Dating is so much fun, but it doesn't always have to cost a fortune. There are a ton of great free and inexpensive date spots in Utah County. We have gathered some of our favorites for this post. They are perfect for summer, but most will work year round!

Art Critic

Enjoy the art scene on a date. All of these art spots are free, and you can critique and discuss the art as you visit.

  • Springville Art Loops: Enjoy a romantic walk through downtown Springville on the different art loops to enjoy Art City. Make sure to include a stop at the Springville Art Museum, too. Free and amazing!

Statue on the Springville art loop

  • Provo Art Stroll: Every first Friday from 6-9pm downtown Provo is filled with art, gallery openings and live music. It's perfect for couples, and it's all free.
  • Mural Scavenger Hunt: Provo is also full of murals. You can spend an entire evening walking through downtown Provo finding brightly colored paintings on the buildings. Each one is so unique. Check out the map here.

Mural in downtown Provo

  • UVU Art Museum: This art museum is not only filled with beautiful art, but the building is art as well. Wander hand in hand through this mansion and around the grounds to enjoy the art.

UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount

  • Roots of Knowledge: The huge stained glass display is amazing! Located in the UVU library, you can walk through time in the stained glass. There are also lots of little easter eggs to find, so you can enjoy a scavenger hunt together, too.

Roots of Knowledge stained glass at UVU

Outdoor Adventurer

Spending time outdoors together on a date is probably our favorite thing to do as a couple. There are some gorgeous spots in Utah Valley. Here are a few recommendations.

  • Float the Provo River: This can be free based on what you have at your disposal. If you have life jackets and tubes or kayaks, you can easily float the river in the summertime. If you need a tube, both BYU and UVU rent tubes for an affordable price, especially if you are a student. It's a true adventure.

Kayaking the Provo River

  • Picnic at Big Springs Park: We love taking a packed picnic up into the mountains. Our favorite place to go is Big Springs Park at the end of Southfork Road in Provo Canyon. There is a large grassy area, huge trees, a little creek, and a trail. It's a great spot to spend an evening together.
  • Hike to a Waterfall: Waterfalls make the best hikes because it is such a great reward after all of that hiking. There are a bunch of great waterfalls in Utah Valley, but we like Battle Creek Falls or Stewart Falls for an easy date night trail.

Stewart Falls

  • Scenic Drive: Taking a drive through one of Utah's beautiful canyons is a great date because you get to chat in the car. Both the Alpine Loop ($15 fee or pass) and the Nebo Loop (no fee) are great scenic drives with great views and fun stops along the way, too.
  • Thanksgiving Point Hidden Garden: There is a hidden garden behind Thanksgiving Point that does not cost to enter. You can walk through the gardens, enjoy the hidden waterfall, and be together outdoors.

Indoor Explorer

Here are a few free indoor activities for extra hot days or cold nights.

  • Cabela's: This might seem like a strange suggestion, but we love wandering through Cabela's in Lehi and looking at all of the animals. There is a live fish tank and tons of taxidermied animals to see. You can grab a free sample of fudge, too. Or splurge a few dollars on the target shooting game.

Wildlife mountain at Cabela's in Lehi

  • Moon's Rare Books: This book store is so unique. It has amazing old books, and the entire shop is like a small museum. You will love exploring with your loved one.

Moon's Rare Books

  • BYU International Cinema: If you want to up your cultural game, or if you really love movies, check out a free movie at BYU International Cinema.

Cheap Ideas

If you have a few dollars to spend, here are some super cheap date ideas in Utah County.

  • Nickel City: Nickel City in Orem is full of arcade games. Admission is $2.50, laser tag is $4, and arcade games are just a nickel each. You can easily keep this date under $10!
  • Cargo Cinema: Check out this little cinema in Springville that shows old movies. Tickets are only $4.
  • BYU Planetarium: The planetarium offers $5 shows on Monday or Friday nights. (Not available during summer term.)
  • Candy Shop Taste Test: Make a stop at Swedish Moose Candy and choose a few different candies to try for a taste test. Candy price is by weight, so choose carefully.

Bulk candy taste test

  • Ice Cream: It is always better to eat dinner at home and then go out for dessert because it is so much cheaper. There are so many great choices for ice cream in Utah Valley. Here are a few we love:

Ice cream date at Snelgrove