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Thunder Junction All Abilities Park city park in Salt Lake City, UT
Photo: Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
View of Thunder Junction All Abilities Park in Salt Lake City, UT
Photo: Gregory Wallin
View of Thunder Junction All Abilities Park in Salt Lake City, UT
Photo: Tori Dumke Hillyard

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park

4.8(4,390 reviews)FreePlayground
🕑 2-4 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers enjoy the sensory play areas and smaller slides, while school-age kids love the challenging climbing structures and volcano centerpiece. The inclusive design means children with mobility devices, sensory sensitivities, or other special needs can play alongside their peers.

About

Thunder Junction All Abilities Park is an extraordinary dinosaur-themed playground that lives up to its name by welcoming children of ALL abilities with innovative, inclusive design. Kids can climb a massive volcano structure, navigate accessible climbing walls, zoom down slides, and explore prehistoric-themed play areas that spark imagination while ensuring every child can participate in the fun.

Highlights

  • Massive climbable volcano structure as the park's centerpiece
  • Fully accessible playground equipment including wheelchair-friendly swings and sensory stations
  • Dinosaur-themed fossil dig area and prehistoric play elements
  • Multiple shade structures and covered picnic areas
  • Inclusive design features like rubberized surfaces, ramps, and quiet zones

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Arrive early morning or after 5 PM during summer months to avoid the intense midday heat on the play equipment and reduce crowds.
  2. 2.Bring water shoes in addition to sunscreen,the rubberized surfaces can get hot, and kids often play near the splash features.
  3. 3.The park has wheelchair-accessible ramps throughout, plus specialized swings and sensory play stations designed for children with disabilities.
  4. 4.Park in the main lot off Dixie Drive for easiest access to restrooms and shaded picnic areas.
  5. 5.The dinosaur fossil dig area is a hidden gem that keeps younger kids engaged for extended periods.

Best Time to Visit

Fall through spring mornings (8-11 AM) offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer evenings after 6 PM are ideal when the equipment cools down and families arrive to enjoy the extended hours until 10 PM.

What to Know

The park is completely free and features accessible restrooms, ample parking, and plenty of shaded seating areas for parents. No food vendors on-site, so pack snacks and water for longer visits.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, but summer temperatures can make metal and rubber surfaces extremely hot,visit early or late. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable play conditions. The park stays open until 10 PM daily, making it perfect for summer evening visits when temperatures cool down.

Nearby Eats

Iceberg Drive Inn (5 minutes away) is a local favorite serving kid-friendly burgers and their famous shakes. For a sit-down meal, Café Rio (10 minutes) offers fresh Mexican food with a kids menu and quick service.

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