8 Fun Things To Do Near City Creek Center In Salt Lake City
Planning a trip to downtown Salt Lake City? The area around City Creek Center offers a fantastic mix of family-friendly attractions, cultural experiences, and dining options all within walking distance. City Creek Center opened in 2012 next to historic Temple Square and Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, making it the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s best attractions.
1. Have lunch at the Taste of Red Iguana at City Creek Center
This is your chance to try Salt Lake’s famous Red Iguana restaurant right inside City Creek Center. It’s the fast-casual version of the city’s most beloved Mexican restaurant, which has also been featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and voted Utah’s best Mexican restaurant for over 25 years.
The Cardenas family brings their authentic recipes to the food court with daily specials like chicken chile verde, enchilada mango, enchilada verde and enchilada amarilla. While the menu is shorter than the full sit-down restaurant experience, it’s still authentic Red Iguana flavor.
Where: 28 State St #110, Salt Lake City (in the City Creek Center food court)
2. Check out the replica of the Liberty Bell at Memory Grove Park
View this post on Instagram
Need a break from the city? This park is a beautiful spot with flowers, trees, a babbling creek, and even a bridge that looks like something from a fairy tale. It was built in 1924 as a war memorial, where you can walk on paved paths (great for strollers), have a picnic, take photos of the Liberty Bell, or just sit and listen to the water. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries without going far from downtown.
Where: 300 N Canyon Road, Salt Lake City
3. See a real pioneer-era log cabin downtown
Step back in time to 1847 with a visit to one of Salt Lake City’s original pioneer homes. The cabin was built by the Deuel family, who lived in this single-room dwelling for less than two years following their arrival in the Salt Lake Valley. Every beam tells a story of backbreaking labor, and has been fully restored and furnished with authentic pioneer artifacts. Admission is free.
Where: 45 N W Temple St, Salt Lake City
4. Take your kids to the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum
View this post on Instagram
The Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum is an amazing place for kids. It’s 60,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits designed for kids up to 12 years old. Everything is interactive and made for playing and exploring. The museum has a huge climbing structure that looks like a beehive, a 38-foot water play area, sports science exhibits, dinosaur fun, and more. They also have free classes all day, like story time, and arts and crafts.
Where: 444 W 100 S, Salt Lake City
5. Check out the free exhibits at Clark Planetarium
View this post on Instagram
The Clark Planetarium has been teaching kids and adults about space for over 50 years. This family-friendly attraction features over 10,000 square feet of free interactive exhibits including Mars rovers that you can actually drive, an earthquake simulator, tornado experience, life-size space shuttle cockpit, and touch-friendly displays about planets and space exploration. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly activity that gives you an immersive experience, check it out!
Where: 110 S 400 W, Salt Lake City
6. Browse the local vendors at the Downtown Farmers Market
View this post on Instagram
This farmers market has been running for over 30 years, and you’ll find more than 300 vendors from over 100 local farms and ranches. Plus, nearly 150 local artists selling handmade crafts and art. It’s a great place to buy fresh produce, grass-fed meat, eggs, and artisanal foods, along with unique crafts, jewelry, art, and local gifts. There’s live music and it’s dog friendly!
Where: Pioneer Park, 300 S 350 W, Salt Lake City
7. Pick up some tickets to a show at the Eccles Theater
View this post on Instagram
This gorgeous theater is right next door to City Creek Center, and hosts big Broadway touring shows, concerts, comedy shows, and family events. This stunning venue was designed by world-renowned architect César Pelli, and features a 5-story glass lobby with scenic mountain views. There are two theaters, and during the summer it hosts outdoor concerts with local artists.
Where: 131 Main Street, Salt Lake City
8. Explore the Utah State Capitol Building
View this post on Instagram
The Utah State Capitol offers panoramic views of Salt Lake Valley, interactive exhibits covering Utah’s political and cultural history, and self guided tours. The building is made entirely from Utah materials — even the granite came from local canyons. It’s a great place to learn about Utah’s government and history while enjoying some of the best views in the city.
Where: 350 N State Street, Salt Lake City
