How to Rock Summer Break: Best Free Utah Activities with Kids – Part 2

Last time we saw some cool splash pads, and a pioneer village. This post brings you more great kid-friendly activities we’ve done this summer, from meeting kangaroos to our own local “beach”.

Springville Petting Zoo

That’s just what we call it since there’s not really an official name—it’s private property down the road from Jaker’s. There’s a place to park from the street and the family is really friendly about seeing the animals. We tried visiting months ago, but got stuck in mud and left as soon as I dug the stroller out. I’m so glad we came back! Baby W loves animals and kept sticking his hand through the gate to try to pet/feed them his fingers, so I had to play keep away! The kangaroo was our favorite, and apparently W’s rogue finger was delicious. We saw pigs, cows, donkeys, ducks, geese, chickens, roosters, goats, sheep, and of course llamas! The baby goats were super friendly.

City Creek Indoor Playground

A nice way to beat the heat and still get their energy out! The dinosaur theme is now Salt Lake REAL soccer themed. I don’t agree with the change because I’m hypersensitive to marketing in a kid’s area, but my children had a great time. There are a variety of small slides, things to climb on, things to peek through, and they spent over an hour playing. You can’t really see the kids when they disappear into the giant soccer ball tent or when they come out on the opposite side of where you’re sitting since it blocks the other half of the playground, so you do have to pay close attention.

Wayne Bartholomew Family Park (Springville Reservoir)

We call this the Beach! It’s our new favorite place to cool off in the summer heat. The sand is course, but there’s plenty for building sand castles and digging in. The water is usually ice cold, but it’s refreshing once you’re acclimated—and super fun if you have a raft, floaty, kayak, canoe, paddle board, or other toys. We’ve gone 3 times in one week! We love it so much here we may plan L’s birthday party here.
It’s free if you park at the top of the hill or if you get a permit from City Hall as a resident, $10 per day for close up parking.

Playgrounds

We’ve been going to our favorite private playgrounds and the grass area in the middle of our condo for picnics, biking, ride-on toys, and races. These little monkeys love being outside!

Hanging in the Backyard

If you’re like us and don’t have your own yard, it’s fun to visit with family and friends who do! We’ve been hanging out with cousins while Jer helps with building their basement. Some things we did outside were get wet with a water table, jump on the trampoline, roast marshmallows in the fire pit, and run around the playground set which had swings and slides.