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| photo credit |
Big Brother, 3-years-old
Little Brother, 8-months-old
in the face of the Utah summer heat.
Often my oldest son comes up to me and says,
When things heat up outside, and if you have a young child that's pre-playground age you'll want
* a bit of grass in the shade
* a bit of water to play in
* a playground where older children can play with little help
Loves to hug cute girls on the playground, and take a picnic.
Because he doesn't climb or walk and puts everything in his mouth, finding a park both boys can enjoy has been a challenge. He loves water, and because water play areas are typically concrete there's nothing to 'eat.'
Two solid choices:
Mountview Park
1651 E. Ft. Union Blvd., Salt Lake City/Cottonwood Heights
Liberty Park
"Seven Canyons" water feature [pack a swim diaper]
600 E. 900 S., Salt Lake City
With my boys' current level of interest in the following activities, they present a few challenges. But, for the price of admission I get unique photo opportunities and keep these organizations running for future visits:
TRACY AVIARY
Adult: $7 / Age 3-12: $5 / Age 2 and under: free
and UTAH'S HOGLE ZOO
Adult: $12.75 / Age 3-12: $9.75 / Age 2 and under: free
When it comes to animals, what takes me 5 minutes to see he apparently sees in 3% of the time.
Is happy just to be in the Baby Bjorn. "Animals? Sure, I'll look at animals."
LAGOON
Regular: $44.95+tax / Age 3 and under: $28.95+tax
Age 2 and under: free admission, but must purchase individual ride tickets
Ride tickets: 4-10 tickets per ride @ $0.50/ticket
I was told by a ticket agent over the phone that no one over the age of 2 is admitted free. Which would mean that no one over the age of 2 would have use for individual ride tickets. But then, as not to confuse anyone, wouldn't only rides suitable for young guests with ride tickets post a ticket value for the ride?? A repeat phone call wouldn't hurt.
Didn't enjoy the rise and fall movement of many of the Kiddieland attractions last year. Would likely ride only the attractions his brother could ride, but would have to pay admission.
Would be able to ride approx. 6 attractions in total with me accompanying him. Would also enjoy the water play area [located just inside the park entrance/exit].
DISCOVERY GATEWAY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
General Admission: $8.50 / Age 1 and under: free
You and your child may want to have a plan for when another child takes something away from them. It'll likely happen, but you may be able to prevent a meltdown if your child knows what to do.
For a "unique" experience, go on the same day as a school field trip. <SHAKING MY HEAD "NO" WHILE SILENTLY MOUTHING THE WORDS "DON'T GO".> Fortunately, the museum will post awarning a notice at the entrance. Go another day. Trust me.
Because he'd live here, I had to include it in our list. Runs from one activity/area to the next every few minutes. He just can't take it all in fast enough.
Unfortunately, spends most of his visit attached to me and following his brother around. Other parents are also trying to attend to multiple children at the same time, and his play area can become overcrowded with older siblings. I worry about what he'll put in his mouth, as there is no 'to be sanitized' bin.
I'd try it again:
GYMBOREE PLAY AND MUSIC
First class is free
We attended our first class [Family Music, for Ages 6 months-5 years], and were invited to stay and play in their padded indoor gym. I was impressed with the teachers.
Was too embarrassed/grumpy/shy to join in during Family Music. Really enjoyed himself during the Family Gymboree Play and Learn. Was allowed to explore the gym and play on his own, in addition to playing with the group.
Had a great time crawling around with little help. Can put things in his mouth without panic [which is huge] as long as we tossed it into the 'to be sanitized' bin afterward.
Probably won't go again until my boys are older:
BOUNCE CENTERS [INFLATABLE TOYS/TRAMPOLINES]
Admission varies, and there are more of these to choose from than I realized. If they limited the number of children allowed on each 'toy' [for crowd control] and enforced age/size rules [to prevent trampling] we'd be more likely to go again.
Just didn't enjoy falling down.
Doesn't jump, but might enjoy crawling on an inflatable surface with others his size.
"I want to go somewhere."
EVERY TIME [me:]
...
Um, OK
[while thinking]
...where should I take them today??
***
I wanted to share a few of our "somewhere"s, WITH COMMENTS AS TO HOW THEY'VE GONE OVER WITH EACH OF MY BOYS. The list is ever growing, as I do need to be able to wear them BOTH out this summer!
If you live outside of our area, I hope you'll still find one or two great ideas here, or that in the least we can introduce you to a wonderful site for finding events in your area, Macaroni Kid.
If you live outside of our area, I hope you'll still find one or two great ideas here, or that in the least we can introduce you to a wonderful site for finding events in your area, Macaroni Kid.
{ free }
FUN IN THE SUN
FUN IN THE SUN
YOUR OWN BACKYARD
It's familiar, anything you'll need is within walking distance, and to get there all you have to do is walk outside. It's safe, and you can enjoy yourself too. More "No Yawn On My Lawn" ideas are coming! 
PUBLIC [OUTDOOR] PARKS with water play
Follow this link for a list of more Salt Lake County ParksWhen things heat up outside, and if you have a young child that's pre-playground age you'll want
* a bit of grass in the shade
* a bit of water to play in
* a playground where older children can play with little help
Loves to hug cute girls on the playground, and take a picnic.
Because he doesn't climb or walk and puts everything in his mouth, finding a park both boys can enjoy has been a challenge. He loves water, and because water play areas are typically concrete there's nothing to 'eat.'
Two solid choices:
Mountview Park
1651 E. Ft. Union Blvd., Salt Lake City/Cottonwood Heights
Liberty Park
"Seven Canyons" water feature [pack a swim diaper]
600 E. 900 S., Salt Lake City
{ pay to play }
FUN IN THE SUN
FUN IN THE SUN
 |
| We hope your biggest challenge will be the line. |
TRACY AVIARY
Adult: $7 / Age 3-12: $5 / Age 2 and under: free
and UTAH'S HOGLE ZOO
Adult: $12.75 / Age 3-12: $9.75 / Age 2 and under: free
When it comes to animals, what takes me 5 minutes to see he apparently sees in 3% of the time.
Is happy just to be in the Baby Bjorn. "Animals? Sure, I'll look at animals."
LAGOON
Regular: $44.95+tax / Age 3 and under: $28.95+tax
Age 2 and under: free admission, but must purchase individual ride tickets
Ride tickets: 4-10 tickets per ride @ $0.50/ticket
I was told by a ticket agent over the phone that no one over the age of 2 is admitted free. Which would mean that no one over the age of 2 would have use for individual ride tickets. But then, as not to confuse anyone, wouldn't only rides suitable for young guests with ride tickets post a ticket value for the ride?? A repeat phone call wouldn't hurt.
Didn't enjoy the rise and fall movement of many of the Kiddieland attractions last year. Would likely ride only the attractions his brother could ride, but would have to pay admission.
Would be able to ride approx. 6 attractions in total with me accompanying him. Would also enjoy the water play area [located just inside the park entrance/exit].
EXPLORE INDOORS
Big Brother's FAVORITE local "somewhere" [that also periodically offers discounts]:DISCOVERY GATEWAY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
General Admission: $8.50 / Age 1 and under: free
You and your child may want to have a plan for when another child takes something away from them. It'll likely happen, but you may be able to prevent a meltdown if your child knows what to do.
For a "unique" experience, go on the same day as a school field trip. <SHAKING MY HEAD "NO" WHILE SILENTLY MOUTHING THE WORDS "DON'T GO".> Fortunately, the museum will post a
Because he'd live here, I had to include it in our list. Runs from one activity/area to the next every few minutes. He just can't take it all in fast enough.
Unfortunately, spends most of his visit attached to me and following his brother around. Other parents are also trying to attend to multiple children at the same time, and his play area can become overcrowded with older siblings. I worry about what he'll put in his mouth, as there is no 'to be sanitized' bin.
I'd try it again:
GYMBOREE PLAY AND MUSIC
First class is free
We attended our first class [Family Music, for Ages 6 months-5 years], and were invited to stay and play in their padded indoor gym. I was impressed with the teachers.
Was too embarrassed/grumpy/shy to join in during Family Music. Really enjoyed himself during the Family Gymboree Play and Learn. Was allowed to explore the gym and play on his own, in addition to playing with the group.
Had a great time crawling around with little help. Can put things in his mouth without panic [which is huge] as long as we tossed it into the 'to be sanitized' bin afterward.
Probably won't go again until my boys are older:
BOUNCE CENTERS [INFLATABLE TOYS/TRAMPOLINES]
Admission varies, and there are more of these to choose from than I realized. If they limited the number of children allowed on each 'toy' [for crowd control] and enforced age/size rules [to prevent trampling] we'd be more likely to go again.
Just didn't enjoy falling down.
Doesn't jump, but might enjoy crawling on an inflatable surface with others his size.
***
NEXT REVIEW: WATER PARKS
Until then, Happy "Go Somewhere's!"
A.
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