Bountiful, Utah is a place known for a wonderful gardening climate, quiet neighborhoods, and beautiful scenery. Sometimes, all you need to do is go for a walk to clear your mind and see the beauty of Bountiful. However, if you want a little more excitement while spending quality time with family, or just want to relax and unwind, consider these six weekend activities near Bountiful, Utah.

Splash Around at Lagoon Park

[caption id="attachment_6" align="alignright" width="320"] Image via Flickr by Cryostasis[/caption] Lagoon Park has something for everyone! The park's Pioneer Village offers lessons on Utah's history in a reconstructed frontier community. See the cobbler and town hall, or take a peek at their collection of slingshots and cannons. If you're more into thrilling rides, your little ones can try the Baby Boats or the Scamper bumper cars while the bigger kids (and adults) can ride thrilling roller coasters like Cannibal or Colossus. If you'd rather cool off on a hot weekend, visit Lagoon A Beach to float down the river or plummet down their heart-racing water slides. During Halloween, you can visit the haunted attractions at Frightmares, with different entertainment options for people of all ages. There's kid-friendly Treat Street or the straw maze, all the way up to the haunted houses that are not for the faint of heart. Your entire family can go camping in their RV park and campground, so you can make your visit last all weekend.

Play at Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill is an all-in-one resort that proves to be different and exciting each time you visit. Options abound and range from grilling, picnicking with family, or even staying overnight in a tent or recreational vehicle on the campsite grounds for an entire weekend of fun. You can let the kids play in Pirates Cove and explore their authentic 40 foot pirate ship complete with a simulated cannon battle. The adults and older kids can brave Cardiac Canyon River Run, filled with sudden drops, waterfalls, and dark canyons. If you and your family prefer to stay dry, the 30-foot wall known as The Rock can test your skills, endurance, and strength. There is also mini golf, a jungle-themed maze your family can spend hours exploring and getting lost in, or Aeroball, a fun game described as "basketball on trampolines." To cure your munchies, stop in for some sweet delights at The Pie Pantry or grab a savory family-sized pizza at Grant's Pizza. After your meal, wade along Lazy River to help you relax from your weekday stress.

Expand Your Mind at the Natural History Museum of Utah

Learning can be a fun family event when you visit the Natural History Museum of Utah. The museum is currently open and offers permanent exhibits ranging from "Native Voices" that celebrates Utah's recognized tribes to "Gems and Minerals," an exhibition that explores minerals native to Utah, rainbow minerals, and some crystals. For those interested in the arts, visit the "Poetry Path" exhibit, a cross-curricular project aligning science and literature to normalize scientific vocabulary and make nature more relatable. Special exhibits are periodically rotated but include anything from dinosaurs to the newest addition expected this summer called "Egypt: The Time of the Pharoahs," highlighting over 350 original artifacts. Spend the day with the family exploring our history to learn about our future.

See Earth's Curves at the Bonneville Salt Flats

[caption id="attachment_10" align="alignright" width="300"] Image via Flickr by travelourplanet.com[/caption] For some outdoor family fun, pack up the kids, sunscreen, and picnic gear, and head out to our famous Bonneville Salt Flats. The Salt Flats are so barren that it's tough to find living creatures in some areas, but the landscape makes for beautiful photography. Whether you are a novice photographer or experienced behind the lens, use the opportunity to take breathtaking photos of your family and enjoy their company. The Salt Flats are the perfect landscape to absorb the beauty of life, the constant flow of time, and the power of nature. A must-see is the artistic sculpture made of over 200 tons of cement called "The Tree of Utah" or "Metaphor," which was gifted to Utah by the artist. Take pictures and create a collage with the kids to display and share these memories for years to come.

Get Spooked at Ophir Historic District

Your family might enjoy stepping into the past and visiting a well-preserved historic district. Founded in 1870, Ophir, Utah was deserted when those in search of silver discovered there was no more silver. Now a considered a living ghost town, Ophir is a monument to the past and stands as a reminder of the impact of change. You can still find residents in Orphir who prefer small town living. Take a walking tour of the quiet and beautiful small town to experience the historic buildings and see the mining decorations that have been added as a nod to the past. Many choose to visit during the summer when the nice weather allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery in comfort.

Explore Ogden's Dinosaur Park

Ogden's George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is a collection of more than one hundred lifelike dinosaur sculptures. The sculptures range in size and style, but all are true to scale and show the actual size of these creatures when they were alive. Some are outfitted with speakers, sounds, and realistic animation to bring the figures to life. The Dinosaur Park is best visited during spring and summer and is especially exciting for younger children who have an affinity for prehistoric creatures. Based on actual fossil skeletons, you can find the sculptures throughout the park. Stroll along the walkways of this safe environment for children to learn and exercise as they explore the park with their parents. Check the website for an updated events schedule and to learn more about their admission rates. Because it is outdoors and some areas have sparse shade, bring plenty of sunblock and water to keep your family protected and hydrated. There are a multitude of things to do near Bountiful, Utah during the weekend that are full of family fun and togetherness. Contact us to take care of your Mazda needs while you spend your weekend with those you love. What do you think of our suggestions? Are there any ideas that you found interesting? Is there a favorite event or place that we missed? If we did, let us know! We will surely add it to our list.