Ever since the conception of The Leonardo hit the local news I just did not get what is was exactly. I heard it was an art and science museum, but I just could not combine those two in my head to wrap my mind about what I was in store for. My husband and I took my 2 year old and 5 year old and was pretty sure I might regret that decision. Well, I didn’t.
The Leonardo is a unique museum that flawlessly combines art and science together beautifully. An example of this greeted us in the entry way. A lovely sculpture hung from the ceiling looking like a feathery creature that might live in the depths of the sea where no one goes. Not only was it beautiful, but it reacted to our presence and moved according to what was going on around it. My kids loved it. My children also enjoyed the art room where tables were set up with different projects. We spent a good amount of time there. We also got to meet some real artist, including one that worked on the Sargent Pepper’s CD art, how cool is that?!
Upstairs there was an entire section about animation. There was animation that was controlled by cameras and your body movements, 3D stop motion animation, 2D stop motion animation, animation flip pictures, drawing on the computer, and even a green screen. I am pretty sure by the time that we stayed there it was their favorite. While we were there I noticed a young man who had some strong Autistic traits. I observed how he was drawn into everything in the museum, almost like everything there was designed with him in mind. He was flourishing in there and may as well been a museum volunteer with all his knowledge.
Some other highlights were the exhibit on prosthetics, the interactive globe, the Twitter controlled color wall, the algae sculpture, and the portrait drawing desk. The whole time I kept thinking about how it was as interactive as a children’s museum, but it was fun for both adults and children, and I evened learned something new.
We spent two hours there and if it wasn’t for a looming nap time could have spent 2 more no problem. Both kids had a blast and so did mom and dad.

Disclosure: Although I received complimentary admission to the museum, my reviews are always my own opinions and are not influenced by staff or its affiliates.

Today I took my 5 year old and 2 year old to Tracy Aviary. It is located in Liberty Park just south of downtown Salt Lake City. The parking is free and this is an activity that could easily be paired up with other activities in the park. In the winter Tracey Aviary often offer weekly discounts (look it up if you are planning on going http://www.zap.slco.org/zapArts/html/generalInfo/freeEvents.html or on their Facebook page.) We did this and we all got in for $2 for all of us. We spent about an hour there and the kids had a lot of fun exploring the exhibits. We got there just as a bird encounter show was starting. It was a lot of fun. My daughter was picked to have a falcon fly to her. My son (the 2 year old) had an unscheduled bird land on his head and he freaked out and was done with the show. It was a fun little show and I would suggest it, as long as your little ones can handle the possibility of a true close encounter. The rest of the park was great for the two just to wander and discover. They asked a lot of questions and did not want to leave. It was a nice change from the usual afternoon activity. *Stroller friendly.

I love farmer's markets, and the Salt Lake City farmer's market is no exception. Pioneer Park transforms into a marketplace full of fresh fruit and produce. There are also art and craft offerings. I enjoy going down, walking around and finding something unique for lunch . The crowds can get a bit much, the earlier the better as to avoid them. It is a great people watching activity and somewhere that I really enjoy spending time with my children and explaining that food does not really just come from the grocery store. There are plenty of places in the park to sit in the shade and enjoy the scene.

Chuck-a-rama is a buffet style restaurant with a name that plays off the idea of a Chuck Wagon. I have been to other Chuck-a-rama restaurants and will go out of my way to visit the one on 4th South. It is always clean, plenty of seating, the food is well stocked, and always good. I love that there are so many finger foods available for my children. Finding something for them is never an issue. It is also nice that they charge by age for children and it is very reasonable. They really do offer a myriad of choices from a salad bar, dessert bar, and every drink you might think of (which is included in the price!) They have some staples they offer all the time, but each day also offers a theme such as: Mexican, Chinese, Italian, seafood, etc. At night they also offer roast turkey and roast beef. This restaurant is a sure bet for a picky and hungry crowd.

Jump Around Utah is a unique indoor playground where kids can go get all their energy out! In the middle of the building is a large air pillow for jumping; while on the outskirts are various bounce houses and playgrounds. Jump Around Utah offers free WiFi for parents that want to sit and relax a bit, or they can also pay admission and play and jump around as well. I went with my four year old daughter and she just loved it. She played and played. The risk of getting hurt is low, and only seemed to be an issue with children running into each other and not the equipment itself. Check their website for open jump times, or if a party is in the future they do that too!