You know that feeling when you're scrolling through your bank account, calculating whether you can afford to actually do something fun this weekend? I've been there more times than I'd like to admit. Last month, when my friend Sarah visited Salt Lake City on a tight budget, I challenged myself to show her an amazing time for under $50 total. Spoiler alert: we ended up having one of the best weekends either of us could remember, and she's still talking about it.
Here's the thing about Salt Lake City that surprised me when
I first moved here five years ago – this place is absolutely packed with
incredible experiences that cost next to nothing. While other cities nickel and
dime you for every tourist attraction, Salt Lake offers genuine adventures that
won't leave you eating ramen for the rest of the month.
Whether you're a local looking to rediscover your city or a
visitor trying to maximize your travel budget, I've compiled the 10 best cheap
things to do in Salt Lake City that'll give you stories worth telling. These
aren't your typical "walk around and look at stuff" suggestions – I'm
talking about real experiences that capture what makes this mountain city so
special.
Explore the Great Outdoors: Free and Nearly-Free Adventures
Hit the Hiking Trails That Rival Expensive National Parks
Salt Lake City sits in one of the most geographically
blessed locations in America, and honestly, the hiking here puts some paid
attractions to shame. With 185 scenic trails in the Salt Lake City area, you've
got options for every fitness level and time constraint.
My go-to recommendation for newcomers is City Creek Canyon,
which starts literally next to the State Capitol building. I remember my first
time hiking there – I couldn't believe I was getting mountain views and fresh
air just minutes from downtown traffic. The trail is completely free, and you
can walk, run, or bike depending on the day of the week.
For something a bit more adventurous, Memory Grove Park
offers scenic paths that wind right into downtown. It's perfect for those
Instagram-worthy shots that make your friends think you spent way more on your
weekend than you actually did. These urban-to-alpine trails are just a quick
TRAX, rideshare or GreenBike away from your hotel room, making them incredibly
accessible even if you don't have a car.
If you're willing to drive about 20 minutes, Millcreek
Canyon is where the magic really happens. There is a $3 entry fee to Millcreek
canyon, and on a hot day in the valleys it will be 10-20 degrees cooler on this
trail. Trust me, that $3 investment is worth every penny when you're hiking in
natural air conditioning during those brutal summer afternoons.
Discover Hidden Parks and Recreation Areas
Beyond the well-known trails, Salt Lake County has invested
heavily in creating outdoor spaces that feel like expensive destinations but
cost absolutely nothing. Parks, trails, open space, community farming,
reservations and rentals, picnic areas are scattered throughout the area, each
offering unique experiences.
Last summer, I stumbled upon Parley's Historic Nature Park
while exploring with my dog. This 2-mile loop trail is rated as moderate,
making it suitable for hikers with some experience, but what really caught my
attention was how it combines natural beauty with local history. You're getting
exercise, fresh air, and a mini-lesson about the area's past – all completely free.
The Jordan River Parkway deserves special mention here. This
45-mile trail system runs right through the heart of the valley, and you can
access it from dozens of points throughout the city. I've biked sections of it,
walked my dog along the river, and even had picnics in the designated areas.
It's like having a green belt highway that costs nothing to use.
Cultural Experiences That Don't Require Breaking the Bank
Free Museums and Historical Sites
Here's where Salt Lake City really shines for budget-conscious
culture seekers. The city has made a concerted effort to keep many of its
cultural attractions either completely free or extremely affordable.
Temple Square is obviously the big draw, and while some
people roll their eyes at the tourist trap aspect, I genuinely think it's worth
experiencing. The architecture is stunning, the gardens are meticulously
maintained, and the guided tours are both informative and free. Even if you're
not religious, the craftsmanship and history are genuinely impressive.
What fewer people know about is the Utah State Capitol
building, which offers free tours that are actually fascinating. I took my
parents there last year, and we spent two hours learning about Utah's political
history and getting panoramic views of the valley from the building's steps.
The tour guides are passionate about local history, and you'll leave knowing
things about Salt Lake that even some locals don't know.
The Family History Library might not sound exciting, but
hear me out – it's one of the largest genealogical libraries in the world, and
it's completely free to use. Even if you're not tracing your family tree, the
building itself is impressive, and they often have historical exhibits that
change throughout the year.
Art Galleries and Cultural Events
Salt Lake's art scene has exploded over the past few years,
and much of it is accessible without spending a fortune. The monthly Gallery
Stroll happens every third Friday, where dozens of galleries open their doors
for free browsing, often with complimentary refreshments and artist
meet-and-greets.
I stumbled into this scene almost by accident two years ago
when I was downtown and noticed crowds of people wandering between buildings.
Free activities in Salt Lake City include kids activities, scavenger hunts,
lectures, and outdoor fun, and the Gallery Stroll perfectly captures this
community spirit.
The Salt Lake City Public Library deserves special
recognition here. Beyond being a gorgeous building with free Wi-Fi and study
spaces, they host an incredible array of cultural programming. I've attended
author readings, art exhibitions, and even cooking demonstrations – all
completely free. Their event calendar is packed year-round, and the quality
rivals programming you'd pay for elsewhere.
Seasonal Activities That Maximize Your Dollar
Summer Adventures on a Shoestring
Summer in Salt Lake is when the city really comes alive, and
most of the best activities cost virtually nothing. The outdoor concert series
in various parks throughout the city bring in surprisingly good acts, and
you're encouraged to bring your own food and drinks.
Farmers markets are another summer goldmine. While you might
spend a few dollars on local produce or crafts, the entertainment, samples, and
people-watching are all free. The Downtown Farmers Market on Saturdays has
become one of my favorite weekend activities – I grab coffee, sample local
honey, listen to live music, and catch up with neighbors.
Swimming is where Salt Lake really delivers value. The city
operates several public pools with extremely reasonable day passes, but the
real gem is the Great Salt Lake itself. Yes, it's salty and a bit unusual, but
floating effortlessly in water that's impossible to sink in is an experience
you literally cannot get anywhere else in the country. Antelope Island State
Park does charge a modest entry fee, but you can access other areas of the lake
for free.
Winter Activities Beyond Expensive Ski Resorts
Everyone knows about Salt Lake's world-class skiing, but
those lift tickets can cost more than some people's rent. Fortunately, winter
in Salt Lake offers plenty of budget-friendly alternatives that capture the
same mountain magic.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the local canyons
cost nothing beyond equipment rental (which you can often find for under
$20/day). I've had some of my most peaceful winter experiences snowshoeing up
City Creek Canyon or Mill Creek, surrounded by snow-covered trees and that
special quiet that only comes with fresh powder.
Ice skating at the Gallivan Center downtown creates a proper
winter wonderland atmosphere right in the heart of the city. The rink is beautifully
lit, usually has music playing, and skating fees are extremely reasonable. It's
become a tradition for my family every December.
The holiday lights displays throughout the city are
genuinely spectacular. Temple Square's lights are famous for good reason, but
neighborhoods like Federal Heights and the Avenues put up displays that rival
any paid attraction. We make it an annual tradition to drive around looking at
lights while sipping hot chocolate – it costs us maybe $10 in gas and creates
memories that last all year.
Food and Drink Adventures That Won't Empty Your Wallet
Happy Hours and Local Brewery Deals
Salt Lake's food scene has absolutely exploded in recent
years, but you don't need to spend $50 per person to experience it. The key is
knowing when and where to go.
Happy hours here are legitimate deals, not just marketing
gimmicks. Places like Proper Brewing Company offer half-price appetizers and
drink specials that can turn a fancy dinner into an affordable adventure. I've
made entire meals out of happy hour menus for under $15, and the food quality
rivals full-price restaurants.
Local breweries often have food trucks parked outside,
creating impromptu food courts with incredible variety and reasonable prices.
Epic Brewing Company regularly hosts food truck gatherings where you can sample
everything from Korean BBQ to gourmet grilled cheese for under $10 per meal.
Farmers Markets and Local Food Events
The food truck scene in Salt Lake deserves its own category.
These aren't your typical carnival-style vendors – we're talking about serious
chefs serving restaurant-quality food from mobile kitchens. The SLC Food Truck
League organizes regular gatherings where dozens of trucks converge in one
location, creating food festivals that cost nothing to attend.
Food festivals happen regularly throughout the year, from
the Greek Festival to Taste of the Wasatch. While you'll pay for individual
dishes, the portions are generous, the variety is incredible, and you're
essentially getting multiple restaurant experiences for a fraction of the cost.
Budget-Friendly Entertainment and Nightlife
Live Music Without the Premium Prices
Salt Lake's music scene punches way above its weight class,
and you don't need to pay arena prices to experience it. Local venues like
Kilby Court and Urban Lounge regularly host touring acts for under $20, and the
intimate settings often provide better experiences than larger venues.
The summer concert series I mentioned earlier brings in acts
that would cost $50+ to see in traditional venues. I've seen nationally-known
bands perform free concerts in Liberty Park and Sugar House Park, with food
trucks and local vendors creating a festival atmosphere.
Open mic nights at local coffee shops and bars offer
entertainment that's completely free and often surprisingly good. Salt Lake has
a thriving community of local musicians, comedians, and spoken word artists who
use these venues to test new material and connect with audiences.
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Real Salt Lake games can be expensive, but the team
regularly offers promotional nights with discounted tickets. More importantly,
the energy and community atmosphere make even cheap seats feel like premium
experiences.
The city's recreation centers offer day passes that include
access to pools, basketball courts, fitness equipment, and group classes for
under $10. It's like having a gym membership for a day, and many centers offer
specialized programming like rock climbing walls and indoor tracks.
Making the Most of Free Community Events
Salt Lake City has embraced the concept of community
programming in ways that constantly surprise me. Salt Lake County provides
family guides for free and low-cost family activities, and they're constantly
updated with new opportunities.
Street festivals happen regularly throughout the warmer
months, from the Twilight Concert Series to neighborhood block parties. These
events bring together local vendors, food trucks, live music, and community
activities, creating experiences that feel like paid festivals but cost nothing
to attend.
The library system goes far beyond books, hosting everything
from author readings to career workshops to language conversation groups. I've
learned new skills, met interesting people, and discovered local resources I
never knew existed, all through free library programming.
Community gardens throughout the city welcome volunteers and
often host educational events about sustainable living, gardening techniques,
and local food systems. It's a great way to learn new skills, meet neighbors,
and contribute to your community while spending absolutely nothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to get around Salt Lake City cheaply?
The UTA TRAX light rail system is incredibly affordable and
connects most major attractions. Day passes cost less than parking at most
destinations, and the system is clean, reliable, and easy to navigate. For
shorter distances, the GreenBike bike-share program offers affordable rentals throughout
downtown and surrounding areas.
Are there seasonal activities that are particularly budget-friendly?
Absolutely! Summer offers the most free activities,
including outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and hiking. Winter can be more
expensive due to ski resort costs, but cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and
ice skating provide affordable alternatives. Spring and fall are perfect for
hiking and outdoor activities when weather is mild and crowds are smaller.
How much should I budget for a day of cheap activities in Salt Lake City?
You can easily have a full day of activities for
under $30 per person if you focus on hiking, free museums, and community
events. Adding meals from food trucks or happy hour specials might bring your
total to $50-60 per person for a very full day of experiences.
What are the best free parking areas near popular attractions?
Street parking downtown is often free on weekends and after
6 PM on weekdays. Many trailheads offer free parking, though popular ones can fill
up early on weekends. The Gateway Mall offers free parking and connects to many
downtown attractions via walkable distances.
Are these activities suitable for families with children?
Most of the activities I've mentioned are family-friendly. The
hiking trails have options for all skill levels, museums and cultural sites
welcome children, and community events often include specific programming for
kids. Free activities in Salt Lake City include kids activities, scavenger
hunts, lectures, and outdoor fun, making it easy to find age-appropriate
options.
What should I know about Utah's unique laws or customs that might affect these activities?
Utah has some unique alcohol laws,
but they generally don't affect the activities mentioned here. Most outdoor
activities have no restrictions, and cultural sites are welcoming to all
visitors regardless of religious background. The local community is generally
very friendly and helpful to visitors asking for directions or recommendations.
When is the best time of year to visit for budget-conscious travelers?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall
(September-October) offer the best combination of good weather and reasonable
prices. Summer has the most free outdoor activities but higher accommodation
costs. Winter can be great for budget travelers who aren't interested in
skiing, as many hotels offer lower rates and indoor activities are less
crowded.
Salt Lake City continues to surprise people who expect it to
be expensive or limited in entertainment options. The combination of natural
beauty, community investment in public programming, and a growing arts and food
scene creates opportunities for memorable experiences that don't require
significant investment.
The key to maximizing your Salt Lake experience on a budget
is embracing the outdoor lifestyle that defines the city, taking advantage of
the excellent public programming, and timing your activities to coincide with
the many free community events throughout the year. Whether you're a local
rediscovering your city or a visitor trying to stretch your travel budget,
these activities prove that the best experiences often cost the least money.
Start with one or two activities from this list, and I
guarantee you'll discover that Salt Lake City offers more affordable fun than
you ever imagined. The mountains, the community, and the surprisingly vibrant
culture scene are all waiting – and your wallet will thank you for choosing to
explore them.
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