15 Fun Things to Do in Utah County With Kids This Summer

Some of my fondest childhood memories are spending summers in Utah. The clickety-click of sprinklers, watermelon juice running down elbows, and laying on the grass under a starry sky.

Now that I have kids of my own, it is still one of my favorite places to visit in the summer. I’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do in Utah County with kids, and I’m excited to share it with you!

15 Things to Do in Utah County With Kids This Summer

Table of Contents

• Cool Off at Tibble Fork Reservoir
• Spend the Afternoon in Provo Canyon
• Take a Soak at Inlet Park Hot Springs
• Canoe Down the Provo River
• Cool Off at the Provo Rec Center
• Swing on the Rope Swings at Burraston Ponds
• Relax in the Diamond Fork Hot Springs
• Pick Fresh Fruit From a Farm
  • Other local U-pick farms:
• Hike to Battle Creek Falls
• Play at the Wayne Bartholomew Family Park Beach
• Catch a Fish at Spring Lake Trout Farm
• Visit the Pioneer Village
• Hike to the “Y”
• Visit the BYU Campus
• Target Shooting at West Mountain
  • Other fun things to do in Utah County with Kids:

Cool Off at Tibble Fork Reservoir

Tibble Fork Reservoir is a small man-made lake located in American Fork Canyon. This beautiful lake is surrounded by towering mountain peaks and a thick forest of pines.

The large shoreline is perfect for families to gather and cool off in the water. It has sort of a summer camp vibe.

There is a large paved parking lot, but it does get filled up fast in the summer. I would recommend coming early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Visiting during the off-season or after a summer rain storm is also a great way to avoid the crowds.

Bring tubes, rafts, kayaks, and beach toys for a fun day on the water.

After spending a day at the reservoir, grab some dinner at Super Chix in American Fork on your way home. Their chicken sandwiches are delicious!

The Cheesy BBQ is a favorite, and the Crispy Avocado is a sinfully delicious vegetarian option. It is a deep-fried avocado stuffed with gouda cheese and smothered in a garlic aioli sauce.

Spend the Afternoon in Provo Canyon

One of our favorite things to do in Utah County in the summer is rent e-bikes from Voltage Rentals and ride along the Provo River Parkway Trail.

The rental facility is located at the mouth of the canyon where you can hop on the Provo River Parkway bike path and ride up the beautiful canyon.

The trail follows along the river and passes by several parks and even the popular Bridal Veil Falls. If you have time, there is a short but steep hiking trail that follows up the side of the waterfall.

I would recommend riding 6 miles up the canyon to Vivian Park. This is a great place to stop for lunch if you want to pack a picnic. The park has a picnic area with pavilions, fire pits, volleyball courts, walking trails, a playground, and a fishing pond.

The 12-mile round-trip e-bike ride took about 2 hours and our whole family loved it! Electric scooters are also available to rent for younger kids.

If you want to spend more time in Provo Canyon, the Upper Falls Trail is about a mile up the road from Bridal Veil Falls and is a bit of a hidden gem.

The short trail is only .35 miles each way, but it is a steep and rocky incline so plan to work up a sweat! Thankfully, the trail is mostly shaded.

Once you reach the 40-foot waterfall, you can cool off in the cold mist. You’ll also be rewarded with a great view over the canyon and the road below.

Another great hike, and our favorite waterfall hike in Provo Canyon, is Stewart Falls. Click the link for our complete hiking guide.

Another popular activity is tubing down the Provo River. The summer activities at Sundance are also a favorite with ziplines, scenic lift rides, mountain biking, and more.

It is similar to the summer activities at Park City. See our guide 10 Best Things to Do in Park City if you’re planning to visit the area.

The beginning of the Alpine Loop scenic drive is located in Provo Canyon, it is one of our favorite things to do in the fall. For more fall recommendations, see our guide The Best Things to Do in Park City in the Fall.

Take a Soak at Inlet Park Hot Springs

The Inlet Park Hot Springs, also known as the Saratoga Hot Springs, is located in Saratoga Springs on the northwest shore of Utah Lake.

From the parking lot at Inlet Park, you’ll see a paved walking trail near the restrooms that leads south.

Follow the trail for about 1/4 mile until you reach the hot springs. Here you’ll find a larger pool with a few surrounding smaller pools.

While these hot springs have mixed reviews, we found the area to be well maintained, the sulfur smell wasn’t too strong, the atmosphere was family-friendly, and the water was nice and hot.

The views across the lake to the mountains were also beautiful at sunset.

The only downside to the Saratoga Hot Springs is that the bottom of the pool consists of black silt that is squishy to walk on and makes the water quite muddy.

If you prefer to soak in clear water, these are not the springs for you. But if you’re ok becoming one with nature, then you’ll love the experience!

For more of our favorite hot springs, see our guide Six of the Best Hot Springs in Utah!

Canoe Down the Provo River

Tubing down the Provo River in Provo Canyon is a popular summer activity, but the rapids can get a bit dangerous for kids.

As an alternative, we prefer renting canoes from CLAS Ropes. They are located on the bank of the Provo River near Utah Lake just off Center Street.

They offer 2-person canoes and paddleboard rentals for a reasonable price. Life jackets are included.

The water is much more shallow and calm on this portion of the river than it is up the canyon. The river is mostly shaded and it’s a relaxing way to spend the afternoon floating under the overhanging branches.

There are a few small rapids if you head to the right of the dock. If you head left, you will reach Utah Lake about a mile upstream.

Cool Off at the Provo Rec Center

The Provo Recreation Center features an awesome indoor and outdoor pool so you can swim all year long.

You’ll find 2 playgrounds, 4 water slides, a lazy river, a rock climbing pool, a waterfall jump, and various other water activities.

The outdoor pool has plenty of grass and a few shade trees.

Admission is only $5 for adults and $4 for kids. This includes access to all the facilities at the rec center, including the sports courts, exercise equipment, the rock climbing wall, and more.

Swing on the Rope Swings at Burraston Ponds

Mona is located about 10 miles south of Utah County, but these rope swings are so fun that I just had to include them on the list!

Burraston Ponds, also known as the “Mona rope swings”, is an idyllic summer swimming hole.

You’ll find 4 different rope swings at various heights with platforms and tree branches to swing from.

There is even a well-constructed swim deck with a ladder that was installed as part of an Eagle Scout project.

The town has made an effort to really clean up this area and make it a fun safe place for families. The water is cold, but refreshing and clean.

The surrounding area is beautiful with flecks of sun shining through the trees, tall swaying grass, and mountain views.

To reach this particular spot on the pond, continue driving to the end of the road. You’ll see several other places where you can pull over and access the water, but continue to the parking lot at the end of the road then follow the dirt path to the pond.

You’ll also find a bathroom with pit toilets at the parking lot.

And if you want to find another secret rope swing, check out our guide Zion Hidden Gems!

Relax in the Diamond Fork Hot Springs

The Diamond Fork Hot Springs, also known as Fifth Water Hot Springs, is located up Diamond Fork Canyon just east of Spanish Fork.

The springs are especially beautiful in the winter as they turn a milky cobalt blue.

For the most vibrant colors, visit in mid-October when the surrounding trees are changing colors and the water begins to turn a beautiful shade of blue.

We went in the summer, and even though the water wasn’t as vibrant, the trees were full of leaves which made for a beautiful backdrop.

The trail is 2.5 miles to the base of the springs. It is a fairly easy trail, with only a gradual incline and a few steeper parts.

The trail was easy enough for my 6 and 9-year-old, although there were a lot of snack breaks along the way. The promise of playing in the water kept them motivated to keep going!

Portions of the trail are shaded, but it does get hot in the summer so bring plenty of water. There are also rattlesnake sightings along the trail in the summer, so use caution.

After about the one-mile point, you’ll cross a footbridge and will start to smell the sulfur in the air.

There are multiple pools, each varying in temperature. You’ll find a waterfall and a grotto at the top that marks the end of the trail.

The springs do get crowded, but just head up or downstream until you find a more secluded area. However, the springs tend to be less crowded in the summer than in the winter.

I would highly recommend bringing sturdy water shoes. The pools are quite rocky and the ground surrounding the springs is made of loose rocks that are easy to slip on.

We all loved visiting these hot springs and would highly recommend them!

*Related post: Sanpete County: A Utah Hidden Gem

Pick Fresh Fruit From a Farm

We love visiting U-pick farms. The only thing that is better than fresh sweet cherries in the summer, is when you can pick the cherries yourself.

Hilltop Cherries is a great place to pick fresh fruit, just be sure to check the site to see when the cherries are available to pick.

The season usually only lasts about three weeks starting at the end of June. The orchard is located in Payson.

Other local U-pick farms:

• Perry Berries: The fresh raspberries are usually ripe towards the end of August. It is located in Mapleton, check their site or call to see when the berries are ready to harvest.
• McBride’s Briar Patch: This U-pick farm is also located in Mapleton. Raspberries are their main crop, but they also grow blackberries, strawberries, apples, and peaches. Fresh honey is also available from hives located on the farm. The farm usually opens around the beginning of August and lasts through October.
• Rocky Top Fruit: This orchard and farm are located in Payson. The picking season starts in the middle of June with sweet cherries, then berries and peaches in August. They also sell fresh honey. They are currently expanding the farm to include apples, pumpkins, and a corn maze.
• The Raspberry Patch: This 2.5-acre berry patch is located in Payson and is open from the beginning of August to October.
• Stanton Cherries: This farm is located in Payson and the cherries are reasonably priced. The season lasts only a week or two towards the end of June, depending on how quickly they go!
• Pleasant Grove Guernseys: This small family-run orchard and garden offers a variety of apples, as well as a few cherry and apricot trees. There is also fresh corn and vegetables available to pick in the garden. Call ahead before visiting. You can find a great review here.

*If you’re looking for a fun and unique place to stay in Utah, be sure to check out our guide to Whispering Pines Glamping!

Hike to Battle Creek Falls

Battle Creek Falls is an easy kid-friendly hike that leads to a great waterfall. The 1.2-mile out-and-back trail is fairly flat at the beginning but gets a little steeper about halfway there.

The scenic hike follows along the stream through the base of the canyon.

Once you get to the falls, you can continue up to the top of the falls, or just stay and play in the waterfall and splash in the stream. Just wear your swimsuits and bring water shoes if you plan to get wet.

The falls are located in Pleasant Grove, the trailhead can be found at Kiwanis Park.

*Related post: for another one of Utah’s best-kept secrets, check out our guide to visiting Utah’s Pink Lake!

Play at the Wayne Bartholomew Family Park Beach

This beautiful park is situated at the mouth of Hobble Creek Canyon in Mapleton.

Families are drawn to the sandy beach on the shores of this small lake. The soft sand and zero-depth entrance make it the perfect spot for building sandcastles and letting your little ones wade in the water.

Older kids will enjoy floating in tubes or taking kayaks out on the 3-acre pond.

Covered pavilions and BBQ grills are also available on-site, making this the perfect spot for a family gathering.

Other amenities include fishing docks, a snack shack (with $1 snow cones!), beach volleyball, horseshoes, and ring toss. Volleyball and ring toss equipment are available to check out free of charge at the concessions building.

Parking permits are required during peak season from May 1 – September 30. The cost is $10 and can be paid by phone. Directions for payment are posted at the parking lot.

Catch a Fish at Spring Lake Trout Farm

If you have kids who like to fish but have a short attention span, Spring Lake Trout Farm in Payson is the perfect spot!

What makes this experience so great is that they keep the lake well stocked with trout all year long, making it easy to catch a fish.

I also love that they make the process so easy and affordable. No fishing license is required and they provide all the equipment and bait. They’ll even put the bait on for you if you’re a little squeamish.

You just pay per pound for any fish you catch.

They will also clean and fillet your fish at no extra charge, which is great for moms who don’t want to touch the fish! The boys were equally fascinated and grossed out watching them clean the fish!

If you ask, they are willing to grill your fish for an extra fee. Our total was $10 for 2 freshly filleted and grilled fish, and an afternoon of fun!

The only downside is that it is almost too easy to catch a fish. They both caught a fish within the first five minutes and wanted to keep fishing, but I knew we wouldn’t eat that much fish.

If you would prefer to do catch and release, you must call ahead to make an appointment and check rates.

Visit the Pioneer Village

The Pioneer Village is a fun place to learn about the Pioneer history in Utah County.

Admission is free and visitors will have the chance to explore original buildings constructed by the pioneers.

You can visit such buildings as a working blacksmith shop, general store, schoolhouse, and pioneer homes.

There are also hands-on activities available, like pioneer children’s games and leather stamping. The village is run by volunteers and they do a fantastic job keeping the kids engaged.

At the entrance, the kids can pick up a sheet for a scavenger hunt. After they identify all the items found throughout the village, they can turn in their sheet and receive an old-fashioned lollipop.

I wasn’t sure how well our highly energetic boys would like this place, but they absolutely loved it!

The village is located adjacent to the Provo Rec Center in North Park and can easily be combined for a great afternoon outing.

Hike to the “Y”

If there’s one thing that everyone in Utah needs to do at least once in their life, it’s hiking to the “Y” in Provo.

The 2.4-mile roundtrip hike has steep switchbacks and was a bit more intense than I had expected.

If you have young kids, expect to make several stops along the way. But the view from the top over Provo, Utah Lake, and the Oquirrh Mountains is totally worth it.

I was surprised just how big the letter is once you get up close. At a length of 465 feet, it is the largest collegiate symbol in the US.

The best time to do the hike is in the evening as the sun sets. The trail is mostly exposed and can get quite hot. It is also such a beautiful view to see the glittering lights in the valley below.

There is no water along the way, so be sure to pack plenty, especially in the summer heat.

Visit the BYU Campus

Even if you don’t bleed blue, the BYU campus is a fun place to visit with kids.

Our first stop is always the Wilkinson Center for bowling and games.

Next, head over to the bookstore for some memorabilia. The sale items are kept in the basement level. And whatever you do, don’t leave without buying at least one pound of chocolate-covered cinnamon bears!

If you still haven’t satisfied your sweet tooth, stop by The Creamery for some of the best ice cream around.

Get a scoop of the classics like “Bishop’s Bash” or “LaVell’s Vanilla”. The “Graham Canyon” is my personal favorite. If you have room, their hot fries dipped in fry sauce are also to die for.

If you’re ready to burn off some of the calories, walk over to the Bean Museum.

Admission to the museum is free and they have quite an impressive display of taxidermied animals.

The well-curated museum is both educational and enjoyable. It’s a great place to spend a few hours wandering around, especially when the weather is hot outside.

They also offer presentations and hands-on activities. Be sure to inquire at the front desk about the daily schedule.

The Art Museum is also worth a stop, and the Botany Pond is a great place to feed the ducks and have a picnic.

Target Shooting at West Mountain

West Mountain is a serene farming community just west of Payson.

If you head up into the hills of West Mountain, you’ll find a dirt road leading to a dirt basin used for target shooting.

Not only is it a great spot to shoot targets and clay pigeons, but it also offers scenic views over the south end of Utah Lake.

It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset over the lake with the mountains as a backdrop.

The road is a bit rough in spots, so a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is recommended.

Other fun things to do in Utah County with Kids:

• Mount Timpanogas Cave: Hike the 1.5-mile trail up to Mount Timpanogos Cave. The trail is steep and a bit strenuous, especially for younger kids. But the cave is worth the hike. The large cave system is filled with colorful caverns and impressive stalagmites and stalactites. The cave stays a consistent 45 degrees year-round, so bring a jacket. Entrance to the cave is done with a guided tour. Tickets are required and numbers are limited. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended. Strollers are not allowed on the trail or in the cave.
• Heber Valley Railroad: While you’re at Provo Canyon, consider booking a ride on the Heber Valley Railroad, affectionately called the “Heber Creeper”. They offer a variety of scenic train rides through the canyon. They also host themed rides during the holidays.
• Pioneer Park: A fun park with a great splash pad and a large playground.
• Scera Pool: This outdoor pool has a zero-depth beach entry, lazy river, slides, heated splash pad, sand play area, and diving board.
• Lindon Aquatic Center: Features a pirate ship and splash pad.
• Provo Beach: Older kids will love riding the Flowrider at Provo Beach.
• Fire Flies: Experience the magic of fireflies on a summer night. Nightly tours are offered free of charge at the Thomspon Century Farm. However, the waitlist can be a year long! You can try to find fireflies on your own with the help of this firefly map. Rumor has it that you can find some at Burriston ponds in Mona in the late summer after about 10 pm.
• Scera Shell: Watch an outdoor movie at the Scera Shell. Movies are shown on 6 select evenings throughout the summer. Entrance is general lawn admission so bring a blanket or folding chairs. Movies are older releases, but tickets are inexpensive. You can also purchase a pass for the entire summer series for a fun budget-friendly family activity.
• Nickle City: This used to be one of our favorite places for cheap entertainment when we were going to college, and now our kids love going. The games are no longer a nickle, but it is still cheaper than other arcades.
• Young Living Farm: Visit the blooming lavender fields at the Young Living Farm Lavender Days. The event is usually held for one day at the end of June. Activities include a 5K run, tours, jousting, pony rides, and live entertainment.
• Rowley’s Red Barn: Stop at Rowley’s Red Barn just off the freeway in Santaquin for the best homemade ice cream, pastries, and farm-fresh fruit. A variety of events are held throughout the year, particularly in the fall, so check the calendar.
• Dripping Rock Trail: Take a short hike to the Dripping Rock in Spanish Fork Canyon. This easy 1-mile round trip trail leads you to a large rock overhang with water streaming over it. You can wade in the stream and walk under the falling water. A little further up the trail, you’ll find a wash with a deep plunge pool for older kids to jump in. The water is cold, but feels great on a hot day!
• Ghost Bike Tour: For something a bit different, your older kids might think it’s cool to take a night ghost bike tour in Provo.
• The Labyrinth: Experience a video game in real life at The Labyrinth in Lindon.
• The Pass of All Passes is such a great deal and you can usually find them at a discounted rate on Groupon. The pass gives you access to a variety of attractions like Seven Peaks Water Park, Seven Peaks Family Fun Center, Peaks Ice Arena, sporting events, and other activities.
• Thanksgiving Point: There is plenty to do at Thanksgiving Point. The main highlights are the petting zoo, Museum of Curiosity, Museum of Ancient Life, Mammoth Screen Theater, Butterfly Biosphere, and the 55-acre Ashton Gardens. The gardens are particularly spectacular in the spring during the Tulip Festival. There are a variety of events held throughout the year, be sure to check the calendar.

With so many things to do in Utah Valley County, I hope this inspires you to get out and make the most of your summer!

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