15 Fun Things to Do in Utah County for All Ages

Last Updated on Oct 25, 2024

Nestled less than half an hour’s drive south of Salt Lake City, Utah County is a beautiful area with an eclectic blend of scenic wonders and cultural vibrancy. Whether planning a city getaway or a full-on Utah road trip, this region is worth a detour thanks to its unique mix of outdoor activities and historic charm. 

There is a huge array of experiences here that cater to all tastes and interests so let’s start with my list of the best things to do in Utah County. We used to live a few miles away from Utah county, so it was literally our backyard 🙂

1. Soak in Hot Springs

Perhaps the most famous attraction in Utah County is its relaxing and scenic natural hot springs. The most popular of these is definitely the Fifth Water Hot Springs which has a stunning, mountainous backdrop unbeatable remote location. 

You’ll have to hike for 2.5 miles to reach the springs but the track is absolutely stunning, complete with a beautiful waterfall!

The hot springs experience in Utah County doesn’t end there. For a unique twist, why not visit Mystic Hot Springs in Monroe? Known for its rustic, bathtub-style pools sounded by strikingly picturesque red rocks, it’s a surreal experience that combines the charm of the old world with the natural beauty of Utah. 

2. Explore the Free Museums

Utah County is not just about outdoor adventures, it’s also a haven for culture enthusiasts and history buffs. The best part? Many of its museums offer free admission making it easy for everyone to soak in the rich cultural heritage of the region. 

From art galleries that showcase local talent to historical museums that tell the tales of Utah’s past, there’s a wealth of knowledge here offering an insightful glimpse into the artistic and historical fabric of Utah County. 

Here is a quick list of some of the best museums in Utah County:

• Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum (Provo) – Free
• UVU Roots of Knowledge – Free
• BYU Museum of Paleontology – Free
• BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures – Free
• BYU Museum of Art – Free
• BYU Education in Zion Gallery – Free
• BYU Legacy Hall – Free
• Springville Art Museum – Free
• Provo DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum) – Free
• Springville DUP – Free
• Lehi Family Search Center – Free
• Christa McAuliffe Space Center – Paid
• Hutchings Museum – Paid
• Peteenteeet Museum – Paid
• Camp Floyd State Park – Paid
• BYU Planetarium – Paid

3. Relax on Utah Lake

Utah Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Utah and provides plenty of opportunities for fun recreational activities in Utah County. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or simply enjoying a picnic by the water’s edge, this expansive lake makes for a great summer day.

The area is also home to a variety of wildlife making it a great spot for bird watching and nature photography if you’re a nature enthusiast.

Throughout the year the lake also hosts numerous events and activities, from sailing regattas to fishing tournaments, so it’s worth having a look at what’s on before visiting.

4. Hit the Hiking Trails

You don’t have to go far from Salt Lake City to find some beautiful hiking trails amongst incredible scenery.

On the scenic drive from Salt Lake City to Park City, Utah County shows its true colors as a hiker’s paradise, dotted with trails that meander through lush aspen groves and alpine scenery. 

The trails here offer a diverse range of difficulties, from leisurely walks to challenging ascents and I’m sure you’ll be mesmerized by the golden hues of the beautiful aspen trees in fall.

Sundance Mountain is another great place to visit if you’re looking for some fun hikes in Utah County. While it’s known as a Winter Ski Resort, in summer there are countless trails to experience the mountains on foot.

5. Brave the Haunted Forest during Halloween

Utah is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween in the US and the Haunted Forest is an experience not to be missed!

The state’s largest Halloween display, this eerie forest is full of twisting paths, shady monsters, and mysterious shadows, offering an exhilarating experience for thrill-seekers and ghost story enthusiasts. 

Located in American Fork, make sure to book tickets as this event is super popular!

6. Visit Thanksgiving Point 

Thanksgiving Point Is a must-visit year-round, however, the Christmas season is one of the best times to visit Utah thanks to the incredible festive displays and events.

Luminaria is probably the most dazzling of these events when the gardens transform into a fairy-tale landscape of lights and music, creating a magical experience for visitors of all ages. 

Beyond the lights, Thanksgiving Point is a hub of year-round activities, from educational programs at the museums to seasonal festivals and workshops so make sure you check their website before planning your visit.

7. Have Fun at Evermore Park

Evermore Park is a super fun and interactive theme park that blends the allure of a Renaissance fair, the mystique of a fantasy novel, and the excitement of an adventure game. 

Here you will become part of an ever-evolving story, engaging with characters and participating in quests that change with the seasons. 

Whether you’re battling dragons, solving ancient mysteries, or just enjoying the incredible craftsmanship of the park’s design, Evermore offers an escape from the ordinary for the whole family! 

8. Check Out the Pumpkin Patches

We’ve already talked about how Utah is a great place to visit for Halloween so it’s no surprise that pumpkin patches are plentiful here.

Open throughout October, these farms offer more than just picking the perfect pumpkin, whether you’re navigating a corn maze, enjoying a hayride, or savoring a warm cup of apple cider, it’s hard not to enjoy the vibrant colors and festive atmosphere.

9. Take the Family to Provo Beach Resort

Provo Beach Resort is a year-round family-friendly resort that offers a myriad of indoor activities with everything from bowling and mini-golf to a ropes course and FlowRider indoor surfing.

The best thing about Provo Beach is that you can visit regardless of the weather and have a full day of family fun. It’s particularly great if you’re looking for a summer getaway in the middle of winter without having to leave the country!

10. Find a Unique Playground

If you’ve read my blog before you’ll know that my kids love playgrounds. Luckily there are plenty of great playgrounds to find dotted throughout Utah County.

• Neptune Park (Saratoga Springs) – Has a great climbing pyramid and a variety of play areas suitable for different age groups. There’s also a pavilion, bathrooms, and sports facilities.
• Shay Park (Saratoga Springs) – Features a train-shaped playground with numerous steering wheels and a unique slide that the kids love plus plenty of walking trails.
• Harvey Park (Cedar Hills) – A newer park with a cool space theme offering climbing structures, a zipline, swings, a toddler playground, and a splash pad.
• Discovery Park (Pleasant Grove) –  Features a large castle-like structure to explore with swings and music exploration areas.
• Vineyard Grove Park (Vineyard) – This park is unique because of its circle playground climbing structure plus it has a zipline and a fun splash pad.
• All Together Playground (Orem) – An inclusive playground built for children of all abilities with ziplines, rock climbing, and a toddler area.
• Lehi Family park (Lehi) – Fantastic newly opened huge inclusive playground with lots of shade and stuff to do for all ages.

11. Experience Cabela’s in Lehi

Officially, Cabela’s in Lahey is an outdoor store that offers a place to buy absolutely anything you could need for anything from camping to hunting and much more. 

But in reality, it’s more than just a store and is worth a visit even if you don’t plan on buying anything. Inside you’ll find taxidermied wildlife displays and even an impressive aquarium.

There are also a few places to buy food and eat a meal so it’s a great stop around lunchtime if you’re passing by with the kids. 

12. See the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple

The Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple is a beautiful Spanish folk temple in Utah County. With its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere, the temple offers a unique way to experience another culture whilst visiting the area.

It also hosts various festivals, yoga classes, and cultural events throughout the year, so if you are particularly interested, it’s worth checking out their website to see what’s on.

You can participate in an event, tour the temple, or even visit their animal park which has a handful of llamas, peacocks, birds, and cows which are sure to be a hit with the kids.

13. Top Up at the Elberta Sinclair Station

The Elberta Sinclair Station is a vintage gas station that transports visitors back to a simpler time. Not only can you fill your tank here, but there are plenty of picturesque photo opportunities such as the classic Sinclair dinosaur sign and the old-school architecture.

Regardless of how long you stop here, it’s absolutely worth adding to your trip through Utah County.

14. Travel Through the Tintic Railroad Tunnel

The Tintic Railroad Tunnel in Utah County is a hidden gem that history buffs and adventure seekers will love. This abandoned railroad tunnel has a cool aura of mystery and decay and offers a glimpse into Utah’s mining and railroad past. 

If you have a high-clearance vehicle you can drive right up to the tunnel and walk through to explore the area. Make sure not to miss the abandoned mine tunnel a little bit further along the path. If you have a vehicle without high clearance,  just park about half a mile before the tunnel and walk the remaining distance.

15. Try Paragliding

If you haven’t got enough thrills yet, why not take to the skies and see Utah County from above? 

Paragliding is an exhilarating way to get a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscapes and will endless rolling hills and rugged mountains, there are more than enough places to take off. 

Don’t worry if you’ve never done it before there are tones of local experts that offer tandem flights so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the views!