15 Things to Do Near Thanksgiving Point in Lehi (2026)

This isn't your typical children's museum. With over 400 interactive experiences spread across multiple themed areas, adults find themselves just as engaged as kids. The Rainforest area features live butterflies and a canopy walk, while the Water Works section lets you build dams and redirect river flows. The outdoor Kidopolis is a mini-city where kids run businesses and drive cars.

55 acres of themed gardens that rival Butchart Gardens or Longwood. Walk through 15 distinct gardens including the Italian Garden, Fragrance Garden, and the showstopping Waterfall Amphitheatre with a 120-foot cascading waterfall. In spring, the Tulip Festival draws visitors from across the West with over 250,000 tulips in bloom. Summer brings the Luminaria festival with stunning light installations.

Home to one of the world's largest collections of mounted dinosaur skeletons — over 60 complete specimens. The museum spans 3.5 billion years of Earth's history through immersive exhibits. Kids can dig for fossils in the hands-on paleo lab, and the life-size animated dinosaur displays are genuinely impressive. This is not a small-town museum — it competes with big-city natural history museums.

A working farm experience where kids (and adults) can feed goats, ride ponies, milk cows, and learn about agriculture. The wagon rides through the property give you a feel for what this valley looked like before Silicon Slopes arrived. In fall, the corn maze and pumpkin patch become major local events.

Walk through a tropical conservatory filled with thousands of free-flying butterflies from around the world. The newest addition to Thanksgiving Point, the Biosphere also features interactive exhibits about pollination and conservation. Wear bright colors and stand still — butterflies will land on you.

The locals' favorite trail, just 10 minutes east of Thanksgiving Point. The 3-mile round trip is moderate difficulty with stunning Wasatch Range views. Start early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds, then head to Thanksgiving Point for indoor activities in the afternoon.

This paved multi-use trail runs right past Thanksgiving Point and stretches for miles through Lehi and neighboring cities. Perfect for a morning bike ride, evening walk, or jog. The flat terrain makes it accessible for all fitness levels. Rent bikes at several shops along the route.

Utah's largest freshwater lake is 20 minutes south of Thanksgiving Point. In summer, rent kayaks, paddleboards, or pontoon boats. The beaches are uncrowded compared to California or Lake Powell, and sunset over the lake with the Wasatch Mountains as a backdrop is unforgettable.

Thanksgiving Point's own farm-to-table restaurant deserves its own visit. The seasonal menu uses ingredients from the on-site gardens, and the rustic interior with garden views makes it feel like a special occasion. Perfect for a post-museum dinner. See our full Lehi restaurant guide for more details.

Five minutes from Thanksgiving Point, this is Utah's best barbecue — slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and all the fixings. The perfect casual meal after a day of museum-hopping. Arrive before noon to avoid the tech-worker lunch rush.

Fuel up before or after Thanksgiving Point at local favorites. Beans & Brews (Utah's own coffee chain) has multiple locations nearby, and the Lehi Bakery is the local secret for fresh pastries and donuts. For a full breakdown, check our guide to Lehi's best coffee shops.

This 1906 flour mill is still operational and gained fame as a filming location for the original “Footloose” movie. Take a self-guided tour, buy freshly ground flour and baking mixes, and snap photos at one of Lehi's most iconic landmarks. Kids love watching the milling machinery in action.

Just down the hill from Thanksgiving Point, this outdoor outlet mall features Nike, Under Armour, H&M, and dozens more. The mountain setting makes it far more pleasant than a typical outlet mall. Great for rainy-day backup plans or picking up outdoor gear before a hike.

Walk Main Street in downtown Lehi to see the contrast between Utah's pioneer past and its tech-fueled present. Vintage storefronts, the Lehi Historical Society museum, and local boutiques give you a feel for the community beyond Thanksgiving Point and Silicon Slopes.

Robert Redford's mountain resort is 30 minutes up scenic Provo Canyon. In winter, ski or snowboard. In summer, take the scenic lift ride, zip-line, or mountain bike. Year-round, dine at The Tree Room for one of Utah's most memorable meals. The drive through Provo Canyon is stunning in every season.