Discovery Gateway Children's Museum
About
Discovery Gateway Children's Museum offers 60,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on learning experiences right in downtown Salt Lake City. With exhibits designed to spark creativity and curiosity, kids can explore everything from a life-size helicopter cockpit to a pretend grocery store, making it one of Utah's premier destinations for family fun and educational play.
Highlights
- ✓Helicopter cockpit and Flight Command center where kids can role-play as pilots
- ✓Kids' TV news studio where children can be on-camera meteorologists and anchors
- ✓Water Works exhibit with pumps, dams, and waterwheels for hands-on science play
- ✓Life-sized LifeFlight helicopter and emergency services area
- ✓Creative arts studio with changing projects and maker activities
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 10 AM to enjoy exhibits before school groups arrive (typically 10:30-11:30 AM on weekdays)
- 2.Bring extra clothes for the water table area - kids WILL get wet no matter how careful they try to be
- 3.Park in the Gateway outdoor mall parking structure just steps away; first hour is free, then rates are very reasonable
- 4.Look for reciprocal museum membership benefits if you belong to another children's museum - ACM members get discounted or free admission
- 5.Don't miss the rooftop play area with mini town and outdoor activities when weather permits
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (after 1 PM) or Saturday mornings are ideal. Avoid Tuesday when the museum is closed, and steer clear of weekday late mornings when school field trips pack the space. Summer weekdays tend to be busier, while fall and spring offer more breathing room.
What to Know
General admission is around $13-15 per person (infants under 1 are free), with members enjoying unlimited visits. The museum has a small café for snacks, but many families pack lunches to enjoy at the nearby Gateway mall or Pioneer Park across the street. Stroller-friendly and fully accessible throughout.
Seasonal Notes
The museum hosts special themed events during major holidays including Halloween activities, winter break programming, and spring break camps. Summer tends to be the busiest season. Check their event calendar for story times, STEM workshops, and visiting exhibits that rotate throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
The Gateway mall (adjacent to the museum) offers multiple family-friendly options including Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, and Texas de Brazil. For a local favorite, head to Blue Lemon (5-minute walk) for fresh salads, sandwiches, and kids' meals with healthier options.
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