The state of Utah serves as home to a variety of activities appropriate for families with children. The cities of Ogden and Salt Lake City in particular feature year-round indoor and outdoor attractions catered to kids that provide opportunities for hands-on learning and play. In addition, Utah communities also host special annual events geared toward kids.
The Tree House Children's Museum is in downtown Ogden, Utah. The museum is geared toward children from ages one to 12 years. The Tree House Children's Museum offers hands-on exhibits that allow children to learn through play and doing. An example is the Baby Room, which encourages children to care for dolls as if they were infants. Special rooms are devoted to art, music, local history and the U.S. government.
The Tree House Children's Museum is open daily year-round with the exception of some major holidays. The museum requires at least one hour to tour. As of October 2010, admission for children was $6, while adult admission was $5. The nearest parking is along the street in metered spaces or in the Junction Parking Terrace pay parking garage, accessible from Grant Avenue and 23rd Street.
The Sundance Resort is located in the small town of Sundance, 30 minutes from Provo, Utah. Owned by Robert Redford, the resort is best-known for hosting an annual independent film festival. Sundance also features a Children's Festival that occurs each year on a Saturday during the month of June. The activities and events featured at the festival vary every year. Previous years' schedules have included face painting, crafts and strolling performers such as clowns who circulate through the crowds. Live music is typically featured as well as a barbecue. Food vendors are also on-site for the festivities.
Activities featured in the Sundance Children's Festival are held throughout the grounds of the Sundance Resort. The event is free to attend though vendors charge fees at the festival. Free parking is available for attendees.
Hogle Zoo is on the eastern end of Salt Lake City. The zoo has served the city since 1931 and reached a yearly total of 1 million visitors for the first time in December 2009. The facility has accreditation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, an honor reserved for only 10 percent of the nation's zoos and animal attractions. The Utah's Hogle Zoo covers 42 acres of ground and serves as home to more than 800 animals, including African elephants, red kangaroos and white rhinos. The zoo also has a variety of attractions and activities for kids, including a train and carousel. The Children's Zoo area hosts live performances and demonstrations for kids daily.
Utah's Hogle Zoo is open seven days per week, year-round, with the exception of some major holidays. The zoo typically requires 1 to 2 hours to fully tour. As of October 2010, general admission was $9. Children and senior citizens enjoy discounted admission rates. Free parking is available.
