Staycation in Salt Lake City

This post contains affiliate links.

It is that time of year when all us northern Utah types jump ship and head for the promise of warmer weather south of I-70. For anyone brave enough to stick it out here at home, I want to help you to have a blast and create memories as equally brag worthy to tell when your friends get back all sun-burned and tired.

Salt Lake City (and the surrounding area) is home to some of the best family fun venues in the western United States. Important for me, too, is how many of them have an educational element to them. The kids don't know it or care, but Mom appreciates that even on a break from books and worksheets, they're are still immersed in learning. 

Ready to start planning your Salt Lake staycation or mini-vacation? Can I recommend looking at the Visit Salt Lake Connect Pass? I recently contacted them to ask about how it works. Along with some great information, they sent me 2 passes to try out and then pass what I've learned on to you. Here are the details:

• Available in 1-, 2-, or 3-day increments, as well as a 365-day locals pass. I calculated the price for just the 5 downtown area attractions and the pass price easily beat paying full admissions individually. 
• Includes discounts on admission and other perks at 13 Salt Lake & Utah County venues.
• Must buy a pass for each person you plan to have visit the attraction with you.
• Passes can be activated up to 90-days after purchase. Using your print-out or mobile confirmation, the pass activates at the first place you use it, at which point the purchased-time frame begins.

Take a moment now to check out the Visit Salt Lake website

 and compare prices for varying available time frames.

If you're staying in town, and looking for something to do, how fun would any one of these activities be?

Discovery Gateway

Salt Lake City's Children's Museum filled with 2 levels of imagination-centered exhibits. My favorite is the mid-century house and reading area. The kids love to play in the water. It impresses me that local businesses are prominently featured with Young Living in the farming and grocery area, and Intermountain Healthcare with their medical exhibit taking kids from a 911-dispatch call all the way through X-rays and operation. Read more about our visits to Discovery Gateway. Connect Pass admission included.

Clark Planetarium

The science and space exhibits at Clark Planetarium are free and a fun way to spend an afternoon. The gift shop is worthy of a visit all its own with cool toys I've watched adults fighting over. Both times we've been to the planetarium the boys have wanted to watch the original movie, "Perfect Little Planet" about a family of vacationing space inhabitants, but there are several other options available. The Connect Pass includes one movie in the Hansen Dome AND one documentary on the IMAX screen.

The Leonardo

This is the place to take your imaginative little ones. Our only visit there was for an educator's conference, so I honestly don't know all the exhibits the kids got to go around and see, but they are still talking about it almost one year later. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Natural History Museum of Utah

If your kids are interested in Utah history, or geology, or archaeology, this is the place to take them. It is also a great activity for your outdoor lovers on those days that are too hot, too cold, too rainy, or the like. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Red Butte Garden

Next door to the Natural History Museum, Red Butte is a great outdoor facility showcasing the best in gardening design. It is beautiful to walk around and the kids can get be outside using up all their energy. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Lion House Pantry

Families on staycation still need to eat, right? Make a meal special by sitting down to eat at the Lion House Pantry. The food is home cooked and baked daily-you can get your rolls straight from the source! One entree included with Connect Pass.

This Is the Place Heritage Park

It is no secret we LOVE this place! Pioneer building to walk through, volunteers in period clothing, baby animals in the barn, a candy counter, and hot sugary donuts ready to eat. Each admission includes 3 take-home crafts or activities. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Hogle Zoo

When I'm being totally honest, I have no problem admitting that zoos really really bore me. However, I have little boys who pretty much think the zoo is akin to heaven, so I go. Visiting in spring when it's warm enough for the animals to be outside, but not too hot for the kinds to whine it absolutely perfect. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Snowbird Resort

While spring break is still prime skiing in Utah's mountains, even the less downhill-prone can find a reason to head up to the resort and have a look around. Grab a bite to eat, try some snowshoeing, or just people watch from the lodge. Connect Pass includes 1 foot passenger ride on the tram.

Tracy Aviary

Technically also a zoo, but for birds, it might surprise you to know I enjoy walking around Tracy Aviary. Maybe because it is not as big as a regular zoo, but especially because watching birds can be really peaceful. Combine a visit here with time on the playground at Liberty Park and you've made a wonderful afternoon. Admission included with Connect Pass.

 Utah Museum of Fine Arts

This would be a nice addition to your outings, adding a cultural element to the playing. Admission included with Connect Pass.

Utah Olympic Park

We visited here once during an aerial ski jumping competition and my kids were hooked, convinced they would soon be flying through the air upside down on their skis. Your Connect Pass includes (1) Adventure Course or Guided Tour

Thanksgiving Point Museum of Ancient Life & Garden

It is sad to admit we have not been to Thanksgiving Point since moving back to Utah. We literally live 5 minutes away. Visiting there could be a staycation in itself with all the different venues. Admission to the two venues titled here are included with the Connect Pass.

So what do you think? Ready to plan your spring break at home? Or plan a vacation to Utah's capital city? Take another good look at the Visit Salt Lake website for details on the Connect Pass and to compare prices for different amount of days. And, please, let me know where you decide to go!

Want to save even more money on the Salt Lake Connect Pass?

Purchase this deal on Groupon while supplies last!

Want to make it real getaway?

Click here for rates on Salt Lake area hotels.

What Kids Learn From a Mom Who Camps

Four years ago my husband found himself in a changing job and needing to spend 4 months in Alaska. Faced with the pressures of daily family life alone, I could have felt overwhelmed. Instead, without hesitation, I determined that I and my 4 boys were going to make the most of it. I packed them all (B was 5, P was 3, and the babies were 9-months) into our van and struck out on a spontaneous 4-month cross-country camping adventure. In that 4 months we stayed in a few hotels, we crashed on some family couches, and we spent 56 days camping. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!

Utah's Battle Creek Falls

I discovered the Battle Creek Trail on an excursion with my family to hike to the "G" high up on the Pleasant Grove mountainside.  With no indication which of 3 or 4 trails went where, we chose the path most traveled and headed up, not to the "G", but instead to an impressive 50' waterfall.  It ended up being a rewarding decision!

The hike itself is only about a mile up into the mountains.  On the way it follows a little stream with a reservoir for rocking throwing, a bridge for swinging your feet, and a cave for curious toddlers.  A short, steep side trail takes you down to the waterfall and I'm certain it's 10-degrees cooler once you've settled in, making it a refreshing destination in the heat of summer. (At this point you can also choose to continue on the original trail to get views of the waterfall from above or connect up with a bigger system of trails.) 

It would be easy to spend half a day at the Battlecreek waterfall!  Pack a picnic lunch and book.  Let the kids get wet.  The times I've been there the water hasn't been pooled too deeply at the base and the stream quietly gurgles away.  There is plenty of space to spread out and find a quiet place of your own, and plenty of fallen or bending trees naturally arranged for comfy seating.

The Battlecreek Trail and waterfall are a perfect example of the beautiful Utah resources we have available close to home.  Have you been there, or do you have another favorite Utah waterfall?

Directions and Information:

The Battle Creek Trailhead is located appropriately 

at the top of Battle Creek Drive, or E 200 S, in Pleasant Grove.  

The road ends in a parking lot for Kiwanis Park.  

A small bridge crosses a creek on the north end of the parking lot,

 and the Battlecreek Trailhead branches off to the right before you cross that bridge.

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!

Do You Seek Out Unique Lodging?

Post contains affiliate links that will result

 in my earning a small commission from purchases.

I have made a habit when I'm traveling of seeking out really unusual accommodations.  This little practice has given my family the opportunity of sleeping in an authentic covered wagon, in a hotel room with a loft, campsites with trees the kids can crawl under, and more.  

And that is how we found ourselves sleeping in this real-life tipi!  Let me share with you 2 things I've learned about tipis and then tips on finding your own unique lodging...

Tipi Teaching #1

Connecting With the World

It wasn't until all the kids were in bed and I myself laid down that I discovered this one.  Laying on my back, looking out the small oval shaped opening at the top of the tipi, the dark night sky seemed to come to life with white stars filling it up with their glow.  I was mesmerized.  I couldn't look away.  Suddenly I felt myself transported back two centuries to a time when Native Americans without shopping malls and video games and soccer games spent all their day surviving on what the out-of-doors provided them, and then laying down at night to reflect on the Almighty Spirit that provided it for them.  Looking out that small opening into that large sky put in perspective my small speck on the eternities and a new emphasis on what I am to accomplish here.

Tipi Teaching #2

Check the Weather Forecast

Our trip last week to the tipi was completely spur of the moment.  So when it started drizzling at 6am on our first night of sleeping, we had an unexpected problem.  I played brave mom to go out in the rain and close the opening as much as I could, but the poles still had to stick out and so a small amount of water could still get in.  I thought the water would be coming straight down so if we moved everything to the perimeter of the tipi, we'd be safe and dry to wait out the rain.  Wrong!  Instead, the water droplets hit the wood poles and then traveled down them until gravity decided it was her turn to take hold of the little stream.  Our perimeter became narrower and narrower as the water started dripping in a wider and wider circle.

Want to find a tipi (or some other cool place) for your family to stay in?  Here are a few tips to get you on your way...

~Be Willing to Go A Little Out of the Way

Most of the time the restored 1950's AirStream or lighthouse bed and breakfast are not going to be on the main drag or in the middle of tourist mecca.  This tipi was about an hour from our main destination.  Expand the perimeter of your search and be willing to go there when you come across that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

~Don't Let the Price Scare You Away

The truth is that unusual accommodations are usually going to be a little more expensive than a cookie cutter chain hotel.  When you weigh the pros and cons against your holiday budget, make sure you consider the value of your kids bragging to their friends about the treehouse they stayed in over the summer and the grin from your spouse when he realizes you've struck gold once again.  Think of it this way, as well...the higher price usually comes with the added benefit of not needing to sanitize everything before you touch it.

~Make it a Surprise

This is my favorite part.  If the family thinks you're going camping and then you pull up to a rustic cabin or a yurt or a glamping tent, the expression on their faces will be priceless. If you've been staying in resort hotels for days and then pull up to 2-story bed and breakfast shaped like a dog, you'll love hearing shrieks of , "We're going to stay in that!?!" coming from the backseat.  These are the moments that become family vacation memories.  I promise you'll never regret the work it takes to make them!

Where is the most unusual place you have stayed?

Extra Information:

This tipi is at the Lena, IL, KOA and rents for approx. $40/night.

There are websites dedicated to unique lodging,

 but some of our favorite odd finds have come

 from simply google searching unique lodging

 in the area we are visiting.

All of the examples used in this post are real places you can stay. 

Use your imagination when you're looking!

Packing to Hike With Kids

Post contains affiliate links.

Getting outside on a hiking trail is one of the cheapest and easiest things a family can do together. With cities across the country recognizing the importance of green open space, it is becoming increasingly easy to find a place to explore without having to look too far.  Even better news is that it is just as easy to pack for a day hike with children. With a small amount of preparation, you can be out the door with dirt beneath your feet in no time.

The first thing you will want to consider is comfort on the trail. Primarily, does everyone have comfortable shoes for hiking? Our boys almost always prefer to wear their hiking sandals over tennis shoes, and as a parent, I honestly prefer that, too. It is inevitable that they will find water or mud and walk right through it. Sandals dry quickly and also do not become heavy when they get wet. If your kids are going out in sneakers, make sure to pack an extra pair of socks, so that when their shoes get wet, they can change into a dry protective layer once the temptation of water is behind them.

Once the feet are taken care of, comfort can shift to the rest of the body. Cold, clouds, or drizzle don’t have to keep you inside. The key to hiking with kids is layers, especially if you plan to change elevation, are starting off early in the morning, or can’t get the weatherman to nail down what the skies are going to do that day. A jacket over a lightweight shirt can be taken on and off as the day gets warmer and colder or clouds move in and out. A breathable rainsuit can also keep them clean and dry.

Of course, if your kids are going to be dressing and undressing throughout the day, someone is going to need to be carrying something to hold everything in. Depending on age that might be Mom and Dad, or it might be the kids themselves. A sturdy backpack will fit the bill, keep your hands free, and also contain the following items:

Water 

Even if you only plan to go a short distance, having water along is extremely important. When our boys turn 3, they receive their very own water hydration pack to carry. It empowers them on the trail, keeps everyone moving along as we don’t have to stop every time they want a drink, and keeps their spit and germs to themselves. If you opt for a water bottle, choose one that is lightweight and reusable.

Snacks 

Food serves two purposes on the trail. First, it can replace the nutrients and energy used while traversing over rugged terrain. Salty snacks like peanuts and pretzels help to replace the sodium you’ll lose on a hot sweaty day and these backpack energy bites are full of protein. The second use for snacks on the trail? Motivation! When everyone starts to get tired and little ones want to be carried, it works wonders to pull out a lollipop or licorice stick and promise to bestow it as soon as they’ve reached the next landmark or curve in the path.

First Aid Kit 

Hiking with kids is not a daunting task, but it is likely you will experience trips and falls, scrapes and bumps along the way. Be prepared with a few bandages, antibiotic ointment, a pair of tweezers for splinters, and kisses for all those boo-boos. Here are more good tips on keeping safe while hiking with kids.

Sunscreen/hat 

This is the step in packing that is sometimes easy to forget, but sunburn is a surefire way to convince kids they never want to go hiking with the family again. Even in a shaded area, sun filters through. Working up a sweat, or on a breezy day, you may not notice that the sun has turned everybody a rosy shade of pink. In addition to the cheeks and nose, keep in mind that on uneven dirt trails, kids will often be looking down, exposing the back of the neck. That is the spot we often forget to cover and we pay for it over and over again.

Nature Journal 

The best part about hiking with kids is how excited they are to be in nature. Kids naturally are inquisitive and when you get them outdoors they can be incredibly observant as well. Capitalize on that curiosity by providing a way for them to record what they are seeing. It can be as simple as a few sheets of paper and a pencil or a pocket notebook. If you are looking for something a little more organized, there are a dozens of printed nature books that can be filled in.

We make our favorite “journal” by stacking several paper lunch bags together, folding in half, and stapling the spine. The boys carry them and stop whenever they want to draw what they see, glue seeds and leaves on a page, and pick up a feather or other small momento to stick into the pockets. No matter what version you bring along, don’t forget to pack some colored pencils and a glue stick.

Carrier

The last consideration to make when packing for a hiking trip is how to carry the kids. We start giving our boys independence and responsibility to move themselves along at a pretty early age, but the transition from being in a baby carrier to walking the whole way can be tough. Our lifesaver has been the Piggyback Rider! Clipped onto the parent’s harness, kids can turn and lean and look around freely. And when they can’t make up their minds about being up or down, it is easy to let them on or off, and get on your way. 

Hiking with kids is an easy way to spend time together as a family. Gather this short list of supplies together one time and you will be ready to head out on the trail whenever you have a whim to!

This post contains affiliate links. I have shared information for products we use and love.

Clicking on any of these links and making a purchase will not affect your purchase, 

but will help me earn a little money for my family.

Public Service Announcement: Stay Away From the Squirrels

Don't think that squirrel isn't sneaking up on her...

To the lady in this most-unflattering rearview shot, I apologize, but a public service announcement needs to be made and you were unfortunate enough to be in my way...

Let be known that the Cape Meares, Oregon, squirrels are psychotic and crazy!  To all who with plans to every visit there, I plead with you to heed this warning.  They will not be afraid of you.  No amount of shooing or pretend-cawing or stamping or running away is going to deter them.  They want your food and your sandal-clad toes and aren't going to stop at any cost.

Don't bring a picnic lunch with the idyllic dream of sitting on this beautiful bench overlooking the most beautiful ocean view you've ever seen.  They will jump up behind you and stick their paws straight into your yogurt.

Don't give your kids anything.  Period. No food.  What kid have you ever met that doesn't drop their food on the ground while they're eating.  Let them eat and you're guaranteed to have rodents crawling over their own sandal-clad feet trying to get what's underneath.  Which leads us to my next advice...

Forget all notions you have of teaching your children that all God's creations need  love.  You need to share every horrible story you know about rabies and scabies and squirrels having babies.  Put the fear in them before they reach down and try to pet the very creature that's giving you clinical anxiety.

Do not think you'll be safe in the car.  Think about it.  Vacation, children, fast food addiction.  Your car is a ticking time bomb for squirrels with erratic behavior.  Open a door even a smidgen and you've invited in the entire crazy squirrel family.

And last but not least,

Leave your non-thinking, sleep-deprived, fairy tale tourist brain at home!  (This may also be loosely translated as your elderly)  Would you run out in your backyard shaking Ho-Ho's and peanut butter sandwich crumbs at the animals creeping through your trees?  If they were fat enough to carry away your youngest child (or grandchild), does it really seem like they need to have any more?  And if you see a frazzled mother running away from something with 4 kids in arms, could you maybe stop to see what's stalking her, rather than calling out, "Honey, Dear, KARL, here it comes, take my picture!"

Maybe I  write with too much emotion.  I didn't have any warning of the danger and peril I would be putting my family in on an innocent side trip to the sea.  There were no signs posted and no kind strangers giving the signal to beware.  Take it as my duty, to warn you, that the Cape Meares squirrels are not to be reckoned with.  This is my testimony:  If you get to close, they WILL try to carry you away!