Bugs and dinosaurs: New Thanksgiving Point summer attraction ‘Imaginaria’ brings imagination to life
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- A rendering showing life-sized dinosaurs at Thanksgiving Point’s “Imaginaria” is shown in an undated photo.
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- A rendering showing a giant scorpion at Thanksgiving Point’s “Imaginaria” is shown in an undated photo.
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- A photo from June 2023 shows a pirate ship playground at Thanksgiving Point’s Fairy Tale Festival, which will be featured during the “Imaginaria” event.
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- A rendering showing a large praying mantis at Thanksgiving Point’s “Imaginaria” is shown in an undated photo.
A unique summer adventure awaits children and families at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi as the new “Imaginaria” attraction is underway.
The kids summer event that started Monday and runs through Aug. 23 in the Ashton Gardens takes visitors through six action-packed zones.
In addition to a 250-foot obstacle course, giant inflatable bounce houses and two dueling pirate ship playgrounds, storybook imagination comes alive as children encounter wise talking trees, friendly fairies, giant bugs and life-sized dinosaurs, Thanksgiving Point said in a press release.
Abby Allard, communications manager at Thanksgiving Point, said “Imaginaria” is a culmination of curiosity, adventure and exploration all integrated into one play place.
“We loved the idea of creating different play zones that catered to different interests. Whether that’s pirates or fairies, we wanted all kids to be active and engaged,” she told the Daily Herald.
Keeping the summer heat in mind, Allard said Thanksgiving Point wanted to ensure families are comfortable with shaded rest areas and water play areas throughout the attraction as children explore.
“At ‘Imaginaria,’ play, safety and interactivity are at the core of everything we offer,” she said.
The themed play-zones offering something for each adventurer are as follows:
- Enchanted Hollow, a whimsical wonderland where fairies roam and magic comes to life.
- Pirate Cove, a daring pirate battleground where adventure awaits on the high seas.
- Bugtopia, a world buzzing with larger-than-life insects, hands-on science and thrilling games.
- Splash Bay, the ultimate summer adventure full of laughter, water play and nonstop action.
- Prehistoric Park, where ancient treasures and giant dinosaurs come to life.
- Whispering Woods, a hidden grove with talking trees where everything feels mysteriously alive.
“Imaginaria” also features learning opportunities with various STEM challenges like Pollinator Quest and the Fossil Pit, keeping little explorers active and engaged while enjoying the summer attraction in the 50-acre Ashton Gardens.
“One of the great benefits for ‘Imaginaria’ is the space. Hosted in the Ashton Gardens, it’s one of our only outdoor-exclusive play spaces,” Allard said. “We want to encourage families to explore together, getting out in the sun and off their devices.”
Guests can also upgrade their experience with the Ultimate Activity Card, unlocking access to over 25 take-home crafts and extra interactive games, according to the release.
“Whether kids are zooming down the 150-foot Super Mega Slide or dashing through a 250-foot shaded obstacle course, we wanted kids to get curious, courageous and adventurous at ‘Imaginaria,'” Allard said.
“Imaginaria” is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The attraction is a time-ticketed event and people are encouraged to purchase admission passed in advance at ThanksgivingPoint.org.
Prices range from $17-$27 per person, and Thanksgiving Point members get free admission to “Imaginaria.”
