Every summer ColoradoDad travels to Salt Lake City for work. Last year the ColoradoKids and I tagged along. Though it was hotter than Hades, the kids and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at some of the local attractions (particularly some indoor, air-conditioned ones!).
In addition to the historic sights in Salt Lake City, such as the Mormon Temple, as well as the local parks and hiking/biking trails, there are four area family-friendly attractions that are especially attractive for visitors:
The Living Planet Aquarium Major fundraising is currently underway to build an expansive, freestanding building for a world-class aquarium in Salt Lake City. For now, a “preview exhibit” is open in a strip-mall-like location in the southern section of the city (it’s officially in Sandy, Utah). In the aquarium’s Marine Hall, you can touch the stingrays in an open pool, and watch the baby sharks–safely, from behind a glass wall! Kids especially like the Giant Pacific Octopus, Moon Jellies and Lionfish. Storytime is held in the Sunken Ship.
Discovery Gateway Formerly known as the Children’s Museum of Utah, this hands-on, learning playspace is now called Discovery Gateway. Its new location in downtown Salt Lake in The Gateway open-air mall is ideal–on the light rail public transportation line, adjacent to shopping (for Mom if she’d like to skip out to Ann Taylor Loft while Dad supervises the kids) and restaurants (family-friendly eateries like Applebee’s and California Pizza Kitchen). Plan to spend at least half a day at this fabulous museum. Kids can’t get enough of the interactive exhibits, such as areas where you can pretend to be a weather person and read the day’s forecast from a teleprompter; use a crane to haul up soft building blocks to make a tower; and climb aboard a real rescue helicopter on the building’s roof.
Lagoon Park Drive 17 miles north of Salt Lake City and you’ll find more than 40 theme-park rides as well as a water park at Lagoon. The attraction is actually one of the country’s oldest amusement parks, dating back to 1896. Rest assured, none of the original rides are still in operation! Today’s thrill rides include vertical fall towers, suspended roller coasters (where you’re seated with your feet dangling), and the new “Wicked” coaster, which reaches 100 feet. Tamer rides for younger kids include a carousel and Ferris wheel. And the whole family will have fun getting wet on the new OdySea ride. Open April to October.
Hogle Zoo Named for the couple who donated land for the Salt Lake City animal habitat in 1931, the Hogle Zoo features a brand-new Asian Highlands exhibit, with tigers, leopards and linx; Elephant Encounter, which recreates and African plain; and daily live-animal shows at the Wildlife Theatre. Hop on the Zoofari Express, which winds its way through the zoo, allowing for an overview of the entire park. This outdoor attraction is open year round.
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