Free Event of the Day- May 8, 2008

The Mind Marathon at the Orem City Library will take on Edgar Allen Poe, master of the macabre. Best remembered for his tales such as "The Fall of the House of Usher" and "The Telltale Heart," Poe is also the nearly universally acknowledged inventor of the detective story, beginning with "Murder in the Rue Morgue."

His was a relatively short and tragic life, marred by tragedy and suffering, but his works stand as classics of American Gothic literature.

BYU's Dennis Perry will give an introduction to Edgar Allen Poe in the Storytelling Wing at 7:00 p.m.

Place: Orem Public Library
Location: 56 North State Street, Orem, UT
Phone: 801.229.7050
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 40.0 miles
Ogden: 75.4 miles
Provo: 4.9 miles
Logan: 120 miles

Saturday (or any day) in the Park- Murray Park

When you get to be my age (ok, I'm not that old) reaching back into your childhood becomes an exercise in selective memory. Those things you tend to remember are those that had the biggest impact on your life- good or bad. Among some of my fond memories are the many visits that I made to Murray Park with family, friends and one or two dates.

I learned to ski there (mostly I learned how to fall off my skies). I remember playing on the old World War II airplane, sliding down the twisty slide and hiding in the cement igloos. We went to the Salt Lake County Fair at the park and swam in Little Cottonwood Creek on hot summer days and ice skated in the winter. I took a date on a picnic to the park once and forgot to bring along the food.

The old airplane is gone, as are the twisty slide and cement igloos. The Salt Lake County Fair has been moved to a new location in the valley, but, Murray Park has only gotten better with age.

The park is somewhat hidden from the main streets that surround it and when you're in the park you feel like you are nowhere near a urban area. No matter where you are in the park, you can only see small portions at a time, making the park seem deceptively small. This is a park that literally has surprises around each turn in the path.

There is a rose garden and statue of Chief Wasatch at the State Street entrance to the park. Just a little further in is a large Gazebo (which can be rented for parties) surround by a large grassy area and a beautiful arboretum with walking paths winding through it.

Across the road from the arboretum and grassy play area is the Park Center, an aquatic and fitness center (there are extra charges for using the facilities). Just up the road is the outdoor ice rink (available only in the winter) and a great children's playground- even the a. Across the street from the playground is the outdoor pool that has a large waterslide (entrance fee applies).

The wide expanse of park behind the outdoor pool is one of my favorite areas of the park. It has several large, open areas for playing football, soccer or flying a kite. The the area is broken up by a large hill in the west-central area. Kids love this hill for running and rolling down in the warm months and sledding down in the winter. That hill is where I first strapped on a pair of skis.

This is the area that has some more fun playgrounds and pavilions with picnic tables. To the south of this area is the amphitheater, hidden back among the trees. During the summer, plays and musicals are performed in front of large audiences.

Murray Park has been around for a long time, as attested by the huge trees all through the park that offer shade for picnickers and parents resting while their children play. With the popularity of this park in the center of the Salt Lake Valley, I look for this park to just get better with age.


Place: Murray Park
Location: 296 East Murray Park Lane, Murray, UT
Phone: 801.264.2614 (Murray Parks Department)
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: FREE- some activities in the park do have associated fees, such as the Ice Rink, Swimming Pools, and the Amphitheater.


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 9.0 miles
Ogden: 44.4 miles
Provo: 37.2 miles
Logan: 89.1 miles

Free Event of the Day- May 7, 2008

Do you like good music? How about good jazz music? The standards and boogie-woogie?

On Wednesday, May 7, 2008, local musicians C.J. Santoro and the East Street band, will be playing the old standards, boogie-woogie, and more at the Union Station in Ogden. Join the crowd for some great oldies starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission is FREE.

Place: Union Station- Jazz at the Station
Location: 2501 Wall Avenue, Ogden, UT
Phone: 801.393.9890
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 37.2 miles
Ogden (downtown): 0.5 miles
Provo: 78.8 miles
Logan: 47.6 miles

Timpanogos Cave - Don't Eat the Ants

The very first time I hiked to Timpanogos Cave, I was 8 years old and went with my Cub Scout Troop. If I recall correctly, I had never climbed a hill quite that steep and I was afraid of heights. It seemed as if the trail would never end and that the mile and a half climb must have taken hours to get to the cave entrance. It probably took less than an hour, and my scoutmaster kept me going and occupied by pointing out plants and animals along the way.

The scoutmaster was, I definitely recall, slightly odd, and had a fascination with everything along the trail. Showing us how to make the snapdragon flowers open and close their mouths was neat. Having us pick up and eat the large black ants wasn't (they did NOT taste like grapes like he claimed). But, it did make the hike interesting.

The hike up the trail is actually quite stunning, through the brush and trees on the lower part of the trail, then you come to the portion of the trail that lets you get a panoramic view of American Fork Canyon. Along the way you'll see all kinds of plants and small animals. Take a pair of binoculars to get really good views of the other side of the canyon and down into Utah Valley. You may even get a glimpse of a Mountain Goat or Bighorn Sheep.

The hike is moderate to difficult, but the trail is fairly wide and is paved all the way up to the cave.

At the top of the trail is what you really hiked all this way to see- Timpanogos Cave. The 45-60 minute cave tour is led by a ranger who will tell you the history of the cave and point out all of the different features of the cave.

Timpanogos cave is actually three different caves; Hansen Cave, Middle Cave and Timpanogos cave. The three caves are connected by man made tunnels. Hansen Cave was discovered first and many of the formations were damaged or destroyed before the caves became national monuments. Fortunately, Middle Cave and Timpanogos Cave were found later on and were protected from the damaged experienced in Hansen Cave.

Inside the cave, which maintains a temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you will see helictites (hollow straws of rock), cave bacon, cave columns, cave popcorn and many stalactites (they hang from the ceiling) and stalagmites (grow upwards from the floor). The largest, most impressive stalactite in the cave is known as the Great Heart of Timpanogos.

My favorite portion of the tour is when the tour enters a chamber where the ranger turns out the lights. Absolutely no light enters this part of the cave and it is so dark nothing can be seen, not even your hand right in front of your face.

At the base of the trail is the visitor's center where you can watch a film about the cave and see exhibits about caves. This is great place to either start or end your hike to the cave. There is also a snack bar and gift shop located at the visitor's center.

Timpanogos Cave will open for visitors this weekend, Saturday, May 10, 2008. This is a great activity for couples or families. Bring some water, but just remember- don't eat the ants!

Place: Timpanogos Cave National Monument
Location: State Highway 92, American Fork Canyon, UT (follow the signs)
Phone: 801.756.5238
Hours: May through Labor Day 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (first and last hike times are 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.)
Cost: American Fork Canyon Entrance Fee: $3.00/car
Timpanogos Cave Entrance Fee: $7.00 for adults (16 or older), Children (6-15) $5.00, Children (3-5) $3.00, Infants (0-2) FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 34.9 miles
Ogden: 70.3 miles
Provo: 18.7 miles
Logan: 115 miles

Book Talk Tuesday- May 6, 2008

Utah Curiosities by Brandon Griggs is a book from publisher Globe Pequot, who is known for their interesting and quirky travel guides. Utah Curiosities is another book in the state "Curiosities" series in which authors find those hidden gems in each state and share them with those who wouldn't ever see them otherwise.

Everyone knows about Utah's great skiing, the saltier-than-the-ocean Great Salt Lake, and the multitude of national parks and forests. But, on the way to those attractions, you'll miss some other cool and quirky ones if you don't have this book.

How about a festival where llamas are the guests of honor? Do you know where to go to ride "Old Woodie," one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the United States? There is a place in Utah where the Sphinx has the face of Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. Have you ever visited the grave of "Old Eph?"

This book is great for first time visitors to Utah as well as life long Utahans. I guarantee, even if you've lived here your entire life, like I have, you will still find something in this book that will surprise you.

The only drawbacks I see in this book are the lack of color photos which would enhance the descriptions and be much better than the sometimes not completely clear black and white photos. But, overall, a really fun book with good information about Utah.

Highly Recommended. 4 out of 5 stars.

Free Event of the Day- May 6, 2008

Jammy Time at the Murray Public Library

The Murray City Public Library is holding a story time on May 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Story Time Circle. This activity is for children 2 to 7 years old and their families. Activities include stories, songs, fingerplays, and action rhymes. Come in your pajamas (optional), and have some bedtime fun.

Place: Murray City Public Library
Location: 166 East 5300 South, Murray, UT
Phone: 801.264.2580
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 9.4 miles
Ogden: 44.8 miles
Provo: 36.3 miles
Logan: 89.5 miles

Free Event of the Day- May 5, 2008

FREE Family Monday the Utah Museum of Natural History

On the first Monday of each month, the Utah Museum of Natural History opens its doors for extended hours and FREE admission. Monday, May 5, 2008 is a Free Family Monday.

Head up to this great museum on the campus of the University of Utah. Free tours will be given today at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

This evening, between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. live physics demonstrations will be given in the lobby of the museum. The demonstrations are intended to show kids (and adults) how much fun science can be.

Roam the museum, taking in the exhibits of caves, dinosaurs, Fremont culture in Range Creek Canyon, an exhibit featuring the National Wildlife Refuge System (only on display until May 26, 2008), the earth and earthquakes (including a live seismometer), a mine you can walk into, minerals, and don't forget to check out the working Paleontology lab.

As an added bonus, head on over to the John Widtsoe building (just a short walk from the museum) to the rooftop observatory and join in the free star party! Don't pass up the chance to see all of these amazing exhibits for FREE.

Place: Utah Museum of Natural History
Location: 1390 E. Presidents Circle, University of Utah Campus, Salt Lake City, UT
Phone: 801.581.6927
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City (downtown): 3.0 miles
Ogden: 39.3 miles
Provo: 45.8 miles
Logan: 84 miles

Tracy Aviary- Not Just for the Birds

Field trips in elementary school, trips with scout troops, visits with my family (my parents and my own kids)- I have lost count of how many times I have been to the Tracy Aviary. But, you know what? It never gets old. I mean never. With about 400 birds representing nearly 135 species, it always seems like there is something new to see each time you visit.

Tracy Aviary is located just south of downtown Salt Lake City in Liberty Park in the southwest corner of the park. During the summer, with all the trees, plants and flowers, it is a beautiful and cool place to hang out for an afternoon. There are winding paths all through the aviary taking you past birds that you may have seen in your backyard and birds that most people will never see anywhere else but the aviary. Many of the birds on display here are considered rare or endangered.

In one of the newest exhibits in the aviary, "Destination, Argentina," visitors see birds that live in or migrate to Argentina. The exhibit has a free flight aviary- you go inside the exhibit and the birds are flying all around you. You can also see black-necked swans and Chilean flamingos.

Attend the outdoor bird shows and see fantastic birds do some amazing tricks. The bird shows run from May 13th through September, Tuesdays through Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (show are held only on Saturday and Sunday until after Memorial Day).

It's a guarantee that you will find a favorite bird- mine has changed over the years, from the bald eagle to the condor to the pelicans. Which one will yours be?

Tracy Aviary does have an entrance fee- Adults are $5.00, children 4-12 are $3.00, and children under 3 are free. There is a family membership (2 adults and 2 children) for $40 per year. If you have more than 2 children, it is $8.00 for each additional child on the membership. But, here's a great deal to use- if you have a Hogle Zoo membership (see the blog post on Hogle Zoo) you can get into Tracy Aviary for free on the first Thursday of every month. Or, if you purchase a membership to the Tracy Aviary you can get into the Ogden Nature Center, Thanksgiving Point Farm, Hogle Zoo, and the Utah Museum of Natural History for FREE on the first Thursday of each month. You can also get FREE weekday admission to Ogden Eccles Dinosaur Park, FREE admission to the Willow Park Zoo in Logan, and half price admission to the Living Planet Aquarium. If you plan on visiting any of these places, a membership to Tracy Aviary isn't just for the birds.

Place: Tracy Aviary
Location: 589 East 1300 South (enter Liberty Park on 900 South), Salt Lake City, UT
Phone: 801.596.8500
Hours: Summer (March -October), 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Winter (October - February), 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children (ages 4-12) Free for children 3 and under. FREE on the first Thursday of each month for Hogle Zoo members.


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City (downtown): 2.0 miles
Ogden: 39.5 miles
Provo: 43.1 miles
Logan: 84.2 miles

Things To Do, Utah- This Week, May 5 to May 10, 2008

There are lots of activities, events and places to see this week. Many are free and a few are relatively inexpensive.

Monday, May 5, 2008

• Utah Baroque Ensemble Spring Concert, a musical preview of the ensemble's 2008 European Tour, 7 p.m., library fireplace, Orem City Library, 58 N. State. Free.
• Live Animal Show at the BYU Bean Museum, at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tonight's topic is reptiles. 645 E. 1430 N., BYU Campus, Provo, UT. Call 422-5052. Free.
• Community and Family Night at the Springville Museum of Art, 126 E. 400 South. at 6 p.m. Join the staff at the museum for presentations by children's book illustrator Howard Fullmer and story-teller Ginger Parkinson, followed by a children's art project. Free.
• Utah Museum of Natural History, Free Family Monday (first Monday of each month). Tour the museum and view exhibits. Physics demonstrations in the Museum Lobby from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 1390 East, Presidents Circle, U of U Campus, Salt Lake City, UT. Call 801-581-6927. Free.
  

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

• Live Animal Show at the BYU Bean Museum, at 7:30 p.m. Tonight's topic is adaptations. 645 E. 1430 N., BYU Campus, Provo, UT. Call 422-5052. Free.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

• Live Animal Show at the BYU Bean Museum, at 7:30 p.m. Tonight's topic is Utah's Plants and Animals. 645 E. 1430 N., BYU Campus, Provo, UT. Call 422-5052. Free.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

• Live Animal Show at the BYU Bean Museum, at 7:30 p.m. Tonight's topic is Ecosytems. 645 E. 1430 N., BYU Campus, Provo, UT. Call 422-5052. Free.

Friday, May 9, 2008

• Live Animal Show at the BYU Bean Museum, at 7:30 p.m. Tonight's topic is Invertabrates. 645 E. 1430 N., BYU Campus, Provo, UT. Call 422-5052. Free.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

• Live Animal Show at the BYU Bean Museum, at 1:00 p.m. Today's topic is reptiles. 645 E. 1430 N., BYU Campus, Provo, UT. Call 422-5052. Free.
• Astronomy Day 2008 at the University of Utah, The observatory will be open at 10:00 a.m. and into the night for viewing the sun, moon, stars and planets. Roof of the John Widtsoe Building, President Circle, U of U Campus, Salt Lake City, UT. Call 801-581-6901.
• The Murray Concert Band, conducted by Dr. Craig Ferrin, will present a free concert on Saturday, May 10, at 7:30 pm at Murray High School, 5440 South State Street. There will also be a drawing for free prizes. Call 801-944-1359. Free.
  

Continuing Events

• Minerva Teichert "Pageants in Paint" exhibit, BYU Museum of Art, Provo campus, through May 26, 2008. Call 422-1140 to schedule a tour, must be arranged at least a week in advance. Family-oriented tours on Monday evenings. Free.
• Art at the Main (Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, 363-4088) — "Animals, Animals, Animals," featuring art by Caryn Feeney, through May 10.
• Sam Weller's Gallery on the Mezzanine (Sam Weller's Bookstore, 254 S. Main, 328-2586) — "News From Nowhere: Installation by Richard Zimmerman" through June 13.
• Archeology Inspired Art Show Professional and amature artists from all over Utah and surrounding states are often inspired by the archaeological sites they encounter. Come and see their artwork that is inspired by Utah's archaeological past. 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. until May 10, 2008. 300 South Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT. Call 801-533-3582

Golden Spike National Historic Site

On May 10, 1869 the final rail was laid and the final spike driven for the transcontinental railroad. The east and west coasts were now united by a transportation system that could carry people and goods far more easily and conveniently than ever before. The place where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads met, where the two engines, Jupiter and No. 119, faced each other nose to nose was Promontory Summit, Utah.

The Golden Spike National Historic Site is located 32 miles west of Brigham City, Utah and is a fascinating place with great historic significance. There is a visitors center where there are interesting displays on the transcontinental railroad, slide shows and films about the railroad and the driving of the final spike. Just don't expect to see THE golden spike- it's not there. It is at a museum at Stanford University.

The main feature of the site during the summer are the two replicas of the original steam engines, the Jupiter and No. 119. From May 1 through Labor Day, the engines are on display and operate daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Saturday's the two locomotive are drawn head to head and the Golden Spike Ceremony is reenacted. In the winter months the locomotives are stored in the engine house.

There is a walking trail- the Big Fill Loop Trail which a mile and a half long trail that lets you walk on the original Central Pacific grade. See the Big Fill where a ravine was filled in to allow the trains to maintain a 2% or less grade, climb the ravines and over the fills. Remember, construction was done by hand with the help of some explosives.

You can also take two auto tours- the East Auto Tour and West Auto Tour. The East tour is a 2 mile loop drive. You'll see the Union Pacific's last cut; several trestle abutments and fills; drive through cuts made by blasting rock; and walk to the Chinese Arch, a natural limestone formation, a memorial to the thousands of Chinese who helped build the Transcontinental Railroad. Descend the steepest mile of railroad grade in Utah as you leave the tour.

The West Auto Tour is a 14-mile loop drive. You'll see the Union Pacific parallel grade; pass through several cuts; view fills, a stair-step cut, rock and wood culverts, and a distant glimpse of the Great Salt Lake. Pass the spot where the Central Pacific workers laid 10 miles of track in one day.

Normally, entrance to the historic site is $7.00 per car, which isn't bad for a family. This Saturday, May 10, 2008 is the anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike. There locomotives will arrive at 9:30 a.m. and it will be a day of festivities. There will be bands and choirs, and Anniversary Program, an historic photograph recreation of the Champagne Photo, steam demonstrations, and reenactments of driving the last spike. These activities should have some fun for the whole family and the park will be open FREE of charge for the day. Get out there and have some fun. Oh, and don't forget the camera.

Just a couple of suggestions. Take a picnic (or at least some food) if you plan to spend the day. There are no concessions, only vending machines. Also, check your gas gauge when you turn off at Brigham City. There is are no gas stations once you leave Corinne- about 25 miles away from the park.

Place: Golden Spike National Historic Site
Location: 32 miles west of Brigham City, UT via Utah Highway 83
Phone: 435.471.2209
Hours: 7 days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's
Cost: $7.00 per car (May 10, 2008 is a FREE day)


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 86.7 miles
Ogden: 52 miles
Logan: 50.3 miles
Provo: 128 miles

Free Event of the Day- May 3, 2008

Jessica Day George, author of the popular children's fantasy books, Dragon Slippers and Dragon Flight, will read from and sign Dragon Flight this afternoon at the Barnes and Noble at Jordan Landing. The books are aimed at children from 9 to 12 years old, but even the older kids love this magical story. Take the opportunity to meet one of Utah's own great children's authors.


Place: Barnes & Noble at Jordan Landing
Location: 7157 Plaza Center Drive, West Jordan, UT
Phone: 801.282.1324
Event Time: 2:00 p.m.
Cost: FREE to listen


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 15.7 miles
Ogden: 49.2 miles
Provo: 37.5 miles
Logan: 93.9 miles

Free Event of the Day- May 2, 2008

The Salt Lake City library system offers Preschool Storytimes at all of its branches on a regular basis. Today, Storytime is at the Chapman Branch of the library system. Pack up those kids that aren't in school and head to the library to listen to entertaining stories read to the little ones. While you're there, pick up a few books for the kids and for yourself. As always, the public library system is free. If you don't live in Salt Lake City, ask about getting your library card from another Utah system registered with the Salt Lake City library system- then you can check books out at any Salt Lake City library too.

Place: Salt Lake City Library, Chapman Branch
Location: 577 South 900 West, Salt Lake City, Utah
Phone: 801.594.8623
Hours: Storytime begins at 11:00 a.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City (downtown): 1.8 miles
Ogden: 36.8 miles
Provo: 43.2 miles
Logan: 81.5 miles

Get Lost In Space at the Clark Planetarium

For years, Utah had a wonderful place to go to learn about the universe- Hansen Planetarium. I can't count the number of school field trips, star shows and laser shows I attended there. When the decision was made to close the Hansen Planetarium and move it to the Gateway shopping center, I was a little upset. It was like a good friend moved away. But, when the new Clark Planetarium opened, it was like a new, really cool friend had just moved in and made you forget the old one.

The Clark Planetarium has everything that made the Hansen Planetarium great and then they added even more great exhibits and an IMAX movie screen.

Walk on the moon in the Moonscape exhibit or go even further, take ten steps, and explore the Martian surface in the Marsscape exhibit. You can see the collection of different types of meteorites and even pick one up and feel how heavy it is. Watch Foucault's pendulum swing and knock down a marker every few minutes, proving that the earth in spinning in space (it's complicated to explain, but fun to watch). Check out the giant suspended display of the solar system or watch the balls rolling through Newton's Daydream, a two-story audio-kinetic sculpture. Want to try to be a weatherman on the evening news? Step on over into the KUTV Channel 2 weather station and forecast the weather. Don't worry, you don't have to be accurate- the weathermen aren't either.

All these exhibits and more are free to all visitors to the planetarium. You can spend a couple of hours having fun and never spend a dime. If you want to see a star show or laser rock music show or see a movie on the giant IMAX theater screen, try going before 5:00 p.m. when all shows are only $6.00.

Clark Planetarium will fascinate both kids and adults (I watched Newton's Daydream for an hour).

Place: Clark Planetarium
Location: 110 South 400 West (in The Gateway Mall), Salt Lake City, UT
Phone: 801.456.STAR (7827)
Hours: Opens 7 days a week at 10:30 a.m., Closes: Mon.-Wed. at 8:00 p.m., Thu. at 9:00 p.m., Fri. and Sat. at 11:00 p.m. and Sun. at 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free, for exhibits. $6 to $8 for shows.


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City (downtown): 1.3 miles
Ogden: 36.4 miles
Provo: 43.8 miles
Logan: 81.1 miles

Free Event of the Day- May 1, 2008

Looking for something to do with the kids today?

Today and tomorrow (May 1-2, 2008), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the My Gym Children's Fitness Center is offering activities for kids, including gymnastics, running, climbing, jumping on trampolines and more to celebrate National Fitness Month in May.

There is something for parents as well. Parents can learn about proper nutrition, avoiding junk food and keeping kids active at home.

Take the opportunity to learn about how to keep the kids active and fit, and let the kids play and tire themselves out for a nap or bedtime.

Place: My Gym Children's Fitness Center
Location: 656 East 11400 South, Draper, UT
Phone: 801.495.9480
Hours: May 1-2, 2008, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: FREE


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Distance from:
Salt Lake City: 17.7 miles
Odgen: 53.1 miles
Provo: 28.8 miles
Logan: 97.8 miles