weekends—educational and creative (kid‑friendly too) .
10. Capital Hill / Memory Grove Picnic & Creekside Walk
Visit trails shaded by trees, play in fountain‑spray areas along City Creek, picnic in Memory Grove Park with views of downtown.
✅ Why the Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour Should Be Your Number‑One Thing to Do in SLC
A “sightseeing show‑tour” aboard a vintage trolley with costumed actor‑guides, musical skits, comedic interactions, and historic storytelling spread across the streets of SLC—perfect for kids and grown‑ups alike .
Runs May–October 2025 season, Monday through Saturday at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM—easy to fit into morning or mid‑afternoon plans .
Meeting point is in front of Radisson Downtown Salt Lake City (215 W South Temple). Trolley parks curbside 10–15 minutes before departure. Public lot across the street (about $10/day) is ideal if you need to park your car .
Features Cracker Jacks and bottled soda (“Trolley Treats”)—kids love the retro touch .
Covers major sights like Capitol Hill, historic mansions, with stops for photo ops—with unique entertainment on‑board (“inside the trolley”) so little legs stay seated and engaged .
A huge hit with kids, often sells out. Many families say it’s the best first activity to do in SLC.
🎟️ Other Tour Options by
City Sights SLC Tours (www.toursofutah.com)
City Sights Salt Lake City Tours has been operating for 44 years, offering air‑conditioned bus tours with panoramic windows and expert local guides :
Ultimate Salt Lake City Guided Bus Tour — 2.5–3 hours, covers Temple Square, Capitol, Pioneer Village, historic neighborhoods. Offered twice daily at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Choose the 10:00 AM tour to hear the world famous Tabernacle Organ at Temple Square.
Mormon Tabernacle Choir + SLC Bus Tour — includes choir performance at Temple Square plus city sightseeing. Sunday morning 8:30 AM tour includes a live broadcast concert of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, and the Thursday evening 5:00 PM tour includes a rehearsal of the Tabernacle Choir.
Book direct via ToursOfUtah.com. These tours complement the Trolley Adventure—they’re more comprehensive and calmer, great late afternoon or for older kids.
🏨 Top 3 Family‑Friendly Hotels in Downtown Salt Lake City
Radisson Downtown Salt Lake City
Pickup point for Salt Lake Trolley Tour and City Sights buses, making transit hassle‑free.
Ample public parking lot across street if driving.
Half a block distance to Temple Square and City Creek Center, one block away from SLC’s favorite iconic hamburger restaurant, half a block from the UTA Trax light rail train which is free within the downtown area
Hyatt House Salt Lake City/Downtown
Spacious suites with kitchenettes, great for families. 2 blocks walk to Temple Square, City Creek Center, multiple local favorite restaurants.
Central location, indoor pool, very walkable to Temple Square, some of the city’s most popular restaurants are within 2 blocks walk of the Hilton
🍽️ Top 5 Restaurants for Families with Kids — Summer 2025
These are long‑time SLC favorites known for welcoming families:
The Pie Hole (Downtown) — casual, giant slices of pizza & pasta in a fun setting.
Red Iguana — local legend for Mexican food that kids love (mild dishes available).
Eva’s Bakery & Café — pastries, sandwiches in a bright, airy space—perfect breakfast/brunch with kids.
Feldman’s Deli & Cheesecake — piled‑high sandwiches and memorable desserts.
City Creek Mall Food Court — within the mall; easy, kid‑approved foods like pizza and soft drinks.
🗂️ At‑a‑Glance: Quick FAQs
Q: When does the Trolley Tour run in August and September 2025?
A: Monday–Saturday at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM all through August and September ⏰
Q: Where should families park?
A: Use the public lot at 50 John Stockton Drive (aka 300 West Street) across from Radisson—about $10/day, short walk directly across the street ⏱️
Q: What major events are happening in August–September 2025?
A:
Craft Lake City Festival, mid‑August: art, crafts, kid zones
Utah State Fair, early to mid‑September: rides, animals, shows, Western fun
Greek Festival, the weekend after Labor Day at downtown Greek Orthodox cathedral: food, dance, cathedral tours—great cultural outing with kids
🧭 Suggested Sample Itinerary for a Family Day
Breakfast at Eva’s Bakery & Café
Salt Lake Trolley Adventure Tour from Radisson pickup - 10:30 AM or 1:30 PM
Lunch nearby at Pie Hole or Feldman’s Deli
Walk through Temple Square, explore Capitol grounds, Memory Grove
Dinner at Red Iguana or City Creek pizza
Evening: If in early September: head to Utah State Fairpark for State Fair rides/shows or Greek Festival