Who says you need to break the bank to have an epic adventure? Salt Lake City is absolutely bursting with incredible free things to do in Salt Lake City that’ll make your wallet happy and your Instagram feed jealous! From stunning mountain views to world-class cultural experiences, this vibrant Utah capital offers endless ways to explore without spending a dime.
Free Things to Do in Salt Lake City | CuddlyNest
| Attraction | Category | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Square | History & Culture | Iconic architecture, free tours, and beautiful gardens |
| Utah State Capitol | History & Architecture | Stunning building with free tours and panoramic city views |
| Liberty Park | Outdoors | Huge urban park with playgrounds, ponds, and walking paths |
| Ensign Peak Trail | Hiking | Short, easy hike with a breathtaking overlook of the city |
| Clark Planetarium | Education | Free interactive science and space exhibits (shows cost extra) |
| Great Salt Lake | Natural Wonder | Unique floating experience and stunning sunset views |
| Downtown Art Stroll | Arts & Culture | Free monthly gallery tours and public art installations |
| UTA Free Fare Zone | Transportation | Ride buses and trams in downtown for free |
Pro Tip: Combine multiple free attractions using the UTA Free Fare Zone to maximize your savings!
Top 8 Free Adventures Await in Salt Lake City
1. Temple Square – The Heart of Downtown Salt Lake City
Location: 50 West North Temple Street, downtown Salt Lake City
Why It’s Famous: This 10-acre headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Utah’s most visited attraction
Family Friendly: Absolutely! Kids will love the beautiful gardens and fountains
Temple Square is your gateway to understanding Salt Lake’s rich history and culture. The stunning grounds feature:
- Free guided tours available in multiple languages year-round
- Beautiful gardens that change with each season (summer blooms are spectacular!)
- The iconic Salt Lake Temple (currently under renovation but still impressive from outside)
- Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings (free to attend!)
- Multiple visitors’ centers with interactive exhibits about Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints history
Pro Tip: Visit during December when the grounds transform into a winter wonderland with millions of twinkling lights!
2. Capitol Hill – State Capitol Building & Grounds
Location: 350 State Street, Capitol Hill neighbourhood
Why It’s Famous: Stunning neoclassical architecture with panoramic city views
Family Friendly: Perfect for families who love history and great photo ops
This majestic state capitol building offers:
- Free self-guided tours Monday through Friday
- Rotating art exhibits in the galleries
- Incredible views of the Salt Lake Valley and mountains
- Beautiful landscaped grounds perfect for a family stroll
- Educational displays about Utah’s statehood and government
The Capitol Hill area itself is also worth exploring – it’s one of Salt Lake’s most historic neighbourhoods with charming streets to wander.
3. Liberty Park – Your Urban Oasis
Location: 1300 South 600 East
Why It’s Famous: Salt Lake’s oldest public park spanning 80 acres
Family Friendly: One of the best places for kids with playgrounds and open spaces
Liberty Park is where locals come to play, and visitors fall in love with the city:
- Tracy Aviary (small admission fee, but the park itself is free!)
- Multiple playgrounds for different age groups
- Tennis courts, volleyball courts, and wide-open spaces
- Beautiful pond where you can feed ducks (kids love this!)
- Summer concerts and festivals throughout the year
- Perfect spot for picnics and family gatherings
4. Hiking Trails – Outdoor Adventures in Your Backyard
Location: Multiple trailheads within 30 minutes of downtown
Why It’s Famous: World-class hiking with stunning mountain and valley views
Family Friendly: Many trails offer options for all skill levels
Salt Lake City’s proximity to the mountains means incredible hiking opportunities:
Popular Free Hiking Spots:
- Ensign Peak Trail – Easy 30-minute hike with incredible city views
- City Creek Canyon – Paved trail perfect for families with kids
- Red Butte Garden Research Institute trails (garden requires admission, but surrounding trails are free)
- Bonneville Shoreline Trail – Historic trail with multiple access points
- Mill Creek Canyon (free on odd-numbered days for hikers)
Winter Activities: Many trails become perfect for snowshoeing and winter hiking!
5. Clark Planetarium – Journey Through the Universe
Location: 110 South 400 West, Gateway District
Why It’s Famous: Free exhibits about space, science, and our universe
Family Friendly: Interactive exhibits that kids absolutely love
While some shows require tickets, the Clark Planetarium offers plenty of free experiences:
- Free exhibit halls with hands-on science displays
- Educational programs and workshops
- Special events throughout the year
- Perfect rainy day activity for families
- Learn about space exploration and astronomy
6. Great Salt Lake State Park – Natural Wonder
Location: 4528 West 1700 South
Why It’s Famous: America’s largest saltwater lake west of the Mississippi
Family Friendly: Unique experience kids will remember forever
Experience this natural wonder:
- Free beach access (a small day-use parking fee is required, but walking/biking in is free)
- Incredible sunset views over the lake
- Unique floating experience due to high salt content
- Bird watching opportunities
- Educational visitor center
7. Downtown Art & Culture Scene
Location: Various locations throughout downtown Salt Lake City
Why It’s Famous: Thriving arts district with galleries and public art
Family Friendly: Great way to expose kids to culture and creativity
Explore Salt Lake’s vibrant art scene:
- First Friday Art Stroll – Monthly event with free gallery openings
- Public art installations throughout downtown
- Street murals perfect for Instagram photos
- Free concerts in various parks during summer
- Cultural festivals and parades throughout the year
8. This Is The Place Heritage Park
Location: 2601 Sunnyside Avenue
Why It’s Famous: Commemorates where Brigham Young declared “This is the place”
Family Friendly: Living history experience kids love
The main visitor area and pioneer village require a paid ticket, but the monument park and its stunning views are completely free to access:
- Free access to the historic monument
- Beautiful grounds for exploring and picnics
- Educational displays about pioneer history
- Stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley
Your Insider Guide to Salt Lake City’s Free Fun (We’ve Got the Secrets!)
When to Go for the Best Freebies
Don’t just visit—time your visit like a pro! Here’s when the city’s free offerings are at their peak:
- Summer (June-August): This is prime time! Catch free outdoor concerts at the Gallivan Center or starlit movies in the park. The energy is unmatched.
- August: For hikers, this is the sweet spot. The trails are dry, the wildflowers are blooming, and the air is clear—perfect for a free day in the Wasatch mountains.
- Winter (Dec-Feb): The city transforms into a free winter playground. Don’t miss the Christmas lights at Temple Square or the opportunity for a snowy stroll through Memory Grove.
Pro Tip: Always check downtown’s calendar for free Friday night events, from gallery strolls to cultural festivals.
Navigating SLC for Free (Yes, Really!)
Getting around without blowing your budget is easier than you think. Your free and cheap transit cheat sheet:
- The Free Fare Zone: This is the biggest insider secret! Ride UTA buses and trams within downtown for absolutely free. No ticket needed.
- Two-Wheel It: Use the GREENbike bike-share program to zip between attractions. A day pass is cheap, and it’s the fastest way 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 Trips: While not free, a $5 day pass on UTA is an incredibly affordable 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: Don’t pay full price! The Natural History Museum of Utah offers a free day on the first Monday of the month, and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts is free on the third Saturday.
- Be a Tourist (At the Info Center): Your first stop should be a Visitor Information Center. Grab free maps, brochures with coupons, and get the latest info from real people.
- Pack a Picnic: With so many beautiful parks, the best restaurant is often a blanket on the grass. Grab supplies from a local market.
- Stay Connected for Free: Take advantage of free public Wi-Fi in parks, libraries, and public plazas to look things up without using your data.
Where to Crash After a Day of Free Fun: Top Affordable Stays
You’ve saved a bundle on activities, so why spend it all on a hotel room? Rest your head without breaking the bank at these well-located and wallet-friendly spots. (Psst… you can book 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 reliable budget-friendly base with easy access to I-15 for mountain adventures.
- Hilton Salt Lake City Center: Offers modern comfort and a great location near the Gallivan Center concert venue.
- Metropolitan Inn Salt Lake City: A no-frills, classic motel option that puts your budget first, minutes from the airport and downtown.
- Holiday Inn Express Salt Lake City Downtown: Perfect for families, located close to the City Creek Center shopping and dining.
You’ve just unlocked the secret to an unforgettable trip that’s easy on your wallet. Now, unlock the perfect place to stay. Find your ideal affordable hotel on CuddlyNest, and turn this list of free adventures into your next incredible journey.
FAQs For Free 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 recommended for swimming. The water can irritate the skin and eyes, and cuts can sting intensely. Most visitors wade or float for short periods.
Are the free downtown public transportation options wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all buses and light rail trains (TRAX) in the Free Fare Zone are fully accessible with low-floor vehicles, ramps, and designated priority seating.
Where can I find free public restrooms while exploring downtown?
The City Creek Center mall, public libraries, and visitor centers (like the one at Temple Square) offer clean, free public restroom facilities.
Can I see the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir for free?
Yes! While their Sunday broadcast requires a ticket, you can attend their free weekly rehearsal, which is open to the public, typically on Thursday evenings at the Conference Center.
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