Awesome Date Ideas in the Orem/Provo Area (2022)
Whether it’s your first date or your 50th, you want to create an incredible experience for your partner. Coming up with enjoyable activities, especially if you are strapped on cash, can be a little challenging.
Thankfully, here in Orem, Utah, there is a wide range of date ideas for every couple—from outdoor adventures and river rafting to candle-making and sit-down restaurants, your date will be thoroughly impressed with whatever activity you choose!
If you’re looking for exciting and fun date ideas near Orem, Utah, take advantage of what our beautiful city has to offer. Here are our top date ideas in and near Orem, Utah, that your special someone will love. Enjoy!
Foodie Date Ideas Near Orem
What better way to win someone over than with a delicious meal? Food is the key to most hearts, and here in Orem, Utah, there are plenty of restaurants and activities to entertain foodies for an entire night.
Cooking Classes at Gygi – $$$
Most foodies in Utah County are familiar with the famous Gygi. What started as a restaurant and kitchen supply store has expanded into a one-shop culinary retail outlet offering cooking classes to the public.
Choose from sugar cookies and funfetti birthday cake classes to taco night and dutch oven cooking. Get hands-on instruction from a professional, and enjoy a delicious treat or meal at the end of the class. The best part? No cleanup or dishes!
The price per person is $95. Bon appétit!
Photo Courtesy of Gygi Cooking Classes
Making Sushi at Yummy’s Korean BBQ – $$
For all our fish lovers out there, here’s your chance to channel your inner sushi chef. From Salmon to yellow tuna, you can customize and build your own sushi roll.
Yummy’s Korean BBQ in Orem, Utah, will teach you the art of making sushi. You’ll learn how to cook the sushi rice, where to place the fish and ingredients, how to roll everything together, and how to cut your very own sushi roll at the end.
Classes are held on the first Tuesday of every month from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at 360 S. State Street in Orem. The price per person is $35—an absolute steal if you ask us!
Brunch at TRUreligion Pancake and Steakhouse – $$
Imagine this: buttermilk pancakes smothered in maple syrup, fresh fruit, and whipped cream; homemade fluffy cinnamon rolls topped with delicious frosting; and omelets the size of your plate packed with fresh veggies, bacon, and your choice of cheese (we recommend feta!). That is exactly what TRUreligion Pancakes and Steakhouse has to offer, along with so much more!
If you aren’t a breakfast person, we guarantee you that TRUreligion will change your mind. If you don’t believe us, refer to their Google page: a 4.5-star rating with 1,643 reviews says a lot!
If your date is on the weekend, we recommend getting to the restaurant early (even before it opens at 8:00 a.m.) to beat the crowds! The wait times can be long, but they are worth it.
Romantic Date Ideas Near Orem
Some people prefer action and adventure. Others enjoy private outings with their significant other. If you’re planning a romantic date night, here are our favorite romantic date ideas near Orem, Utah.
Photo Courtesy of Sundance Mountain Resort
Sundance Scenic Lift – $$
Located 20 minutes away from The Aston Apartments in Orem, Utah, Sundance is a quaint mountain resort boasting the best views. Purchase a lift ticket for $25 per person and enjoy 360º panoramic views of the lush scenery, tall pine trees, and breathtaking arrowhead summit. Afterward, grab dinner at The Tree Room, a rustic but intimate restaurant serving the best cuisine, or at Foundry Grill, a restaurant with views of the beautiful resort ponds and creeks.
A Picnic in the Mountains – $
Who said that romantic dates have to involve spending a lot of money? If you’re looking for a cheap but romantic date idea, consider taking your date somewhere up Provo Canyon near Orem, Utah. A few of our favorite spots include Vivian Park, Canyon Glen Park, and Mount Timpanogos Park. Place a comfy blanket on the ground and pack a few snacks or treats, and you have yourself a romantic but inexpensive date activity.
Candles and Conversation – Free
Sometimes, it’s refreshing to relax and participate in meaningful conversations as opposed to dining out or surrounding yourself with large groups of people. In fact, according to a recent study, higher well-being and happiness are found to be associated with more substantive conversations. Create a safe space on your date with your partner that encourages deep conversation.
One idea is to have the date night at your apartment at The Aston Apartments in Orem, Utah. Light your best-smelling candle and enjoy quality time and conversation with your partner.
Adventurous Date Ideas Near Orem
Is your date an adventurous junkie? There are plenty of spots near Orem, Utah, that are full of excitement and fun. Consider taking your date on one of the activities below.
River Rafting on Provo River – $$
If your date is during the warmer months of the year, don’t miss out on this thrilling activity 20 minutes from our apartments in Orem, Utah. Enjoy the incredible scenery of Provo Canyon and level one and two rapids on the Provo River.
High Country Adventure offers raft rentals and self-guided trips starting out at $35 per person with the option to upgrade to a guided trip ($59 per person). However, If you have your own raft or tube, you are more than welcome to float the river solo. Just make sure to follow all safety rules and wear a life jacket at all times.
The price per person is $95. Bon appétit!
Photo Courtesy of High Country Adventure
Mount Timpanogos Hike – $
This idea is for the overly adventurous couple. Hiking Timp is a full-day excursion, ranging anywhere from six to 10 hours, depending on your speed. The strenuous trail boasts gorgeous mountain scenery, waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife. If you plan to hike Timp as a date activity, here are a few tips:
- Wear sunscreen. The trail is exposed, so there isn’t a lot of shade along the way.
- Wear appropriate shoes and pack appropriate clothing. Depending on the amount of snowfall in the winter months, there may still be snow on the trail.
- Bring lots—and we mean LOTS—of water! The trail is almost 15 miles long round trip, and you gain around 4,800 feet in elevation.
- Bring healthy, energy-packed snacks, like apples and protein bars.
- Pack a jacket, as the temperatures drop significantly at the top of the peak.
- Get ready to sweat and have fun!
Paddle Boarding on the Lake – $
Paddleboarding is a perfect date idea on a hot summer day and a great form of exercise. There are multiple lakes near Orem, Utah, that allow paddleboarders.
Utah Lake is close to The Aston Apartments in Orem, Utah, and is the largest freshwater lake in Utah, stretching roughly 148 miles long. It offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, boating, and paddleboarding.
Deer Creek, located up Provo Canyon, is another lake that is perfect for paddleboarding. Because the lake attracts wake surfers and kite surfers, we recommend staying in the wakeless zones for safety reasons.
If you don’t have a paddleboard, there are plenty of rental companies that do! Our favorite is BYU Outdoors Unlimited, located in Provo, Utah, about 10 minutes from our apartments. We promise they have the best deals!
Artistic Date Ideas Near Orem
For those who prefer the fine arts over outdoor activities, we have the perfect date ideas near Orem, Utah. Check them out below!
Hale Center Theater – $$$$
The Hale Center Theater is one of our favorite theaters in Utah! It offers dramas, musicals, and comedies year round. If your partner enjoys plays, this is the perfect place for a date activity.
The theater has four shows left this year:
- The Drowsy Chaperone (June 17–August 6)
- Enchanted April (August 19–September 24)
- Sister Act (October 07–November 19)
- A Christmas Carol (November 26–December 23)
Please note that Hale Center Theater is planned to move to Pleasant Grove permanently in early 2024.
Art Classes at SCERA Center for the Arts – $
Discover your creative side at SCERA in Orem, Utah! Even if you’ve never considered yourself an artist, you can channel your inner Picasso or Van Gough through SCERA’s events Paint the Night or SCERAMICS.
At Paint the Night, participants will learn how to make their own watercolor masterpieces as well as basic art concepts. All supplies are included, and at the end of the night, you get to take home your very own piece of art! The entire class is $15 per person.
On the third Friday of every month, SCERA holds SCERAMICS, a pottery class for families, friends, and couples. Participants will learn ceramic molding, decorating, and glazing techniques. The staff at SCERA will fire your piece in the kiln so you can pick it up in a week and take it home. All supplies are provided, and the cost is $20 per person.
Art Gallery at JKR – Free
The JKR Gallery offers monthly themed shows with artwork for sale from local artists. It’s tucked away in Provo, Utah, about 10 minutes from The Aston Apartments, and is open every weekday from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Some of the past art shows the gallery has produced include All Shapes and Sizes, Handscapes, Signs of Spring, Love Art, Autumn Apparitions, and more.
If you and your partner love to appreciate local art, this is a must-do date activity near Orem, Utah.
Unique Date Ideas Near Orem
Dinner and a movie are nice, but if you are in the mood to mix things up, consider one of these unique dates near Orem, Utah.
Candle Making at the Wick Lab – $
Who doesn’t love to fill their home with sweet and flowery fragrances? If you enjoy scented candles, don’t miss out on this custom candle studio, The Wick Lab. You and your date will have the opportunity to choose from 100 fragrances to make a customized, hand-poured candle.
The Wick Lab is near Orem, Utah, and uses 100 percent soy wax, premium fragrance oils, and pure cotton or wood wicks. In other words, you can enjoy a candle without harsh chemicals and additives. For those who are sensitive to fragrances or allergic to beeswax, this is a great alternative!
Pool Day at The Aston – Free
Summer is here, and if you’re eager to escape the heat, why not plan a pool day in our community? All residents have free access to our resort-style swimming aqua lounge, which offers plenty of seating and shade. Our pool has a tanning ledge and expansive sun deck, making it easy to get some much-needed sun after the cold winter months while staying cool in the water.
For those who love to hot tub year round, don’t forget to test out our double-diamond hot tub paired with a waterfall. Have fun soaking in the hot water with your significant other, and enjoy your FREE date at The Aston!
Rock Climbing at The Quarry – $
Just a short six-minute drive from The Aston Apartments is The Quarry, an indoor rock-climbing gym. With multiple rock walls for all levels of climbing, The Quarry offers an energetic and fun date night experience for people of all ages.
It’s $18 per person for a day pass and $12 per person for a group pass (must have 10 people or more). If you are an avid rock climber, you can also purchase a monthly or yearly membership—and students get discounts! This is a great way to improve your strength and flexibility while enjoying someone else’s company.
Entertainment Date Ideas Near Orem
Movie Day at Cinemark University Mall – $
One of the great things about The Aston Apartments is the location! We are right down the street from University Mall. If your date is a movie fanatic, why not purchase a day ticket at Cinemark University Mall and enjoy a new movie together? Grab some popcorn and drinks and enjoy an action-packed or romantic film with your significant other!
Night at a Comedy Bar – $$
In need of a good laugh? Dry Bar Comedy in Provo, Utah, is a hilarious venue that never disappoints. Check out their website to see which comedians are scheduled to perform next and purchase your tickets online. Most shows start at 7:00 p.m., and the doors open 30 minutes before the show. Because seating is first-come-first-served, we recommend that you and your date arrive early to snatch a good spot.
Tickets cost $25 per person, and all ticket holders will receive complimentary popcorn and drinks, but snacks and specialty drinks are available for purchase.
Club Cinema and Game Room at The Aston – FREE
If you and your date are in the mood to watch a movie but don’t feel like going to a theater, we have our very own Club Cinema at The Aston Apartments, free of use for all residents!
Select a movie of your choice and enjoy our in-house theater room with special chairs and lighting. After the movie, you can hit up our game room. Sounds like a great date to us!
