Ten Budget-Friendly Activities Within Salt Lake City, Utah
Discovering Salt Lake City: A Guide to Affordable Attractions
Salt Lake City, Utah, is a vibrant metropolis that offers a wealth of activities for visitors and locals alike. Here, we highlight some of the top free and cheap attractions that the city has to offer.
- Temple Square – A historical landmark that is free to visit, Temple Square is home to five of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' temples. The grounds offer beautiful gardens and live music performances by the Tabernacle Choir on Sundays.
- Gallivan Center – This free public plaza is a hub of activity, offering seasonal ice skating (for a nominal fee in winter), concerts, cultural events, and an urban park atmosphere.
- Salt Lake City Library – With free access to books, special exhibits, events, and a rooftop garden with city views, the library is a must-visit destination.
- Pioneer Park Farmer’s Market – Browse through affordable local food, crafts, and live entertainment on weekends at this lively market.
- This is the Place Heritage Park – Step back in time at this park, which offers historic reenactments, pony rides, and Utah pioneer history in a large outdoor setting. A small admission fee applies.
- Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum – This museum offers affordable admission with hands-on, interactive exhibits geared towards children and families.
- Clark Planetarium – With free general admission and paid shows available, the planetarium includes exhibits on space and science, plus free daily IMAX dome shows.
- Hogle Zoo – Home to diverse animal exhibits and family-friendly activities, the zoo has a modest admission fee. However, it's worth noting that the zoo offers free admissions days on the first Wednesday of November, December, January, and February. In the winter, the zoo hosts "Zoo Lights" with thousands of lights throughout the zoo grounds.
- Utah Museum of Natural History – Located on the University of Utah campus, the museum has a small admission fee and showcases Utah’s geology, anthropology, and paleontology.
- The Gateway – This open-air shopping and entertainment district is free to walk around, with affordable dining options and often free live music or events.
While not explicitly free, Snowbird Ski Resort, located up Little Cottonwood Canyon, is a popular destination that is within minutes of downtown Salt Lake. During the winter, you can ride the trams up to the top of the mountain and mountain bike or hike down. For a small fee, you can also enjoy the Alpine Slide at Snowbird Ski Resort.
The Hogle Zoo is a favourite place for children in the city, and it's worth mentioning that the zoo offers free admission to servicemen and their families on May 21, 2011. Additionally, the Living Planet Aquarium is another attraction worth visiting in Salt Lake City.
Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or a family looking for fun activities, Salt Lake City offers a variety of affordable and free attractions to suit every interest.
Visiting Salt Lake City's The Gateway could provide a perfect blend for your shopping needs and urban lifestyle exploration.If you're planning a travel itinerary involving nature, snow sports, and scenic vistas, consider including Snowbird Ski Resort in your plans, though some activities may have associated fees.
