r While sipping hot cocoa by the fire can be delightful, there’s no reason to stay cooped up inside the house all winter. There are plenty of ways both indoors and outdoors to have some winter fun in South Utah County. Beat the winter blahs by taking advantage of one of these entertaining ways to spend the day.
Sledding:
The age-old tradition of flying down an icy slick hillside has never been better than what you can experience at two popular spots in our area: Rock Canyon Park (2620 N. 1200 E.) in Provo and the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center (10 S. 600 E.) in Payson. Whether you decide to use a traditional sled, an inflated tube, or nothing at all, be sure to arrive soon after the snowfall for maximum usability and to avoid crowds.
Hiking:
Just because it’s cold and snowy out doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the dozens of hiking trails south Utah County has to offer. While “Y” mountain and Rock Canyon are both good options this time of year, the Fifth Water Hot Springs Trail in Diamond Fork Canyon is a hidden gem. According to utahoutdooractivities.com, the gate is closed to vehicles in the winter, but you can walk the one-and-a-half miles to the trailhead. Be sure to use snowshoes if there’s fresh snow. Once there, the springs are a hike of about two-and-a-half miles away.
Skating:
For five dollars or less per person, you can enjoy public skate sessions at Peaks Ice Arena in Provo. The skate rental is extra, but if you attend on a Monday night, the Family Night Special includes the skates and is $25-$40, depending on the size of your family. The Arena also provides skating lessons, an adult hockey league, and a variety of punch passes for even more savings and ease.
Art:
If you ever tire of cold winter activities, visit the Springville Museum of Art for a warm reprieve. In addition to the beautiful permanent collections and ever-changing exhibitions, the museum offers a full calendar of fun events for various ages. The Guppy Group (free for toddlers, ages one through four and their caregivers) meets the first Tuesday of every month during the school year for art-making activities, singing, playing, and storytelling. Opening receptions for two shows will take place on February 9 (the 47th Annual Utah All-State High School Show) and March 6 (“All Aboard!” A celebration of 150 years of Utah railroads). On March 27, the museum will celebrate imagination in art during the Kids Quest Family Event.
