Ahh, the crisp air, the colorful trees, and the explosion of pumpkin products in every store around town have officially signaled that Fall is here! For our little ones, this means lots of new ways of experiencing our city this season with new things to see, do, smell, and taste. Here are 5 ways to explore Salt Lake as a family this Fall and into the Holiday season.

1. Pick Something in the Great Outdoors.
   It is harvest time! What better way to show our kids all about the life cycle of plants and that food doesn’t grow on the shelves at Costco. There are tons of ‘pick your own’ fruit and veggie places in full swing now. Pumpkin patches and Christmas Tree farms are also great fun, as most of them have lots of fun family activities to participate in as well. Here are just a couple of ideas:
   • Wheeler Farm’s “Pumpkin Days”
     • Pumpkin patch, hay maze, and wagon ride
     • Sept. 30- Oct. 31
     • wheelerfarm.com

   • North Pole Pines “Cut your own Christmas Tree”
     • Tag and Cut your own Christmas Tree
     • Tagging in Oct.- Nov., Cutting after Thanksgiving
     • northpolepine.com

2. Create More than Memories with Arts Events.
   Who doesn’t love a little drama? We all know that our kids are little artists, naturals in singing, dancing, dressing up, and creating just about anything out of a few art supplies and the recycle bin contents. Why not inspire them with some kid friendly cultural events? Many venues in Salt Lake offer a range of special performances with holiday themed shows and activities. Here are a couple to check out:
   • Utah Museum of Fine Arts “Third Saturdays for Families”
     • Free family art activities based on a different theme each month
     • Every 3rd Saturday of the month 1-4pm
     • umfa.utah.edu

   • Ballet West “The Nutcracker”
     • Classic ballet with a great family friendly Christmas story
     • Dec. 2-26
     • balletwest.org

3. Get Hysterical with the Historical.
   We all have a history. The holidays are a great way to remember the past while we carry on and create new family traditions. Looking at photos and telling stories can be a blast from the ugly hairdo past that is sure to have the family rolling. Want to take it a step further? Our kids can connect with the past and imagine life in “the old days” with a few fun activities around town. Take a look at these:
   • Heber Valley Railroad “ Pumpkin Train” and “The North Pole Express”
     • Themed train rides with treats, entertainment, and more
     • Pumpkin Train Oct. 6-28, The North Pole Express Nov. 25- Dec. 24
     • hebervalleyrr.org

   • This is the Place Heritage Park “Little Haunts” and “Candlelight Christmas”
     • Halloween and Christmas themed events from pioneer days
     • Little Haunts Oct. 15, 20-22, 29 Candlelight Christmas Dec. 9-23
     • thisistheplace.org

4. Give the Gift of Giving.
   Better to give than to receive. What better way to teach our kids about compassion and service than to help others during this holiday season together as a family. Let your little idea factories, a.k.a. your kids, be creative with finding new ways to help others. There are lots of ways to give time, money, and stuff to people in need though many organizations and charitable events around Salt Lake and beyond. Give these a look:
   • Utah Food Bank “Family Volunteering”
     • One hour family shifts to help pack food for those in need
     • Monday nights and Saturdays – sign up required
     • utahfoodbank.org

   • Festival of Trees
     • Charity event full of family fun benefiting Primary Children’s Hospital
     • Nov. 30- Dec. 3
     • intermountainhealthcare.org/giving-volunteering/intermountain-foundation/events/festival-of-trees

5. Visit All the Familiar Places.
   Same time, same place, with a twist. Many of us are all too familiar with the kid friendly venues around Salt Lake. But remember that many of our “usual places” have fun holiday events and activities going on throughout the Fall and into the Holidays. Also, be sure to check out your favorite libraries and city websites for all the info on the many, mostly free, events going on throughout the city.
   • Hogle Zoo “Boo Lights” and “Zoo Lights”
     • Special themed light displays with activities
     • Boo Lights Oct. 14, 15, 19-22 Zoo Lights Dec. 1-31
     • hoglezoo.org

   • Thanksgiving Point “Cornbelly’s”
     • Corn maze, pumpkins, fall adventure
     • Sept. 30- Oct. 29
     • corbellys.com