Hello Friends,
Summertime is almost here. Kids will be looking for fun things to
do, while their parents will want them to do something interesting and
educational.
While there's always a
park or swimming pool, we suggest trying one — or all — of these 12 adventures
that are distinctively Utah.
Antelope Island State Park
This island filled with
bison, pronghorn and bighorn sheep is a Utah treasure. There's a great visitor center,
hiking, biking, backpacking. And it's the best way to see the Great Salt Lake.
Where • 4528 W. 1700
South, Syracuse
Open • Seven days a week,
7 a.m.-10 p.m..
Admission • $9 per vehicle
($6 seniors); $3 cyclists and pedestrians
Online •
stateparks.utah.gov/parks/antelope-island
Heber Valley Railroad
The historic, restored
engines and passenger cars are like stepping into a movie or TV show. This
weekend, Friday-Monday, that will be especially true: Thomas the Tank Engine
from "Shining Time Station" will be in Heber.
Where • 450 S. 600 West,
Heber City
Open • Times and tours
vary. Check the website for more information.
Admission • $8-$30; family
packages available
Online • hebervalleyrr.org
Hill Aerospace Museum
This indoor-outdoor museum features more than 90 aircraft and
missiles. Kids will be fascinated, as will adults.
Where • 7961 Wardleigh
Road, Hill AFB,
Open • Seven days a week,
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Admission • Free, but
donations accepted
Online •
hill.af.mil/library/museum
Hogle Zoo
The most distinctively
Utah thing about this zoo is its location — a 42-acre site at
the mouth of Emigration Canyon.
Where • 2600 E. Sunnyside
Ave., Salt Lake City
Open • 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven
days a week
Admission • $9.75-$12.75
Online • hoglezoo.org
Lagoon
Utah's amusement
park is part of the
state's history. It opened in 1886; it includes the Pioneer Village (filled
with historic buildings); the wooden coaster dates to 1921. It's a local
tradition.
Where • 375 Lagoon Drive,
Farmington
Open • Now open weekends
and Memorial Day; open seven days a week June 7-Aug. 25; times vary.
Admission • $29.95-$49.95
day pass; season passes available
Online • lagoonpark.com
Natural History Museum of
Utah
This is where you'll find the
dinosaur bones. Learn about American Indians. Discover gems and
minerals. And look into the future. Fascinating for kids and adults.
Where • 301 Wakara Way (on
the University of Utah campus), Salt Lake City
Open • 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
every day but Wednesdays, when it stays open until 9 p.m.
Admission • $8-$11
Online • nhmu.utah.edu
Ogden Nature Center
This 152-acre nature preserve
features walking trails, bird blinds, live bird exhibits, picnic areas, tree
houses and more.
Where • 966 W. 12th St.,
Ogden
Open • Monday-Friday, 9
a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission • $2-$4
Online •
ogdennaturecenter.org
Rocky Mouth Trail
There are plenty of places
to hike around Salt Lake City, but this trail is
perfect for small children. The start is a bit steep, but the trail only rises
200 feet and is one-quarter mile long. Best of all, there's a waterfall.
Where • Near 11248 S.
Wasatch Blvd. (directly east of the LDS chapel)
Open • Seven days a week,
dawn to dusk
Admission • Free
Online •
sandy.utah.gov/government/parks-and-recreation/city-trail-system/
This Is the Place Heritage
Park
Relive Utah's pioneer
days. It's hands-on history with a variety of activities, including many aimed
at younger kids.
Where • 2601 E. Sunnyside
Ave., Salt Lake City
Open • Monday-Saturday, 9
a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission • $7-$10
Online •
thisistheplace.org
Tracy Aviary
Not all cities have a bird zoo.
It's very hands-on with shows and interactive activities in addition to the
exhibits. Plus, you can make a day of it and let the kids play at Liberty Park.
Where • 589 E. 1300 South,
Salt Lake City (in the southwest corner of Liberty Park)
Open • Seven days a week,
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission • $5-$7
Online • tracyaviary.org
Utah Olympic Park
Relive the 2002 Winter
Olympics on the bobsled ride by hurtling down a mountain at 80 mph pulling 5
G's. This is not a kiddie ride — you have to be at least 16 and weigh at least
100 pounds — but it's an experience you won't get in Texas. The park also
features adventure courses (ropes, ziplines), chairlift rides and more.
Where • 3419 Olympic
Parkway, Park City
Open • Weekends and
Memorial Day through June 2; then open daily June 8 to Sept. 2; 1-5 p.m.
Sundays; noon-5 p.m. other days.
Admission • $75 per person
for the bobsled ride; $40 per person for an Adventure Pass that offers the
choice of three of the following activities: Summit Course, Canyon Course,
Discovery Course or Drop Tower plus unlimited rides on the scenic chairlift;
season passes available.
Online •
utaholympiclegacy.com/activities/summer-comet-bobsled-ride
Wheeler Historic Farm
E-I-E-I-O! This is a
chance for kids and their parents to visit a farm without leaving the city. Milk a cow.
Feed the ducks. Have a picnic.
Where • 6351 S. 900 East,
Murray
Open • Dawn to dusk seven
days a week.
Admission • Free — but
there are fees for some of the activities ($1 to milk a cow, $2 for a wagon
ride, etc.)
Online • wheelerfarm.com
Thanks so much, Have a great weekend!
__ERA Skyline Real Estate
While this national
monument is named Timpanogos Cave, it’s actually a cave system that includes
three caves: Hansen Cave, Timpanogos Cave and Middle Cave. The caves and trail
are open from May 7th to September 5th.
