by Kate Guymon

Times are tough for many families, forcing them to cut back on summer camp and vacations. More kids will spend more time at home, meaning their parents will hear the dreaded wail, “I’m bored!”

In the olden days of my own childhood, the common kid did not rush home from the last day of school only to pack up for camp the next day anyway. Our days were not typically scheduled from sunrise to sunset with extra-curricular, curricular, and character-enhancing activities. Instead, the bulk of us ran home, jubilant to be free of the regularity of school, excited to stay up late, wake up early and spend our summer days swimming and riding bikes, climbing trees and building forts.

OK. Maybe I’m romanticizing the summers of my childhood. If I really think about it, we probably spent plenty of time watching Nickelodeon, playing Nintendo and complaining of boredom. However stunning this realization is for me, there is no turning back. This year I have opted out of providing my kids with a jam-packed, camp-activity-filled, go-go summer. This year we have no schedule. No plans. No particular place to go. And, due to a moment of idealistic insanity, no cable TV.

Yikes. Now what?

For days when funds are low and there are no city festivals, when every corner of the backyard has been over explored and the park just isn’t cutting it anymore, we compiled this handy guide of 10 things to do for $5 or less.

1. Wheeler Farm
6351 S. 900 East in Salt Lake
801-264-2241
Website
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk (activities: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
Cost: Free admission; cow milking, 50 cents; wagon rides, $1.50; house tours, $1.50
It’s a park, it’s a farm, and it’s a blast! Wheeler farm is a fully functioning historical farm in the heart of Salt Lake. It’s a fun place to walk around and look at animals, walk along Cottonwood Creek, and learn about some of Utah’s agricultural history. Pack a picnic lunch and stay for a while.

2. Take a Hike
Website
Cost: Free
Check out the many family-friendly hikes in and around the Salk Lake Valley. When hiking with children, be sure to take plenty of water, snacks or meals and sunscreen. Hikes with small children should be no more than about 3 miles round trip. Keep an easy pace and a lighthearted attitude, and have fun!

3. Music on the Plaza
Gateway Mall
400 W. 100 South in Salt Lake
801-460-0000
Website
Cost: Free
Let the kids splash in the plaza fountains while you listen to live jazz music each Thursday evening in June and July from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

4. Free Star Parties
Various locations throughout Salt Lake Valley
435-882-1209
Website
Every other Friday and Saturday night the Salt Lake Astronomical Society hosts a star party at which the public can observe the night sky through high-powered telescopes. Take advantage of this great way for the whole family to learn about astronomy.

5. Free Movies in the Park
Many cities throughout the valley offer free weekly or monthly outdoor movies throughout the summer. If you feel like driving a bit, you could probably see a flick every night of the week. Bring a blanket and the kids and enjoy community entertainment, free popcorn and of course a slightly dated movie on a big ol’ inflatable screen. Check your local city and recreation centers, or here are just a few of sites to check out:

The Gallivan Center, Every Monday Night
Website

Salt Lake City Parks: Friday Night Flicks
Website

Cottonwood Heights Parks, Monthly
Website

Utah State Capitol Movies Under the Stars, Every Other Monday in July and August
Website

6. Antelope Island State Park
4528 W. 1700 South in Syracuse
801-733-2941
Website
Cost: $9/vehicle
Technically, this one should not be on the list, but since it’s only $9 a carload, it can actually be cheaper than a $5-per-person venue. There is so much to do on the island, you won’t be sorry you went. If swimming in the briny lake isn’t your thing, try hiking one of the trails, visiting the farmhouse or just driving around looking for wildlife. Antelope Island is the largest island in the Salt Lake and is home to a roaming herd of 500 bison. In addition to seeing bison and antelope on the island, my kids and I have seen porcupines, eagles and bighorn sheep.

7. Visit a Dog Park
Website
Cost: Free
Don’t have a dog? That’s ok. When my older daughter was younger, we didn’t have a dog either. We were footloose and hair free, but one of her favorite things to do was go down to the dog park and marvel at all the varieties of canines running about. There are lots of great dog parks in Salt Lake, but one of our favorites for kids and dogs is Parley’s Gulch behind Tanner Park. Be sure to teach your kids good dog etiquette and always ask the owner before approaching to pet a strange dog. Take water and, uh, keep your shoes on.

8. Kennecott Copper Mine
12800 S. State Route 111 in Bingham Canyon
801-204-2025
Website
Cost: $5/vehicle
Look into the Bingham Canyon Mine, gaze at the 240- and 320-ton capacity trucks delivering ore, and explore the Visitors Center, with exhibits, mineral samples, and a film about the mine.

9. Salt Lake City Main Library
210 E. 400 South
801-524-8200
Website
The Salt Lake City and County library systems both have tons of free fun activities and story times throughout the summer, but if you are looking for a free outing to occupy a chunk of the day with your kiddos, you must visit the Salt Lake City Main Library downtown. Start with a drink and head straight downstairs to the beautiful and airy children’s library which is thoughtfully equipped with a nursing and changing room, a children’s multimedia alcove, and large rooms for crafts and story times. My kids love the special spaces, Grandma’s attic and the Crystal Cave the best. In the summer children and parents can enjoy the adjacent terrace with its gently flowing waterfalls. When you’ve finished in the children’s area, hop in the glass elevator for a ride to the rooftop garden where you and your kids can see the city, check out what’s growing and then walk right down the roof to the courtyard!

10. City Creek Canyon and Nature Preserve
Take ‘B’ Street and 11th Avenue to Bonneville Boulevard to Canyon Road. Turn right at the gate house.
Website
There aren’t many cities which are home to a beautiful canyon and nature preserve where you can see deer, moose, and maybe even cougars and more. The paved canyon road is open to bicycles only on odd-numbered days during the summer.