Top Rated Parks to Visit in Park City

"A Central City gem, the 80-acre Liberty Park is the second-largest public park in Salt Lake. In 1860, the land belonged to Brigham Young, who planted the mulberry, cottonwood, and other trees that make this one of the shadiest parks in the city. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as is the Isaac Chase Mill (the oldest commercial building still standing in Utah) on the park grounds."

"Liberty Park covers an impressive 80 acres of land which makes it the largest park in the Salt Lake City area. Due to its size, you can expect a huge range of activities here and you can go walking, hiking, or biking around the green slopes. There are a range of sports and recreation grounds here such as basketball courts and volleyball nets, as well as a swimming pool."

"This “secret garden”, on a side street in the middle of town, is one of Salt Lake’s gems. Carved and curated by Mormon bishop and businessman Thomas Battersby Child Jr in the late 1940s, the garden is an arguably unsettling tribute to the man’s life and religion, featuring stone-carved sculptures and engravings portraying Biblical stories and church history. Highlights include a curious Joseph Smith Sphinx, an unflattering self-portrait by Child, a sacrificial altar and random carved body parts strewn here and there.749 East 500 South, +1 801 582 0432, gilgalgarden.org."

"Thomas Child built Gilgal Garden in the mid 1900s as a way “to give physical form to his deep-felt beliefs.” This small garden, tucked away in a non-descript street in the Liberty Wells neighborhood, is a wacky, weird, and yet beautiful place. Strewn across moss-covered hills lay some of the most abstract sculptures of arms, legs, hearts, and verses from the Bible. If you need a break from traffic and screaming kids, spend an hour or so meandering around this unique corner of Salt Lake City and have your eyes and minds opened."

"Gilgal Sculpture Garden was envisioned, designed, and created by Thomas Battersby Child, Jr. in the mid-twentieth century. Tucked in the middle of the block behind houses and businesses, Gilgal Sculpture Garden contains 12 original sculptures and over 70 stones engraved with scriptures, poems, and literary texts. The public is invited to visit the garden seven days a week."

"The federal government operated the Utah State Prison here for nearly a century before the city redesigned and repurposed the site as a public park. This giant space has everything you need for a family or community party, a sports event (see: basketball court donated by the Utah Jazz), or just a morning cardio workout—the 1.38-mile road encircling the park features a 16-foot-wide inside lane for walkers, runners, cyclists, roller-bladers, and skate-ski trainers. Set up a picnic near the large, duck-filled pond, or follow the sidewalk on the park’s west edge under 1300 East and explore Hidden Hollow’s meandering paths, native vegetation, and rushing Parley’s Creek."

"One of Salt Lake City's favorite (and largest) playgrounds, this attractive park has a rather checkered past. Originally, the area was the setting for one of the state's first prisons, an adobe structure in use until 1951. All that currently remains of the prison are a couple of historical markers, and, today, the park offers everything from soccer fields and a duck pond to expansive green areas and picnic shelters."

"Located in Salt Lake City’s Sugar House neighborhood, Sugar House Park is a 110-acre park (the largest park in the city). And this is an ideal place to visit your family and kids. Especially, many people visit this park for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding on hills, and many other winter activities in the winter months."

"Day 1: Check In & Explore Historic Park City Conveniently located within a short drive of the Salt Lake City International Airport, Park City is a bustling ski town and home to the world-famous film festival, Sundance, as well as the site of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Once you’ve checked into your accommodations, grab a bite to eat and explore the historic downtown. With more than 100 restaurants within walking distance, visitors of all palettes will be satisfied by options ranging from steakhouses, to burger joints, to sushi bars."

"Our kids love a good playground, and Willow Creek park was definitely a winner. Both the large and small playgrounds are farm themed, and one is designed just for toddlers. There is also a huge dog park for those of you who love taking your dogs to the park."

"Located on the bank of the Jordan River, Jordan Park is a green oasis shaded by mature trees and cooled by the nearby waterway. In addition to a full list of common public park amenities, Jordan Park has a bike polo court, a skate park, a greenhouse, an off-leash area for dogs, and The International Peace Gardens. The Peace Gardens was founded as a citizenship project encouraging peace and understanding between nations."

"Located in Millcreek, the 16-acre Canyon Rim Park is the quintessential community park, teeming with kids of all ages, sports, and community events, including the free Venture Out summer festival, featuring outdoor activities, recreation clinics, live music, food trucks, and outdoor movies. It’s a fun place to bring the fam and connect with friendly Salt Lakers."

"This one-block (10-acre) park is more for the history buff than the family of five. Originally constructed by free masons in the early 1890s, the historic City and County Building resides in this square, which was named for George Washington and is the site of the original 1847 Mormon pioneers camp in Salt Lake. Trees, walkways, benches, and statues create a relaxing place to admire the City and County Building’s Romanesque sandstone spires and impressive clock tower."

"The Clark Planetarium gives kids the opportunity for hands-on learning about our Earth, the moon, space weather and more. Rowen and Raven especially loved the Restless Planet Exhibit. We got to stand inside a tornado, watch lightning strike, watch the earth rotate and touch real geological items from the Earth."

"Located within the Gateway in Downtown Salt Lake City, Clark Planetarium is a valuable educational center. It provides a wide range of educational, entertainment, and learning opportunities for visitors. So, this is an ideal place to visit with your kids."

"The star shows and IMAX theater at the Clark Planetarium aren't free, but the planetarium does have a number of free exhibits that are interesting and worth a look, especially if you're in the area."

"A $45-million renovation transformed this building from a spectacular hotel into office space for the Mormon Church. Visitors may take guided tours to learn about the building and its uses over the past 70 years. Beyond its history, the building will dazzle you with its spectacular architecture and opulent decor."

"The Natural History Museum of Utah is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to see around Salt Lake City if you’re into history, science, and culture. It gives you an inside look into Utah and its rich past, ranging from its geography to its native background, as well as its most crucial historical moments. The museum boasts 10 permanent exhibits, as well as a wide variety of interactive features involving smell, touch, and other senses."

"The unique geography and natural history of Utah make the Natural History Museum of Utah exceptionally interesting. Interactive exhibits demonstrate how the topography of Utah and the Great Salt Lake developed. And of course, with dinosaur fossils still being found in the state, this museum boasts an awesome dinosaur exhibit including the world’s largest display of horned dinosaur skulls."

"The Natural History Museum of Utah is a working scientists' museum that includes paleontology exhibits and a lot more. Here are the museum's free days for 2019:. It's strongly recommended to reserve tickets online for the free days; these are released the Tuesday prior to each free day."

"You can add a tip as an extra way to thank your delivery person for their efforts. How much you tip is up to you, and 100% of it goes to the delivery person."

"This is one of those hole-in-the-wall kind of places where, except for a satisfying avocado toast, the focus is squarely on the brews, all of which are sourced right here in the Beehive State from Utah Valley’s Great Basin Coffee Company, tea from Provo’s Grey Mountain Herbs and SLC’s Rock Canyon Elixirs’ kombucha. Pop in for a quick cup to-go or pause for a moment to soak up Rugged Grounds friendly, hipster vibe by taking a seat on one of the stools at the long bar or on the cozy turquoise sofa next to the vintage piano.29 E. 400 South; Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m."

"Voted as one of Park City's best romantic dining destinations, Chimayo is a charming little spot with warm interiors of scrubbed woodwork, terracotta tiles, colorful flower arrangements, blazing fireplaces and cozy candlelit tables for two. Chef Arturo Flores presents a menu of creative Southwestern fare with Mexican accents such as crown roast of barbecued spareribs with chipotle, London broil of elk, honey and chili roasted duck enchiladas, and pecan and pumpkin seed encrusted trout. An impressive wine list with curated selections of fine wines from around the world complements the cuisine, along with classic cocktails prepared with top-shelf spirits, and imported beers."

"For upscale dining, check out Grappa for amazing Italian cuisine, Chimayo for Latin-inspired dishes, and Riverhorse on Main for fine dining on historic Main Street."

"If you’re looking to catch a game or for vegan and gluten-free pub food, head straight to The Green Pig Pub. This downtown fixture is known for its accommodating menu, expansive rooftop patio, and Rocky Mountain views. The Green Pig Pub hosts karaoke and trivia nights each week and is also a popular place to watch sports."

"There’s never a dull moment when you’re out for a drink at the Green Pig Pub. This Salt Lake staple has a new reason to stop in every night. Whether it’s for Trivia night on Sundays or just to catch a game on one of their 14 TVs, you’re guaranteed to have an exciting night on their gorgeous rooftop patio."