Family Day Trips in Northern Utah: Adventure Ideas for All Ages
Looking for fun ways to make memories without traveling far? Northern Utah is packed with family-friendly destinations — from animal-filled adventures to lakeside playtime and mountain exploration.
Whether you’ve got toddlers, teens, or grandparents in tow, here are some amazing day-trip ideas right in Salt Lake, Davis, and Tooele Counties!
🦒 Salt Lake County
Hogle Zoo
📍 2600 Sunnyside Ave, Salt Lake City
🦁 Animals from around the world
🚂 Train rides + splash pad in summer
🎯 Perfect for: Family photos & little explorers
Grab a Dole Whip, catch the sea lions show, and wander the African Savanna exhibit — always a crowd favorite.
Natural History Museum of Utah
📍 301 Wakara Way, University of Utah
🦖 Dinosaur skeletons + fascinating exhibits
📸 Stunning views of the valley
🎒 Hands-on science activities for kids
Utah has some of the best paleontology in the world — this museum proves it!
Liberty Park
📍 600 E 900 S, Salt Lake City
🎠 Playground, pond, & paddleboats
🦚 Tracy Aviary is located inside
🌳 Huge shaded grass areas for picnics
🚴 Great biking for kids
A classic “Salt Lake Saturday” hangout spot — simple, fun, and relaxing.
🏞️ Davis County
Antelope Island State Park
📍 Syracuse Causeway
🦬 Buffalo sightings + sandy beaches + hiking
🏖️ Great Salt Lake floats (kids love it!)
🌅 Insanely good sunsets
Bring binoculars for the wildlife — you’ll see buffalo up close!
Lagoon Amusement Park — Farmington
📍 375 Lagoon Dr, Farmington
🎢 Roller coasters + water park
🎪 Kiddie Land is perfect for tiny riders
🍦 Treat yourself to a Red Rock Float
Utah’s most iconic theme park — a full-day adventure guaranteed.
Station Park — Farmington
📍 Near Legacy Parkway & I-15
🛍️ Shopping + dining + splash pads
🎯 Stop between adventures for food & fun
Parents love it. Kids love it. Win-win. ✔️
🌅 Tooele County
Deseret Peak Recreation Area
📍 Grantsville, UT
🥾 Hiking, camping, picnic areas
🌄 Beautiful desert-mountain views
🤸 Lots of open space to let kids run free!
Don’t want the summit? Lower trails are perfect for easy family hikes.
Oquirrh Lake — South Jordan (Daybreak Area)
📍 South Jordan
🚣 Kayaking + paddleboarding
🎣 Little fishing spots
🦆 Ducks & wildlife along the paths
No long drive — just peaceful water play!
Fun fact: Daybreak was designed with over 30+ miles of walking trails!
Bonneville Salt Flats
📍 20 mins past Tooele City
🚗 Smooth flats perfect for photos or scooter play
🌅 Epic sunset and stargazing location
📸 Instagram-worthy every time
Pack snacks, sun protection & a camera — this one’s unforgettable.
👨👩👧 Quick Planning Guide
| Location | County | Best For | Drive Time from SLC |
| Hogle Zoo | Salt Lake | Young kids + animals | 15–20 mins |
| NHMU | Salt Lake | Science + dinos | 15 mins |
| Liberty Park | Salt Lake | Low-key outdoors | 10 mins |
| Antelope Island | Davis | Wildlife + beach | 35 mins |
| Lagoon | Davis | Theme park thrill | 25 mins |
| Deseret Peak | Tooele | Nature + hiking | 45–60 mins |
| Oquirrh Lake | Tooele Adj. | Easy water fun | 25–30 mins |
| Bonneville Salt Flats | Tooele | Epic photos | 50–80 mins |
✅ Tips for Smooth Family Adventures
✅ Pack snacks & water always
✅ Comfortable shoes = happier kids
✅ Check the weather before heading into the desert or mountains
✅ Download maps — some areas have limited cell service
Little prep = maximum fun. 😄
✨ Make Every Weekend an Adventure
Whether you’re hanging with buffalo on an island or digging for fossils in the city, Northern Utah is full of unforgettable family experiences just a short drive away.
Let’s help you live closer to the places you love to explore. 🏡✨
📩 DM @UtahRealtorJess
📲 Text: 801-755-1455
Love where you live — and explore where you live!