Free Things to Do in Salt Lake City Utah That Make Your Days Fun and Relaxing

Published: 17 Nov 2025

Free fun is everywhere in Salt Lake City. Start your day wandering through lush parks, where quiet paths and fountains make it easy to forget the world. Explore hidden corners and discover quirky sculptures tucked between buildings, each one tells a story.

Take a short hike up Ensign Peak and watch the city spread out below, framed by the mountains. Stroll along scenic trails, breathe in fresh air and pause to enjoy the views. Every stop adds a little adventure. Every moment feels alive.

With so many hidden gems and peaceful tourist spots, Salt Lake City offers days that are both relaxing and unforgettable, all without spending a single dollar.

Temple Square – A Peaceful, Historic Center

Temple Square covers several city blocks and is full of history and beauty all completely free. The gardens are perfectly maintained, with colorful flowers, fountains, and shaded paths that invite you to linger.

The historic buildings, like the Assembly Hall and Tabernacle, are fascinating to explore. You can spend hours wandering the grounds, discovering quiet corners, and taking photos.

Guided tours run regularly, and friendly volunteers are always nearby to share stories about the architecture, the gardens and the history of the place. Every visit feels like a calm, little adventure in the heart of the area.

Free Things to Do in Temple Square:
  • Join a free guided tour and hear the stories behind the buildings and gardens.
  • Walk through the flower-filled gardens and enjoy over 750 plant varieties.
  • Step inside the Assembly Hall and check out its beautiful interior.
  • Visit the Salt Lake Tabernacle and admire its unique design and famous acoustics.
  • Spend time at the FamilySearch Library, one of the best genealogy centers you can explore for free.
  • Browse the Church History Museum and try the interactive displays.
  • Stop by the Seagull Monument and grab a quick photo of this historic bronze sculpture.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden – Quirky Hidden Gems

If you enjoy offbeat places, Gilgal Sculpture Garden is a must-visit. Set just a little apart from the busy streets, this tiny garden surprises you with imaginative sculptures that feel mysterious, artistic and full of personality.

As you wander along the quiet pathways, you will spot hidden details carved into stone, each one telling a quirky story.It’s a calm, free spot where you can wander around and enjoy something different.

Free Things to Do in Gilgal Sculpture Garden
  • Walk the stone pathways and explore the garden at your own pace.
  • Spot the unique sculptures, from carved faces to symbolic shapes.
  • Read the engraved quotes scattered around the rocks.
  • Bring your camera and capture the quirky, unexpected details.
  • Sit on a quiet bench and enjoy a calm moment in the garden.

Ensign Peak – Short Hike, Big Views

Ensign Peak is a small hill just north of downtown, but the views from the top feel huge. The trail is short about 1.8 miles round trip and climbs gently, making it perfect for a quick adventure. Along the way, you will pass wildflowers, shrubs and quiet spots to pause.

At the summit, a historic monument honors early settlers and interpretive signs point out landmarks across the valley. It’s peaceful, scenic, and completely free. Hike it in the morning for sunrise or in the evening to watch the city glow.

Free Things to Do at Ensign Peak
  • Hike the trail to the summit and enjoy sweeping city and mountain views.
  • Explore the monument and read the historic plaques.
  • Take photos from the top, the view stretches across the valley and toward the Great Salt Lake.
  • Bring a small snack or picnic and relax at the summit.
  • Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic light.

Memory Grove Park – Relax and Recharge

Memory Grove Park is a peaceful escape at the mouth of City Creek Canyon. The park has been around since 1924 and is full of history. Marble monuments, serene ponds and quiet walking paths make it easy to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

The Meditation Chapel honors soldiers from World War II, while the 145th Field Artillery Monument tells the story of local heroes. Every corner has something to see, from sculpted bronze doors to shady spots under tall trees. It’s a calm, green space where you can stroll, reflect and relax, all completely free.

Free Things to Do at Memory Grove Park
  • Walk the tree-lined paths and enjoy the calm atmosphere.
  • Pause at marble monuments and memorials to learn about local history.
  • Sit by the peaceful pond and listen to the water.
  • Explore the Meditation Chapel and admire its architecture.
  • Check out the 145th Field Artillery Monument and its detailed reliefs.
  • Bring a small picnic and relax on the grassy areas.
  • Visit in the morning or late afternoon for soft light and quiet moments.

Sugar House Park – Sunset and Open Spaces

Sugar House Park is a big, rolling green space right in town. It used to be a prison, but now it’s one of the most relaxing parks around. Hills, a pond, and open meadows make it perfect for walking, picnics or just watching the sky change at sunset.

There’s a winding loop path that’s great for walking or biking. You’ll even find art built into the landscape part sculpture, part flood-control. In winter, the hills turn into snowy slides.

Free Things to Do at Sugar House Park
  • Stroll the 1.38‑mile paved loop and soak in the open space.
  • Walk or bike along Parley’s Trail where it runs through the park.
  • Relax by the pond and watch the fountains.
  • Climb the hills and go sledding when there’s snow.
  • Explore The Draw, a creative art installation that doubles as a pathway.
  • Bring a picnic and spread out on the grassy fields.
  • Visit the community garden area and pick free produce (outside the fenced plots).
  • Pause at one of the pavilions or playgrounds to rest or play.

Clark Planetarium – Hands-On Fun

Clark Planetarium is a free playground for curious minds of all ages. The exhibit space spreads across three floors, and every corner is filled with things to touch, explore, and experiment with.

On the first floor, you can check out interactive displays about wind, water, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Real meteorites including a piece of the Moon and Mars that will let you get up close with outer space.

The second floor focuses on space weather. Play with plasma, magnetic fields, auroras and try the Planeterrella to simulate solar flares.

The third floor takes you even further out, with exhibits on black holes, the solar system, and the “Gravity Floor,” where digital projections make you feel the pull of stars. Kids love the hands-on “Exploration Space,” where they can build rockets, drive a rover, and explore glow-in-the-dark murals.

It’s a spot that makes learning fun and every exhibit is completely free. You can spend an hour or a full afternoon wandering, touching and discovering.

Free Things to Do at Clark Planetarium
  • Explore the first floor exhibits wind, volcanoes, earthquakes and meteorites.
  • Touch a moon rock or Mars meteorite and feel like a space explorer.
  • Play with plasma, magnetic fields and auroras on the second floor.
  • Try the Planeterrella and simulate solar flares.
  • Visit the Beyond Earth floor and explore black holes, the solar system, and the Gravity Floor.
  • Head to the Exploration Space to build rockets, drive a rover, and interact with glow-in-the-dark murals.
  • Enjoy Sensory Friendly Saturdays, with softer lights and sounds for a calm, relaxed visit.

Quirky Walks & Murals Around Town

Salt Lake City’s streets are alive with color and creativity. You don’t need a ticket or a guide just wandering around can turn into a mini art adventure. Everywhere you look, murals brighten walls, sculptures pop up in unexpected corners and each piece tells a story.

In the Ballpark Neighborhood, local artists teamed up with businesses to create vibrant murals you won’t want to miss. Public art like the “Utah Jazz” mural or the humpback whale sculpture “Out of the Blue” adds surprises around the city.

Following the Outdoor Arts Trail can help you spot dozens of pieces, but the best discoveries are often the ones you stumble upon. It’s free, it’s fun and it makes exploring the city a colorful experience.

Free Things to Do on a Mural Walk
  • Follow the Salt Lake Outdoor Arts Trail to see dozens of murals across neighborhoods.
  • Explore the Ballpark Neighborhood murals, created by local artists collaborating with shops and businesses.
  • Stop at the Utah Jazz mural, bold, colorful and perfect for photos.
  • Visit “Out of the Blue,” the giant whale sculpture in the 9th & 9th area.
  • Wander the streets and stumble upon hidden murals and sculptures tucked in alleys or side streets.
  • Use a street-art map or app to learn about the artists behind each piece.