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Clark Planetarium
10 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
Looking for an adventure that’s out of this world but right here in downtown Salt Lake City? Blast off with the family to the Clark Planetarium! It’s an easy, awe-inspiring, and surprisingly affordable way to spend a day learning about the cosmos. With a mix of FREE exhibits and jaw-dropping theater shows, it’s a destination that genuinely delights everyone from curious toddlers to science-loving teens (and their parents!).
We just spent an incredible day exploring everything it has to offer, and here’s why you should add it to your family’s weekend plans.
Highlights
The best part about the Clark Planetarium? Admission to all the exhibits is completely FREE! You can wander through three floors of interactive, hands-on displays at your own pace. Some of our family's favorites included.
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Science on a Sphere: This giant, suspended globe looks like it was plucked from space. It displays stunning, dynamic animations of Earth, other planets, and weather patterns. It’s mesmerizing to watch and a fantastic visual tool for kids to understand our place in the solar system.
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Walking on Another World: The "Near Earth" exhibits are packed with interactive fun. Kids can design and launch a virtual rocket, feel the textures of different planetary surfaces, and even smell the unique aroma of the moon! A definite highlight is seeing a real moon rock collected by an Apollo mission astronaut.
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Newton's Dream: Don't forget to look up! Spanning multiple floors is an incredible audio-kinetic sculpture where balls roll, drop, and clang their way through a maze of tracks. It’s a captivating display of physics in action.
For a truly immersive experience, you have to catch a show. The planetarium features two amazing theaters:
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Hansen Dome Theatre: This is classic planetarium magic. Lean back and get lost in a 360-degree journey through the stars, narrated by experts who make complex astronomy exciting and easy to understand.
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Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre: From documentaries about deep-sea creatures to thrilling adventures in space, the five-story IMAX screen makes you feel like you’re part of the action.
Pro-Tip: Check their schedule for special events. Today, we lucked out with a "Fun Science Saturday," featuring extra demonstrations and activities that were a huge hit with the kids.
More Downtown Fun
Clark Planetarium is conveniently located at The Gateway, an open-air shopping and entertainment district. This prime location makes it easy to extend your day trip.
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The Gateway Fountains: Right outside the planetarium, you'll find a large splash pad-style fountain. On a warm day, it's the perfect place for kids to cool off and burn off any extra energy.
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Discovery Gateway Children's Museum: Just a short walk across the plaza, this museum is a paradise for younger children, with hands-on exhibits focusing on everything from saving a life in a mock helicopter to shopping in a miniature grocery store. Combining the Planetarium and Discovery Gateway makes for a full, fantastic day of learning and play.
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Historic Temple Square: A 10-minute walk will take you to the iconic Temple Square. You can stroll through the beautiful gardens, admire the stunning architecture of the Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Cheap Eats to Refuel your Astronauts
After exploring the universe, your crew is bound to be hungry. Fortunately, you don't need to spend a lot to find delicious, family-friendly food nearby.
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The Pie Pizzeria: A Salt Lake City institution for a reason. Located in the basement of a historic building, this spot serves up incredible, generously-topped pizzas. It’s casual, fun, and perfect for a family meal.
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Crown Burgers: Experience a Utah classic! This local fast-food chain is famous for its charbroiled burgers and, most importantly, its signature "Crown Burger," which comes topped with a pile of savory pastrami. It’s quick, delicious, and a true local flavor.
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Caputo's Market & Deli: For amazing sandwiches and a taste of Italy, head to Caputo's. They offer high-quality deli meats and cheeses on fresh bread, plus a fantastic market where you can pick up gourmet treats. It's a great spot for a quick and satisfying lunch.
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Blue Iguana: If you're in the mood for Mexican food, Blue Iguana offers authentic dishes in a fun, vibrant setting located just a short walk from the Planetarium. Their menu has something for everyone in the family.
A visit to the Clark Planetarium is more than just a trip to a museum; it’s an invitation to wonder, explore, and get excited about science. It’s a perfect, budget-friendly anchor for a memorable family day in the heart of Salt Lake City.
