Plan a Summer of Fun

Summer is here. Do you have the next 3 months all planned out? Or are you like me, and still looking for fun ideas to keep the kids entertained for the next few months? I’ve searched high and low and I’ve come up with a few things you won’t want to miss:

Wild Wednesdays at the Ogden Nature Center

What causes an animal to become endangered? With the help of Des Ta Te, the Ogden Nature Center’s Bald Eagle, and Laser the Desert Tortoise, discover what it means to be an endangered species and what you can do to help. Search for animal tracks and learn how to identify them. The dog days of summer are here so there’s no better time to grab a net and head to the Nature Center Ponds. You never know what you might find. Experience these activities and more during Wild Wednesdays at the Ogden Nature Center every Wednesday at 3:45pm. Meet in the Visitor Center.

Bug Brigade at Utah Museum of Natural History

Have you ever met an entomologist? Do you know what they do? They play with, and study bugs! If that sounds like fun then you will want to check out the Bug Brigade at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Twice a month visitors can observe and even handle live bugs like the Madagascar hissing cockroach, rose hair tarantula and desert millipede. You’ll learn about their anatomy, behavior and important ecological roles. They are hoping that after you’ve attended the Bug Brigade you will want to head outside for a little backyard bug investigating at home.

Farmers Markets

Support local farmers and businesses this summer by spending a Saturday at your local Farmer’s Market. The Wasatch Front Farmers Market is dedicated to providing communities with local produce, foods and crafts. They offer multiple locations along the Wasatch Front. Visit one of their markets listed below, or find a farmers market near you. Many are held on Saturdays, but you can find some open throughout the week. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the quality and variety of the fruits, vegetables and other products that await you under the cool shade of each canopy. Find a market near you: http://www.utahsown.utah.gov/farmersmarkets/

Farmers Market Store
Spring Hours: Wednesday-Sunday
Hours: 10:00am – 5:30pm
Sundays: We close at 4pm.
Location:
5823 S. State Street
Murray, UT 84107

Gardner Village
Saturdays, June 1st – October 26th
Hours: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Location:
1100 West 7800 South
West Jordan, UT 84088

Wheeler Farm
Sundays, June 2nd – October 27th
Hours: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Location:
6351 S 900 E
Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Millcreek Community Market
Fridays, June 7th – August 30th
Hours: 5pm-8pm (Movies start at 8:45pm)
Location:
Market will be held in conjunction with Millcreek Movies in the Park at various parks in the Millcreek area.

Thanksgiving Point
Fridays, July 12th – September 27th
Hours: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Location:
3003 N Thanksgiving Point Way, Lehi

Panning for Gold at This is the Place Heritage Park.

Spend a few hours or the entire day (trust me, you won’t run out of things to do) at This Is The Place Heritage Park. It’s a kick-up-your-heels good time and your day won’t be complete without a trip up the stream to pan for gold. Included in the price of admission, this is a unique opportunity for the kids to “strike it rich!” like they did during the gold rush of the mid 1800’s. This fun activity is just one of many at the park that will transport you back to pioneer times when our great state was just a desert waiting to blossom like a rose.

Museum Mondays at Thanksgiving Point are full of creative dinosaur related activities perfect for a night out with the family. Each week is a new dinosaur related activity. Play dinosaur bingo, learn how dinosaurs say good night, and find out what a the dinosaurs might have thought about the night sky. Visit Thanksgiving Point’s Museum of Ancient Life for more information and a schedule of events.