Who says you need to spend a lot to have a legendary adventure? Salt Lake City is absolutely bursting with amazing free things to do in Salt Lake City that’ll make your wallet delighted and your Instagram feed envious! From stunning mountain views to first-rate cultural experiences, this lively Utah capital offers endless ways to check out without spending a penny.
Free Things to Do in Salt Lake City|CuddlyNest
| Attraction | Category | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Square | History & Culture | Renowned architecture, free trips, and lovely gardens |
| Utah State Capitol | History & Architecture | Spectacular building with complimentary trips and scenic city views |
| Liberty Park | Outdoors | Substantial city park with playgrounds, ponds, and walking paths |
| Ensign Peak Trail | Treking | Short, simple walking with a breathtaking ignore of the city |
| Clark Planetarium | Education | Free interactive science and area exhibitions (programs cost extra) |
| Great Salt Lake | Natural Wonder | Unique floating experience and stunning sunset views |
| Downtown Art Walk | Arts & Culture | Free monthly gallery tours and public art setups |
| UTA Free Fare Zone | Transport | Trip buses and cable cars in downtown for free |
Pro Tip: Integrate numerous totally free attractions utilizing the UTA Free Fare Zone to maximize your savings!
Leading 8 Free Adventures Await in Salt Lake City
1. Temple Square– The Heart of Downtown Salt Lake City
Area: 50 West North Temple Street, downtown Salt Lake City
Why It’s Famous: This 10-acre head office of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Utah’s many gone to tourist attraction
Family Friendly: Absolutely! Kids will like the gorgeous gardens and water fountains
Temple Square is your entrance to comprehending Salt Lake’s rich history and culture. The spectacular premises feature:
- Free assisted tours readily available in multiple languages year-round
- Lovely gardens that change with each season (summer blooms are incredible!)
- The iconic Salt Lake Temple (presently under restoration but still outstanding from outdoors)
- Mormon Tabernacle Choir wedding rehearsals on Thursday evenings (totally free to participate in!)
- Numerous visitors’ centers with interactive displays about Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints history
Pro Pointer: Go to throughout December when the premises transform into a winter season wonderland with countless sparkling lights!
2. Capitol Hill– State Capitol Building & Grounds Place: 350 State Street, Capitol Hill area Why It’s Famous: Stunning neoclassical architecture with breathtaking city views Family Friendly: Perfect for households who enjoy history and excellent media event
This majestic state capitol building deals:
- Free self-guided trips Monday through Friday
- Rotating art shows in the galleries
- Unbelievable views of the Salt Lake Valley and mountains
- Beautiful landscaped grounds perfect for a family stroll
- Educational displays about Utah’s statehood and federal government
The Capitol Hill location itself is also worth exploring — it’s one of Salt Lake’s a lot of historical areas with charming streets to roam.
3. Liberty Park– Your Urban Sanctuary
Area: 1300 South 600 East
Why It’s Famous: Salt Lake’s oldest public park covering 80 acres
Family Friendly: Among the very best places for kids with play areas and open spaces
Liberty Park is where locals pertain to play, and visitors fall for the city:
- Tracy Aviary (little admission cost, but the park itself is totally free!)
- Numerous play areas for different age groups
- Tennis courts, beach ball courts, and wide-open areas
- Lovely pond where you can feed ducks (kids love this!)
- Summertime performances and celebrations throughout the year
- Perfect area for picnics and household gatherings
4. Treking Trails– Outside Adventures in Your Backyard Area: Numerous trailheads within thirty minutes of downtown Why It’s
Famous: First-rate hiking with spectacular mountain and valley views Household Friendly:
Numerous tracks deal choices for all ability levels Salt Lake City’s distance to the mountains suggests extraordinary hiking opportunities: Popular Free Hiking Spots:
- Ensign Peak Trail — Easy 30-minute hike with extraordinary city views
- City Creek Canyon — Paved path perfect for families with kids
- Red Butte Garden Research Study Institute trails (garden needs admission, but surrounding tracks are free)
- Bonneville Coastline Path — Historical trail with numerous access points
- Mill Creek Canyon (complimentary on odd-numbered days for hikers)
Winter season Activities: Lots of trails ended up being best for snowshoeing and winter season hiking!
5. Clark Planetarium– Journey Through the Universe
Area: 110 South 400 West, Gateway District
Why It’s Famous: Free shows about area, science, and our universe
Family Friendly: Interactive displays that kids absolutely enjoy
While some shows need tickets, the Clark Planetarium offers plenty of free experiences:
- Free display halls with hands-on science shows
- Educational programs and workshops
- Unique events throughout the year
- Perfect rainy day activity for households
- Find out about space expedition and astronomy
6. Terrific Salt Lake State Park– Natural
Wonder Area: 4528 West 1700 South Why It’s Famous: America’s biggest saltwater lake west of the Mississippi
Family Friendly: Unique experience kids will remember forever
Experience this natural wonder:
- Free beach access (a little day-use parking charge is needed, however walking/biking in is totally free)
- Incredible sunset views over the lake
- Special floating experience due to high salt material
- Bird seeing chances
- Educational visitor center
7. Downtown Art & Culture Scene
Place: Various locations throughout downtown Salt Lake City
Why It’s Famous: Growing arts district with galleries and public art
Family Friendly: Great way to expose kids to culture and imagination
Explore Salt Lake’s vibrant art scene:
- First Friday Art Stroll — Monthly occasion with complimentary gallery openings
- Public art installations throughout downtown
- Street murals best for Instagram pictures
- Free shows in different parks during summertime
- Cultural celebrations and parades throughout the year
8. This Is The Place Heritage Park
Area: 2601 Sunnyside Opportunity
Why It’s Famous: Commemorates where Brigham Young declared “This is the place”
Household Friendly: Living history experience kids enjoy
The primary visitor area and leader town need a paid ticket, however the monument park and its sensational views are entirely complimentary to access:
- Open door to the historic monolith
- Beautiful grounds for checking out and picnics
- Educational shows about leader history
- Spectacular views of the Salt Lake Valley
Your Expert Guide to Salt Lake City’s Free Enjoyable
(We have actually Got the Tricks!)When to Choose the very best Giveaways Do not simply go to– time your visit like a pro! Here’s when the city’s totally free offerings are at their peak:
- Summertime (June-August): This is prime-time television! Capture totally free outside performances at the Gallivan Center or starlit movies in the park. The energy is unequaled.
- August: For hikers, this is the sweet area. The tracks are dry, the wildflowers are flowering, and the air is clear– best for a complimentary day in the Wasatch mountains.
- Winter Season (Dec-Feb): The city changes into a free winter season play ground. Do not miss out on the Christmas lights at Temple Square or the chance for a snowy walk through Memory Grove.
Pro Suggestion: Always check downtown’s calendar free of charge Friday night occasions, from gallery strolls to cultural festivals.
Browsing SLC free of charge (Yes, Actually!)
Getting around without blowing your budget is easier than you believe. Your complimentary and low-cost transit cheat sheet:
- The Free Fare Zone: This is the biggest expert trick! Trip UTA buses and trams within downtown for absolutely free. No ticket required.
- Two-Wheel It: Utilize the GREENbike bike-share program to zip between tourist attractions. A day pass is cheap, and it’s the fastest method to cover ground.
- Walk It Off: The core downtown sights– Temple Square, City Creek Center, the Capitol– are all within easy walking distance of each other.
- For Longer Journeys: While not free, a $5 day pass on UTA is an incredibly economical way to reach farther-flung gems like the Great Salt Lake.
Next-Level Money-Saving Hacks
You’ve got the free activities, now maximize your savings with these pro moves:
- Free Museum Days: Do not pay full cost! The Natural History Museum of Utah uses a free day on the very first Monday of the month, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts is totally free on the third Saturday.
- Be a Tourist (At the Information Center): Your very first stop needs to be a Visitor Information Center. Get free maps, brochures with coupons, and get the current details from real individuals.
- Pack a Picnic: With a lot of stunning parks, the very best dining establishment is typically a blanket on the yard. Get products from a regional market.
- Stay Connected totally free: Benefit from complimentary public Wi-Fi in parks, libraries, and public plazas to look things up without utilizing your data.
Where to Crash After a Day of Free Enjoyable: Top Affordable Remains
You’ve saved a bundle on activities, so why spend it all on a hotel space? Rest your head without breaking the bank at these well-located and wallet-friendly areas. (Psst … you can schedule them all right here on CuddlyNest!)
- Sheraton Salt Lake City Hotel: For classic downtown access just steps from the Free Fare Zone and Temple Square.
- Comfort Inn Downtown Salt Lake City: A reputable economical base with easy access to I-15 for mountain adventures.
- Hilton Salt Lake City Center: Offers modern-day convenience and a fantastic place near the Gallivan Center performance venue.
- Metropolitan Inn Salt Lake City: A no-frills, classic motel alternative that puts your budget first, minutes from the airport and downtown.
- Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown: Perfect for households, situated near to the City Creek Center shopping and dining.
You’ve just opened the secret to a memorable trip that’s easy on your wallet. Now, unlock the best place to remain. Discover your ideal budget-friendly hotel on CuddlyNest, and turn this list of complimentary experiences into your next unbelievable journey.
FAQs Free Of Charge Things to Do in Salt Lake City
Is it safe to swim in the Great Salt Lake?
While you can float effortlessly due to the high salinity, it’s generally not suggested for swimming. The water can irritate the skin and eyes, and cuts can sting extremely. A lot of visitors wade or float for short periods.
Are the totally free downtown public transportation options wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all buses and light rail trains (TRAX) in the Free Fare Zone are totally available with low-floor automobiles, ramps, and designated top priority seating.
Where can I find complimentary public bathrooms while checking out downtown?
The City Creek Center mall, public libraries, and visitor centers (like the one at Temple Square) offer clean, free public washroom centers.
Can I see the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir free of charge?
Yes! While their Sunday broadcast needs a ticket, you can attend their complimentary weekly rehearsal, which is open to the general public, normally on Thursday nights at the Conference Center.
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