Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point
4.7(4,449)4.7 out of 5 stars, 4449 reviews Salt Lake City, UT
About Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point
An expansive, multi-themed interactive museum featuring a massive indoor jungle gym, a dedicated water play room, and diverse imaginative play spaces that can easily occupy children of all ages for several hours.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families with kids of multiple different ages who need diverse activitiesChildren who thrive on imaginative, creative, and educational playParents who want to actively climb and explore alongside their kidsToddlers: Safe, fenced-in play space with thick cushioned benchesKids 3 to 5: Love the music, art, and imaginative play rooms like the grocery market
Why families love it
- Phenomenal indoor jungle gym and play structure that adults (up to 300 lbs) can climb with their kids
- Highly interactive Water Works room with educational water courses
- Dedicated toddler area safely enclosed by cushioned benches
- Diverse imaginative play rooms including a grocery market, music room, Lego/builder room, and library
- Active rainforest area featuring rope bridges and a 'hang like a sloth' activity
- Water Works area with interactive water-diverting courses
Insider tips
- Go to the Water Works area at the very end of your visit so your kids do not have to walk around the rest of the museum in wet clothes
- Bring a change of clothes because children will definitely get wet despite the provided boots and aprons
- Avoid peak hours to experience the museum when it is less crowded
Good to know before you go
- Visiting the Water Works area first
- Peak busy hours when crowds can make the exhibits less enjoyable
- Kids will get wet in the water area despite the provided waterproof gear
- May feel less engaging for highly active kids who prefer pure physical play over imaginative play
- The carousel next door is not included in admission and requires a separate ticket
- Crowds
- Can get very busy; reviewers recommend avoiding peak hours to maximize fun
- Value
- Offers high value with hours of entertainment across multiple themed zones, though the adjacent carousel requires an extra fee.
- Food
- There is a little cafe located inside the museum for food and drinks
- Accessibility
- Adults up to 300 lbs are allowed on the play structures to accompany and assist children
- Safety
- Toddler area is physically fenced in by connected cushioned benches
What parents say
"This museum is so fun! There is so much to see and do. We could’ve stayed there for many hours past when I was done. 😂. I 100% recommend going to Water Works very last. Despite trying to give you waterproof gear for your kids, your kids definitely will get wet! It will ruin the trip if they’re wet and then go see the other areas of the museum. We were there when the paw patrol display was up, and that was a big hit! My grandson didn’t sleep much the night before, but this museum occupied him so much that he wasn’t grumpy until we got back in the car!"
a month ago
"It has several different themed areas to explore. However, it is more focused on imaginary play than physical play. My boys can only spend an hour here because it's not physical enough for them. They do have an outdoor playground and an indoor water area (not a splash pad) for when it's warmer weather. There is also a carousel next door, but you have to purchase a separate ticket for it."
2 months ago
"Wow! Is there even enough I can say about this place? All ages can enjoy time here. There is a whole room for water activities that is both interactive & educational. They provide boots and waterproof aprons for kids to truly enjoy free play. They have a section of jungle gym/indoor play structure equipment that is PHENOMENAL! My boys (5 & 3) loved this are but we also saw kids up to 12 & 13 playing happily. You can climb on this equipment as an adult (weight limit 300lbs per person) and be right along side your kiddos if you want. There is a toddler area that is "fenced in" by thick cus"
3 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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