Summer vacation days are starting to wind down. Don’t fret if you haven’t had enough family-filled activities yet. There are still many adventures in our own backyard, just waiting to be uncovered. 

Two Utah Valley authors — Carol Lynch Williams and Cheri Pray Earl, authors of the “Just In Time” history adventure series — are eager to not only help kids stay busy over the next few weeks, but also teach local youth about Utah’s history — found in the stories, photos, antiques, and even historic buildings found throughout Utah. 

Beginning Saturday and running through Sept. 14, young readers can embark on The Amazing Utah History Hunt. This treasure hunt-style expedition invites youth, ages 6 and older, to acquire their own “Past-Ports” and then travel to and explore local historic landmarks and museums as if they were tourists from another country. In fact, young explorers are actually encouraged to have their Past-Ports stamped at each location, just like a bonafide international traveler. Get three stamps and you can turn in your Past-Port for a chance to win prizes. 

Some of those iconic locations include six from Utah Valley:

* Springville-Mapleton Pioneer Museum

* Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center

* Camp Floyd Stagecoach Inn and State Park

* Orem Heritage Museum

* Provo Pioneer Village

* Historic Provo Library at Academy Square

Two other sites included in the History Hunt are the Museum of Church History and Art and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum, both in Salt Lake City.

“We wanted a program that reflected both the educational and fun factors of our children’s book series ‘Just in Time,'” said Cheri Pray Earl in a press release from Familius, the book publisher sponsoring this event. “The Amazing Utah History Hunt is that perfect blend, and the best part is that the featured locations are all close to home and free to visit.”  

To embark on a summertime historic adventure, simply pick up a Past-Port at any of the six locations listed above or the Orem Barnes & Noble bookstore (330 E. 1300 South, Orem). 

Once you have at least three stamps in that Past-Port, turn it in to Barnes & Noble in exchange for a small prize and an entry into the grand prize drawing. 

For more information abou the Amazing Utah History Hunt, log on to Just-in-Time-Books.com.