It's time for Summer Soccer Camp (Again)

This is a sponsored post with US Family Guide.

As I've mentioned in years past, soccer is the only organized sport our kids ever play. We've tried baseball-it was a disaster. And everything else takes too much time away from our much preferred outdoor adventures. But soccer has burrowed it's way into our lives somehow and we're looking forward to another upcoming Challenger International Soccer Camp.

As a refresher for you, these camps are offered all across the United States so you're bound to be able to find one very near you. Ours is offered directly through the city rec center. Search the locations to find a camp near you....

CHALLENGER INTERNATIONAL SOCCER CAMP LOCATIONS

This year's camp is brand new and will combine the best elements of British soccer with new and exciting elements from TetraBrazil. Just as before, the camps will still use games, stories, and fun to teach kids their soccer skills.

Register now and you'll receive a camp t-shirt, ball, poster, skills evaluation, and downloadable coaches app with soccer skills videos. Register during the month of February and you'll also get a free camp jersey!

Want to learn more about Challenger Soccer Camps? Check out the post from our first year participating, and the post sharing my nieces experience a couple years later...

3 Reasons To Love Soccer Camp

The Things We Learned At Soccer Camp

Do Your Kids Play Soccer?

Will we see you there?

7 Tips For Being Prepared While Hiking

This post includes sponsored and affiliate links.

Not long ago I had the responsibility to teach a group of of 8-yr-old's the Cub Scout Six Essentials for hiking preparedness. The list resonated with me. It is a simple list and covers almost all of the important things to have in your backpack when you're heading out on the trail. It started me thinking about what my essentials are when I'm hiking. Below I'll share a few of my favorite items and ways to make sure you'll be prepared the next time you are hiking.

Water
In my mind, this is the number one thing you need to remember to bring when you're hiking. Especially in Utah and the desert regions of the western United States. Without it you won't make it very far and most likely suffer symptoms of dehydration. The arid climate, high elevations, and warm temperatures can all combine to create serious circumstances if you don't stay hydrated.

Our family choice has been to get each person their own hydration backpack. When the boys turn 3, they get a Camelbak and sleeping bag as their birthday presents. We have always bought the Camelbak Skeeter, but the Camelbak Mini M.U.L.E. would also be good for larger kids. Osprey also makes a good water backpack with a little bit of extra storage space.

Sun Protection

This is a precaution that you will be grateful for taking after you have returned home. Even if you are planning to be hiking in shaded areas, a hat and sunscreen will go a long way towards protecting your skin from uncomfortable sunburn and overheating.

 Layers
When I first moved to Utah I had the mistaken belief that desert always equals hot. Oh my, how that is not true. If you are planning to leave early in the morning, or be out later at night, it can get pretty chilly! No matter where you are hiking, there is always the possibility of the weather changing unexpectedly, and if your trail takes you near the water, it is reasonable to expect the air temperature to drop there as well.

The key is to keep it light. Good layers need to be easily removable with the expectation that you will be carrying them in your backpack at least part of the time. Personally, I live in a fleece jacket and always have one with me. Depending on where you are hiking, a good windbreaker or waterproof jacket may be more in order. Also consider that while cotton t-shirts are comfortable, they absorb moisture and don't have the best breathability. Look instead for a material that will wick sweat away from your body without becoming soaked if you'll be exerting lots of energy.

Footwear
I have discovered that preference in shoes for hiking can stir up country-dividing debates. My family prefers to hike in sandals. My husband is a die-hard Chacos fan, my current choice is Xero Shoes (since my favorite Teva sandal was discontinued), and all our kids prefer sandals over having to wear socks outdoors. Why sandals? You don't have to worry about getting them wet. We can trudge right through small streams without worrying about having wet feet the rest of the day. They keep our feet cool, and are extremely easy to clean at the end of a dirty day.

Whether you choose sneakers, sandals, or hiking boots, be sure that they fit well. Your feet should be comfortable, not snug and not sliding around. A blister caused by ill-fitting shoes will ruin even a short hike quickly. If you do choose a shoe that needs socks underneath, be sure to pack an extra pair to change into just in case you do end up in a puddle.

Trail Food

What are your favorite trail foods? We almost always have nuts (for salt replenishment and protein) along with us, but never ever leave home without lollipops. We use them as motivators to keep the kids going. Works like a charm every single time!

First Aid Kit
The real test of preparedness comes in the face of something bad actually happening. In ordinary circumstances, the injuries you encounter along the way are not going to be serious and life threatening. A simple first aid kit with bandaids, antibiotic ointment, and some alcohol pads will take care of the little cuts and scrapes the kids (and maybe you) might acquire. My boys feel so important carrying their own mini-kit in a Ziploc bag tucked into the pocket of their backpack.

The newest tool I have added to my hiking preparedness checklist is my insurance company's face-to-face medical services app. On rare occasions, a hiking injury may need more than just a clean bandage. If you find yourself in an emergency, call the appropriate response team right away. But if you just want a professional opinion on how to care for the abrasion, twisted ankle, or bump Little Johnny got while he was running this is the way to go.

From the parking lot, or even mid-hike, you can speak directly with a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant and get peace of mind about what you are dealing with. An app visit could save you hours sitting in an after-hours office and the nominal fee is sure to be less than an urgent care appointment. If it does turn out to need a follow-up visit, the professional you speak with can make it quick and easy to now what to say when you see your regular doctor.

Time
Hiking has to be one of the simplest outdoor activities to start doing with your family. It doesn't require expensive equipment or special training. All you have to do is indulge a little bit of wanderlust and start walking. A few minutes to prepare for your hike with the items on this list and you'll be off for a wonderful adventure. Enjoy it. Let the kids set the pace and leave behind any need to hurry.  Exercise a little patience-it'll be worth it, and it won't be long before everyone wants to go again!

This Is The Place: A Utah Heritage Park

This post sponsored via US Family Guide.

I received product in exchange for an honest review.

How have I lived in Utah 13 years and not been to one of the most historically educational sites in Salt Lake City?  My family finally took the time to visit This Is the Place Heritage Park  and I'm going to plead with you not to make it such a long time before you take your family to see and do the same thing.

The park is divided into two portions.  Along the drive and looking out over the Salt Lake Valley are monuments dedicated to the memories of the Mormon Battalion and also the day Brigham Young's party first arrived and, while quite ill, announced, "This is the place." This portion of the park is free of charge and a quiet place to reflect on the pioneers who journeyed here in many different ways all those years ago. 

The second portion is Heritage Village.  The entrance fee for the village gives you access to dozens of historical buildings which have either been relocated and restored or replicated.  

Deseret Hospital
Brigham Young felt strongly that women should be able to be attended to by women doctors
and encouraged women to become midwives as a way of serving.

An example of original tongue and groove construction.
This building was so well built that it was moved intact to it's park location.

 The entrance fee also includes activities for the kids.  It wasn't explained very well to us right away, but we finally figured out that each kid can do 3 activities, and they are marked off in a box on the wristbands.  Our boys did scratch art in the old halfway house, took a pony ride, got a taste of apprenticing at the saddlery, and made Native American jewelry.

In addition, many of the buildings have volunteers dressed in pioneer clothing who can answer your questions and give a little history of what the buildings purpose was.  My favorite was the cabin where they taught B how to beat the rugs...that seems like it could come in handy for me one day...

I could not get enough of this little baby who's mother was volunteering that day and had placed him right where he obviously belonged...

A few thoughts from our visit:

• Don't go on a school field trip day...they break up in groups and fill the buildings.  We had to skip quite a few because they were to full to get in to.
• Do buy Brigham's doughnuts.  They're hot and greasy and delicious!
• Don't get discouraged when your wristband boxes are full.  Under 3-yr-olds get to do the activities for free, and we were able to let our kids use the boxes on our wristbands when theirs were full.
• If you have visited historic sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints you will notice a difference in quality at this park.  While the park focuses primarily on the lives of the Mormon Pioneers, it is not run by the church.  This is a state park and while we were impressed with the facility, there were obvious differences in the quality of displays in the buildings, and especially in the interaction and information from the volunteer "pioneers" compared to official church historical sites.  Not a big deal, but something that did keep popping through my head while we were there.

Now, the real question is, could I have raised these 4 boys in a house this size...

Spend the Day at Discovery Gateway

Sponsored post via US Family Guide.

I received product in exchange for my honest review.

I have a love/hate relationship with children's museums that stems mostly from me getting impatient when the kids are having so much fun and just want to stay all day.  Seems like a twisted thing to get annoyed with, doesn't it?  I pushed aside my selfishness and suffered through it last week so that my kids could play all they wanted to at Discovery Gateway in Salt Lake City.

My kids LOVED the Discovery Gateway!  I appreciate the focus on imagination and pretend play.  In each area there are costumes the kids can put on to really fit the part of the activity they are doing...

Construction vests for the builders, protective gear for the water engineers,
and a work shirt for the mechanics.

My favorite part was the house midcentury-era house complete with reading area and mouse house...

Getting upstairs to the second floor at Discovery Gateway brings me a little less finger-drumming.  The stations are much more science and education related, with lots of building blocks, an earthquake simulator, a pseudo news desk, and a really impressive exhibit that walks kids through the stages a child goes through at Primary Children's Hospital.  

In addition to the regular activities, Discovery Gateway regularly brings in special exhibits. There are also classes offered everyday included in the price of admission.

As far as children's museum experiences go, the day we spent at Discovery Gateway was pretty good. Some of the station accessories are showing some wear, but nothing that affected how well the kids could play.  We rode Frontrunner and Trax to get there easily and the kids thought that was just part of the fun.  We will go back later this summer and let them have fun playing and learning all over again.

Labor Day Weekend Fun at Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Competition

I have received complimentary tickets in exchange for sharing this information.

There are so many things going on in Utah over Labor Day Weekend. Our family has decided to spend a day at the Soldier Hollow Classic Sheepdog Competition and think you might like to be there as well!  Here are a few activities to entertain the all ages:

Sheepdogs, of course, with sheep herders from 6 different countries.

Splash dogs, flying dogs, and agility dog courses.

• Utah State Highland Games Championships (9 competitions with roots in Scottish and Celtic history)
• Bee Keeping Demonstrations
• Information on Backyard farming, gardening, and canning
• Weaving, Wool Spinning,  & Sheepdog training demonstrations
• Earthwings Raptor Show
• Wild Wonders Animal Show
• Bagpipe Perfomances
• Greek, Basque, Canadian, Mexican, and Hawaiian Foodstands
• A children's area full of coloring, activities, and a chance to milk a makeshift cow.

Tickets are available to purchase online or at the gate. Purchase online and receive a FREE $10 poster at the gate. Parking is $5 and benefits the Soldier Hollow youth programs. 

Tips for attending: Bleachers are available for watching the competition, but lawn chairs are also allowed. An area is also available to set up a canopy tent. 

     Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tickets can be upgraded to attend the championship on Monday as well. 

Want to win tickets? We've teamed up with Homeschool Opps & Outings to bring you this giveaway: 

See you there!

Thoughts on Midway's Ice Castle?

This was a sponsored activity via US Family Guide.

Now that winter is winding down (please don't remind me that we are supposed to drop 40 degrees and have snow again tonight), I'm curious how many of you were able to go to the Midway Ice Castle this year. What did you think? Have you been before and want to compare it?

I unfortunately did not get up there this year, but was happy to send a fun family who had never gone before. Their overall impression was a good one. They attended at night, in the dark, and thought that made it imaginative and magical. We have thought that in the past, as well. It is two very different experiences if you go during the day or at night.

Do you have thoughts on the new location compared to the last? Was parking better or worse? I'm also curious when you go whether you use the concessions and/or plan to attend when other activities are going on (like the fire juggler or the princess appearances).

If you didn't make it this year, I definitely hope you will make it a priority next year! Can't wait to hear from you.

Visit One of 4 Ice Castles in America

This post is sponsored by US Family Guide

If you have ever imagined yourself walking through a wintry fairyland, castle in all, this is the opportunity you have been looking for: Wander through 1 of only 4 Ice Castles built this year across North America and create family memories as you and your kids are squeezing, squishing, sliding, stomping and crawling through parts of a stunning Narnia Like display.

SAVE 15% USING CODE USFAMILY17

Do you live near, or are you traveling near, one of these locations?

Midway, UT

Lincoln, NH

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Edmonton, AB

Make plans early to reserve your tickets at www.icecastles.com. Read more information on the 15% discount at US Family Guide.

Want to see our experiences the past 2 years?

2015 Ice Castle Tips

2016 Child's View of an Ice Castle

FamilyPlus Pass Membership to The Leonardo (Giveaway)

In conjunction with the opening of The Leonardo Museum's first semi-permanent exhibit, FLIGHT, I have the opportunity to give away (1) FamilyPlus Pass to a lucky A Local Wander reader. If you have not read yet about this exciting new exhibit, please read our introduction and find more information on their current donation campaign.

The FamilyPlus Pass includes:

Unlimited Annual admission for 2 named adults + 6 guests

(General Exhibits only)

15% off Salt Bistro and retail purchases

Want to enter the giveaway? Follow the instructions below...

Interested in receiving discount tickets to the FLIGHT exhibit? Check out the donation options in The Leonardo's Indiegogo campaign.

A New Aquarium Is Coming To Utah!

This is a sponosred post via Us Family Guide.

I will receive compensation in the form of a membership

in exchange for passing the information along to you.

It was a pretty big deal when our local aquarium moved out of the old musty grocery store building it once resided in, and into a beautiful, airy new venue not that long ago. Now, how exciting is it that a second state-of-the-art aquarium is coming to Utah!

The new SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium will offer hands-on learning experiences centered around reptiles of the rainforest, creatures of the sea, tropical birds and desert species. There will be more than 300 species and 1500 animals for kids to feed and interact with. 

Visit SeaQuest Aquariums to get more detailed information on the exhibits and activities that are going to be available.

To get everyone excited, this coming Saturday (May 28) the aquarium is having a "Meet the Mermaids!" event. Purchase your annual pass today and you'll have exclusive access to meet the cast from The Little Mermaid that is being performed at The Ziegfield Theater in northern Utah.

PLUS, my readers get to save (that's you)! 

Buy your annual pass to SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium right now at the pre-construction pricing and receive an additional 10% off! Your pass is good for an entire year from the time you first visit.  

Use coupon code  "kidsrule"

(Follow link to coupon code details)

A Visit to the Utah Ice Castle (In Photos)

We received admission for this event via USFamilyGuide.com

In exchange, we've shared our honest opinions.

I'm sitting here trying to think how to describe our visit to this year's Midway Ice Castle, but am having difficulty coming up with words to explain it. We went this time during the day since we'd visited at night last year. It was a different experience. Fewer people, but less of a magical feeling. Nonetheless, the boys had a great time running through the slot canyons and flying down slides. Here is a look at our highlights at the Midway Ice Castle...

 Wondering what it's like to follow a child through an ice castle? Watch our Periscope video here.

Have you visited an ice castle? I'd love to hear about it!

The Makings Of A Great Circus

This is a sponsored post via US Family Guide.

I have very clear memories of my lifetime visits to the circus. Once as a child, my father's employer sent us to see Ringling Bros and I our seats were directly underneath the motorcycle tightrope rider. Our small Iowa town used to have a real-life traveling circus set up the striped big top tents in an open field each summer. We took B as a baby to another Ringling Bros circus that was way too loud for any of us to enjoy. And we all went a couple years ago to a Shrine Circus, which was great because we got to meet all the clowns, but not great because the tigers wouldn't perform and the stunt performer cut his act in half after almost falling from the ceiling.

My circus experiences have been a roller coaster ride, but the circus is a childhood rite of passage I want my children to remember, too. I am glad to be able to report, after taking B & P to the Jordan World Circus, that is an experience I can recommend, and will take them to again. Here are the reasons it stood out to me as a worthwhile family outing...

The Costumes

My biggest pet peeve about the circus comes in the form of scantily-clad women. The performers usually are wearing minimal clothing and nude coverings. Spinning and hanging and tumbling in suggestive positions that make me as an adult uncomfortable, and always leave me  wanting to cover up my young boys' eyes or needing to explain why they shouldn't be seeing what they are seeing.

The Jordan World Circus acts were very tastefully prepared. The female performer costumes were flashy and form-fitting, but designed with pant legs and torsos that were appropriately covered. Even better, the acts were not all female.  Several of the acrobats and aerialists were men, without even their shirts hanging open.  The Spiderman aerialist was absolutely the most impressive performance of the night, and a role model for my boys who couldn't take their eyes off of him.

The Acts
The Jordan World Circus has done a great job offering a variety of circus acts that keep the audience entertained. There are standard performances like tigers jumping through fire, a motorcycle ball, and clowns, but also unique productions involving dancing camels and Chinese vase balancing. The troop of acrobatic jugglers was actually endearing. The finale, an elephant act, was one of the most adorable things I've ever seen.

The Suspense
Of course there is a degree of heart-pounding suspense to be expected when taking the family to the circus. It was remarkable to me on this occasion, because the stunt acts were performed invoked all the gasps and screams they should from the audience, while obviously being in control of everything they were doing. (Remember, my last circus experience had us gasping, but because the performer nearly killed himself). While my heart was in my throat much of the time, I can admit the skill it takes to walk outside of a spinning wheel is quite impressive!

Was there anything I didn't like? Not really.  It was a great show.  The only downside was my own poor planning.  I never remember that there are going to be loads of flashing toys, good-smelling food, and extra activities that my kids are going to ask to have and do. We tend not to buy extra things once we are inside an event on principle, but normally I have myself prepared with distractions or at least good excuses. Learn from my lack of planning, at the Jordan World Circus there are going to be opportunities to by snow cones and cotton candy, light swords and stuffed monkeys, elephant rides and tiger photographs. They cost extra. Bring money if that's something you want the kids to do.

If you live in the intermountain west, be sure to watch for the Jordan World Circus coming to your town soon, and take the kids for a fun family night of entertaining!

What is your favorite part of the circus?

A Fairy Tale Ice Castle

This is a sponsored post via USFamilyGuide.

A complimentary item will be received, 

but you know the opinions are mine.

A friend recently asked me how I always know about the super cool things happening in our neighborhood.  The first thought that came to my mind was our different amounts of community interest and involvement.  I take advantage of every service our city has to offer and many many times they are not only amazing, but also free.

The second thought that came to mind was this blog.  A Local Wander is all about exploring close to home or off the beaten tourist path. It's how I provide great opportunities for my family and how I can share them with all of you.  Every once in awhile an opportunity comes along that boils over even my cool-ness scale.  That's what I'm sharing with you today!

If you live in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Utah, or Alberta, you have got to go explore in one of these larger-than-life frozen architectural wonders!  Because I want you to be as excited as me, let me share the exact description from the Ice Castle website...

Amazing ice features including archways, tunnels, slot canyons, ice slide, caverns,

 glacial waterfalls and a frozen throne. Kids and families squeezing, squishing, sliding, stomping and crawling through parts of the stunning Narnia Like display. Natural frozen ice tones during the day; colorful LED-lit ice set to music at night. Built by hand and made from more than 20,000,000 pounds of ice, the Ice Castles are READY to be explored!

Doesn't it sound amazing?!? Our family went last year and loved it! Each castle is an acre in size and will only last as long as the weather stays cold.  Here in Utah that should be March, but you'll want to go as soon as possible to make sure you don't miss out!

I'm taking my family again in a few weeks and will share photos and stories about this year's visit, but don't wait for that.  Click here to read about our visit from last year. And then check out the information for the Ice Castle near you...

Ice Castles Webpage

Attending in Utah? Click here for more details.

My readers get to save on admission! 

 Save 15% with this coupon

at all 4 locations.

 If you live in driving distance of one of these 4 castles, will you tag A Local Wander in a picture while you're there? I'd love to see how much fun you're having!

The Circus Is Coming to Utah!

This is a sponsored post via USFamilyGuide.

Have you taken your kids to the circus before? We took ours to one in Iowa 2 years ago and they each still have their favorite things they love to tell us about.  I'm excited to take them to the Jordan World Circus coming to Utah in just a few weeks.

There will be aerialists, acrobats, rare white tigers, and of course funny clowns. Plus, the "gentle giants", amazing circus elephants. You won't want to miss all the excitement! 

Great Deal For The Family:

$10 OFF 'Family Pack' - ONLINE ONLY - 

Family Pack is good for 2 Adults + 3 Children (Ages 3 to 12 years)

Visit US Family Guide for discout coupon.

Please Visit EventBrite to Select your location For Ticket Purchase.

 Discount Is Good for Utah Locations Only On Family Pack. 

Please Use Code "FamilyFun"

I hope we'll see you there!

6 Tips for Enjoying Candle Light Christmas

This review is following a 

sponsored visit to This Is the Place

Somewhere buried in all the the baking and parties and decorating and gifts of Christmas, we all have the desire for holiday simplicity. The boys and I found it this week at the This Is The Place Candle Light Christmas.  Strolling through Heritage Village with the soft light of lanterns peeping through cabin windows into quiet darkness, we felt transported to a time in Utah's past that truly was simple and slow. 

Before you take your family, I want to pass on  a few tips to help you have a great time right from the beginning. Can I recommend taking a few minutes to orient yourself with the map and program before leaving the light of the visitor center?  It won't be impossible to figure out what is happening once you're in the village gate, but the unlit street and softly lit buildings had us a little confused about where activities were happening and which buildings were worth wandering towards.  Know that primarily, the Candle Light Christmas activities are happening along Main Street, but taking a good lighted look at the program will get you started in confidence.

Old Time Storytelling
Listen by lamplight to a classic Christmas story being read by a soft-spoken pioneer.  Look around at your children enamored in the tale of a man named St. Nick and imagine for a moment that this could be your family evenings.

Treats and Drinks to Keep You Warm
Brigham's Donuts has become our first stop during any This Is the Place visit.  We know we love them and we're going to get them so why bother waiting! Moms, forget decorum.  Your kids will be licking the sugary goodness off their fingers and begging for more.  After every belly is happy, head upstairs for Native American storytelling with a lesson kids and adults will recognize.

Print and Craft Making
The first Christmas card cost a week's wages and was hard work to duplicate. It encourages me to see my digital generation boys asking questions and paying close attention to how it all happened on an (analog) printing press.  For Candle Light Christmas, all the crafts are in the back of this building. Kids can color a greeting card, make tree ornaments, and roll their own beeswax candle.

Santa's Prep Work
Santa's Naughty & Nice lists have residence at This Is the Place...who knew!?  It took the train conductor to finally help us find this building behind the ZCMI general store, and my boys were 100% convinced they were going to put Johnny Cash on the Nice list (true story). When marker met paper, though, B was a little confused and VERY serious, signing his entire legal name.  I probably would have preferred him to not do that, but this Mom found it touching that at 8-1/2 years old he the gravity of Santa's judgement on him still holds wait.  He wanted to make sure he was accurately recorded on the official gift recipient registry.

Gift List Shopping
We had never been in to the ZCMI Store before, and how can I ever let that happen again?  Kids needs the excitement of picking a treat from a candy counter.  They also need the privilege of a toy shop where nothing is electronic and flashing at them. This store has an impressive display of marbles for sale, a cool wooden kitchen and grocery store play station, baubles and trinkets for all ages.

Christmas Dreaming
There isn't a direction to look at This Is the Place that the simplicity doesn't wash over you. The lights are understated; the lamps warm and inviting. The Patty Cake Polka lessons in the schoolhouse get the whole family moving and laughing together. The nativity in a barn with breaths of farmyard animals echoing as a tiny babe cries. There was a time these were the ways the holidays focused families on what really mattered. Candle Light Christmas can help bring the focus back to slow and simple once again.

Want to save $2 on admission?

Mention code "A LOCAL WANDER" 

when purchasing your tickets.