Schedule a Sunday family trip to Park City for fresh air, shopping and skiing. And as you exit I-80, make your first stop Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter. For over a decade, the nature preserve and Utah State University education center has provided materials for kids to create free nature-inspired crafts on Sundays — perfect for kicking off your PC day trip.
“Sunday Craft is a fun, low-pressure way for families to connect with nature and creativity,” said Bri Cencak, visitor experience coordinator. “Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend activity or a visitor exploring Park City, we’d love to have you stop by and create something with us.”
Craft Sundays are in the EcoCenter’s Naturalist Room between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“We align crafts with what’s happening on the preserve, the changing seasons or upcoming holidays,” Cencak said. “For example, we made toilet paper roll elk when there was a large elk herd hanging out on the preserve. In summer, we use more natural materials like twigs, leaves and flowers to create things like nature self-portraits, tic-tac-toe boards, bookmarks and headbands.”
Throughout March, expect crafts themed around the arrival of spring, along with a St. Patrick’s Day craft using natural materials. Crafts usually take 10 to 15 minutes to complete, though kids are welcome to craft at their own pace during the set hours. Typically, 20 to 25 kids and their parents attend. They include locals who return weekly and those visiting from out of town. Crafters usually age between 3 and 7, though all kids are welcome.
Cencak says the crafts allow kids to connect with nature creatively and highlight how simple it is to incorporate nature and/or recyclable materials into crafting. “I love seeing kids’ creativity in action. Even when we have a specific craft in mind, they always bring their own unique styles and ideas,” she said. “It’s also fun to see their curiosity spark — we often put out books and hands-on materials related to the craft’s theme, which leads to great conversations about nature.”
Once they’ve finished crafting, kids can explore everything else the Naturalist Room offers, including books, games and a habitat-building area. Families are also welcome to visit the boardwalk or observation tower to get a better view of the preserve. Through May 4, they may also visit Amazing Butterflies, a fun, interactive maze exhibit (separate admission required).
