Summer is here, school is out, and many parents are finding themselves once again being faced with the expectations of being a Mommy Poppins of summer activities. Tight budgets can sometimes mislead us to thinking we have fewer opportunities for activities. Not true! Head off those mind-numbing “there’s nothing to do” conversations with a prepared list. Here is a list of family-friendly activities and events in Salt Lake City and Davis County that both you and the kiddos will enjoy.
Parks & Gardens
Liberty Park
600 E. 900 S. Salt Lake City
Pack a picnic and the kid’s swimsuits and spend a couple of hours playing at Liberty Park. The park has a swimming pool, tennis court, duck pond and lake, several playgrounds, lots of shaded picnic areas with grills, and more. The Seven Canyons Fountains are located in the middle of the park and are a great area for children to cool off on hot summer days. There is also a separate splash pad for the little ones. And bring your bikes or rollerblades because there is a path surrounding the park just for these activities.
Antelope Island State Park
4528 W. 1700 S. Syracuse
Antelope Island is the largest island in the Great Salt Lake and has an entrance fee $10/per vehicle. Hike, mountain bike or horseback ride along backcountry trails for spectacular views of Great Salt Lake and island scenery. Nature watching includes a free-roaming herd of bison, pronghorn and bighorn sheep.
Red Butte Garden
300 Wakara Way Salt Lake City
Always changing with the seasons, Red Butte Garden has over 100 acres of display and natural gardens. The whole family can enjoy activities including hiking and walking paths, themed gardens like the Children’s Garden, festivals, events and picnic spots.
Pioneer Park
350 S. 300 W. Salt Lake City
Now open every Saturday through October 8am-2pm there is a bustling Farmer’s Market in downtown at Pioneer Park. Listen to live entertainment while shopping for local fresh produce, baked goods, locally-raised meats, jams, and sauces.
Animal Lovers
Tracy Aviary
Inside Liberty Park
For a small entrance fee, children 2 and under are free while 3-12 are $5, Tracy Aviary maintains a collection of approximately 400 birds representing about 135 species. Many of these birds are considered rare or endangered. Tour the gardens, watch the bird shows, and participate in educational activities.
Wheeler Historic Farm
6351 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City
With free admission, wagon rides $2 and cow milking $1, visiting this farm is budget friendly. As an interactive working farm; visitors can milk cows, view farm animals, and learn about the buildings and machines that made this 19th-century farm successful. You can also tour the turn-of-the-century historic farm house. There is also plenty of acreage for kids to run out their energy and have picnics.
Sweet Tooth
Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Candy Factory Tour
835 Northpointe Dr. North Salt Lake
Watch the behind-the-scenes of making local chocolate, peanut brittle, and caramel. You even get to sample some treats. Mouth watering yet? Tours are $1/person and last 45 minutes.
Museums
Hill Aerospace Museum
7961 Wardleigh Rd. Hill AFB Roy
Free admission. This museum features one of the finest collections of historic and modern US Air Force aircraft, missiles, munitions, and artifacts in America including an SR-71 “Blackbird” spy plane. Be sure to stop in the Aerospace Center for Education (ACE) learning center to fly the F-16 simulator.
Clark Planetarium
110 S. 400 W. Gateway Mall Salt Lake City
Walk on the moon and Mars, discover the cycles of the moon, forecast the weather, and learn about black holes at the Clark Planetarium. All of the exhibits are free of charge. Learn about Utah’s own astronaut, Jake Garn, and the significance he has had on space exploration.
Movies Under the Stars
Friday Night Flicks
Each week at a different location, Salt Lake City will show a free Friday night movie from June 6-July 25 (excluding July 4). Movies are family-friendly and fun for all ages. They are shown on a large inflatable screen and popcorn is free while it lasts. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a neighborhood party under the stars. Community booths will open at 8 p.m. and the movies will begin around 9 p.m. Personal coolers and snacks are also allowed.
Check here for each week’s location and movie feature ›
Millcreek Venture Out
Every Friday night from June 6-August 22, Millcreek Venture Out! offers music, outdoor activities, great food, cooking and gardening classes, arts and crafts, and a mini-market. There are activities for the entire family and admission is free. Each night ends with an outdoor movie on the big screen. Bring your blankets, pillows and low-back chairs and enjoy some summer fun. Each festival is held at a different park in the Millcreek area.
Check here for each week’s location and movie feature ›
Bookworms
Libraries are all around us and it’s important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. Libraries are diligent about posting events to their calendars so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. Take advantage of programs such as the Children’s Storytime and summer reading programs.
Are you looking for a new home in Utah? See our new homes and downtown Salt Lake City lofts for sale.
Follow ClearWater Homes on Pinterest and Facebook for news, tips, and updates.
Comments are closed.