Summer fun — Museum fun

Museum: n. A building, place or institution devoted to the acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition and educational interpretation of objects having scientific, historical or artistic value.

We can thank the Greeks for the original idea of museums. Way back then, these were centers connected to the Muses, created as a place to cultivate learning and the arts. The idea soon spread.

One of the most famous museums of the ancient world was established by Ptolemy I in Alexandria some 200 years B.C. The first public museum was created in England in 1683 — the Ashmolean in Oxford. By then, the idea of collecting objects to study had become as important as the lectures and discussions of earlier museums.

It's a tradition that continues to this day.

Utah has more than 200 museums that, as the Utah Office of Museum Services points out, "offer you a rich and diverse experience in a wide range of subjects — from art, culture and history to science, botanical gardens and zoos."

Wherever you live in Utah, chances are very good that you are close to a museum, and chances are also very good that it will offer special summer programs to tickle your fancy, stimulate your imagination, stir your curiosity and evoke your creativity. Or you can plan your own fun, exciting, interesting, thought-provoking excursions to any of them.

Benson Grist Mill
What: Renovated mill, pioneer village, agricultural equipment and more
Where: 325 State Road, Stansbury Park
When: Monday-Saturday
Ages: All ages
How much: Free.
Information/registration: 435-882-7678; www.bensonmill.org Clark Planetarium
What: Astronomy stuff, star shows, interactive exhibits and more
Where: 100 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City
When: Daily
Ages: All ages
How much: Many activities are free; star shows are $6 for kids under 12, $8 for adults.
Information/registration: 801-456-7827; www.clarkplanetarium.org

Discovery Gateway
What: Rotating and permanent exhibits, daily workshops, special performances
Where: 444 W. 100 South, Salt Lake City
When: Daily
Ages: All ages
How much: Utah residents $8.50; member discounts
Information/registration: 801-456-5437

Hill Aerospace Museum
What: Learning Center activities including simulators, rockets and hands-on fun
Where: 7961 Wardleigh Road, Hill Air Force Base
When: Daily, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: All ages
How much: Free
Information/registration: 801-777-0312; www.hill.af.mil

Living Planet Aquarium
What: Summer day camps; underwater life shows
Where: 725 E. 10600 South, Sandy
When: Day camps, various Tuesdays and Thursdays in June and July, 9 a.m.-noon; underwater life shows, Saturdays, 2 p.m.