From incredible mountain-backdrop views to summer-friendly options for the kids, Salt Lake City has some incredible parks. Combine the scenic setting with beautiful summer sunsets, and you get an idea of why so many people are moving to Salt Lake. Equal parts urban and mountain-set, our range of public parks has something for everyone. Pack a picnic and some sunscreen, and get planning your next weekend afternoon park adventure because we’re giving you the goods on picnic spots in Salt Lake City.
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Picnic Spots In Salt Lake City
Liberty Park
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. Near the mill, you’ll find the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts, where traditional artists from diverse Utah communities share crafts, dance, and music.
The park is also home to the Tracy Aviary (a rare and exotic bird sanctuary), a kids’ amusement park, weekly drum circles and summer farmers’ markets, and the Seven Canyons fountain and splash pad, modeled after the canyons that flow into the Salt Lake valley from the Wasatch mountains.
Sugar House Park
Salt Lake’s largest park covers an expansive 110 acres. 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.
Canyon Rim Park
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.
Jordan 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. It was conceived in 1939 and dedicated in 1952. Each participating Utah-based nation group was allotted a plot and has created a garden with native plants, sculptures, architecture, and statues typical of its homeland and culture. The Peace Gardens currently represents the cultural diversity of twenty-six nations.
Mountview Park
The aptly named Mountview Park in Sandy offers unobstructed views of the Wasatch Mountains for parents to enjoy as their kids tire themselves out. One of this park’s best features is the two separated playgrounds designed for small toddlers and bigger kids respectively. Your littlest ones can now enjoy park playtime without getting mowed over by overly energetic eight-year-olds, and your America Ninja Warrior Juniors can now create competition challenges without toddlers as obstacles. A colorful and creative splash pad helps keep everyone cool in the high desert summer.
Wardle Fields Park
Wardle Fields Regional Park is one of the best picnic spots in Salt Lake City and is the most adrenaline-fueled, kid-craved park here. Located in Bluffdale, the 40-acre park was once a farm run by the Wardle Family, who grew alfalfa, barley, and sugar beets there for nearly 50 years. The family then sold the land to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who sold it to Salt Lake County in 2008. It’s now a destination playground and the place to go for birthday parties, sports, and fun family outings.