Discovery Gateway - Salt Lake City, Utah - Children's Museum, Hands-on Exhibits

Originally called the Children's Museum, Discovery Gateway provides hands-on creative activities that are entertaining for the whole family. An integral part of the Gateway Mall in downtown Salt Lake City, this facility has four floors of space with over one hundred and forty permanent exhibits. There are rotating exhibits designed for specific times of the year, daily workshops and unique performances geared to providing children a day filled with learning about the arts, humanities, and sciences.

Discovery Gateway is a non-profit organization located at 444 West 100 South Salt Lake City, Utah. They are open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 6pm, on Friday and Saturday from 10am to 8pm and on Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. Holiday hours vary, so please call ahead. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult, guests 14 years and older who are not accompanied by a child, must leave a photo ID.

Founded in 1978, The Children`s Museum of Utah was developed by a group of dedicated parents, educators, and community leaders who believed that children learn best by doing. After years of honing the dream of a world-class, hands-on learning center for children, the vision is now a reality. An innovative partnership between Junior Achievement of Utah and Salt Lake County allowed the museum to move forward, leaving its worn and tired legacy behind.

On September 16, 2006 The Children`s Museum of Utah officially became Discovery Gateway. If you find a negative review for the museum, check the date. Don't confuse Discovery Gateway with its predecessor, as this location doesn't resemble its older self. On the subject of Discovery Gateway's reincarnation, this reviewer says, "Don't be misled by old reviews. When this was the Children's Museum it was old, dingy, dirty and overpriced. Now as Discovery Gateway it is bright, clean, and has huge value for the money.''

The museum is geared for kids of all ages. My teenager loves it and one online reviewer noted, "My 14-month old son had hours of fun. Even I was sad to leave because there was still so much more to do. They basically have kid-size, mostly wooden-made areas such a house and its furnishings, a farm, a supermarket, a tree house, a boat, a river with colanders and pipes for balls. There is also a giant vacuum structure where kids can put in colorful balls to be sucked in many different ways. Oh and I didn't mention the giant xylophone, a dream come true for my little guy. I am sure all locals have annual memberships, so this review is mostly for visitors like me.''

Another review stated, "I thought Discovery Gateway was great! My 2-year-old son was enthralled by everything, and after two hours he definitely wasn't ready to leave even though they were closing. The main floor was the most fun for him while the upper floor seemed geared towards older children although my son still loved it. What a great idea!''

This museum was built with kids in mind. There are no restricted areas, no hands-off policies. Touching is encouraged and playing with the exhibits is a welcome part of the experience.