Occupying an impressive limestone structure built in 1905; this interactive museum offers the young and young-at-heart an entertaining look at the universe. An ideal reward for kids who behaved well while touring nearby Temple Square, the museum encourages participation with simulated space flights, star shows and dancing laser lights. Its Hansen Dome Theater boasts of over 200 seats and is the first of its kind to give viewers the pleasure of exploring the universe in three dimension without the use of glasses. The theater has spectacular projectors and its state-of-the-art acoustics are second to none. In addition, the Clark Planetarium is home to an ATK IMAX Theater which showcases Hollywood blockbusters along with informative films. The films generated by the Clark Planetarium have reached corners of the globe, and some of their applauded shows are Perfect Little Planet, Gateway to the Stars, Extreme Planets and the Ultimate Universe. Astronomy courses are available for all ages in the summer and special programs are scheduled throughout the year.
Have you ever seen a human imprinted bird? Interested? Then this downtown aviary is the place to go. Housing more than 500 birds from 150 species, this is a great place to encounter birds up close and personal. Enjoy an amazing bird show during the warmer months, and gawk at the beautiful peacocks that roam the grounds.
With an excellent staff and educational programs, this zoo remains a favorite with kids. The Hogle Zoo plays home to over 200 species. Outstanding exhibits include Elephant Encounter exhibit, the Primate Forest and The African Savannah. The zoo remains open all year. Children two years and under are admitted free.
Wheeler Historic Farm invites visitors to remember what it was like to visit the family farm for a special event like Christmas dinner or the harvest. The historic setting offers a trip back in time as visitors see what life was like on a 19th century farm in Utah. A variety of special events are scheduled to coincide with the seasons, ranging from Halloween parties to spring planting festivals.
A teeming nature preserve in Salt Lake County, this serene park rests along the southern shore of the Great Salt Lake. Sheltering a sprawling marina, the Great Salt Lake State Park began operations in 1978, and has been popular with bathers since the Mormon Pioneers first arrived in the middle of the 19th century. A small visitors' center offers a museum, local information and a video about the lake, while the private SaltAir development provides a few shops, food outlets, and space for events. A breeding ground for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds, the park is sheathed in extensive wetlands, and has been a popular site with birders.