14 Amazing Field Trips Every Utahn Took as a Kid…and Should Retake Now

Maybe you didn’t take ALL of these field trips as a kid...but I’m willing to bet you visited more than a few. Now that you’re all grown up, go back and see how they’ve changed.

1. Clark Planetarium

When you were a kid, it was Hansen Planetarium, and you watched the star show in the historic building on State Street. Now it’s Clark Planetarium at Gateway Mall, and things have changed a bit. You can still see a star show at the Hansen Dome, and a cosmic light show. You can also check out a show at the IMAX theater and see the latest space technology.

2. Harmon’s Grocery Store

Maybe you went to Harmon’s; maybe you went to a different hometown grocery store. You probably got the tour of the produce department, got to try your hand at bagging groceries and then visited the bakery for a free cookie or glazed donut. Your grocery store’s manager might give you a funny look if you ask for a tour...but you should definitely stop by the bakery for that donut.

3. Golden Spike National Historic Site

You probably thought the trains were pretty cool when you were a little kid...visit again, and you’ll probably still think the Golden Spike National Historic Site is amazing.

4. Tracy Aviary

Andy the Andean Condor is 55 years old, so odds are good that he was at the aviary when you visited as a kid. He’s still there...and now he has his own Facebook page!

5. Wheeler Farm

Take a wagon ride, milk a cow, and pet a goat. Pretty much the same as when you were a kid.

6. Natural History Museum of Utah

The Natural History Museum of Utah moved to its brand-new, $103 million building in 2011. It’s beautiful...and full of amazing displays, collections and interactive exhibits.

7. Ogden Union Station

The historic train depot now has four museums — the Utah State Railroad Museum, Kimball Classic Car Museum. John M. Browning Firearms Museum and Utah State Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

8. Hogle Zoo

Hogle Zoo has a lot of new, updated enclosures. Check out the Rocky Shores and African Savanna. You won’t see Shasta the Liger now, but you can visit with four Amur tigers.

9. Abravanel Hall

As an adult, you’ll probably have more appreciation for the Utah Symphony...and you can check out the Chihuly sculpture in the lobby (if you haven’t seen it already).

10. Antelope Island

Ride your bike across the causeway, then go birdwatching, visit the beach and stop in at the visitor center.

11. Utah State Capitol

Take a guided or self-guided tour of the Capitol. Stop in during a Legislative session and see your representatives at work.

12. Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge

You’ll still find tons of birds, including pelicans, swans, ducks and hawks, but you’ll also enjoy the visitor education center, built in 2006.

13. Bingham Copper Mine

Depending on how old you are, the mine might be a little deeper...or a lot.

14. Hike

When you took a hike in elementary school, you probably took your dad’s old canteen along and hiked in your Keds. Now you can hydrate with your Camelbak and hike in your Merrell hiking boots. You might be more comfortable, but the mountains are just the same...gorgeous.

What was your favorite field trip when you were a kid? Have you been back to visit?