50 Fun Things to Do in Utah with Your Family This Summer!

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}

1. Discovery Gateway provides kids with interactive, hands-on exhibits, programs, and workshops.
2. LDS Church History Museum is a free museum has a variety of LDS historical artifacts and artwork.
3. Hill Aerospace Museum is another free musuem and houses several exhibits related to aviation history.
4. 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.
5. Introduct your kids to a real-life chocolate factory by touring Mrs. Cavanaugh's Chocolate Factory.
6. This is the Place Monument allows families to take a step back in time and experience the west as it really was.
7. 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.
8. 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}

1. Living Planet Aquarium Just because Utah happens to be a landlocked state, it doesn’t mean that your family has to miss out on a fun aquatic experience. Season passes are reasonably priced, so your family can enjoy the aquarium again and again.
2. 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 exhibit is drawing a lot of attention right now.
3. Tracy Aviary is located in Liberty Park and features a variety of activities and exhibits to introduce kids to birds.
4. Farm Country Farm Country allows kids to get up close to farm animals at Thanksgiving Point. Admission includes a pony ride!
5. Unless you go on a tour, visiting Wheeler Farm is free. We love bringing a picnic and checking out the animals.
6. Besides having fun shopping for moms, Gardner Village has a seasonal petting zoo for kids!

{The Great Outdoors}

1. Take a walk around temple square, stop in for a free concert, and enjoy an afternoon treat in one of the many nearby eateries.
2. Go hiking, experience the salt water, or learn about the local wildlife on Antelope Island.
3. The Bountiful Pond is located just west of Legacy Parkway near Centerville. The pond offers fishing and picnic tables.
4. The Thanksgiving Point Gardens include different themed areas and are a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. Be sure to wear good walking shoes!
5. Silver Lake is located near Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon. There is a boardwalk that surrounds the majority of the lake, which makes for an easy walk. Picnic tables are available, and the lake is stocked with fish.
6. 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.
7. 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. There are still many boulders that have marks on them from when they were being quarried. Bring binoculars, and you may be able to spot mountain goats high up on the mountains.
8. 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!
9. The Utah Olympic Park activities include adventure courses, bobsled rides, alpine slide, athletic training, zip line, and tours, just to name a few.
10. Park City Mountain Resort activities include an alpine slide, coaster, zip line, mountain biking, and hiking.
11. 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.
12. 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!
13. Check out a Meteor Shower! This would be a great activity to combine with your visit to the planetarium.
14. 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.
15. 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}

1. The Clearfield Aquatic Center includes jacuzzis, lap poo. lazy river, water toys, and other activities that are fun for the whole family.
2. 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.
3. Crystal Hot Springs is great for a day trip or for camping. They have a variety of hot springs that allow for some great soaking.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Visit a water park – some local favorites include Cherry Hill, Cowabunga Bay, and Seven Peaks.

{At-Home Fun}

1. 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.
2. Tie-Dying t-shirts can be a fun activity that will allow your kids to get creative. This link shows you how. 
3. 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.
4. Have your kids gather some of their favorite nature items (think flowers, leaves, etc) and make a collage.
5. 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.
6. 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}

1. The Sundance Ski Resort offers Full Moon Rides during the summer months. Check their schedule for prices and availability.
2. 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}

1. Each summer, Radio Disney hosts free activity days at the Gallivan Center. Activities include music and crafts, just to name a few.
2. Visit Bear Lake during Raspberry Days and enjoy delicious raspberries, a parade, rodeo, fireworks craft booths, and beautiful scenery.
3. Bountiful City's “Summer Nights” Concert Series offers families free concerts throughout the summer. Visit the city's website for dates and artists.

4. We love getting fresh produce in the summer. This link has listings of many farmers markets around the state.
5. Brigham City Peach Days has delicious food and fun activities for the entire family.
6. 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!
7. 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???

Our FIRST Giveaway!

Who loves to shop? Now, who loves to shop for FREE??? That's right, we are giving away a gift card to City Creek Center once we reach 75 facebook followers! If you haven't already done so, check us out on Facebook...but don't keep us a secret, be sure to tell your family and friends! We appreciate everyone's support!

The Answer to Your Problems..."Baby Sleeping" Signs

Have you ever just put your little one down for a nap, when all of a sudden, the doorbell rings, dog starts barking, and now you have a wide-awake baby? Maybe you just want a little peace and quiet for yourself? We have the solution!

Try a "Baby Sleeping" Sign - just hang on the outside of your front door whenever you want to alert your guests that a little quiet time is in order. I use one at my house, and it has been a lifesaver!

P.S. Makes a GREAT baby shower gift!

More For Spring!

We are loving all of these fun, bright colors for spring. Bring on the aqua, wisteria, chartreuse, lemon, coral, pink...

Prices range from $7.00 - $8.50. As always, products are available at the Cannery Center or by contacting us directly.

Spring Sneak Peak

This is the first of many new colors and designs for Spring! Check out a few sneak peaks:

Wisteria elastic headband with ivory scrappy flower. Fits infant - child. $7.00
Additional colors and sizes available.

White elastic headband with satin pink flower. Fits infant - child. $7.00
Additional colors and sizes available.

Scrappy fabric headband. One size fits most children - adult.
$9.95. Additional colors available.

Black headband with grey felt flower. One size fits most children - adult. $7.00
Additional colors available.

Spring is in the Air!

Spring is in the air! Well, not quite, but it will be here before we know it! It’s time to start stocking up on new spring styles and accessories.

This year’s spring fashion trends are moving a way from military and masculine and heading towards feminine and glamour. Bloomingdale’s fashion director, Stephanie Solomon, is noted to have said: “It is a totally feminine look that we haven't seen in years. The catch-all phrase of the season is femininity. It is floral-inspired, tropical-inspired, ethnic-inspired, artist-inspired and scarf-inspired and usually is seen in…colors that range from pale pastels to shocking neons.” Additional trends include princess chic (think taffeta, organza, lace, and sequins), all while maintaining an element of simplicity.

How is that translating over at Stay Beautiful? We are seeing new designs in pastels and lace that will make for can’t miss headbands and hairclips to compliment your spring and Easter ensembles.  We are bringing new flower designs and have started carrying foldover elastic style headbands in addition to crocheted headbands. We LOVE using these headbands for interchanging clips. And as always, we will have those products that are wardrobe staples. Whether you are looking for something new for spring, or something more tried-and-true, we have you covered!

Source: Spring 2012 Fashion Trends

I Smell a Giveaway...

In celebration of our contract with the Cannery, we are planning a giveaway! But first, we need to reach 200 followers on Facebook! This may seem like an ambitious goal, but we know that we can do it with your help! If you haven't done so already, be sure to 'like' us on Facebook, and then spread the word to your family and friends.

Thank you so much for all of your support. We have so many fun ideas and are looking forward to sharing them with you. Stay tuned!

Your Questions, Answered: Headband Construction

Question: I was curious how the flower is attached to the headband. Wanting to ensure it will withstand wear and tear from photoshoots. Thanks!

Answer: We use hot glue when constructing our headbands. We have tried a few different products, and this seems to be the most durable. Each headband and clip that we make is secured with an extra layer of felt, which provides a finished look and helps keep the elastic or clip in place.

Do you have a question about our products? Please e-mail us at staybeautifuldesign@gmail.com. We will answer your questions, and you may see your question featured on our blog!

Introducing...Stay Beautiful!

Welcome to our blog! We are Stay Beautiful, and we are so glad that you found us. We sell handcrafted headbands, hair clips, bibs, burp cloths, and other baby items. Our headbands range in size from newborn to adult, so there is something for everyone.

{A little about us}
Stay Beautiful consists of a mom and two daughters. Specifically, we are:

Lydia: Wife, mother of five, grandmother of two
Lisa: Wife, mother of two, and Lydia's oldest daughter
Beth: Devoted aunt and Lydia's second daughter

We started making our own accessories and baby items after finding it difficult to find quality and fashionable options at reasonable prices. We decided that if we were looking for products like these, others must be too, and Stay Beautiful was born.

{What's in a name?}
The name Stay Beautiful originated from the Taylor Swift song lyrics:
You're beautiful, every little piece, love
Don't you know, you're really gonna be someone
Ask anyone

And when you find everything you looked for

I hope your life leads you back to my door

Oh, but if you don't, stay beautiful. 

We originally found inspiration from Taylor Swift because Lisa's two kids love her music. Upon listening to this song, we felt that the message in the chorus aptly represented us and our ambitions for ourselves and family.

{Come check us out!}

We are SO excited that we are now selling our products at the Cannery Center, located in North Ogden, UT. You can find our headbands, burp cloths, bibs, and "baby sleeping" signs for sale. Our items are marked with vendor #1552.  If you are interested in car seat covers, hair clips, or custom orders, please contact us directly. 

You can also find us on Facebook! Like our page, and get information on promotions and new products!

We are always interested in your feedback and ideas and would LOVE to hear from you!