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