- Utah offers budget friendly summer activities for families, including mountain yoga at Solitude.
- Stitching Hearts Worldwide provides free community service opportunities; no sewing experience needed.
- Enjoy free movies in South Jordan, explore Wheeler Farm, and visit the Alpine Loop.
SALT LAKE CITY — Summer can be an expensive time between vacations, summer camps, school fees and everything in between. It can be easy to stay in the house or blow the summer budget on one costly activity. If you're looking for activities that your family (and wallet) will love, look no further than this list. We've compiled some of the best free activities going on around Utah. Dive in and explore all that Utah has to offer.
Mountain yoga
Break out of the same ole routine with some Saturday morning yoga. Bring your own mat to Solitude Mountain Resort and find your inner peace. Yoga will be held weekly on Saturdays starting in July.
- When: July 1 through Oct. 7, Saturdays at 9 a.m.
- Where: Solitude Mountain Resort, 12000 Big Cottonwood Canyon Road Building 5, Solitude
- Cost: Free
Stitching Hearts Worldwide
Get engaged with the community through serving at Stitching Hearts Worldwide. The nonprofit organization constantly has unique service opportunities to prepare humanitarian kits, sew blankets or tie a quilt. No sewing experience is required, and serving can be done by preregistering, walking in to the facility during service hours or a serve-from-home kit.
- When: The service center is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and Fridays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. At-home service can be done outside of the hours.
- Where: 90 S. Main, Pleasant Grove
- Cost: Free
Movies in the moonlight
Cozy up with a blanket and your favorite movie at South Jordan. Food trucks, free activities and a movie presentation each week are sure to keep little ones engaged at no cost. Experience favorites such as "Wicked," "Harry Potter" and "The Princess Bride" in nature.
- When: Friday nights, June 20 through Aug. 15. Movies begin at 9 p.m.
- Where: Highland Park, 6050 W. Lake Ave, South Jordan
- Cost: Free
Wheeler Farm
Enter a farmer's paradise at Wheeler Farm in Murray. Walk around the market and visit the animals with your kiddos. Stop for a picnic and meet the farm crew along the way. A milking demonstration, wagon rides and Farm House tours can be purchased for a few dollars each.
- When: The park is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Where: Wheeler Farm, 6351 S. 900 East, Murray
- Cost: Free. Additional activities can be purchased for $1-3 per person.
The Greenshow
Wanting to see professional theater that won't break the bank? Look no further than the Greenshow, hosted by Utah's Shakespeare Festival. Join the Shakespeare performers as they sing, dance and use music to tell a 30-minute story. The free show takes place each evening on the green and is perfect for younger audiences and families. Enjoy professional theater at no cost. Enjoy a backstage tour of the magic for $10 per person.
- When: June 16- through Sept. 6, Monday through Saturday, 7:10 p.m. (before the mainstage show)
- Where: Ashton Family Greenshow Commons, 200 W. College Ave., Cedar City
- Cost: Free
Firefly Festival
See and celebrate Utah's magical fireflies in Park City. A firefly-themed craft, Firefly Talk with specialist Christy Bill, storytime, s'mores and, of course, a firefly viewing will all be on the agenda. Get ready to be enchanted by this unique event.
- When: July 3, 8 p.m.
- Where: Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter, 1258 Center Drive, Park City
- Cost: $3.97 + processing fee. Children ages 2 and under enter free.
Micro Days
Put on your lab coat and get ready to inspect the microworld at the Clark Planetarium. Special topics such as DNA purification, cell structures and the diversity of microorganisms will be explored throughout the events. Microscopes are provided to look at found objects on a detailed level.
- When: Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m.
- Where: Clark Planetarium Lobby, 110 S. 400 West, Salt Lake City
- Cost: Free
Alpine Loop
Disconnect from the devices and chaos by driving up the scenic Alpine Loop. Take in the breathtaking views, lovely lakes and fresh mountain air. The road is entirely paved and goes through American Fork Canyon, Uinta National Forest and ends in Provo Canyon. Stop at Cascade Springs along the route to see a spring with natural pools and fish.
- When: Daily until October
- Where: American Fork Canyon Road, American Fork (follow the signs to the loop)
- Cost: $6 for a car day pass
