The "Creative & Chaos" Section
1. The $10 Taste-Off Challenge
Cost: ~$10 (Total for groceries).
Instructions: Pick a category (e.g., Chocolate Milk, Root Beer, or Fry Sauce). Go to Macey's or Smith's and buy 3 different brands (generic vs. name brand). Go home, use blindfolds (or just close your eyes), and rate them on a 1–10 scale. The loser cleans up the cups.
Location: Anywhere!
2. Campus "Random Building" Adventure
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Pick a building you have never had a class in (e.g., The ESC or the weird corners of the HFAC before it's gone). Explore the top floors. Rate every lounge based on "Napability" and "Vending Machine Quality." Act like undercover health inspectors.
Location: BYU Campus Map or UVU.
3. DIY Mini-Golf
Cost: Free (Use trash/items from home).
Instructions: Raid your apartment for red solo cups, textbooks, and duct tape. Drive to Kiwanis Park. Tape the cups to the ground as "holes." Use sticks or cheap putters to navigate the obstacles. The person with the lowest score picks the music for the drive home.
Location: Kiwanis Park
4. The $5 Thrift Outfit Challenge
Cost: $10 ($5 limit per person) + Ice Cream money.
Instructions: Go to the DI (Deseret Industries). You have 15 minutes to find the most chaotic outfit for your date (think 80s prom dress or oversized grandpa sweater). The Catch: You must wear the outfits to go get ice cream at Rockwell afterwards.
Location: Deseret Industries (Provo) & any ice scream joint!
5. Ice-Block Sledding
Cost: ~$2.00 (Block of ice).
Instructions: Buy a block of ice at Walmart or a gas station. Bring a thick towel. Go to the "Bowl" at Rock Canyon Park. Sit on the towel (on the ice) and hold on for dear life. It is faster than snow sledding and works best when the grass is dry.
Location: Rock Canyon Park
6. Paper Boat Regatta
Cost: Free (Paper).
Instructions: Look up "High speed paper airplane" tutorials but adapt them for boats. Walk to the stream that runs south of the Wilkinson Center (the "Botany Pond" stream). Launch your boats. First one to the bridge wins.
Location: The stream south of the Wilkinson Student Center.
7. "Nailed It" Baking Showdown
Cost: ~$5 (Ingredients).
Instructions: Pick a recipe with under 5 ingredients (e.g., "Mug Cakes" or simple peanut butter cookies). Set a timer for 30 minutes. You have to bake and plate it like a Michelin star chef. Judge each other strictly on presentation and "mouth feel."
Location: Your apartment kitchen.
8. The "Free Puppy" Serotonin Boost
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to the Puppy Barn. You don't have to buy a dog. You can just go into the kennels and play with the puppies for free. Warning: It gets busy on Friday nights, so go on a Tuesday or Saturday afternoon to get maximum puppy time.
Location: The Puppy Barn, Vineyard
9. The "Liger" & Scavenger Hunt
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to the Bean Life Science Museum. It’s open until 9 PM. Challenge: Find the "Liger" (Lion/Tiger hybrid), the elephant, and the hidden drawers of bird eggs. Whoever finds the weirdest bug in the insect collection wins a drink.
Location: Monte L. Bean Museum
10. Feed the Ducks (But do it right)
Cost: $2 (for oats/peas).
Instructions: Do not bring bread (it’s bad for them). Buy a cheap bag of frozen peas or oats. Walk the Provo River Trail near the duck pond. Sit on the rocks and see who can get a duck to eat out of their hand.
Location: Paul Ream Wilderness Park
The "Foodie" Hacks (Under $10)
11. The Costco "Dinner & A Show"
Cost: $3.00 (Total).
Instructions: You do not need a membership to eat at the Food Court (usually). Buy two hot dog combos ($1.50 each). Then, walk around the store playing "The Price is Right"—guess the price of random bulk items (72 lbs of cheese, a kayak, a TV). Closest guess wins the last bite of the churro.
Location: Costco Wholesale Orem
12. The "Dirty" Soda Mixologist
Cost: ~$6.
Instructions: Go to Swig or Sodalicious. Instead of ordering off the menu, you each have to invent a custom drink for the other person using at least 3 mix-ins. You have to drink whatever they make you, even if it’s gross.
Location: Sodalicious / Swig (Everywhere).
13. Late Night Kolache Run
Cost: $8.
Instructions: Hruska’s usually closes early, but if you catch them on a Saturday morning or early Friday, grab two savory kolaches. Walk over to Pioneer Park and eat them on the swings.
Location: Hruska’s Kolaches
14. The "International Market" Roulette
Cost: $10 limit.
Instructions: Go to the Asian Market on 800 N. Each person has $5 to buy the most confusing/interesting snack they can find (e.g., shrimp chips, durian candy, ramune). Do a taste test in the car.
Location: Asian Market Orem
15. BOGO Sushi Saturdays
Cost: $15 (ish).
Instructions: Keep an eye on local sushi joints (like Five Sushi Bros) that do half-price rolls on Saturday nights. Order two rolls to share.
Location: Five Sushi Bros or Check "Starving Student" Card.
The "Active & Chaos" Section
16. The IKEA "Hide and Seek"
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Drive to IKEA in Draper (20 mins). Play Hide and Seek in the showroom. Rule: You can only hide in "Living Rooms" or "Bedrooms." Afterward, get a $1 frozen yogurt at the exit.
Location: IKEA Draper
17. Nickel City Gaming
Cost: ~$5.
Instructions: Pay the admission fee (cheap). Bring your own jar of nickels if you have them, or buy a bag there. Play the classic arcade games. The person with the fewest tickets at the end has to buy the winner a Tootsie Roll at the prize counter.
Location: Nickel City, Orem
18. The "Tunnel" Singing Date
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Walk to the tunnel that connects the Marriott Center to the main campus (or the tunnel under State Street near the temple). The acoustics are insane. Sing a Disney duet or a hymn. It sounds like a professional recording studio.
Location: Marriott Center Tunnel.
19. Night Tennis / Pickleball
Cost: Free (if you have rackets).
Instructions: The courts by the SF Fieldhouse or Rotary Park are often lit at night. Play a match. If you suck, play "left-handed only" to make it fair.
Location: Rotary Park
20. Sledding at Peteetneet (Winter Only)
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Rock Canyon is crowded. Drive south to the Peteetneet Academy in Payson. The hill is massive and terrifying. Go at night (it’s spooky).
Location: Peteetneet Academy
21. The "Balloon Volleyball" Championship
Cost: $1 (for balloons).
Instructions: Clear the furniture in your living room. Blow up a balloon. Play volleyball using the couch as the net. The rule is: You cannot let the balloon touch the floor. First to 10 points wins.
Location: Any apartment.
The "Intellectual / Arty" Section
22. Roots of Knowledge Stained Glass
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to the UVU Library. Walk along the "Roots of Knowledge" stained glass wall. It is world-class art. Pick your favorite panel and try to guess the historical reference without reading the plaque.
Location: UVU Fulton Library
23. The "Bad Art" Gallery Walk
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to the Provo Art Stroll (First Friday of the month) OR just walk around the HFAC (Harris Fine Arts Center) at BYU before it gets demolished/renovated. Rate student art on a scale of "I get it" to "What is this?"
Location: BYU Campus / Downtown Provo.
24. Used Book Scavenger Hunt
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to Pioneer Book. It’s huge.
Challenge 1: Find a book with your name in it.
Challenge 2: Find the weirdest cookbook.
Challenge 3: Find a book published the year you were born.
Location: Pioneer Book
25. Attend a Senior Recital
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Check the BYU School of Music calendar. Senior recitals happen constantly. They are free, high quality, and usually have free refreshments afterwards. Go support a stranger.
Location: BYU School of Music Calendar
The "Chill / Scenic" Section
26. The Squaw Peak "Lookout"
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Drive up Provo Canyon to the Squaw Peak overlook. Park the car. Sit on the hood (bring blankets). Look at the city lights. This is the quintessential "DTR" (Define The Relationship) spot, so use with caution.
Location: Squaw Peak Overlook.
27. Sunset at Utah Lake
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Drive to the Vineyard Beach (Walkara Way). It faces west, so the sunset over the lake is actually legit. Skip rocks. Don't go in the water (it’s gross). Just look at it.
Location: Vineyard Beach.
28. The "Temple Walk" Loop
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Park near the Provo City Center Temple. Walk the grounds. It’s manicured perfection. Then walk down Center Street and window shop.
Location: Provo City Center Temple.
29. Stargazing at Big Springs
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Drive up Provo Canyon to Big Springs Park (past Vivian Park). It’s far enough away from the city lights to actually see stars. Bring a star map app (Sky Guide).
Location: Big Springs Park
30. The "Bonfire" (Designated Pits)
Cost: $5 (Wood bundle).
Instructions: Go to Lincoln Beach or a designated fire pit up the canyon. Light a fire. Roast starbursts (trust me, roasted starbursts are better than marshmallows).
Location: Canyon / Lincoln Beach.
The "Seasonal / Specific" Section
31. The "Christmas Light" Drive
Cost: Gas money.
Instructions: Drive to the "Smart House" in Pleasant Grove or the huge displays in Spanish Fork. Tune the radio to their station.
Location: Check "Utah Valley Christmas Light Maps" (Updates yearly).
32. Farmers Market Sample Spree
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Saturday mornings (Summer/Fall) at Pioneer Park. Walk the stalls. Try the honey, salsa, and bread samples. Buying is optional.
Location: Provo Farmers Market
33. The Food Truck Underground
Cost: ~$10 (If you share).
Instructions: Every Thursday night, the "Food Truck Roundup" takes over the parking lot at the StartUp Building. The Strategy: Do not buy two separate meals (that’s $25). Buy one massive item to share (like a Loaded Waffle from Waffle Love or a large plate from Fiore Pizza) and just enjoy the live music and lights.
Location: Google Maps — 560 S 100 W, Provo, UT
The "Creative / Goofy" Section
34. Powerpoint Night
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to the library or connect a laptop to a TV. Each person has 10 minutes to make a Powerpoint on a stupid topic (e.g., "Why Shrek is a Cinematic Masterpiece" or "Rating My Roommates' Habits"). Present them to each other seriously.
Location: An Apartment or Library.
35. The "Fake Tourist"
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to the Riverwoods or University Place. Speak with a fake accent the entire time. Ask strangers for directions to places that don't exist. See who breaks character first.
Location: The Shops at Riverwoods
36. People Watching Bingo
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Sit on a bench in the middle of the Wilkinson Center (The Wilk) at noon.
Spot: A guy in a suit (Management major).
Spot: A girl with a Stanley cup.
Spot: Someone sleeping in public.
Spot: A couple holding hands praying.
Location: Wilkinson Student Center (WSC)
37. Geocaching
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Download the Geocaching app. Provo has hundreds of hidden caches. Find 3 of them. Sign the logbook.
Location: Geocaching App
38. The "Chalk Art" Festival
Cost: $2 (Side walk chalk).
Instructions: Go to a park (or your driveway). Draw a massive mural together. Or play Hangman on the pavement.
Location: Anywhere With a Sidewalk
39. Dollar Tree DIY Decor
Cost: $5 total.
Instructions: Go to Dollar Tree. Buy a canvas, glue, and weird trinkets. Go home and make a "Masterpiece."
Location: Dollar Tree (Freedom Blvd)
40. Record Store Listening
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to 3hive Record Lounge. Browse the vinyl. Ask the owner for a recommendation.
Location: 3hive Record Lounge
41. The "Hot Ones" Challenge (Budget Version)
Cost: $8 (Nuggets + Sauce).
Instructions: Buy a 20-piece nugget (McDonald's). Buy 3 random hot sauces from the grocery store (Tabasco, Valentina, something scary). Quiz each other while eating increasingly spicy nuggets.
Location: McDonald's + Your Kitchen/Wherever.
42. Just Dance (Public)
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Many local libraries (Orem/Provo) have "Teen Nights" or media rooms where you can reserve a console. Play Just Dance until you are sweaty and embarrassed.
Location: Orem Public Library or HBLL Tech Desk.
43. The "Time Capsule"
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Write a letter to your future selves. Put it in a shoebox with a receipt from your date (to show prices) and a polaroid. Hide it in your closet or bury it (if legal).
Location: Anywhere.
44. "Zillow" Dream House Hunt
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Drive up to the "Rich" part of Orem (northeast bench). Pick a massive house. Pull up Zillow. Guess how much it’s worth. Look at the interior photos and critique the decor.
Location: Palisades Drive, Orem
45. The "Podcast" Walk
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Pick a scary or interesting podcast episode. Share a pair of AirPods (one bud each). Walk the Provo River Trail at dusk while listening. Discuss afterwards.
Location: Provo River Trailhead
46. Kite Flying
Cost: $5 (Cheap kite from Walmart).
Instructions: Go to Rock Canyon Park on a windy day. See if you can get it in the air without tangling it.
Location: Rock Canyon Park
47. The "Color" Walk
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Pick a color (e.g., Yellow). Go for a walk downtown. You have to take a photo of 10 yellow things. First one to 10 wins.
Location: Provo Center Street
48. Board Game Cafe (The "At Home" version)
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to the BYU Library (Media Center). You can check out board games for free with a student ID. Check out "Catan" or "Ticket to Ride." Find a table and play.
Location: HBLL Media Center
49. "Ghost" Photography
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Go to the Provo Cemetery at sunset (respectfully). Take photos. Look at them later to see if you caught any "orbs." Read the old headstones for interesting names.
Location: Provo City Cemetery
50. The "Finals" Scream
Cost: Free.
Instructions: Drive to the mouth of the canyon. Get out of the car. Scream at the top of your lungs to release stress. Get back in the car. Go get ice cream.
Location: Your Choice.
Boom! Date night sorted.
Living in Provo is a balancing act of Dating, Housing, and Money.
That is why we built The Provo Insider.
We track the chaos so you don't have to. Every Thursday Afternoon, we send a 2-minute cheat sheet with:
Housing Watch: Exact dates for contract drops and sublease spikes.
Money Hacks: The active food & gear deals for that specific week.
The Weekend Move: One curated itinerary from this list, adapted for the current weather.
Free. No spam. No "community calendar" fluff. Just what you need to win the week.
