Lifestyle

13 Most Fun Indoor Activities in Salt Lake City in 2024

Published on Jul 1st 2024
indoor activities in Salt Lake City

If you’re ever in Utah's capital and need fun indoor activities in Salt Lake City, look no further; we have you covered (literally). In a state known as "The Greatest Snow on Earth," you might want to escape the white powder. Luckily, we assembled a broad list of the best indoor activities in Salt Lake City. 

Visitors to The Crossroads of the West might wonder, "What do people go to Salt Lake City for?" Or maybe you're a family needing some ideas about things to do in Salt Lake City with kids. No matter who you are, there are various options to keep you entertained when you need some shade.

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Best Indoor Activities in Salt Lake City for Adults 

Wondering how to have fun in Salt Lake City without sunshine? Let’s start off the list with suggestions for urban indoor themes for grown-ups. If you're passing through on a Saturday or Sunday, you might be pondering what indoor activities in Salt Lake City this weekend, this is the place to read and choose.

1. Cooking Classes

Learn how to make delicious treats with dynamic cooking classes in Salt Lake City. Taught by skilled local chefs, you'll be guided on a culinary journey, learning all the detailed gastronomy intricacies from professionals.

Choose from various cuisines or locations and enjoy the meal! This is one of the most popular indoor activities in Salt Lake City for adults as you meet the locals while learning a new skill.

It's also one of the most entertaining indoor date ideas or one of the all-time greatest team-building activities in Salt Lake City.

group cooking class in Salt Lake City
Group cooking classes in Salt Lake City (via Classpop!)

2. Kidulting

There is a huge selection of indoor activities in Salt Lake City for Kidults. Bounce around at Altitude Trampoline Park, go back in time at Uptown Jungle Fun Park, or game to your heart's content at Nickelmania. 

3. Malls & Shopping 

Looking to escape the outdoors and get in shopping? Salt Lake City has fantastic malls that range from the classics like Fashion Place Mall and City Creek Center, or you can get a glimpse of Utah's 19th-century history at the Gardner Mill, which was originally a prominent site for flour-milling.

Explore fashionable, high-end goods at Foothill Village or local boutiques at Sugarhouse's — where you may have to walk outside from time to time. 

As Utah's largest shopping destination, South Towne Center is a great place to get as many indoor activities in Salt Lake City done as possible. Shopping and walking the malls of Salt Lake City could be some of the most relaxing indoor activities in Utah for adults or the family. 

4. Rock Climbing

Do you need ideas for indoor activities in Salt Lake City this weekend? If you love a bit of adrenaline, try indoor rock climbing. The weather may not be on your side, so you'll have to skip the hiking or skiing this time round. Yet you can still be active indoors!

The Front Climbing Club is Salt Lake City's largest indoor climbing gym that offers other activities too like yoga and cardio classes. Yet Momentum Indoor Climbing is more highly reviewed. 

indoor rock climbing
Increase your strength with indoor rock climbing (via Canva)

5. Spas With Indoor Pools 

Grab your bathing suit and get ready to relax and unwind from the heat and hustle of the day. The Grand Spa has both indoor and outdoor swimming pools to relax in tranquility. It also offers a Full-Service Spa for all your pampering needs. Dip in warm and relaxing water and enjoy the lovely scenery.

Another option for the best indoor activities in Salt Lake City is the Stillwell Spa which has shaded outdoor heated pools with an exceptional view. Consider this as one of the most romantic date ideas in Salt Lake City.

6. The Natural History Museum of Utah

Does Salt Lake City have museums? You bet ya! Exploring the museums is a great way to explore the city's culture, history and rich heritage. Visit one of the museums or go museum-hopping if you're a history buff.

The Natural History Museum of Utah is a beautiful building that will have architects in awe before even entering the premises. When inside, you can explore multiple archeological artifacts. Some more of the most amazing indoor activities in Salt Lake City include The Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation, the Pioneer Memorial Museum and the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.

Fun Indoor Activities in Salt Lake City for Families

There are plenty of indoor activities in Utah for families to spend their time and get a whole lot of memorable moments. What is there to do in Salt Lake City with kids? Let’s find out.

7. Ice Skating

Ice skating is always a winner. It's one of the most fun and active indoor activities in Salt Lake City that the entire family can enjoy. It's not only one of the most popular indoor winter activities in Salt Lake City, but also one that can be enjoyed year-round. 

There are several options for indoor ice rinks in Salt Lake City, especially if you're in the Millcreek area. The standout is the County Ice Center which has a huge rink.

While outdoors, Millcreek Common has various activities from ice skating to rock climbing and rollerblading. Parents can sit inside the venue and watch the kids living their best life! For more ideas for those who love the cold, check out these winter activities that won’t disappoint.

8. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Looking for creative things to do in Salt Lake City? If you're a fan of maritime themes or sea animals, you can head to Loveland Living Planet Aquarium. You and the kids can spot sea critters like gentoo penguins, Komodo dragons, sea turtles, and sharks.

You can go beyond the ocean and see clouded leopards! This is so much more than an aquarium and has options for day trips, birthday parties and field trips. 

Visit the aquarium in salt lake city
Take your family to the aquarium in Salt Lake City (via Canva)

9. Play Centers

Is your little one curious and active? Then the best indoor activities in Salt Lake City for them include spending the day at the numerous Play Centers.

There are various options to choose from depending on their interests like Little Beakers Science Lab for Kids, Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum or The Leonardo. 

10. Art Workshops

Engage in various art workshops to inspire your kids' imagination. Take part in indoor activities in Salt Lake City that art creative, tactile and great for a growing brain.

Draw, paint and have artistic fun — then take the masterpiece home to frame and hang on the wall. There are art classes for kids all over Salt Lake City from creating glass ornaments to painting and more! Art workshops are great in any season from Summer camps to fall activities where the changing colors can inspire the artist in your children.

Free Indoor Activities in Salt Lake City 

Let’s take a look at some interesting and fun free indoor activities in Salt Lake City that won’t put a dent in your budget. There are plenty of free things to do in Salt Lake City that are indoors, but we've picked some of the most entertaining.

11. Clark Planetarium

Possibly one of the best indoor activities in Salt Lake City no matter your age is to visit Clark Planetarium, the free 10,000-square-foot exhibit space. There are constant exhibits showing facts about our world and beyond!

Admission to the exhibit space is always free, but there is a small fee for shows in the Hansen Dome Theatre and Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre.

12. Get a New Skill

How about gaining a new skill for free while being indoors? There are so many free indoor activities in Salt Lake City to choose from, but the best places to go are the county and city libraries. Just take a look at their calendars to see what's on offer. 

You can take a host of ongoing classes at Lakeshore Learning or even hone in on your coding skills with free drop-in sessions at Code Ninjas. These also make for great group activities for adults in the Salt Lake City area.

Learn a new skill in Salt Lake City
Learn a new skill in Salt Lake City (via Canva)

13. Churches and Places of Interest

As you may know, Salt Lake City is the world capital of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). If you're interested in theology, you can just take a stroll around the city and visit some of the main buildings and religious areas of significance.

While the strolling bit will be outside, you can enter many of the buildings and churches. Stand-out sites for indoor activities in Salt Lake City include the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, The Church History Museum, The Deuel Log Cabin, The FamilySearch Library and the gorgeously quaint White Memorial Chapel.

Don't miss Temple Square, where you can witness The Tabernacle and Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

As you can see, there are plenty of fun, interesting and entertaining indoor activities in Salt Lake City for adults, kids and teens. No matter your budget, you'll find an array of activities to shelter you from the weather. 

For even more fun things to do in Salt Lake City, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!