Utah Museum of Natural History in Salt Lake City, UT 84112

The Utah Museum of Natural History's collections in the fields of earth sciences, biology, and anthropology rank among the largest and most comprehensive for the western United States. While emphasizing the Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, they also include material from throughout the world. But, frankly, when a kid sees a dinosaur skeleton for the first time, none of that really matters!

A new exhibit - Bugs Alive - unveiled in October of 2008 features living arthropods. This exhibit is the museum's first permanent live collection.

The museum offers Discovery Classes and Workshops for Kids. The two-hour classes cover a wide range of topics and offer hands-on activities and projects, and are appropriate for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. UMNH members receive discounted pricing. Check the website to find out more about these educational offerings.

Birthday parties are available for children ages four to 12 on Fridays and Saturdays. The museum provides themed party decorations, activities, crafts, goody bags, and a coordinator to host the party. All you need to do is bring the refreshments you would like served. Party themes include Magic Mixtures (ages seven to 12), Dinosaur Detectives (ages four to seven), and more. Parties run 90 minutes. A 50% deposit is required to reserve a party. The balance must be paid on the day of the party along with fees for any additional guests. UMNH accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and all major credit cards. [801.585.3948]

During the summer, UMNH offers Adventures in the Natural World Summer Camp - half and full-day week-long camps for kids entering kindergarten through fifth grade. The camp schedule is available in April of each year. [801.585.3948]

Family Membership are available; see the museum's website for details and pricing.