(Mostly-Utah) Family Fun Gift Guide

We prefer to do more experience-based gifts as a family. Here's some we've done and loved in the past, with most being based in UT--besides the Get Out Pass.

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1. Get Out Pass: (Use code "ABOUTPROGRESS" for the best deal.) We first got our Get Out Pass when I was very sick and pregnant--read, no fun. But, this past summer our family used our Get Out Passes up to 3 times a week! Each member of the family needs to get their own, but you then get into dozens of family-friendly places and activities for 365 days, from bowling alleys, to trampoline parks, to museums, and even (in Utah) amusement parks, skiing, and more. Check to see if your area is included, as the Get Out Pass is in 31 states. We are renewing ours this year and adding a pass for our toddler. 

2. Thanksgiving Point: We've had a membership at Thanksgiving Point ever since moving UT, even though we typically have to drive 30 minutes to get there. It's well-worth it for the MANY kid-friendly museums, the gardens, and family-friendly events. Our very favorite is the Curiosity Museum, but don't sleep on the Dinosaur Island exhibit each summer.

3. Pencil Box Art Studio: Located in Millcreek, this studio offers so many art and music classes from little toddlers to homeschoolers. We did the Toddler Group (with parents) in the Fall and signed up again for the Winter semester. I adore spending time with my toddler and getting him into alllll the fun art, sensory tables, and music without having to do the cleanup. Each day is thoughtfully prepared and the teachers are lovely.

4. Natural Museum of History: So, this museum is good--but the main reason why we have a membership here is because it is part of the ASTC Passport program, where you get free entry to any other museum on the list, as long as you don't live/have a membership within a 90-mile radius. That means, whenever we visit my in-laws in Northern CA, we get into SO many kid museums for free. We did so on a recent trip to Southern CA, too.  Even if you don't live in UT but visit even once a year, I'd get this membership to get access to other ones for free--again, just make sure you don't live within a 90-mile radius of the one you want to go to. 

5. Hogle Zoo: We truly love this zoo! Now that my toddler is getting into animals, we're goign to spend even more time here. We especially love it with ALL the kids (even the big ones) because of the play area at the center, which includes a water area, too. 

PS: Many friends have a membership at Loveland Aquarium and say it's fantastic. We've only visited once and it was great, but we missed the giant playroom with is a MUST for parents of small children during the Winter months. We're considering a membership here this year.

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