30 fun and affordable places to take kids on a rainy day (or hot summer day).
I love the summer time but being 30 weeks pregnant has definitely cut down on the amount of time I want to spend out in the hot summer heat. My boys are feeling the same way too I think; it’s not as much fun playing at the playground when you can’t touch anything it’s so hot. I’ve been planning more indoor activities and places for us to go and we’ve been having a blast! Today I’m sharing with you 30 fun, kid friendly activities and attractions in and around Salt Lake. Check them out:
Fat Cats– Fat Cats isn’t just for bowling anymore, they now have arcade games, laser tag, mini golf, bumper cars and more. Now through September 4th they offer 99Ā¢ attractions all day, every day. Attractions vary from location to location. Salt Lake, Provo and Ogden. You can read more about our experience at Fat Cats here.
Storybrook Play Cafe– This is a great place for moms (and dads) to sit back and relax and for kids to have fun, run their energy out and use their imagination. They have monthly craft classes, superhero and princess play dates, dance classes and more! No charge for grown ups to visit and they offer $2 admission for kids on Tuesdays and before noon on Thursdays. Check their website for events, membership info and other deals they have going on. Salt Lake City.
Jungle Jim’s– An indoor amusement park and arcade for kids of all ages. Bounce houses, bumper cars, roller coaster, toddler play ares and more. Every Tuesday is $2 Tuesdays. Midvale.
Camp Chocolate at Chocolate Covered Wagon– If you’re looking for a fun activity that involves lots of chocolate taste testing this is the one for you! Kids get to learn how to pull taffy, then get a chance to pull some on their own, make a chocolate covered wagon out of cookies and Twinkies and dip all sorts of treats in chocolate. Camp is held on Tuesdays at 1pm and 3pm. Be sure to call ahead of time to reserve a spot (we had to wait 2 weeks to get a time). 801-938-1963 After class you can explore the shops at Gardner Village, see the ducks and enjoy a snack at the Naborhood Bakery. West Jordan.
Your Local Library– All summer long libraries have activities during the week for all age groups. From Story & Play Time for Toddlers to Lego and Minecraft activities for teens. Check the schedule at your local library for all the details.
Discovery Gateway– A fun, interactive museum built for kids. From a mini city where kids can run a grocery store, farm, auto shop and more to a life size helicopter the kids get to play in and more, kids will have fun all day at Discovery Gateway. They also offer daily classes in music, sceince, math, art and more free with admission. Salt Lake City at Gateway Mall.
Boondocks– An indoor/outdoor fun center for kids and grownups a like. From arcade games to laser tag, bumper cars, bumper boats, mini golf and more. Tuesdays are $12 Tuesday where you get unlimited indoor activities and video games. Upgrade to outdoor games for $7. Draper and Kaysville.
Museum of Natural Curiosity– This place is what kids’ dreams are made of! With 5 interactive play areas from the Rainforest to Kidopolis and Water Works (you will get wet so bring a towel or plan some time to play outside in the Discovery Garden to dry off) you will be busy all day exploring. At Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.
Museum of Ancient Life– The coolest dinosaur museum that features the world’s largest display of dinosaurs. You can also watch paleontologists at work finding real dinosaur bones. Monthly Late Night with Rex events include scavenger hunts, take paleontology classes and watch a 3D movie on the Mammoth Screen. Check out the website for dates and more details. At Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.
Natural History Museum– Explore and learn all about the history of not just the state but the world. Many classes and tours are done daily as well as summer camps for kids of all ages. Join the summer reading program at your library for FREE admission to the Museum. For a list of classes and activities check the website. Salt Lake City.
Airborne Trampoline Arena– If your kids are super wiggly Airborne is the place to get all those wiggles out! A trampoline fun land with tons of activities for kids of all ages. Airborne is in Draper but there are similar trampoline arenas all across the Wasatch Front.
Dollar Movies– All through summer movie theaters across Utah are offering a different kids movie every week for just $1. For a complete list of movies and locations click here.
Clark Planeterium– Explore the planet, solar system, stars and more and the planeterium. Movies offered daily in Imax and 3D. In Salt Lake City at Gateway Mall.
Color Me Mine– A pottery studio where kids (and grown ups) get to pick a clay project to paint, paint it and watch it get set and fired. Discount studio fee days all through out the month (like 2 For Tuesdays, Service Day, Mommy and Me Day and more). Locations from Logan to Provo.
Fort Douglas Military Museum– Learn about the history of the different branches of the military and explore the old Fort Douglas. Admission is FREE. Salt Lake City.
Utah Olympic Oval– Skate where Olympic athletes skated during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Kids skate for $3.50 Adults for $5. Kearns.
Living Planet Aquarium– Explore different ecosystems and learn about sea animals, rain forest animals and more! Tuki’s Island is on the second floor and is an indoor playland kids of all ages will have a blast in! Draper.
Momentum Indoor Climbing– Another great way to let the kids get their wiggles out. All day passes or memberships available. Locations in Millcreek, Sandy and Lehi.
Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Chocolate Factory Tour– Learn all about how chocolate is made and taste test lots of chocolate and ice cream. $1 per person. Call for an appointment 801-677-8888. In North Salt Lake.
The Leonardo Museum– A unique museum experience where you can explore ideas of space, technology, art and more. Downtown Salt Lake.
Utah Museum of Fine Arts– Museum full of fine arts and cultural exhibits. Free admission first Wednesday of every month and third Saturday of every month. Salt Lake City.
Utah State Capitol Tour– Guided and Self-Guided Tours free of charge during the week. Download FREE scavenger hunt on the website too. Salt Lake City.
Classic Fun Center– Skating, laser tag, waterpark, two story playland and more. Daily specials including $3 Tuesdays, Dollar Days and more. Riverdale, Layton, Sandy and Orem.
Dartside– Take Nerf gun wars to the extreme at Dartside. Perfect family fun for groups big and small. Make sure to go to the website and print your coupon too! Layton.
Treehouse Museum– A reading oriented museum that encourages kids to “Step Into A Story”. Ogden.
Hill AeroSpace Museum– A US Air Force Heritage Museum, explore different types of military planes and more. FREE. At Hill Air Force Base.
Scales and Tails– Let your little ones (and big ones) learn about, touch and feel reptiles and birds. Catch them at a local event or visit their store in West Valley (where they even have live alligator feedings)! Open to the public Mondays and Wednesdays from 12pm-8pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm. In West Valley.
Kangaroo Zoo– Bounce houses, slides, obstacle courses and more! Let your kids hop until they drop! Locations in Ogden, North Salt Lake and Pleasant Grove.
Seven Peaks Fun Center– Lots of indoor and outdoor activities including laser tag, mini golf, arcade games, playground, bumper boats, roller coasters and more. Included in Pass of All Passes or buy individual tickets or day passes. Lehi.
South Towne Center Kids’ Club– The third Thursday every month at 10am. Meet at the Fountain Court (downstairs) for music, games, crafts and more. FREE. In Sandy.
Laura says
Love this! So many great ideas to entertain my little ones! š
Laurie says
I love activities that are fun yet can be educational too like the Planetarium. Great list, thanks for sharing!
Isla says
Rainy day prevent us to go out to have fun!
But there are so many interesting things to do in Utah!
it will be never boring in rainy day in the future!
Thanks for your sharing! š
Aurora says
Rainy day prevent us to go out to have fun!
But there are so many interesting things to do in Utah!
it will be never boring in rainy day in the future!
Thanks for your sharing! š
Anna says
I have had the rainiest day in ages today, and I’ve been spending it dreaming myself away to places with a bit more excitement š I like the rain, but where I live (in Stockholm, Sweden) it’s just boring and nothing to do but watch TV and read blogs š
Sydney says
Anna thanks so much for stopping by. I enjoy spending rainy days cuddled up on the couch watching movies but my kids need a little bit more activity than that š