Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens
Discover one of the nation's few free-standing aviaries, home to over 300 birds and lush botanical gardens in Liberty Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birds are most active
Tracy Aviary & Botanical Gardens
Best Time
Birds are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover one of the nation's few free-standing aviaries, home to over 300 birds and lush botanical gardens in Liberty Park.
"An absolute hidden gem. This is one of my favorite spots in the city."
🎯 Morning Bird Activity
Visit early for the best chance to see birds active and vocal. :bird:
🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass
Great value if you plan multiple visits, supports conservation efforts. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Free-Standing Aviary
Throughout the aviary
One of only two free-standing aviaries in the US, offering unique bird viewing.
Daily Bird Shows
Show area
Engaging demonstrations showcasing bird behaviors and conservation efforts.
Lorikeet Feeding
Lorikeet enclosure
An interactive experience where you can feed colorful lorikeets for a small fee.
Botanical Gardens
Throughout the aviary
Beautifully landscaped gardens complement the bird exhibits with diverse plant life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Birdwatching
Special Events & Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Morning Bird Activity
Visit early for the best chance to see birds active and vocal. :bird:
🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass
Great value if you plan multiple visits, supports conservation efforts. :moneybag:
☀️ Sun Protection & Water
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Benches are available. :sunwithface:
📅 Check Show Schedules
Don't miss the daily shows; they're a highlight for many visitors. :performing_arts:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Morning Bird Activity
Visit early for the best chance to see birds active and vocal. :bird:
🎟️ Consider an Annual Pass
Great value if you plan multiple visits, supports conservation efforts. :moneybag:
☀️ Sun Protection & Water
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Benches are available. :sunwithface:
📅 Check Show Schedules
Don't miss the daily shows; they're a highlight for many visitors. :performing_arts:
✨ Special Event Tickets
Book 'Lightwalk' tickets in advance for holiday light displays. :sparkles:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tracy Aviary as a hidden gem, highlighting its diverse bird collection, beautiful botanical gardens, and engaging daily shows. Many appreciate its unique status as a free-standing aviary and recommend it for families, couples, and solo visitors alike. Some minor drawbacks include occasional issues with cafe amenities like the Dole Whip machine.
"An absolute hidden gem. This is one of my favorite spots in the city. One of the only freestanding, public aviaries in the entire country. They have so many bird species, a fabulous daily show, and an incredible variety of plants all through the garden. I get an annual pass every year. It's a great place to take a quiet walk. Fun for the family or for date night. Not to mention Dole Whip at the Birdfeeder cafe. Please support awesome little attractions like this. We want to keep things like this going for years to come. Consider picking up an annual pass. It's a cheap way to ensure that the aviary can support the birds as well as the people to take care of them."
Jackson Carter
"I had so much fun there. :) It's a reasonable admission price. There's a wide variety of activities, even interactive ones with the birds (for an additional cost). A cafe has light refreshments, and a gift shop has souvenirs and snacks. :) I recommend bringing a bag with a bottle for water, a hat, and sunblock. There's also decent amount of benches along the paths. :) So many different kinds of birds! My favorites were the owls. 😊❤️🦉"
S W
"Super fun aviary! The highlight of my visit was the scheduled show and demonstration - I highly recommend catching one of the daily shows. Very extensive variety of birds. The trees and landscaping make for an especially enjoyable visit. We had two 7 year olds who loved it - so very kid friendly."
Paul Perlmutter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tracy Aviary is located within Liberty Park at 589 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City. You can drive and park within Liberty Park, or use public transportation. Several bus routes stop near the park. :bus:
Yes, there is ample parking available within Liberty Park, which surrounds the aviary. Parking is generally free. :car:
Absolutely! Liberty Park is a popular spot for walking and biking, and the aviary is easily accessible within the park. :bike: :walking:
Yes, several UTA bus routes serve Liberty Park, making it accessible via public transport. Check the UTA website for specific route information. :bus:
The aviary is well-signposted within Liberty Park. Look for signs directing you to 'Tracy Aviary' as you enter the park. :map:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are reasonable. Consider an annual pass for frequent visits, which is a cost-effective option and supports the aviary. :ticket:
Yes, look out for '5 After 5' events on select summer Mondays for discounted entry. Special holiday events like 'Lightwalk' may have separate ticketing. :discount:
For general admission, booking in advance is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their website, especially for special events like 'Lightwalk'. :computer:
The aviary is typically open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, but hours can vary seasonally or for special events. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date information. :clock:
Yes, interactive experiences such as feeding the lorikeets are available for an additional fee. :moneywithwings:
🎫 🐦 Onsite Experience
Tracy Aviary is home to over 300 birds from around the world, including flamingos, peacocks, owls, eagles, and toucans, representing diverse continents. :bird:
Yes, Tracy Aviary hosts scheduled daily shows and demonstrations that are highly recommended for an engaging experience. :performing_arts:
Absolutely! It's a very kid-friendly destination with play areas and educational signs, making it enjoyable for families with young children. :child:
You can feed the lorikeets for an extra fee. General feeding of other birds is not permitted. :seedling:
There are benches along the paths, a cafe offering light refreshments (including Dole Whip when available), and a gift shop. :coffee: :gift:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Birdfeeder cafe offers light refreshments. Dole Whip is a popular treat, though the machine can sometimes be out of order. :ice_cream:
It's a good idea to bring your own water bottle, and snacks are generally permitted. There are benches available for picnicking. :apple:
The cafe typically offers light refreshments and snacks. :sandwich:
Specific dietary options can vary. It's best to check with the cafe staff upon arrival for current offerings. :leaf:
Tracy Aviary has a cafe, not a full-service restaurant. It provides snacks and light refreshments. :croissant:
📸 📸 Photography
The diverse bird enclosures, lush botanical gardens, and the unique architecture of the free-standing aviary offer many photogenic opportunities. :camera:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly at the birds, as it can disturb them. :no_flash:
You can capture close-ups of various species, action shots during shows, and candid moments of birds in their habitats. :bird:
Yes, the 'Lightwalk' event is highly photogenic with its light displays. Be prepared for lower light conditions and consider a tripod if possible. :christmas_tree:
Early morning offers softer light and more active birds. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting. :sunrise:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the daily shows, which are engaging and educational for all ages. The aviary is also located within Liberty Park, which has playgrounds, making it easy to combine a visit with other family-friendly activities. Practical tips for families include bringing snacks and water, as well as sun protection. The paths are generally stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of benches for resting. Consider an annual pass if you live locally, as it offers great value for repeat visits throughout the year.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
During the holidays, the 'Lightwalk' event transforms the aviary into a magical setting, ideal for a festive date night.
Grab a hot chocolate and stroll through the illuminated pathways. Remember to check the aviary's website for any special 21+ events that might be available, offering a more adult-focused experience. 🚶 Solo Explorers & Nature Lovers
Arriving early in the morning is recommended to experience the aviary at its most tranquil, with birds being most active and fewer people around.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of Tracy Aviary
The design emphasizes the birds' natural behaviors and environments. Visitors can walk through or around these large enclosures, observing birds in settings that mimic their native habitats. This approach not only benefits the birds by providing ample space and enrichment but also enhances the visitor's understanding and appreciation of avian diversity. The integration of botanical gardens further enriches these habitats, creating a visually stunning and ecologically sound environment.
Experiencing 'Lightwalk' and Seasonal Events
Beyond the holiday lights, Tracy Aviary also hosts other special events. For instance, '5 After 5' on summer Mondays offers a discounted entry fee after 5 PM, making it an affordable and enjoyable way to spend a warm evening. These events often provide a different perspective on the aviary, sometimes with adult-only options like the 21+ Lightwalk events that include drinks.
It's always a good idea to check their website for the latest event schedules and ticketing information to make the most of your visit.Conservation and Education at Tracy Aviary
Educational programs and interactive experiences, like the daily shows and lorikeet feeding, are designed to foster a deeper connection between people and nature. By understanding the importance of these creatures, visitors are encouraged to become advocates for bird conservation. Supporting Tracy Aviary, whether through admission fees or an annual pass, directly contributes to these crucial conservation efforts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit