Birds, T. rex, and planes Take a spring outing to Ogden for a trio of family attractions

One of the surest signs that spring has finally arrived along the Wasatch Front in Utah is the annual birdhouse competition at the Ogden Nature Center (closed Sun; $3, $1.25 ages 2-11; 966 W. 12th St.; 801/621-7595). Even kids love the ingenious, whimsical creations, which are displayed along the 152-acre preserve’s Bird House Trail (and used by feathered nesters) through August.

Families can make a day of it at two other Ogden attractions. Hill Aerospace Museum (free; 7961 Wardleigh Rd., Hill Air Force Base; 801/777-6868) displays a collection of more than 70 modern and vintage aircraft, including a B-52 bomber and an SR-71C “Blackbird” spy plane. At Eccles Dinosaur Park ($5, $3 ages 3-12; 1544 E. Park Blvd.; 801/393-3466), the robotic Cretaceous Encounter exhibit pits a roaring T. rex against a shuffling triceratops.

Hot lunch

Between stops, grab a wild-mushroom pizza or capellini primavera at Roosters ($$; lunch and dinner daily; 253 25th St.; 801/627-6171).

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