10 Fun Things To Do Near Lehi, Utah: A Local-Friendly Guide
If you’re planning a trip to
Lehi, Utah, or you’ve just moved to this fast-growing city in northern Utah County, you’re in for a treat. Lehi sits right in the heart of Silicon Slopes, halfway between Salt Lake City and Provo, and it’s surrounded by fun things to do for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Below are
10 things to do in and near Lehi, Utah that blend outdoor adventure, family attractions, and a bit of local flavor.
1. Explore Thanksgiving Point: Lehi’s All‑In‑One Destination
If you do only one thing in Lehi,
Thanksgiving Point should be it. This huge complex sits right off I‑15 and feels like its own little world.
You’ll find several major attractions here:
- Ashton Gardens – 55 acres of peaceful walking paths, fountains, and seasonal flowers. The waterfalls and the “Light of the World” statues are especially beautiful.
- Museum of Natural Curiosity – A favorite for kids, with climbing structures, a rope course, and hands-on exhibits.
- Museum of Ancient Life – One of the world’s largest dinosaur museums, with dozens of full dinosaur skeletons.
- Farm Country – A working farm where kids can meet horses, cows, goats, and ride ponies.
I once spent almost an entire day just hopping between the gardens and the dinosaur museum, and still felt like I’d missed things. If you’re visiting Lehi with family, you could easily plan two days just at Thanksgiving Point.
2. Step Back in Time at the Museum of Ancient Life
Technically part of Thanksgiving Point, the
Museum of Ancient Life deserves its own spot on this list. If you or your kids love dinosaurs, this is a must‑see in Lehi.
Inside, you’ll walk through:
- Massive dinosaur skeletons, including a T. rex and long‑necked sauropods
- Hands-on fossil digs where kids can uncover “bones”
- Interactive exhibits that explain what Utah looked like millions of years ago
The museum does a great job of mixing education with fun. You don’t need to know anything about paleontology to enjoy it. Just imagine walking through a giant, indoor Jurassic world.
3. Let Kids Run Wild at the Museum of Natural Curiosity
Another Thanksgiving Point favorite, the
Museum of Natural Curiosity is perfect if your kids have a lot of energy to burn.
Inside this huge indoor playground, you’ll find:
- Rope bridges and climbing structures
- A kid‑friendly zip line
- Water play areas (bring a change of clothes for younger kids)
- Hands-on science and nature exhibits
On a snowy winter day in Utah, this museum is a lifesaver. It’s busy, it’s noisy, and kids absolutely love it. Adults usually end up getting pulled into the fun too.
4. Relax in the Ashton Gardens at Thanksgiving Point
If you need a quieter outing near Lehi, head back to
Ashton Gardens. These gardens are spread over roughly 55 acres, with:
- Shady walking paths
- Colorful flower beds and themed gardens
- Ponds with ducks and peaceful seating areas
- Seasonal events like the Tulip Festival and Luminaria light show
Walking the full loop can take a couple of hours at a relaxed pace. It’s a great date spot, or a place to recharge after a busy week. If you’re visiting in spring or around Christmas, check ahead for special events and ticket times.
5. Wander Historic Downtown Lehi
Lehi isn’t just tech offices and new neighborhoods. The
historic downtown area has old‑school charm and small-town Utah character.
Along Main Street and the nearby blocks, you can:
- Browse antique and thrift shops
- Grab ice cream or a milkshake at a local spot
- See historic buildings and old brick storefronts
- Catch community events and parades during holidays
It’s a fun place to stretch your legs, especially if you’ve been driving along I‑15. Park once, walk around, and just enjoy the slower pace.
6. Hike or Bike the Murdock Canal Trail
For an easy outdoor adventure near Lehi, check out the
Murdock Canal Trail. This paved trail runs through Utah County, connecting cities like Lehi, American Fork, and Orem.
Why locals love it:
- It’s mostly flat, great for families and beginners.
- It's perfect for walking, biking, running, or even skating.
- You get wide open views of the Wasatch Mountains along the way.
If you’re staying in Lehi, you can hop on the trail at several access points. It’s a simple way to enjoy fresh air without needing to drive way up into the canyon.
7. Play and Picnic at Thanksgiving Point’s Electric Park & Nearby Green Spaces
While most people focus on the museums,
Thanksgiving PointElectric Park
Wines Park – A gorgeous tree‑lined park with a classic neighborhood feel.
Willow Park – Includes a pond, walking trails, and playgrounds.
If you’re traveling with kids, sometimes a simple park afternoon is the best part of the trip.
8. Visit the Lehi Roller Mills: A Utah Icon
Even if you don’t recognize the name, there’s a good chance you’ve seen
Lehi Roller Mills on a movie screen. This historic flour mill, located just off Main Street, was featured in the film
Footloose.
Today, you can:
- Stop by the country store to buy baking mixes and local products
- Snap a few photos of the classic mill building
- Soak in a bit of small-town Utah history
If you love baking, pick up a bag of pancake or muffin mix as a souvenir. It’s an easy stop and a fun way to bring a little piece of Lehi back home.
9. Head Up American Fork Canyon for Mountain Adventures
Just a short drive east from Lehi, you’ll find
American Fork Canyon, one of the best outdoor playgrounds in Utah County.
Here’s what you can do in and around the canyon:
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument – Hike about 1.5 miles up (it’s steep!) to guided cave tours with amazing formations.
- Picnicking and Fishing – Plenty of pull‑outs and picnic sites along the river.
- Hiking and Camping – Trails ranging from short walks to serious hikes.
If you visit in summer, the canyon offers cool shade and mountain air, just 20–30 minutes from Lehi. In fall, the leaves explode with color. Just remember there’s a fee to enter the canyon, so bring a little cash or a national parks pass.
10. Take a Short Drive to Utah Lake or the Provo River Parkway
Looking for water views near Lehi? In about 20–30 minutes, you can reach
Utah Lake State Park
Launch a boat or kayak
Fish from the shore or a dock
Walk along the marina and watch the sunset
On the east side of Utah County, the
Provo River Parkway follows the Provo River from the shores of Utah Lake up into Provo Canyon. It’s a beautiful paved trail for biking, jogging, or just strolling with mountain and river views.
Both spots are easy day trips from Lehi and give you a taste of Utah’s outdoors without a long drive.
Planning Your Trip to Lehi, Utah
Lehi might look like a fast‑growing tech city at first glance, but there’s a lot more here than office buildings. Between
Thanksgiving Point, the historic downtown, nearby canyons, and family‑friendly museums, it’s a great base for exploring northern Utah County.
A few quick tips:
- Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather. Summers are warm but great for mountain escapes. Winters bring snow and indoor fun.
- Getting around: A car is the easiest way to reach nearby parks and canyons.
- Family‑friendly: Most of the activities listed here are perfect for kids of all ages.
What Would You Do in Lehi?
Have you visited
Lehi, Utah or Utah County before?
- Which of these things to do near Lehi sounds best to you?
- Do you have a favorite hidden gem in or around Lehi that I didn’t mention?
I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences.
Drop a comment below and share your favorite Lehi activities or travel tips. And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with a friend
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