Natural History Museum of Utah
About
The Natural History Museum of Utah is a world-class museum perched in the foothills overlooking Salt Lake City, offering spectacular dinosaur galleries that bring young paleontologists face-to-face with ancient giants. With five floors of interactive exhibits covering everything from Utah's prehistoric past to its diverse ecosystems, this museum expertly balances education and entertainment, making it one of the top family destinations in the state.
Highlights
- ✓Life-sized dinosaur skeletons including Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, and a spectacular Ceratosaurus display
- ✓The Great Salt Lake exhibit with interactive displays about Utah's unique ecosystems
- ✓Gem and mineral gallery featuring stunning crystals and hands-on specimens kids can touch
- ✓Native Voices exhibit exploring 15,000 years of Utah's indigenous cultures
- ✓Floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Mountains
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Wednesday evenings when the museum stays open until 9:00 PM for smaller crowds and stunning sunset views from the building's floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the valley.
- 2.Start on the top floor and work your way down to follow the natural flow of exhibits from ancient history to modern times.
- 3.Don't miss the Past Worlds gallery on the third floor,kids can walk among real Allosaurus and Utahraptor skeletons discovered in Utah.
- 4.Take advantage of the free outdoor nature trails behind the museum for a quick energy break with beautiful mountain views.
- 5.Download the museum's app before your visit for interactive scavenger hunts that keep kids engaged throughout the exhibits.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (10:00-11:00 AM) for the quietest experience, or come Wednesday evenings for extended hours and fewer crowds. Spring and fall offer the best combination of manageable indoor crowds and pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor trails.
What to Know
General admission is $19.95 for adults and $12.95 for children (3-12), with children under 3 free; consider a family membership if you're local. The museum has a café on-site, ample free parking, and is fully accessible with elevators and family restrooms throughout.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is open year-round with consistent hours. Summer brings larger crowds and special camps for kids. The museum hosts popular overnight programs and special themed events during school breaks. Winter visits are especially nice for avoiding extreme heat while exploring the outdoor trails.
Nearby Eats
Head to Red Rock Brewing Company (5-10 minutes away) for pizza, burgers, and a kids' menu in a casual atmosphere, or visit Five Guys in the nearby Research Park for quick burgers and fries that please even picky eaters.
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