ABC's of Summer

This idea came on the first day of summer break when we found ourselves out on Antelope Island.  My son said, “A is for Antelope Island,” and an idea was born.  Here is the list we are tackling.  We’re going in alphabetical order and hoping to finish by the end of the Summer, but it would be just as fun to go in random order and try to accomplish 26 activities in a month!  Since we wanted to do this list as inexpensively as possible, many of the activities are hikes.  We wanted to get out and see new things, and it’s always nice to escape the heat of the valley for the cool mountain air!  Plus, since most of the hikes are short, they can be done in the evening after work so Dad can come.  If the activity costs anything more than the gas money to get there, the price is listed.  Take this idea and adapt it for you family's area, interests, and budget!

Antelope Island

Antelope Island.  $10/car.  Bison, pioneer ranch, and the Great Salt Lake!

Bowling.  Valley Bowling is offering $1 games and $1 shoe rental all summer.

Cecret Lake.  Funny spelling but nice family hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon. 

Donut Falls.  Pretty hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Ensign Peak.  Hike at dawn and watch the sun rise over the entire Salt Lake Valley. 

Fort Douglas Museum.  Military Museum up at the University of Utah.

Grotto Falls.  Beautiful, easy hike on the Mt. Nebo Scenic Loop.

Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls.  Mini hike to a lovely waterfall in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Indian Bath Tubs.  Steep but fun hike in Farmington off of the Davis Creek Trail.

Jordan River Parkway.  Bring your bikes and explore the trail and its many parks.

KOPFC Pool. $5/child.  Great outdoor pools for every age!

Lisa Falls.  Easy Hike up Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Mill B South Trail.  Another short fun hike near Hidden Falls!

Nobletts Creek Trail.  Gorgeous hike near Heber City.

Orson Smith Park.  Hike up to the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge near Draper.

Twin Lakes

Payson Lakes.  $8/car.  Bring your fishing poles and stroll around Big East Lake.

Quail  Trail Loop.  Enjoy a lovely shady stroll at the Ogden Nature Center

Rocky Mouth Falls Trail.  Check out this waterfall near Sandy.

Silver Lake Loop Trail.  Gentle hike in a gorgeous setting up Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Twin Lakes Hike.  Half way through the Silver Lake Hike, take the trail to Twin Lakes.

Upper Falls.  The hike is steep and rocky but very short and ends in a 40ft. waterfall.

Valley Regional Park.  Grab some frisbees and try disc golf at this course.

Wardle Fields Regional Park.  Great new splash park in Bluffdale.

X Marks the Spot.  Try your hand at Geocaching and see what you can find.  

Y.  Head down to “the Y” (BYU) to tour the Bean Museum and the Museum of Art.
Zoo. Hogle Zoo, $6/child, is always a blast.  And I guess it is cheaper than a drive to Zion’s National Park.