Are you planning a vacation in the western half of the United States? Make sure to add Provo, Utah to your list of places to see.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Provo. Being a town of nearly 120,000 people and located within easy proximity of Salt Lake City, there are plenty of things to add to your list of things to do.
Provo has a ton of history stemming from the Mormon pioneers crossing the Utah Valley to the current-day Bingham Young University campus.
If you love outdoor excursions and hiking trails, you’ll have plenty of options with Rock Canyon Park, South Fork Park, Provo River Trail, and Provo Canyon all within arms reach of the city center.
There is everything from family-friendly events, restaurants, walking and museum tours, parks, historical sights, and a ton of outdoor activities.
Fun & Best Things to do in Provo, Utah
There is enough fun for the whole family, so let’s take a look and see what we can find for fun things to do in Provo, Utah!
1. Provo Canyon Scenic Drive

Take the family for a drive through the scenic portion of Provo Canyon. There are multiple routes you can take on this scenic drive, but the main attraction is going to be the massive waterfall called Bridal Veil Falls.
This natural waterfall is in the heart of the scenic Provo Canyon. There is an easy out-and-back trail that leads to the falls. The trail is open year-round, but access may be limited in the winter due to heavy snowfall.
A short drive from the mouth of Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls Park has picnic tables with grills, parking lots, and plenty of grassy spots to sit and enjoy all of the beautiful nature. The park sits next to Provo River and a short walk further down leads to the paved Provo River Parkway Trail that leads to the falls. This is a perfect option for family-friendly, free activities in Provo, Utah!
Click here for more family-friendly activities. Book online today and don’t miss out on all of the awesome tours you can take in the town. Between both Provo Canyon and Bridal Veil Falls, you’ll have a day filled with incredible scenery for photos and outdoor adventure.
See Related: Best Things to do in Nephi, Utah
2. Black Sheep Cafe

Getting hungry after the long drive through the scenic byway of Provo? Look no further, because this is the perfect spot to stop in and get some grub!
Black Sheep Cafe prides itself on being a “from-scratch” kitchen, which means freshly prepared food is served daily at their establishment. Opening early afternoon, and closing in the middle of the day gives the staff time to prepare the fresh meals that are going to be served that day.
The majority of the food they prepare is made right on the spot. The fries are peeled and hand-cut every single day. The meat is bought in bulk and then ground and weighed into individual patties. The sauces they create are made from scratch, not bought in a bulk can.
Their menu and recipes constantly change to keep up with the seasonal fruits and vegetables. Why wouldn’t you eat food that is good for you and is going to keep the family happy and healthy?
Do you need a place to rest your head after a big meal? Click here to find the best deals on Airbnb in town. This is a true fusion restaurant, taking inspiration from Native American, Mexican, and Southwestern Heritage, to ensure that their food is held to a higher standard whilst bringing people from all walks of life together under the same roof.
Black Sheep Cafe is definitely one of the restaurants in Provo, Utah that you should be eating at.
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3. Waffle Love-Provo

Are you and the family looking for a delicious breakfast spot in Provo, Utah? This is one of the ultimate fun cheap things to do in downtown Provo, Utah.
Who doesn’t love a good waffle in the morning? The fluffy dough, all of the magnificent toppings, and of course don’t ever forget the whipped cream. They even have chicken and waffles, and anyone who knows me knows that I am obsessed with chicken and waffles. That’s a sweet and savory combination that cannot be beaten!
If you’re looking for things to do after breakfast, check out this site for booking all flights, activities, and places to stay for your time in Provo, Utah.
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4. Monte L. Bean Science Museum

Are the kids along for this trip to Provo? If they need to get out of the car and expend some energy, take them to the Monte L. Bean Science Museum located at Brigham Young University.
They even have family nights, so you can make an entire evening of the museum! With nearly 20 different exhibits to visit, you can spend hours with the entire family here. The exhibits range from all different age groups, so don’t bring the little ones around the lion attacking the gazel!
This is a great option for things to do in Provo, Utah this weekend.
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See Related: Best and Fun Things to do in St. George, Utah
5. The Y Trail

Do you want to tire the kids out for a night of peace and quiet? Take them hiking on the Y Trail in Provo, UT to drain their energy!
This is a great option for Provo, UT outdoor activities. This might not be suitable for children under the age of ten, as the elevation gain is just over 1,000 feet. The hike is moderately steep but short in length. As long as you are prepared with water and strong legs, the hike is doable for just about everyone!
There is a concrete “Y” plastered on the side of Y Mountain. This is directly above Brigham Young University. The “Y” is an insignia for the BYU campus and was built over 100 years ago.
After hiking, make sure to lay your head on a comfortable pillow and check in to one of the hotels offered on this site.
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6. Provo Scavenger Hunt

Are you looking for something different and looking for fun things to do in Provo, UT? Take the kids for a scavenger hunt around the Provo area.
Walk to some of the best landmarks, and hidden gems, answer trivia questions, and solve challenges. Work with your team or compete against one another, all while learning new facts about Provo.
This is a perfect outdoor activity for the whole family. Walk around the town and experience Utah like you never have before.
Capture pictures, race against the clock, and take your navigation skills to the next level. This is a great option on the list of things to do in the Provo, UT area.
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7. Communal

Once the kids are tuckered out after hiking the mountain, let them hang out at the Airbnb while you and your loved one go out on the town and have dinner at Communal.
One of the hottest restaurants in downtown Provo, UT, you will surely not be disappointed. With uptown food fare, this upscale restaurant will leave you ordering more food each time your waiter comes to check on you.
This is one of those places where you feel as though you could order one of everything on the menu because it’s just that good. I mean look at that hangar steak pictured above!
The new American restaurant is focused on bringing fresh and sustainable ingredients to each table. Most dishes are served family-style, so make sure you’re extra hungry!
Make sure to pay with your American Express Platinum card after you have a wonderful meal at Communal.
See Related: Best Things to do in Nephi, Utah
8. ABG’s Bar

Are you looking for a night out on the town without the kids? Do you want to relive your college days or nights? If so, this is the perfect bar for you, because this is considered one of the best bars in Provo, Utah.
This gastropub has nothing but the classics that you would expect from a small college bar. Sometimes it’s fun to relive those nights from your college past. With all the classics, including live music, classic beer, gastropub food, and pool tables, you will surely be brought back to the late ’80s and ’90s.
For food choices, all you have to pick from is bar food…and more bar food. So if you’re looking for the classics of burgers, grilled sandwiches, and wings, you have found yourself looking in the right place.
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9. Historic Provo Buildings Walking Tour

Do you want to do something that is fun for the entire family? Check out this awesome self-guided tour that brings you to 22 different pioneer buildings and homes of Provo.
This walking tour is actually on the top of the list of things to do in Provo, Utah. Experience the heritage and classic architecture of Provo on this amazing self-guided tour. There is actually a list of Provo’s Historic Buildings, each one built with its own unique history.
With 22 different pioneer buildings to choose from, start with the oldest building built in 1849 to the oldest in 1910. I must include: that the homes are not open to the public for touring, but the public buildings are!
You can download a map for the Historic Provo Walking Tour, which includes a brochure and map of historic mansions, churches, government buildings, and museums.
Make sure once the kids are sleepy, they can be comfy and ready for bed in one of the many Marriott Hotel options.
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10. BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures

Are you looking to spend an afternoon in Provo doing something educational? Head over to the Brigham Young University Museum of Peoples and Cultures to learn about humans and their cultures from all over the world.
Learn about various peoples, their cultures, and history from all over the entire globe. It’s a beautiful museum for people to come together and learn about people they might not know much about.
Current exhibitions include Maya Weaving, which allows visitors to travel Central America encouraging them to explore the rich customs of the Maya people through their vibrant textiles.
Through the Mask is a new exhibit that makes the visitor consider how masks have been created for centuries to protect, give power, and create bridges between other worlds and our own reality.
And the final new exhibit is their Polynesia section. With a huge collection of artifacts from the Polynesian islands, learn about jewelry and weapons and how each piece displays a different way of life on the island. There are interactive activities, making this exhibit fun for the entire family.
Make sure to not miss out on anything this summer when you use this site to book your next adventure!
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11. Rock Canyon

Are you looking for one more awesome hike before you go back home? Check out one of the best places to hike in Provo, UT. Rock Canyon is a moderately steep trail leading about six miles through the canyon and back. Kids are welcome on this hike, but in the springtime, it can get kind of slippery due to the melting snow.
Enjoy the absolute serene, beautiful backdrop of the meadows that lead to the canyon. Once at the base of the canyon, hike through on the trail to experience an absolutely jaw-dropping hike. The sheer beauty of the rocks in the canyon is enough to make you stop and really take it all in.
It’s always nice to have at least one of those moments on each trip you take, to really stop and take in the true beauty of your surroundings. If there is more than one of those moments, you know you’ve done the trip correctly! Make sure to fly in style by using this website.
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12. Utah Lake State Park

Utah Lake State Park is one of the most popular locations in Provo, UT. The beauty of Utah lake is on a different level because it is also a freshwater body. It’s a haven for fishermen where you can fish all day long. Go to the state park and go boating and fishing in the beautiful waters there.
There are a few things that I think make Utah Lake State Park a great place to visit. Obviously, the top thing is the outdoor adventures. This is a great location for boating and fishing since the lake as well as the park offer those activities.
Want to go sailing along Utah Lake? Bonneville Sailing School has sailing lessons available for you to learn how to explore the waters without an engine. Plus, they have the best teaching staff for you to learn on your own means. Another thing I like about this place is that there are several more things to do besides just those.
Picnics, barbecues, or simply walking on one of the many paths in the park are all options. Utah Lake State Park cannot be missed as it aligns right near downtown Provo, and is quite frankly, the centerpiece for outdoor activity there.
See Related: Best Restaurants in St. George, Utah
13. Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum
The Monte L. Bean Life Science Museum is on the campus of Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. This BYU museum opened in 1978 and has an impressive botanical and taxidermic animal collection.
Each exhibit aims to educate the public about animals and human interactions with nature, as well as how humans protect the environment.
During the unique exhibitions, visitors may participate in live animal demonstrations, pictures, and fun activities for children’s group tours, scavenger hunts, and more. The Museum may provide resources for teachers and school personnel who need materials tailored to large natural history studies.
FAQ
What is there to do in Provo?
Provo is home to beautiful red cliffs, lush forests, the 18-hole Provo Golf Course and over 120 miles of mountain biking trails. The city also has an eclectic mix of things to do.
Art lovers will be delighted with the 8 different galleries that reside in town. Families will enjoy time at nearby Thanksgiving Point or Bonneville Shoreline, featuring freshwater fishing ponds and an interactive wildlife park that showcases animals from around the world.
From Provo’s natural beauty to its great nightlife options, there are so many things to do in Provo.
Can you drink alcohol in Provo Utah?
Yes, alcohol is allowed in Provo, Utah.
How do you get around in Provo Utah?
You can get around by walking or biking. The Provo City Transit helps you get all around town for only $1 each way.
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