Tracy Aviary, Salt Lake City

Tracy Aviary is located in Liberty Park just a few blocks from downtown Salt Lake City. It is one of two aviaries registered with the American Zoo Association. They participate in conservation programs, including breeding programs for rare and endangered birds. They helped with the Trumpeter Swan breeding program, bringing that bird back from the edge of extinction. You absolutely must go through the Parrot Encounter in the summer. They let small groups enter a parrot enclosure and hand-feed dozens of beautifully colored birds. It isn't uncommon to have five or more small, bright red and blue parrots on your hands, shoulders, and even perching on your head begging for food. It's only $1.50 per person, and well worth the money. Bring a camera. They also have free bird shows in the morning and noon hours from spring to fall, assuming good weather. These shows last about an hour and are very entertaining. The aviary is open year-round. The best time to go, in my opinion, is a summer day that starts out partly cloudly and ends up with light rain. You can enjoy the bird shows and parrot encounter, then watch the birds play around in the rain. Many of the birds are injured or disabled. These birds often have open enclosures. For example, the bald eagles and golden eagles have only short chain-link fences around them. My oldest daughter especially likes the one-eyed snowy owl. You can feed birds in the open pond areas. There are ducks, geese, swans, pelicans, and other birds that are very friendly to anybody with food. My girls love to sit on the bridge and throw out food. Bring a cooler with lunch, or money for the food booth at the park, if it's open. We've had a few times where peacocks, peahens and other birds would wander over and beg for our lunch. If they get bored of the animals, kids can play for hours on the adjoining playgrounds, wander and wade through the water sculptures, and even buy tickets and ride the ferris wheel and other rides at Liberty Park. It's a great way to spend a summer day.