A Local’s Guide to 19 Fun-Filled Things to Do in Lehi
Once upon a time there was a sleepy farm town called Lehi. Its biggest claim to fame was that it was home to Kevin Bacon’s dancing scene in Footloose. Nowadays, it’s home to Silicon Slopes and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. There are a ton of fun things to do in Lehi, making it a great place to live, work, or visit! From year-round family attractions like Thanksgiving Point to golfing and proximity to trails, lakes, and canyons, Lehi is an up-and-coming town that is full of surprises.
Why is Lehi, Utah a fun place to visit?
Lehi has become a hot spot for tech sector jobs because of its ideal location in between the metro areas of Salt Lake City and Provo. Companies like Adobe, Microsoft, Oracle, and a host of local Utah companies now call Lehi home. With all these nearby jobs, it’s become a very desirable place to live. A decade ago the average home price in Lehi was $222,000. In 2022, it was $650,000.
On top of that, you have Thanksgiving Point, a massive attraction for families with endless things to do including year round entertainment, golfing and event venues. Let’s not forget thte scenery – beautiful backdrop of mountains and lake views with access to some of the best parks and trails around.
Finally, the up and coming restaurant scene is exciting and there is an endless array of options. It is no wonder this once sleepy horse town once known solely for Footloose, is now truly a mecca for families and those seeking a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Let us show why visiting Lehi should be on your Utah bucket list!
Cheap and Fun Things to do in Lehi Utah
Whether you are wanting to visit or considering make a move, we want to help you get to know Lehi. Here are some of our favorite cheap and free fun things to do in Lehi, Utah.
Things to do in Lehi: Enjoy Outdoor Activities
1. Visit Farm Country
Cost: $5-$10
This little gem of a farm has been in business since 1996. At the Farm at Thanksgiving point, there is something for everyone from pony and tractor rides to feeding llamas or learning about gardening. They also offer music maker classes for young children. When you’re finished, walk over to the Tower Deli and grab some inexpensive ice cream or seasonal treats. This is one of my favorite things to do with kids but especially in the spring where you’ll catch all the new baby animals and in the fall where the garden is in full bloom and the cornstalks are going crazy!
Discounts: Watch for Super Tuesday specials in August where you can get a 50% off on farm admission.
Thanksgiving Point is home to some of the best things to do in Lehi. With 2.8 million visitors per year and 5 major attractions to choose from, Thanksgiving Point makes up half the things on this list! The best way to visit is to become a Thanksgiving Point member. A family membership costs around $300 but it is possible to do it on a dime.
While Thanksgiving Point isn’t cheap by any means, there is a great life hack if you’re looking to explore the state of the art museums without the state of the art cost:
- Super Tuesdays: Before the school year every August, Thanksgiving Point offers passes to the museums for only $5 (normally $24 per person).
- Go with a pass holder as a guest: If you know someone who is a season pass holder, then you can join them as a guest for half off regular price.
- Assistance Programs: if you happen to be on assistance such as WIC, SNAP or EBT, you can get in for just $3 to the venues.
2. Soak in the colorful blossoms at Thanksgiving Point’s Ashton Gardens
Nestled in the heart of Lehi, Utah, Ashton Gardens is a stunning 55-acre botanical garden within the larger Thanksgiving Point complex. Its lush greenery, meticulously landscaped gardens, and captivating floral displays make it a fun attraction for both locals and tourists alike.
Ashton Gardens stands out as one of the most enchanting and serene attractions among the many things to do in Lehi. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, a visit to Ashton Gardens promises an unforgettable experience.
Ashton Gardens is a family favorite because of all the seasonal activities included with the membership. This sprawling botanical garden is amazingly beautiful any time of year, even in the winter!
- Spring: Tulip Festival. Witness a burst of color as thousands of tulips bloom in vibrant hues, creating a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll. Cherry blossoms and daffodils add to the charm.
- Summer: Dinosaur Island. The fragrant rose garden is in full bloom, and you can explore themed gardens like the Italian Garden, Secret Garden, and Monet Garden while kids interact with the massive dinosaur animatronics spread throughout the garden.
- Fall: Scarecrow Festival. The foliage transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of autumnal colors. The community comes together to create festive and funny scarecrows and you get to help crown the winner. It’s one of our favorite fall activities in Utah!
- Winter: Luminaria. This magical Christmas light event is one of the best in Utah and turns Ashton Gardens into a winter wonderland. The Light the World statue garden that depicts scenes from Jesus Christ’s life adds to the holiday spirit.
3. Go for a ride along the Murdoch Canal Trail & Jordan River Trail
Cost: Free
Lehi is known for its well-planned and extensive trail system. The two major trails are Jordan River which goes west towards Utah Lake and Bluffdale and the Murdock Canal trail which runs from east Lehi out to Provo Canyon and offers some of the most scenic views in the valley. In fact, one of our favorite things to do in Lehi as a family is riding, running or biking on the trails (especially if there’s a beautiful sunset).
The Murdock Canal offers sprawling views of Utah Valley, Utah lake and Mount Timpanogos. I have run this trail weekly for the past 7 years and it never gets old. We also go as a family on runs and call it the “muscle mile” trail because we get stronger with each mile.
The Jordan River Trail has fun parks along the way, ducks and gives you a pretty view of the Thanksgiving Point Golf Course. If you are looking for a great and free date night or family outing, look no further than the paved Lehi Trails.
4. Relax and play in Lehi’s best parks
Cost: Free
Lehi has no shortage of amazing parks and green space with a mix of modern and classic playgrounds, pickleball courts and splash pads. To see what suits your family the most, then check out one of Lehi’s 23 parks.
Our personal favorites include:
- Ivory Ridge Splash Pad Park
- Margaret Wines Park
- Dry Creek Park
- Sunrise Summit Park
- Lehi Sports Complex Park
If you’re looking for somewhere in the summer, cool off at these parks.
Things to do in Lehi: Learn About History
5. Visit the Hutchings Museum
Cost: $4-$5
Lehi is full of fun museums but this one is quite the hidden gem. Long before Lehi was a tech sector, it was a part of the wild, wild, west and consisted of mostly farms. The John Hutchings museum has artifacts that teach about Utah’s history and natural history like agriculture, bison, birds, pioneers, the Mormon battalion and so much more. Our kids’ favorite part was the outdoor pioneer cabin and the little old-fashioned jail they used for outlaws. They also loved the pirate room and digging up the fossils!
6. Step back in time at the Museum of Ancient Life
Among the numerous kid-friendly things to do in Lehi, the Museum of Ancient Life stands out as a destination that captivates our kids’ imaginations. With an extensive collection of fossils and life-sized dinosaur replicas, these exhibits bring the ancient past to life. Our kids especially love the interactive exhibits and digging in the sand to their hearts’ content. There’s also an IMAX theater where you can watch some really cool and educational documentaries.
7. Visit Lehi Roller Mills – a historical landmark
The Lehi Roller Mills is a historic and iconic landmark that has played a significant role in the community’s history and is known far and wide for its high-quality flour products. The mill’s main building is an iconic sight on Lehi Main Street. Its architecture reflects the heritage of the area.
The Lehi Roller Mills was founded in 1906 by a co-op of farmers and is one of the oldest operating mills in the United States. The site gained additional fame when it was featured in the 1984 film “Footloose,” starring Kevin Bacon. The mill served as a backdrop for several scenes in the movie.
If you’re looking for things to do in Lehi, you can take a guided tour of the facility, where you can learn about the milling process and the history of the mill. Or you can visit and simply shop for the mill’s products, including its famous pancake mix and a variety of other baking and cooking supplies.
Things to do in Lehi: Enjoy Culinary Delights
8. Grab a famous square donut at Lehi Bakery
Cost: $1+
This little corner bakery on Lehi Main street has been in business for over 50 years. It also ranks as the Best Donut Spot in Utah County. Lehi Bakery’s fresh made donuts usually sell out by 10am and are made from the best ingredients. Grabbing a dozen has been a Friday morning tradition in our family since we moved to Lehi. Our kids look forward to the delicious square donuts, filled maple bars or warm cinnamon rolls. It is also fun to see the historic pioneer buildings along Lehi Main street.
9. Have a tea party at Petite Fours and Purls
Cost: $5-$15
Also located in the Lehi Historic district, this darling tea and yarn shop has taken main street by storm. If you’re in the mood for delicious afternoon tea, a birthday party or a fun girl’s outing, you will not be disappointed. In fact, it is one of the top 4 Exquisite Afternoon Tea Utah Experiences For Any Budget. This place is probably the most affordable tea time you will ever find. The best part is they now have season tea experiences like Witches tea in the fall. My girl’s love any chance to get fancy and have a tea party. What I’ve learned is kids are simple and you don’t need to spend a ton of money for them to have a memorable and enjoyable time.
10. Eat with a view at Trellis Cafe
Cost: $5+
This beautiful seasonal lunch cafe is located at the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. The reason it is inexpensive is you can access it without paying admission to the Gardens (though after eating with the view, you might want to).
This hidden gem has been my birthday tradition for years as it falls in April around the Tulip festival—so eating with a gorgeous views of tulips with my loved ones is our idea of a good time! The hot and complimentary buttery rolls just melt in your mouth. Sometimes it is all my kid’s want (if you really want to keep it cheap). I love to get Trellis salad and smoked turkey and avocado sandwich with sweet potato fries.
11. Grab ice cream at the Water Tower Plaza and walk around the rose garden
Cost: Free to $4
If you want to walk stroll through the gorgeous rose trellises of Thanksgiving Point, then park at the Water Tower by the Butterfly museum. This is a family activity we have done for years and the kids love it so much! Or if we have an hour of down time we will come here for nostalgia and fun.
Before you explore the rose garden area for free, snag some delicious ice cream at the Water Tower Plaza. You can get kid’s ice cream and waffle cones as low as 0.75! But if ice cream isn’t your thing you can get a seasonal dessert at the Tower Deli.
Our favorite desserts happen to be the fruit tart in the spring and summer, marzipan mummies and pumpkin bars in the fall and spice cake with cream cheese in the winter. This place is so affordable and delectable, grabbing some treats with a cool ambience make it one of the best things to do in Lehi.
Things to do in Lehi: Arts & Culture
12. See a performance with a huge waterfall as the backdrop
The Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point boast the largest manmade waterfall in the US. As if that wasn’t cool enough by itself, they turned it into a space for events. The Waterfall Amphitheater hosts some amazing performances and events during the summer, from the Utah Symphony to concerts, outdoor movies, and their famous Labor Day Luau.
13. Visit Holdman Glass Studios Shop
Cost: Free
Expose your kids to the beauty of art and light at Holdman Studios located at Thanksgiving Point. Since 1991, Holdman has been creating masterpieces and is not ready to stop. Not only are they recognized and commissioned world wide, but they offer amazing glass blowing classes as well. Kids will be fascinated with the beautiful stained glass pieces including those used in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We think it is hard to beat seeing a giant stained glass window of Christ! While they do offer tours, they are pricey. We suggest do just visit the shop inside for free to see the magnificent works of art.
14. Celebrate Lehi’s pioneer heritage at the Lehi Rodeo
The Lehi Rodeo and Lehi Round-Up are annual events that pay homage to the rich Western heritage and cowboy culture in Lehi, Utah. These rodeo and western-themed festivities bring together locals and visitors for thrilling rodeo competitions, lively entertainment, and a celebration of the Old West.
The Lehi Rodeo hosts various rodeo events, including bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, and team roping. Professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls from across the country come to compete, making it a high-caliber event. The rodeo festivities typically kick off with colorful parades through the streets of Lehi, featuring horse-drawn carriages, rodeo royalty, and local community groups.
Things to do in Lehi: Family-Friendly Fun
15. Year-round swimming and rock climbing at Lehi Legacy Center
Cost: $5-$8
The Lehi Legacy Center has been around since the 1990’s and still boasts one of the best indoor pools in Utah County. Not only do you stay warm in the winter with its by heated 95 degree temperature (heaven!) but you stay cool in the summer with an outdoor splash pad and waterslides. We love that no matter what stage of life your kids are in, there is an area for them to play in. We enjoy the lazy river, the giant bucket and the waterslides. Also, there is a hot tub for adults. BONUS! At $5 a person, it’s hard to say no to a day at the pool.
Rock Climbing: If rock climbing is more up your alley and you don’t want to pay the $20 per hour you would at a place like Momentum, then the Legacy Center is a great and cheap alternative at only $8 total which includes a harness and a giant climbing wall for all levels (just bring your own closed toe shoes).
16. Take the kids to the Museum of Natural Curiosity
The Museum of Natural Curiosity, or simply “the Curiosity Museum” as most people call it, is one of the most fun and kid-friendly things to do in Lehi. It’s a massive 45,000-square-foot children’s museum designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage hands-on learning. The museum is divided into several curiosity zones, each dedicated to a specific theme. Explore areas like the Rainforest, Water Works, Kidopolis, and more, each offering a unique learning experience.
We especially love going in the winter because of the huge indoor playground. Great place to get the wiggles out when it’s too cold outside! But it’s also fun to visit in warmer months thanks to a huge outdoor discovery center as well, with caves, slides, a koi pond and a brand new merry-go-round.
17. Escape to a tropical paradise at the Butterfly Bioshphere
The Butterfly Biosphere is Thanksgiving Point’s new attraction and one of the most unique things to do in Lehi. There’s nowhere else in Utah quite like it! As you step into a lush and carefully controlled environment that replicates the natural habitats of butterflies from around the world, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant flowers, exotic plants, and, of course, hundreds of butterflies.
The biosphere is home to a diverse range of butterfly species, each with its unique colors, patterns, and behaviors. It’s a fantastic opportunity to observe these delicate creatures up close and learn about their life cycles. And if you’re lucky, you’ll even get some to land on you. Nothing brings out kids’ giggles quite like that!
It’s also home to lots of other cool and interesting insects as well, so make sure to check out the scorpions, tarantulas, and everything in between.
We think this is one of the best things to do in Utah in the winter to escape the cold!
18. Welcome the arrival of fall at Cornbelly’s
Even though Cornbelly’s is only a fall attraction, it’s still one of the best things to do in Lehi. It goes from the end of September to early November. If you love fall festivals, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches then you won’t want to miss it.
Cornbelly’s is one of our favorite fall traditions because it has over 60 attractions, rides, and games and there’s something for everyone. We’ve never been able to do everything in one visit. Our kids favorites are the giant slides and “Corn Cob Beach” (basically a huge pit filled with corn kernels that is surprisingly fun to play in). There’s even a light show every night and fireworks every Friday & Saturday in October.
19. Seasonal fun at the Outlets at Traverse Mountain
Cost: Free
Besides being home to some great retail stores and restaurants, The Outlets at Traverse Mountain host some of the most fun free events year round including seasonal scavenger hunts, festivals and pop-up shops.
- Spring: Free Easter Egg hunt and Easter bunny
- Summer: Summer scavenger hunt and outdoor concerts
- Fall: Halloween scavenger hunt and trick or treating featuring Jack, Utah’s largest jack-o-lantern
- Winter: Christmas Tree Lighting concert and Santa North Pole meet and greet featuring the tallest Christmas tree in Utah. At 80 feet tall, it rivals the tree in Rockafeller Center in New York!
When is the best time to visit Lehi?
The best times to visit for tourism activities are from June to early September. In the summer, the weather in Lehi, Utah is hot, dry and averages around 85 degrees. The winters are snowy, partly cloudy and hover around 40 degrees. It is a generally warmer section of both Utah and Salt Lake Valleys and doesn’t get as much snow as some other towns nearby.
But really, any time of year is a great to visit because there are plenty of things to do in Lehi year-round. In the spring, you have the Tulip Festival. Summer has the rodeo. Fall has Cornbelly’s and the Scarecrow Festival. And the winter has Luminaria and the tallest Christmas tree in Utah.
Lehi is just a great place to be any time of year!
Thanks for reading.
XOXO
Brittany & JJ
Our family is on a mission to experience the best our home state of Utah has to offer and help other families find affordable, kid-friendly adventures in the process. You can follow us on Instagram @theminivanbucketlist or download our free printable The Ultimate Family-Friendly Utah Bucket List with the top 100 things to do in Utah, both kid-friendly and more adventurous!
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