By Cate Rushton
From huge trucks in a copper mine to endangered bird species at the aviary, school-aged children in Utah can enjoy many fun-filled, educational expeditions. Field trips are often offered free to school groups or at a nominal cost. Educational materials are available for field trip participants and teachers. Check with the venue in advance for details regarding reservations and rules.
Kennecott Copper Pit
Located West of Salt Lake City, the Kennecott mining operation in Bingham Canyon is an open pit mine that is 3/4 a mile deep. In fact, it is so large that it can be seen from space! The trucks that carry the ore are huge - they carry up to 360 tons and are more than two stories high. The electric shovels pick up 98 tons with every dig. The combination of sheer size and cool trucks make the copper pit a must-see destination for field trips.
The visitor center is open to the public from April to October, seven days a week. Visit between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The center offers historical information, interactive displays and even microscopes for a closer look at minerals. There is also an overlook to view the mine and watch the trucks dig and haul copper ore.
School buses are allowed free of charge, and school groups are welcome anytime during Visitor Center hours.
12800 South State Route 111
Bingham Canyon, UT 84006
(801) 204-2025
Red Butte Gardens
Part of the University of Utah, Red Butte Gardens encompasses over 100 acres and includes hiking trails, natural gardens, walking paths and many native plants and flowers. Lectures and classes for all ages are offered in gardening and horticulture.
The Gardens offers two-hour fieldtrips specially designed for children in every grade. Trips are led by trained staff and are geared toward fun, educational exploration.
Contact them for reservations in advance and they will send educational material to classrooms in advance.
300 Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
(801) 581-4747
Wheeler Historic Farm
This historic dairy farm has been preserved by Salt Lake County and restored as a historic monument to Utah agriculture. Tours of the historic Victorian farmhouse are offered every hour. See the farm from the back of a wagon, milk a cow, and visit some of the other many animals on the farm.
6351 S. 900 E.
Salt Lake City, UT 84121
(801) 264-2241
Hogle Zoo
Hogle Zoo was established on Sunnyside Avenue in the mouth of Emigration Canyon in 1931 when Mr. and Mrs. James Hogle donated the parcel of land. Since then, the zoo has grown to include hundreds of animals from all over the world and features several special exhibits including Asian Highlands and Elephant Encounter. A small train winds through part of the zoo, and there is also a carousel. Check out the bird show at the wildlife theater, or drop in for a Meet-A-Keeper lecture scheduled throughout the day at various animal enclosures. The Pachyderm Program can be seen twice a day and features Hogle's elephants and trainers.
The zoo is large - over 42 acres, and covers some hilly terrain, so you'll want to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water on hot afternoons.
The zoo is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day and New Year's.
2600 Sunnyside Avenue
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
(801) 582-1631
Tracy Aviary
Tracy Aviary was founded in 1938 and houses over 400 birds, including some endangered species. Located inside Liberty Park in Salt Lake City, the aviary is a popular destination for field trips. Curriculum is available on their website and educational outreach programs are run by their educational staff.
589 East 1300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
(801)596-8500
Resources
About the Author:
Cate Rushton has been a freelance writer since 1999, specializing in wildlife and outdoor activities. Her published works also cover relationships, gardening and travel on various websites. Rushton holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah.
