Salt Lake Area Family Fun

So I love finding great new deals and new places to take my family. I found some great free family activities to enjoy in the Salt Lake/Utah County area. I'll be adding cost activities for this area, as well as finding great places in other areas. If you want to see your city featured, leave me a note! Also, if you know of some other great activities not listed, please feel free to mention them!


Juggling at Trolley Square
The Wasatch Front Jugglers hold a weekly practice session at the Trolley Square amphitheater (at the 600 South entrance, near the catwalk). The public is welcome to observe, and those who wish to learn to juggle can join in on the fun.
When: Sundays, 2:30pm-6:00pm

Hidden Falls Trail
Big Cottonwood Canyon
With an elevation gain of 40 feet and a total distance of .3 miles, the Hidden Falls Trail (located in the Wasatch National Forest) is an easy hike for younger children and even nimble elderly folks (some boulder hopping is involved).

After crossing the highway from the parking lot, take the lower left trail into the shade of the trees, avoiding the second set of stairs on the right, (these lead to the Mill B North Fork Overlook trail). From here, a short gentle climb is all that is required to reach the mist of the falls, where the tranquil sound of the falling water and the hidden location gives one the sense of being in another world, far from the road.

This trail is unpaved, and although it only takes a few minutes to cover, it provides terrain interesting enough to make it challenging for youngsters. Please take caution when approaching the falls; the rocks may be slippery from spray.

An old mine (which is gated for everyone's safety) is located near the falls area. You might find it interesting to watch the rock climbers, who also enjoy the area, scale the surrounding walls. Restroom facilities are located beyond the additional parking area located at the bottom of the "S-turn", which is also the trailhead for the Mill B Interpretive Trail.

Monte L. Bean Life Museum
The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum at BYU maintains a collection of plants and animals and hosts a variety of educational programs for children and families
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 10:00am-9:00pm
Sat: 10:00am-5:00pm

Governor's Mansion
Kids with political interests (class presidents?) might appreciate a tour of the Utah Governor's Mansion. Free tours are offered from 2pm to 4pm on Tuesday and Thursdays in June, July, and August, plus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from December 1-11. The exception: the mansion is closed to the public on state holidays. Parking is available behind the Utah Arts Council building, east of the mansion.
Ages: 8 & up

Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
This 20-mile drive winds through rugged alpine canyons of the Wasatch Range offering stupendous views of Mount Timpanogos and other glacier-carved peaks. The route follows Utah Hwy. 92 up American Fork Canyon and then continues through Uinta National Forest into Provo Canyon on U.S. 189. Timpanogos Cave National Monument and Robert Redford's Sundance are located along the route. Along the route, take a short detour to Cascade Springs. This mountain spring is criss-crossed by a 1/4-mile boardwalk, leading out over clear natural pools and cascading terraces filled with fish and aquatic plants.

Entirely paved, the Alpine Loop is open from approximately late May to late October. Snow closes part of the road the rest of the year. Not recommended for vehicles more than 30 feet long.

Visitors must purchase a recreation pass to use facilities in this area. A $6 is available and good for 3 days; a $12 pass is good for 7 days; there is also a $45 annual pass available. The passes are good for recreation along both the Alpine Scenic Loop and the Mirror Lake Hwy.

If you are just driving through you do not need to pay for a pass. It is free for just the drive. You pay for a pass only if you plan on stopping at any of the facilities along the loop

Provo Library
Monday Night Programs: Each Monday night the Provo Library hosts a different family night activity. Check the website for upcoming events.
Mother Goose: Every Friday 11:00-11:20 and 11:30-11:50 a.m.
Age appropriate songs and finger plays for babies and parents/caregivers.
ReaderGuys and ReaderGirls: Every third Thursday from 4:15-5:00 p.m.
A book club for children old enough to read chapter books. Separate sessions will be held for boys and girls.
Mother Daughter Book Club: Fourth Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Mothers and daughters discuss a chapter book they have read together. Crafts and light refreshments. Pre-register at the Children’s Desk or by calling 801-852-6682. Free.