There are books to be read. Bugs to be watched. Parades to be followed. Mountains to be hiked. (And if hiking in a state park isn't thrilling all on its own, one ranger-led walk even has the word "poop" in the title.)

This summer, as with every summer since summer was invented, some of the best things in Utah are free or available at bargain-basement prices.

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What: Nature Walks and Junior Ranger programs at Utah State Parks

Where: Various locations including Wasatch Mountain State Park (435-654-1791) and Jordanelle State Park (435-782-3030)

When: Walk-abouts are often on Friday evenings or Saturdays and include the one on July 20 at Jordanelle titled "Who Pooped on My Head?" Junior Ranger programs, which are included in admission to the park, are usually on Saturdays and often result in a badge and certificate. The Junior Ranger programs last an hour and cover topics such as bats, wildflowers, noxious weeds, insects and spiders, scat and decomposition, camping, glaciers and finding treasures by using GPS.

Ages: Walk-abouts, also included with park admission, are for the whole family. Parents are usually not needed for the Junior Ranger programs, which are designed for 6 to 12-year-olds.

Information: www.stateparks.utah.gov/visiting/events.php?month=June (or July or May or August)

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What: Watch the wakeboarders at the third annual Intermountain Wakeboard Association tournament.

Where: Dixie Hollow area of East Canyon State Park, near Morgan.

When: July 24

Ages: All

Information: www.intermountainwakeboard.com/events.htm

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What: Utah Heritage Foundation Tours

Where: Salt Lake City/County Building, 451 S. State; Kearns/Governor's Mansion, 603 E. South Temple; Memorial Chapel in Memory Grove, 370 N. Canyon Road.