1000 Things To-Do

Ahhh, sweater weather…there’s nothing quite like it. The clear skies, crisp air, and falling leaves just make me want to spend every possible minute outdoors before it gets too cold. Luckily, here in Utah we average more than 200 sunny days per year, so even as the mercury drops outdoor recreational opportunities abound.

Early autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of all that Provo and the surrounding areas have to offer. With quick access to mountains, rivers, and a plethora of parks, there’s something to please every interest and age group. Hiking, rock climbing, sight-seeing, even open-air shopping…this is the place for outdoor-lovers.

• Rock Climb Red Slab in Provo’s Rock Canyon : Most rock climbers in the world probably have to drive at least half an hour to their nearest climbing gym. Are we spoiled or what???! Half an hour will get us to hundreds of world-class climbing routes and, if you prefer, at least half a dozen professional indoor gyms.
• Provo Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls : One of the greatest things about Bridal Veil Falls is that it can be enjoyed on so many different levels. Except during winter months when they close the lower road (the old highway) for avalanche danger, you can drive right to it. The paved Provo River trail skirts its base, providing access to walkers, skaters and bikers.
• Little Sahara Sand Dunes, 1 Hour from Provo : Utah is packed with more diversity and fun locations than most residents realize. A short hour drive from Provo, Utah, for example, can transport you to a different - and surprisingly interesting and beautiful - world. Introducing Little Sahara State Park, a.k.a Jericho Sand Dunes.
• Rock Canyon, Provo : Today we went to Rock Canyon. We haven’t been since last summer, and I’d almost forgotten how beautiful it is. There aren’t too many things you need to know if you’re going to go: basically, wear good shoes, and bring water and your camera.
• Big Springs Park, Provo Canyon : My husband wanted to go on a date this weekend. We love walking in the mountains, so he planned for us to go up into the canyon and walk the trails at Vivian Park. We went with the express purpose of taking pictures of nature. We actually kept going past Vivian Park up to Big Springs National Park, which is just about ten minutes farther up the road.
• Touring BYU Campus, Provo : Yesterday we went to BYU campus and walked around with my husband’s family. This was something we hadn’t done in a really long time—since we first started dating, actually—and I’d forgotten how gorgeous BYU is.
• Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City : If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful way to spend an afternoon, I suggest Red Butte Garden, in the foothills above Salt Lake City. Located on the University of Utah campus, Red Butte is the largest botanical garden in the Intermountain West, with a focus on regional horticulture. It covers more than 150 acres, featuring 18 acres of gardens, plus walking paths, hiking trails, ponds, and a children’s garden.
• Payson Memorial Park, Payson : We went to Payson City Memorial Park today. It’s a quaint little town park that makes you feel like you’re back in the 50’s, why you ask? Well, you are surrounded by old architecture that has been preserved and there is a bandstand where every Sunday at 8pm you can come and hear the Payson City Band play. Not only does it have the charm of days gone by but it has the benefits of an updated park as well. Most of the playground equipment is new and there is a community pool also.
• Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine : If you’ve ever played with a Tonka truck in a sand box you’ll appreciate the Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine. It’s located about 40 miles northwest of Provo and 25 miles southwest of Salt Lake City (exit I-15 around West Jordan). The $5 entrance fee for passenger vehicles is donated to charity and tax-deductible. You pay at the security gate, then drive about four miles to the visitor center which overlooks the mine.
• Milling Around Historic Gardner Village, West Jordan : I love to visit Gardner Village! It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your entire family, and also a wonderful girl’s day out. There are almost two dozen charming little shops, a restaurant and a bakery, and a petting zoo where you can send your husband off with the kids while you indulge in a relaxing treatment at the day spa…or just shop your heart out!

If your kids are anything like mine, being stuck inside has them bouncing off the walls. Here are some of our outdoor family favorites of which I plan to take full advantage before cabin fever sets in!

• Utah‘s Hogle Zoo : Nestled at the mouth of Emigration Canyon, Utah’s Hogle Zoo is home to about 900 animals, including endangered and threatened species and several Utah natives. You’ll find all of your typical zoo favorites here, many in surroundings recreated to mimic their natural habitats.
• George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, Ogden : If you think dinosaurs are dino-mite, then you don’t want to miss the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park in Ogden, UT! Dinosaur Park is an exciting opportunity to wander into the prehistoric past and imagine what the earth (and Utah) was like when dinosaurs roamed freely.
• Castle Heights Playground at Nicholls Park, Fruit Heights : In just about every playgroup we’ve ever participated in, someone has mentioned “that park with the castle near Kaysville”. The local gem they’re referring to is the Castle Heights playground at Nicholls Park in Fruit Heights. It’s one of those places I kept meaning to look into but never got around to it. Lucky for us we were recently invited to a birthday party there. It was the perfect backdrop for a princess party.
• Salem Pond, Salem : Salem Pond is a beautiful family friendly location, as long as you keep an eye on the tots as you are next to open water. My family and I have been there several times so it has become a favorite of ours.
• Layton Commons Park (The Duck Park), Layton : As a new mom, one of my first missions when I moved here was to find a park with grass, shade and swings. Believe it or not, that wasn’t easy to find in this arid region, especially since so many playgrounds are in newly developed housing areas. I was thrilled to discover Layton Commons Park, a lushly-shaded, 47-acre, city-owned park located at 437 N. Wasatch Drive in Layton.