by Sara Jackson
Center for Safe & Healthy Families

Still not sure what your children are going to do this summer? Even if school is already out and your kids aren’t signed up for any summer activities, there is still time to make the most of the summer. You don’t need to pay hundreds of dollars on fancy summer camps or lessons to have a good time with your kids and prevent them from spending hours on end playing video games. Here are some ideas that are relatively inexpensive, fun, and may even get their creative juices flowing.

1. Hogle Zoo: With more than 800 animals and special exhibits, Hogle Zoo is sure to entertain and educate your children. There are activities for children of all ages and children two and under get free admission. Become a member of the zoo and get free admission all year, as well as other zoo member discounts.
2. The Natural History Museum of Utah: The Natural History Museum displays exhibits on the sky, land, first peoples and past worlds that are interactive and fun for kids. They also have architecture tours, free movie nights and activities on Saturdays. Check out the event calendar for more information on special events and activities.
3. Red Butte Garden: With 11 themed gardens, nearly four miles of walking trails and activities, Red Butte Garden is sure to have something for everyone. They host family nights on Mondays, with live music and dance from around the world and they also offer a summer camp and additional summer activities for children.
4. Liberty Park & the Tracy Aviary: One of the biggest outdoor recreation areas in Salt Lake City, Liberty Park has playgrounds, a pond, tennis courts, and a picnic area. You can also stop by the Tracy Aviary to see a variety of different bird species, feed them and for other daily activities.
5. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium: Located in Draper, the aquarium includes the exhibits Discover Utah, Ocean Explorer, Journey to South America and Penguin Encounter. They also have a 4D movie theatre and activities such as feeding penguins and sharks. Children under two are admitted for free, and if you think you might make a return trip, consider becoming a member.
6. Lagoon: Cool off on a water slide, visit the wild wild west, or take a ride on a roller coaster at Lagoon in Farmington. You can also camp at Lagoon or bring your RV to the Lagoon RV Park and campground. Before you go, check out the special discounts page to see if there are any you can use.
7. Springville World Folkfest: The 28th Annual Springville World Folkfest features approximately 300 performers dressed in the costumes of their native lands. “They perform on an outdoor stage located at Spring Acres Arts Park. Each dance group brings a select group of musicians who provide live music for the dancing. The dances, music and even the instruments played offer audiences a taste of many different cultures. Prior to evening performances at the Arts Park, audience members can sample treats from around the world at international food booths, mingle with performers and purchase items from the various folk dance groups.” Runs July 28-Aug. 2.
8. Tunes at Noon: Every Wednesday at Noon this summer, there will be live music at the Municipal Gardens in Ogden for free. For more events in Ogden, visit their community calendar.
9. Noon Music at the Tabernacle: Mondays at noon, experience a wide variety of free concerts at the Tabernacle grounds in Logan. Visit the Logan Tabernacle Blog for more information and a calendar of events.
10. Dinosaur Discovery Site: In St. George, at Johnson Farm, take a look at well-preserved dinosaur tracks, dinosaur replicas and special displays. There is also a children’s area and dino park where kids and make stencils of dinosaurs, read dino books and even discover dinosaur tracks!

For more ideas that get your whole family engaged while not breaking the bank, check your local newspaper or community center for activities, fairs and other community events. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Sara graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from Portland State University, and is a Certified Social Worker. She is currently working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She moved to Salt Lake City and has been enjoying getting to know the Southwest. In her free time, she loves hiking, biking, running, taking her dogs to the park, speaking Spanish, learning about other cultures, cooking, and creating self-serve frozen yogurt creations.