Ultimate Spring Bucket List: Things to do in Utah County this spring (without the crowds)

Hunt for Easter eggs

With the spread of the coronavirus, it is unsure if local easter egg hunts will continue or not. Most cities have canceled or postponed all city-sponsored events for the foreseeable future, which would include Easter egg hunts. 

However, you can still enjoy the sprit of the season with these safe ideas: 

• If you want a socially-safe way to enjoy a community or neighborhood hunt, let your kids in the neighborhood decorate a paper egg and tape it in your front winder. You can then go on a walk or drive to see how many paper egg you can find.  

• Do an indoor hunt. Hide plastic eggs or even colored eggs throughout your home and search for them. You can even do it over and over.

• And, of course, a good old-fashioned backyard egg hunt is always fun.

The following Easter events were previously scheduled, but are subject to cancellation as cities review coronavirus recommendations in the coming weeks: 

Lehi Teen Easter Egg Hunt - April 3, 9-10 p.m.

Lehi Easter Egg Hunt - April 4, 11-11:30 a.m.

Santaquin Easter Egg Hunt - April 11, 9 a.m.

Vineyard Bunny Hop Egg Drop - April 11, 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Easter Eggstreme at Thanksgiving Point - April 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Canceled: Eagle Mountain Easter Egg Hunt, University Place Giant Easter Egg Competition, Highland City Easter Egg Hunt, Spanish Fork Easter Egg Hunt

Get planting with the help of a local nursery

Now that the snow is melted and the weather is (hopefully) turning warm soon, it's time to think of those flower gardens, vegetable gardens and lawns to plant and take care of.

Planting your garden is a great way to practice safe social distancing while getting some fresh air outdoors. 

Get help from a local nursery to know what would be best for you to plant.

Hours are subject to change. Please use discretion when choosing whether to go out in public.

Linden Nursery

Linden Nursery, on State Street in Lindon, has been family-owned since 1992. They have a 12-acre nursery that houses a farm and garden store. They also sell fairy items for fairy gardens and other lawn decor.

Spring hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

Location: 535 N. State St., Lindon

More info: http://lindennursery.com

McCoard’s Garden Center

McCoard’s Garden Center has been open in Provo since 1989 and has been a go-to garden center in the area since. Among their many products, McCoards offers custom container drop-off, where they will plant and grow plants in custom containers for pick up on Mother’s Day weekend.

Spring hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday

Location: 384 S. 3110 West, Provo

More info: https://mccoards.com

Cook’s Farm and Greenhouse

Cook’s Farm and Greenhouse provides nursery stock, trees, annuals, perennials, planters, house plants and fruits and vegetables in season.

Spring hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday-Saturday

Location: 1645 W. 1600 North, Orem

More info: http://cooksgreenhouse.com

Sun River Gardens

Sun River Gardens is a full-service garden center, providing nursery stock, trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, seeds, veggies and herbs. It was founded in 1996 and is family-owned and operated.

Spring hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday

Location: 1248 N. State St., Orem

More info: https://sunrivergardens.com

Hansen Plants

Hansen Plants in Benjamin offers perennials, custom planters and hanging baskets, vegetable plants, berries, annual bedding plants, shrubs and trees designed to grow well in the Utah environment.

Spring hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday

Location: 7965 S. 2200 West, Benjamin

More info: http://hansenplants.com

Shade Home and Garden Center

Formerly known as the Vineyard Garden Center, Shade Home and Garden Center carries home decor, outdoor living, plant material and more.

Spring hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday; closed Sunday

Location: 435 S. Geneva Road, Orem

More info: https://facebook.com/shadehomeandgarden

Olson’s Garden Shoppe

Olson’s Garden Shoppe in Payson has a large selection of seeds, flowers, bareroot strawberries, gardening tools, containers, succulent arrangements and fairy garden items. The business originally started in Santaquin in 1942.

Spring hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday

Location: 1190 W. 400 North, Payson

More info: https://olsonsgardenshoppe.com

Cascade Shadows

Cascade Shadows grows a large selection of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and colorbowls. They also sell fruit trees. The business has been open for more than 25 years.

Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday;

Location: 383 S. 500 East, American Fork

More info: https://facebook.com/cascadeshadows

Take a walk in a spring garden

Don't let your lack of a green thumb get you down this spring — you can always take a walk in a community garden in Utah County and enjoy the beautiful colors of the season.

Hours are subject to change. Please use discretion when choosing whether to go out in public.

Central Utah Gardens

Central Utah Gardens was created to help teach wise water use in Utah. There are several classes and events scheduled throughout the growing season. Admission to the gardens is free.

Location: 355 W. University Pkwy., Orem

Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. in April; 8 a.m.-8 p.m. in May

More info: http://centralutahgardens.org

Ashton Gardens

(Ashton Gardens is currently closed through at least March 29)

Ashton Gardens is a 55-acre garden with grand lawns, man-made waterfalls and 15 themed garden to enjoy. You can also visit the “I Am The Light of the World” sculpture garden, feed the fish at Koi View Pier and discover the Secret Garden. Golf carts or Segways are also available for rent.

Location: 3900 Garden Drive, Lehi

More info: https://www.thanksgivingpoint.org/experience/ashton-gardens/

Nielsen’s Grove

Nielsen’s Grove park in Orem features a European-designed garden, centerpieced with a fountain powered by a natural spring. Along with the fountain, the park also has a reflecting pool, a greenhouse, vine-covered arbors, flowers, trees and shrubs.

Location: 2000 S. Sandhill Road, Orem

Get in the spirit with a spring festival

Whether you are enjoying beautiful flowers or the fun of colors, there are several festivals this spring to bring you out of your winter shell. The following events have not yet been canceled, but may be canceled depending on ongoing regulations related to COVID-19.

 Tulip Festival

(Thanksgiving Point currently closed through March 29.)

The Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point's Ashton Gardens is a yearly attraction that brings in multitudes of visitors. In its 15th year, the Tulip Festival will include more than 280,000 of tulips in different varieties.

When: 9 a.m-8 p.m.; April 10-May 9; Closed Sundays

Where: Ashton Gardens; 3900 N. Garden Drive, Lehi

Cost: $15-$25

Saratoga Springs Spring Festival

Some cities host an easter egg hunt, but Saratoga Springs hosts a festival. The Spring Festival will include a pancake breakfast benefiting the Westlake soccer program. It will also include face painting, pictures with the Easter Bunny, a spring scavenger hunt sponsored by the library and an easter egg hunt.

When: 8-10 a.m., April 4 (egg hunt will take place at 9 a.m. sharp)

Where: Neptune Park; 452 W. 400 North, Saratoga Springs

Spring events that have been cancelled or postponed this year:

• The Holi Festival of Colors in Spanish Fork is being moved to Sept. 19-20. 

Lace up your hiking boots

It's a great time to get out and enjoy the nature that Utah County has to offer, especially when you start feel a little crazy cooped up at home. Here are some great hikes that aren't too rough for early spring.

Please use discretion when choosing whether to go out in public.

Battle Creek Falls

It’s only about a mile and a half of hiking round trip to check out Battle Creek Falls, though it’s worth noting that the trek there is a pretty slow and steady climb. The view, though? Totally worth it. Battle Creek Falls consists of a beautiful spilt-stream waterfall that cascades 50 feet down into a pool of water. You can easily enjoy it from its base, or, for more daring hikers, from its summit.

The gravel trail to the falls runs mostly along a stream and provides easy and, for the most part, family-friendly access to a beautiful waterfall.

Getting there: To get to the trailhead, follow 200 S. in Pleasant Grove to the east side of town. The road is also known as Battle Creek Drive and it dead-ends at the trailhead.

Y Trail

Hiking the Y in Provo is doable year-round, though some seasons are definitely more tolerable than others.

The short 2-mile hike will provide you up-close views of snowy mountains and a frosty Utah Lake. Going up, if there is snow on the ground, it is typically easier than coming down. If you're lacking grace like some of us, feel free to bring winter hiking gear or a trash bag you can fall back on if need be during steep stretches.

Location: Drive east from 900 East in Provo on 820 North and continue east. Turn right on Oakcliff Drive. Then, turn right on Terrace Drive and follow to the trailhead parking lot.

Stewart Falls

Stewart Falls is one of the most scenic and iconic waterfalls in the area. The falls come down in two tiers, falling a total of over 200 feet.

The hike to the falls is moderate, and is about 3.5 miles out-and-back through some of Mt. Timpanogos’ most beautiful forest trails.

Getting there: From Provo/Orem, drive east on state Route 189 through Provo Canyon, then turn left onto state Route 92 (the South Fork Road) to the Sundance Mountain Resort junction. The trail begins at Aspen Grove along the Alpine Loop Road, though several trails begin here, so make sure to pay close attention to signs.

Payson Grotto

The Grotto is one of the most popular hiking trails in Utah County, and for good reason. It’s short (less than a mile round-trip), easy to travel, and incredibly scenic, ending in a beautiful grotto with a cascading waterfall.

The trail is out-and-back, weaving through trees and crossing streams before you reach your ultimate destination at the waterfall.

Getting there: Take the Payson exit off of Interstate 15 and head down Main Street to 100 North. Turn left and stay on 100 North until you reach 600 East, where you’ll see a sign referencing the Mount Nebo Scenic Loop. Turn right onto 600 East and travel up Payson Canyon approximately 7 miles to the parking area for the Grotto Trail.

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is hands-down one of Utah County’s most iconic waterfalls, and with its proximity to major roadways (it’s clearly visible from Highway 189), one of the easiest to access. The falls plunge a dramatic 607 feet to the watery rock bed below, and provide ample opportunity for wading into the shallow water at its base. The main trail to Bridal Veil Falls is paved with asphalt and is approximately 1.3 miles there and back, though the Falls can be accessed more directly from a nearby parking lot.

Getting there: Heading south on Interstate 15, take the 800 North Exit in Orem and head east for about 3.7 miles until you near the mouth of Provo Canyon. Take the left split of the road toward Heber City on Highway 189 and travel about 3.6 miles up Provo Canyon and turn right at the turn off. Go straight through the stop sign and a parking lot is about a half mile down the road. The trail head is right on the other side of the bridge over the Provo River.

 Fifth Water Hot Springs

The hike to Fifth Water Hot Springs in Diamond Fork Canyon isn’t for the most casual of hikers, with approximately 5 miles of total there-and-back hiking with a moderate elevation gain. The springs, however, are totally worth the effort.

The hike will take you along two creeks to the natural hot springs, where you can soak in wonderfully warm water and enjoy the sight of a flowing waterfall that marks the trail’s end. Be sure to bring a towel and change of clothes, though, if you intend to soak. Otherwise the hike back won’t be nearly as comfortable as the hike there.

Getting there: From Interstate 15 S take Exit 257B-A onto US-6 W and keep left. Then take a left onto Diamond Fork Road about 11 miles in. After turning on Diamond Fork Road, the destination is approximately 9.8 miles in on the right.

Play at a local park

Your kids have been cooped up all winter, and now that its spring, you can head to a park to help them get out their energy. With all the great parks in Utah County, you could even try different parks every night. Here are some of the favorite parks in the area. 

However, keep in mind that Utah County is currently enforcing regulations limiting parks to fewer than 10 people at a time as of March 18. 

Please use discretion when choosing whether to go out in public.

Vineyard Grove Park

Probably the newest entry on the list, Vineyard Grove Park opened in Vineyard over the summer and has remained busy almost ever since. The park sports the largest splash pad in Utah County, basketball courts, tennis courts, a playground, zipline and acres of open space for the kids to play on.

Location: 350 N. 100 East, Vineyard

Discovery Park

Discovery Park is a favorite among adults and kids alike. The huge wooden playground features tons of swings, slides, tunnels and forts.

Location: 1550 N. 100 East, Pleasant Grove

Neptune Park

Neptune Park offers unique play equipment, soccer fields, a large pavilion, picnic tables, a stage and six basketball courts. Let out your inner child on the great climbing equipment.

Location: 452 W. 400 North, Saratoga Springs

Pioneer Park

Located near downtown Provo, Pioneer Park is a great place to enjoy some outdoor space. It has a new splash pad and a playground for the kids.

Location: 500 W. Center St., Provo

North Park (Spanish Fork)

Spanish Fork's North Park features a splash pad and playgrounds for kids from the littlest tots to the preteens.

Location: 1185 N. 400 East, Spanish Fork

Palisade Park

Orem’s Palisade Park is one of the newer parks in the area, built on the former Cascade Golf Course. It is 22-acres and includes a playground, tennis courts and walking path.

Location: 1313 E. 800 North, Orem

Orem All-Together Playground

The All-Together Playground in Orem opened as an inclusive play area for children of all ages and abilities.

Location: 100 N. State Street, east of Orem City Center offices

Wines Park (Lehi)

Wines Park in Lehi has several fun playground fixtures, including climbing and spinning toys.

Location: 100 E. 600 North, Lehi

Creekside Park

You may know Creekside Park in Alpine in the summers, but it also has three playgrounds and plenty of open green space.

Location: 100 S. 600 East, Alpine

Scera Park

If you've got older kids, SCERA Park has lots of open space to play a game of flag football or Frisbee. Bring games like Bocce Ball, croquet or badminton. Going to the park is a great way to play if you don't have a big enough backyard, or to host a large group of people.

Location: 701 S. State St., Orem

Nielson's Grove

Nielsen's Grove Park is home to the Nielsen's Grove Museum and has a duck pond and playground. It also has a large grass area and a greenhouse.

Location: 2000 S. Sandhill Road, Orem

Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park was constructed in 1976, the bicentennial anniversary of our nation's founding.

Bicentennial Park is home to a dog park, a disc golf course and a boardwalk through the natural wetlands in the area.

Location: 1600 E. 1440 South, Provo

Knoll Park

Knoll Park is well known for the annual Duck Tape Regatta, held as part of Salem Days, but it's a great place to visit all year. Head to Salem Pond to feed the ducks and other water-loving birds.

Location: 150 W. 300 South, Salem

Vivian Park

Provo Canyon has no shortage of cool parks to visit, with waterfalls and hiking trails aplenty. Head up to Vivian Park to have a picnic, fish on the river or enjoy the Heber Creeper train.

Location: 4988 N. South Fork Road, Provo Canyon

Pick a picnic spot

If playing on a playground isn't your thing, there are several parks in Utah County that are perfect for a picnic. Here are some favorite picnic spots in the valley.

Please use discretion when choosing whether to go out in public.

Provo Canyon

There are several spots in Provo Canyon that are perfect for a spring picnic. One is Mt. Timpanogos Park, which boasts a variety of picnic spots with fantastic canyon views, but it also has access to the Provo River, walking and jogging paths, restrooms and pavilions.

Location: Roughly one mile from the entrance to Provo Canyon on Hwy. 189, just past Canyon View Park

South Fork Park

South Fork Park in Provo Canyon is a great spot for a picnic. Not only does South Fork have several picnic areas and covered group sites, but it’s also a great place for stream fishing, grilling and some fantastic outdoor fun.

Location: 4988 N. South Fork Road in Provo

Battle Creek Falls

If you’re looking for a place to eat AND hike, Battle Creek Falls in Pleasant Grove is an excellent choice. Though the picnic area isn’t the most beautiful, Battle Creek Falls provides a simple hike and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great weather!

Location: To find the Battle Creek Falls trailhead, follow 200 S. in Pleasant Grove to the east side of town. The street, also known as Battle Creek Drive, will dead-end at the trailhead.

Rock Canyon Park

Rock Canyon is the largest park in Provo, which means there is plenty of green space to spread out a picnic blanket and chow down. The park also boasts amazing valley views.

Location: 2620 N. 1200 East, Provo

Paul Ream Wilderness Park in Provo

A favorite local picnic area is at the Paul Ream Wilderness Park in Provo. Located adjacent to the Provo River Parkway Trail and the Provo River, the park is great for a local getaway and has spots for picnics, barbeques and recreation, including walking paths, a duck pond, a gazebo and a playground.

Location: 1600 W. 500 North in Provo

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a great picnic spot. Though the Falls are pretty popular and you might be in for some company on your picnic, you can’t beat the beauty of the view, or the easy opportunities for hiking provided there.

Location: About 2.5 miles into Provo, you’ll come across a sign for Nunn’s Park/Bridal Veil Falls. If you follow that turnoff, the parking lot will be right by the road.

Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park in Provo has a disc golf course, but it also has quite a bit of open scenic areas, and picnic tables, perfect for a picnic.

Location: Off Highway 89 and 1370 South, Provo

Donate after spring cleaning

Spring may bring ideas of fluffy bunnies and beautiful flowers, but it’s also that dreaded time of spring cleaning. Here are four places where you can donate things you no longer need, from clothes and shoes to furniture and decor.

Please use discretion when choosing whether to go out in public.

Deseret Industries

(All Deseret Industries locations are currently closed for COVID-19 safety.)

The Deseret Industries is a nonprofit run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that takes donations for thrift stores. There are three locations in Utah County.

Locations: 435 S. 500 East, American Fork; 1415 N. State St., Provo; 645 S. 1750 West, Springville

Savers

At the heart of Savers' mission is a focus on nonprofits and charities throughout the world. When you donate to Savers, they donate to local nonprofits and any items that aren’t sold are recycled or sent to developing countries. Plus, they have 99 cent T-shirts Thursday.

Location: 81 N. State St., Orem

Plato’s Closet

Plato’s Closet isn’t a traditional thrift or secondhand store. Patrons bring in gently used clothes, Plato’s Closet gives them money, and those clothes are then sold at an affordable price. On average, clothes are about 70 percent off mall retail price.

Location: 592 E. University Parkway, Orem

Kid to Kid

If you are wanting to get rid of kids items — and get paid for it — Kid to Kid is for you. Kid to Kid buys and sells name brand clothes, sports equipment and toys to save you a buck or two.

Location: 1438 E. Main St., Lehi; 390 E. University Parkway, Orem

Pull out the fishing rod

Now that ponds, rivers and lakes are not completely frozen over, it's a great time to head out to try your hand at fishing. Here are some great fishing spots for spring in Utah County. Check with guidelines at each location, as several fishing holes have hours, limits and rules on what can be caught. It's a great way to get out and still stay more than 6 feet from others. 

Please use discretion when choosing whether to go out in public.

Utah Lake

Even though the quality of the water in Utah Lake is often called into question, it remains a great spot for fishing. The lake has more than its share of catfish, bass and other “hardy” fish that can hold up against the sheer environment of the lake.

Provo River

The Provo River is synonymous with great fishing in Utah County. The Provo River is one of the most popular fishing spots in all of Utah, which can be both good and bad. Fishing in the spring gives you a chance to catch something before the fish thin out or before the river gets too crowded.

Location: Up Provo Canyon

American Fork Creek

As Tibble Fork Reservoir is where you take your kids to lake fish, this is where you introduce your children to stream fishing. This is a mild flowing stream where fish are routinely stocked, particularly with trout. But this early in the season, be careful; the snowmelt means the creek levels are likely higher than usual.

Location: Up American Fork Canyon

Diamond Fork River

If you’re already planning to camp up Diamond Fork Canyon, go ahead and bring along some poles and catch a fish or two. The Diamond Fork River is pretty muddy in the early spring, but once summer hits, the fishing is excellent.

Location: Along Diamond Fork Road off U.S. Highway 6 in Spanish Fork Canyon

 Spring Lake Trout Farm

Spring Lake Trout Farm in Payson offers year-round no limit and no license pond stocking and fishing. The location has been raising fish since 1912 and offers fishing at $6 per pound, including the use of equipment and bait, as well as cleaning and filleting the fish. You can also do catch-and-release fishing at $5 per person per hour.

Location : 3409 W. 12300 South, Payson

Highland Glen Park

The pond at Highland Glen Park allows for fishing, and likely catches include rainbow trout and channel catfish. Daily limit is two fish.

Location: 4800 W. Knight Ave., Highland

Manilla Creek Park Pond

The pond at Manilla Creek Park is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and possibly bluegill. The park has a daily limit of two fish.

Location: 3300 N. 900 West, Pleasant Grove

Salem Pond

You may have visited Salem Pond at Christmastime, but in spring and summer, you can fish for rainbow trout, catfish or largemouth bass. Any grass carp must be released.

Location: 259 W. Salem Lake Drive, Salem

Canyon View Park Pond

This community park is home to a pond where youth 13 and under can fish. The likely catch is trout in this area.

Location: 3300 E. Powerhouse Road, Spanish Fork

Feed the ducks

Young or old, feeding local ducks can be a relaxing, fun way to get yourself outdoors. Here are some favorite spots to feed ducks in Utah County.

Please use discretion when choosing whether to go out in public.

BYU’s Botany Pond

Take time to relax and take in nature at Brigham Young University’s Botany Pond. Don’t forget to bring some popcorn or bread to feed the many ducks that live there.

Where: Just off of 800 North in Provo, south of BYU campus

Knoll Park

Head to Salem Pond in Knoll Park to feed the ducks and other water-loving birds.

Location: 150 W. 300 South, Salem

Neilsen’s Grove Park

On the north side of the park, there is a rock-rimmed pond that is home to ducks, other birds and fish.

Location: 2000 S. Sandhill Road, Orem

Paul Ream Wilderness Park

Located in the Paul Ream Wilderness Park is a duck pond, where you can have plenty of opportunities to feed ducks.

Location: 1600 W. 500 North, Provo

Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park in Provo is home to a duck pond with a bridge where you can have fun feeding ducks.

Location: 1600 E. 1440 South, Provo

Break out the bikes

Spring is the perfect time to break out the bikes and ride around Utah County. The area has some great biking trails, but often they are muddy in the springtime, so here are some great places to head out for the first bike ride of the year.

 Provo River Parkway

Scenic trails stretching for 15 miles await on the Provo River Parkway. From the north end, the trail cruises past Bridal Veil Falls and in the south, you have spectacular views of Utah Lake and the state park.

Jordan River Parkway Trail

This tremendous trail stretches over 50 miles from the Great Salt Lake in Davis County down to Utah Lake’s northern shores near Lehi. The trail even connects to the Murdock Canal Trail if you want to take the road less traveled.

 Murdock Canal Trail

Once you get on the Murdock Canal Trail in Lehi, you have 17 miles of backroads and scenery through Alpine, Pleasant Grove and Orem to enjoy.

Historic Utah Southern Rail Trail

On the west end of the Murdock Canal Trail is the Historic Utah Southern Rail Trail, a short three mile trail that parallels a rail corridor. And if you want a little history lesson, at the south end of the trail is the state’s oldest railroad depot at 225 E. State Street in Lehi.

Bonneville Shoreline

Should everything go as planned, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail will one day stretch from the Idaho border all the way to Nephi, more than 280 miles long. Right now, it’s 100 miles long, with more than 20 miles stretching from its origin at Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.

Lambert Park

In the far north of Alpine is Lambert Park, a fun collection of mountain biking trails for all skill levels. Trails zig-zag through miles of backwoods just above Wadsworth Canyon. These may be a bit muddy in the early spring.

 Utah Lake Shore Trail

Take in the beauty of Utah Lake with a bike ride along the shore. Access the paved trail from Vineyard's Center Street.