Summer 2010
Summer is just around the corner. Keeping kids happy for three months is quite a task, but the Daily Herald has compiled some ideas for activities to help you fill up the calendar — free activities, organized camps and vacations. And for all the novice campers out there, we’ve got some suggestions to help make your experience in the outdoors a great one.
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gear you might not think about
games
Throw in a deck of cards, dominos or travel versions of your favorite board games. For when you run out of things to talk about.
music
If someone plays the guitar, harmonica, ukulele, etc., be sure to bring it. It makes campfire singing that much better.
wet wipes
If you haven’t been camping before, make this summer the year to spend time around a crackling fire out under the stars, and waking up to the sun rising and the fresh mountain air. Even if you aren’t an “outdoors” person, if you give it a try, Mother Nature will do her best to invigo-
rate you with her sights, sounds and smells. And you don’t have to rough it. Camping a few feet from your car at a campground makes it easy to get home in case of emergencies (rain, the flu, or an encounter with poison ivy), or settle into an RV at a KOA or other RV park.
If you’re out of the baby stage, you aren’t in the habit of buying these, but there are few jobs wet wipes can’t handle. From sticky to sloppy messes, wet wipes are great to have on hand and beat paper towels any day of the week. Especially on a camping trip.
Flip Flops For middle-of-thenight trips to answer nature’s call, it’s nice to slip on sandals or flip flops rather than lacing up hiking boots.
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TIN FOIL RECIPES
Campfire Ham Packets
If you’ve never cooked over a fire before, it can be a little intimidating. There also is more to campfire cooking than marshmallows and hotdogs, though those two items can be excellent as well. With a little creativity, you and your fellow campers can feast like kings and queens, not scavengers. The Internet is a treasure trove of campfire recipes — and they’re easy to find. Here are a few to get you started.
Strawberry Banana Dump Cobbler prepared in a Dutch oven.
Ingredients (for a single serving): n cubed ham (1/2 cup or so per pack) n pineapple chunks (4 or 5 per pack. More if you really love pineapple) n diced potato (cut in 1 inch pieces so it cooks in time — 1 small potato per pack) n 1 tablespoon butter n ½ tablespoon brown sugar n aluminum foil Directions:
1. Pull off enough aluminum foil to make a single serving packet. I usually use a double layer of foil because we always eat right out of the packets. 2. Spread butter on foil. 3. Place ingredients in the center of the foil. Each person can add ingredients to their liking since these are individual packets. 4. Fold edges together. 5. Roll the edges together two or three times so steam won’t escape. 6. Throw in fire (or place on grate) for 10 to 20 minutes. 7. Fold triangles into the four corners 8. Unroll the center folds and open up so you have a bowl. 9. Eat with a spoon (so you don’t puncture holes in the foil). 10. Clean up is a snap — you only have a spoon to wash! — www.dltk-kids.com
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Baked Apples
Campfire Popcorn
Ingredients: n 1 apple n 2 to 4 tablespoons dried fruits and nuts n 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon sugar (mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon) n 1/2 teaspoon butter or margarine
Ingredients: n bacon drippings or other fat n popping corn
Directions: Carefully core the apple, leaving the bottom intact. Stuff it with fruits and nuts of your choice, packing it fairly tight. Sprinkle on the cinnamon sugar and dot with butter. Wrap the apple in a double thickness of aluminum foil, twisting the ends at the top to form an easy handle. Place the apple right side up on the coals. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes, turning occasionally, or until the apple yields slightly when pushed with a gloved hand. Before serving, open the foil and let the apple cool for a few minutes. Serves one.
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Directions: 1. Punch holes in the lid of a 2-pound coffee can. 2. Wrap wire around can below the rim and make wire handles, so can will fit on toasting stick. 3. Put 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings or any other fat into the can. 4. Add 1 1/3 cups of popcorn kernels. 5. Shake over fire until they pop. — www.dltk-kids.com
Some variations on the classic s’more
CHOCOLATE DREAM The only way to make this s’more more chocolaty would be to dip the entire treat in chocolate sauce. Sandwich a toasted marshmallow between four thin squares of chocolate and two chocolate-covered graham crackers. MIGHTY MINTS These s’mores have an added zing from the mint. Chocolate mints tend to be thin, so they melt exceptionally well. Toast the marshmallow, then
of dutch ovens
seasoning Don’t ever use soap to clean a Dutch Oven. Cast iron is porous and will soak in the soap and redeposit it in the food. Rinse with water and wipe with a Dutch oven conditioner after every use.
rule of 3
MARSHMALLOW RECIPES ROBINSON CRUSOES True peanut butter lovers can spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter onto 2 graham crackers, then sandwich 1 toasted marshmallow between them. For a peanut butter and chocolate combo, add four thin squares of chocolate.
rules
sandwich it between two thin chocolate mints and two graham crackers. SOPHISTICATES For a jazzy s’more, sandwich a toasted marshmallow between two chocolatecovered biscuits or cookies — we have tried fudge-striped shortbread, chocolate-covered mint cookies and chocolate-covered peanut butter cookies. OREO S’MORES Separate the two sides of the cookie, having no concern whether or not the cream is on one side or the other. Place a toasted marshmallow between the cookies along with half of a miniature-sized Mr. Goodbar. Shaggy Dogs 1 marshmallow A small bowl of chocolate syrup 2 to 3 teaspoons shredded coconut Directions: Spear the marshmallow on a stick and roast until golden. Carefully dip it into the chocolate syrup to cover and then roll it in the coconut.
While there are many schools of thought on regulating temperature of a Dutch oven, this is a good general rule. Take the diameter of the Dutch oven and add 3 briquettes for the top, and subtract 3 for the bottom. A 12-inch oven would have 12+3=15 briquettes on top and 12-3=9 briquettes on bottom.
keep dry
Cast iron rusts easily, so don’t use a lot of water, and don’t let water sit in the bottom of a Dutch oven for very long. If it does get rusty, there are several methods, such as an SOS pad or acidic liquid such as cola or tomato juice.
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Singing around the campfire has been around probably as long as campfires. If there is anywhere to be uninhibited, sitting around a campfire is the place. If you’ve got a guitar or harmonica, great; but there’s nothing wrong with leaving the accompaniment to the crickets. Whether it’s silly songs, your favorite contemporary hits, patriotic songs or spiritual hymns, here are a few campfire favorites, just in case you forgot the words.
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ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI
(SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “ON TOP OF OLD SMOKEY”)
On top of spaghetti all covered with cheese. I lost my poor meatball when somebody sneezed. It rolled off the table, it rolled on the floor, And then my poor meatball rolled out of the door. It rolled in the garden and under a bush, And then my poor meatball was nothing but mush.
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CALAMINE LOTION (“SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “MY BONNIE LIES OVER THE OCEAN”)
My body needs calamine lotion My body’s all red you can see. The flowers I picked for my mommy, turned out to be poison ivy! Don’t touch, don’t touch, don’t touch the leaves of three, of three! Don’t touch, don’t touch, don’t touch the leaves of three!
OH, SUSANNA I come from Alabama With a banjo on my knee; I’m goin’ to Louisiana, My true love for to see.
The mush was as tasty as tasty could be, And early next summer it grew to a tree.
It rained all night the day I left, The weather it was dry; The sun so hot I froze to death, Susanna, don’t you cry.
The tree was all covered with beautiful moss. It grew great big meatballs and tomato sauce.
CHORUS: Oh, Susanna, oh don’t you cry for me I’ve come from Alabama With a banjo on my knee.
So if you eat spaghetti all covered with cheese, Hold on to your meatball and don’t ever sneeze.
I had a dream the other night When everything was still; I thought I saw Susanna a-comin’ down the hill.
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The buckwheat cake was in her mouth The tear was in her eye; Says I, I’m comin’ from the South; Susanna don’t you cry. CHORUS.
THE SPRITE SONG (SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “DOE A DEER”)
Dough: I use to buy my Sprite Ray: The guy who pours my Sprite Me: The one who drinks my Sprite Far: A long way to the john So: I think I’ll have a Sprite Laaaht’s: and lots and lots of Sprite Tea? No thanks, I’ll have a Sprite That will bring us back to dough....
I LOVE THE MOUNTAINS I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills. I love the clovers I love the daffodils. I love the fireside — when the lights are low Boom de ah da, boom de ah da, Boom de ah da, boom de ay. (can be sung in a round)
Summer 2010
YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE CHORUS: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine You make me happy when skies are gray You’ll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away. The other night dear, as I lay sleeping I dreamed I held you in my arms. But when I waken, I was mistaken So I hung my head and I cried. CHORUS I’ll always love you and make you happy If you will only stay the same. But if you leave me to love another You’ll regret it all someday. CHORUS
Summer 2010
DO YOUR EARS HANG LOW? Do your ears hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie them in a knot? Can you tie them in a bow? Can you throw them over your shoulder Like a Continental soldier? Do your ears hang low? Do your ears flip-flop? Can you use them for a mop? Are they stringy at the bottom? Are they curly at the top? Can you use them for a swatter? Can you use them for a blotter? Do your ears flip-flop?
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Do your ears fall off When you give a great big cough? Do they lie there on the ground Or bounce around at every sound? Can you stick them in your pocket Just like little Davy Crockett? Do your ears fall off?
THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND Chorus: This land is your land, this land is my land From California, to the New York Island From the redwood forest, to the gulf stream waters This land was made for you and me
Do your ears hang high? Do they reach up to the sky? Do they droop when they are wet? Do they stiffen when they’re dry? Can you semaphore your neighbor With a minimum of labor? Do your ears hang high?
As I was walking a ribbon of highway I saw above me an endless skyway I saw below me a golden valley This land was made for you and me
Do your ears hang wide? Do they flap from side to side? Do they wave in the breeze? From the slightest little sneeze? Can you soar above the nation With a feeling of elation? Do your ears hang wide?
I’ve roamed and rambled and I’ve followed my footsteps To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts And all around me a voice was sounding This land was made for you and me
Chorus
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Chorus The sun comes shining as I was strolling The wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling The fog was lifting a voice come chanting This land was made for you and me Chorus As I was walkin’ — I saw a sign there And that sign said — no trespassin’ But on the other side … it didn’t say nothin’! Now that side was made for you and me! Chorus In the squares of the city — In the shadow of the steeple Near the relief office — I see my people And some are grumblin’ and some are wonderin’ If this land’s still made for you and me. Chorus (2x)
I’VE BEEN WORKING ON THE RAILROAD I’ve been working on the railroad All the livelong day I’ve been working on the railroad Just to pass the time away Can’t you hear the whistle blowing Rise up so early in the morn Can’t you hear the captain shouting Dinah, blow your horn Dinah, won’t you blow Dinah, won’t you blow Dinah, won’t you blow your horn Dinah, won’t you blow Dinah, won’t you blow Dinah, won’t you blow your horn Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah Someone’s in the kitchen I know Someone’s in the kitchen with Dinah Strumming on the old banjo, and singing Fie, fi, fiddly i o Fie, fi, fiddly i o Fie, fi, fiddly i o Strumming on the old banjo
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AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL
The other day I saw a bear A great big bear a way up there
O beautiful for spacious skies For amber waves of grain For purple mountain majesties Above the fruited plain!
[continue this pattern for every verse]
America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea. O beautiful for pilgrim’s feet Whose stern impassioned stress A thoroughfare of freedom beat Across the wilderness! America! America! God mend thine every flaw. Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law. O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife. Who more than self their country loved And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine. O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years. Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed his grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea.
THE BEAR SONG LEADER: The other day (group echoes) The other day I saw a bear (I saw a bear) A great big bear (A great big bear) A way up there (A way up there) Everyone:
I looked at him He looked at me I sized up him He sized up me He says to me Why don’t you run I see you ain’t Got any gun I said to him That’s a good idea So come on feet Let’s get out of here And so I ran Away from there But right behind Me was that bear But ahead of me There was a tree A great big tree Oh, glory be! But the lowest branch Was 10 feet up I’d have to trust My luck to jump And so I jumped Into the air But I missed that branch A way up there Now don’t you fret Now don’t you frown ‘Cause I caught that branch On the way back down That’s all there is There ain’t no more Unless I meet That bear once more
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SHE’LL BE COMIN’ AROUND THE MOUNTAIN She’ll be comin’ around the mountain when she comes (Toot! Toot!) She’ll be comin’ around the mountain when she comes (Toot! Toot!) She’ll be comin’ around the mountain, She’ll be comin’ around the mountain, She’ll be comin’ around the mountain when she comes. She’ll be drivin’ six white horses when she comes (Whoa babe) She’ll be drivin’ six white horses when she comes (Whoa babe) She’ll be drivin’ six white horses, She’ll be drivin’ six white horses, She’ll be drivin’ six white horses when she comes (Whoa babe, Toot! Toot!) (repeat the pattern with each verse) Oh we’ll all go out to meet her when she comes (Hi, Nell) Oh we’ll kill the old red rooster when she comes (make choking noise) Oh we’ll all have chicken and dumplings when she comes (yum, yum) Oh she’ll wear her pink pajamas when she comes (Woo hoo) Oh she’ll have to sleep with grandma when she comes (make snoring noise)
Summer 2010
EDELWEISS Edelweiss, Edelweiss Every morning you greet me Small and white, Clean and bright, You look so happy to meet me. Blossom of snow May you bloom and grow, Bloom and grow forever. Edelweiss, Edelweiss, Bless my homeland forever.
BLESS MY UNDERWEAR
(SUNG TO THE TUNE OF “GOD BLESS AMERICA”)
God, bless my underwear My only pair. Stand beside them, And guide them, As they sit in a heap by the chair. From the washer, To the clothesline, To my dresser drawer, To my rear! God, bless my underwear, My only pair. God, bless my underwear, Or I’ll be bare.
PINK PAJAMAS
(SUNG TO TUNE OF “BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC”)
I wear my pink pajamas in the summer when it’s hot. And I wear my flannel nightie in the winter when it’s not. And sometimes in the Springtime and sometimes in the fall, I jump between the sheets with nothing on at all. Glory, glory what’s it to ya, Balmy breeze is blowin’ through ya And sometimes in the Springtime and sometimes in the fall, I jump between the sheets with nothing on at all.
Summer 2010
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f o r e m m u S
r a l u c a t c e p S
! s y a w a e v Gi
Loads of prizes given away every Friday! Enter to win prizes from these participating vendors and more!
www.]ZgVaYZmigV.com
HeraldExtra.com/giveaways
www.]ZgVaYZmigV.com
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free
or just about
rockin’ utah
Utah State Parks offers programs at various parks throughout the state all summer long. It’s only $10 per family. Check out the schedule at www.stateparks. utah.gov/rockinutah
Museum of art
Utah County’s own Springville Museum of Art offers a free Community and Family Night on June 7 and Aug. 2, both at 6 p.m. Admission is free and includes musical performances and children’s art project.
libraries
Check in with your local library to find out what programs they offer. Most have children’s story hour and other programs for children. Mom can sneak away with a good book for the hour.
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Summer is a great time for kids to get together and learn how to do something new, experience nature, meet new friends and have fun. And there’s no better way to accomplish all of these things than at summer camp. There are all sorts of summer camps, from the sleepover variety to an afternoon and everything between. They also vary in topics and activities. Everything from sewing and art to foreign language and music to camping and nature appreciation. Summer camp provides a great way to keep kids on a schedule (without them even knowing it) and gives Mom a little break, too. Soccer camp
Daily Herald
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THANKSGIVING POINT
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(801) 785-8713 or visit www.spacecamputah.org for more information.
Programs at Thanksgiving Point vary from dinosaur education to farm experiences. There also are classes and workshops. Visit thanksgivingpoint.org for more information on what is available.
WHEELER FARM
RED BUTTE GARDEN
One with nature
Nestled along the east benches of the Salt Lake Valley, Red Butte Gardens offers many different camps for kids on various nature topics such as horticulture and bugs. Visit www.redbuttegarden.org for more information.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM If you’re looking to throw in some education with your camp, consider the Utah Natural History Museum’s camps that involve museum artifacts and scientific experiments. Visit www.umnh.utah.edu.
space camp Sign your kids up for Space Camp right here in Utah Valley. The Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center offers day camp, overnighters and longer camps, plus junior space flights for the youngest of pilots. Call
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Wheeler Farm is the real deal, and it offers camps for children to experience life on a farm. Visit www.wheelerfarm.com for more information. Sundance Resort offers kids camps in art, nature and conservation. The Art Shack has workshops on beading, pottery and printmaking. The Nature Center has arts and crafts and guided nature walks. Sundance also offers weeklong camps (go one day, or all five) that get kids outdoors as much as possible learning about the environment of Sundance. Call (801) 225-4107 or visit www.sundanceresort.com for more information.
camp floyd This Utah state park in Fairfield offers a variety of day camps that highlight different attributes of the historical camp. Visit www.stateparks.utah. gov for more information.
dinosaurs rock Dinosaurs Rock is a fossil and mineral education company, and is hosting a three-day Family Fossil Dig and
Gemstone Hunt on June 27-29 in central Utah. Participants find and take home real dinosaur bone, trilobites, topaz and geodes while learning about paleontology, mineralogy and geology. Booking and detailed information about the dig including videos and past photos, and necessary registration information is available by calling 1-800-411-3466 or visiting http://dinosaursrock.com/ Fossil_Dig_Utah.html.
Indoor adventure The Salomon Center, Utah’s indoor adventure destination, has opened enrollment for its 2010 Adventure Summer Camps. The nontraditional indoor skydiving, indoor surfing and rock climbing camps provide expert tips and advance instruction to sharpen one’s adventure aptitude. Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.flowriderutah. com, www.iflyutah.com, www.irockutah.com or call (801) 528-5374.
City of fun Go to your city’s Parks and Recreation department’s website. Most cities offer day camps, art workshops, swimming lessons and more. Put your tax dollars to work and take advantage of these relatively inexpensive activities.
web resources
Allensguide.com
A guide to summer camps and travel programs, searchable by state
Camppage.com
A guide to summer camps searchable by state
Mysummercamps. com
A guide to camps, mostly sports, music, etc., searchable by state
Kidscamps.com
A directory of summer camps searchable by state and by type of camp
Wasatchkidscamps. com Summer field trips throughout the Salt Lake Valley for kids ages 5-13. Drop-off and pick-up sites are available at locations throughout the valley.
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The Salt Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau introduced the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass in 2009, and it’s back this year. The Connect Pass is a simple way to visit the area’s top attractions in one-, two- or three-day increments. New this year is a 365-day pass. With the 365-day pass, you could have a weekly outing almost all summer. The pass is activated the first time you use it at any of the 13 venues. It remains active for the number of consecutive days purchased. Pass holders may visit as many attractions as they like while their pass is active, but they are limited to only one visit at each
days
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participating attraction. The passes are a great way to really pack in a whole day’s worth of activities for one low price. We’ve used the passes to go to Discovery Gateway, grab lunch at Lion House Pantry Restaurant (a fantastic value and delicious food) and play around on Hidden Peak at the top of the tram ride at Snowbird.
regular
senior (65+)
Child (3-12)
1 day
$24
$22
$20
2 days
$36
$33
$30
3 days
$48
$44
$40
$69
$64
$59
365 days
thirteen attractions
Discovery Gateway Red Butte Gardens Snowbird resort Thanksgiving Point Gardens, Museum of Ancient Life Utah Museum of Fine Arts Utah Museum of Natural History Utah Olympic Park Utah’s Hogle Zoo Lion House Pantry Restaurant Living Planet Aquarium Clark Planetarium Tracy Aviary This Is The Place park
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For a week last summer, if you were a kid, the hit place to be was at one particular neighbor’s house every afternoon. Whitney Barney, 13, along with a friend and a cousin, organized a neighborhood kids camp and invited all the kids ages 3-9. For $5 per day or $20 for the whole week, the three girls planned crafts, snacks and activities for each day. Each day had a theme: Crazy Craft Day (kids got to make their own camp T-shirt); Disney Day (a treasure hunt and princess costumes ruled);
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Zoo Day (kids brought a stuffed animal with them); Carnival Day (booths, tickets, snow cones and prizes); and Water Day (kids came in their swimsuits for a slip-n-slide and other games). Camp lasted two hours each day. Every child got a take-home craft, a snack and other prizes and treats. The girls spent about $200 on supplies — including food, decorations and crafts. They cleared about $500 to split. “That’s pretty good for girls our age,” Barney said.
Summer 2010
online resources
Utah state parks department
Read about the amenities of each park, make camping reservations, check weather conditions and find ATV classes and other workshops and events put on by the Division of Wildlife Resources. www.stateparks.utah.gov
National Park service
Find a park, learn history, find out how to volunteer and other ways to get involved with national parks. Event information and other information from the U.S. Department of the Interior. www.nps.gov
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Most of my girlfriends are pretty incredible at making sure their man has a night put aside at least once a month to hang with his amigos. It’s lovingly referred to as “guys night” around the office, and it can be everything from watching the game with your best buds to racing with an outdoor cycling team of friends. My girlfriends, on the other hand, do not do the same favor for themselves. After some deep thinking and discussing with my BFFs, I have come to the conclusion that they need some guidance on what counts as a “girls night out.”
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So ladies, here are the rules: 1. It does not count if kids come. That’s a play date. 2. It does not count if it’s required for work, church or family relations. 3. It must be fun. 4. You must go with people you like otherwise it’s not fun and then you’re breaking rule #3. 5. If you’re being asked to buy something like jewelry or kitchenware, that’s a sales pitch.
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Here are some examples of what does count: A show, movie or concert
n
Taking a class together like painting, cooking or Spanish
n
Taking up a sport like rock climbing, cycling and hiking
n
Going dancing or going to karaoke night
n
Having a girl’s night out allows you to reconnect with adults and Shopping and dinner friends and talk “grown up.” It can be a great way to get and give advice and strengthen bonds with the people who have your back during the n Getting a manicure, pedicure or a spa day tough times. Getting out and enjoying yourself makes life’s frustrations diminish, and you in turn become a better mom, employee and wife. n
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While winter often limits date night to dinner and a movie, in the summertime the options really open up. From outdoor concert series to amusement parks, a date can be as peaceful or as active as you want it to be. Daily Herald For active dates, try mountain biking at Sundance, a day at Lagoon (the kids can come next time) or plan a picnic in the park and bring along a Frisbee or baseball and gloves. If “date night” is a term that also includes one-on-one time between a parent and child, try the Quarry — you can quickly become certified to belay, and you and your child can work together on the climbing wall. And because you won’t be climbing yourself, it becomes a really cheap date — all you’ll have to pay for is your child’s admission.
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or just about
gallery stroll
Both Provo and Salt Lake City offer organized strolls, usually on Friday night once a month. A walking tour of art, mingling, food and live music, a stroll is a relaxing way to spend an evening. Visit www. gallerystroll.org or www.downtownprovo.org for more information.
snuggle near a campfire
Summer’s answer to snuggling on a bearskin rug in front of the fireplace is snuggling under a camp blanket in the cool mountain air. Use established fire rings to reduce the risk of wildfires.
arcade
For a small entry fee and a roll of nickels, you and your date can engage in friendly competition and a lot of flirting. Visit Nickel City’s new location at 1515 S. State St. in Orem.
Summer 2010
Rock Climbing
World-class rock climbing areas are all over the Wasatch Mountains. If you don’t know how, check out a class at a climbing gym where you can rent equipment, learn the basics or advance your skill set. Eventually, you’ll be able to head up the canyon for an afternoon of free, all-natural fun.
join a team
Join a summer league of soccer, softball or ultimate Frisbee or disc golf (seriously). It’s a great way to be involved with people in the community and get some exercise while you’re at it. Or grab some buddies for pick-up basketball, home-run derby or simple Frisbee. Whatever it is you decide to do, you won’t be sitting on the couch.
mountain biking
It’s nearly impossible to name all the places to go mountain biking. And that’s only one way to ride a bike. Try riding to the park, along a paved trail like Provo River Parkway Trail or into town to peruse downtown shops. Some places to
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One of the best reasons to live in Utah Valley is easy access to the outdoors. With a seemingly endless list of outdoor activities, you should be able to fill up your summer calendar, no sweat. Here are some ideas to get you started. rent include two Mad Dog Cycles locations, which rent mountain bikes and cruisers; and BYU’s Outdoors Unlimited, which rents it all from tandem to road to mountain bikes, with all the accessories like car racks and kid trailers. Or take advantage of Provo’s Blue Bike program, which has cruisers available for around-the-town biking. [Outdoors Unlimited, (801) 422-2708, www.byu.edu/outdoors; Mad Dog Cycles, Orem (801) 222-9577 or Provo (801) 356-7025, www.maddogcycles.com]
motorcycle ride
Down the track
Swimmin’ hole
They call it a slide, but technically, riders go down Snowbird’s Alpine Slide on wheels. Travel 1,300 linear feet through twists and tunnels down the mountainside. Buy a single ride or get an all-day unlimited pass and ride all you want, plus hit the tram, climbing wall, bungy ZipRider and mechanical bull. Snowbird is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Visit www.snowbird. com or call (801) 933-2222 for more information.
Rent a Harley-Davidson for a powerful way to breathe in some fresh air (careful not to swallow any bugs) for a day or even a weekend. Timpanogos Harley-Davidson moved to a new facility in Lindon recently, which features a restaurant (Marley’s) and events. Release your inner “Easy Rider,” although leather is optional. A valid motorcycle license, however, is required. Visit www.timpharley.com or call (801) 434-HOGS for more information Check out your city’s pool, or visit a neighboring one. Lindon has a new aquatics center this year, featuring a zero entry leisure pool, a lap pool, a toddler pool, a hot tub, slides and a sunken pirate ship. The center will also have a Flowrider, a continuous wave ride that allows for surfing and body boarding. It’s only the second one in Utah, with the other located at the Salomon Center in Ogden. Visit www.UtahAdventurer. com to read about and watch the video of our experience on the Flowrider.
give service
united way
A great resource to find volunteer opportunities, the United Way can connect you to the right program for you. Visit www. unitedwayuc.org.
Parks & rec.
If you’re itching to get your hands dirty, but don’t have any yard work of your own, help out in your neighborhood park. City Parks & Rec. departments can always use volunteers to help with maintenance.
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free
or just about
fishing
The Division of Wildlife Resources’ annual Free Fishing Day is June 5. But buying a fishing license won’t set you back too much: $26 per year for ages 14-64. And hey, all you 12- and 13-year-olds, yours will only be $5. There are plenty of fishing holes in Utah County and throughout the state, including blue-ribbon fly fishing on the Provo River. Rocky Mountain Outfitters offers flyfishing guides along the Provo and other fisheries, providing equipment, instruction and encouragement. And for fishing reports and other information (including a link to buy your license online) visit wildlife.utah. gov/fishing.
Float the river
You’ll want to wait a bit on this one if you’ve got kids. Spring runoff can make the river a bit fast. But it’s a great way to cool off in the summer heat, soak in the beautiful canyon scenery and participate in a classic Utah County summer activity. You can do this for free by bringing your own tube; don’t forget to arrange a way back to your car at the top. Or you can rent from various companies that offer tube and kayak rentals, accessories like life jackets, as well as tour guides. Rides typically last one and a half to two hours.
Hot springs
There are several to choose from in the Beehive State. The Crater at the Homestead offers scuba diving and snorkeling; Monroe Hot Springs has various pools for soaking in the middle of red-rock desert terrain; Diamond Fork Canyon is home to Fifth Water Springs; or head north to Crystal Hot Springs in Box Elder County, which channels the water into a traditional swimming pool-type setting.
Olympic splash
Visit the Olympic Legacy Fountain at the Gateway. It’s not officially swimming, but it sure is fun — and free.
Take a hike
For some this might be a no-brainer, but if you’ve never been, finding the right trail can be daunting. There are plenty of resources out there to help you find the right trail for beginners to experts, kids or large groups. And there is a trail out there for everyone, from short — Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove — to daylong hikes like the Timpooneke Trail to the top of Mount Timpanogos. Visit www.UtahAdventurer.com for trails, tips and ideas. Except for the entry fee at some canyons, it’s all free.
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Having grown up in Las Vegas, I often find it amazing that people in Utah Valley don’t consider it a family vacation destination. Let’s face it … Vegas has world-class restaurants, some of the greatest shows and concerts on Earth, more all-you-can-eat buffets than you can imagine, all at dirt cheap prices! For a valley that loves deals as much as us, Vegas couldn’t be a better fit. However, the “Sin City’s” reputation of the land of lights keeps a lot of families from booking a trip. Knowing how fun and family-friendly Vegas can actually be, I felt it was my duty to provide our readers with some tips, suggested destinations, and hints to make Las Vegas a worry-free travel opportunity. What happens in Vegas doesn’t have to say in Vegas: It can be very appropriately shared on Facebook if you follow my advice. Turn the page for my tips and must-see destination stops. — Michele Roberts
fast getaway
jackson hole, wyo. About 300 miles from Provo, Jackson Hole, Wyo., is home to river raft trips down the Snake River and endless other outdoor activities at nearby Grand Teton National Park. The art community flourishes in Jackson; many galleries are located along the main drag. If you’re strapped for time, it is possible to hit up this quaint resort town over a weekend and be back to work (albeit a little tired) on Monday morning.
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Photo by Jason Bates
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Hard Rock Café
I know there is one of these in almost every city, but not like this one! The new Hard Rock Café, located on Las Vegas Boulevard has a ginormous touchscreen museum of all their memorabilia from all over the world, and it is a kids’ paradise: games, concert footage, a giant piano and all at the touch of your fingertips across the whole face of the wall. An amazing experience at a restaurant with a kids’ menu, and tables with mini touchscreens too.
Ceasars Palace
With the Forum Shops, pools that are free to the public (no need to stay in their hotel to enjoy the eight incredible outdoor pools), and restaurants like Serendipity right next door (famous for ice cream sundaes bigger than Alaska) how can you not go? You can spend all day at Ceasars without even walking through their casino. The Forum Shops have two animated statue shows that start throughout the day and one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. And it’s all for free.
A Show
There are magicians, musicians and acrobats galore. Whatever your flavor, Las Vegas has it! We saw the Lance Burton Magic Show (where he invited kids from the audience to come on stage) and the new Elvis Cirque Du Soleil, one of a few familyfriendly Cirque shows in Las Vegas.
Photo by Jason Bates
The Hard Rock Café on Las Vegas Boulevard has a giant wall-mounted touchscreen housing rock-n-roll memorabilia from all over the world.
Helicopter Ride
They have very reasonably priced (especially with a coupon) helicopter rides over the Vegas nighttime skyline that are incredibly fun for kids and adults alike. The Strip is beautiful at night and the added historical commentary is fascinating.
Crazy Museums, Wild Roller Coasters
Vegas offers some of the best in “weird” and “wacky.” Roller coasters that scale the side of skyscrapers, giant balloons that sweep over The Strip at night, museums dedicated to Liberace and wax figures of every movie maven in history. They are once-ina-lifetime experiences, and there is something for every member of your family.
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the right Hotel
hints
to stay on straight and narrow
be direct
Don’t aimlessly walk on the strip. Drive to each location and walk directly in. This will help you avoid accidentally entering a place that’s not for kids.
no, thanks
Don’t take handouts or flyers from anyone! They won’t have coupons for things you want to go to ...
Stay at a known family-friendly hotel. We stayed at New York New York, which was chalk full of families and had an incredible amount to do right at the hotel: amazing pools, arcades, shopping and cool restaurants like the ESPN Zone.
find coupons
Research for coupons and deals. Great websites like Lasvegas. com have deals on almost every hotel, show and attraction in Vegas.
off The strip
Spend one day outside. Nevada is beautiful! There is Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon and Mt Charleston all close by. They’re free and fun. There are also fourwheel daytime adventures, motorcycle rentals, adventure hikes and rock climbing tours. If you like the outdoors, don’t miss the chance to see the unique landscape of the Nevada desert.
eyes front
Don’t spend any time looking at billboards, tops of taxi cabs, building signs, etc. You never know what they are promoting.
Vegas is an excellent destination location if you spend a little time planning. You can often get a weekend trip for half the price of California and see much more! It’s cheap fun, and it’s close … use these hints and suggestions and tell us all about it on Facebook.
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