Utah is a great place to visit and live. With its several national parks and rich history, the state can be a great home for many, especially families. There are several museums throughout the Beehive State that can engage young children; keep reading to learn more about some of the best museums in Utah near Hill Air Force Base that would be great to bring the kiddos to.

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Take Your Kids to These Museums in Utah

Dinosaur Museums in Utah

Almost every kid goes through a dinosaur phase. Fortunately, Utah was home to several dinosaurs; new dinosaur fossils are constantly being found throughout the state. Because of this, there’s more than one dinosaur museum in Utah, with many located within an hour’s drive of Hill AFB.

1. George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park

George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park is a large outdoor museum featuring interactive dinosaur sculptures based on real fossil skeletons. These dinosaur sculptures are equipped with robotics and a sound system; these “living” dinosaurs will definitely keep the kids entertained. This dinosaur museum is one of the cheaper Utah museums. Ranging from $5-$7 per person, this museum can offer fun for the whole family. Keep in mind that the majority of the fun for this museum is outdoors, so plan to visit sometime during the late spring, summer, or early fall.

2. Mountain America Museum of Ancient Life

The Museum of Ancient Life, located about an hour south of Ogden in Thanksgiving Point, walks you through the beginnings of life, starting with the stars and ending with the beginnings of human civilization. Along the way, there are plenty of interactive exhibits for children and parents to engage in and learn from. This is a great place for the whole family! The pricing for this museum in Utah ranges from $17-$24, depending on the individual. However, Thanksgiving Point offers an Explorer Pass ranging from $29-$38 that gets you into the Museum of Natural Curiosity, Farm Country, Museum of Ancient Life, Ashton Gardens, and Butterfly Biosphere for one day. This can be a great option for smaller families wanting to spend the day at Thanksgiving Point.

3. Natural History Museum of Utah

Located in Salt Lake City about 40 minutes from Ogden, the Natural History Museum is filled with an array of displays. From interactive exhibits about the indigenous peoples of Utah to the native wildlife of Utah to towering dinosaur skeleton models, there’s something for everyone to experience here. Pricing for this museum, however, can get a little expensive. According to their website, admission can cost up to $20 per person, though seniors and children can get in for a discount. This might not be the top option for a large and/or budget-conscious family, but it can still be a lot of fun.

Free Museums in Utah

While there are several paid Utah museums, there are some great free museums in Utah, too. These museums offer just as much fun and education for the kids! Keep reading to find out more about the free museums in Utah.

4. Clark Planetarium

The Clark Planetarium is a great place for kids interested in space. Located in Salt Lake City, about 40 minutes from Ogden, the Clark Planetarium is one of the best museums in Utah. With free admission, this museum offers several interactive exhibits that can take kids into space. Additionally, there’s a large gift shop with great science-based products for everyone. Though the planetarium itself is free, the shows at the planetarium are not. The planetarium features the Hansen Dome Theatre and the Northrop Grumman IMAX theater; these can still offer some educational entertainment for the family at a relatively low price from $7-$9 a ticket.

5. Fort Douglas Military Museum

Also located in Salt Lake City, the Fort Douglas Military Museum offers free and educational fun for the kids. With roots in the Civil War and the settlement of Utah, the Fort Douglas Military Museum is a must-visit for the young ones!

6. Hill Aerospace Museum

Located next to Hill Air Force Base, the Hill Aerospace Museum is a great option for families wanting a free museum in Utah that’s not too far from Ogden. This museum has a lot to offer; from a STEM education program to military artifact collections, this one is fun for everyone. The STEM program teaches kids about gravity, astronomy, the basics of flight, and much more. The museum also showcases military aircraft, missiles, vehicles, uniforms, and other historical artifacts. The Hill Aerospace Museum is a fantastic place for kids wanting to learn more about military history. The Beehive State can offer loads of family fun. From the mountain trails to the museums in Utah, there’s something for everyone. The wide variety of museums near Hill Air Force Base can provide a lot of educational fun for the whole family!

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