Halloween fun

There are a number of places with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and haunted houses all over UT. Thanksgiving point has a very large Halloween area, including a gigantic corn maze. Last year I went to a lovely little farm that had a small (and free) corn maze just the right size for preschoolers. You could also pick a pumpkin from their patch and take pictures with the scarecrows. You take the Farmington exit, head west, and follow the signs. There are a number of other ones in Syracuse, but I've never been there.

Gardiner Village Halloween

Gardiner Village hosts lots of fun activities around Halloween. They have a petting zoo; there is also pony rides, a horse-drawn wagonette ride with a witch (on Mon, Fri, and Sat. evenings), and of course, their witches displays... with tons of costumed witches in every corner. There is also a witches night out Oct. 20 & 21, where you can come in costume to enjoy live music, raffles, and lots of fun. I think Gardiner village is cute anyway, but Halloween must be the most fun.

Country dancing at Westerner

When we first saw the large "Absolutely no weapons allowed" sign on the front door, we kind of wondered about the place. But we had so much fun! Early each night they have different things, from a class to learn the Western Swing, to Line Dancing, to Texas Two-Step. Then there is dancing and live music on Friday dn Saturday nights. Covercharge free before 7:30, and membership fees are only $4 for 3 weeks or $20 for the year. Great way to try something different.

Located: 3360 south Redwood Rd. (1700 west) (801)972-5447
www.westernerclub.com

Scarecrow Festival

Get ready for Halloween! Sandy has an annual scarecrow festival each year with a petting zoo, games, performances from local groups, food and games. Tons of fun. It's an annual don't miss treat. This year it runs from Oct. 12-14. Kids under 5 get wrist bands for $5 so they can do pretty much everything, but admission to the festival is free.

For directions and info: call 282-1040 or sandy.utah.gov

Christmas Lights on Temple Square

Temple Square is always kept beautiful, but Christmas is especially lovely, with tons of Christmas lights. The lights are turned on Friday, November 24 and are definitely worth a visit with the family! An ariel view can be seen at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (across from the ZCMI mall) on the floor with the Garden and Roof restaurants (also a nice place to stop).

Temple Square Christmas Concerts

Free concerts on temple square. Most of them are local choirs and music groups in an informal setting. Great for small kids (where you don't want to pay money to sit for 5 minutes before your toddler takes off).

They run from November 25-December 23. Location and times as follows:
Assembly Hall - Tuesday-Sunday 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30
South Visitor Center - Tuesday-Sunday 6:00, 7:00, 8:00
Joseph Smith Memorial Building - Monday-Saturday 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00
Church Office Building - Monday-Friday 12:00, 1:00

Temple Square Concerts

On most Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30, you can find a free concert going on in the Assembly Hall on temple square. It is low-key; you can come and go as you like. For information, go under: lds.org and look under the link for temple square events

Thanksgiving Point

Thanksgiving Point has a number of things to do with children. Perhaps the funnest is the Farm, a petting zoo which includes a wagon ride or a pony ride. My daughter didn't want to get off the pony. They have all sorts of barnyard animals, and the price is only $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for ages 3-12. Cheap and lots of fun!

There is also the Museum of Ancient Life, a 3-D movie theater, and Gardens. (There is a small garden area for free, the rest costs). And of course, Thanksgiving Point often hosts special events, like the boo fest, corn maze, Holiday lights, and Museum Monday Nights.

web site: Thanksgivingpoint.com

Hogle Zoo

Lots of fun! Small zoo, but great exhibits. My kids LOVE it! I think the animals are more active around 10am ish. There is a great playground and a train that is only 75 cents. Memberships are $50-75 for families.

Free days: Last Wed. of each month from November thru February.

Website: www.hoglezoo.org

Utah Museum of Natural History

A small museum, but very kid friendly! There aren't a lot of exhibits, but the ones they have are well done. My daughter loved the exhibit with native Utah animals. Plus there is a playroom on the main floor with toys for young ones and where you can watch an archeologist at work (if you can take your eyes off of the kids).

Free: First Monday of each month is free! Parking is free, just pick up a pass at the front desk.

website: www.umnh.utah.edu

Red Butte Garden

Beautifully, well kept gardens. Very child friendly. There is a children's section in the garden that my kids loved: from climbing on statues of large lizards, wandering around a garden maze, to playing in their water fountain. There is also another section where kids can feed large goldfish. The dinasour exhibit ends Oct. 30, so hurry in. Fun exhibit!

And of course, free days: Arbor Day: April 28, Pioneer day: July 24, Labor Day: Sept. 4, and Holiday Open House & Craft Fair Dec. 2 & 3rd

www.redbuttegarden.org

Museum of Fine Art

Museum better for older kids. I think. Actually, when I went, they were closed (closed on Mondays). But, the museum is free the 1st Wednesday each month. And kids under 6 are always free.

Website: www.umfa.utah.edu