Arrive on a direct morning flight from PDX and pick up your compact SUV at Salt Lake City Airport — it’s an easy 15-20 minute drive to downtown. Check in at a centrally located family-friendly hotel (consider Hyatt House or Hyatt Place for suites and free breakfast) then stretch your legs with a walk through Library Square, popping into the Salt Lake City Public Library’s dramatic rooftop garden and the kid-friendly discovery area inside.
Grab a casual lunch at Red Iguana or The Dodo for family-friendly Mexican or American fare, then explore Temple Square: see the Tabernacle, stroll the gardens and visit the Family History Library for a quick interactive exhibit. Continue to the nearby Utah Museum of Fine Arts or the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum for hands-on exhibits that will entertain kids and adults alike.
Return to downtown for an early dinner at the Gallivan Center’s food options or a nearby pizza spot, then enjoy a relaxed evening walk along the City Creek Center — watch the creek, fountains and the seasonal lights. If the family has energy, catch a casual concert or family performance at the Eccles Theater (check the schedule) or finish the night with hot chocolate back at the hotel while you plan tomorrow’s Antelope Island excursion.
After a hotel breakfast, drive north about 45-60 minutes to Antelope Island State Park, entering via the Causeway for stunning lake views; start at the Visitor Center to pick up a park map and spot interpretive displays about the lake’s ecology and the island’s bison herd. Take an easy, family-friendly hike on the Buffalo Point Trail or the short Fielding Garr Ranch loop to meet historic buildings and likely see bison, pronghorn, and shorebirds while kids can scramble on the rocky outcrops and look across the shimmering salt flats.
Have a picnic lunch near White Rock Bay (bring warm layers — March can be breezy) and then try a flat, sandy stroll along the shoreline to float in the buoyant, salty water or hunt for unusual salty crust formations and brine shrimp life; photography opportunities are excellent with mountains, sky and reflective water. If the family’s up for a little more adventure, drive to the southern end of the island for Antelope Island’s more scenic overlooks, or join a short guided walk if available through the park rangers to learn about the Great Salt Lake’s unique ecosystem.
Return to Salt Lake City for dinner at a family-friendly downtown spot like The Dodo or even a cozy diner near your hotel, then unwind with a relaxing stop at the Memory Grove Park for a calm sunset stroll along the creek. Back at the hotel, review photos and wildlife sightings from the day while planning tomorrow’s museum visits and Temple Square exploration.
Start the day with a hearty hotel breakfast, then head to the Utah Museum of Natural History at the Natural History Museum of Utah or the nearby Natural History Museum (check opening days) to explore hands-on dinosaur exhibits and regional geology — kids will love the interactive displays and fossils. After that, take a short drive to the Utah Museum of Fine Arts on the University of Utah campus for a quick stroll through family-friendly galleries and the sculpture garden, keeping the pace relaxed so everyone stays engaged.
Return toward downtown for lunch near Library Square, then spend the afternoon on Temple Square: join a guided tour of the Tabernacle and the visitors’ centers, wander the manicured gardens, and pop into the Family History Library for fun, kid-oriented exhibits about local history. If energy remains, swing by the Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum for interactive science and play exhibits that are perfect for younger children and offer a lively contrast to the museum circuit.
For a relaxed evening, dine at a family-friendly spot near City Creek Center, then take a twilight walk through Temple Square to see the illuminated gardens and historic buildings — it’s an especially memorable sight in early evening light. Finish back at the hotel with a low-key movie or a game night in your suite, reviewing favorite museum finds while you plan tomorrow’s Big Cottonwood Canyon outdoor adventures.
Leave the city after breakfast and drive about 30-40 minutes to Big Cottonwood Canyon, stopping at the scenic turnout near Guardsman Pass for mountain views and photos. Enjoy a family-friendly hike on the Silver Lake Loop or the lower part of the Donut Falls Trail — both offer easy terrain, streams, and snowy patches in March that kids can explore while you spot early spring wildflowers and rushing meltwater.
Drive a little deeper into the canyon for a picnic at Brighton or Solitude recreation areas, then take an easy stroll along the Brighton Reservoir or the Lake Blanche trailhead viewpoint for sweeping alpine scenery; if the family prefers, ride the chairlift at Solitude Mountain Resort (check seasonal operation) for panoramic vistas without a long hike. Pop into the Brighton Lodge or Solitude’s base lodge for hot chocolate and a warm break before heading back toward town.
Return to Salt Lake City in time for a relaxed dinner—consider a mountain-themed family restaurant like The Park Café or a cozy downtown spot—and recount the day’s snowy streams and canyon vistas. Finish the evening with a low-key stop at Memory Grove or the hotel pool so kids can unwind, then preview tomorrow’s Tracy Aviary or Hogle Zoo visit while everyone packs for the trip home.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, then head to Liberty Park for a delightful visit to Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens — the aviary’s interactive bird shows, walk-through habitats, and wetlands trails are perfect for kids to spot colorful native and exotic birds up close. If your family prefers larger animals, choose Hogle Zoo instead for morning feedings, the African Savanna and Asian Highlands exhibits, and ample stroller-friendly paths before returning to the hotel to pack and check out.
Savor a casual lunch near the airport or in downtown’s 9th & 9th area, then return your rental car and allow time for a last stroll through Library Square or a quick souvenir stop at City Creek Center if your flight schedule permits. Aim to arrive at Salt Lake City International Airport 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure for a stress-free check-in on your direct afternoon flight back to PDX.
Back home in the evening, unwind together by sharing favorite photos and stories from Antelope Island, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the museums, and start sorting keepsakes while the kids wind down — a warm dinner and an early night will help everyone recover from travel and ease back into the routine with happy memories of your Utah family adventure.