Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Red Butte Garden is the largest botanical center in the Great Basin. Eighteen of the garden's 200 acres are formal gardens. Families can tour the garden, take classes, listen to concerts, and go hiking; every season provides something new.

Of the several magnificent gardens, the Children's Garden and Water Pavilion are must sees. The Children's Garden wows little ones with a rattlesnake maze, canyon waterfall, a butterfly walk, and more. A water fountain surrounded by water-spitting snakes has been known to entertain little ones for hours (do bring swimming diapers for infants). The Water Pavilion has a deck where you can see the goldfish and ducks.

Classes are available for adults and children. Children's drop-in classes are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Class size is limited to 25 and filled on a first come, first served basis.

Summer Camps are offered for kids in preschool through the ninth grade; choose from a variety of half-day camps. Campers signed up for both morning and afternoon camps can bring a sack lunch and picnic with the counselors in between sessions. To register, call Red Butte Garden or visit its website.

The Sprout House is open year round and offers fun, self-guided activities, such as the Reading Roots Space, Discovery Boxes, and microscope specimens. The Sprout House is located in the heart of the Children's Garden and is free with garden admission.

The Amphitheater Garden hosts concerts throughout the summer. Bring drinks, sunglasses, a light warm jacket, and a low-backed chair or a blanket to throw on the lawn. Pre-packed picnics can be made to order and picked up at the garden. Concert packages are available. Concert tickets can by purchased by phone (801.585.0556), online, or pick them up in person at the Garden Visitor Center.

With four miles of hiking trails, you can either go on your own adventure or take a guided tour. Most guided tours are for adults, but Red Butte Garden also offers tours for families with children over eight years old. Guided tours are available on Saturday mornings and advance registration is required; call to book a tour. Those who prefer to go through the garden at their own pace can pick up a map of the various hiking trails and their distances at the Visitor Center.

Picnic areas are available throughout the garden, but families must pack their own food, as there are no concessions. The gift shop at the Visitor Center does sell chocolate bars, ice cream, snacks, and drinks.

Birthday parties can be held at the Sprout House. The birthday package includes two hours exclusive use of the Sprout House, admission for 12 children and 5 adults, games, crafts, party invitations, decorations, party favors, and a t-shirt for the birthday child. Parties must be scheduled two weeks in advance with a $50 deposit. One adult is required for every five children at the party. Call 801.581.8454 for booking, pricing, and for more information.

Red Butte Garden is part of the University of Utah and is a non-profit organization. U of U faculty and staff members receive discounts on admission, and U of U students can visit the garden for free with valid ID. Memberships are available and include free admission for one year, a subscription to the garden newsletter and program calendar, invitations to member events, discounts at various stores, and free admission to other botanical gardens around the country.

The garden is closed on and Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.