How & Where To Use the Salt Lake Connect Pass

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Salt Lake City (and the surrounding area) holds some of the best family fun venues in the western United States. Important for me, too, is how many of them have an educational element to them. The kids don't know it or care, but Mom appreciates that even on a break from books and worksheets, they're still immersed in learning. 

For the best opportunity to visit many of them affordably, can I recommend looking at the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass? I recently contacted them to ask about how it works. Along with some great information, they sent me 2 passes to try out and then pass what I've learned on to you. Here are the details:

• Available in 1-, 2-, or 3-day increments, as well as a 365-day locals pass. I calculated the price for just the 5 downtown area attractions and the pass price easily beat paying full admissions individually. 
• Includes discounts on admission and other perks at 13 Salt Lake & Utah County venues.
• Must buy a pass for each person you plan to have visit the attraction with you.
• Passes can be activated up to 90-days after purchase. Using your print-out or mobile confirmation, the pass activates at the first place you use it, at which point the purchased-time frame begins.

The Visit Salt Lake website will help compare prices for varying available time frames.

What venues are included?

Discovery Gateway

Salt Lake City's Children's Museum filled with 2 levels of imagination-centered exhibits. My favorite is the mid-century house and reading area. The kids love to play in the water. It impresses me that local businesses are prominently featured with Young Living in the farming and grocery area, and Intermountain Healthcare with their medical exhibit taking kids from a 911-dispatch call all the way through X-rays and operation. Connect Pass admission included.

Clark Planetarium

The science and space exhibits at Clark Planetarium are free and a fun way to spend an afternoon. They received a facelift in 2016 and are now even more engaging. The gift shop is worthy of a visit all its own with cool toys I've watched adults fighting over. Each time we've been to the planetarium the boys have wanted to watch the original movie, "Perfect Little Planet" about a family of vacationing space inhabitants, but there are several other options available. The Connect Pass includes one movie in the Hansen Dome AND one documentary on the IMAX screen.

The Leonardo

This is the place to take your imaginative little ones. It is our family favorite! 3 floors of exhibits explore a variety of STEAM-related topics. The entire facility is very hands-on. Watch for the regular special Saturday theme events for a full day of fun and learning. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Natural History Museum of Utah

If your kids are interested in Utah history, or geology, or archaeology, this is the place to take them. It is also a great activity for your outdoor lovers on those days that are too hot, too cold, too rainy, or the like. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Red Butte Garden

Next door to the Natural History Museum, Red Butte is a great outdoor facility showcasing the best in gardening design. It is beautiful to walk around and the kids can get be outside using up all their energy. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Lion House Pantry

Families out for the day need to eat, right? Make a meal special by sitting down to eat at the Lion House Pantry. The food is home cooked and baked daily-you can get your rolls straight from the source! One entree included with Connect Pass.

This Is the Place Heritage Park

Pioneer buildings to walk through, volunteers in period clothing, baby animals in the barn, a candy counter, and hot sugary donuts ready to eat. Each admission includes 3 take-home crafts or activities. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Hogle Zoo

When I'm being totally honest, I have no problem admitting that zoos really really bore me. However, I have little boys who pretty much think the zoo is akin to heaven, so I go. Visiting in spring when it's warm enough for the animals to be outside, but not too hot for the kinds to whine it absolutely perfect. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Snowbird Resort

Even the less downhill-prone families can find a reason to head up to this resort and have a look around. Grab a bite to eat, try some snowshoeing in the winter or hiking in the summer, or just people watch from the lodge. Connect Pass includes 1 foot passenger ride on the tram.

Tracy Aviary

Technically also a zoo, but for birds. Maybe because it is not as big as a regular zoo, but especially because watching birds can be really peaceful. Combine a visit here with time on the playground at Liberty Park and you've made a wonderful afternoon. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts

This would be a nice addition to your outings, adding a cultural element to the playing. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Utah Olympic Park

We visited here once during an aerial ski jumping competition and my kids were hooked, convinced they would soon be flying through the air upside down on their skis. Try your hand at the alpine slide or even the bobsledding Your Connect Pass includes (1) Adventure Course or Guided Tour

Thanksgiving Point Museum of Natural Curiosity

This venue will please the child in everyone! Admission  included with the Connect Pass.

Thanksgiving Point Museum of Ancient Life and Ashton Gardens. 
These two venues will appeal to dinosaur lovers and flower enthusiasts alike. Use together or at different times of the year. Admission included to each venue with the Connect Pass.

Alternative use idea:
The #1 complaint I hear about the Salt Lake Connect Pass is that there is not an option to buy a family pass. Our family solution is this: Purchase 1 adult and 1 child 365-day pass, then use them for one-on-one outings throughout the year. It is a fun way to take the kids to venues they might be particularly interested in, allows you to save money, and extends the fun for the entire year.

Want to save money on the Salt Lake Connect Pass?

Purchase this deal on Groupon while supplies last!
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