Academy West offers classes in gymnastics, dance, tumbling, and cheer, and also an academic preschool. Children as young as 18 months can enroll in the gymnastics program. Dance instruction is available to children ages three and up, the preschool is three and four year olds, while cheer and tumbling instruction is for children age five & up. Academy West has competitive teams for tumbling, trampoline, gymnastics, and dance. Competitive cheer is expected to be added soon.

Birthday party packages are available for children ages three to 18. Party guests have use of a private party room, gymnastics equipment, and the foam pit.

The American West Heritage Center (AWHC) is a 160-acre living museum of American history that gives perspective to a significant time in American western life. Visitors can learn about the past through hands-on programs that make American west history come alive. The essence of the AWHC is to provide an opportunity to reflect backward to better understand how to live forward and positively impact our quality of life.

Exploring the Center can take anywhere from 90 minutes to several hours depending on the kind of experience visitors want. For a small fee, there are "make-n-take" items that can be made for souvenirs in each venue.

Native American Encampment: Guests learn about the indigenous tribe of the area, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. These Native Americans are the descendants of the Bear River Massacre, the largest Indian massacre west of the Mississippi. Tipis can be rented for an overnight experience.

Mountain Man Camp: Visitors learn about the fur trade and how it influenced the settlement of the west. They can then test their bartering skills at the trading post.

Pioneer Settlement: Guests learn about westward expansion, where they can see a dugout, a homesteader's cabin, or a wagon encampment, and even try pulling a handcart. Visitors may also book a handcart trek.

Historical Farm: Depicts farming the way it was done in 1917. It includes a display of old time equipment and tractors, as well as adorable farm animals for the kids. Treats are cooked for visitors on an old wood-burning stove.

Old Time Wood Shop: Guests can watch wooden bowls, spoons, and toys made at the shop, and all of the items are available for purchase.

The AWHC offers summer camps for kids in grades 1-6. The camps focus on hands-on experiences with Native American, pioneer, and historical farm life. Call for details and registration; camps start around mid-June.

Dutch oven meals can be arranged for groups. To make reservations call 435.245.6050.

Welcome Center dates and hours:

Memorial Day-Labor Day Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 9:30am-5:30pm; Closed holidays

November 1-April 1 Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Closed holidays


Living History Site hours:

Memorial Day-Labor Day Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

Also open for special events throughout the year.

The Big Horse Adventures program takes visitors on a covered wagon ride back in time to a 1917 farm, a 1850's pioneer settlement, a old mountain man camp, and a Native American encampment. A dutch oven dinner is served with all the trimmings, and entertainment might include a gun fight, cowboy poetry, Indian dancing, or live music. The program, offered from Memorial Day weekend through Halloween, begins at 6pm, and guests are encouraged to bring a jacket. Big Horse Adventure programs cost $29.95 for adults, $19.95 for children (4-10), and ages three and under are free. Reservations can be made over the phone (800.225.3378) or by email at info@awhc.org.

The AWHC facilities can be rented for special meetings, conferences, and weddings. For details about the facilities and pricing, visit the website.

A corn maze operates on-site from late September to early November.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Enviro-friendly Place in Salt Lake City, Antelope Island offers a great vantage to explore the ocean-sized Great Salt Lake, the second most salty body of water in the world. The largest of the ten islands on the lake, Antelope Island measures about five miles wide by 15 miles long, and offers an abundance of hiking and biking trails. Horseback riding is allowed on the majority of the trails.

The Visitors Center (801.725.9263) has exhibits and information on the island and the Great Salt Lake. Ask about the historic Fielding Garr Ranch House (801.649.5742), located 10 miles south of the Visitors Center. Wagon rides and horse rentals are available through R&G Horse and Wagon Outfitters (888.878.8002). Call them for rates and schedule, as they change often.

The Bridger Bay Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The sandy beach is ideal for catching some rays, building castles, kite flying, and more. The lake's water is so salty that staying afloat is easy, in fact swimmers bob like corks. The water is also shallow, so if swimming is on the agenda, plan on walking out quite far before hitting chest-deep water. Be prepared to deal with brine flies and the normal Great Salt Lake stench - they are both regulars around the lake. Bathrooms, showers, and 15 picnic tables with BBQ grills are available at the beach.

Over 500 Bison roam freely around Antelope Island. It is not hard to spot them as they hang out everywhere...beaches, hiking trails etc. Please don't get too close to them. The island is also a well-known birdwatching area, and visitors with keen eyes might also spot bobcats, deer, elk, and coyote.

Antelope Island has over 40 miles of hiking trails. Three of the most popular, shorter hikes are on the north side of the island. The most popular hike is the Buffalo Point Trail. It is only 0.5 miles and rewards the hikers with an incredible view of the island in all directions. Lakeside Trail and Ladyfinger Point are also good short hikes with great views of various island landmarks. Visitors should note that pets are not allowed on the Frary Peak and Sentry trails.

The only place to buy food is at the Buffalo Point Restaurant. Plenty of picnic tables with BBQ grills are available all over the island. The only picnic area that needs a reservation is the Pavilion, which holds 75 people. Bridger Bay Campground and Bridger Bay Beach both offer camping with no hookups for $12/night. Call 888.878.8002 to reserve the Pavilion.

Be warned that the Great Salt Lake has a stench of rotting algae, locally referred to as "lake stink". Depending on the wind, it could make you abandon the whole visit, but most people just get a chuckle out of it and have a delightful day playing in the sand. The odor is usually the strongest along the causeway, and subsides once you reach the island.

Pets are allowed on the island but must be leashed. Pets are not allowed in the facilities or on the beach.

Please note that petting any of the animals on the island is considered harassment of wildlife and is illegal. Also, many children are allergic to the oils in the fur of the mule deer, which results in children being flown to the hospital several times each year. Please keep children at a safe distance!

Backyard Adventures of Utah is known for its elaborate wooden backyard play sets (the ones with swings, slides, picnic tables, tubes, rock climbing walls, bridges, etc.), trampolines, and basketball hoops. Most people don't know that the company also offers birthday parties and open play time at its two locations. The parties and open play take place in large indoor areas in which children can play on huge wooden play sets, inflatable dinosaur-themed bounce structures, slides, chutes, tunnels, and climbing areas. Exact offerings vary by location.

Parties include two hours of private playtime in one of the play rooms, pizza, and drinks. Prices vary by room and location; see the website or call for pricing, details and party times. Reservation requests can be made online.

Open play is offered at both the Orem and the Draper locations on most days of the week. See our calendar for details. Space is limited; reservations can be made via the venue's website.

Backyard Adventures of Utah is known for its elaborate wooden backyard play sets (the ones with swings, slides, picnic tables, tubes, rock climbing walls, bridges, etc.), trampolines, and basketball hoops. Most people don't know that the company also offers birthday parties and open play time at its two locations. The parties and open play take place in large indoor areas in which children can play on huge wooden play sets, inflatable dinosaur-themed bounce structures, slides, chutes, tunnels, and climbing areas. Exact offerings vary by location.

Parties include two hours of private playtime in one of the play rooms, pizza, and drinks. Prices vary by room and location; see the website or call for pricing, details and party times. Reservation requests can be made online.

Open play is offered at both the Orem and the Draper locations on most days of the week. See our calendar for details. Space is limited; reservations can be made via the venue's website.

The first thing you'll notice about Big Cottonwood Park is the large softball complex, with four diamonds surrounding a central set of bleachers. But as you go into the park you'll be surprised by the size of the open spaces. This is a park with plenty of room to run, fly kites, play frisbee, or flop down and watch the clouds.

Paved paths cut through the grassy areas to make it easy to get from one area to another. To the north of the softball complex, strategically located near the restrooms, is a playground area for the little ones. And up the hill from there are picnic tables and a pavilion. Oh, and more open space, this time with some trees.

Parking lots are located on both 1300 East and 1100 East. Another ball diamond (this one more standard for a city park) is located near the 1100 East parking lot.

The pavilion and ball diamonds can be reserved by calling the park service office beginning January 2.

Black Diamond Gymnastics and Sports Center offers all levels of gymnastics, trampoline, cheerleading, rock climbing, and tumbling instruction. An academic tutoring program for grades one through 12 compliments the athletic offerings. Classes, birthday parties, after school programs, sports camps, and teams are available through the center.

A complete schedule of classes is available on the website. A preschool program for children ages nine months to six years focuses on gross and fine motor skills, cognitive development, social skills, positive self-esteem, and basic gymnastics and movement education.

Children in the afterschool enrichment program get picked up from their school and taken to Black Diamond where they attend a class appropriate for their age and ability, do crafts, and work on homework. The program is offered Monday through Friday until 6pm.

Three birthday party packages are available: Circus, Gymnastics, and rock climbing. All equipment is provided. Packages include invitations, a one-hour class, and balloons for everyone. Call for pricing and to reserve a party spot.

Sports camps are offered from late June to mid August. The four-day camps are for children ages three to 12, and run Monday through Thursday. Call or check the website for prices and schedules.

Black Diamond Gymnastics and Sports Center offers all levels of gymnastics, trampoline, cheerleading, rock climbing, and tumbling instruction. An academic tutoring program for grades one through 12 compliments the athletic offerings. Classes, birthday parties, after school programs, sports camps, and teams are available through the center.

A complete schedule of classes is available on the website. A preschool program for children ages nine months to six years focuses on gross and fine motor skills, cognitive development, social skills, positive self-esteem, and basic gymnastics and movement education.

Children in the afterschool enrichment program get picked up from their school and taken to Black Diamond where they attend a class appropriate for their age and ability, do crafts, and work on homework. The program is offered Monday through Friday until 6pm.

Three birthday party packages are available: Circus, Gymnastics, and rock climbing. All equipment is provided. Packages include invitations, a one-hour class, and balloons for everyone. Call for pricing and to reserve a party spot.

Sports camps are offered from late June to mid August. The four-day camps are for children ages three to 12, and run Monday through Thursday. Call or check the website for prices and schedules.

Black Diamond Gymnastics and Sports Center offers all levels of gymnastics, trampoline, cheerleading, rock climbing, and tumbling instruction. An academic tutoring program for grades one through 12 compliments the athletic offerings. Classes, birthday parties, after school programs, sports camps, and teams are available through the center.

A complete schedule of classes is available on the website. A preschool program for children ages nine months to six years focuses on gross and fine motor skills, cognitive development, social skills, positive self-esteem, and basic gymnastics and movement education.

Children in the afterschool enrichment program get picked up from their school and taken to Black Diamond where they attend a class appropriate for their age and ability, do crafts, and work on homework. The program is offered Monday through Friday until 6pm.

Three birthday party packages are available: Circus, Gymnastics, and rock climbing. All equipment is provided. Packages include invitations, a one-hour class, and balloons for everyone. Call for pricing and to reserve a party spot.

Sports camps are offered from late June to mid August. The four-day camps are for children ages three to 12, and run Monday through Thursday. Call or check the website for prices and schedules.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Indoor Playspace/Partyspace for Big Kids and the Best Indoor Playspace/Partyspace for Teens in Salt Lake City, Boondocks Fun Center is the place to go to please everyone in the family. It has over eight acres of attractions, plus food too.

Speed-freaks can race around the Go-Kart track. Drivers must be at least 60" tall and the passenger must be at least 40" tall. If that doesn't fit the bill, there are Rookie Go-Karts for kids 48" to 59" tall.

Miniature golf can be enjoyed by just about all members of the family. There are 36 holes in all. Check out the volcano. It's a blast, literally!

Kids can try to save the planet from an alien invasion in the laser tag arena. Players must be at least 44" tall.

Everyone can test their gaming skills in the state-of-the-art Arcade Center. Game ticket rewards can be redeemed at the Boondocks Prize Center.

Bumper Boats are another option at Boondocks. Drivers must be at least 44" tall and the passenger must be at least 36" tall.

Fast and slow pitch batting cages can cater to any skill level.

In the Max Flight, riders choose either the flight simulator or the roller coaster simulator. Two riders are required for this ride, and they must be at least 42" tall.

Kids under 48" can enjoy unlimited play in the three story tall Kiddie Cove Soft Play area. It includes slides, bungee wall, spiral web climb, three web ramps, rodeo rider room, and more. Parents of young toddlers need to assist their children in the soft play area.

The Rock Wall allows visitors to climb a replica of Moab's Delicate Arch. There are six different courses to satisfy all levels of climbers. Climbers must weigh at least 40 pounds.

The Back Porch Grill has several food selections to calm the appetite. The menu includes such items as burgers, pizza, wraps, salads, hot dogs, and more. The food is unexpectedly good for "amusement park" fare, and the highchairs are clean and stocked with plastic bibs for the young ones.

Boondocks Group Events can cater to groups of 10-2000 people. Several Birthday Party packages are available and can be tailor fitted for all ages. Birthday packages include food, play, and decorations. Advance reservations are required for all group packages and deposits may be required depending on package and date of event. Height requirements for all attractions apply during group events/birthday parties.

We have found the staff at Boondocks to be very helpful, and the facilities are kept fairly clean. The changing stations in the restrooms are actually stocked with paper liners - what a welcome surprise! So many other venues overlook such a simple, but much appreciated item.

BounceU, a climate-controlled bounce arena, features arcade games and multiple rooms of interactive, inflatable play equipment, such as giant slides, obstacle courses, and no-harm boxing rings.

Siblings get a discount on admission for open play times; adults and non-walking infants get in free. Reservations are required, as space is limited.

Parties: BounceU's staff-hosted packages include private bounce time, use of a private room for treats and opening gifts, and a t-shirt for the birthday child. Optional extras include pizza and drinks, sandwiches, veggie trays, dessert trays, goodie bags, balloons, and more. Up to 12 kids are welcome at Mini-Parties; Premier Parties are designed for up to 25 kids, with up to 10 more accommodated for an additional fee.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Indoor Playspace/Partyspace in Salt Lake City, Bouncin' off the Walls is an indoor private party facility with inflatable fun for everyone. Some of the over sized, inflatable, bouncy attractions include Monster Slides (the highest inflatable slides in the Salt Lake Valley), the Tug-N-Goal (a game of basketball or football with the added challenge of a bungee tug of war between opponents), the Combo Maze (participants navigate a maze of tunnels, climbs, slides, and pop-ups as they race to beat other players), the Candy Cane Castle (a huge castle full of interactive pop-ups, and stimulating colors), and Air Hockey (not an inflatable, but fun nonetheless.)

Two large private play areas allow only invited guests to play and have fun. Separate party rooms can be reserved for private parties or group events.

Bouncin' off the Walls is capable of hosting birthday parties, team parties, neighborhood get-togethers, mothers' groups, church groups, Cub Scouts, family parties, graduations, and more. The full-service party facility makes party throwing easy, since it eliminates mess and stress.

The Ultimate Bounce Party features 1 1/2 hours in the play arena with many inflatables and games, 1/2 hour in the private party room, party invitations, paper goods, and a free Bouncin' t-shirt for the party child. Add-ons are available, and include such things as pizza and soda, party favors, and balloons. The facility can accommodate up to 25 party guests, and the parents play for free! Other than birthday cake and ice cream, no outside food or drink is allowed. Call or go online for pricing information.

Open Bounces are offered every Wednesday for the general public. Mom-n-Me/Dad-n-Me occurs Wednesday mornings from 10am-1pm, and is for moms/dads and their kids ages five and younger. Open Bounce for all ages occurs Wednesday afternoons from 3pm-7pm. The cost for either Open Bounce activity is $5 per child, and parents play free (no more than two parents per child, please.)

Kids (and adults) can stuff, stitch, name, and dress cuddly bears, ponies, frogs, dogs, bunnies, kitties, seasonal critters, and more in bustling Build-a-Bear "factory" stores that also sell a mind-boggling array of clothing, accessories, and deluxe add-ons and for the creations.

Pricing for in-store stuffed animal-making parties starts at about $10/person. Visit the store locator for a workshop near you.

Kids (and adults) can stuff, stitch, name, and dress cuddly bears, ponies, frogs, dogs, bunnies, kitties, seasonal critters, and more in bustling Build-a-Bear "factory" stores that also sell a mind-boggling array of clothing, accessories, and deluxe add-ons and for the creations.

Pricing for in-store stuffed animal-making parties starts at about $10/person. Visit the store locator for a workshop near you.

Kids (and adults) can stuff, stitch, name, and dress cuddly bears, ponies, frogs, dogs, bunnies, kitties, seasonal critters, and more in bustling Build-a-Bear "factory" stores that also sell a mind-boggling array of clothing, accessories, and deluxe add-ons and for the creations.

Pricing for in-store stuffed animal-making parties starts at about $10/person. Visit the store locator for a workshop near you.

The Cache Valley Fun Park is the place to take a family with varying interests. Activities available include bowling, roller skating, laser tag, an arcade, and a large indoor playground.

The Roller Jungle is an indoor skating rink. Rental skates are available for people who don't have their own equipment.

Laser Tag is a good option for the war game or adrenaline junkies in the family. Prices vary according to the length of time the game is played.

The Soft Play indoor playground allows the younger children in the family to crawl around, climb, and slide. Socks are required.

Bowling and billiards are two more options at the Fun Park. Cosmic bowling is offered on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Check the website for times and prices.

Birthday parties can be held at the Fun Park. Call 435.881.3025 for party information and for reservations.

Check the website for details on money saving daily specials as well as coupons to print and bring.

The Cache Valley Fun Park is the place to take a family with varying interests. Activities available include bowling, roller skating, laser tag, an arcade, and a large indoor playground.

The Roller Jungle is an indoor skating rink. Rental skates are available for people who don't have their own equipment.

Laser Tag is a good option for the war game or adrenaline junkies in the family. Prices vary according to the length of time the game is played.

The Soft Play indoor playground allows the younger children in the family to crawl around, climb, and slide. Socks are required.

Bowling and billiards are two more options at the Fun Park. Cosmic bowling is offered on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Check the website for times and prices.

Birthday parties can be held at the Fun Park. Call 435.881.3025 for party information and for reservations.

Check the website for details on money saving daily specials as well as coupons to print and bring.

The Cache Valley Fun Park is the place to take a family with varying interests. Activities available include bowling, roller skating, laser tag, an arcade, and a large indoor playground.

The Roller Jungle is an indoor skating rink. Rental skates are available for people who don't have their own equipment.

Laser Tag is a good option for the war game or adrenaline junkies in the family. Prices vary according to the length of time the game is played.

The Soft Play indoor playground allows the younger children in the family to crawl around, climb, and slide. Socks are required.

Bowling and billiards are two more options at the Fun Park. Cosmic bowling is offered on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Check the website for times and prices.

Birthday parties can be held at the Fun Park. Call 435.881.3025 for party information and for reservations.

Check the website for details on money saving daily specials as well as coupons to print and bring.

The Cache Valley Fun Park is the place to take a family with varying interests. Activities available include bowling, roller skating, laser tag, an arcade, and a large indoor playground.

The Roller Jungle is an indoor skating rink. Rental skates are available for people who don't have their own equipment.

Laser Tag is a good option for the war game or adrenaline junkies in the family. Prices vary according to the length of time the game is played.

The Soft Play indoor playground allows the younger children in the family to crawl around, climb, and slide. Socks are required.

Bowling and billiards are two more options at the Fun Park. Cosmic bowling is offered on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Check the website for times and prices.

Birthday parties can be held at the Fun Park. Call 435.881.3025 for party information and for reservations.

Check the website for details on money saving daily specials as well as coupons to print and bring.

The Centennial Swimming Pool is an outdoor pool. It features two water slides, water play areas, water geysers, and six lanes for lap swimming. People must be at least 48" tall to ride the water slides. Children ages seven and under must be closely supervised by an adult. Swimming fees for children ages three and under include a swim diaper.

Monday nights are Family Nights; Families (up to six people) can swim for $10 from 5pm to 8pm.

Frequent pool visitors might want to consider purchasing monthly or seasonal passes. Details are available on the pool's website.

Swimming lessons are available, including parent/tot classes.

The pool can be reserved in the evenings for private parties. Pavilion rentals are available during open plunge times. Call or visit the website for details.

Children's Ballet Theatre teaches ballet creatively, artistically, and professionally.

Ballet classes are available for children ages two and a half to 18. Classes occur on all days of the week.

The students put on several events throughout the year, including Molly Mouse's Sugar Plum Debut - a popular holiday production, and a spring concert. The performances are appropriate for families with young children. Call the Children's Ballet Theatre for information on upcoming events.

Summer classes and camps are offered. The weekly camps include subjects such as puppet theatre, fairy magic, creative art, and dance. Call for details about the summer offerings.

For wanna-be ballerinas, the Children's Ballet Theatre offers birthday parties. An instructor teaches all of the party guests some dance steps, and then everyone plays games. The parties are good for ages 2 1/2 and up, and are a great way to introduce a child to the world of dance; no dance experience is necessary.

The CBT can be reached at the email listed above and also at scnrymom@comcast.net.

Although parents might cringe when Chuck E. Cheese's comes up as a dinner suggestion, many kids we know just love visiting here (hmmm, could it be the crazy kiddie casino atmosphere, with tokens, tickets and prizes? The Chuck E. Cheese show? The rides?)

The food is passable, as fast food goes. Mainly pizza, with a small salute to salads, a short assortment of subs, and desserts like cotton candy and brownies. In short, it's all one big kids' menu.

The main attraction here is the Chuck E. Cheese birthday party, which does take a large portion of the agony out of party planning. Included in the package are a decorated table for 90 minutes, two slices of pizza with one topping per child, soft drink refills, a birthday cake (though you might prefer to bring your own), sixteen tokens for each child, a birthday show performed by Chuck E. Cheese (for the uninitiated, Chuck is a giant mouse) and his musical friends, a personal visit from Chuck E. Cheese, a host or hostess to personally serve you and your guests and assist with the party, and a Chuck E. Cheese souvenir cup, a special balloon, a birthday crown, and a bag of cotton candy for the birthday child. Prices vary by location; call for details and reservations.

Before heading out to the restaurant, check the website for coupons and specials. Also, birthday parties held during the week (Mon-Thu) receive unlimited party table time and extra game tokens for each guest.

Although parents might cringe when Chuck E. Cheese's comes up as a dinner suggestion, many kids we know just love visiting here (hmmm, could it be the crazy kiddie casino atmosphere, with tokens, tickets and prizes? The Chuck E. Cheese show? The rides?)

The food is passable, as fast food goes. Mainly pizza, with a small salute to salads, a short assortment of subs, and desserts like cotton candy and brownies. In short, it's all one big kids' menu.

The main attraction here is the Chuck E. Cheese birthday party, which does take a large portion of the agony out of party planning. Included in the package are a decorated table for 90 minutes, two slices of pizza with one topping per child, soft drink refills, a birthday cake (though you might prefer to bring your own), sixteen tokens for each child, a birthday show performed by Chuck E. Cheese (for the uninitiated, Chuck is a giant mouse) and his musical friends, a personal visit from Chuck E. Cheese, a host or hostess to personally serve you and your guests and assist with the party, and a Chuck E. Cheese souvenir cup, a special balloon, a birthday crown, and a bag of cotton candy for the birthday child. Prices vary by location; call for details and reservations.

Before heading out to the restaurant, check the website for coupons and specials. Also, birthday parties held during the week (Mon-Thu) receive unlimited party table time and extra game tokens for each guest.

Although parents might cringe when Chuck E. Cheese's comes up as a dinner suggestion, many kids we know just love visiting here (hmmm, could it be the crazy kiddie casino atmosphere, with tokens, tickets and prizes? The Chuck E. Cheese show? The rides?)

The food is passable, as fast food goes. Mainly pizza, with a small salute to salads, a short assortment of subs, and desserts like cotton candy and brownies. In short, it's all one big kids' menu.

The main attraction here is the Chuck E. Cheese birthday party, which does take a large portion of the agony out of party planning. Included in the package are a decorated table for 90 minutes, two slices of pizza with one topping per child, soft drink refills, a birthday cake (though you might prefer to bring your own), sixteen tokens for each child, a birthday show performed by Chuck E. Cheese (for the uninitiated, Chuck is a giant mouse) and his musical friends, a personal visit from Chuck E. Cheese, a host or hostess to personally serve you and your guests and assist with the party, and a Chuck E. Cheese souvenir cup, a special balloon, a birthday crown, and a bag of cotton candy for the birthday child. Prices vary by location; call for details and reservations.

Before heading out to the restaurant, check the website for coupons and specials. Also, birthday parties held during the week (Mon-Thu) receive unlimited party table time and extra game tokens for each guest.

Although parents might cringe when Chuck E. Cheese's comes up as a dinner suggestion, many kids we know just love visiting here (hmmm, could it be the crazy kiddie casino atmosphere, with tokens, tickets and prizes? The Chuck E. Cheese show? The rides?)

The food is passable, as fast food goes. Mainly pizza, with a small salute to salads, a short assortment of subs, and desserts like cotton candy and brownies. In short, it's all one big kids' menu.

The main attraction here is the Chuck E. Cheese birthday party, which does take a large portion of the agony out of party planning. Included in the package are a decorated table for 90 minutes, two slices of pizza with one topping per child, soft drink refills, a birthday cake (though you might prefer to bring your own), sixteen tokens for each child, a birthday show performed by Chuck E. Cheese (for the uninitiated, Chuck is a giant mouse) and his musical friends, a personal visit from Chuck E. Cheese, a host or hostess to personally serve you and your guests and assist with the party, and a Chuck E. Cheese souvenir cup, a special balloon, a birthday crown, and a bag of cotton candy for the birthday child. Prices vary by location; call for details and reservations.

Before heading out to the restaurant, check the website for coupons and specials. Also, birthday parties held during the week (Mon-Thu) receive unlimited party table time and extra game tokens for each guest.

Located in The Gateway, the Clark Planetarium delivers high-quality space science astronomy education in a fun and interactive atmosphere. With interactive space exhibits, visitors are able to learn about space science first hand.

The exhibits are free to the public and include a real Moon rock, a photo-op on the Martian surface, Newton's Daydream (the most extensive audio kinetic sculpture ever completed by artist George Rhoads, featuring over one mile of brightly colored steel and four interactive stations), and much more.

Clark Planetarium also houses the ATK 3D IMAX Theatre, with a five-story screen and 12,000 watts of digital sound. The Hansen Dome Theatre offers three-dimensional views on a 360-degree dome screen.

After visiting the exhibits and taking in a show, visitors can roam the Planet Fun store. It features a wide selection of fun science toys, planispheres (star wheels), astronomy software, books and videos, binoculars, telescopes, and accessories for amateur astronomers.

Budding astronomers enjoy Clark Planetarium birthday parties. Party packages include use of the birthday party room (up to 40 people) for 90 minutes, science demonstrations during the party, a t-shirt for the birthday child, admission for up to 15 children in either the ATK IMAX or Hansen Dome Theatre, a "happy birthday" message to the child on the screen before the show, "happy birthday" signs throughout the planetarium, and priority seating for the show. Parties must be booked at least two weeks in advance. Visit the planetarium's website for pricing and additional details.

Preteen, teens, and teachers with a strong interest in science can give the summer camps a try. The camps run in July and August, and participants receive and learn how to use a telescope, star charts, and astronomy materials. Check the planetarium's website for complete details.

Call or visit the website for more information, and for a complete listing of show times and ticket prices.