Free Things To Do With Kids in Salt Lake City

By: Miss Raven Wagner
Published Date: June 11, 2026; 3:08pm MT
Last Updated: June 11, 2026
Estimated Reading Time: 8 Minutes

One of the biggest myths about family activities is that they have to be expensive.

Children certainly enjoy amusement parks, vacations, and special attractions. But if you ask most adults about their favorite childhood memories, they rarely begin with how much money was spent.

More often, they remember:

• Playing outside

• Exploring new places

• Family adventures

• Library visits

• Picnics

• Time spent together

Fortunately, Salt Lake City offers countless opportunities for families to have fun without spending much—or anything at all.

Here are some of our favorite free activities for children and families throughout Salt Lake City.

Visit Your Local Library

Libraries remain one of the greatest free resources available to families.

Many Salt Lake County libraries offer:

• Story times

• Reading programs

• Educational activities

• Community events

• Children's areas

Libraries encourage curiosity, imagination, and learning while providing a screen-free environment that many children enjoy.

And of course, books are free to borrow.

Explore Liberty Park

Liberty Park is one of Salt Lake City's most beloved public spaces.

Families can enjoy:

• Playgrounds

• Walking paths

• Open fields

• Bird watching

• Picnic areas

Children often need very little encouragement to create their own adventures when given enough space to explore.

Spend Time at Constitution Park

For families in Rose Park, Constitution Park is a convenient and affordable option.

Children can enjoy:

• Playground equipment

• Open recreational space

• Sports facilities

• Outdoor games

Sometimes the simplest outings are the most successful.

Go on a Neighborhood Adventure

Children don't always need destinations.

Sometimes they simply need opportunities to explore.

Try:

• Nature walks

• Neighborhood scavenger hunts

• Bird spotting

• Cloud watching

• Exploring local parks

Children often notice things adults overlook.

A simple walk can become an adventure.

Visit the Utah State Capitol Grounds

The Capitol grounds offer beautiful views, open space, and opportunities for exploration.

Children can:

• Walk the grounds

• Learn about government

• Enjoy city views

• Observe architecture

It's both educational and enjoyable.

Attend Community Events

Throughout the year, Salt Lake City hosts numerous free events.

Examples may include:

• Cultural festivals

• Neighborhood celebrations

• Holiday events

• Community gatherings

• Outdoor performances

These events help children connect with their communities while creating new experiences.

Create a Family Picnic

Picnics remain one of the most underrated family activities.

A blanket.

Some snacks.

A park.

A few hours outdoors.

That's often all it takes.

Children rarely care whether the outing cost money.

They care whether it feels special.

Explore Local Trails

Salt Lake County offers numerous opportunities for family-friendly walks and outdoor exploration.

Children enjoy:

• Looking for wildlife

• Collecting interesting rocks

• Observing plants

• Exploring nature

Outdoor exploration encourages curiosity and physical activity at the same time.

Read Together

Not every activity requires leaving the house.

Reading together remains one of the most valuable free activities available.

Reading helps children develop:

• Vocabulary

• Imagination

• Focus

• Communication skills

And perhaps most importantly, it creates opportunities for connection.

Build Something

Children love creating.

Try:

• Building forts

• Drawing

• Craft projects

• Cardboard creations

• Backyard obstacle courses

The goal isn't perfection.

The goal is imagination.

Many children are surprisingly creative when given the opportunity.

Visit Local Playgrounds

Salt Lake City is fortunate to have playgrounds scattered throughout many neighborhoods.

Playgrounds encourage:

• Physical activity

• Social interaction

• Problem-solving

• Creativity

And unlike many forms of entertainment, they don't require batteries or subscriptions.

What We Believe at Casa Signora

At Casa Signora, we believe childhood doesn't need to be expensive to be meaningful.

Children benefit most from:

• Time

• Attention

• Exploration

• Learning

• Conversation

• Creativity

Many of the best experiences cost little or nothing at all.

What matters most is creating opportunities for children to engage with the world around them.

Final Thoughts

Salt Lake City offers countless opportunities for families to enjoy quality time together without spending large amounts of money.

Libraries.

Parks.

Museums with free days.

Community events.

Nature walks.

Reading.

Playgrounds.

Simple adventures.

Children often remember how experiences felt far more than they remember how much they cost.

And some of the best childhood memories begin with something completely free.

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• Family Friendly Activities Near Rose Park

• Best Museums for Children in Salt Lake County

• Age Appropriate Chores

• The Rules of Casa Signora