From golf to horseback riding and skiing to tennis, Provo provides ample opportunity for families to get out and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Uinta National Forest

Established in 1897, Utah's first national forest is a haven for camping, hiking, horseback riding and, in some areas, motorized recreational vehicles. Visitors may see black bears, which are common in the area. Successful fishermen may reel in salmon or rainbow trout. On two days each November, the forest issues permits for residents to cut down a Christmas tree. Besides Uinta, Provo’s parks and recreation department manages more than 40 parks and 33 miles of trails.

Reserve at East Bay Golf Course

Golfers can hit the links at Reserve at East Bay Golf Course, a city-owned course just south of town between the Wasatch Range and Utah Lake. Activities abound for all ages, including the Provo Senior Games in August, with events including a 5K run, horseshoes, golf, tennis, and track and field events.

Cooling Off in Provo

Those looking to beat the summer heat have a number of cool options. Veteran’s Memorial Pool has a zero-depth splash pool with a four-level, water-play structure. In the park area, the world is a kids’ oyster at when they explore the educational playground, which includes a concrete map of the world and a modular playground designed for preschool-age children. Seven Peaks Waterpark bills itself as the largest water park in Utah, including 16 water slides, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, a lazy river and 100-foot free-fall drop slides. At least 2,000 people turn out every third Friday during the summer for parties featuring a 50-foot jumbo movie screen for music videos and live feeds of people enjoying the fun. Still not cold enough? Unleash your inner Dorothy Hamill at The Peaks Arena, used during the 2002 Winter Olympics and sporting two Olympic-size ice sheets. In addition to skating, hockey and broom ball, the center offers indoor soccer.