ActivitiesforKids, Salt Lake City

Whether it's baby animals, new exhibits, or old favourites, there's always something to be wild about at Denver Zoo! Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals and has championed over 600 conservation and research projects around the world. With more than 3,5000 animals showcasing 450 species, Denver Zoo is a must-see when in Colorado’s capital city. This outdoor world isn’t just about the wildlife, however. From rides on the carousel to 4D theater shows to Up-Close Animal Encounters, there is something inspiring for everyone. Each visit to the Zoo provides you with a different way to see animals engaging with the public — maybe today it’s a carcass feeding, tomorrow it could be watching a critter sniff out the scent enrichment around their habitat. You’ll be amazed to see how each species uses its natural behaviours to interact with mentally stimulating activities. Plus, the whole family will benefit from a gander at the animal demonstrations schedule, which happens throughout the day. Find out what it takes to take care of a herd of all-male Asian elephants or how sea lions rely on their adaptations to survive. https://www.colorado.com/aquariums-zoos/denver-zoo

Located along the Rio Grande River near downtown Albuquerque, the ABQ BioPark consists of: The ABQ BioPark Zoo, Botanic Garden, Aquarium and Tingley Beach. Welcoming more than 1.5 million visitors per year, we are the top tourist destination in the state of New Mexico. ABQ BioPark Zoo established in 1927 is home to more than 900 animals from around the world. Many of these animals have been part of successful conservation plans and captive breeding programs. Botanic Garden opened in 1996, and has grown to 32 acres of exhibits, and showcases plants from the American Southwest and around the world. The Botanic Garden’s BUGarium is one of the most elaborate exhibits dedicated to bugs and arthropods in the country. Since its opening in 1996 alongside the Botanic Garden, the ABQ BioPark Aquarium has showcased a kaleidoscope of colorful fish native to a variety of ecosystems found throughout the United States. The popular Shark Reef Café offers spectacular views into the 285,000-gallon oceanic tank, providing an unforgettable dining experience. Tingley Beach is the gateway to the Bosque. Three fishing ponds and a model boat pond offer a respite from the city. A mile-long walking trail loops around the ponds, and the nearby bike path provides access to the Rio Grande. Pedal boat rentals are available during the summer. https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/biopark

ABQ's Premier Family Fun Destination featuring a 1/8 mile Go Cart Track, All new Immersive Virtual Reality, Wet & Wild Bumper Boats, two scenic 18 hole Miniature Golf Courses, two state of the art Game Rooms and Prize Centers with 150 redemptions, merchandise and arcade games, Blacklight Laser Tag Arena, Hinkle Family Fun Center Paintball, Rock Climbing Wall, Battletech, Bumper Cars, Bungee Jump Trampoline, Lazer Frenzy, Light Space and two Snack Bars! Fun for all ages! Group Discounts! Birthday Parties! Corporate Events! Open 363 Days a Year! Rain or shine or anytime! https://www.visitalbuquerque.org/listing/hinkle-family-fun-center/1057/

Arizona Science Center provides exploration, education and entertainment for all ages. Nestled in the picturesque setting of Heritage and Science Park, the Science Center is a unique landmark designed by renowned architect Antoine Predock. The combination of ramps, hallways, galleries and terraces in this 140,000-square-foot building creates an intriguing environment of investigation and discovery. The Center contains four levels of exciting “hands-on” exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, and a 5-story high giant-screen theater. The exhibits and galleries are designed to educate and entertain kids of all ages – from pre-K to gray! Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the Science Center is within walking distance to nearby attractions such as Heritage Square, Phoenix Convention Center, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Chase Field, the Arizona Center and more. The Center is located at 7th and Washington Street and is accessible from Interstates 10 and 17, as well as the Metro Valley Light Rail. https://www.visitphoenix.com/listing/arizona-science-center/54/

The Aerospace Museum of California is one of aviation's greatest showcases with over 40 military and civilian aircraft and a world-class engine exhibit. Located 15 minutes from Cal Expo, the Museum has STEM activities from building block competitions and scavenger hunts to a motion movie ride and realistic Flight Zone simulators. Experience every era of aviation from a fully restored 1932 Curtiss Wright speed wing biplane to the Titan IV LR87 space booster engine. Come experience the amazing innovation of flight! https://aerospaceca.org/

Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling Theme Park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Go behind the scenes of a real working movie studio! Visit 13 city blocks on four acres of historic studio lot in the largest set construction project in studio history, built with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself. Or see what awaits you inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! From magical spells to magical creatures, from dark villains to daring heroes, it’s all here at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, now open at Universal Studios Hollywood. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade, and sample fare from some of the wizarding world’s best-known establishments. Plus experience pulse-pounding rides and attractions that transport you into a world of magical thrills and excitement. https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/park-highlights/

Enter a magical kingdom where you can sail with pirates, explore exotic jungles, meet fairy-tale princesses, dive under the ocean and rocket through the stars! Disneyland Park is a beloved Southern California destination where generations of families have made their Disney dreams come true. Walt Disney’s original Disneyland theme park, which first opened on July 17, 1955, is now divided into 8 extravagantly themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey’s Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland. https://disneyland.disney.go.com/

he California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. The Science Center is open to the public seven days a week, 362 days per year, with free general admission to its permanent exhibit galleries. The facility, which opened in February 1998, spans more than 400,000 sq. feet and includes four major exhibit areas. World of Life probes the commonalities of the living world, from the single-celled bacterium to the 100-trillion-celled human being; Creative World examines the ways people employ technology to meet their needs for transportation, communication and structures; and Ecosystems, a major expansion opened in March of 2010, features an unprecedented blend of nearly 400 species of live plants and animals, and hands-on exhibits in 11 immersive environments. Ecosystems highlights include a 188,000 gallon kelp tank populated with live kelp, fish, and other marine life, a desert flash flood, and a special gallery dedicated to the urban ecology of Los Angeles. The Ecosystems experience empowers explorers with the science knowledge to become better stewards of the environment. https://californiasciencecenter.org/

Located in Kelley Park in San Jose, Happy Hollow Park and Zoo has been providing affordable family entertainment, education and fun since 1961. The Park is a peaceful, creative and safe place for children of all ages, with the main focus on “little ones” between the ages of 2-10. There are creative play areas, children’s rides, hand puppet and marionette shows, special events, and birthday areas. Learn about wildlife up close during daily meet-and-greets, leap like a lemur on the playground, brush and feed the goats, or take a peek inside Doc’s Critter Care building and the Ranch House. Double-H Ranch features a combination of animal exhibits, including giant anteaters and red ruffed lemurs, as well chickens and domesticated animals that are docile enough to touch. http://www.hhpz.org/

Fill your day with roller coasters, live shows, concerts, fireworks, amusement park food favorites and even a water park at the iconic California's Great America. Thrills for every age are ready to rock your world and run you ragged. New rides and attractions are introduced every year and special events like the nightmarish Halloween Haunt are looked forward to by the tens of thousands! Get your walking shoes ready and practice your screaming, there's a lot to cover on this adrenaline rush of an outing! https://www.sanjose.org/listings/californias-great-america

Pier 39 is located on the San Francisco waterfront near the Fisherman’s Wharf area of the city and is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to California. The pier is home to many great restaurants offering local seafood as well as other cuisines. If shopping is your thing you will find 90+ stores offering everything from souvenirs to sports memorabilia. Pier 39 is also where you can find fun and exciting attractions such as the Aquarium of the Bay and the 7D experience. If you walk to the end of Pier 39 and visit K-Dock you will find the world famous sea lions who have made the pontoons their home. The sealions first appeared after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and began taking over the piers on the Pier 39 marina, much to the annoyance of the marina tenants. After numerous attempts to shoo them away they eventually had to give up and the numbers grew and grew reaching a peak of over 1500 in 2009. Today they have become one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco and have their own area of Pier 39. While there why not pay a visit to the Marine Mammal Center just upstairs from the viewing area where you can learn more about the sea lions and pick up some sea lion related souvenirs. https://www.city-sightseeing.us/en/pier-39

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park located along a beautiful sandy beach in a friendly beach town. The Boardwalk features more than 40 rides and attractions including two National Historic Landmarks: the world-famous 1924 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster and the beautiful 1911 Looff Carousel, plus many scream-inducing thrill rides, gentle kiddie rides, casual restaurants, gift shops, games, indoor arcades, and miniature golf. https://beachboardwalk.com/FAQs

The Seymour Marine Discovery Center offers hands-on immersion into the world of ocean exploration and discovery. With a 20,000-square-foot visitor center, guests can touch a shark, explore the latest discoveries in ocean science, and take in the spectacular Monterey Bay, called the “Serengeti of the sea,” for its incredible diversity of marine life. Powered by the Long Marine Laboratory, a world-renowned university research facility, our exhibit hall offers a deeper dive into the fascinating and varied work of scientists studying the oceans here in Santa Cruz and around the world. https://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu/

Balboa Park, originally called City Park, used to be 1,400 acres of undeveloped land. Landscaping began in 1892, followed by the construction of water systems and roads through 1910. In 1915, San Diego was to be the host of the Panama-California Exposition. Nature lovers have a lot to see in the gardens at Balboa Park in San Diego. The 1935 (Old) Cactus Garden at San Diego Balboa Park features massive cactus and succulent plants. Visitors will even find exotic African and Australian Protea plants at this area within Balboa Park San Diego. The Botanical Building and the lily pond in front of it are some of the most popular areas that are photographed in Balboa Park - and with good reason. There are over 2,100 permanent plants inside the building and a changing collection of cycads, ferns, orchids and palms. The California Native Plant Garden shows visitors thousands of plants that thrive here in their San Diego habitat. Bring your kids to the Balboa Park Carousel. This fun destination is adjacent to the San Diego Zoo and features plenty of hand-carved animals so that your kid has lots of choices. All but two of the hand-carved animals on the Balboa Park San Diego Carousel are original from 1910! While you're on the merry-go-round, you can even play the brass ring game. Balboa Park's Carousel is one of a small number around the world that still have the brass ring game for riders to play. The Balboa Park Miniature Railroad takes families on a fun journey across four acres. https://www.sandiego.com/balboa-park

An urban paradise for all ages, the San Diego Zoo is a must-see in Southern California, with more than 4,000 rare & fascinating animals. See giant pandas, Komodo dragons, orangutans, koalas, flamingos, polar bears, and more. With animal encounters, interactive experiences, and a lively atmosphere, it's a great place for family fun and gathering friends. http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/

The Railroad Museum in San Diego in Balboa Park presents one of the largest indoor train models in the world, and it is also the only accredited railway-themed museum in the United States. San Diego Model Railroad Museum is educational, exciting and interesting for adults and children of all ages. Whether you grew up creating and playing with your own train models or you are a railway connoisseur, the Railroad Museum San Diego will provide you with entertainment as you admire the impressive designs and learn about the history of the railway systems in California. Guests will witness the transformation of trains and the railways through time and gain facts about the early railroad women in history. Visitors at the San Diego Railroad Museum will recognize the miniature version of famous San Diego sites and landmarks while trains zoom through the landscapes. The San Diego Railroad Museum features imaginary prototypes and the hypothetical design of the Pacific Desert Lines that were surveyed but constructed. The Railroad Museum San Diego also presents the real-life mountain scenes in the Tehachapi Loop and the Goat Canyon trestle on the San Diego and Arizona Eastern line, as train history and authenticity is preserved in each exhibit. The toy train gallery is also an exciting must-see attraction as it has four tracks and operating accessories. The kids will enjoy pressing the buttons to operate the coal trains, which blow horns, whistles and even smoke at the San Diego Railroad Museum. https://www.sandiego.com/san-diego-railroad-museum

Maritime Museum features historic ships that display both permanent and temporary exhibits on board. You can see what it was like to live and work on these vessels at Maritime Museum of San Diego. Look into the cabins where ship crew mates would sleep, walk by the kitchen and dining areas to see where they had meals and satisfy your curiosity by seeing the very small bathrooms and showers. San Diego Maritime Museum offers daily public tours so that you and your friends or family can explore this place often - and learn plenty about ship life. Maritime Museum San Diego has public events that make for great experiences and quality bonding time with family and friends. During the Family Overnight Adventure at San Diego Maritime Museum, you and your loved ones can spend a night on the Star of India. Maritime Museum will tell you all about how the immigrants and crew lived and worked on this ship. Guests can participate in ship chores. You might raise the sail or rig a bosun's chair at Maritime Museum of San Diego. Your kids will know how to hoist cargo and sing sea chanteys like they were the original passengers on this ship after a fun day at the Maritime Museum. https://www.sandiego.com/maritime-museum

At Adventure Zone, kids and parents love the food, fun and activities. Game Zone offers cutting edge virtual reality, full motion simulator games, a western theme 8 player shooting gallery and the best redemption games and prizes in town. Speed Zone with over 800 feet of twists and turns spread out on over one acre, making it El Paso’s premier go-kart destination. Bumper Zone is set in 100,000 gallons of water with a small tropical island. https://visitelpaso.com/places/adventure-zone

Explore on your own or join a docent-led tour for an interactive and unique adventure into the world of contemporary glass. Explanatory commentary in the form of interpretive text panels, interactive technology and gallery guides are provided to ensure your experience is meaningful and engaging. The galleries at Museum of Glass are dedicated to both temporary exhibitions, as well as works from our Permanent Collections that feature twentieth and twenty-first century glass. The exhibitions span a wide range and convey the meaning and motivations of the artists with the help of Curatorial Team of Museum. On the third Thursday of every month, Museum of Glass is open late, 5-8pm, with no admission fees. Stop in to see Hilltop Artists in the Hot Shop, explore our current exhibitions, and discover special hands-on projects in the Education Studio. https://museumofglass.org/

Locally recognized as the Best Place to Take the Kiddos, the El Paso Zoo sits on 35 acres of fun and adventure. Bigger and better than ever, the El Paso Zoo is an expansive green space that is home to exotic animals from around the world and features family attractions such as the African Star Train and the Hunt Family Desert Spring water feature and the Foster Tree House Playground. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the El Paso Zoo celebrates the value of animals and natural resources and creates opportunities for people to rediscover their connection to nature. https://visitelpaso.com/places/el-paso-zoo

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium isn't just a fun place to spend time with friends and family. It's also the only combined zoo and aquarium in the Pacific Northwest, nestled inside the 700-acre Point Defiance Park with views of Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. And with over 520 different animal species, a vintage carousel and Zoolights, there's plenty to explore. Glide with a shark. Wiggle with a walrus. Chirp with budgies. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is full of animals that will capture your heart and imagination, in habitats from tropical waters to lush bamboo forest. Explore them all here. https://www.pdza.org/visit/

Kayben Farms’ Sunshine Adventure Park is a refreshing place to take the whole family for a delightful day of farm fun, about 10 minutes south of the city of Calgary. http://kayben.com/sunshine-adventure-park-home/

Operated by Alberta’s oldest charity, Calgary Zoological Society, Calgary Zoo is the second largest zoo in Canada. The zoo which had its origins in early 1900s, suffered extensive flooding during June 2013 Calgary floods. The zoo was closed during this period and reopened in November 2013. Calgary Zoo is also a leading Canadian Centre for conservation and is home to Centre for Conservation Research with many endangered animals in its care. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/calgary/listing/calgary-zoo/

TELUS Spark Science Centre is a space for people of all ages and abilities to let go and embrace the desire to explore science, technology, engineering, art and math. Exhibits and programs ignite a sense of wonder and excitement. Over 200 hands- on experiences and the largest Dome theatre in Western Canada. General admission covers all special exhibits, unlimited Dome shows and the award winning outdoor Brainasium park. Enjoy a bite in the Spark Eatery and find unique gifts for that science geek in your life in the Spark Store. Spark Science Centre is a registered charity, and every dollar you donate empowers a child, a student, a parent, or a new Canadian to discover a world inspired by curiosity. Drink out of a toilet! Lay on a bed of nails! Live science demos, amazing Facilitators and an open studio where you can create and explore. Currently showing Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out, as well as the new Dome show, Great Bear Rainforest! https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/attractions/telus-spark-science-centre

Arion is a peaceful farm sanctuary for people and animals situated on 12 acres in a beautiful valley in South-East Kelowna. The farm is a serene, volunteer-driven social enterprise that offers an escape from city life just 10 minutes out of town. Open daily for interactive tours, various programs surrounding organic farming and animal care, as well as therapeutic farm and horse experiences. http://www.ariontherapeutic.farm/

The Kelowna Art Gallery is located in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District in downtown Kelowna, BC. Its offer visitors the opportunity to explore changing exhibitions of both historical and contemporary Canadian art in four gallery spaces, including an outdoor courtyard area. The Gallery offers art classes and workshops for adults and teens in the fall and winter, and art camps during spring and summer breaks for children. Its popular Family Sundays offer visitors the chance to get creative with guided hands-on art activities based on a new theme each week, after they get inspired by the current exhibitions on view. The gallery hosts a number of events throughout the year, including artist’s talks, lectures, and panel discussions, fundraisers, community projects, and other special events. The Kelowna Art Gallery also have a permanent collection of upwards of 800 works of art and a range of publications that produce to accompany its exhibitions. http://kelownaartgallery.com/about/

The MacKenzie Art Gallery is Saskatchewan’s largest public art gallery. A legacy of Norman MacKenzie K. C. (1869 – 1936), the MacKenzie art gallery was first opened in 1953 at the Regina campus of the University of Saskatchewan. The Gallery holds rotating exhibitions throughout the year in a variety of art styles on par with the best art galleries in North America. The art studio behind the gift shop is a great place for children to explore their creativity. Visitors can also enjoy a breadth of fresh air with the ‘Outdoor Sculpture Garden Self-Guided Walking Tour’. Visitors on Sunday can enjoy ‘Studio Sunday’, a family friendly event where families can explore the exhibitions through family-focused tours, hands on art-making, and special Sunday events with storytelling and special guest artists. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/mackenzie-art-gallery/

The Heritage Centre, opened in 2007, tells the story of Canada’s mounted police service from its conception in the early 1870s. Designed by world-famous architect, Arthur Erickson, the statuesque building in glass, stone and concrete, is home to various state of the art exhibits and displays illuminating the mounted troop’s history. Starting with the history of the creation of the mounted police force, the main Exhibit Gallery showcases six exhibits on the maintenance of law and order from early days to present. Here you can also learn about the famous Northwest campaign presented from different points of view. See the famous Louis Riel’s handcuffs and learn about famous law enforcement officers and what it takes to be a Mountie on patrol. Be it the ‘March of the Mounties’ or the role of horses in Mounted Police, or the famous musical ride, visitors will take home a sense of what the Mounties has offered and continues to offer the Canadians. Watch the Sergeant Major’s Parade on Monday to Friday during the summer, and from Tuesday to Friday from September until the end of April at 12:45 pm. In summer, see the Sunset-Retreat Ceremony! This colourful event lasts approximately 45 minutes and includes military music, the lowering of the Canadian flag, the March Past, and a troop drill display performed by cadets dressed in the famous scarlet tunic. Also the centre offers age appropriate activities for school kids including Mini marching mounties, Mini musical ride. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/rcmp-heritage-centre/

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum was the first museum in Saskatchewan, Canada, and the first provincial museum in the three Prairie Provinces. Established in 1906 as the Provincial Museum of Natural History, with a view to secure and preserve natural history specimens and objects of historical and ethnological interest, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum currently draws 1,40,000 visitors annually. It was renamed the Royal Saskatchewan Museum following the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of Canada. The Royal Saskatchewan Museum houses three main galleries: the Life Sciences Gallery, the First Nations Gallery, and the Earth Sciences Gallery. From the diversity and beauty of Saskatchewan landscapes at the Life Sciences Gallery to the First Nations Gallery celebrating the history and traditions of Aboriginal societies that lived in Saskatchewan, this place has lots to offer. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/royal-saskatchewan-museum/

The Saskatchewan Science centre strives to ignite scientific curiosity and innovation in Saskatchewan communities through interactive, dynamic, and engaging learning opportunities. The Centre’s exhibit floor features over 150 hands-on science exhibits and live stage shows and demonstrations. The exhibits showcase all scientific disciplines with everything from space, to energy, to the wildlife of Saskatchewan being open to exploration. Visiting exhibits mean that there is always something new to learn about and play with at the Science Centre. In the past, the science centre have we’ve featured such exciting exhibitions as Dinosaurs Unearthed, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, and for the summer of 2015 we are thrilled to host Arctic Voices! Watch live demonstrations at the Space Stadium Stage to learn about everything from cryogenics, to air pressure to the sweet science of sugar. Not a kid anymore? That doesn’t mean the Science Centre isn’t for you! Enjoy advanced programming and a licenced bar at one of our Adult Science Nights! https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/saskatchewan-science-centre/

Beacon Hill Park is in downtown Victoria and within easy walking distance from most downtown hotels, motels and the inner harbour. Just walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street. Take a right on Douglas Street. You'll climb a short hill and at the top of that hill is the beginning of Beacon Hill Park. Keep in mind the park is huge (200 acres), and there's much to see and do there, so allow plenty of time to view the entire park. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/garden-parks/beacon-hill-park

See all of British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum, a world-class museum of natural and human history. Explore our core galleries and immerse yourself in tales of where we've been and where we are going. Discover things and people you never knew before. Marvel at the totems, masks and cultural treasures featured in the world-class First Peoples Gallery. Experience authentic artifacts and highly realistic settings -- from the Woolly Mammoth in his rocky, icy world to a tar-scented trip on the HMS Discovery. Your experience doesn't end with Museum's galleries. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/attractions/royal-bc-museum

Just around the corner from Victoria's Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With a brand new park offering an area for kids to play or for adults to read a book, this unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures in a working harbour setting. Wander down to the docks with your lunch, buy seafood fresh off the boat, check out the unique array of commercial, pleasure vessel and float home moorage and watch the commercial fishing vessels unload their wares. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/garden-parks/fishermans-wharf