Pleasant Grove. The crown jewel of this park is the Novell Science Discovery playground. This is the best, most imaginative playground that I know of in Utah. Built on one acre, this site will capture the interest of both young and old. Let the pictures speak for themselves. 
My neices (ages 7 & 16) were BOTH captivated. Besides the Discovery playground, there are tennis courts, a walking bath, and lots of picnic tables.
grassy hill next to the Visitors Center & Museum and watched the aerial skiers on the practice runs. The skiers slide down a roller hill and launch into the air, twisting and rotating before landing in a swimming pool. I called to check, and they still hold practices all summer between Tuesday and Friday's around 10am-2pm. They can't guarantee you'll see a practice (call ahead 435-658-4200), 
but there is a good bet that you'll see something interesting. If you go on Saturday, there is a "Flying Ace All-Stars" show, but it's pricey. The museums are open and free each day. There are so many great things to do that I can't list them all. For a brief overview of all you can see and do, log onto youtube.com and search "Utah Olympic Park". After watching that video, type "Utah 
Olympic Park Ski Practice" into the youtube search and watch a video of a ski jump practice. Amazing! More information can be found at olyparks.com.
historic Copperton City 
(8731 W. 10305 S.). If you haven't been there, you have to visit! The playground is unique and delightful. While you're there, drive by what remains of the original Bingham High School and tour the copper mine. Directions: Drive west on 7800 S. After 4000 W., veer right onto New Bingham Hwy, which eventually becomes 10200 S. and leads you into Copperton City. Turn left onto 3rd East, which leads you to the park. Enjoy!
Utah. I LOVE this park - my very favorite of them all! What makes Heritage Park so special is the shallow creek that runs through it. The creek is shaded by beautiful trees, flowers, bushes and folliage and is perfect for taking formal or informal pictures, so 
bring your camera. This shaded park is perfect for the hottest days. Adults can sit in the shade, dangle their feet in the water, read a book and be within hollering distance of the playground. Small children can wade in the 
ankle-deep water or even bring an inner-tube - just caution them to get out before the 2nd bridge, as there is a spillway with big, slippery rocks that could be tricky to get out of. I didn't really pay much attention to the playground, but it seemed standard. Plenty of picnic tables and a nice paved path! Directions: I-15 to exit 276 (American Fork 500 E. Exit). Turn right onto State Street, left onto 1100 East. Turn right onto Cedar Hills Dr. (approx 10000 N.). The park is just past Cedar Ridge Elementary school.
700 E. 900 S., Salt Lake City. With 80 acres of park, there is always something new to discover. This park is the local favorite spot to picnic and people watch. There is an aviary, a paddle-boat lake, 
carnival rides, folk art museum, concerts and sporting activities. I've had one report that the paddle-boats aren't available any longer. Bring a blanket, a book and expect great people-watching.
well hidden, but just off State Street. It has an outdoor pool, an amphitheater, lots of picnic spots and playing fields. There are ponds, plenty of walking and biking paths, and an arboretum. There is something special going on almost every day all summer, so check the schedule online. 
Some of the events coming up this month are "Clogging Grandmothers (6/8/2010), Children's Matinee: Premier Productions (6/11/2010), Zenith Vibes Trio (6/15/2010), Annie (Ongoing Daily except Sunday 6/17/2010-6/24/2010), Children's Matinee: Tikke, Tikke, Tembo (6/18/2010), Georgia Barretto, Brazilian Guital (6/22/2010), Children's Matinee: Mister Bear's Big Sleep (6/25/2010), Murray Arts in the Park: Murray Symphony Pops (6/26/2010) and Prevailing Wings (6/29/2010).
by lots of beautiful trees, flowering bushes and flowers on three sides, and a beautiful stone amphitheater on the other side. It is the perfect place for taking family pictures, engagement photos or just snapshots. 
Be aware that it can be booked for wedding receptions and family gatherings, so have an alternative plan or call ahead before you drop by. Bring a book and a blanket, or just stroll and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. I took my 7-year old and 16-year old nieces, 
and they both loved this park. One took pictues the whole time, and the younger one played in the bushes & trees and explored - and was upset when it was time to leave!
not to be missed! Located ust 11.1 miles up Little Cottonwood Canon in the Albion Campground, it is one of Utah's most beautiful spots. Have your picnic, then walk the Secret Lake Trail. It's a very popular, easy hike to a beautiful alpine lake. 
(Swimming is not permitted). The Albion Basin is famous for it's summer wildflowers which bloom around the end of July through mid-August. The first week of October is also a good time to do this hike to view the fall leaves. The lake is very photogenic, set just under Sugarloaf Peak. The trail to Secret Lake runs west from the 
campground. The hike is relatively flat and is only 3/4 of a mile, so more of a stroll than a hike. Along the way there are interpretive signs with information about the basin, it's plants, animals and geology. It's an easy hike, 
perfect for children and gives you an opportunity to talk about the importance of our precious resources. I'm told in late afternoon you can almost always see moose. Pack along s'mores ingredients and roast them in the pit on your way back from the trail. 
If you want a more strenuous hike, you can hike to the top of Sugarloaf Peak from Secret Lake (allow 2 hours for that. Bring plenty of insect repellant! Oh - and I'm told it is spelled CECRET - but it depends on which site and which map you're looking at - so you decide!
It is truly one of Utah's hidden treasures. It is accessible by boat or by driving a seven-mile causeway. The island is over 25 acres and is full of wildlife
(bison, deer, elk) and wildflowers. There are nearly 40 miles of hiking, biking, horseback trails, picnic areas and camping. There is a sandy beach that is wonderful, so bring swimsuits, towels and LOTS of bug spray!
If you want a picnic and a history lesson all in one, then visit Wheeler Historic Farm. It's open from dawn to dusk and is dedicated to the history of Utah farming and agriculture. I'm told there are great picnic spots there.
at 1330 E. 2100 S. in SugarHouse (Salt Lake). It is listed in most blogs as the best place to hold large group picnics. Sugar House Park, considered a "crown jewel" among regional parks in the Salt Lake Valley, 
comprises 110.5 acres of lush, rolling green space. Among the park's features for public use are seven pavilions for group gatherings, regulation soccer and baseball fields, cement basketball court, two children's play areas with plastic play sets, a small 
amphitheater with seating for 220 people, seven volleyball courts (at at each terrace) and a sleigh-riding hill. In addition, the park road, which winds around the park for a mile and three-eighths, has a 15-foot-wide inside lane which has proven popular among walkers, runners, and bicyclists.
Memory Grove Park is located at 
300 Canyon Road in Salt Lake City. A fantastic picnic spot for families with older children. Vintagemixer wrote "A new favorite spot of mine in Salt Lake City—Memory Grove Park. The park is located on the east side of the capital building on 300 Canyon Road and
is dedicated to the many Utah veterans as well as those who lost their lives in various wars—World War II to Vietnam. The City Creek runs through 
the park 
with trails on either side leading you through a peaceful grassy area and into tree covered paths to beautiful views of the valley and the capital building. City Creek provides a pleasant break from a bustling downtown. A small paved road parallels a bubbling creek. The park alternates between bike days and car 
days throughout the week. So be sure you check in advance before planning your trip. There are also several interesting dirt trails on the sides of the canyon. 
The 
paved trail goes for about 6 miles to Rotary Park and the dirt trail goes for about 2 miles along the river. Stunning monuments and
calming waters greet you at the common area of the park. Also, on either side of the park you’ll find sets of stairs that 
take you to overlook points and also up to the capital building or into the Avenues. 
If you enjoy running stairs, you’ll find these to be a rewarding challenge. If you’re looking for a spot to picnic in Salt Lake or for a relaxing city stroll, this is the place. Bring a light lunch or snack and enjoy the quietness of the park." Oh - and bring a camera!
