Gallivan Center, 200 S. Main.
This small fountain at the Gallivan Center isn't really a fountain — it doesn't have any standing water. Rather, it's like a modified shower — four rows of water shooting down from an 8-foot-high rack into metal drains on the ground. The falling water is embedded in a small covered patio, with tables and chairs nearby for parents to sit while kids play.
During concerts, this attraction can get busy, but in the middle of the day, when no one is there, it's a quieter, more private spot for a small group of kids.
Gateway, 500 W. 100 South
The most popular watering hole is the Olympic Legacy Fountain, in the shape of a snowflake at Gateway Plaza.
This "water feature" isn't really a fountain, either, in that there is no standing water. Water sporadically shoots upward through small holes in the concrete, to the great amusement of those brave enough to venture forth.
Every half hour or so, the water is coordinated with music, which blasts over loudspeakers.
The Gateway Plaza area is free, and the water runs 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
Liberty Park, 700 E. 900 South
Although this spot can get busy in the afternoons, relatively few people seem to know about the new fountains at Liberty Park.
People may be confused because the old fountain by the pond was shut down a few years ago (it had just gotten too dirty, said Val Pope, Salt Lake City Parks division director). The city has since built the new, fairly large Seven Canyons water area.
The Liberty Park fountains are also free. The water is on 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily except Tuesday, when it's closed until 3 p.m. for cleaning and maintenance.
Red Butte Garden, 300 Wakara Way, at University of Utah Research Park
Red Butte's water playground is in the Children's Garden. Re-circulated water shoots up from pipes in the middle of a small sun-shaped fountain. Water also occasionally shoots from the mouths of three nearby metal snakes.
The water runs while Red Butte Garden is open — from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, and those under 2 are free.