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11 Things To Do in Draper

Published January 29, 2024
In or near Draper, Utah? Got nothing to do this weekend? Grab your planners and get ready to fill them up: Here are the top attractions, sights and family-friendly activities in “The Egg Basket of Utah!”
pony express road

1. Pony Express Road

The Pony Express Trail, where hundreds of horses carried mail in the 1800s, goes right through Draper. A must-see for history buffs and anyone who loves a good road trip, the picturesque 38-mile drive passes through stunning natural landscapes, including canyons, mountains, and valleys. Visit this part of Draper to relive a historic time and imagine how brave riders once traversed this rugged terrain.
golf course

2. Golf Courses

In the mood to take a swing? Try your arm at any one of the challenging golf courses in Utah. South Mountain Golf Club, which offers an 18-hole championship course, a practice facility, and a restaurant, is probably one of the most beautiful scenery you’ll find in city.
draper city park

3. Draper City Park

Pack your picnic blankets and make a pit stop at Draper City Park, Draper's premier park. You'll enjoy plenty of grassy areas, a playground for kids, and restrooms. The Rotary Pavilion is a draw for big events and outdoor activities, with its 200-person capacity and barbecue pit with picnic tables.
hang gliding

4. Hang Gliding

Hold onto your hats! Nowhere in the world is more beautiful for hang gliding than right here in the Utah Valley. Glide off the scenic Point of the Mountain, the premier paragliding and hang-gliding site in Utah, and soar above the scenic peaks, crevices, domes and waterfalls, with superb views of the valley below.
cowabunga bay water park

5. Cowabunga Bay Water Park

Summertime fun makes a splash at Cowabunga Bay, Utah's premier water park. Take the whole family for a fun-filled water adventure with 11 water attractions, including thrilling water slides, an endless lazy river, and a wave pool. (Psst: If the name sounds familiar: Cowabunga isn’t just in Draper, there’s also one in Las Vegas.)
batting cages

6. Batting Cages

Step up to the plate. Whether you're a pro or just trying out batting, the Draper City sports complex's cages provide a perfect atmosphere to shoot your shots. In an All-American city, this All-American pastime gets even more patriotic when you stop for apple pie afterwards!
hiking trails

7. Hiking Trails

Getting the blood pumping and the lungs full with fresh oxygen can be as beautiful as just about anything. Draper may be the suburbs, but it's also home to surrounding gorgeous hills, mountains and valleys. When you've got a few hours to fritter away, consider trails in Orson Smith Park and the Draper Canal Trail.
planet aquarium

8. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Although the name may come off counterintuitive, Loveland is all about the love of what's below the surface: the deep sea. At Utah's top-rated aquarium, you'll see marine creatures from different corners of the world and get close to penguins, sharks, and rays, even learn about the conservation of endangered species. It's an exciting trip for adults and kids who love the life aquatic.
salt lake city

9. Salt Lake City

Located just a short drive from Draper, SLC and the greater Salt Lake Valley has it all. (Just add a car with windows and some beef jerky, candy and a road trip buddy!) Historic sites in the area include Temple Square and the Utah State Capitol, and of course, scenic views and a thriving downtown.
boondocks

10. Boondocks

Scream your head off on a roller coaster, chase your friends like a cat would mice laser tag, take a swing at mini golf and so much more. Boondocks Fun Center is a one-stop spot for ultimate fun and adventure. Dubbed an entertainment center, Boondocks surpasses labels; the only way to get what it's all about is to see it!
design center

11. Design Center

What’s free, fun and smack dab in the middle of the city we’ve been talking about for the past 10 steps? You can bet it’s the Living Spaces Design Center. Stroll in and sit down for some expert advice on which fabric, color or pattern would work best for your living room (you can even see your living room and style it on screen)! For the decorating-obsessed or the slightly curious, this place is hard to beat.

What Is Draper, Utah Known For?

Draper is known for its scenic mountain skylines, hugging a family-friendly shopping, entertainment and dining hub. A suburban feel with a blend of city life and rugged outdoors, this locale has it all. It’s not one of the most-loved places in the state for nothing; visiting the city is well worth it!


Does Draper City Park Allow Dogs?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Draper City Park. (That’s one of the reasons it’s a weekend staple visit among residents.) Throw on your jogging shorts and grab your furry pal to enjoy a lowkey park and see why it’s a local favorite.


What Is There to Do at Draper Days?

Draper Days, a festival in the heart of the city, celebrates the city, the history of the city, the community and the locals. It’s an annual summer event with food, music and much more. Check out the city’s website for more information!

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