Parks in Salt Lake City - Places to Picnic, Play and Explore

Where: 600 East 1000 South

A.D.A. Playgrounds and Restrooms

Liberty Park is the crown jewel of Salt Lake City, with over 110 acres of fun waiting for you. In the southwest corner, Tracy Aviary features over 400 birds and rare species. Just to the east, there's a pond with ducks and paddle boats. Head north and you'll see the old Chase House that now holds a free folk art museum, a seven canyons water feature, bocce courts and the handicapped-able playground that offers fun for everybody. There's tennis courts, a swimming pool and a 1.25 mile flat jogging track and plenty of picnic tables. For a small fee, you can ride the ferris wheel and other rides at the small amusement park near Tracy Aviary.

Where: 1300 East 2100 South

Sugarhouse Park is a popular picnic destination because of the number of pavillions available. There are two playgrounds, basketball courts and an inside jogging track, which features plenty of grades. In the northeast corner, there is a public rose garden. The Sugarhouse pond is popular with small children who like to feed the ducks, although the geese that share the waters can be aggressive. The large hill on the southwest side is a favorite sledding destination in the winter and the park is the site of the largest fireworks display in the Salt Lake Valley on the 4th of July.

Where: 4300 South 1300 East

Big Cottonwood Park is famous for it's baseball and softball diamonds. Plenty of little leagues, junior leagues and high school affiliates run these bases because of the huge announcer's tower, the bleachers and other accommodations. The round picnic pavilion is well-known and overlooks both the fields and the playground. There's wide-open grassy spaces that are perfect for a game of Ultimate Frisbee or to spread a blanket under the sun.

Where: 3100 South 3100 East

Canyon Rim Park is a smaller community park tucked away at the base of Millcreek Canyon. There's two playgrounds with the eastern playground featuring updated equipment and the older, southern playground with the old wood structures. There is a large picnic pavillion near the north playground with horseshoe courts and a volleyball sand pit. The park is well-established with plenty of trees to shade the hilly terrain. On the northeast side, one baseball diamond sits ready for the crack of your bat.

Where:5201 South Murray Park Lane

You can access Murray Park from Murray Park Lane or from State Street where the famous statue of Chief Wasatch sits. The park features a Vietnam Veterans memorial with the names of Vietnam casualties inscribed on stone near two cannons. The park features pavillions, a water slide and pool (fee required), playgrounds, tennis courts and baseball fields.

Where: 2700 E Heritage Way (2760 S)

Tanner Park sits at the foot of the Parley's Historic Trail and Walkway. The trail is a leash-free zone for dogs and so this park is popular with those who have pets. There is a playground, picnic pavillion and small amphitheater. Tanner Park itself is not leash-free so be sure to follow the signs before unleashing your pet. Fines are stiff if you do not clean-up after yourself and the area is patrolled.

Where:1985 West 7800 South

This large park is a masterpiece of outdoor urban space planning. The park features a massive military services monument with a reflecting pool and inscribed rocks to tour. There are baseball diamonds, basketball courts, lacrosse courts and a unique wild-west themed playground that is very popular with the kids. Near the park is the West Jordan historical museum that features old-time fire engines and other service vehicles that used to service West Jordan. There are rodeo grounds and concession stands that are in use during the summer and the Gene Fullmer Fitness Center.

Where: 3435 South 2220 East

The East Millcreek Recreation Center is undergoing some massive changes with a new recreation center planned for the site. The site will include a library, recreation center and Evergreen park. The beloved 'Cinderella Pumpkin' and other playground fixtures will be reinstalled at the new park if they are deemed safe and up to current safety standards. The park is smaller with a large picnic pavillion, a fantasy land playground and a softball field.

There are plenty of off-leash dog parks in Salt Lake City which offer spots for your pet to roam free. Make sure to follow the off-leash rules and clean up after your pet. If your dog is aggressive or small, it may be a good idea to keep the leash on, just in case. Check out these off-leash parks for more four-legged fun.