Utah offers far more than famous national parks. Families can discover sculpture gardens, hands-on museums, a working copper mine, a geothermal crater, accessible playgrounds, and unusual desert landscapes. These 10 stops make it easier to plan a memorable 2026 trip with fewer crowds and more variety.
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Planning note: Details below reflect official listings reviewed for October 8, 2026. Hours, prices, seasonal operations, and ticket availability can change. Confirm details before leaving home.
Salt Lake City Stops
1. Wander Through Gilgal Sculpture Garden
Location: 749 East 500 South, Salt Lake City
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily; October through March, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a quiet city garden filled with unusual stonework, carved figures, and imaginative sculptures. A short visit works well for families who need an easy outdoor break between larger attractions.
Best ages: Preschoolers through adults, especially children who enjoy art and exploring.
Parent tip: The garden is compact, but paths may not feel like a traditional playground. Bring a simple scavenger hunt to help younger children notice faces, animals, and unusual shapes. Check the official hours page before visiting.
2. Reach for the Stars at Clark Planetarium
Location: 110 South 400 West, Salt Lake City
Cost: Free exhibit space; Dome and IMAX shows cost extra
Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Clark Planetarium has more than 10,000 square feet of free, hands-on exhibits. Families can explore space science without committing to a paid show. Dome and IMAX schedules change, so check the official show calendar before purchasing tickets.
Sensory Friendly Saturdays run from 9:30–11:30 a.m. Lights and sounds are adjusted, and sensory tools are available at the ticket counter. The building accommodates wheelchairs and mobility devices.
Best ages: Toddlers through teens.
Parent tip: Visit the free exhibits first, then decide whether a show fits the family’s energy and budget.
3. Make Discovery Gateway a Hands-On Base
Location: 444 West 100 South, Salt Lake City
Hours: Monday and Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; closed Tuesday
Admission: Varies. Check the official ticket and visit page.
Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum gives younger children a place to play, build, pretend, and experiment indoors. It is a useful choice for a hot, cold, or snowy day in downtown Salt Lake City.
The museum lists accessible entrances, wheelchairs, sensory-inclusive sessions, sensory bags, and Spanish-language resources. Parking is available in the nearby garage, with current rates listed on the official page.
Best ages: Babies through elementary-aged children.
Parent tip: Plan for two to three hours. Pair it with Clark Planetarium since both are near The Gateway.
Northern Utah
4. Follow the Story Trail at Treehouse Museum
Location: Ogden
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; during the school year, Monday 10 a.m.–noon. Closed Sundays and major holidays.
Admission: $12 for ages 2–12; $6 for teens and adults; under age 2 and members are free.
Treehouse Museum uses storybook settings, costumes, and interactive exhibits to encourage imaginative play. It is a strong indoor option for preschool and early elementary children.
Advance reservations are recommended. Confirm current availability and holiday closures on the official hours and admission page.
Best ages: Two through 10.
Parent tip: The museum is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. Choose one or two story areas instead of trying to rush through everything.
5. See Historic Aircraft at Hill Aerospace Museum
Location: 7961 Cottonwood Street, Building 1955, Hill AFB, Utah 84056
Cost: Free; donations are welcome
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Hill Aerospace Museum is located off base near the North/Roy Gate, and base access is not required. Families can see more than 70 aircraft and aerospace vehicles, along with interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and scavenger hunts.
The museum offers complimentary wheelchairs and mobility scooters on a first-come, first-served basis. Indoor and outdoor displays mean comfortable shoes are helpful.
Best ages: Preschoolers through adults.
Parent tip: Allow one to two hours and arrive well before closing. Use the museum’s family scavenger hunts to keep children engaged.
South and Central Utah
6. Look Into Bingham Canyon Mine
Location: 12732 Bacchus Highway, Herriman, Utah 84096
2026 season: April 20–October 31
Cost: $6; children under 5 are free. Capacity is limited.
The Rio Tinto Kennecott Visitor Experience offers a close look at one of the world’s largest open-pit mines. The self-guided experience includes exhibits, large mining equipment, and a shuttle ride to the overlook.
The site is ADA accessible, and folded strollers can travel on the shuttle. All guests must use the shuttle and wear seat belts. Shade and seating are limited.
Best ages: School-aged children through adults.
Parent tip: Book ahead through the official Kennecott Visitor Experience page. The 2026 season ends October 31, and tickets may sell out.
7. Swim Inside Homestead Crater
Location: Homestead Resort, Midway
Cost: Activity pricing varies, generally about $20–$30. Check the official booking page.
The Homestead Crater is a 12,000-year-old geothermal spring inside a 55-foot limestone dome. Families can swim, snorkel, or scuba dive year-round by reservation.
Children under 5 are not permitted. Life vests are required, and each activity has its own rules. Time slots fill quickly, so reserve through the official Crater page.
Best ages: Children 5 and older, depending on swimming ability.
Parent tip: Bring dry clothes, water shoes, and a calm plan for changing afterward. This is a reservation-based activity rather than a drop-in pool visit.
8. Explore the Goblins at Goblin Valley State Park
Location: Green River area; follow the official park directions
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m.–10 p.m.; visitor center, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Fees: $20 per private vehicle; $10 for pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycles.
Goblin Valley’s rounded sandstone formations create a natural maze for short walks and careful exploration. The Valley of Goblins is a good fit for families who want a memorable outdoor stop without a long technical hike.
Summer heat can be intense. The park advises carrying plenty of water and checking flash-flood warnings before entering canyons. The terrain is sandy and uneven, so strollers and wheelchairs may not work well away from developed areas.
Best ages: Four and older, with close supervision.
Parent tip: Arrive early or late in the day. Use the official park page for current conditions, fees, and weather advisories.
Park City
9. Choose Your Adventure at Utah Olympic Park
Location: 3419 Olympic Parkway, Park City
Gold Pass: 2026 plan-ahead pricing starts around $80. Individual activities have separate prices.
Season: Summer activities operate on a seasonal schedule.
A Summer Gold Pass can include activities such as the Alpine Slide, tubing, zip lines, discovery courses, the Action Tower, and scenic chairlift rides. The pass does not include the Summer Bobsled Experience.
The Alpine Slide requires drivers to be at least 48 inches tall. Summer bobsled riders must be at least 13 years old and weigh at least 100 pounds. Bobsled pricing is listed at $115–$125, depending on booking timing.
Best ages: School-aged children and teens, depending on height and weight.
Parent tip: Review the activity eligibility rules and check dynamic pricing before booking. Closed-toe shoes are required.
St. George
10. Play at Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
Location: 1851 South Dixie Drive, St. George
Cost: Free
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
Thunder Junction is a dinosaur-themed playground designed for children with a wide range of abilities. Features include wheelchair-accessible play equipment, a climbing wall, a volcano, a splash pad, and a quarter-scale train on a 2,700-foot track.
The train costs $2 when operating. Fall train hours are generally Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Weather, maintenance, and seasonal schedules can affect operations.
Best ages: Toddlers through elementary-aged children.
Parent tip: Bring sun protection and a change of clothes for splash-pad play. Check the St. George city listing before visiting.
Verified 2026 Utah Events
- Thanksgiving Point Scarecrow Festival: October 12–17, 2026. The Festival Market runs October 15–17, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. See the official event page.
- Thanksgiving Point Día de los Muertos: October 24, 2026, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. See the official event page.
- Tuacahn’s Disney & Pixar’s Finding Nemo: Through October 24, 2026. Check the Tuacahn show page for performance times.
- Thanksgiving Point Luminaria: Begins November 12, 2026, and runs through January 9, 2027. Visit the official Luminaria page for timed-entry details.
Event schedules and hours can change, so check each official calendar before making plans.
Route-Planning Tips for Families
Utah is large, and these attractions do not fit comfortably into one day. Consider these practical combinations:
- Salt Lake City weekend: Gilgal Sculpture Garden, Discovery Gateway, Clark Planetarium, and Kennecott.
- Northern Utah route: Hill Aerospace Museum and Treehouse Museum in separate half-day visits.
- Wasatch family day: Homestead Crater with Utah Olympic Park, depending on reservations and seasonal operations.
- Green River route: Goblin Valley works best as part of a central or eastern Utah road trip.
- Southern Utah stay: Thunder Junction is an easy St. George stop, especially for a rest day between outdoor adventures.
For flights and travel planning, compare current flight deals or Trip.com offers. Families driving between regions can also check current car rental discounts. A compact stroller such as the Jeep Altitude Travel Stroller can help in museums and paved attractions. For long drives, consider a kids’ travel tray, kids travel board games bundle, LCD doodle tablets, motion-sickness roll-on, neck pillow, and travel wipes.
Quick Utah Planning Checklist
- Reserve Kennecott, Homestead Crater, Olympic Park, and ticketed events early.
- Check height, weight, age, and swimming restrictions.
- Pack layers for changing temperatures and sun protection for desert stops.
- Carry water, snacks, wipes, and a basic first-aid kit.
- Confirm seasonal hours, weather closures, and train operations.
- Choose lodging by region instead of crossing the state repeatedly.
- Download directions before visiting remote areas with limited service.
- Bring a stroller only where paths are paved or clearly accessible.
With a little route planning, Utah’s unusual family attractions can create an easier, more varied trip. Save this guide for the next stage of planning, and explore more practical ideas in Packed for Fun’s Southwest travel collection.