Kids Resources

Sweet & Sassy is a salon, spa, and party place just for kids. The setting is all about glitz and glamour, and clients are made to feel like little princes or princesses. Children can come for the simple hair cut and shampoo, or go wild with an up-do, highlights, manicure, pedicure, make-up application, and ear piercing. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended.

For that very special occasion of your baby's first haircut, the salon offers a package that includes the haircut, a locket of hair, a certificate, and a photo.

Birthday party packages are available for children ages three to 16. Choose themes such as Perfect Princess, Night on the Red Carpet, Sassy Spa Girl, and Late Night at the Spa. Prices vary, and add-ons are available. Call for details and reservations.

Sweet & Sassy has a gift shop where clients can browse while waiting for their turn in the chair. Most items are related to beauty and grooming (nail polish, lip gloss, combs, make-up kits, etc.), but the store also carries some room decor and the uber-popular Webkinz (when available).

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Haircut for Little Kids and the Best Haircut for Big Kids in Salt Lake City, Cookie Cutters is far from a typical barber shop or salon. It is a fantasy world for kids where they just happen to be able to get a haircut. Kids can choose from chairs such as Clifford the Dog, an airplane, a pink car, or a red fire truck to sit in while the clippers are at work (regular chairs are available for big kids), and can watch a movie or play a video game on the flat-screen TVs at each hair cutting station - we've never seen kids sit so still for a haircut! While waiting for a haircut, children can keep themselves entertained in the lobby sliding down the slide, or playing with toys, video games, and bubbles. At the end of the haircut, children receive a sucker and a balloon with a little cookie cutter attached to it. Our kid had such a great experience at Cookie Cutter, she'd be happy to go back every day for a hair cut if we let her!

While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are highly recommended. Bear in mind that the store tends to get really busy in the afternoons after 3pm and on Fridays and Saturdays.

Additional services include braiding, deep conditioning, half up-dos, full up-dos, and nails.

Discounts: Get $2 off the price of a haircut when booking a future appointment as you're paying. Also, Tuesday is Family Day - families with three or more children pay regular price for the first child's haircut, and only $10 for the rest of the children's cuts. Appointments are required for the Family Day special.

Birthday parties can be scheduled at specific times on any day of the week except for Sundays. Prices vary depending on chosen activities, which may include up-dos, nail painting, and makeup.

Bows and Bobbies, custom made hair bows, bobbie socks, and bracelets, are sold at Cookie Cutters.

Michael Tew, DDS is a specialist in pediatric dentistry. He provides dental care for infants, children, and adolescents. The office is clean, and very much geared toward children. The staff is friendly, and the playhouse waiting room helps put children at ease before going in to the exam room. Dr. Tew offers pediatric sedation, but hopefully through his practice of preventative dentistry, most kids he sees never need it.

The office is closed each day from 12:30pm to 1:30pm for a lunch break.

Children's Landing accepts most insurances and outside financing. Cash discounts are available.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Dentist for Kids in Salt Lake City, Dr. Sorensen offers dental care for children and teens. Aside from seeing patients in his office, Dr. Sorensen is also on staff at Primary Children's Medical Center and Salt Lake Surgical Center.

Kids can entertain themselves in the waiting room with a felt board, bead chaser, Lego table, and other games/toys. Once in the dental chair, patients are offered fun sunglasses to keep the bright lights out of their eyes and handheld games and toys. Music is available to calm patients too, but most agree that the best calming device is the dentist himself - his demeanor is warm and comfortable, and he's extremely patient.

Children are sent away with a goody bag and a prize of their choice.

Terry J. Preece, DDS and his staff at the Layton Hills Healthy Smile Center offer dental care for the entire family. Services include everything from preventive care (such as basic check-ups) to cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, dental implants, and more). To ensure patient comfort, headphones and music are available, and patients can select from several methods of treatment to receive a pain-free or virtually pain-free experience.

A play room for the kids is situated near the waiting room. It includes items such as Super Nintendo, a Lego table, and bead chasers to keep the kids entertained while waiting.

Appointments can be made via the website, over the phone, or in person.

Cottonwood Pediatrics has 10 physicians providing health care to children from birth through adolescence.

The goal of Cottonwood Pediatrics is to provide superior pediatric care in an efficient, compassionate manner to infants, children, and adolescents, in an atmosphere that is friendly, pleasant, and stimulating for patients, employees, and physicians.

The pediatricians who work at Cottonwood Pediatrics are Mark Barrett, Barbara Bean, Julia C. Brogli, William Cosgrove, Joseph G. Cramer, David C. Hurley, Terry Omura, Charles W. Ralston III, John Wall, and Paul E. Wirkus.

Willowcreek Pediatrics has five physicians providing health care to children from birth through adolescence.

The goal of Willowcreek Pediatrics is to provide superior pediatric care in an efficient, compassionate manner to infants, children, and adolescents, in an atmosphere that is friendly, pleasant, and stimulating for patients, employees, and physicians.

Besides the regular office hours listed above, this clinic offers after hours urgent care by appointment Mon-Fri.

The pediatricians who work at Willowcreek Pediatrics are Karla Feindt, Kimberly Hansen, Galina Hornyik, Dan Clayton, and Daniel R. Stampfl.

Willowcreek Pediatrics has six physicians providing health care to children from birth through adolescence.

The goal of Willowcreek Pediatrics is to provide superior pediatric care in an efficient, compassionate manner to infants, children, and adolescents, in an atmosphere that is friendly, pleasant, and stimulating for patients, employees, and physicians.

Besides the regular office hours listed above, this clinic offers after hours urgent care by appointment Mon-Fri.

The pediatricians who work at Willowcreek Pediatrics are R. Dennis Ashton, R. Joe Jopling, Steven M. Lynch, Jim Memmot, Kathy O'Mara, and Shellie Ring. Editor's note: Dr. Ashton is on extended medical leave. He is expected to be back in the office in the fall of 2008.

Invert Sports offers water sport lessons for all ages, providing competition boats, equipment, and instructors. Customers choose the lake where they want the instruction to occur (anywhere in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona). Kids and adults can learn the basics and even advanced skills in water sports such as wakeboarding, wake skating, wake surfing, water skiing, tubing, and more.

The company also offers equipment rentals and charter services.

When looking for quality eyewear and top-notch service, Wolcott Optical Service is the place to go. The business is family owned and operated, and it really shows. The staff prides itself on finding the appropriate eyewear for the prescription and the wearer, and then provides unsurpassed servicing on the eyewear after the sale. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

The selection of both prescription and non-prescription eyewear is good. Customers can find sport glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and just about any other type of eyewear.

Even the very young - infants included - can find the perfect pair of glasses in the children's corner of store. Wolcott's can truly serve the whole family - from the babies to the elderly - and customers are treated like family.

Magician Doug Roye has a life-long passion for the art of magic, and he loves to mentor young want-to-be magicians. Kids who can't get enough of a good card trick or sleight of hand trick can sign up for one of Doug's Royal Academy of Magic magic classes for kids. In the classes, children ages eight to 14 can learn some tricks of the trade and see if they have what it takes to be a master magician. Classes meet for four weeks, one hour each week, in Midvale. The cost is $45, which includes all materials. Upon completion of the beginning magic class, the children can advance to the intermediate class and perform publicly in magic shows which are held every other month at local libraries. Check the calendar for the young magicians' performances, called "It's Magic." Call or email Doug to find out when the next class begins.

Magic parties are another offering from Doug Roye. At Doug Roye's Magic Parties, parents can choose either a Magic Show or a Magic Class, depending on the age of the birthday child and guests. The Magic Show Party is good for ages four to eight. The birthday child plays an active role in the show, and even gets to do the final trick - pulling a rabbit out of a hat - in full magician attire (cape and top hat). Magic Class Parties are good for children ages nine to 12. The birthday child and guests witness seven magic tricks and then learn how to perform the magic routine themselves.

Magician Christopher Fair can frequently be found at local libraries and daycare centers performing his popular show, "Magic with a Flair." He also is an attraction at county fairs, where he performs a strolling magic show, pulling tricks out of his portable bag of magic. He is one of a few favored entertainers that Treehouse Museum chooses for special events, given that he
interacts so well with children.

Christopher's magic shows are enjoyed by children of all ages. Besides magic, the shows have a good dose of humor too, and include appearances by Maggie, the rabbit puppet. Audience participation is highly encouraged.

Birthday party shows can be arranged by phone. Christopher Fair visits your location and puts on a 40 minute show full of fun and magic to entertain the party guests. The birthday child even gets in on the act, serving as the magician's assistant. Parties cost $125, and there is no limit to the number of guests.

To view Christopher Fair's page on the website listed above, select "magicians" from the pull down menu on the left of the screen, then choose Fair, Christopher from the list of magicians.

These "mad scientists", decked out in lab coats, come to birthday parties and present a high-energy, interactive science show including effects like laser lights, glow in the dark reactions, chemical magic, and more.

The entertainers do all the set-up, and are able to adapt the presentation to any party's age group and size. The show lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and kids get to make things like Mad Science putty, slime, or super bouncy balls to take home.

The basic party package is $149; add-ons can bring the cost up to $300, depending on the number of guests. Add-ons include bubbling potions, dry-ice demonstrations, and even cotton candy making. The complete party package includes branded Mad Science decorations and party bags. Travel fees apply to counties outside Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake.

Mad Science also offers summer camps at various locations throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The camps run weekly from June through August, and are geared toward ages six to 11. More information and registration details are available on the Mad Science website.

Mad Science visits schools, libraries, and camps to give demonstrations as well. Check the GoCityKids calendar to see if any Mad Science public special event performances are scheduled near you. They are a real blast for kids ages five and up.

If you are interested in bringing a Mad Science assembly or afterschool program to your school or organization, give them a call.

SuperTarget carries a little bit of everything, from groceries to clothing to toys to pet supplies. Quality here isn't always top-notch, but it's decent for the price, and lots of items look stylish enough to be mistaken for those designer duds and home items.

Good buys for kids include one-season items like snow boots or beach sandals and hip, colorful clothes (made to be worn for one season, not passed down to several other kids).

There always seems to be a sale rack selling end-of-season clothes at rock-bottom prices.

Art and party supplies, books, DVDs, toys, sporting goods, and baby gear tend not to be super-bargains, but they're worth checking out. Look for extensive baby layette items, including Avent brand bottles and nursing supplies. The store also carries a good selection of holiday items - check out the costumes for kids around Halloween time.

Target offers a baby registry for expectant parents.

Most stores have one-hour photo services, a portrait studio, and a pharmacy.

Have you always wanted an "Anne Geddes" picture with your child as the star? Kiddie Kandids is the place where you can achieve that dream (though not, of course, with actual photographer Anne Geddes!). All studios have a large variety of one of-a-kind props and backdrops, or bring your own, and the photography is done digitally, so photos can be taken home right away.

Customizing is Kiddie Kandids' specialty. With dozens of borders, special customized text, montages of up to four images, and black-and-white or sepia tones, any family photo is one of a kind. Besides paper prints, images can be put on a magnet, mouse pad, mug, or address label. With no sitting fees or scheduled appointments, it's easy to drop by on a whim. Playrooms are available to keep children entertained. For those that like to plan ahead, online appointments are available; see the website for details.

Package prices and specials can be found on the website by clicking the "Specials" link at the top of the page. Join the Birthday Club (free) to receive a free 8x10 from a photo shoot done within 30 days of your child's birthday, and 10% off your purchase, as well as special offers and discounts that are not offered to the public. The Birthday Club is open to children ages newborn to 10.

Marissa Vargason Photography offers portraits for maternity, newborns, babies, children, families, seniors, bridals, and weddings. The photographer shoots in locations of the client's choice. Newborn pictures are typically done in-home.

Home Depot has supplies for almost any home improvement project and provides some design, construction, and installation services.

There's plenty to enhance children's sleep and play spaces, including a line of Disney decor items, paint that turns walls into chalkboards, whimsical wallpaper and window coverings, closet organizers, storage bins, rugs and lamps, and even some child safety items. Its seasonal garden centers sell seeds, plants, tools, and outdoor furniture, including kid-sized chairs and tables.

With all the construction materials, chemicals, and small parts stacked high in the aisles or in open bins, unsupervised children are in real danger here, so parents should stay on alert. (And while those large shopping carts and rolling pallets just beg to be ridden, it's a no-no.)

Home Depot stores offer free Kid Workshops the first Saturday of each month from 9am-11am. Children ages four to 12 and their accompanying parent or adult learn about tool safety while building birdhouses, fire trucks, mail organizers, and other items from pre-fab kits. Each child also receives a kid-sized Home Depot orange apron and project pin. To sign up for a Kid Workshop, stop by the store and put your kid's name on the list - space is limited, so it's best to sign up early. How-to clinics are offered for Mom and Dad, too.

Home Depot has supplies for almost any home improvement project and provides some design, construction, and installation services.

There's plenty to enhance children's sleep and play spaces, including a line of Disney decor items, paint that turns walls into chalkboards, whimsical wallpaper and window coverings, closet organizers, storage bins, rugs and lamps, and even some child safety items. Its seasonal garden centers sell seeds, plants, tools, and outdoor furniture, including kid-sized chairs and tables.

With all the construction materials, chemicals, and small parts stacked high in the aisles or in open bins, unsupervised children are in real danger here, so parents should stay on alert. (And while those large shopping carts and rolling pallets just beg to be ridden, it's a no-no.)

Home Depot stores offer free Kid Workshops the first Saturday of each month from 9am-11am. Children ages four to 12 and their accompanying parent or adult learn about tool safety while building birdhouses, fire trucks, mail organizers, and other items from pre-fab kits. Each child also receives a kid-sized Home Depot orange apron and project pin. To sign up for a Kid Workshop, stop by the store and put your kid's name on the list - space is limited, so it's best to sign up early. How-to clinics are offered for Mom and Dad, too.

Home Depot has supplies for almost any home improvement project and provides some design, construction, and installation services.

There's plenty to enhance children's sleep and play spaces, including a line of Disney decor items, paint that turns walls into chalkboards, whimsical wallpaper and window coverings, closet organizers, storage bins, rugs and lamps, and even some child safety items. Its seasonal garden centers sell seeds, plants, tools, and outdoor furniture, including kid-sized chairs and tables.

With all the construction materials, chemicals, and small parts stacked high in the aisles or in open bins, unsupervised children are in real danger here, so parents should stay on alert. (And while those large shopping carts and rolling pallets just beg to be ridden, it's a no-no.)

Home Depot stores offer free Kid Workshops the first Saturday of each month from 9am-11am. Children ages four to 12 and their accompanying parent or adult learn about tool safety while building birdhouses, fire trucks, mail organizers, and other items from pre-fab kits. Each child also receives a kid-sized Home Depot orange apron and project pin. To sign up for a Kid Workshop, stop by the store and put your kid's name on the list - space is limited, so it's best to sign up early. How-to clinics are offered for Mom and Dad, too.

The mission of Just for Kids is to equip kids with the specific skills, tools, and resources they need to reach their greatest potential and participate and engage in their lives to their fullest ability. Susan Horn OTR/L started the private practice in 2005, and has worked as a therapist since 1991. She is certified in Ayres Sensory Integration, and can administer the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test (SIPT).

Occupational therapy can often benefit children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, brachial plexus, autism, autism spectrum, developmental delays, sensory processing disorder, head injuries, and most genetic syndromes. It can also help children who need only to improve handwriting or their gross and fine motor coordination.

Therapy focuses on things like sensory integration, daily living activities (dressing, feeding, hygiene, toileting, and other home skills), gross and fine motor coordination, arm and trunk strengthening, school skills, writing, focusing attention, and transitioning between activities. Susan works with teachers and schools upon parent request.

Eight-week social skills classes are also offered. Topics include friendship, positive personality attributes, and social etiquette. Classes are open to children with and without disabilities. During school breaks, Susan teaches intensive fine-motor classes, and in the summer she offers handwriting groups.

To learn more about group and individual classes, and to get started, contact Susan.

Redwood Learning Center provides consultative services to parents who wish to set up intensive programs for their children with autism or related disorders. The center provides various levels of services for families in Utah and throughout the United States.

Opened in 2005, Kids World Preschool educates children with and without disabilities in an inclusive environment. It offers specialized teaching for children with autism, PDD, speech delays, Down Syndrome, Asperger's, behavior challenges, Cerebral Palsy, and developmental delays. Students are required to attend classes at least two days per week.

Class size is typically eight to 10 children (approximately half with disabilities and half without disabilities) with 2-3 adults. The owner and main teacher at the school, Brandon Francis, is a licensed teacher with a degree in early childhood special education.

Every day, the children do "Work Box" activities, where each child gets one on one interaction with an adult to work on specific skills. Other daily activities include work on gross and fine motor skills (through play, arts, and crafts), music, and work on pre-academic skills.

The mission statement of the Jewish Community Center is to enrich the lives of the Jewish community and the community at large. It fulfills its mission by offering a variety of educational, recreational, fitness, cultural, and social programs for all ages and stages of life.

Housed in a 100,000 square foot facility, it offers both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, year-round tennis courts, fitness equipment, an indoor track, classrooms, special event facilities, a daycare center, and a nationally accredited early childhood center.

Early Childhood Center: Nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the ECC is a preschool offering year round programs for children two years of age through kindergarten. It is a play-based program and has a low child to teacher ratio.

Birthday Parties: The JCC can host parties of up to 30 children. Parents only have to pick a date and time, choose a theme (there are many to choose from), select add-ons if desired, and invite the children. Call for detailed information and pricing. For detailed information about birthday parties, check online. For pricing information call Shannon Fallis at 801.581.0098 ex 199.

Swimming Pools: The indoor and outdoor pools are popular for plain old water fun, but are also used for swimming lessons, swim team, and water aerobics. For information on these activities, call 801.581.0098 ex 117 or email shollinger@slcjcc.org.

Tennis Courts: The courts are open year round, and JCC offers private and semi-private lessons, as well as workouts for kids, juniors, and adults.

Hourly Childcare: While parents work up a sweat, their children can play in the hourly childcare center onsite. Reservations are not accepted.

Youth and Teen Programs: The JCC provides kids with the opportunity to learn, socialize, and grow together as a community and as friends. The youth-led BBYO program empowers teens to develop their leadership potential. Kids Konnection after school program is offered for kids in grades one through eight, and includes field trips to educational and fun places, as well as activities such as swimming, climbing, tennis, and art. Homework Hall is a program that allows children to get their homework done right after school, allowing parents and children a quiet evening at home. A staff member is available to help with homework questions.

Camps: The JCC offers a variety of camp options and school break activities, including the Bernie Solomon Summer Camp, the Specialty Summer Camp, and the Early Childhood Center Summer Camp. Afterschool Winterland camps are offered in mid to late December.

Memberships: Included in a membership are free parking, and access to the fitness facilities, group fitness classes, pools and spa, tennis courts, gymnasium, track, and spinning studio. For an additional fee, members can get hourly childcare, personal training, pilates classes, massage therapy, camp/preschool/kindergarten/childcare enrollment, after school programs, classes, and discounts on banquet facilities. For more information about memberships and prices, call 801.581.0098 ex 105 or email dburg@slcjcc.org.

Huntington is one of the oldest providers of supplemental education services in America - a good resource for children who need a little extra help with their studies. Their philosophy is to "break the failure chain" and teach kids to expect the best in themselves.

The center offers programs in reading, writing, math, and study skills, as well as SAT/ACT preparation.

Children in second grade and under receive one on one tutoring, and kids in the SAT/ACT prep program get one on one instruction as well.

Huntington Learning Center works closely with each child's teacher to ensure success.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Tutoring for Big Kids and the Best College Prep Class for Teens in Salt Lake City, Sylvan offers supplemental academics for individuals in kindergarten though grade 12, as well as a Special Beginning Reading Program for pre-k students. Diagnostic placement tests and personalized curriculum materials provide for realistic goal setting and ensure that children work at an appropriate level and pace. Subjects include math, reading, writing, test preparation, and study skills.

SAT and ACT prep and live online tutoring for reading and math are also offered.

Sylvan strives to increase each child's self-confidence and uses a positive motivation program for good work, including tokens and checkbooks for purchases at the Sylvan Store. Directors confer with parents once a month and work with each child's school teacher for a coordinated effort meant to optimize the child's success in the program.

For children wanting to spend their summers running the bases, Salt Lake City has several youth baseball offerings such as Little League (ages 4-12), Babe Ruth (ages 13-19), and Cal Ripken (ages 7-12).

Teams change every year, so the best way to find one near you is to visit the website for information. For Little League, visit www.littleleague.org, or www.leaguelineup.com/tville (the second one is easier to navigate, and more informative). For Babe Ruth or Cal Ripken information, visit www.leaguelineup.com/utahbaberuthbaseball.