Photo: Liberty Park
Photo: June Liu
Photo: Slavko Kobasijevich
Liberty Park
★4.6(11,948 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-5 hours for a full park experience, or 1-2 hours if visiting just one area like the playground or splash pad👶 Best for ages 1-12. Toddlers love feeding the ducks and splashing in the water features, while elementary-aged kids gravitate toward the playgrounds and amusement rides. The wide open spaces make it perfect for kids still mastering walking or riding bikes.🧡 Saved by 350+ families
About
Liberty Park is Salt Lake City's crown jewel for family fun, sprawling across 80 acres with something for every age. From two well-maintained playgrounds and a delightful splash pad to a serene duck pond and vintage carnival rides, this beloved park offers hours of entertainment without breaking the bank.
Highlights
- ✓Two large playground areas with modern equipment for different age groups
- ✓Free splash pad perfect for hot summer days
- ✓Duck pond with resident ducks, geese, and occasional swans
- ✓Classic carnival rides including a Ferris wheel and carousel (seasonal)
- ✓Wide paved paths ideal for strollers, bikes, and scooters
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early (before 9 AM) on summer weekends to snag shaded picnic spots and beat the crowds at the splash pad
- 2.Bring bread alternatives like cracked corn or oats for duck feeding,the ducks are friendliest near the pond's east side
- 3.Pack extra clothes if visiting the splash pad; it's free but there are no changing facilities nearby
- 4.The Tracy Aviary is located within the park and offers a great add-on activity for a small admission fee
- 5.Free parking is available along 900 South and in several small lots throughout the park, but fills quickly on weekends
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) in late spring or early fall offer the perfect combination of mild weather, smaller crowds, and full access to all amenities. Summer evenings (6-8 PM) are also magical when temperatures cool but everything remains open.
What to Know
The park itself is free to enjoy, though carnival rides require tickets (seasonally available). Ample free parking surrounds the park, restrooms are available, and there's plenty of shade under mature trees for hot summer days.
Seasonal Notes
The splash pad operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Carnival rides typically run April through October, weather permitting. Winter offers sledding opportunities when there's snow, and the park hosts various seasonal events including summer concerts and holiday celebrations.
Nearby Eats
Visit Cupbop just 5 minutes north for kid-friendly Korean rice bowls with customizable spice levels, or head to Penny Ann's Café (10 minutes away) for classic diner fare including pancakes and burgers that kids devour.
More Activities Near Salt Lake City
Park
Temple Square
★4.7Free❤️199
Temple Square offers 35 acres of beautifully manicured gardens, historic architecture, and family-friendly exhibits in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City. Kids will love exploring the peaceful grounds, watching the interactive visitor center films, and spotting the numerous reflecting pools and fountains throughout the property,all completely free to visit.
Park
Sugar House Park
★4.7Free❤️139
Sugar House Park is Salt Lake City's beloved family destination, sprawling across 110 acres with one of the best playgrounds in the valley. With separate play areas for toddlers and older kids, wide open spaces for running, a scenic pond, and plenty of shade trees, it's the perfect spot for families to spend an entire morning or afternoon outdoors.
Nature
Salt Lake City
Free
The Great Salt Lake offers an unforgettable natural science lesson for the whole family, where kids can experience the lake's unique buoyancy and explore sandy beaches. This natural wonder provides opportunities to float effortlessly in the saltwater, spot migratory birds at various state parks, and learn about one of North America's most distinctive ecosystems.
Entertainment
Kids Empire Salt Lake City
★4.9$$❤️29
Kids Empire Salt Lake City is an indoor playground paradise that keeps children entertained for hours regardless of the weather outside. With an impressive 4.9-star rating from over 1,100 parents, this popular venue features multiple bounce houses, elaborate jungle gyms, and challenging climbing structures that let kids burn energy while parents relax in the comfortable seating areas.