20 Fun Things to Do With Your Kids in Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City is filled with fun attractions for kids of all ages. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Family History Library—Visit the Family History Library and learn about your family tree.

2. Clark Planetarium—You can explore science and space in this downtown attraction.

3. The Leonardo—This museum has interactive exhibits, classes and workshops about science, technology and art.

4. Discovery Gateway Children’s Museum—This downtown museum has interactive fun that the whole family will enjoy.

5. Olympic Snowflake Fountain—The public fountain is the perfect place for kids to cool off and expend energy at the same time.

6. City Creek Center—This downtown mall has shops, restaurants, events and retractable roofs.

7. Liberty Park—Spend time feeding ducks, sledding, swimming and playing volleyball.

8. Tracy Aviary—Here you can see hundreds of birds and many different wildflowers.

9. Salt Palace Convention Center—Many events are held here, like Outdoor Retailer and Comic Con.

10. Abravanel Hall—Take your children to the symphony for a musical treat.

11. Wairhouse Trampoline Park—This park has dodge ball courts, foam pits, basketball lanes and an open jump court.

12. Red Butte Garden—These botanical gardens are home to many workshops and activities for children.

13. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium—This is the ninth biggest aquarium in the United States, with four large exhibits.

14. Utah’s Hogle Zoo—The zoo has a new African Savanna, with animals seen on safari.

15. Wheeler Historic Farm—Kids can ride wagons and milk cows for one to two dollars, or you can walk around and explore free of charge.

16. This Is the Place Heritage Park—Brigham Young and the pioneers first entered Salt Lake City where this park is located. It has activities for kids, like panning for gold, pulling handcarts and making handkerchief pioneers.

17. Lagoon—Visit Lagoon-a-beach, Pioneer Village and partake in fun rides.

18. Snowboard Resort—Ski here in the winter, and hike in the summer. Check out family movies and live concerts in the summer as well.

19. Utah Olympic Park—Home of the 2002 Winter Olympics, this park has a variety of family activities all year.

20. Ice Castles—Check out the magnificent ice castles in Midway. Your children are sure to love this winter wonderland.

These destinations are only the tip of the iceberg. With so many options, you’re sure to have a fun filled day in Salt Lake City.

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Schedule a Park City Rafting and Kayaking Trip Today

If you are looking for some of the best Park City Utah rafting, look no further than the scenic Weber River. Exciting half day rafting trips are offered by All Seasons Adventures, who have been offering trips since 2001.

One of the advantages of rafting on the Weber is its convenience – the company’s launch site is just under an hour’s drive from Park City. Another advantage is that the 8 mile stretch of river offers views of some of the area’s most stunning scenery, including an area of the river known as the Rock Garden. Here, centuries of weathering has produced a series of balanced rocks, arches and caves, all formed out of the distinctive orange and red sandstone. Other attractions along the river, which was once the bottom of an ancient inland sea, include one of the state’s most unusual rock formations, the Devil’s Slide.

Even if you aren’t an expert, this Park City Utah rafting trip is ideal, as it includes some more difficult passages mixed with slower stretches, which allow you to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. Of course, safety is the main concern of All Seasons Adventures, and all rafting participants are given a safety talk and demonstration, and fitted with a personal flotation device. Children aged over 4 who are able to swim are welcome on one of these rafting adventures.

The company offers two Park City rafting trips each day, one in the morning and one departing in the afternoon, making it easy to fit in with your schedule. You can drive yourself to the raft launch site, or the company will pick you up and take you there. Rafting trips typically last between 4 to 5 hours, with about half of that time actually spent rafting on the river. All that exercise and fresh air may make you hungry, and All Seasons provides a healthy lunch at the end of the trip. While not as well known as other Southwest rivers, the Weber offers some spectacular rafting, with scenery to match.

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You Should Visit The Moab Music Festival 2015

With stunning red rocks, Moab is adventurous paradise, attracting bikers, hikers, river rafters to southeastern Utah. When the heat of summer tapers off around Labor Day, however, Moab becomes an extraordinary concert theatre for world-class musicians. The Moab music festival holds a chain of chamber music concerts, amidst the stunning red rock landscape and along the scenic Colorado River.

Moab Music Festival Background

The Music Festival was founded in 1992 by New York based pianist, Michael Barrett and violist, Leslie Tomkins. The two couples fall in love with the red rock of Moab and were inspired to combine the thrilling landscape with the joy of music making. According the two musicians, starting a music festival was one way of ensuring that they would return to these beautiful landscapes again and again. The festival is famed for its distinctive programming, outstanding performances, great concert experiences of chamber music, jazz, traditional, Latin, and music of living composers.

From its inception, Moab Music Festival has been committed to education provision through music and cultural enrichment in the Moab community. The festival has an annual goal of reaching all the children in the Grand County Schools and providing inspirational assemblies with the attending musicians for the students. There are educational experiences for music lovers of all age as well—through its artist-in-residence program.

The festival is managed by a board of trustees and a group of professional staff supported by enthusiastic community volunteers, donors and advertisers. It is recognized by the IRS as a non-profit organization and is funded by the ticket revenues and contributions from individual stakeholders, foundations, local businessmen, and grants from various local, state, and federal agencies.

2015 Festival

The 17 concerts of the Moab Music Festival 2015 will be held in a variety of indoor and outdoor venues in and around Moab. The Grotto concerts, the Moab Music Festival’s signature events will be taking place in the pristine wilderness of Grotto, 30 miles down the Colorado River, and can be reached by a jet boat.

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Ghost Towns In Utah That You Can Visit For Yourself

We have all heard stories about historical museums, historical mansions, and even historical towns. We here at American Southwest are aware that many people find historical areas and even ghost towns to be quite interesting. Here is an overview of some of the most amazing ghost towns in Utah, some which you might want to visit in order to see for yourself.

Frisco

This once bustling little town was known for residents that mined for a living and who visited saloons, brothels and even gambling halls. After a massive cave-in that occurred in 1885, the town was eventually abandoned. Now, all that exists are multiple mining structures that are still relatively intact.

Grafton

Although it was abandoned in the early 1900’s, the town of Grafton is well-known for being one of the most preserved ghost towns in existence. It is so preserved and beautiful that several movies have been filmed in Grafton. Massive flooding caused those who lived in this town to vacate the area. Flooding occurred once in 1862, but years later some residents returned to attempt to live in the area. However, massive flooding occurred again in the early 1900’s, when a majority of the town relocated for good.

Widtsoe

Most of this town was destroyed in the 1930’s due to drought conditions which made farming impossible. The area had previously thrived, and farming was how a majority of the townspeople made their living. However, once the drought set in, not much could be salvaged. One especially interesting thing about this ghost town is the fact that a solitary schoolhouse still exists. Many visitors find this to be fascinating, since it is one of the few building that remains in Widtsoe.

So as you can see, all the stories about aren’t merely myths. These stories exist because there are entire towns that have been abandoned for years. If you find ghost towns interesting, then you might want to visit some of the ghost towns in Utah, which you might find to be more thrilling than any adventure you’ve ever experienced before. Follow us for more adventures in the American Southwest.

Finding The Best Ski Resorts Near Salt Lake City In Utah

Utah is and always has been a favorite destination for skiers. Favorable weather conditions in the mountainous regions provide ample amounts of light, dry snow ideal for skiers and snowboarders. With so many great options in such a concentrated area, it can be challenging for winter sports enthusiasts to decide where to go. The following is a list of some of the best ski resorts near Salt Lake City.

Other ski resorts in the state are bigger than Deer Valley but none is more luxurious. In fact, SKI Magazine readers voted this resort number one for three consecutive years beginning in 2008. Deer Valley operates the most lifts and offers terrain suitable for skiers of all skill levels.

With no less than eight mountains to explore, Canyons Resort is the largest in Utah. The resort has renovated the condos and lodges over the past several years and offers superb dining options, including Slopes by Talisker and The Farm.

Founded by legendary actor Robert Redford, Sundance is at the opposite end of the spectrum from Canyons Resort when compared in size. The fact that the crowds are smaller is exactly what makes this resort appealing to so many skiers. Located in Provo Canyon, Sundance offers a relaxing environment and first-rate lodging and dining.

Park City Mountain Resort rivals Canyons Resort in size and offers skiers the most intermediate terrain. Beginners can sign up for classes with some of the most talented instructors in the world. The resort is home to large terrain and halfpipe parks with a variety of ramps and jumps for snowboarders and skiers who want to do more than just glide downhill.

Snowbird is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon and receives more snow than most of the other Utah resorts. This often allows skiers to enjoy an extended season until May or sometimes June. With so many challenging runs, Snowbird is a great option for advanced athletes.

Skiers of all ages and skill levels can find a suitable resort in Salt Lake City. All of the ones listed here are within a one-hour drive making it possible for skiers and snowboarders to mountain hop to different locations quickly and easily.

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Plants And Animals You Will Likely Encounter When Traveling To Utah

Utah is home to many different habitats, including wetlands, forest, and deserts. There are many different plants and animals that live in each of these habitats. In order to survive, these plants and animals must adapt differently to their environments. American Southwest Magazine offers useful and fun information about the different habitats, plants, and animals in Utah.

Desert Habitat

Most people who have traveled to Utah have come across a very large, hot and dry area that probably made their drive seem very long. Desert habitats are extremely hot. In Utah, for example, a high temperature of 117 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded in the southern part of the state. However, nights in the deserts are cool. Because of these extreme temperature fluctuations, plants and animals have to adapt and change how they live.

Some of the desert plants and animals in Utah include:
• King birds
• Leopard lizards
• Jack rabbits
• Big brown bats
• Spadefoot toads
• Tarantulas
• Agave plants
• Cactus
• Desert sand verbena
• Ironwood trees
• Mesquite trees

Forest Habitat

Forests cover one third of Utah and have many different plants and animals. The temperate forests of Utah go through all four seasons and the plants and wildlife all have to adapt to survive the challenging weather throughout the year.

Some of the most common forest plants and animals in Utah include:
• Black bears
• Garter snakes
• Honey bees
• Red fox
• Three toed woodpeckers
• Mole
• Quaking aspen trees, which can grow to heights of 40 to 50 feet.
• Blue spruce trees
• Gamble oak trees
• Cottonwood trees
• Currant bush
• Chokecherry trees

Wetlands

Wetlands are habitats saturated with water, which flows from another source, for part of the year. There are seven different types of wetlands, also canned Riparian zones, in Utah. They include mud flats, shrub swamps, wetland, salt marsh, forest wetland, aquatic plant bed, wet meadows, and bog. However, they all have a few characteristics which are the same.

Some of the most common plants and animals in Utah’s wetlands include:
• American beaver
• Tiger salamander
• Mallard duck
• American bullfrog
• Water scorpion
• Tiger trout
• Cattails
• Duckweed
• Arrow grass
• Baltic rush
• Stream orchid
• Southern maidenhair fern

These are the most common plants and animals you will likely encounter when traveling to Utah.

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Tips For Staying Safe While Camping Or Hiking In The Desert

The sandy wilderness can be a fun place to be, especially for the wanderlust camper. There is a lot to marvel about like the constantly traveling dunes, the site of gem oasis or a caravan of camels longing for their end destination. However, we cannot also forget that behind this beautiful scenic view lies a danger we need to protect ourselves from.

There is a lot to consider when camping out in the desert than just packing a backpack and going. You should be equipped with a few desert hiking safety tips that will ensure your survive whatever situation that may come away. If you are a first time desert camper, here are a few things you need to consider while out there:

Water and Food: Water and food should always be first on the list—but water should be prioritized because the scorch environment of the desert can drain your body to dehydration. Thus carry an extra gallon of water safely with you and ensure you have enough food to last the camping period.

Clothes: You also have to consider the kind of clothes to wear out there. Because the heat will be intense, dressing lightly is advised; dress in bright colors that reflected sunrays away as opposed to dull colors. Sunglasses and a hat are ideal when the sun becomes unbearably hot. A heavy jacket should be considered too because the deserts nights can get quite chilly.

Where to Camp: While out in the desert, beware of the poisonous creatures that lurk in the sandy terrains. Avoid areas that may attract snakes or scorpions like deserted rock, logs, holes or thick bushes. Watch where you sit, where you walk and where you touch at all times. Carry a first aid kit with you in case someone is bitten by a poisonous animal and needs quick medical aid.

Lastly, before setting out to the sandy terrains, always inform someone of where you are going and who you are going with. For extra safety, always hike with friends because this increases your survival chances when something goes wrong.

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How to Safely Remove Snow from Your Roof

When multiple and large snowfalls accumulate, building owners often begin to think about the dangers of excessive snow on their roofs. After all, we have all heard of buildings collapsing in winter due to the weight of snow on roofs. When the likelihood of roof collapse looms, it’s a good idea to find the correct tools and follow proper methods to safely remove snow from your roof.

Although it may look pretty, excessive snow on your roof can be dangerous. Two feet of snow on an average roof can add up to 38,000 pounds of weight, heavy by any standard. Even if your roof can handle this additional weight, the pounds will still stress it and possibly contribute to future problems.

Excessive snow on a roof can also produce additional problems, particularly when melt occurs. Water seepage has the potential to produce rot, flood attics and destroy other household structures, necessitating repairs. Thus, it is in your best interests to remove large amounts of snow whenever possible.

Keep in mind, however, that it is dangerous to simply jump on top of a roof to remove snow. In addition to the elevation and pitch, snowy roofs can also be icy, meaning a wrong step can send you sliding haphazardly down to the ground.

Sagging is the most most obvious sign that a roof collapse is imminent. Creaking, crack and popping sounds also indicate that a roof is in trouble. Interior signs include severe leaks, cracks in walls or doors and windows difficult to open are also warning signs.

The best way to remove snow from a roof is with a snow rake that has an an extended handle, allowing you to pull off snow from the safety of the ground. Start from the edge and work your way into the center by using downward strokes. Scrape snow from along the bottom of the roof and take at least two to three inches off. Avoid using ladders. Instead, buy extension poles or a longer rake to reach higher areas of the roof. Removing snow from roofs also helps avoid ice damage that can occur after snow melts and refreezes.

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Best Trails For Hiking In Salt Lake City

Hiking on weekends is a great way to unplug yourself from the bells and whistles of modern life. If you live in Salt Lake City, you have more than ten hiking trails to escape to. All of these are short and not too steep. Each one comes with a sweet surprise of its own: a cave, a lake, or a spring.

Hiking Trails from Little Cottonwood Canyon

Salt City City has three main canyons: Little Cottonwood Canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon, and the American Fork. Hundreds of trails lead up from each of these canyons. From the Little Cottonwood, two trails lead up to the Bell Canyon, a circular structure carved by a glacier thousands of years ago. Beginners and children can easily hike to Bell Canyon’s lower reserve whereas the higher reservoir and its set of waterfalls command a full-day of hike, suitable only for more seasoned hikers.

Trails from American Fork Canyon

If you are starting at the American Fork Canyon hiking to Cascade Springs is your best bet.  It is half a mile’s interpretive trail and leads up to shallow waterfalls and springs with beautiful waters inhabited by fish.  The springs are beautiful and the main highlight of the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. The trail is open only between May and October.

Hiking for 3 miles in the Timpanooke trail whose head is 7 miles up the Fork Canyon will lead you to the beautiful Scout Falls. If you looking for the shortest trail with the best payoff, take the Timpanoogos Cave trail. It is only 1.5 miles long and ends at three beautiful caves with a one-hour guided tour that can arranged by calling 801-756-5283.

Trails from Big Cottonwood Canyon

Donut Falls, named because of a donut-shaped rock through which the Big Cottonwood Creek flows, is the most marvelous of the trails possible from the Big Cottonwood. The falls are nine miles from the canyon but the hike is only 2.5 miles if you take the Mill D trailhead and 1.5 miles if you follow the Donut Falls trail. There is a secret cave behind the falls.

Salt Lake City has an abundance of beautiful hiking trails, but most residents go years without discovering hiking; don’t wait another weekend to get a look at these great Utah hiking trails, get out and hike today!

 

Salt Lake City: America’s Wonderland

In the past, Utah housed many Native Americans.The Ute Tribe, the Pueblo People, and the Navajo thrived in the region.On July 24, 1847, Salt Lake City established by Mormon pioneers.Being Mormon settlers, Birgham Young and his pioneer crew were the first non-Indians to dwell in Salt Lake Valley.Fleeing persecution, the group of pioneers found Salt Lake Valley enjoyable.Drawing reference from the salty, westward lake, the Mormons drew plans for Great Salt Lake City.

Shortly after, more settlers arrived in 1848.Most of the pioneers that arrived were Mormons that had converted after leaving Europe.In the following decade, different cultures and languages culminated in Salt Lake City.Goods were often traded at Salt Lake with prospectors that were traveling through the area.Prospectors desired the crops and livestock from Salt Lake in return for their goods that they brought with them from the east.

Previously, Salt Lake City was in Mexican territory.After a treaty was signed in the year 1848, it became a part of the United States of America.Salt Lake City became the state capital of Utah on January 4, 1896 when Grover Cleveland and the church came to an agreement, and polygamy was banned. Take a look at Turiya’s Gifts now!

Soldiers were stationed in Utah during the Civil War, creating trade opportunities with the Mormon people.The early 1900s brought many historic buildings such as the State Capitol.For transportation, electric trolleys were used to ride from place to place.Paved roads, street lamps, and parks were commonplace as the town expanded.

In the thirty years following 1900, they population would continue to grow almost three hundred percent!World War II brought large amounts of building construction after the stagnation caused by The Great Depression.Military buildings and industries jump-started the stagnant economy.Both soldiers and citizens alike spent their money at various stores, clubs, and restaurants during war time.Convention centers and parks were erected in the 1980s as Salt Lake City continued to grow. Follow the link to find out how auralite 23 crystal pendants can make a great gift.

Utah is still going strong with a great economy and high employment growth.Software, technology, and bio-medical firms are commonplace in the Salt Lake City area.The hotel industry is booming as a result of the Olympic Winter Games and the success of the area’s many convention centers.Hotels got ready for the Olympic Games by adding in around two thousand rooms to accommodate travelers.Even convention centers were modified to house more participants.Salt Lake City residents now enjoy the re-worked I-15 freeway and several million dollar light-rail system while using public transportation to reach their downtown destinations.After the Olympic Winter Games, Salt Lake City has been opening its doors for more and more events that help its economy and citizens flourish. Learn more about Energy healing techniques here.