There's no shortage of fun in Salt Lake City, Utah. Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors or learn something new, you can find attractions across the city and beyond that are suitable for every member of your family. Review the following list to figure out how you're going to spend your weekend.

Natural History Museum of Utah

Image via Flickr by Shaan Hurley

Opt for a fun, educational experience at the Natural History Museum of Utah. You can explore dozens of exhibits that display the evolution of the natural world, including the environment in the state of Utah. For example, the Great Salt Lake exhibit showcases the characteristics of the large body of water and allows you to experience them for yourself. In the gallery called Past Worlds, you can learn about organisms that existed millions of years ago, while the First Peoples exhibit offers a glimpse into the human beings who lived in previous eras.

If you plan to visit the museum before the end of August, you can catch a special exhibit called The Nature of Color, which exposes you to hues that hold special meanings to the environment and people. Consider visiting the Utah Futures section, which invites you to play a game to anticipate how the natural atmosphere in the state may change over time. To gain an in-depth look inside the Natural History Museum of Utah, consider scheduling a tour online before your visit. Don't forget to visit the store to purchase souvenirs to remind you of what you learned.

Location: 301 Wakara Way

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday

Clark Planetarium

Another learning center to add to your Salt Lake City itinerary is the Clark Planetarium. Find a seat inside the Northrop Grumman IMAX Theatre to watch 3D educational movies about the earth. For instance, a feature film that focuses on the sea highlights the animal species that live underwater. At the Hansen Dome Theatre, you can learn about the planet's evolution and the atmospheres that exist in other areas of the universe. The films range between 30 and 45 minutes, and you can reserve your tickets online ahead of your visit.

While the planetarium charges a fee for patrons older than 2 years old, admission to the museum exhibits is free. The earth exhibit explains how natural events, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, affect the atmosphere. The other sections can teach you about the rest of the solar system, including its weather. There are also interactive parts of the exhibit that can provide hands-on knowledge.

Location: 110 S. 400 W.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Embark on a road trip outside of Salt Lake City to see the Big Cottonwood Canyon, where you can immerse in all the beauty nature has to offer. For a relaxing afternoon, pack your favorite snack and beverages into a basket and pick one of four areas to host a picnic with your family and friends. The stunning views of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest provide the perfect backdrop for selfies, and the breeze from the surrounding trees can contrast nicely from the summer heat. Don't forget to stay hydrated while hiking a trail that leads to a lake or waterfall.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is also ideal for outdoor recreational activities. With comfortable shoes and protective equipment, you can participate in rock climbing at Dogwood or Storm Mountain areas. To reach your destination faster than hiking, consider riding a mountain bike on Wasatch Crest Trail, which is 20 miles long and includes sharp inclines to challenge your cycling abilities.

Red Butte Garden

A scenic stroll through Red Butte Garden enables you to stop and smell the roses. The botanical garden in Salt Lake City hosts tours, where you can see the diverse plant collection and gain knowledge about the garden by listening to your guide. Join a group of five other passengers for a 20-minute tour on a tram around the property. If you're planning to go to the garden with a group of people, then make a reservation for a private tram or walking tour at least a week before you want to visit.

There are multiple areas with distinct themes at Red Butte Garden. For example, you can enjoy the flora aromas of the plants in the Fragrance Garden, while the Herb Garden may remind you of some of the ingredients you use to add flavor to your food. Explore plants with health benefits at the Medicinal Garden and admire the different shades of roses in the Rose Garden. If you're planning a garden or performing exercises, such as yoga, then you may enjoy attending the classes and workshops at this attraction.

Location: 300 Wakara Way

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Saturday

Hogle Zoo

Get up close and personal with animals by spending the afternoon at the Hogle Zoo. You can make your way through multiple exhibits to see species on land and underwater. At the African Savanna exhibit, you can marvel at the height of the giraffes and look at the African lions bathe in the sunlight. The Rocky Shores exhibit contains polar bears and grizzly bears, along with river otters, sea lions, and harbor seals. The Asian Highlands section features large cats, such as tigers and snow leopards. There's also an area dedicated to animals with tusks, like elephants and rhinos.

You can take part in feeding the creatures at Hogle Zoo and find a seat on the Zoofari Express Train Ride for personal views of the exhibit.

Location: 2600 Sunnyside Ave.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Saturday

The next time you're in Salt Lake City, consult the list from Bountiful Mazda for attractions to check out for your trip. If there's another establishment that locals enjoy, feel free to send us a message to let us know. We'll be happy to help you.