At the beginning of every summer, my husband sits down with my three children and asks them to create their own summer bucket list. They can list any place they want to visit from hiking trails and fishing spots to water parks and campgrounds. And, I even create one myself. The following are 11 things that you’ll find at the top of my summer bucket list in Utah and I recommend placing on yours as well.

1. View the summer wildflowers at Tony Grove Lake

I love searching for summer wildflowers and one of my favorite places to go is Tony Grove Lake in Cache County. Located up Logan Canyon, this area is typically in full bloom from mid-July to mid-August. There are several ways you can view the wildflowers including at the Tony Grove Day Use Area, on one of the several hiking trails, or even at the Tony Grove Lake Campground. It’s mesmerizing here and absolutely beautiful – don’t forget your camera!

2. Watch The Greenshow at the Utah Shakespeare Festival

Attending the Utah Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City deserves a spot on every summer bucket list. While you can always watch a full play, my favorite activity is The Greenshow. For 30 minutes, the entire family can enjoy outdoor entertainment with singing, dancing, and storytelling. Plus, The Greenshow is free. Throughout the 2024 season, there are three different versions of The Greenshow, and if you have time, we recommend viewing each one.

3. Play miniature golf at Cherry Hill

As a child, my summers were spent at Cherry Hill and I still become giddy each time I take my children. This destination is home to a campground, a delicious bakery, and a water park with attractions for the entire family. However, I particularly love the 18-hole miniature golf course. Each hole boasts its own theme from windmills to ski mountains. Do you have a favorite hole here? I do.

4. Dive into some ice cream at The Creamery in Beaver

If you find yourself near Beaver, you must stop at The Creamery. This is not only a fabulous road trip stop, but it's also where you can purchase delicious cheese and ice cream. While I love the ice cream year-round, there's something special about the hand-dipped ice cream in the summer months that will excite your sweet tooth.

5. Camp in an International Dark Sky Park

Did you know that Utah is home to the highest concentration of dark sky parks in the world? While there are places all over the state that are perfect for summer stargazing, I recommend planning a camping trip at East Canyon State Park in Morgan. Just a short drive from SLC, this is a certified dark sky park, home to much history, a popular location for boating and swimming, and offers a variety of accommodations ranging from covered wagons to yurts. Plus, it is home to one of the only hammock campsites in Utah.

6. Attend a farmers’ market

There are bucket-list-worthy farmers’ markets in Utah, particularly in the Salt Lake area. These markets are where you can purchase fresh, locally grown produce, handmade products, delicious food, crafts, and so much more. While there are markets all around the state to visit, there are more than half a dozen markets in SLC alone with one of our favorites being the Downtown Salt Lake City Farmers Market at Pioneer Park.

7. Explore the slot canyon at Pioneer Park in St. George

Pioneer Park is a 52-acre park in St. George with all types of activities including multiple hiking trails and rock climbing. However, one of our favorite areas is the St. George Narrows. This is a slot canyon that is perfect for those who want a little adventure. At first, the canyon is quite wide but it narrows as you walk along. In fact, it becomes so narrow that many adults can not fully slide through yet most children are able.

8. Pick fruit in Capitol Reef National Park

Capitol Reef National Park is one of the most underrated national parks in Utah and is one of the best parks for escaping the crowds. It is also home to Fruita, a historic small town that is known for its incredible fruit orchards. During the summer months, you can come and pick fresh fruit in the orchard, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Just make sure you give yourself time to visit Gifford Homestead, where you can find unique goods, fruit jellies, and delicious fruit pies. All money collected from the you-pick fruit is used to preserve these Utah orchards.

9. Hike to Stewart Falls

There are dozens of waterfall hikes you could add to your Utah summer bucket list but I love Stewart Falls. To reach these falls, you must tackle a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail that is considered moderately challenging. However, the large falls at the end will certainly leave you impressed. Spring is when these falls really roar but we love the entire journey during the summer months.

10. Relax in the lazy river at Cowabunga Bay

This summer, you’ll likely find me lazily floating along the Cowabunga River at Cowabunga Bay WaterPark in Draper. This unique lazy river features a 1960s theme complete with a 1967 Volkswagen surf bug, spraying surfboards, and tiki torches. It’s a destination the entire family will love and the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

11. Fish at Tibble Fork Reservoir

When you want to spend some time outdoors, yet escape Utah's dry summer heat, Tibble Fork Reservoir is the place to go. This reservoir is located in American Fork Canyon and is surrounded by mountains and forests. This is a great place to fish or even splash in the water. Just beware…this water is cold!

What items are on your summer bucket list? What do you love most about the summer in Utah? Let us know in the comments.

If you are looking for even more summertime ideas, check out our list featuring several of the best things to do during summer in Utah. Just make sure you don’t forget your summer gear!