5 Activities to Escape the Heat in Salt Lake City

The heat wave hitting Salt Lake City is no joke. Moving here from the (very cloudy and rainy) Pacific Northwest, I quickly learned I'd need some cooler escapes from the ever-gorgeous, but very hot, summer day.

I've been exploring the city and its surroundings over the past few months, and I'm thrilled to share a few activities that have kept me active in the evenings and on the weekends without essentially frying under the sun in the process! Scroll down for five of my favorite activities around Salt Lake City to escape the heat.

East Canyon Reservoir

Trek out to a nearby reservoir

For me, one of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors while staying cool is by taking a drive out to one of the many reservoirs near Salt Lake City. There are two reservoirs in particular I've fallen in love with:

The first is that of East Canyon Reservoir, which is just around 45 minutes from Salt Lake City. I tend to park at one of the many lots on the side of the road as you enter East Canyon State Park. Enjoy cool waters, typically quiet shores, plenty of paddle boarders, and one of my favorite views around Salt Lake City: Big Mountain Summit. You won't miss this view on your drive to and from the reservoir—it's breathtaking!

The second is Tibble Fork Reservoir, around 55 minutes from Salt Lake City. The reservoir is tucked inside the American Fork canyon and is boat-free! It's $6 to drive up the canyon, but incredibly worth it. Enjoy slightly busier shores, but tranquil waters as people paddle board, kayak, and take a dip. Last time we went, we even caught a rainbow trout!

Find a patio and enjoy a cool cocktail

If you're still trying to get out of the house on a hot day, there's no shame in finding a nearby patio for some bubbles and bites. One of my recommendations is Purgatory Bar, a local favorite with plenty of shade, lots of cool cocktails, and a nod-worthy menu of fries smothered in cheese, curry, onions, and herbs. Oh, and don't miss their bao buns, either.

Purgatory Bar

Peruse the Salt Lake City library

A huge New Year's resolution of mine was to read 30 books in 2021—prior, I had barely read one or two in a year! I have LOVED taking my free time to walk through one of the many library branches (particularly the Salt Lake City Public Library downtown, given it's just a quarter mile from Normal Ice Cream.)

I've sifted through books, and even movies. The library boasts such a large selection of movies, and there's no shame evading the heat to set up a movie marathon at home. We all love plenty of popcorn, candy, and soda.

Take on the arcade

My parter and I have really gotten into Salt Lake City's many arcade options. It keeps us out of the house, but still in proximity to air conditioning. I have two recommendations:

The first of which is Quarters in downtown Salt Lake City. You do indeed need to be 21+ to check it out. Enjoy free Mario Kart, tons of board games, quarter skee ball, 50-cent pinball, copious vintage video games, and plenty of local brews.

The second of which is Fat Cats, which is very family friendly. They have several locations in the Salt Lake City area, boasting arcade games, reasonably priced bowling, and even $4 "glow golf," where you literally golf under black light in neon digs. Save up those credits for a pack of bubbles or a handful of candy!

Salt Lake City Public Library

Hunt down a frozen treat

I've done an initial deep dive into some frozen treats around Salt Lake City. Check out my article "5 of the Best Frozen Treats around Salt Lake City" for a full lineup of slushies, soft serve ice cream, shaved ice, and iced drinks.

Normal Ice Cream, Pina Colada