We LOVE summer...and I mean really, really LOVE summer in our family. My sister always creates a summer bucket list so that she makes sure to take full advantage of the warm weather. That got me thinking that it would be a good idea to make one of my own, especially since my son is getting to the age of needing to get out of the house more. We thought we would expand on our respective lists and share some ideas with you. Some of these activities can be done year round, but hopefully it will give you a few good ideas to answer the neverending question of "What is there to do?"
{Museums and Tours}
- Discovery Gateway provides kids with interactive, hands-on exhibits, programs, and workshops.
- LDS Church History Museum is a free museum has a variety of LDS historical artifacts and artwork.
- Hill Aerospace Museum is another free musuem and houses several exhibits related to aviation history.
- The North American Museum of Ancient Life is home to some of Utah's oldest residents. The museum features fossils from every geological period from the Precambrian era to modern day.
- Introduct your kids to a real-life chocolate factory by touring Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolate Factory.
- This is the Place Monument allows families to take a step back in time and experience the west as it really was.
- Clark Planetarium allows kids to learn about space and science by participating in activities, watching shows, and checking out exhibits. Be sure to check out a laser show or see a movie on the IMAX screen.
- Kennecott Copper Mine allows kids to explore our hands-on exhibits, take a picture next to the big tire, and watch the in-pit crusher turn tons of copper into the size of soccer balls.
{Animal Activities}
- Living Planet Aquarium Just because
Utah - Hogle Zoo Our family LOVES the zoo! We have a season pass, which makes it so easy to go for just an hour or too. My favorite way to take the kids is to go in the morning for a few hours and then be home in time for lunch and naps. The zoo also allows you to bring in your own food, which makes for a great picnic. Be aware, the new
Rocky Shores - Tracy Aviary is located in Liberty Park and features a variety of activities and exhibits to introduce kids to birds.
- Farm Country Farm Country allows kids to get up close to farm animals at Thanksgiving Point. Admission includes a pony ride!
- Unless you go on a tour, visiting Wheeler Farm is free. We love bringing a picnic and checking out the animals.
- Besides having fun shopping for moms, Gardner
Village has a seasonal petting zoo for kids!
{The Great Outdoors}
- Take a walk around temple square, stop in for a free concert, and enjoy an afternoon treat in one of the many nearby eateries.
- Go hiking, experience the salt water, or learn about the local wildlife on Antelope
Island . - The Bountiful Pond is located just west of Legacy Parkway near Centerville. The pond offers fishing and picnic tables.
The Thanksgiving Point Gardens - Silver
Lake is located near Brighton Ski Resort inBig Cottonwood Canyon - Who doesn’t love a campfire dinner in the summer? There are so many day use sites that make it easy to get away for a few hours. Some of our favorites are in Big Cottonwood and
Mueller Park Canyons The Temple Quarry Site is located in the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The area offers paved pathways and historical information on how the granite was quarried to use for the Salt Lake Temple Liberty Park is home to many fun activities, including a duck pond, carousel, Ferris Wheel, playground, tennis court, bocce, horseshoe pit, basketball court, walking and rollerblade paths, and swimming pool. Pack a lunch and make a day of it!The Utah Park City Mountain - Although Snowbird is typically thought of as a winter destination, they have a lot of fun summer activities, too! Be sure to check out their alpine slide, pan for gold, conquer the ropes course, ride a mechanical bull, go fishing, take a horseback ride, or enjoy a tram ride for some beautiful mountain and valley views.
- Did you know that the National Park Service offers entrance fee-free days? The remaining fee-free days for 2012 are September 29 and November 10 – 12. However, there are many parks that are free year round!
- Check out a Meteor Shower! This would be a great activity to combine with your visit to the planetarium.
- Take me out to the ballgame and go to a Bees game. Younger kids will enjoy sitting on the lawn, while older ones can try and catch a fly ball.
- Create a neighborhood sports team! There are so many outdoor summer sports to choose from – soccer, softball, baseball, kickball, volleyball – get a group of kids together that can regularly participate on a team. Each family can take turns providing refreshments and supervision if needed. Keep it casual; it doesn’t need to be anything fancy!
{Water Activities}
The Clearfield The South Davis Recreation Center has fun for the whole family, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, a lazy river, and tons of play equipment. - Crystal Hot Springs is great for a day trip or for camping. They have a variety of
hot springs - Splash pads are such a fun and free way to spend the afternoon. Whether you want to go to a large public pad or a smaller neighborhood one, chances are there is one close to your home.
- Have you ever wanted to swim in nature’s pool? Check out this link for information on swimming holes that can be found in
Utah - Visit a water park – some local favorites include Cherry Hill,
Cowabunga Bay , andSeven Peaks
{At-Home Fun}
- As kids, we loved making Home made Ice Cream. This recipe is an easy and fun way for kids to make ice cream at home.
- Tie-Dying t-shirts can be a fun activity that will allow your kids to get creative. This link shows you how.
- Teach your kids about volunteer work while enjoying an iconic summer activity. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. You can register your own lemonade stand to help raise money for cancer research.
- Have your kids gather some of their favorite nature items (think flowers, leaves, etc) and make a collage.
- Get some inspiration from this weekend’s chalk festival at the Gateway, and then have a family chalk festival. Whether you pick a theme or have everyone draw their own ideas, everyone should have a good time.
- Have you ever had a backyard movie night? Gather up some blankets and popcorn and set up a movie under the stars. This is sure to become a family favorite!
{Just for Mom and Dad}
- The Sundance Ski Resort offers Full Moon Rides during the summer months. Check their schedule for prices and availability.
Deer Valley Ski Resort offers a summer concert series, include free Wednesday concerts. Additional activities include hiking and mountain biking. They also have a summer kids camp for kids ages 2 months and older, so you can drop your kids off and have some fun time to yourself.
{Miscellaneous}
- Each summer, Radio Disney hosts free activity days at the
Gallivan Center - Visit Bear Lake during Raspberry Days and enjoy delicious raspberries, a parade, rodeo, fireworks craft booths, and beautiful scenery.
Bountiful City's - We love getting fresh produce in the summer. This link has listings of many farmers markets around the state.
- Brigham City Peach Days has delicious food and fun activities for the entire family.
- Going to the drive-in movie is another one of our favorite traditions. We love to get take out or make some treats to share while we watch our movies. This year, we will be trying our first drive-in with kids...hopefully this will still be a favorite tradition after that!
- Whether you are looking for a small-town parade or want to attend the big Days of ’47 Parade, chances are you can find what you are looking for.
What are your family's favorite summer activities???
